A new chapter of the book is turned as we hit the New Year. 2017 – A time for fresh starts, new beginnings and the chance to become a healthier, happier you, right?

New Year’s Resolutions can be hard to think of, yet they seem to be even harder to stick to. Millions of people set themselves these idealised goals at the start of each year, in the hope to become a new and improved version of themselves by the end of it. Why is it that we feel the need to set ourselves these unrealistic targets when, in all honesty, we lack the motivation to carry them out?

Everyone is guilty of it. Setting yourself far-fetched goals – the usual suspects. Be a better person. Eat your five a day. Stop snacking. Use the treadmill that’s been uselessly sitting in the spare room for the past few years, collecting dust. You spread the “New year, new me” talk to your friends and family, as if you’re a changed person already when, frankly, you’re the same couch potato you’ve always been if all you are going to do is talk about it.

It’s around mid-February when everything goes pear shaped and your resolutions start losing steam. In a matter of weeks, you’re back to your same old routine: the rumour spreading, gossiping, can’t-be-bothered-to-make-dinner-so-I’ll-get-a-Chinese-takeout person you’ve always been.

And that is our problem. We are so determined to achieve something in life, that we feel the only way to do so, is by changing ourselves.  

Grace Flowers - Young Reporter