What is it with the changing of the calendar that makes people suddenly promise to lose weight or save more money?
They say the reason could be the perceived “unlimited potential of the new year” or the feeling of “starting off with a clean slate.” New year, new you, right? So we keep making “New Year’s resolutions,” a list of things we should be doing and should be changing to become that one perfect specimen worthy of the all the good things life has to offer – or maybe not perfect, but at least a better version of ourselves. But sadly for most people, the items on their list only get carried over to next year, because the novelty fizzles fast by February or March.
A 2015 study by the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania reveals only eight percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions successfully achieve their goals. Meanwhile, in 2014, finder.com.au found out that two in every three people don’t succeed with their New Year’s promises, with 80 percent failing in the first three months. These people failed because they set impossible goals (35 percent), didn’t keep track of their progress (33 percent), forgot about it (23 percent) and made too many resolutions (10 percent).
Despite these telling figures, many of us keep making a list before the clock strikes 12; optimistic that the new year brings with it innumerable possibilities. Then we fail, because a list is not like a guaranteed magical transformation; it’s hard work. We try again, and by determination we succeed. Then next year we aim higher.
Against other generations, Gen Y (aged 18-34) or the millennials are said to be the most resolute, with 39 percent achieving success (according to University of Scranton). And 72 percent of them claim that sharing their goals on social media help them achieve and stick to their list (finder.com.au).
So we asked a few Filipino millennials to share their resolutions for 2016 and perhaps to hold them accountable for their list. According to several studies, millennials are more focused on career, relationships and saving money than younger and older generations. Find out if this holds true for these students and young professionals.
Yesnaia Salazar,
19, student
“In 2016, I want to polish my study routine and set a schedule for my school and social life to help me transition smoothly for when I become a member of the working force.”
Clarence Manaois,
20, student
“My resolution will not be about improving my physical fitness or changing to a healthy diet, which never happens anyway, but rather to become a more responsible social media user. I noticed many people use these sites to simply share how beautiful they are or to check their ‘likers’ and ‘followers.’ I know it’s their account and it’s a free country, but who cares if you’re getting fat, if you have a pimple, or if you receive those fan signs? I vow I will not be the one I hate, I will make sure that whatever I post has sense.”
Joezel Samson, 23,
graphic artist
“2015 has been a great year for me. I was able to accomplish most of the items on my list – most of them mundane things I know I can achieve in a span of a year. For 2016, what I have on my list are things that focus on self-improvement: I want to be bold, to be more productive, to discover new skills and to be a risk-taker.”
Karen Manuel, 24,
accounting associate
“My only New Year’s resolution is to master time management; to avoid being late in all circumstances.”
Laureen Uy, 26,
fashion blogger
“My New Year’s resolution would be to be more fit and healthy, and to give priority to exercise.”
Leo Balante, 27,
marketing writer/stylist/creative director
“To be more balanced and to be more focused on what I want to achieve.”
Joba Botana, 27,
assistant PR manager
“My resolutions would be: to be more thorough and diligent in all of my undertakings whether at work or in my personal life, to be able to help more and give back, to be more spiritual and at peace with myself whatever the circumstances are, to be more financially responsible, and to be able to adhere to a healthier lifestyle and to love myself more.”
Joseph Asong, 30,
PR manager
“Being a highly-driven millennial, my New Year’s resolutions would be to build more projects and campaigns that will allow me to travel and meet different people, to take more long travels – in places where most people wouldn’t even dare go to – as opposed to short ones to create experiences that are worth remembering, to have bigger savings, to spend more things that really matter: new adventures, health and social life, and to buy more shoes and clothes that would allow me to be more comfortable and will definitely boost my confidence.
Arnel Vasquez, 32,
media relations manager
“They say millennials are too passionate and dedicated at work, but I believe that while you’re working to achieve your goals in your career, millennials should never forget to give themselves time to rest and do something that makes them truly happy. So my New Year’s resolutions would be to have more time for myself and for my family.”
