Every year collectively we are faced with the endeavor of the coming of the new year. Everyone is thinking on the past year, thinking about what they could’ve done better, what they regret, and what they’re most proud of. But the main thing they’re thinking about is their New Year’s Resolutions. To lose a few pounds, read a couple more books, or be a little nicer. Personally, the last resolution I set was from ages six to nine and every year it was to “get my splits”. Because I was in ballet classes and I was convinced that was the only way I would be anywhere near good. There are many ways people try to achieve their goals for the new year. From extra superstitions for when the clock strikes twelve or writing it down to hold themselves accountable. But I don’t know a lot of people who actually reach their goals and just fall back into old bad habits. So I beg to ask the question, what’s the point?

Other than my infamous splits related resolution I’ve tried a couple other ideas when it comes to gaining better habits for the new year. I tried the whole list thing, with the average contents, lose weight, read more, be nicer, etc. But the only thing that I think that really stuck was the reading, but that was only because I got obnoxiously into reading and I don’t think I’ll ever read more than I did that year. But I look at myself now, and every time someone asks me “What’s your New Years Resolution?” I usually draw a blank. I’ve gained the habit of saying “To look like I got my shit together. Actually getting it together is for 2027.” Which honestly, I’ve said it enough that I’m starting to stick with it. But looking at my past I don’t think I’ll stick with it. I live in a constant state of sweat pants and hoodies.

But why don’t people stick with their resolutions? I think it’s just the sole fact that they’re stemmed from breaking bad habits. And I would never say that that’s a bad thing, or that it’s unachievable, but I think too many people go cold turkey into brand new ideas. Someone who never works out, can’t suddenly decide they’re going to work out every single day. Or someone who has a 12+ screen time on their phone can’t wake up one morning and decide they’re never touching their phone ever again. Like I can’t start wearing dresses and do my hair every single day right after wearing sweats every day for three months straight and showing up to school with unbrushed hair in a four day old bun. But there are many ways I could gain the habits if I wanted them. Because nothing is impossible.

How do you pick up good habits? You ease into them. Take it day by day. If you really want to start going to the gym, start by going to the gym once a week to gain the confidence to go twice, or even three times a week. It’s all a process. Find a way to motivate yourself. as much As I hate old weight loss tactics if grabbing a dress, swim suit, or any other piece of clothing that you really want to fit into and hanging it up to look at to motivate yourself, go for it! No one wakes up 20 pounds lighter one morning (and if you do or have, PLEASE go to a doctor), or suddenly the nicest person on planet earth after being considered rude your whole life. But that’s ok. You will get there.

But when looking at the concept of a New Years Resolution, what really is the point? It’s simple, optimism and hope. People look at new years as a fresh start, the ability to pick up new habits and hobbies without the consequences of the last year weighing down on them. Which I personally find quite beautiful. I am no one who is short of goals, so when you don’t achieve one, finding a new time to is always a good idea in my eyes. Not everything is a spur of the moment decision, sure this essay was, and the last one, and probably the next one. But I have twelve spur of the moments sitting in my google docs as drafts that I’m not sure I’ll ever finish. And you know what? That’s ok.

There is a point to everything if you give it a point and purpose. Write down those outlandish resolutions. Because you can only do what you say you can. So if you want to reach the sun, maybe reach for the moon first. You’ll get there because you said you can.