By Karah Wilson
karah@southerntorch.com
DEKALB CO., Ala.—One of the biggest New Year’s traditions is making a New Year’s resolution. Some of us may make the same ones each year because they were easily broken, or you may make new ones because you were successful with the previous one.
The top ten most common resolutions, according to statisticbrain.com, are: lose weight, get organized, spend less and save more, enjoy life to the fullest, staying fit and healthy, learn something exciting, quit smoking, help others in their dreams, fall in love, and spend more time with family.
45% of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions while 17% are infrequent and 38% absolutely never make them. Among these that make resolutions, 8% are successful in their resolutions, 49% are infrequent, and 24% never succeed.
47% of resolutions made are self-improvement or education based. 38% are made based on weight, 34% are based off of money, and 31% are based off of relationships. 39% of those who achieve their resolution are in their 20’s to 40’s. 14% are 50 or older. 75% maintain their resolutions in the first week, 71% make it to the second week, 64% make it through one month, and 46% make it through six months.
New Year’s resolutions are something that has been going on since long before any of us could remember. The Babylonians promised their gods that at the start of each year, they would return the borrowed objects and pay their debts. Romans began their year by making promises to the god Janus, which January is named after.
New Year’s resolutions have been a tradition for a long time and don’t see an end. Try and stick to your resolution this year for as long as you can!
Southern Torch’s New Year’s Resolutions
Dwayne Adams: Well, like many of us, my goal is to lose weight, but I can’t decide if I want to go low-carb or vegetarian/vegan. Either way, I’m going to have to move more.
Angie Reynoso: I have never been the one to set New Year’s resolutions but I do set new and higher goals for myself. I would like to see a bigger and brighter year for me and my family. My ultimate goal is to see my husband cancer free. Happy New Year!
Karah Wilson: My resolution is to keep my grades at all A’s and maintain the friends I have by building on those relationships and remember to keep myself happy in the process.
Diego Reynoso: My New Years resolution is to be be healthy, productive and spend more quality time with my family
Tyler Pruett: To finally get back in the gym. Although no one should hold their breath, I’ve been trying to for 6 months!
Joseph Morgan: I have three personal goals for 2016: 1) Spend more time with my family and loved ones. 2) Make time for myself outside of work to be more social and enjoy my down time. 3) Spend time each day to be active and get in better shape.
Marla Jones: My New Year’s Resolution is to be the best Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Sports Editor that I can be. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year! May 2016 be the best year ever!
