With the start of a new year and a new decade, many people are making New Year’s resolutions. It’s an idea that is familiar to pretty much everyone, but how seriously do we actually take them? Research done by the University of Scranton shows that 30 percent of people who make resolutions actually give up within two weeks of starting them. It’s a dismal thought that so many people are willing to throw these goals to the wayside, fearful of not being able to complete them or just not willing to put in the work they demand. 

Similar to those who don’t follow through with their resolutions, many people have decided to forgo the process completely. Around Herriman High, when students were asked what they had resolved to do, a majority responded that they hadn’t made any and most of those who had were already failing. Kayla Miller, a senior, said that she simply “didn’t want to put pressure on [herself]” and that was why she had avoided the annual process. This was a common sentiment among students and it is easy to understand and sympathize with them. 

While New Year’s resolutions may be going out of fashion, there are still many things that can be done to promote a more productive and fulfilling year. Goals can be set on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. One idea that a lot of people use is a bucket list. Having an idea of what you want to accomplish is the first step to actually getting it done. Even without a formal resolution, 2020 can be the best year yet if people are willing to take a chance and get out of their comfort zone. It’s up to everyone to improve themselves on their own time and in their own way.