A resolution can be defined as a goal to motivate people to improve themselves. Resolutions can be very beneficial if followed and not forgotten. However, many people do not work to achieve their resolutions, which can become very regrettable. Others believe New Year’s resolutions are a waste of time because someone can work to improve themselves at any time of the year. Many resolutions go unremembered, though, and this causes some people to question their importance.
According to eighth grader Angela Sun, “New Year’s resolutions are important because they motivate people to become better versions of themselves.” Resolutions are a great way to enhance one’s personality, mentality, and physicality. This is because resolutions can be about any self-growth idea. For example, many resolutions focus on eating healthier or going to the gym, not just for the body but also for the mind. “I may eat healthier,” said sixth grader Flynn Lewis. He feels this is an excellent way to improve himself in the New Year. Seventh grader Ona Bradley said, “Making resolutions inspires me to help others and be more active.” Though Bradley said she did not keep her resolution from last year, she made a goal to stick with this year’s resolution.
Although many people like Sun, Lewis and Bradley believe resolutions are paramount, others, like eighth graders Alex Harris and Sam Swank, believe New Year’s resolutions are not all they seem to be. Harris said, “The whole New Year’s resolution thing is just a joke. It’s an excuse to do something for two weeks and then quit. But if you wanted to change, you could do it any time.” Harris said he does not usually make resolutions due to this standpoint.
Additionally, Swank felt “goals should be made all year round.” Resolutions can be seen as irrelevant because objectives should be made whenever someone needs a fix. They shouldn’t just be made on New Years day, followed for a week, then forgotten.
Resolutions actually have been proven to be beneficial to many people, though. For instance, Julia Winje, a PGY-3 internal medicine resident at the University of Washington in Boise, said, “There are even some physiological benefits to setting specific goals, including increased motivation, focus and sense of purpose.” It’s not just scientists or doctors who think resolutions are essential, though. STEM teacher Mr. Dennis Young believes resolutions can indeed be beneficial if stuck. In his Directed Studies class, he had students write down resolutions, specify and simplify them, and then write down someone to hold them accountable. He thinks this will make resolutions more realistic and more straightforward to achieve. He said, “I do make New Year’s resolutions and I have started to use a vision board to help me keep organized.” A way that Mr. Young makes sure he completes his goals is by creating a vision board. A vision board is sometimes compared to a list of resolutions but it is put into picture form on a poster board. The vision board can help remind him of more future goals that he has planned.
Making vision boards instead of writing down goals for the New Year can be more helpful for visual learners like Mr. Young. Vision boards are also known to help motivate people to achieve their goals. They can help visualize one’s future goals, but even closer and more achievable goals. These vision boards can help you hold yourself accountable for what goals you are achieving and what you need to work on.
Clearly, New Year’s Resolutions can be beneficial if worked at every day. Despite the myths and misconceptions about them, resolutions can really change someone.
