By Madeline Otten, Correspondent
As 2018 becomes part of the past and the new year rings in, resolutions are a hot topic. Whether it is influence from online advertisements, television commercials, or word of mouth, they are constantly being talked about.
New Year’s resolutions have existed for over 4,000 years thanks to the ancient Babylonians. Their celebration, known as Akitu, lasted for 12 days and was filled with new promises and loyalty to the king. Since then, different religions, groups, and people in general have adopted the tradition into their own celebrations.
Nowadays resolutions are a mostly secular practice, and most people make promises to themselves. According to a YouGov poll, the most common aspirations for 2018 were to eat more healthfully, get more exercise and save more money. However, in recent research, while as many as 45 percent of Americans say they make New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their goal.
There have been similar predictions for 2019, as well as focusing on better self-care and job-related goals. There has even been talk of micro-resolutions, through which each month something new is tackled or given up.
While some resolutions are kept and others are forgotten after a couple of weeks, Fluvanna County residents shared their goals for the new year.
Brandi Pannell, Palmyra
What is your New Year’s resolution?
To make more time to do the activities and things I enjoy such as spending time with my dog, Remington Noodle (Remy), and my family.
What concrete steps are you taking to accomplish your new goal?
I’m not going to waste my days off sleeping.
Why did you pick this goal?
My dog is a puppy and has many needs, like social needs, walks, and going to the vet, so I want to be there for him as much as possible. For my family, my parents are getting older and it is important to cherish the time you have with family.
What is a challenge you have faced in the past regarding reaching a goal?
My responsibilities at work and failure to take care of my personal matters.
Tell us about a successful New Year’s resolution that you have kept.
I have never kept a New Year’s resolution due to my work responsibilities, but I hope this year I have refocused.
Kyle Day, Palmyra
What is your New Year’s resolution?
To eat healthier.
What concrete steps are you taking to accomplish your new goal?
I am going to start easy and try to avoid junk food and greasy foods and hopefully become more structured in my meal planning as the year goes on.
Why did you pick this goal?
I’ve felt more lethargic and it is more than likely due to my current diet.
What is a challenge you have faced in the past regarding reaching a goal?
In the past, just having the discipline to achieve the goal is my biggest obstacle.
Tell us about a successful New Year’s resolution that you have kept.
Honestly, this will be my first New Year’s resolution.
Melanie Wilson, Palmyra
What is your New Year’s resolution?
I have three. I want to tighten and tone the three As. I also want to do one nice thing for someone else (not a family member) at least once a week, such as letting someone go ahead of me in line at the grocery store. And the last one is to stop sneaking candy from a co-worker’s car at work.
What concrete steps are you taking to accomplish your new goals?
To be specific with goals. For my fitness goal, I want to walk my dog at least once a day.
Why did you pick these goals?
We should not have to remind ourselves to be kind, but sometimes we do. We need to do better looking out for each other.
What is a challenge you have faced in the past regarding reaching a goal?
Time management.
Tell us about a successful New Year’s resolution that you have kept.
I started going to church on a regular basis.
Lauren Sullivan, Troy
What is your New Year’s resolution?
I’m graduating from George Mason University (GMU) in May with a communication degree and my resolution is to graduate with a job.
What concrete steps are you taking to accomplish your new goal?
GMU has a class designed for students about to enter the workforce. It’s called College to Career. I have a low course load for my final semester so I’ve signed up for this class to sharpen my résumé and interviewing skills.
Why did you pick this goal?
I chose this goal because it suits the point I’m at in my life. Obviously I want a job after I get a degree, but my goal is to have one before I graduate.
What is a challenge you have faced in the past regarding reaching a goal?
I would say outside forces that are beyond my control are struggles.
Tell us about a successful New Year’s resolution that you have kept.
My New Year’s resolution last year was to travel more. Since then, I studied abroad in Paris and this month I will study abroad in London. I hope to continue that resolution and travel more in 2019 as well.
Brooke Haislip, Scottsville
What is your New Year’s resolution?
I want to wake up and enjoy my mornings before work.
What concrete steps are you taking to accomplish your new goal?
In the past I’ve waited until the last minute to hop out of the bed and start my day. I want to wake up and enjoy a cup of joe and dive into my devotional. I believe that spending some time to myself will be a great way to not only start my days off, but start the new year off right. I am going to set my alarm for an hour earlier than I typically do. I also am going to set my coffee pot timer so the coffee is ready to go when I wake up.
Why did you pick this goal?
I picked this goal because I am always in a rush in the mornings! I am running around like crazy to get out the door to make it on time to work. I feel so rushed and frazzled in the mornings. I want to start 2019 off the right way. I also love spending time with my puppy in the mornings.
What is a challenge you have faced in the past regarding reaching a goal?
Everyone’s challenge with goals is definitely sticking to them, or at least mine has always been. I might stick to them for a week or two and then I slowly find myself not working toward my goal. I want to stick to it! I know it will lead to a healthier and happier Brooke.
Tell us about a successful New Year’s resolution that you have kept.
Honestly, I haven’t been the most successful with New Year’s resolutions. I did run a half marathon! That was pretty cool.
