January marks the beginning of a new year, and for many people, ‘a new me’. The common phrase refers to a fresh start; a chance to start anew, defined by a long list of New Years Resolutions. Though a refreshing compilation of goals and aspirations, how realistic are these resolutions? Do they genuinely last? As the end of January is upon us, who can honestly say that they have upheld ALL of their targets for the New Year?

Typically, New Years Resolutions take the form of body improvements and fitness targets, many including weight-loss and a healthier diet plan. Others may revolve around aiming for better grades in school, putting others before one’s self, or even just trying make a better year of 2017 than the last. When asking around, one relative who was very much inspired by the ideals and prospect of a fresh start reveals her experience with the resolutions that she set for herself, and depicts whether or not she now sees them as a reachable goal…

Victoria Aelen, aged 24, expressed that “my New Years Resolution, like many, was to join the gym and lose a bit of weight. But it hasn’t quite worked out that way yet”.

“I still intend on sticking to it, it is just a question of fitting it around my daily lifestyle”.

The image of a healthier, happier you can be extremely desirable, especially when you have the time and motivation. However, for many, January has seen the collapse of the resolutions that were once innocently plotted  by their younger, hopeful self; so is this ‘new year, new me’ label really that realistic? Victoria notes; “for the first month or so it seems plausible. But as a long term goal it’s not realistic for most people”.

Nevertheless, having New Years Resolutions for some do prove successful and are a great inspiration to those looking to better themselves in some way. If, like Victoria, it hasn’t quite yet been set-in-motion, why not start today? Tomorrow? Any day is a new opportunity to realise your goals – not just in the event of a new year. Why wait 11 months when you could embark on a 'new you' now? It is never too late to pursue something that you want, regardless of how off-putting or unachievable it may seem.

Besides, Chinese New Year has merely just begun… perhaps this could be a second chance for us all!

Lucy O'Brien - Erith School