Everyone is aware of the ongoing phenomenon of entering the new year with new hopes or goals and making these “resolutions”, but what many do not know is that the current generation has changed the way resolutions have worked in the past.  

Every year on Dec. 31 people all over the world find themselves eager  to welcome the new year. Whether you’re celebrating with family in Time Square, or watching the ball drop on television in the comfort of your own home, everyone is waiting for the moment when the clock changes from 11:59 p.m to 12:00 a.m and around you can hear the screams as people shout “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”  

With celebrating the new year, individuals are making resolutions in hope to “better” themselves. The idea of resolutions dates back to over 4000 years ago, where the ancient Babylonians started this “trend” that has continued for centuries. 

Almanac stated that the Babylonians initially created these resolutions as promises to their Gods. It was believed that by making these promises they would fall into the favor of the Gods-now, that was only if they were successful in their promise. If one were to fail in their promise to their Gods, they believed they would fall out of the God’s favor and this was a place no one wanted to be. 

Now, the world is a much more modernized society.  For example, as one may scroll through Instagram looking at pictures, there will be a influx of pictures captioned #newyearnewme. Therefore, resolutions have become much less religious and more for self improvement. Instead of making promises to Gods, a majority of individuals find themselves making promises to themselves. 

         “For the new year, my resolution is to drink more water and go to the gym at least five days a week. In the past they have worked out for me and so far I’ve been doing a good job on sticking to my resolution,” Sophomore Emily Hoelscher said.

          According to Miriam-Webster in this modern age, a majority of people use them to better themselves, set personal goals, provide stability and become more motivated. Most people who do fully commit to their resolutions do find them helpful.  

As society progresses, the resolutions individuals make have become more influenced by people around them.

     “My resolution was to stop drinking dark soda. I usually make resolutions to try and better myself for the new year,” Senior Kady Testa said. 

According to the article “The History of New Year’s Resolutions” only 45% of Americans say they usually make resolutions, and only 8% are successful in achieving their resolutions. 

“I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution. I think they can be helpful and beneficial, but you have to be good as well as determined enough to stick to them,” Senior Stephen Vilardo said.

Some individuals find the idea of resolutions daunting; with the pressure of the new year making a resolution only to break them a few weeks later can just seem pointless. 

A teacher at Westerville South High School found a unique way around the pressure of resolutions that works for her.  

 “Personally, I don’t make resolutions because a week in I find myself already breaking it. I do however make goals for myself to achieve by the end of the year,” Science teacher Kathleen Frazier said. 

Almanac stated that Romans are also known to be one of the first to start resolutions.  The Romans also made these resolutions to please their gods and to behave better throughout the year. As great as the idea to better yourself is, there are just as many people who don’t make resolutions at all because they simply don’t feel like they need to.

       What some people fail to understand is that not everyone has something they want to change in the new year, and that is valid. 

         “I didn’t make a new year’s resolution because I don’t really have much I want to change about myself at the moment, they can also be difficult to remember,” Senior Rose Singleton said.

      Like Vilardo said, resolutions can be beneficial but you have to be determined to make them happen. Making a year-long promise to yourself is very difficult.  One thing to remember is that you don’t have to wait for the new year to make a resolution for yourself. Whenever you’re ready to make a change, get up and do it! 

“Time is relative; and if you want to do something, you should just do it,” Senior Tyler O’Reilly said.

Resolutions have been around for years and will continue to be around for a long time. So even if you’re against making resolutions, or are upset because you can never accomplish them…take baby steps and work for yourself. 

Most can admit that the last couple years have been difficult. Keep moving forward and try your best to make this year better than the last. May your 2022 be all you want it to be and more.