“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow” – Albert Einstein.

What are New Year’s resolutions? It is believed that this tradition started about 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians along with the first recorded celebration of the new year, except their new year was mid-March. They would promise their gods to pay their debts and return any borrowed object. If they followed these promises, their gods would favor them in the upcoming new year. If they did not, they would fall out of the god’s favor (History.com).

This tradition has now followed throughout history and is still prevalent in the 21st century. Many people worldwide set goals and aspirations to complete within the upcoming year. Goals such as fitness, academic success, and self-improvement are what everyone wishes to accomplish as they take on the new year. However, a big part of New Year’s resolutions is the stereotypical inability to follow through on their promises. I’ve asked around the Flint Hill community to see what goals people have set for themselves and whether or not they tend to follow through on them. 

“ I don’t do New Year’s resolutions,”  says Upper School social science teacher Doug Schoemer

“ Last year, I promised myself I’d do more independent reading but fell short…but this upcoming year, my resolution is to spend more time with family and friends,” says senior Arti Marzban

“My resolution is to be more present,” says senior Tomas Dasek

Overall, the community census at Flint Hill seems to be very mixed. It is very diverse, from teachers not feeling the need to participate to students setting strong goals for themselves. It is essential to remind ourselves that if we fudge on our resolutions or maybe not follow through as strongly as we had hoped, that is okay. On the other hand, students and faculty should not be afraid to set strong goals for themselves. It’s essential to have a determined mindset and not go into the New Year already assuming that you will not follow through.