New Year, New Beginnings
- Sofia Fusco '25
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Towards the end of every year, thoughts of how to do better in the upcoming year are welcomed by many and ignored by others. Those that make these New Year’s resolutions tend to do so optimistically. This start to the year gives people the chance of a fresh start aiming for their goals of self improvement.
While not everyone enjoys these resolutions, those who partake don’t always do as well as they hope. According to Columbia University, only about 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after 30 days. Less than 10% of people actually end up accomplishing their goals.
Some people wonder, “why do we have the tradition of New Year's resolutions in the first place?” Turns out, around 4,000 years ago the ancient Babylonians became the first to celebrate the New Year. While our new year begins in January, theirs would typically begin in March.
The Babylonians held a 12-day religious festival called Akitu where they would either crown a new king or reaffirm their loyalty to the reigning king. In addition, they made promises to the gods to repay their debt and return any borrowed objects. These promises are now recognized as New Year's resolutions.
The Catholic Chronicle interviewed students regarding their participation in New Year's Resolutions.
Senior Ali Sarrantonio mentioned that one of her goals for the new year was to go to the gym five times a week. Since she already goes to the gym throughout the week, Ali “felt that this goal would be manageable throughout the year and something [she] would be able to accomplish.”
On the other hand, sophomore Brielle Butts decided that she would not participate in the resolutions trend. She believed that it would be “too much work to keep up” which is one reason why people give up so quickly. Like Brielle, people are used to their everyday routine and altering it can quickly interfere with their daily routine.
Junior Mary Pat Kolenik mentioned that one of her resolutions was to eat a healthy breakfast everyday. Mary Pat said that she started the year off strong, eating “a granola bar, pancakes and blueberry muffins the first few days.” But by the 5th day, she said that, without realizing, she went back to microwaved pizza for breakfast.
The start of a new year gives people the opportunity to break bad habits and practice positive ones. Although most people aren’t always able to commit to their resolutions, it gives them the opportunity to do something they might have not done otherwise. The New Year is a time of fresh beginnings and the best way to try something new, no matter how long you make it last.
