At the birth of every New Year we promise ourselves to accomplish something by the end of the year which is famously recognised as New Year’s resolution. This tradition is found all over the world. Despite the idea of something new, it is historically dated back to the ancient Babylonian period. Originally, the Babylonians vow to their pagan Gods at the start of the year to return borrowed goods or pay their debts. Similarly, the Romans followed the same custom by promising to their god Janus after whom the month January is named after.

Most popular yearlong goals taken every year are to lose weight, quit smoking, improving grades and so many more. Unfortunately a recent research of 3000 people show that 88% of the participants did not succeed their goal, despite the fact that 52% were confident of achieving their goal in the beginning. Furthermore, the research shows that men can improve their chances of achieving their goal by 22% when setting a measurable and achievable goal such as ‘losing a pound a week’ instead of ‘losing weight’. Likewise, women can increase their success rate by 10% when they publicise their goals (for example posting on a social media) and receiving constant support from their friends.

Therefore, view this year as an opportunity to achieve your goals of what would have seemed impossible during those previous years.

 

By Betina Peter Rajan, Nonsuch High School