New Year’s celebrations have come and gone, and most resolutions have slowly disappeared. Research from Scranton University in Pennsylvania shows that only eight percent of people follow through with their resolutions. Whether this is because the resolutions are too vague or we are simply unmotivated, resolutions are rarely a success.

Ms. Barbara Ressler chose not to set a resolution this year. She is not a fan of New Year’s or the traditions that come with it. She has a different view than most on when the “new year” takes place.

“Well, when you’re in education, it feels like the new year is when summer ends and the new school year starts,” says Ressler.

For those who do set resolutions, the main challenges may be that their resolution is unrealistic, too vague or too many temptations come with it.

Mrs. Tamra Ropeter was hoping to cut back on sugar by allowing herself only a few sugary treats in a  week. Like many others, she has realized this goal may be unrealistic.

“My husband bakes for me, and I have found out that almost everything has sugar in it. The reality is that I still think about my resolution, but I’m not as committed as I could be,” Ropeter said.

Among the many who chose not to set a resolution is Kimberly Graff, ‘22. Similar to Ressler, she doesn’t think New Year’s is a time any more special than others to make drastic lifestyle changes.

“Everyone always says, ‘New year, new me’ but it’s just like any other day to me,” says Graff.

Although many of us tend to have high hopes for setting a resolution and correcting our bad habits, about ninety percent of the time we won’t end up completely following through with them. So, maybe we have to ask ourselves a simple question: Are resolutions worth setting in the first place?