Since the beginning of time, people have resorted to the start of the New Year as a time for change. Previously procrastinated thoughts turn to decisions, and dreams turn into goals. In fact, the tradition has become known as a New Year’s Resolution and is widely spread across the globe.
Self-improvement is the desire among everyone that creates a resolution. Whether the goal in mind is to lose weight, spend more time with family, or put an end to binge shopping, everyone hopes for a new beginning and the feeling of being refreshed, now under the influence of a more determined mindset; but the question is, do these resolutions always come true?
According to a study conducted by John Norcross and his colleagues, who published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, “approximately 50% of the population creates New Year’s Resolutions and only 8% of those are successful.” Part of this can be attributed to the fact that people set unrealistic goals and standards that are doomed for failure from beginning. However, sometimes it’s because the average person simply has too many competing priorities in their life. People often create the resolutions as a way of motivating themselves, when in reality they are not mentally prepared to make a change.
In his study, Norcross argued that it is more reasonable to set smaller, more attainable goals throughout the year than to set a large, unrealistic one on January 1st. “Resolutions are just a form of ‘cultural procrastination,'” he said, “the high failure rates are a result of people who are not ready to change their habits, particularly bad habits.”
At Timber Creek High school, many students have pledged and created New Year’s resolutions as well. These goals range from academic achievements to athletic ones, motivating the students to push harder and do more. The question is, are they really mentally prepared to spark a change, or will these students mirror the statistics?
11th Grader Ashley Voglewede made a New Year’s Resolution for 2018. “My goal is to practice SAT and test taking skills at least twice a week,” she said, “as a long term goal I want to make my SAT score higher as a whole and I think putting in work during the evenings will really allow me to improve.” Voglewede has explained that this is important because it will open up a lot more future opportunities for her and she has even set aside time during the week to make sure her goal remains attainable. She describes that by making small weekly goals, she has already noticed improvements in her work ethic as well as his overall focus and mentality.
Another student has also revealed his New Year’s Resolution. 9th Grader Landon Hopkins said his pledge was to accomplish running a 6:30 min mile. Hopkins is trying to pursue his athletic goals with a more determined mindset this year as the Boy’s Lacrosse season approaches. “Physical condition has a huge part in the game,” he explains “and running a 6:30 mile is something I’m definitely going to reach for.”
