Why New Year's Resolutions Are Completely Overrated | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why New Year's Resolutions Are Completely Overrated

102
Why New Year's Resolutions Are Completely Overrated
Imperfect Messenger

With another year drawing to an end, the overwhelming social pressure our society places on creating a list of goals and resolutions to better ourselves is a little outrageous. The concept of creating a list of New Year's resolutions is no different than constituting a list of long-term goals, except for the fact that it comes in effect at the start of a new year. Dedicating a single day to start a major life change, or even a list of smaller life changes, is illogical. Furthermore, if you feel so strongly about making a change in your life, make it now! January 1 is no different than today, tomorrow, or any other day of the year.

New Year's resolutions are kind of like your least favorite aunt that drinks one too many martinis at your annual family reunion. You know you can't take her too seriously, but all you can do is laugh and play along when she comes around once a year. Unfortunately, those seven days between Christmas and New Year's Day are the week you have to spend with your "drunk aunt." Or in other words, this is the week millions of Americans create a list of unspecific and unrealistic goals they plan to reach.

Although it is human nature to gravitate towards self-improvement, the reason we often set goals that are unrealistic is because they are set based on willpower, not a system. For example, people often set the resolution that they plan to work out more often but get discouraged when they don't see results after just one week. Setting the goal of simply "working out more often" is highly flawed because it is extremely vague. Unspecific goals without a clear plan of action often lead to failure. Unfortunately, this failure then causes us to distrust ourselves. Think about it, if you have set the same set of resolutions for the past five years and you have yet to meet any of them, what makes you believe that you will be able to meet them this year?

Instead of dedicating a single day to begin working your way towards meeting a goal or making a simple change in your life, start now, or tomorrow, or next month! It's your life! The most important thing about setting a list of goals or attempting to make a change is not when you do it, but how you do it. There is no point in creating a list of New Year's resolutions you know you'll probably forget all about it in two weeks. Just because that's what the rest of your friends are doing, doesn't mean it will work for you. Trying to make a change on January 1 without actually thinking about what it will require or how you will do it is pointless.

In conclusion, I would like to add that there is nothing wrong with a little self-evaluation. However, if you are creating a list of New Year's resolutions "out of habit" or because you "feel like it's the responsible thing to do," don't waste your time. In order to make a change, you have to be motivated, have a plan of action, and you have to do it when you're ready. Happy New Year, my friends!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

9775
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4331
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3171
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2849
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments