Letter to the Editor: Pointless New Year’s Resolutions
Perfect example of what your goal should be
January 13, 2018
Dear Editor:
A new year, a new me. A common phrase among people once New Year’s hits. One way many do this is with New Year’s resolutions — a way to set goals for yourself once the new year hits. This concept, however, is not the correct way to change or to set goals.
New Year’s resolutions can be beneficial, if used correctly. Unfortunately, many set too general goals, and are not patient for their results.
According to The Huffington Post, takes small steps toward your goals. It is not going to happen in a day.
A quote by Bill Gates sets the tone: “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year, and underestimate what they can do in 10 years.”
Set deadlines and make sure to celebrate whenever you reach one of those deadlines. Using all those tips, you are destined to reach your goal(s). Well, at least you think you will.
Even with these tips, however, USA Today confirms that up to 80 percent of goals fail by February. Only 8 percent of resolutions are kept throughout the next year. That is a small percentage. Another small percentage is how many people actually make resolutions.
Only 41 percent of people make resolutions. Proving that they are pointless to make. No reason exists to let yourself down and to disappoint yourself for failing those set goals.
If you are statistics driven in your approach or inspired by what others resolve, Statistic Brain offers percentages on New Year resolutions. Weight lose and healthier eating tops the chart. In contrast, changing jobs ranks 10th.
Clearly, change is hard and dependent on patience and a plan of action. Good luck as you advance into 2018. Enjoy the small steps with focus on progress verse movement!
Sincerely,
Tanner Reffke, senior
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Erin Schubin • Feb 22, 2018 at 10:29 PM
I love Tanner’s very honest assessment of New Year’s Resolutions. People, as a rule of thumb, do not change overnight, humans are creatures of habits. It was once said to me that “thoughts become the way we think, the way we think becomes our actions, and our actions inevitably become habits.” If we are comprised of habits, I would have to agree that creating a habit and being that eight percent that beats the odds of not completing their New Year’s Resolutions starts with one step of the time. Instead of me making any number of New Year’s Resolutions all at once, I try to carry over healthier habits I have been forming over a long period of time. However, I think we all hope this year will bring a lot of positive changes as high school seniors start the next chapter in their lives.
Aimee Roekle • Feb 22, 2018 at 11:46 AM
I’ve found that it’s more effective to make resolutions to add something to your life rather than take something away. It’s far easier to maintain learning a new language on Duolingo or read five books than it is to lose five pounds. Also, before making a resolution, it’s good to have a plan of attack. There’s no point in saying you will do something if you have no idea how you’re going to do it. My resolution this year is to take a first aid course. I looked online of classes I could take during the summer, and the plan is to see which one works with my schedule. It’s simple, easily attainable, and it’ll have a positive impact on my life.
Nina Duffeck • Feb 19, 2018 at 4:47 PM
Interesting that only 41% of people are reported to have made New Year’s Resolutions. It makes sense that not making resolutions actually helps things get accomplished because you aren’t focused on one specific thing and rushing that process. Taking the time to grow in a broad sense and focusing on the small steps really makes a difference throughout the year. Great article!