With New Years’ coming up and the 2025 Year coming to an end, a new cycle begins: New Years’ Resolutions. The same old routine of thinking you’ll be better for the next year, that you’ll be new and improved, but really, how long does that stick around? Actually, most people break their new habits about 1-2 weeks in and you hardly hear anyone talk about their Resolutions anymore. Why? Have people finally given up on their potential dreams? Let’s hear what the people have to say.

“I think [resolutions] are dumb,” Demir Seyben, a junior, said. “If you want to do something, do it now. Don’t wait for it. If you’re going to have a New Years Resolution, you should just start it right now instead of waiting.”

Sebastian Fraczek, a senior, had the same sentiment: “They’re an excuse. They wait for their dream to start by giving them a starting line, if you want to start something, do it now.”

I can’t say they’re wrong, as this is the common opinion, despite the fact that New Years’ Resolutions is pretty popular. I’ve even attempted my own New Year’s Resolutions, only to fail maybe nine days after. I suppose I also understand that better habits are hard to form, which is why many have been “soft-launching” their goals.

What this means is going online and starting their goals early in anticipation for New Year’s Eve. But how does this change the routine of quitting before you even start?

“I think that it’s more about the discipline then the actual goal and I mean, my resolution is to just lock in anyways,” Castielle Balao, a sophomore answered, “I think sometimes resolutions are performative but that shouldn’t stop you personally from hitting your goals. Maybe having a social media platform keeps you more accountable since you’re keeping an image up; people care about being ‘authentic’ or whatever and if that helps you achieve your goals then, like, go for it.”

I agree. Though, honestly, as a procrastinator myself, I think “soft-launching” your goals a month in advance is far too early but due to the holiday craze, I guess it can’t be helped. But Castielle does have a point: a lot of goals are set with a bright future in mind but very little discipline to lead with. What did the others have to say?

“Just do it or don’t do it, same thing as before. No need for other people to see it, it’s only for you,” Sebastian said.

Demir added, “I think posting can keep you accountable, but if you’re going to use it in a performative way, you might discourage others. If you create this image of [hitting your goals being] so easy while lying about doing it, then others who might fail will feel discouraged. Maybe keeping, like, a journal or something is better because it’s more personal, but overall I think it’s fine.”

You heard the people! Overall, New Year’s Resolutions aren’t the best and brightest way to go about making yourself a better person as many view it as procrastination towards a goal you won’t reach until you’re absolutely determined to succeed. While “soft-launching” your goals have been on the rise, there is added pressure to keep up your image which is both a good and a bad thing. It’s only beneficial if you’re not being performative, so the personal, private route is usually the best way to succeed in what you want.