By Angela Mabry, ECHS Math Teacher

It’s that time of year again. We are headed toward the winter holidays and a new year. You know what that means. It is time to ponder what my New Year’s Resolution should be for 2023.  Although I have skipped some years, I almost always make one. They are quite diverse–from saving more money to running a 10K to getting my master’s degree. I am basically all over the map from year to year, and I bet it does not surprise you that I have failed to stick with many of my New Year’s resolutions. The concept sounds so amazing–starting a new year with a clean slate and a brand new calendar/planner, followed by recording my resolution for the year. Although I start off strong, by around February, I have lost my mojo and the resolution has gone by the wayside.

As a result, I do not think resolutions are particularly effective, at least in my life. Many of mine over the years looked like “pipe dreams” which ultimately did not end well. Well-known motivation coach Tony Robbins, says, “Transforming your life requires deep self-reflection, overcoming your limiting beliefs, and building new habits. The best New Year’s resolutions are about setting goals and making a dedicated plan to achieve them” (Robbins, n.d.). In my case, it seems that I never commit to make the necessary life changes to achieve success. But all may not be lost! I can turn it around this year and take the time to really put together a SMART goal and a plan for success this year. Who knows? Maybe next year, I will be able to write about how effective New Year’s resolutions can be.

Robbins, Tony. (n.d.). “Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail.” The Tony Robbins Blog. Productivity & Performance.  

        Retrieved from https://tonyrobbins.com.