The “new year, new me” saying, to some, is way over said and overplayed. But new year’s resolutions are a legitimate thing used to help motivate someone to reach their goals in fitness and academic parts of life.

The question asked every year is if these resolutions ever come true, or do they even matter? I think they do, because goal setting, even if short term, is necessary in every person’s life.

The gym is packed in January with people on a mission to improve their physique or lose weight, and I think it’s very inspiring to see. The only issue is the flame, and the spirit of the new year, burns out.

By the beginning of February, the gyms are normal again as many have abandoned their resolutions,
“I made a resolution to workout more and to eat healthier,” senior Angela Evanoff said. “I’ve had a gym membership, but I haven’t gone much. With work and school, it’s difficult to find the time.”

I, myself, have started to go to a gym to improve my health. After all the unhealthy habits of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, finding the motivation to workout is difficult.

A personal trainer can keep you motivated and can improve your training plans and schedule. In this high tech world, many tools can help with these fitness goals. Apps like Charity Miles, where the more one walks, bikes, or runs, the more money is donated to a charity of choice.

Training with a friend can also keep you motivated to workout, especially on days where no motivation can be found. A resolution to do better in school could be a large implication on the future,
“I want to be more organized, so I can manage my time better,” senior Jordan Bianchi said. “I also plan on working on my homework better.”

My advice to anyone with a resolution is to add incentives to stay focused. I know if I improve my grades or study hard, I buy myself something, like a sub from jersey mikes, and then I enjoy my success.

“Whenever I accomplish something,” junior Joseph Krasnic said, “I like to brag about it.”

The history of new year’s resolutions, according to livescience.com, stretches back thousands of years to the ancient Babylonians, who celebrated on March 1 before the harvest season.

USA.gov offers resources to help guide people on their resolutions such as managing stress or controlling debt. Surprisingly, among the top resolutions was to volunteer more and to save money.

What percentage of resolutions actually are fulfilled? According to Forbes, only 8% of people with resolutions succeed in achieving them.

The issue is not motivation; it’s that sometimes goals are too big to change so quickly.

It’s getting the job done and accomplishing something. That’s what life and resolutions are all about.

I wish everyone good luck in achieving their resolutions. Remember to stay positive and not give up. As famous actress Marilu Henner once said, “Resolutions are popular because everyone feels they could use a little improvement.”