As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world make new year’s resolutions. Whether these resolutions are to save money, lose weight, travel more or simply be kinder, they have become customary for many people. While some people laugh off the impact of these resolutions, believing they never last, these goals can be very powerful. New year’s resolutions help us reflect on our lives, drive us to take action, foster a positive outlook and encourage accountability. These resolutions are not just something that fades after a few weeks—they can lead to genuine personal growth.
As the new year begins, many people feel the weight of the past year—its triumphs, its failures and the missed opportunities. The new year provides a vital and rare moment to pause and reflect on the ups and downs in the journey of the past. It’s a chance to consider what truly matters, what we want to change and what we want to carry forward. This opportunity to reflect on our beliefs and reassess our priorities at the end of each year isn’t just about regrets; it’s about embracing the lessons of the peace and deciding how we want to grow as individuals in the approaching year.
Making a resolution can feel like gaining authority over your life, providing empowerment. For instance, committing to exercise every morning isn’t just about getting physically fit; it’s about telling yourself, “I can do this.” In a world that often feels chaotic, resolutions offer a moment of control. Small actions toward a goal, such as joining a gym, saving money or learning a new skill, make us feel like we are headed in the right direction. This feeling of control can be empowering, reminding us we have agency in our lives, even when everything around us feels out of our hands.
Setting resolutions for the new year can also help us to shift our mindset to one of growth and improvement. Without resolutions, it’s easy to get stuck in the past—harboring resentment over mistakes or feeling like we’re not “enough.” Setting a resolution, no matter how big, can cause a change. Instead of seeing our past missteps as failures, we begin to view them as stepping stones, part of the process. This optimistic outlook might also affect other aspects of our lives. For example, someone who makes an effort to improve their health would not only feel better physically but also more confident and good about themselves. Focusing on what we can change, rather than what’s wrong, can be motivating, particularly when there is already an abundance of negativity in today’s world.
One of the greatest aspects of setting a new year’s resolution is the motivation it can inspire. When you initially establish a goal, there is typically a burst of energy or bout of enthusiasm. However, the challenging aspect is remaining committed to it, which is when accountability kicks in. Sharing your resolutions with friends, family or social media adds an element of pressure to keep you to your goals. Additionally, having a particular objective—such as working out three times a week or saving a certain amount monthly—provides a way to track your advancement. Accountability doesn’t just keep us honest; it fuels our drive, reminding us that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Ultimately, new year’s resolutions revolve around being accountable for your actions. They prompt us to contemplate our principles, enable us to act, assist us in cultivating a positive attitude and increase our sense of responsibility. In a world that can sometimes seem disheartening, setting resolutions serves as a reminder we have the ability to transform and better our lives. Certainly, not every resolution will achieve total success, yet the experience itself remains worthwhile. Even if everything doesn’t turn out flawlessly, the effort you invest can result in beneficial transformations.
So, as you set your resolutions this year and start to work toward them, remember it’s not about perfection; it’s about the journey. Every single action taken is an investment in your future. The goal is more than just achieving, it’s evolving into a better person. With every resolution made, every goal set, you are shaping the person you’re becoming.
The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Laasya Avula at lavula@hilite.org.
Salima Sher • Jan 30, 2025 at 8:04 pm
I will agree, the New Year vibe motivates me to do better and improve, by making goals.