It is unclear when the beginning of choosing New Year’s resolution began, but research shows that an average 40-45 percent of Americans make resolutions. With numerous people making a New Year’s resolution, after six months less than half of surveyed population did not keep their resolution. Less than 20 percent of people who make resolutions actually complete their resolution, according to a 2002 survey done at the University of Scranton.
The infamous “New Year, New Me!” was a trending topic on many social media outlets.
Jermaine Robertson Ph.D., Florida A&M Community Psychology Program Director, said, “the marking of a New Year is an opportunity to resolve. For most it’s the key opportunity to begin their year with a fresh mindset.”
Simply put, a resolution is a goal or aspiration that we make to ourselves. Whether it is the infamous resolution of shedding a few pounds, saving more money or raising a shallow grade point average a few notches, a new year brings a chance to start over.
However, people who make resolutions are 10 percent more likely to reach their goals than people who do not make a resolution at all, according to surveys conducted over various years by the U.S. government.
Angelica Webb, a third-year criminal justice student from Marianna, Fla., always makes a New Year’s resolution.”I made a resolution to study harder and stay focused with my relationship with God,” said Webb, “I plan on keeping this resolution by marrying Coleman library and attending church regularly with my roommates.”
Erika Stuckman, a third-year public relations student, had other thoughts. “I honestly did not make a New Year’s resolution. Yes, a new year means a fresh start, but you should always try to make yourself better no matter what time of the year it is,” said Stuckman.
Robertson said he does not make a specific New Year’s resolution, but he does try to make changes in some areas of his life.