Every January, millions of people promise to reinvent themselves. Whether it’s exercising more, eating healthier, or studying harder, New Year’s resolutions always seem to start with motivation and often end with disappointment. While starting strong, research shows that 23% of people quit by the end of the first week, and 43% give up by the end of January. By the end of the year, only about 9% of resolution-makers are still on track. But why do so many of us make resolutions we can’t keep? And, do we actually mean it when we say, “This year will be different”?

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on whether setting resolutions really helps us grow—or just gives us something to say when the clock strikes midnight.

According to Brooke Clark, the SHP personal counselor, resolutions can be meaningful, but only if people approach them with purpose. “People get too grand of ideas,” she said. “If there’s no concrete plan for their goals, there’s no motivation to follow through.” Instead, Clark suggests that small, achievable goals are the key to success. “Starting small is important,” she said. “Accountability and being easy on yourself matter, too. Every single day is a new day.” Clark’s advice shows that the power of real resolutions comes from patience and consistency, rather than perfection.

For Clark, even failing a resolution can be a positive experience. “It made me rethink what my goal was actually for,” she said. “Failure can teach you what you truly want to work toward.” Many people do fail, and they think that’s it. But failure doesn’t have to be the end—it can be a reset point. Reversing failure starts with figuring out what went wrong, adjusting your goal, and giving yourself permission to try again without shame. Instead of seeing failure as proof that you can’t do something, you can treat it like information that helps you make a better plan. Even small steps forward count, and sometimes they’re what help people finally succeed.

Brian Lorentz, a Religious Studies Teacher, sees resolutions through a different lens. He believes that personal growth doesn’t have to wait until January. “It’s not about waiting for the new year,” he said. “Setting goals can happen at any time.” He explained that while it’s easy to make a resolution, “It’s harder to come up with a strategy to commit to getting there.”

In his class, “Morality and Relationships,” students discuss moral habits and personal discipline—topics that closely connect with resolutions. “It’s not going to be worth it unless you think it’s going to be a lifestyle change,” Lorentz said. “If you know this is going to be part of your life moving forward, then you’ll stick with it.” Lorentz emphasizes the importance of not only consistency, but motivation. If you truly want to cultivate a habit that will make you the person you want to be, it is easier to work towards your goal. Resolutions only last when they’re rooted in genuine commitment rather than temporary excitement.

But not all resolutions come from that place of honesty. Lorentz added that some people set a resolution just to say they have one. “It’s a mix,” he said. “Some people want to brag or show off, but others genuinely want to better themselves.” This contrast highlights how the intention behind a resolution can determine whether it actually leads to growth—or fades as soon as it becomes difficult.

So, do people actually follow through? The truth lies somewhere in between. Many start strong but lose interest when life gets busy or goals feel too big. Resolutions shouldn’t be overly grand or lofty. They shouldn’t be approached with perfection in mind. At SHP, where students constantly juggle academics, activities, and personal growth, setting realistic goals might be the best resolution of all. Whether it’s improving study habits, prioritizing mental health, or simply being kinder to yourself, the key is consistency, not perfection.

As 2026 nears, it’s time to rethink the tradition. Resolutions shouldn’t just be empty promises at midnight, but mindful choices that remind us who we want to become—one step at a time. What is your resolution?