By Aubree Amback / staff writer, Nathaniel Morris / staff writer
Every year, millions of Americans set their New Year’s resolution, but how many actually follow through with it?
It’s a tradition for many people to set goals for themselves as the ball drops to try and be a better person for the new year. These goals can be anything from working out more to traveling more. Resolutions can be set for quitting things as well such as smoking, drinking, and other bad habits.
Based on a study in 2022, only about 37% of Americans actually make resolutions. Within the first month, around 8% of people drop their resolutions, and within the first two to three months, about 22% of people drop it. But, some do stay devoted to their resolutions. In the same study, researchers found that 6% of people’s resolutions stick until the end of the year and keep lasting for many to come.
Math teacher Brian Kehrt set a resolution this New Year’s to lose 25 pounds by 2027. Though, like 22% of Americans who set resolutions, he doesn’t think he will be able to stick with it all year.
Out of the millions of people who set these goals, who was the first? 4,000 years ago, ancient Babylonians were believed to be the ones who started this tradition. For them, New Years was not in January, but during March when the crops have been planted.
They celebrate with a 12 day festival, they anointed a new king and pledged loyalty for the next year.
Over the years, the tradition has evolved into what it is today.
The resolutions we see today are a little different from what people saw in the early 1900s. Most people today use New Year’s to get fit or go on a diet—things used to help themselves.
In the 1940s, the goals were a little more community focused. People then made goals like saving money, reducing waste, and staying connected with family and friends during a hard time.
A good strategy to maintain your New Year’s resolutions for next year is to specify exactly what you’re going to do, when you’re going to do it, and how often you do it. For example, “I’m going to the gym on Monday at 6 p.m. and I’m going to do that every week.”
This plan can help you reach your goals next year to become a better person.
