The Blue Devil Fitness Center has been packed this semester — well, at least the first few days. All the gym regulars roll their eyes when the benches and treadmills are full, knowing full-well people will start dropping like flies as the semester goes on.
General hypotheses state that all the extra gym-goers stem from New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get fit. But if the hypotheses hold true, most of these resolutions will fall away before being completed. What, then, is the point of making resolutions in the first place?
“I always make resolutions because turning over a new [leaf in the new] year always feels good, and I believe that it’s always good to keep goals,” said one Leader staff member. “I may not always achieve all of them, but that’s okay because goals always change.”
Another Leader staff member, however, can’t remember if she’s ever stuck to, and completed, a New Year’s resolution.
“I think resolutions can be harmful if they’re unrealistic. as long as you keep your goals attainable, I think they’re good,” she said. “I, however, didn’t make any. My life is in such a giant state of flux in all aspects, that I don’t want to make any promises to myself, or set goals for myself, that I’m not sure I can keep.”
Does that person who stops going to the gym in February feel defeated for the rest of the year? Does that person get to the end of the year and look back in shame? The Leader staff feels that while it’s good to motivate yourself for the new year, Jan.1 is not the only time people should be aiming to better themselves.
“I think resolutions are a great way to become motivated,” said a third Leader staff member. “But resolutions should not just start when the new year comes around. You can make a resolution in the middle of the year. Set small goals for yourself and then start dreaming big.”
“A new year is a clean time to say you’ll make a change,” added a fourth staff member. “But I think we’d be better off if we resolved more consistently throughout the year, or if we adjusted our goals constantly and not according to any calendar.”
So, Fredonians, good luck with your New Year’s resolutions. But appreciate the fact that everyday is a good day to aim for the highest form of yourself, and that should last a lifetime — not just when the ball drops.
The Leader staff wish to send their deepest condolences to the students, faculty and administration at SUNY Geneseo, as well as all those affected by the recent tragedy.