New Year’s resolutions prove beneficial to productivity

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Yasuyo Jenko

Senior Mica Jenko exercises at the Princess Anne Recreation Center on Jan. 30.

New year, new me? Well, maybe. 

Everyone may hear these elusive words at the turn of each new year, but only eight percent of the people that make resolutions actually follow through with them, according to Forbes. 

Among these eight percent is English teacher Katie Anderson.

“I read 34 books last year, and I think that’s the first time I’ve ever actually completed a goal that I set for the new year,” said Anderson. “Reading is definitely more of a habit for me rather than a goal now since I’ve stuck to it for so long. It helps me feel better because I am always learning something new, and it has become a self-care thing.”

Anderson tries to help her students accomplish their resolutions by tracking her students’ progress. According to a poll of 122 students from all of Anderson’s classes, 65.6% made resolutions and 34.4% did not.

“Creating a New Year’s resolution makes you take a more conscious role in your future behavior,” said Sean Kranske, contributing writer for West Liberty University.

Senior Mica Jenko explains how education-related goals help her follow through with her resolution.

“My resolution is to go to the gym at least once every week because I am training for ROTC and the Naval Academy,” said Mica. “It’s more of an academic goal, which is why I am so motivated to stick with it.”

In order for more people to remain motivated as the year goes on, goals must be specific and relevant to the individual, according to Business Insider. Make numerical and realistic goals with deadlines to ensure that steady progress is made.

“I believe that New Year’s Resolutions are very important because it’s similar to goal setting,” said senior Brendan Fritz. “If you make realistic goals, you will be more driven to accomplish them because they are feasible.”