Why We Cling to “New Year; New Me”
“The calendar should serve as a reminder rather than a timeline for your goals.”
“I’m going to the gym this year. For real.”
“I need to cut myself off from these certain people.”
“I will start my healing journey this year.”
“I'm going to change my habits.”
“Well, it didn't happen this year, maybe next year.”
“Can’t wait for the New Year – New Year, New Me.”
The phrase you hear — New Year, New Me — as we head into the new year—the promise of a fresh start. You only get increasingly excited as you watch the day's end, waiting for the change that is sure to happen because it’s a new year. Beneath all that excitement, though, there seems to be a hidden truth. For some, those words and resolutions only really help them keep the change that could have been in effect, in the back of their minds.
The fear of change – it’s something many have, but may not even see. Why can’t you start going to the gym now? Why can’t you become a better person now? Why wait for the new year? For some, phrases and words serve as temporary motivation. Everyone wants good things but they fear the actual work required for the results.
I interviewed some of our seniors and teachers in order to get their perspectives on New Year’s resolutions. I started with Ms. McNair, who says, “I never set resolutions.” But, well, it seems she did this year because her resolution is “being able to say no." Instead of resolutions, she chooses a word to stick to throughout the year. “ Power,” she told me, “is my word this year.” She also believes that resolutions don’t always work, as “many things can get in the way of maintaining your part.”
I spoke with Jaria Fofana, who does have a resolution: “Being able to let things that don’t benefit me go.” When it came to the phrase she hasn’t used the word because it clique. She says: “Why do I have to change myself every year?”
Jasmine Jean-Baptiste has no resolutions, just ideas in her mind, but they’re not directed for the new year. She does not use the phrase she believes in it being a new year and the same her: “Using the phrases does not bring change from Dec 31st, 11:59 pm to Jan 1st”.
Mr. Smartt does not have any resolutions. He is passionate about this, saying: “I don’t need a date to tell me to change, I am a work in progress.” Smartt makes long-term goals, not yearly ones, and his advice is: “Don't wait for time and date.” But what does that phrase mean? Mr Smartt asks: “I'm changing from one time to another?” piggybacking on what Jasmine said.
Jaria and Ms. McNair after following up still have their resolutions and have been consistent with them. The problem may not be setting resolutions for the near year but being able to maintain it. A common theme in these interviews is that the phrase is there as a trend or to stop you from feeling bad about not completing your goals in the last year.
The pursuit of self-improvement should not be restricted by the clock. Whether that starts now, in the middle of the year, at the start, or the end. The end goal should always be striving to be the better version of yourself. Resolutions may not be for everyone but with commitment and motivation, they are bound to be long-term achievements. Everyone should not fear change and be encouraged to embrace the change.
The saying “New Year, New Me” is only for the aesthetic. It means this year it’s not going to be the old me. But that means different things for different people. It does not get people anywhere but makes them feel like they are part of a group of people willing to change something. The changes either stick or don’t. Making goals can be better.
The calendar should serve as a reminder rather than a timeline for your goals.