Juliana Scott

Freshman Leyla Roman writes a list of her New Year’s resolutions in her planner. “[New Year’s resolutions] will help you change what you want to change. And like do a better job this year than last year,” Roman said.

Students have New Year’s resolutions that they try to stick with every year. Some try to change the little things about themselves or their routine, while others try to change everything, which can be beneficial because it gives you a fresh start mindset and boosts motivation. Students do this with the hope of creating a better life for themselves and their future, as well as hold themselves accountable for what they want in life.

There are different ways to change yourself and your routine for the new year, with a few of them being eating healthier, learning something new or going outdoors more. These common New Year’s resolutions are the start of changing for the better.

To change your routine, you have to start small. Students can begin by prioritizing self-care, exploring interests and stepping out of your comfort zone. According to a research article by Cornell News, the feeling of discomfort when doing something you don’t normally do is motivating because it can lead to goal progress.

With these changes, students can have better mental and physical health, and create a sense of future accomplishment and fulfillment. According to a research article from the National Library of Medicine, working toward and reaching personal goals is considered an essential part of human well-being.

Freshman Jayleen Gonzalez created her own New Year’s resolution and acknowledged the importance of resolutions and sticking to them.

“It holds you accountable to change your old ways,” Gonzales said.

If a student has a difficult time changing their own ways, they could have a friend or family member hold them accountable in order to maintain their goals. According to a research article from Western Governors University, having an accountability partner can help keep someone disciplined and motivated to stay on track with their goals.

Even though changing yourself for the New Year’s can be a good thing, there are also some negative parts about a full revamp. A change of your daily routine may cause stress and anxiety because of the suddenness and uncertainty of this action. Students may also feel like they won’t fit in with their friends anymore if they change too much about themselves. According to a research article from Dr. Liddy Carver, a counselor who specializes in anxiety, trauma and stress, feeling like you don’t fit in can impact your self-confidence and you may feel like you aren’t accepted.

But change can also make you feel like you are doing a better job in terms of your personal growth. Freshman Leyla Roman acknowledges that New Year’s resolutions can make you better and benefit you in different ways.

“(New Year’s resolutions) will help you change what you want to change. And like do a better job this year than last year,” Roman said.

To stick to a New Year’s resolution is to establish a routine, track the progress made and focus on one goal at a time. According to a research article by Driveresearch, a market research company, only 20% of people who make New Year’s resolutions stick to them, so to fulfill and complete these goals, it is best to start with a specific idea and take it step by step.

New Year’s resolutions can be a difficult thing for people to create and maintain, but with specific goals and asking why they should be fulfilled, students can create a better life for themselves and for their futures.