The start of the new year brings with it the promise of fresh beginnings, and for many, the motivation to implement New Year’s resolutions. University life, being both hectic and vibrant, provides students with the chance to reassess their academic and personal ambitions every January, setting the stage for the months to come. Yet, as numerous students can attest, resolutions often seem like fleeting ideals rather than attainable goals.
Leona Guthrie, a first-year graduate student, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: "The new year to me is all about restoring yourself. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year, learn from it and set new intentions for the future." Resolutions can serve as personal compasses, guiding students toward improvement, whether it’s excelling academically, achieving personal growth, or balancing the rigors of campus life.
Common New Year’s resolutions among students often circle around improving grades, enhancing health, and overcoming procrastination. Ashley LaCroix, a junior journalism major, shared her academic aspirations, stating, "Academically, I would love to pass this semester with all A’s and B’s. I would just like to make strides to improve myself by going to the gym, drinking more water, and saving my money." Many, it seems, start the new year with high hopes and enthusiasm.
But as weeks pass, reality sets in, and motivation can begin to wane. Research indicates more than eight out of 10 people abandon their resolutions by February. For college students juggling tight deadlines, exams, and social commitments, even the best intentions may falter. According to Sarah Memmi, assistant professor at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and behavioral scientist, “One core reason is... their implementation plans are lacking some necessary components.” This emphasizes the necessity of clear, actionable plans instead of vague aspirations.
Memmi highlights the barriers to success: resolutions often involve behavioral changes requiring long-term effort, often making them difficult to sustain. Rather than overwhelming oneself with lofty ambitions, she suggests refining goals for gradual success. "We love the idea of stretch goals and big aspirations, and...you might even lower...to just putting on your shoes," she advises. This perspective emphasizes the importance of starting small; if aiming for regular gym visits, adjusting the frequency to something more manageable can lead to consistency and incremental progress.
So, how does one effectively pursue those elusive resolutions? Memmi outlines several practical strategies: first, set SMART goals—that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound targets. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” committing to exercising for thirty minutes, three times per week proves more attainable and measurable. Memmi also emphasizes the incorporation of enjoyment and social interactions. She questions, “Can you do an activity with other people that's enjoyable and, for example, also gets you some exercise?” Joining friends for group workouts can transform task-like resolutions to more enjoyable social experiences.
The key to sticking with new habits is not only planning but also ensuring these new activities mesh with existing routines. Memmi suggests, "Find a place for a new goal in the routine you already have." For example, integrating meditation after morning coffee as part of the daily routine can improve the likelihood of following through.
Ngo Okafor, founder of Iconoclast Fitness, complements Memmi's insights with his 28-day transformation program, which focuses on mindset as well as physical improvements. He states, "I don’t believe in cages. I don’t believe in limits. If somebody can do it...then we just keep working." This philosophy perpetuates the importance of rethinking mental barriers and emphasizes the idea of limitless potential—an inspiring notion for anyone embarking on their New Year's resolutions.
Indeed, many can relate to the significant hurdles on the road to achieving health goals. Okafor provides clear advice on starting small: "You might think committing to a workout routine is physical, but it’s the mental hurdle that's hardest to overcome." He encourages tackling small targets, such as running just one mile or even beginning with five easy repetitions at the gym, proving gentleness with oneself is key to fostering success and momentum. “You can start with five reps...and then you can do more as you proceed.” The crux lies not just within willpower, but patience and consistency as well.
Okafor reiterates, “There are days when I don’t want to come to the gym. And I am always happy I did. You will never regret doing something.” Such sentiments resonate deeply, encouraging individuals to push through the often-difficult process of establishing new habits, even when doubts and setbacks arise.
Obstacles and missteps are certainly part of the process. Acknowledging them is part of building resilience. Establishing accountability partners and using tools for tracking progress can bolster the likelihood of maintaining momentum for resolutions, but knowing it’s okay to stray along the way is equally key. Whether through finding enjoyment or aligning new goals with established routines, the focus should remain on progress—not perfection.
With such guidance, one might just find the determination to not only make but keep those resolutions as the year rolls on.