New Year’s resolutions have been around for over 4,000 years. There are several reasons why people make resolutions; it could be to set a goal they want to achieve, to continue to do well for themselves or others, or to change an aspect of their lives that they dislike. However, we all know that resolutions are not a walk in the park and do not always last.
This past year has been especially hard. With the conglomeration of events in 2020, it’s easy to comprehend how someone can lack the motivation to continue with their resolutions or even find the energy to make one.
A poll conducted on Instagram found that 79% of students did not make a resolution this year, while 21% of students did. Fortunately, students at MLEC who have sought to complete a goal or two this year plan to continue working on them.
“My [resolution] is to continue improving my relationship with food and exercise. It was at an all-time low during my eating disorder, and I’ve been continuously working to establish healthy patterns. It is definitely strong right now, but I could always use some improvement,” says Melanie Fernandez, a sophomore in the Cambridge strand studying engineering.
“I want to definitely become more intuitive when it comes to exercise and incorporate more variety. I want to become more in tune with my body to the point when I know I need a rest day and when I push limits. For eating, I also want to listen to my body more and practice being in the present moment and asking my body what it needs,” she continued.
Resolutions are hard — but that’s not an excuse to give up. Writing it down and talking about it with other people can be a big motivator to continue working on a resolution. People get a boost of energy and feelings of confidence, ambition, and satisfaction by making progress, which is why making resolutions is such a great thing to do.
With the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, people can achieve anything they set their mind to. Whether it’s their first time making a resolution or have been making them since they were young, with the power of will and determination, anything is possible. And that is what some students at MLEC have in mind when considering resolutions that will help them flourish and become one with their true selves.
“I have two new year resolutions. One is to get my first car and to learn how to love myself. I’ve been bullied all my life, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that not everyone will like you or will always find a way to bring you down. I’ve let it happen for years, and I no longer want that,” says Chelsea Valentin, a junior in the Health strand studying pharmacy.
“I’ve started the year off by doing things for myself! Self-care, taking time off social media, etc. [Since] this is my first year making a resolution. I plan on achieving all my resolutions by staying true to myself and putting my head in with 110% determination. As well as focusing on me and maybe not letting others’ opinions affect me,” continued Valentin.
Setting a New Year’s resolution is important because it gives people something to improve and work towards that year. With a goal in mind, it helps the brain have a clear objective to stay focused on that particular task. It doesn’t matter if that goal wasn’t achieved entirely; what matters is the effort put in and the belief they could do it, which is a step closer to becoming the person they intended to be.
There are only positive views for the future by students at MLEC as we continue to live in 2021. Some believe that all the stuff that happened last year was how it was meant to play out and that this year will bring a much better outcome. The only concern students may have on completing their resolutions is feeling unmotivated and lazy.
However, the strength that MLEC students contain is far greater than those fears.
“My New Year’s resolution is to become more consistent, more grateful, and be at the next level. There will be ups and downs, but on the day, your goal is to achieve your goals and find your gift so you could become a successful person, and that’s why I chose that as my New Year’s resolution. I plan to achieve my resolutions by being consistent, hard-working every day, showing gratitude in general, and being grateful, which will set the pathway to greatness,” says Christian Barruos Brens, a junior in the IT strand.
“2020 was very tough for most people because of the Coronavirus, but everything happens for a reason. 2021 is the year of acceleration, and this year is the year to shine and where all your goals will be achieved,” continued Brens.
