One of the most cherished traditions of the New Year is making resolutions—a promise to improve oneself or one’s life in the upcoming year. This practice has been celebrated for centuries and is often embraced by people of all ages, including many students at BSM. For them, it represents an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set meaningful goals for a fresh start.
New Year’s resolutions are as diverse as those who make them. Some people aim for big changes, while others focus on small, more manageable improvements for the new year. Some common goals people have are traveling more, exercising regularly, improving their mindset, or cutting down on screen time. “My New Year’s resolution is staying off my screens. And if I’m bored, I want to go off my screens,” sophomore Samantha Gross said.
For many, the tradition of making resolutions extends beyond themselves, and can oftentimes be shared resolutions within their families. Some families gather on New Year’s Eve to reflect on their goals for the coming year, turning the practice into a meaningful tradition. These shared moments not only foster accountability but also create lasting memories. “Me and my family like to do [resolutions] every year. We have a little competition for who can do them the longest. Then, on New Year’s Eve, we all say our New Year’s resolutions. We toast and have our fun,” sophomore Arwen Patell said.
However, keeping resolutions is often easier said than done. Studies and personal experiences show that many people struggle to keep their motivation beyond the first few weeks of the year. The initial excitement can fade, making it difficult to stick to the goals they set for themselves. Despite this, some individuals find creative ways to stay on track. “Usually I create a checklist. I find it really fun to cross off everything that I’ve done in the day afterward,” sophomore Olivia Shiek said.
Experts suggest that setting realistic, specific, and measurable goals, breaking them into smaller steps, and relying on support systems like family, friends, or apps can make resolutions easier to keep. Beyond self-improvement, resolutions show hope and the optimism of a fresh start, reflecting a belief in a person’s ability to grow and change. Whether the goal is to travel more, reduce screen time, or simply be kinder, the tradition shows the universal desire for self-improvement.