With the new year comes new resolutions. For some, it is eating better, reading more or exercising. Although these promises seem manageable for the first few weeks, resolutions can be difficult to maintain.
Some students, like junior Bella Kennedy, don’t believe in the idea of New Year’s resolutions. She thinks they are a waste of time and lead to unattainable standards.
“I think New Year’s resolutions are fake standards or ties that people hold themselves to, thinking it’ll better them because the clock is restarting,” Kennedy said. “But in reality, results come as soon as you start working on them.”
Others like senior Addison Hohlt believe resolutions are a useful tool to hold yourself accountable.
“I think any tradition that inspires people to better themselves is amazing,” Hohlt said. “I think any kind of goal should be set with a lifestyle change in mind.”
Hohlt’s resolution is to continue her current habits but with more consistency.
“I want to stay consistent in the gym and make healthy choices surrounding food,” Hohlt said.
She also hopes to continue reading more and maintaining her success with school. These resolutions are nothing new to Hohlt, but this new year ushers in a new wave of motivation to continue her habits with more self-discipline.
Senior Kacey Williams defines a resolution as “a set goal of what a person wants to achieve throughout the year to the very end. However, the end result or habit should carry [into] the following year.”
Williams has lax resolutions for herself to ensure that she can achieve them without making unattainable life changes.
“I have a few tiny New Year’s resolutions, such as picking up my room before I go to bed for a blank slate every day when I wake up,” Williams said.
Kennedy thinks starting habits at the beginning of each year instead of at any point shows it is not a sustainable life choice.
“I think if you are choosing to start something to improve yourself, you would want to start as soon as possible no matter the time of year,” Kennedy said. “I think it is important to set smaller goals with a bigger one in mind to possibly reach at the end.”
This mentality of gradual goals is what Hohlt does to maintain her lifestyle. By challenging herself to add to her pre-existing habits, she will continue to work toward her larger life goals.
“I think anything that makes people motivated and gives them a reason to improve their lives is worth whatever time spent,” Hohlt said.