Each year presents new obstacles, relationships, joys, and sorrows. Once the new year hits, however, one definite obstacle for many people is simply keeping their New Year’s resolution.

The energy most people have when the ball drops at midnight starts to vanish upon the return to reality after break. Stress levels begin to rise, and the homework starts to pile on again. Soon, it is challenging to keep up with regular responsibilities, let alone a New Year’s resolution.

The goals that people set for themselves with such a high, positive energy at the start of January are often lofty and do not last long into the new year. In fact, a study from the University of Scranton revealed that only eight percent of people who made a New Year’s resolution were able to meet their goal. Several weeks into the year is typically when most people’s resolutions start to fall short or are just abandoned altogether.

It does not do any good to set a goal that is not very realistic or cannot be reached within a given time limit, but that does not mean goals cannot be broken down into achievable steps. Keeping a resolution requires more than just an idea of something one would like to accomplish. It is imperative to set a strategic plan to reach a resolution.

“Having a New Year’s resolution is tricky because sometimes you have to change what you do on a daily basis to reach your goal, which requires strength and determination,” said junior Davia Smith.

Picking a couple resolutions provides a good starting point towards reaching a goal. Resolutions should be somewhat challenging, yet within reach.

“My resolution was to stop procrastinating with my homework,” said senior Ciara Lopus. “I have been able to get myself to start it earlier because I remind myself I’ll have more free time.”

Writing down the resolutions on Post-it notes and placing them around the house also serve as great reminders and motivation. Someone looking to cut out junk food could put their note in the kitchen and remind themselves to resist the urge of grabbing some cookies, and reach for an apple instead.

The more a certain resolution is practiced, the more of a habit it becomes. Picking up habits over time can also lead to successfully completing a goal.

“I made a new year’s resolution to drink more water because it gives me more energy, wakes me up in the morning, and it’s an easy habit to keep,” said junior Ava Senkowski.

Using a calendar to keep track of progress is also a helpful tool. A calendar can be used to mark the days that something was done to contribute to the goal, like running on the treadmill, and it’s a visual representation of progress.