New Year, Probably Same You

Photo by: Devon Hall

At the start of every new year, you’ll probably see a post about “New Year, New Me” or “(Insert a year) goals.” It’s a phenomenon that occurs annually and doesn’t look like it will change any time soon.

Since social media plays such a big part of today’s society, you’ll always be able to see what people are “planning” to do in the upcoming year.

As time has shown, these “goals” don’t really last.

The gym seems more crowed during the month of January then slowly dwindle down as the year goes on. Everyone is on a new diet at first, but McDonald’s eventually welcomes back returning customers.

After thinking about all this, one question comes to mind: Where did New Year’s resolutions even come from? Who started them?

A brief history lesson reveals that New Year’s resolutions started way back in the time of the Babylonians. In that time, they would make promises to their gods and, if they kept them, the gods would return favors. If not, they would be on the gods’ bad sides.

Now that we know the history, the second question is: How many people actually become that “new” person? Well … according to Forbes.com, only eight percent actually achieve their “goals.” Yes, you read that right -- eight percent. Around midway through February, people either give up on or forget completely about their resolutions.

I decided to go around campus to see how students are doing with their resolutions. After getting some “No I don’t have any” answers, I finally found a few gems.

“I don't have one because I’m basically perfect,” Samantha Edwinson says.

“Cross-fit every day of the new year. It lasted three days,” John Hawks says.

“To stop drinking pop. It lasted a week and a half before I had another one,” Nicole Pierick says.

Laura Yancey claims she would “Not eat anymore sweets. I had piece of candy five hours later.”

As for me, I’ve stayed strong with limiting my McDonald’s intake. So far, I’m two months clean from my usual 10-piece chicken nugget with BBQ sauce, medium fries and large Dr Pepper.