Artwork by Natalie Baram

Lily Grazela ‘26

STAFF WRITER

Every January, millions of people set ambitious New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them within weeks. Despite their best intentions, many struggle to turn their aspirations into lasting habits. Why do New Year’s resolutions tend to fail? And, more importantly, how can we improve our chances of achieving them?

One major reason resolutions fail is that they are often too vague or unrealistic. For instance, a resolution like “getting healthier” sounds great but lacks specificity. Without clear, actionable steps, it’s easy to lose focus or feel overwhelmed. Similarly, setting unattainable goals – such as working out every single day or cutting out all sugar immediately – can lead to burnout and discouragement. Life gets busy, motivation wanes, and without a strategy, resolutions slip through the cracks. Lastly, many resolutions fail because they are rooted in external pressure rather than personal desire. If someone sets a goal to impress others or because they feel obligated, they’re less likely to stay committed when challenges arise.

Last year, sophomore Maddie McCoy made a resolution to spend less time on her phone. “At first, I was really motivated, but I didn’t have a clear plan. I didn’t set limits for myself or track my progress. By February, I was back to scrolling for hours every night.” When asked what she would do differently, McCoy said, “This year, I’m setting a specific goal –like no more than two hours of screen time a day – and using an app to help me stick to it. I think having a system will make a big difference.” Her story highlights an important lesson: success comes from turning vague resolutions into specific, actionable plans.     

So how can we succeed? First, resolutions should be specific, measurable, and realistic. Instead of saying “exercise more,” try committing to a 30-minute walk three times a week. Breaking goals into smaller, achievable steps builds momentum and confidence. Second, create a plan. Identify potential barriers ahead of encountering them and figure out ways to address them. For example, if time is an issue, schedule workouts like appointments. Track progress and celebrate small wins to stay motivated. Finally, make sure your resolution aligns with your values and passions. Goals rooted in personal meaning are far more motivating than those set to meet societal expectations. Ask yourself, Why does this matter to me? 

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be a cycle of failure and frustration. By setting clear, realistic goals, planning for obstacles, and staying true to what you genuinely want, you can turn your resolutions into lasting change.