OPINION: Do New Year's Resolutions Matter?

As 2026 begins, many people look forward to the opportunity to start fresh in the new year. Some honor the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions on December 31st as away to ensure that the new year is more productive and fun than the last. Whether it’s dedication to going to the gym, getting good grades or even arriving at school on time every day, students’ New Year's resolutions are goals to help guide them.

For me, these goals are a reflection of the previous year, and they offer the perfect opportunity to either break bad habits or push myself to keep up good ones. Every year before the clock strikes 12, I create a list of new aims for myself, and more importantly, I think of ways I can stick to them. Usually, this list contains something like getting more sleep (which has yet to

happen) or pushing myself in all my classes.

I also noticed that many students who find their resolutions to be successful have more mindset-based goals. Adele Sharon ’28 stated that she usually makes resolutions “to work hard at school and be kind to everybody.” Similarly, I believe that inten- tions don’t have to be tasks that you can check off but instead a shift in thinking that inspires you to be a better person throughout the new year.

In addition, I found that setting large goals and falling short of them is common within our community. Annie Lippard ’28 noted, “I follow my resolutions for a short time. After a while, I realize that the goals I set for myself aren’t realistic.” Similarly, Carlisle Winn ’28 said that “she has never followed through with her resolutions.” She stated that she sets “large goals that are very hard to achieve.”

Moving past just the attitude of “New year, new me,” resolutions are aims that we set for ourselves in order to improve overall as a person. So, even if you think that your goals are unachievable, the most important thing heading into this new year is a reminder of what you hope for your- self. Starting with improving on the little things, such as getting to school on time every day, can lead to a new habit (and many fewer tardies).