Why I will be making New Year’s resolutions...

Gracie Moore, Lifestyle Editor, discusses the benefits of making goals this new year

IRREFUTABLY, New Year’s resolutions can cause yearly undue stress upon people. Many set unrealistic expectations upon themselves: goals that simply aren’t achievable within the space of the year. It’s the lack of awareness of this that causes us to resent the idea of a “new year, new me.” However, undoubtedly, if one was to sit down and contemplate specific, measurable and achievable goals for the coming year, the resolution becomes a source of motivation and completely shifts the mindset of being unrealistic and toxic. With no goals in life, we have no goalposts to reach and no small wins to celebrate.

Growth is the ultimate goal for most people, an abstract concept that often comes in the form of very, VERY small progress. Despite this, progress is still progress and setting these minor goals and then achieving them overall improves motivation and mental health. Rather than setting goals for difficult and lengthy processes (such as becoming fluent in a language you are a mere beginner in or cutting considerable time from your 400 metre personal best), smaller and more frequent goals actually help reach this end goal faster. Also, showing personal growth comes in the form of reducing or completely cutting out toxic personality traits that might be hindering progress. Overall, setting personal goals like this can improve your connections to others and make you a happier person.

As an example of this kind of goal, at the beginning of 2022, I vowed to live by the phrase “Life is too short”. I told myself this would mean I would take every opportunity possible (both in my academic and personal life), work hard to get what I want and never be too shy or nervous to go for what I believed I deserved. After setting myself this goal (which I believe I achieved), I have become a much more confident and outgoing individual, attracting the correct kinds of people and opportunities.

Also, showing personal growth comes in the form of reducing or completely cutting out toxic personality traits

Goals like these are perfect for feeling accomplished at the end of the year as you can look back and see a large change from the year before (for the better). Of course, the problem with this is that it isn’t always measurable and therefore, you may feel at the end of the year as if you could have done more. The resolutions are not the problem here and it is important to note that the voice telling you you’re not doing enough will always be there but sometimes we have to ignore it even when it feels wrong to.

The problem with this is that it isn’t always measurable

Generally, New Year’s resolutions (when set properly) are a very efficient way to have a trajectory for the year as well as allowing yourself to assess the achievements accomplished by the end of the year compared to the start. The only thing that needs to be remembered is that any small progress is a win and that only you have the power to decide on your goals.