As Dec. rolls around, the New Year creeps up, and every year people make resolutions that end up fading by February.
Initially, the tradition of New Year’s resolutions began in Babylonian times as religious ordeals that promised repentance to the gods, in exchange for a year full of luck.
“These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their (pagan) gods would bestow favor on them for the coming year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor—a place no one wanted to be,” History.com said.
The history of resolutions varies as Knights in medieval times allegedly recited vows, placing a hand on a peacock, promising bravery and chivalry for the new year, while the Romans gave offerings to their gods in hopes for a year of prosperity and improvement.
Although the methods of resolution were different, a common goal was at hand. The goal is to have a year full of fulfillment and growth.
Throughout different cultures, the common objective when it comes to resolutions is to make a promise to yourself that will last the year and overall enhance yourself as a person. This tradition still stands today in modern times as we celebrate New Year’s Eve with a list of aspirations for the next year to come.
“For 2025, my resolutions were to get closer to my religion and continue to grow my faith, become more consistent with the gym and start my days with less procrastination,“ James Seftel, sophomore, said.
Resolutions are outlets for hope, and they allow students to go into the new year looking forward to bettering themselves, but keeping these goals throughout the year is the real challenge.
“I think that most students forget about their resolutions, and by the time it comes to the end of the year, they realize they didn’t commit. At that point it’s too late to turn back,” Noya Attias, sophomore, said.
To avoid falling short, it’s essential to set attainable and realistic goals that suit you personally.
“Taking on too much too quickly is a common reason why so many New Year’s resolutions fail. Focus on taking tiny steps that will ultimately help you reach your larger goal. Small incremental changes make it easier to stick to new habits and increase the likelihood of long-term success,“ fhcsd.org said.
Not only does making realistic goals help consistency, it also gives students confidence to keep pushing even when progress is slow. When resolutions are built around personal values instead of trends, they become easier to stick to because they are more meaningful.
Luckily there are solutions to ensure your wishes last year long and become routine. Creating a plan rather than relying on pure motivation alone is key to turning resolutions into sustainable habits.
“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1, can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD, American Psychological Association said.
Resolutions don’t have to be a grand promise that creates immense pressure instead, they should be intentional and guide you in the right direction.
“To keep your goals alive you need to think about how much you want it and how much you want it to change your life. Without putting in dedication you won’t be able to see any real change,” Seftel said.
As the countdown to New Year’s begins, students have the opportunity to change old habits and commit to growth and change. It is not about perfection it is about progress and how willing you are to work to keep your resolutions alive.
