2021 is just around the corner, and many students at NASH are starting to plan out their new year’s resolutions.  But will they follow through?

Forbes Magazine describes how likely it really is for people to go through with their resolutions, stating that the likelihood is rather slim.

Statistics have shown that less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them. With most people already not participating in the annual tradition, it is hard to tell who will plan anything with the widespread of COVID-19. This may in turn cause many to rethink their resolutions.

Senior Matt Gentile participates in setting resolutions for the new year but ultimately loses motivation to complete them as the year goes on.

“I usually follow through for a couple of weeks, and then completely forget that I had resolved to do anything in the first place,” Gentile explained. “I forget about my resolutions within a few weeks of creating them.” 

According to Nuvance Health, about 50% of adults in the United States make New Year’s resolutions, but fewer than 10% keep them for more than a few months.

A lot of people become lazy around the holidays, but when New Year’s comes around, many try to step into a motivational attitude. COVID-19 has put a dent in many people’s plans, but some are questioning if it will also dampen encouragement.

“One could blame almost anything in their lives on COVID-19,” Gentile said. “One of the most popular resolutions is to go to the gym more often, which has ranged from being uncomfortable to impossible over the past nine months.”

Though New Year’s resolutions are a hot topic this time of year, Gentile believes the number of participants may be smaller.

“I think even fewer people than normal will make resolutions. It’s hard to make a plan that extends far into the future when the world around us is changing so rapidly and drastically in the midst of the pandemic,” he said.

As much as it’s hard for them to stay positive, senior Andrew Kollitz has tactics to make his resolutions seem reachable.

“I try not to make my resolutions too large, so I am usually able to accomplish them every year,” Kollitz said. “I find it easier to accomplish them when I have people by my side.”

Even with support from friends and family, Andrew believes people will still find ways to avoid resolutions in the new year.

“With many people wanting to make them, even fewer people will accomplish them. I think that the pandemic has given many people an excuse to skip out on their resolutions and take the easy way out,” he said. 

COVID-19, however, is not the only source that has taken a toll on resolutions. 

“As much as COVID-19 has ruined people’s resolutions, social media adds a lot of stress, especially on girls, and causes us to fall back on our resolutions,” said an anonymous source.

Even with the lack of motivation, some are still feeling there is hope that many students will still participate to make the new year the best it can possibly be.

Gentile offered some optimistic words for those getting ready to start a new chapter:

“For those who do create resolutions, they may be dismayed by the state of the world. They may have little hope and decide not to form a resolution. In contrast, others might see the silver lining to the virus. They may be more motivated to be thankful for what they have and more energized to improve themselves and their communities,” he said.