At this time last year, 29 percent of people had already given up their New Year’s resolutions, according to research done by the University of Scranton. A New Year’s resolution is a promise to yourself to improve something about yourself throughout the year. Different kinds of New Year’s resolutions can include improving grades, losing weight, or quitting smoking.

Trying to change something that is a habit takes commitment. A common myth is that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but the reality is that depending on the difficulty, it can take much longer. On average, it’s 66 days, according to a study done at University College London. If you do not commit to your resolution, you will not get anything out of it.

Not only should your goal be achievable, it needs to be measurable. For example, instead of just saying, “I will be healthier,” say, “I will exercise three days a week for 30 minutes”. It is much easier to achieve something if you have a specific goal and you know exactly what success will look like.

I think if you are going to make a New Year’s resolution, you should try your hardest to stick to it and not just waste your time or other people's. It’s pointless to say you’re going to do something if you actually never do it. Yeah, you’re going to have slip ups, and it’s going to be hard, but that’s life. You need to pick yourself back up and continue.