By Sharadyn Janssen

Whether you want to eat healthier, improve your sleep schedule, or shake a bad habit, almost all people go into the new year with high hopes. 

So, why is it that so often people struggle to follow through with achieving that lifestyle they are dreaming of?

According to Forbes, “approximately 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail.” That means that less than half of those goals set on Jan. 1 have a successful outcome.

Intentionality is the first step of setting a strong New Year’s resolution. Successful follow-through can be dependent on the individual being passionate about the goal at hand.

QU junior Cole Davis decided his resolution this year was going to be focused around being more present in situations.

“I noticed last year that I felt like I was missing out on a lot. You know? Like, I was there, but wasn’t really in the moment. That’s why my resolution of being more present is so important to me,” Davis said.

Holding yourself accountable can look different depending on the person. For some, it may look like filling your mirror with encouraging reminders. For others, it may be posting your progress with your close friends and family. Whatever it is, discovering your accountability style can help you achieve success.

Logan Ross, QU junior, wanted to make 2021 all about healthier habits. He has been working out four times a week at the Blessing Wellness Center as well as following a strict diet plan.

“I post my progression for my close friends to see every week. It helps me so much to hear those encouraging affirmations and be reminded that I can do whatever it is I set my mind to,” Ross said.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, Ross has lost 10 pounds!

Another important step in achieving resolutions is to know the difference between positive self talk and harmful self talk. Constructive criticism can be helpful in realistically measuring your effort, but beating yourself up over failures along the way may set you back and bring you down, hindering your progress.

Lastly, learn to ask for help. Whether it’s a relative, trusted mentor, or close friend, having other people involved with your goal can make a difference in progression.

QU junior, Juliann Heck, made a resolution to be more intentional with her energy and time.

“It’s easy to get too caught up in being busy with school and working at the hospital to the point where it’s hard to just collect myself and take time for what I really enjoy,” Heck said.

Heck explained that her mother has helped her out with her resolution tremendously.

“This year, my mom has taught me to make lists for myself to be more time efficient. Then, we schedule out time every week to either watch a movie together or do something else to unwind,” Heck said.

With the new year almost always comes new goals. Resolutions are set depending on what the individual values most and where in their life they want to see improvement. Dreaming and aspiring for this change is the easy part, putting in the work and accomplishing these resolutions is the challenging (yet most rewarding) part.