Cougars Resolve to Improve in 2026

At the beginning of each year, people around the world choose to make New Year’s Resolutions. Many students and faculty at Charlotte Catholic High School have made commitments to better themselves, either physically, mentally, or both. Some even choose to make group resolutions with their families or friends.

According to Forbes, the two most popular goals for New Year’s resolutions include improved fitness and better mental health. Adults in particular commonly commit to losing weight and being more active, which includes consuming less alcohol and eating less sugar. People of all ages typically try to limit time on their phones or get into shape.

Sophomore Liam Parker said, “I want to get in shape so I can do a muscle-up this year.” Liam does calisthenics and competes on Charlotte Catholic’s mountain biking team. He said he wants to get stronger by next year to help him with his sports. Not all resolutions are serious, as some students made them for fun. Sophomore Ethan Sweeny said, “My New Year’s resolution is to reach Super Sonic Legend rank in Rocket League, so I can beat my friends at the game.” 

Mr. Georges, who teaches Geometry, said, “My two New Year’s resolutions are to limit my screen time, and to say ‘if that is okay with you’ less often when I talk to my coworkers.” He remarked that while the latter seemed strange, he wished to be more direct in his conversations.

Unfortunately, keeping commitments for an entire year is difficult, and not all students and faculty have kept their pledges. A study conducted by Forbes Health shows that only about 7% of people with New Year’s Resolutions keep them for twelve months. A typical resolution lasts only about two to four months.

Sophomore Roman Flynn claimed he uses his phone too often and wants to be more productive. Roman said, “I tried to limit my screen time to an hour a day, but I have not had much success.” 

During one of his homilies, Father Chinoso stated that he also failed his New Year’s resolution. “I was attempting to walk 10,000 steps every day, but I was driving for most of January 6th and did not reach my step goal,” he said. However, Father stated that he will try to continue with his goal for the future, regardless of failure.

As the Charlotte Catholic community looks forward to another year, students and faculty who made resolutions now face the challenge of keeping them. Only they have the ability to make or break those promises which they have set for themselves.

Credit: ABC News