By Sharad KC

Statistics from the University of Scranton show that only 8 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually stick to them. Over the years, I have also made countless goals, and it is disappointing to say that I haven’t been successful in keeping even one of them. But this year, it is going to be different.

Studies have shown that people often fail to keep New Year’s resolutions for a number of reasons, such as: vague goals, too many goals, and timing of those goals (a lot of them are promised right before the countdown to midnight). I, personally, believe that it is more about one’s will power and our reluctance to ask for help with our friends and family.

In previous years, my goals would generally be about starting something new – something I have been thinking about doing but never tried. This year, I already promised myself that I would have a different kind of New Year’s resolution. As a result, I have already joined the gym, quit smoking (excluding Friday), and made several travel plans for the upcoming months. My idea is to start doing these things and make a New Year’s resolution to continue them into the New Year. I want them to be my daily habits for the rest of my life, rather than a onetime effort.

In short, my New Year’s resolution is to be in that 8 percent of people who succeed; year after year.