Whether it’s making better grades, losing weight or saving more money, people across the world make New Year’s resolutions each year.
Despite making a New Year’s resolution, only about 8 percent of people achieve their New Year’s goals, according to a 2013 University of Scranton in Pennsylvania research study.
Many people, like 20-year-old University of Memphis psychology sophomore Rachel Simonton, said New Year’s resolutions are made so one can have a clean slate.
“It’s a new year, so it’s your time to make a change and hopefully stick to it,” Simonton said. “Most people I know give up on their resolutions before January is even over.”
Simonton said her New Year’s resolution is to lose about 20 pounds.
“I’ve kept up with going to the gym,” Simonton said. “But it’s only the beginning of the year, and a few nights ago I went to McDonald’s for a chicken sandwich, so I guess I have kind of broken my resolution already.”
Simonton said she has a workout plan and a new meal plan to help with her resolution.
“Even though I have already made a few mistakes, this resolution isn’t something I plan on giving up on that easily,” Simonton said. “I think anyone who actually applies themselves and puts effort towards their resolution can really make it a reality.”
Other students, like 19-year-old criminal justice sophomore Katharine Bridgforth, said instead of just saying her New Year’s resolution is to do better in school, she’s actually going to work towards it.
“I have already bought a planner to stay organized and even dropped an extracurricular activity this semester, so I can put all my focus towards school,” Bridgforth said.
Bridgforth said with the new year, the possibilities are endless.
“Even if you think it’s stupid or if you don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, why not use it as an excuse to try to better your life?” Bridgforth said.
