After the unpredictable year that was 2020, New Year’s resolutions are likely to be a little different this time around. 

“I think resolutions have changed after 2020 because a lot of people say their resolution is to go to the gym more or travel more, but people aren’t comfortable with doing these things because of covid,” said Jerod Texeira (‘22).

Many 2020 resolutions were quickly made impossible with the pandemic.

“One of my resolutions for 2020 was to do well in diving. It went well at first, but the season got canceled in March,” said Nicole Bellevile (‘23).

Resolutions need to be modified to aid the new routine of staying inside and keeping one’s distance.

“After everything that happened in 2020, I think there might be a greater focus on both mental and physical health within people’s resolutions,” said Dalynn Miller (‘21).

Common focuses have shifted in light of having more time and a new perspective.

“2020 has made my resolutions and goals more about things I enjoy rather than just doing well in school. My resolution for 2021 is to focus more on myself and the things I like rather than what most other kids my age are doing,” said Belleville.

However, regardless of the shift in applicable goals, there are always those who stay away from resolutions no matter the circumstances.

 “Maybe it’s secretly born out of laziness, but the switch to a new year seems kind of arbitrary to me and I don’t feel the need to create specific goals to cater to that. I see it more as a reminder of a passage of time, an opportunity to look promisingly to the future, and assigning a number to the year that won’t feel fitting until a couple months in,” said Miller.

No matter the circumstances, one student explains a resolution applicable to every year.

“I think it’s important to work toward being your best self all year. This year, my ‘resolution’, if anything, is to be more present and intentional with my time. This means spending less time mindlessly on my phone and more time creating things, reflecting, and spending time with the people I love–as safely as possible,” said Miller.