As we spring into the new year, it’s about time to start setting resolutions. Resolutions are a way to set goals for yourself but they’re not always easy to follow through with. According to a poll on Portrait’s Instagram, 57% of students said they set a New Year’s resolution for themselves and 43% said they didn’t.
Zoey Ron (12), is one of the students who set a resolution this year. She wanted to stop procrastinating on schoolwork and dedicate more time to academics.
“I want to actually put more effort and care into my assignments,” Ron said.
For Ron, It’s easy to make resolutions, but not so easy to follow them. As a senior, Ron feels ready to spring into a new chapter of her life and leave high school behind.
“I’m tired, I’m a senior, I want to graduate,” Ron said.
Resolutions are nothing new for Ron, having set them since she was five. She makes it her goal to set one every year and tries her best to follow through with them.
“I try to set at least one every year,” Ron said.“ I tend to stick with it until something major in my life happens.”
Not only are resolutions fun to set but they can be beneficial as well. For Ron, setting yearly goals keeps her more focused on the things she needs to get done. Resolutions are something that she has been doing for 13 years and something that she foresees herself doing in the future.
Matthew Rumsey (11) set a resolution to engage in more physical activities and go outdoors more.
“I wanted to go on more runs and walks,” Rumsey said.
However, the recent weather is hindering Rumsey’s ability to follow through with his resolutions and has made it a little difficult to complete. Being occupied with sports has also made it a little challenging to follow through with his resolutions.
Resolutions are still a new experience for Rumsey but he sees himself setting more of them in the future.
Lastly, Elsa Elhenicky (12) went into 2025 hoping to learn how to cook, work out regularly, and set aside time at the end of each week to get herself organized.
“I want to make sure I work out at least three times a week, and every Sunday that I totally reset,” Elhenicky said.
The cooking resolution has been the toughest one for Elhenicky, especially finding the discipline to learn new recipes.
Like Rumsey, Elhenicky is also partially new to setting resolutions.
“I’ve never actually tried like I am this year,” Elhenicky said.
Overall, resolutions are a great way to set goals, grow as a person, and hold yourself accountable. But they aren’t always easy to follow. Setting realistic, achievable goals—such as committing to something once a week—can help you stay consistent without feeling discouraged. Remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress!
