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This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.
For some, it’s a life-changing decision, but for others, it’s a societal pressure to ‘be better.’ January 1st often marks the beginning of a new and better version of oneself; however, despite nearly half of young Americans embarking on new goals, many will fail to achieve them.
The start of a new year also means the start of a new semester, as thousands of students from the University of Colorado Boulder return to the bustling academic environment of campus life. Only this time, as students settle back into the swing of college, many arrive with a new ambition. ‘Spend more time with loved ones,’ ‘eat healthier,’ ‘lose weight’ and ‘save more money’ are some of the more popular New Year’s resolutions. But, in my opinion, many of these are unrealistic and impractical goals destined for failure.
At my local gym, there’s usually a buzz a couple of weeks before the start of the New Year. I often hear of the dreaded anticipation from the rush of those New Year’s resolution goers, ranging from the lack of once-available machines to the crowded halls lined with mats in attempts to claim a spot. Those who have already set a consistent schedule often feel annoyed by the inconvenience, but in my opinion, that’s not a rational reason to dislike New Year’s Resolutions.
My dislike comes from my own attempts. Year after year, I have found myself in the same spot on New Year’s Eve, hopeful that this is going to be the year but also disappointed at my failed attempts. It has become an annual chore.
As college students, we often find our days crowded with class, homework, studying and work, leaving little free time. Many of these resolutions are derived from an ‘all or nothing’ mentality, making it a difficult piece to fit into our already busy lives. These drastic changes not only add strain to our day-to-day lives but also deepen the discomfort these resolutions sought to fill when they ultimately fail. But my dislike isn’t for these positive changes we all seek; it’s that we wait for the New Year to make a change and then go about it all wrong.
Real change should start the second we notice something is lacking, whether that be sleep, grades, exercise or time spent with loved ones. The other problem I have with New Year’s resolutions is that, just like there’s a specific start date, there’s also a specific end date; part of the resolution should be to integrate these lifestyle changes gradually so that eventually it’s a part of our day-to-day. Oftentimes, New Year’s resolutions are driven only by a start and end with neglect of the steps in between. These unrealistic expectations make it more daunting to achieve goals.
In the end, I think New Year’s resolutions can result in positive change, but many, myself included, approach it all wrong. Resolutions don’t have to be extreme; they just have to be consistent.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Isabella Medina at isabella.medina@colorado.edu.
