After the ball has dropped and the fireworks die out, the realities of the new year begin to set in. A new year can bring along many emotions, ranging from overwhelmed to ecstatic. 

One of the most common ways people cope with these feelings is by setting goals for themselves, also known as New Year’s resolutions. About a quarter of Americans will make resolutions, according to YouGovAmerica. Of course, this is a common undertaking pursued by many Americans, but do they even work and should people be investing their valuable time into creating these resolutions?   

Despite the outcome, New Year’s resolutions help make people more optimistic. Rather than going into a new year with a negative mindset, already believing nothing will change or improve, resolutions help to start the new year off with a positive outlook. This reflects in many aspects of a person’s life. For example, setting a goal to log more hours at work will result in a person trying their best to make this a reality for themselves. New Year’s resolutions also help to hold people accountable. Before, the thought of wanting to be more active may simply pass through someone’s mind. However, when the new year comes along this thought will more likely be written down and turned into an actual goal that someone will attempt to pursue. 

All this sounds good in theory, but are the goals set being followed through? Based on a study collected in 2016, it turns out only nine to 12% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions, according to discoverhappyhabits.com. However, this may not mean much to some people. Based on feedback from a handful of students here at LHS, 80% feel New Year’s resolutions are most definitely worth it, whereas only 20% feel they are a waste of time. Here are some of the responses received when asked what their particular goals for this upcoming new year were. “Be happier,” “workout,” “be healthier, “play guitar more” and “communicate better with myself and those around me.” These results seem to be on par with the consensus of people setting New Year’s resolutions. 2022 data reflects the most popular resolutions being, to live healthier (22%), personal improvement and happiness (21%) and lose weight (20%), according to discoverhappyhabits.com. 

The pressure to make a resolution and stick with it can be a lot for some people. When changing the calendar this year, remember January is just another month at the end of the day. New Year’s resolutions are a personal journey for each individual and should not be compared to others. No matter if someone makes resolutions or not, the most important aspect of a new year is to pursue interests that bring along positivity and happiness. Keep that in mind when stepping into 2023.