“New year, new me” has become somewhat of a joking phrase, alluding to the popularity of New Year’s resolutions and, often, their failures. This year though, many are determined to live up to the phrase and keep their resolutions strong.

This tradition originated over 4,000 years ago, when Babylonians made promises to their gods at the beginning of a new year. Nowadays though, resolutions focus more on self-improvement, with the most popular being health improvement and attaining a new skill. Students’ resolutions vary greatly, with everything from spending less money on food, to improving their GPAs in class.

“My New Year’s resolution is to become a healthier person and work out so I can stay in shape,” junior Ethan Perez said. “I’m working out in the mornings, before school, and then going to musical rehearsal after.”

Some students are trying to use their resolution to spread good to others around them, lift others up, and improve positivity in their daily lives.

“I’m trying to smile at a stranger every day,” senior Kate Colston said. “It’s a small but really easy way that I can show kindness to people even if I don’t know them.”

Other students are taking on self-improvement goals focused more on internal resolutions than external.

“I’m trying to maintain my goal of having more positive days this year and being nicer to people…while also balancing school work and planning for college,” senior Daniel Walker said. “To help, I’m using a mood calendar and recording how each day goes on it.”

Resolutions have garnered a reputation for falling short, with over 80 percent of resolutions failing by the 2^nd week of February according to a recent survey by U.S. news. Lack of time, sheer difficulty, or a multitude of other deterrents make upkeep a strain. To see these goals through to the end, scheduling and discipline are essential.

“It’s hard for me to follow through with them,” main office secretary Mrs. Boston said. “I never follow through. Kids, food, and life get in the way.”

New Year’s resolutions are fun challenges to take up, and difficult to sustain. But, if you have the drive to keep them, they can prove very rewarding.

“So far everything is going well,” Perez said. “I can’t wait to keep going and…enjoy the 2018 year.”