Within the first days of the new year, the necessity to reinvent yourself is imminent. As a veteran of resolution writing, I took some time to reflect on the resolutions my friends and I have made. Despite our tendency to set our sights too high and let ambition get the best of us, the same three resolutions always seem to show up. These resolutions, although common, are the first signs of risk, yet if done correctly, they carry the highest potential for reward.
In the big 2026, maybe it’s time we all started going outside more (though some would argue walking to classes is more than enough). With the chilly weather, it’s almost always smarter to stay inside—even if the heating in your room isn’t working, at least you’ll be safe from the biting wind. Winter is notoriously one of the hardest seasons to get through: it’s cold, gets dark early, and half the time there’s no sun. The last thing I want to do is to trek through the frosty grass, but on the few occasions I’ve forced myself outside, it’s been rewarding. Breathing in the fresh air, even if it freezes my lungs, and being battered by the icy wind can be surprisingly refreshing and a good reset when you’re overwhelmed. An added bonus is going for a walk with friends: endless laughter, unexpected surprises, and a whole lot of chaos. Just make sure you’re dressing appropriately — we don’t want another Taft flu epidemic.
Anyone who has ever made a resolution has likely considered sleeping a certain amount each night, usually between seven and nine hours. While science claims high schoolers need eight to ten hours, the perpetually busy life at Taft makes achieving that nearly impossible. This resolution, combined with the infinite onslaught of assignments and assessments, often comes with desperation, denial, and delusion, so let’s stop lying to ourselves. A good goal is an attainable one, and this one just isn’t. Still, if you want to make the minimal sleep you get worthwhile, try keeping your room pitch-black, putting your phone somewhere off your bed, or having everything ready the night before to avoid last-minute hassle. Instead of sleeping more, let’s try to sleep better.
In my honest and humble opinion, the resolution my sister should make is to spend less money. She’s the kind of person who would have a wishlist miles long if we didn’t share an Amazon account. While this isn’t a bad habit, it can be rough on the old pocketbook, especially when you’re a high schooler and unemployed. Spending less requires precise juggling of the things you want, the things you can afford, and the things you probably don’t need. I had this issue myself when I was deciding what computer to buy, but that’s the magic of online shopping — coupons and sales. Trust that with time and a little bit of frustrating patience, the things you want will probably get cheaper.
Within the last decade or so, I’ve made many different resolutions, some of my favorites being “I will convince my parents to buy me a swing set” and “I will wake up early.” Unsurprisingly, neither lasted very long, but maybe that’s the point. Resolutions aren’t meant to be grand declarations that magically transform you in time for spring; they’re meant to be small resets, a chance to try something new. Whether it’s going outside for air, getting the most out of sleep, or resisting the urge to splurge, progress doesn’t have to be perfect to count, and if your resolution falls apart by February, you’ve earned yourself a one-way ticket to the coolest club in the world. At least there’s always next year.
