Every year, people start planning their New Year’s resolutions weeks before the new year starts. The ball drops at midnight, and for the next few weeks everybody works towards their goals. But how many people actually stick with their goals? 

According to Forbes.com, less than 25% of people stay committed to their New Year’s resolutions, and only 8% actually accomplish them. While asking Mrs.Wendy Leblanc what her New Year’s resolution is, she responded, “I don’t believe in them because nobody sticks to them.” 

But for some people, the new year approaching can be motivational. 

With a clean slate, people can feel the drive to accomplish a new lifestyle, or goals. Inc.com did a survey of 2,000 people in 2019, showing the top 10 New Year’s resolutions that people create. As expected, the top goal was to diet and eat healthier. The second most popular way is to exercise. Sophia Dellasanta, a junior, said, “I want to workout more and eat healthier. Not just say I’m ‘in shape’ and only workout once a month”. 

History.com published that the origin of New Year’s Resolutions started from the Babylonians, who are said to be the first people who made them over 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to celebrate in honor of the new year-which began in March rather than January. The Babylonains rang in the year with a 12 day religious festival known as Akitu. They made promises to their gods and if they did not keep them, they would fall out of the gods’ favor. 

Number four on the top 10 resolutions is to save more and spend less-which is what Mara Dattilio’s goal is. Saving money helps you do the things you love and desire to do. Like Fiona Glover, a senior, wants to travel in the new year. Her goal is to go to California over the summer. 

Some people choose to focus their goals towards their extracurricular activities. Mr. Paajanen participates in a volleyball team and hopes to win a volleyball tournament in the new year. Some strive to do better in their after school clubs, or any of the sports that they play. Students may even hope for a college to recruit them because of their skill. 

Quitting something is also a common theme for resolutions. People decide to leave smoking, drinking, and other negative habits in the previous year. 21% of people try to quit smoking and 15% try to drink less. Leaving poor habits in the past means reimbursing yourself with a positive fixation for the new year. Connor Williams, a Junior, says, “I want to live a happier year than in 2019.” 

Having a New Year’s resolution and deciding to stick with it can make you very productive in the new year, and overall better your year. In 2020, make a resolution and stick to it. Be apart of the 8%!