STAFF STANDOFF New Year’s resolutions need rework

Every year, after we all have stuffed ourselves with turkey, decorated the Christmas tree and danced merrily, we start the new year. We make resolutions for ourselves.

People always say things like, “I’m going to read 50 classic novels” or “I’m going to start a new workout regimen” or “This is the year I’m going to run a marathon.”

Suddenly, everyone around you has an extraordinary new goal. Teachers even begin the new school year asking everyone their self-improvement plans. Don’t worry though; by February, these resolutions will all be a distant memory. New Year’s resolutions all have one fatal flaw: no one believes they can actually achieve them.

STAFF STANDOFF: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS CON

DANYA RISAM-CHANDI

While I’m sure she had the best intentions, this taught us it was okay to make goals we did not intend to keep and were sure to forget. As we repeat this cycle every year, we strengthen the habit. Suddenly, we are in high school wondering why we procrastinate on our goals so much, or why we can never meet our own expectations whether it be in sports, hobbies or academics. We need to fundamentally change New Year’s resolutions to keep them around, or otherwise, trash them altogether. Why don’t we follow up with our friends and family on their resolutions?

Since childhood, we have all been trained to create unattainable resolutions. I remember being in the third grade and scribbling “write a pop song” as my New Year’s resolution. Next to me, my best friend wrote “start a business to sell cakes.” Our teacher handed them back with feedback like “great job!” and “cute idea!”.

We should actively encourage each other to continue working on these resolutions instead of accepting the norm. This year, show your friends and family you care - yell at them to get back on the treadmill, pick up the pen or stick to that new novel. Don’t be a quitter, and if you plan to be, do society a solid and don’t make a New Year’s resolution.