Students share their resolutions

University Relations photo Students enjoy workouts at the Rec Center

It’s that time of year – time to make or break your New Year’s resolutions. According to a 2023 poll from Forbes Health, researchers discovered that nearly half of Americans make New Year's resolutions.

Only about 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days. Some students shared their thoughts about the process of making and keeping resolutions.

“Overall, I think New Year’s resolutions can be a good thing,” said Garrett Harmon, a junior social science education major from Chelsea, Alabama. “However, I feel like many people set expectations too high for themselves.

“If people set smaller, more achievable goals for themselves, I feel like more could be accomplished. I think focusing on making slow progress overtime is the way people should approach their New Year’s resolutions.”

Abbey Richardson, a sophomore marine biology major from Prattville, Alabama, also shared her feelings on the effectiveness of New Year’s resolutions.

“I think New Year’s resolutions can be good or bad depending on circumstances,” Richardson said. “I think it’s great to consider the New Year as a fresh start and an opportunity to embrace something new, but at the same time, temporary excitement does not always lead to lasting habits.”

Typically, exercising frequently and eating healthier are at the top of many New Year’s resolutions. In contrast, Troy students have an interesting variety of resolutions  they hope to accomplish in 2025.

“I am challenging myself to get more into reading during my spare time,” said Maggie Scarbrough, a senior theater major from Thomasville, Alabama. “I also want to focus more on the positives in my life and focus on becoming more organized.”

Decreasing screen time is also a goal for some.

“I want to gradually decrease the amount of time that I spend on my phone,” Harmon said.

Riley Bryson, a risk management insurance major from Auburn, Alabama, believes New Year’s resolutions are often approached with a poor mindset.

“Most of the time, I think everyone gives up on their New Year’s resolutions within a few weeks,” Bryson said. “It may be a new year, but a lot of people still have the same mentality as before.”

In the eyes of Troy students, having a positive mindset and an achievable goal are focal points to keeping a New Year’s resolution.