You’ve probably heard the phrase “New Year, New Me” thousands of times. Maybe you’ve even proclaimed this cheesy cliché yourself.
I must confess that I, too, have fallen victim to the promise of hope and growth that this phrase ostensibly offers. When those words roll off my tongue and out into the open air after the ball has finally dropped and I have begun to celebrate the start of the new year, there’s a tiny part of me that believes that maybe – just maybe – the words will finally ring true for me and that I will, indeed, mature and develop into a completely new, better version of myself. Of course, that’s wishful thinking. But one can certainly hope, right?
Despite the fact that, no, I have not yet miraculously transformed into the new and improved version of Emma Levinbook, even with my annual “New Year, New Me” announcement (I know, so surprising), and the fact that most of last year’s New Year’s resolutions stored on my Notes app failed to have been fulfilled, I still see the value in taking the time to sit down, look within yourself, and jot down what you hope the next year will bring for you.
Maybe you don’t agree with this logic and believe that making New Year’s resolutions is futile. I get it. New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap. Just look at the statistics: According to CBS News, only 29% of Americans planned to make New Year’s Resolutions for 2022, marking a 14% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, according to a University of Scranton study, only 8% of those who make resolutions actually keep them. So, you might be wondering, what’s the point? The point is that even if you don’t necessarily stick to each one of the resolutions that you make, the simple act of making them is of great importance for several reasons.
First, making New Year’s resolutions allows you to be honest with yourself and intentional about your goals. Coming to terms with how the previous year went – recognizing both the good and the bad – is key to your own improvement and success. When you move forward with clear direction and an open mind, the likelihood of you achieving at least a few of your goals is much higher, which will, in turn, contribute to your own happiness and emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Second, the act of making New Year’s resolutions forces you to have a more hopeful, optimistic vision for your future. This consequently increases the likelihood of you making an active effort to fulfill your goals and actively engages you in making change. Writing down your resolutions for the year is an optimistic pursuit, and this positive outlook will inherently drive you to act. Thus, maintaining a positive mindset – which is the entire point of making New Year’s resolutions – will undoubtedly lead you to increased success and fulfillment.
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Finally, your New Year’s resolutions have a much wider impact than you may believe. Even if you set goals that largely revolve around your own self betterment, achieving these goals greatly affects those around you. For instance, if one of your main resolutions is to become a more organized individual, the responsibility you take in fulfilling this goal will have a positive impact on those with whom you work, as you will be able to achieve more as a team as a result of your willingness and drive to get things done in a more efficient manner. In addition, if your resolution is to do more volunteer work at your local food pantry, your efforts will help feed those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford their meals. Therefore, New Year’s resolutions are not only a great way to improve yourself, but they also provide a means by which you can help and inspire others in your community.
As we move into 2022, I urge you to keep an open mind about New Year’s resolutions and to make an honest effort to be a part of the 8% of people who fulfill their goals for the year. And it’s not too late to jot down some resolutions if you have not done so already. Working to achieve your own personal goals has no time limit and will have a positive impact on both yourself and those around you.
