The new year is a time for many to make promises to themselves to make changes in their lives. It's also a time of opportunity to make positive changes and rebirth. We quickly realize old habits are hard to break, and it takes more diligence than first thought. The new year is the start of a new chapter, one we can re-write to our specifications.
A recent study revealed approximately 45 percent of Americans admit to making New Year’s resolutions, and another 38 percent said they never make resolutions.
Katherine Simmons says she always makes resolutions, and usually sticks with them. For instance, last year she said she vowed to get a car of her own, and she did.
“This year I’m going to do more for myself,” said Simmons. “I’m going to start college, and work very hard to make myself happy.”
She says she does a lot for other people, but wants to shift the focus on herself.
“I don’t want that to sound bad, but I have learned a lot in 2014,” said Simmons. “I’ll just say I have learned a lot of life lessons. I will turn 21 right after the new year, so 2015 will be great,” said Simmons.
The Top 10 resolutions for 2014 were: lose weight, get organized, spend less and save more, enjoy life to the fullest, stay fit and healthy, learn something exciting, quit smoking, help others to their dreams, fall in love and spend more time with family.
Not everyone makes promises to themselves through resolutions. David Eastes said, "I don't normally make resolutions, because I can't keep them." He did say if he made any, they would be to eat healthy and exercise more.
Eastes is employed with Regions Bank, and finds people taking a closer look at their finances at the end of the year.
"I think it being tax season has a lot to do with this, and people put it off until the close of the year," said Eastes. "At this time they seem to strive to do better financially in the upcoming year."
In order to make resolutions successful, it’s encouraged to be specific in goal setting, and not be too broad. An example is to set a realistic goal for weight loss, maybe two or three pounds a month. Don’t go overboard. Choose one goal and stick with it in order to get the positive feedback.
The buddy system is a great motivating tool. Enlisting assistance from a friend or family member adds to the benefit. If it be losing weight or getting your financial house in order, it’s often helpful to have a sounding board to make plans for the upcoming year.
Senior citizen, and Jacksboro community resident Margaret Cathey says she does not plan to make any resolutions this year.
“I’m afraid to make any, because they are so hard to keep,” said Cathey. “I think the older we get the more set in our ways we are, and it’s harder to make changes.”
That statement was proven to be true in a University of Scranton study, as it found resolutions tend to be less successful as the person ages. Approximately 39 percent of the survey participants in their 20s achieved their goals, with those in their 50s reporting a success rate of 14 percent. Another interesting fact was under 50 percent of the individuals maintained their resolutions for more than six months.
Samantha Childs has the right idea about giving some thought to the resolutions she plans to make.
“I haven’t decided yet, but I usually do set some goals or hope to make changes,” said Childs. “I still have some time to decide, but I’m being positive and hope to reach my goal.”
The 10-year U.S. Postal Service carrier says her main goal will be to not procrastinate so much.
Who made the first resolutions for the new year? It’s hard to say, but the tradition is thought to have first caught on with the ancient Babylonians. They probably made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off right.
Retiree Dick Scott-Welch enjoys walking, one of the resolves made by many individuals. He walks regularly in the downtown area, so he already has a jump on that resolution.
"No, I don't make resolutions, because I know I won't keep them," said Scott-Welch. "The new year is a good opportunity for folks to make changes."