When I think about New Year’s, I think about the New York countdown and ball drop, the Rose Parade in Pasadena, poppers and fireworks exploding. Each year, I challenge myself to commit to new resolutions, a mix of fun and serious content—resolutions I can actually accomplish.
People around the world have made New Year’s resolutions for thousands of years. History explains that they began with the Babylonians over 4,000 years ago. For them, the new year began in March when they planted their crops. Their resolutions, however, were promises to their gods. The same is true for ancient Rome.
The early Christians were the first to sit and think about ways to better themselves in the new year. John Wesley started Covenant Renewal Services in the 1740s, History reports. These services are primarily for believers to renew their commitment to God and his people, according to the United Methodist Church.
However, according to U.S. News, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. Forbes explains that it is crucial to change one’s mindset and receive encouragement from supportive people—whether the resolutions pertain to a friend joining one at the gym or on the road to a dream destination.
In honor of thousands of years of resolution, the Chimes staff shared their New Year’s resolution. Some are humble, some are dream worthy. What are yours?
Hannah Dilanchyan – Opinions Editor
“My New Year’s resolutions are to spend time outside everyday, actually use sunscreen at the beach this summer, and visit a new state (I’m looking at you, Oregon). I’m graduating this May so finding a job that I love would also be great.”
Natalie Hernandez – Sports Editor
“I want to be more intentional with my friendships. I want to take better care of my mental health and to realize it’s okay to say ‘no’ to things. And I want to cook more!”
Emily Coffey – Arts and Entertainment Editor
“Here are my New Year’s resolutions: move my body (not necessarily work out) at least 2x a week (this is more for mental health than like getting swole. I just need to make time to take care of myself!), make & stay on a budget, and speak life—focus on encouraging others, using words to build up and not tear down.”
Julianne Foster – Staff Writer
“I’m exercising and training for rock climbing so I’ve researched a diet to plan around that. I want to get good at rock climbing and overcome my fear of heights. I made a really detailed schedule and I am trying to be more intentional with my time…taking care of myself and my relationship with God more.”
Johnny Dilanchyan – Business Manager
“I want to beat my personal record on bench!”
Victoria Chiang – Junior Copy Editor
“My resolution is to have a little more patience with myself and God, and to have a little less selfishness. And, pass the NCLEX.”
Amanda Frese – Managing Editor
“My resolution was to make a New Year’s resolution that is specific, attainable, reasonable and measurable—except I don’t really know how to make a goal that meets all those requirements. Therefore, my New Year’s resolution will be to continue to be proud of myself and content where I am, even when I don’t achieve all the goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the year.”
Lauren McBride – Senior Copy Editor
“The past couple of years, my personal relationships and passion for storytelling have been put on the backburner. This year, my resolution is to change that by being more intentional with my time and prioritizing God, friendships and activities that feed my creativity.”
Natalie Willis – Editor in Chief
“My resolution is to dedicate more time to creative writing. My job and major dictate that I am constantly writing, but I rarely do it for pure enjoyment. I would also like to read all of the books I impulsively buy from Barnes and Noble.”
