"New Year Resolutions" by Nour D

 

The phrase “New Year, New Me” has been the common motto for the pinpoint of becoming a better person. A question that I used to frequently ask myself was “Why do people wait for a new year to finally want to better themselves?” until I did some deep research on the psychology of it. The transition from one year to the next is symbolic and associated with becoming a blank slate and starting from scratch. This symbolic significance carries a powerful psychological weight, allowing one to distance oneself from previous challenges or failures mentally.

To trace back, the end of the year usually marks the time for reflection. The time when people tend to assess their mistakes, failures, accomplishments, and areas that need improvement. When thinking about these factors, self-awareness gives ideas of opportunities that can be achieved when leaving the year. Therefore, it automatically implements the idea of wanting to better ourselves the year after.

Personally, I have fallen under the category of following through with the phrase “New Year, New Me.” Wanting to better myself in past years has been a goal for me year and year again. Practicing abstinence has been a common aim for many people. Whether it is to abstain from social media, alcohol, smoking, or any other heavy addiction, a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. To distract ourselves from the fact that we are abstaining from something, we tend to put our focus on something else such as the gym or baking. These are all healthy goals that are meant to stick around as a habit as time passes.

Another sense of motivation that is given by a new year is the fact that multiple people around you are also doing the same thing. The collective nature and popularity of New Year Resolutions creates a built-in support system. Knowing that others around you are also setting goals creates a sense of shared commitment, making individuals more likely to stay accountable and motivated in their pursuit of improvement.

            While the tradition may have its critics and the battle toward self-improvement is continuous, the start of a new year provides a unique opportunity for positive change. As we set our resolutions with a collective sense of purpose, the shared optimism becomes a motivation for development. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, the act of setting intentions at the beginning of a new year reflects a timeless human aspiration to evolve, learn, and become the best version of oneself. So, as we enter the new year, and the calendar turns, hopefully, the spirit of New Year's resolutions inspires us all to embrace the possibilities of growth, encouraging a year ahead filled with progress and pursuit of our most meaningful aspirations.