Faceoff: New Year’s resolutions
Are New Year’s resolutions worth it?
Design by Hritvi Ahuja & Ian Sands
Yes
Ian Sands, Staff Writer
New Year's resolutions have always been a staple of our society. Whether it's going to the gym, going on a diet, or getting better grades, these goals have great intentions and motivate people to better themselves. Those who stick with their goals see amazing results. New Year's resolutions are effective because they provide people with a clear timeframe for their goals, inspire them to better themselves, and make them feel good about pursuing aspirations.
The timeframe is the most important factor of New Year's Resolutions. It's called a "New Year's Resolution" for a reason, and that is because they are supposed to happen within the year. This allows people to structure their goals to accommodate their calendars. Separating goals into smaller, more achievable sections that build up over time can help one achieve their goal, and doing this makes the task less daunting and more manageable than if it had no structure.
A big part of fulfilling goals is the mental aspect. Before someone can start to work towards their resolution, they have to get over a mental roadblock. They must convince themselves that they have the power to accomplish their goals. The reason New Year's resolutions get over this roadblock so effectively is because of the sense of comradery that they provide. Because the idea of them is so widespread, people find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in chasing their dreams, other people are doing the same thing. Nobody can accomplish anything without believing in themselves, and New Year's resolutions help people do just that.
Another reason why the new year is the best time for resolutions is because it inspires people to change for the better. It makes people want to grow as individuals. Goals can range from running every day, working out, saving money, or chasing dreams. It can even help people find new things to improve on. People will be more likely to create a new goal so that they can have a resolution to participate in the tradition. Even though it can be overbearing, it is never an issue for someone to achieve their goals and change positively.
The combination of these factors is why resolutions work so well. They give people the motivation and the means to grow themselves. For these reasons, New Year's resolutions are undeniably a good thing. They are a positive aspect of our society that brings all of us together with the unified goal of positive change. Undoubtedly, as the entire world watches the ball drop on Jan. 1, everyone is thinking about their futures. And for many people, that future involves achieving their goals and fulfilling their resolutions.
No
Hritvi Ahuja, Managing Editor
As the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, millions of people around the world embark on a journey of self-improvement. Whether it’s deciding to lose 50 pounds or to not spend a single cent, the New Year’s resolution tradition is a hopeful declaration of personal change. However, as weeks pass and the excitement fades, so does the enthusiasm. Work piles up, school gets stressful, relationships demand attention, and suddenly, these ambitious resolutions take a back seat to daily responsibilities.
So, why do so many people struggle to stick to their resolutions? The answer lies in a combination of unrealistic expectations, delayed action, and the human tendency to prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term goals.
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is that they’re often too extreme or idealistic. People set grand, sweeping goals like “lose 50 pounds” or “get a 4.0 GPA,” but they don’t always consider the daily effort required to achieve them. These goals may sound impressive, but without a concrete plan, they quickly become overwhelming. When results aren’t achieved immediately, people lose motivation, leading many to give up on their goals entirely.
Instead of setting huge resolutions, it’s more effective to break them down into small, manageable steps. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to lose 50 pounds,” a more sustainable approach would be, “I’ll aim to lose five pounds every two months.” Small successes build confidence and can create a positive feedback loop that keeps motivation alive.
Another common pitfall is the tendency to delay action. Many people wait months to start their resolutions, holding off until the New Year by pushing their plans till January even if they thought about it all the way back in June of the previous year. This mindset creates a false sense of motivation—people feel productive by making a resolution, but they don’t take immediate action.
The truth is that there’s never a perfect time to start. Life will always be busy, and external distractions like school, work, and relationships will always exist. The key is to take small steps in the present instead of waiting for an imaginary fresh start that may never come.
Particularly, younger generations, often struggle with sticking to long-term goals because of their focus on instant gratification. Social media, entertainment, and fast-paced lifestyles have conditioned many to seek quick rewards rather than slow, steady progress toward gratification.
For example, instead of committing to a rigorous study plan for good grades, a student might choose to scroll through TikTok or watch Netflix because it provides immediate pleasure. Similarly, instead of exercising regularly to get fit in the new year, a person might opt for fast food and binge-watching simply because it’s easier and more enjoyable at the moment.
This isn’t to say that young people are incapable of long-term commitment, but without consistent discipline, resolutions become just another passing thing. One way to make the resolutions stick is by finding small ways to make tedious tasks enjoyable by doing them with friends or turning studying into a rewarding game, by treating yourself after getting a certain grade or finishing a major assignment.
New Year’s resolutions aren’t doomed to fail, but they require a shift in mindset. Instead of treating them as unfulfilled promises tied to a calendar date, people should see them as ongoing commitments that start whenever they decide to take action. Success doesn’t come from one big decision when the ball drops at midnight of the new year—it comes from the small, consistent choices made every day.
