How’s Your New Years Resolutions?

Story by Hunter Heier »

New year, new you? Around the first day of January every year, people decide on their goals for the year ahead. According to Forbes.com, over 40% of Americans will set New Year’s resolutions. However, according to a Scranton University research study, only 8% of Americans will be successful in reaching their goals.

Some students at Eudora High School, like Junior Betsy Cain, think it’s good to set goals for yourself, but not just because it’s a new year. One example Cain sees of this is at her local church.

“Every January, my church is packed with people, but by the end of the month it thins back out,” Cain said.

Another area Cain finds most resolutions go wrong is in how specific their goals are.

“Some people’s goals aren’t specific enough to be able to stick with their goals,” Cain said.

Other students aim their resolutions toward their school life. Freshman Garrett Stephenson’s resolution this year is to not fall behind in school. When asked about why so many people give up on their resolutions, Stephenson offered his own explanation.

“Some people set their goals too high, and when they realize their goal is too high, they give up instead of trying harder,” Stephenson said.

Not all student’s resolutions are aimed at academics. Instead, some students, like Sophomore Keylee Mauricio, use New Year resolutions as a chance to check things off their bucket list. This year, Mauricio hopes to go rock climbing and bungee jumping, two things on her bucket list.

“It’s new experiences I want to have,” said Mauricio, “They’re things I want to do before I’m thirty.”

Sophomore M’Cheila Rader decided to make two resolutions this year.

“One of my resolutions this year is to not be on my phone as much,” Rader said.

According to a study by British psychologists, young adults spend on average around five hours a day using their cell phones, or one-third of the time that we’re awake, potentially affecting their attitudes and sleep quality.

Rader’s second resolution takes a look at her style choices.

“Another one of my goals is to not wear sweatpants as much,” said Rader.

When asked about how her resolutions were going, Rader was hopeful.

“I’ve worn sweatpants four times in a row,” said Rader, “I feel successful when I accomplish one of my goals, but if I don’t, there’s always next year.”

Whether your goal is going well or not, the New Year is as good of atime to make changes as any other.