Happy New Year! Wow what a year it has been, and as 2025 comes to a close, one thing on everyone’s mind is how to make themselves in the next year better. As everyone knows, the infamous saying goes, “New year, New me”. A catchy and optimistic saying, but under the layers it captures something real. From drinking more water, to less procrastination, or just being kinder to ourselves, the new year is a great time to sit and reflect; a rare cultural pause. This is the one time of year where the world collectively thinks about growth.
But how many times do New Year’s resolutions actually stick? Studies often show that a majority of people give up on their resolutions before February, with new years resolutions becoming almost a running joke. But why does it have to be this way?
Resolutions are so important, because they push us to look within ourselves. In a world that never stops moving, whether it be college applications, school, sports, social media, or societal expectations, it can be extremely hard to even have a second to pause and fully reflect. True growth begins when we look inward, and take a second to think about how to better ourselves, and the New Year forces us to do just that, ask the question of who you are becoming, and who you want to become.
There is something so powerful about this, billions of people all trying to better themselves. We are all on such different paths and journeys in life, the New Years gives us the ability to hit a reset button as a society and know that change is possible and the first step of the journey.
So, here are some tips on how to continue growing through the new year and beyond;
First, don’t be afraid of failure. It’s okay for resolutions to bend as you grow and evolve, failure is inevitable, but sets you apart if you get back up, and restart. Missing a day doesn’t mean you have failed whatsoever, it just means you are human, and that is amazing! The saying goes “Progress, not perfection”.
Second, plan and envision. Have feasible goals that you will be able to complete and then write them down, put a sticky note on your mirror, or anything you can do to see your vision.
Finally, celebrate each step! Find goals you are passionate about and just do it. Every step forward is a move towards the next chapter. Be proud of what you have accomplished. When you reinforce to yourself change is possible, you will be motivated to keep going.
The idea of New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t circle around if they last or not, but instead should serve as a reminder that we are allowed to grow and better ourselves. Even when time moves fast, we do not have to be stuck in the crowd. Remember that You don’t need a brand new you, because the person who you are today has been meticulously crafted through every moment. Growing with time as memories and experience have shaped you, but you can always grow and find goals to help you through your journey of life.
As we step into 2026, take a second from the chaos and focus on becoming a truer you. You don’t need some sort of perfect plan or criteria on what your next year will look like, just a beginning, and the new year offers just that. And honestly, that itself is worth celebrating. So have a very happy New Year Mustangs, let’s make it a great one!
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