“New Year, New Me,” many say as the ball drops. They make their New Year’s resolutions. But truly, how many of these Americans actually go through with these resolutions?

Studies show that only 42% of Americans actually make a resolution and stick with it, and studies show that it actually has something to do with our brains and the way it works. Tim Pychyl, a psychologist at Carleton University in Ottawa, said that it’s more of the process of thinking about it rather than actually taking action to do it. When people say they’re going to be more active, it’s the idea that satisfies them in the moment instead of them actually having to get up off the couch and move.

Leigh Thomas, a band teacher here at Bob Jones said, “I have made New Year’s resolutions for this year that I am hoping to accomplish. I plan on eating better, getting more sleep, and meet deadlines better and on time. So far, I have been keeping up with my resolution and I have hope that I will keep doing it for the rest of the year.”

High school students have a better chance of achieving their resolutions. Whenever a student sets a goal or makes a resolution, it gives them a little more confidence and reassurance that they’re doing something right, especially when he or she accomplishes his or her goal. If a student makes a resolution, they have a better chance of sticking with it than most adults do. Many students at Bob Jones have actually made New Year’s resolutions for 2017.

Milkhi Stewart, a senior here at Bob Jones said, “For 2017, I made some resolutions that I know I can stick with. I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to work harder to be nicer and to get better at football. I haven’t given up on my resolution yet because I really feel like I can accomplish these things.”

Chloe Henderson and Jasmyn Montalvo, both freshmen here at Bob Jones said, “We’ve both made New Year’s resolutions for this year that I know we can accomplish. We hope that we can grow closer to the Lord and that they can get out more and travel. We know that we can stick with this resolution because it’s something that we really want to have a great New Year with new beginnings.”

People make New Year’s resolutions for many different reasons, whether it’s to become a better person, to get better grades, or even to get better at a sport. Whatever the case may be, it all depends on what you do each day to make sure you’re on track.