As the year ends and a new one takes its place, many students each year aim to make it their best one yet. A year for improvement, for growth, and especially change. The most popular form of this is the New Year’s resolution, a clear-cut goal to accomplish during the year. But how successful are setting these rigid goals for the year, and how do Rowan students feel about starting their own? With the spring semester just starting, these resolutions and changes can make the difference in someone succeeding in the latter half of the academic year.

During these early months of the year, resolutions can serve as the main motivator to make a change in one’s life. However, limiting oneself to change only during this time of year can restrict one’s ability to actually succeed in making these changes, according to some.

“They’re fine as a cultural reset button, but most people set themselves up to fail by making them too vague or ambitious. If it motivates people, then whatever works, but I think smaller, specific goals throughout the year probably work better than one big declaration,” said Em Chinici, a freshman majoring in biochemistry.

For some, they set tangible goals. Whereas others strive for broader and more overarching goals. Just by setting one general goal, like bettering oneself, students feel more capable of making progress. By setting a standard rather than a quota for change, students find it easier to balance these resolutions with their already existing schedules.

“I want to take care of myself more – both physically and mentally. For example, I want to start going to the gym more, and I want to stop being so hard on myself,” said Suri Zheng, a freshman majoring in nursing.

Personal growth and one’s aspirations form the basis for many resolutions. From trying to become more knowledgeable, stronger, more organized, etc., there are so many reasons why people make these New Year’s resolutions. This can include wanting to express oneself through art, write down their thoughts via journaling to better understand their feelings, or other resolutions that revolve around personal expression.

“For the New Year, I want to start regularly journaling, increase my personal reading, and create something for personal reasons, all related to personal growth and betterment,” said Zakary Virilli, a sophomore double-majoring in urban planning and philosophy.

While some students view these resolutions as a nice motivator for self-improvement, others view resolutions as something that doesn’t work for them and use alternatives. This can include setting goals consistently throughout the year, rather than setting them all at the start of the year. 

“I’m not much of a resolutions person. I prefer setting intentions as they come up,” said Chinici.

Overall, New Year’s resolutions are not the only way one can implement change in their lives or improve oneself. However, these can serve as the foundation for one to better themselves. From the gym to the classroom, everybody can make some form of change for the spring semester. People are not limited to making changes only around this time of year, but there’s always room for a welcome change. 

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