I have a bad habit of making resolutions and goals but making no plan to achieve them. At the end of each year I write down empty resolutions or superficial goals, fully aware that I have little intention to revisit them into the new year.

Looking back through my notes app and random notebooks, my new years resolutions have been very similar for several years.

In 2020 I wanted to read every day, watch less tv, and drink more water.

In 2022 I wanted to draw and read more often, spend less time on social media, and eat better. 

In 2024 I wanted to create more art, read more books, and improve my diet.

These occurring themes of improving my physical health and acquiring more knowledge and creativity, show that I know what type of person I want to be. The fact that they have been the same since I was just twelve years old, shows that I’ve done little to become that person.

I want to keep all of these resolutions moving into 2025, but differently from the past, this year I will take steps to actually achieve them, even if it means making changes to my very comfortable life. Afterall, nothing changes if nothing changes.

And maybe there are new resolutions I should make. As I get older and continue to think about college, I should begin saving money and getting organized. Also, as I get older I find it more important to spend time with friends and family and sort of come out of my shell socially.

So when I sit down to make my 2025 new years resolution, I will also create a plan to put myself in a position to actually achieve them – making very specific goals, coming up with a way to hold myself accountable, or whatever it takes.