Ringing in a new year means new beginnings and, for many, making New Year’s resolutions.

Resolutions generally focus on getting physically healthy by starting a new diet, exercising more, drinking fewer alcoholic beverages and/or quitting smoking.

Since COVID-19, when the world shut down, it seems many of the younger generation may be focusing on their financial and professional health, as well as on their physical health.

According to a YouGov.com article titled, “What are American’s New Year’s resolutions for 2025?” Data Journalist Jamie Ballard states, “Ahead of New Year’s Day, a new YouGov poll asked Americans what, if anything, they’re resolving to do differently in 2025.

“While the majority of Americans aren’t making New Year’s resolutions, many of those who are making them are looking to make changes to their financial habits and their physical health.

The article further states, “Thirty-one percent of Americans will be making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for 2025.

“The majority (58%) of adults under 30 will be making resolutions.

“Only 24% of older Americans will be doing so. Adults, 65 and older, are especially unlikely to make resolutions: Just 14% plan to do so.”

Why, however, do so many resolutions fail?

According to Tony Robbins, motivational speaker, author and coach on his tonyrobbins.com/blog, “Although we go into the new year with the best of intentions to make good on these goals, it doesn’t take long for many people to give up on their New Year’s resolution or to forget about it entirely.

“The reasons why New Year’s resolutions fail come down to one thing: your goal-setting strategy.

“How you make and follow through on the outcomes you want is a long-term process, not a short-term, once-a-year resolution.

“When you shift your mindset from making New Year’s resolutions to creating lasting change throughout your entire life, you’ll accomplish more than you ever thought possible.”

He further states in his blog, “The truth is that most resolutions aren’t just a matter of doing something once or twice.

“Transforming your life requires deep self-reflection, overcoming your limiting beliefs and building new habits.

“The best New Year’s resolutions are about setting goals and making a dedicated plan to achieve them.

“Goals, not resolutions, are the key to long-term growth and success.

“And the secret to setting compelling goals is knowing why it is you want what you want — finding purpose and meaning in your goals.

“Creating compelling goals will help you stay inspired, even when times get tough ... Whether it’s professional development or personal growth, the best New Year’s resolutions have purpose, passion, and vision behind them.”

Any resolution or goal is going to take time to achieve and hard work.

Years ago, a co-worker gave me the following quote from author Todd Smith, “One of the most important keys to success is having the discipline to do what you know you should do, even when you don’t feel like doing it.”

I, personally, will be making the same resolution I make every year, focusing on getting healthier.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press