New Year’s Resolutions. When some people think of this, they say they are useless goals that you don’t even really want to achieve, and others think it’s a great way to organize themselves for the year and start off with a clean slate.
Not a lot of people actually achieve or follow through with the resolutions they’ve created. Some people may think you can feel a sense of clarity and accomplishment by having goals for the year and being able to follow through with them.
Everyone has their own interpretations of it, but what really are New Year’s Resolutions? As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us find ourselves contemplating resolutions, promises to make positive changes in our lives. While New Year’s resolutions are a common tradition for people of all ages, their impact on high schoolers can be particularly significant. New Year’s resolutions offer high schoolers an opportunity to set personal and academic goals. Whether it’s improving grades, participating in extracurricular activities, or developing healthier habits, setting resolutions can create a sense of purpose and direction.
Learning to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and stay focused on goals are transferable skills that can contribute to success in both high school and beyond. Resolutions related to mental health, such as practicing mindfulness or reducing stress, can significantly impact the well-being of high school students. Sophomore Jessica Fielder says she has a lot of New Year’s resolutions for her mentality.
“Remind myself that everyone makes mistakes and keep a positive mindset in 2024 and remember everything happens for a reason”. Embracing the idea of New Year’s resolutions encourages a growth mindset among high schoolers. The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work can empower students to take on challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the face of obstacles.
Athletes at the high school have resolutions set for themselves and not just about the sports they play. Sophomore Denatto Barnhill shares “My new year’s resolutions are to be a better person and become more understanding and I also want to make it big in sports and go D1 in football, hopefully making it to the NFL one day”. Freshman AJ Lowe states “I set resolutions for the next year because I have a dream of making it pro in basketball such as college, NBA, overseas etc”. High schoolers set goals for what they want to do in life.
It’s essential for students to set realistic goals and recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. A lot of high school students have future plans for after high school and individual paths for the new year. Senior Aubri Girard says “my goals are to get settled into cosmetology school and get a job afford living in my own place” New Year’s resolutions serve as a valuable tool for high schoolers to reflect on their aspirations and initiate positive changes.
By fostering goal-setting, self-discipline, and a growth mindset, resolutions can contribute to personal and academic success. As high schoolers embark on a new year, embracing the opportunity to set and pursue meaningful resolutions can pave the way for a fulfilling and transformative journey.