Determined to work out more in 2024? Get fewer detentions? Achieve better grades? Or be more outgoing? If so, you’re in good company. Approximately 59% of young adults make a New Year’s resolution, according to Insideout Mastery.

But what kind of goals are teens setting? And how many actually stick to their pledge? We asked students about a resolution they made in 2023 and their journey with it.

Mike McFeeture, a junior, shared, “My New Year’s resolution for 2023 was to be more patient, especially on the road as a motorist. I realized impatience was a big issue when I was driving. There’s something about slow drivers that really tested my limits!” he chuckled, a bit embarrassed, as he confessed that his resolution lasted only about three weeks.

An article in Forbes notes that New Year’s resolutions typically fade within 2-4 months, often forgotten or abandoned. It seems Mike’s experience was not unique.

Maddy Herbele, another junior, had a different tale. “My goal was to immerse myself in more books during 2023, and guess what? I did it!” Her eyes lit up as she spoke about the worlds she explored through reading and reflected on how her life was enriched by reading.

According to Discover Happy Habits, only 9-12% of people actually see their resolutions through to completion. Natalie Eich, a senior, is among this select group. “In 2023, I vowed to spend more time with my siblings. It wasn’t easy with our busy schedules, but I managed to plan weekly activities. Board games, movie nights, even just chatting over snacks – it brought us closer,” she reflected, her voice warm with fond memories.

Do you need a better way to reach your goals? Consider the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) approach. This strategy could have helped Mike track his patience in a more tangible way, perhaps extending the lifespan of his resolution on the highways and byways of Northeast Ohio.

Ella Girard, a sophomore, also faced a challenge. “I aimed to earn first-team All-Ohio in my freshman year,” she said, a mix of pride and disappointment in her tone. “I ended up with second-team all-conference, which is great, but it wasn’t the goal I set for myself.” Keep at it, Ella!

So, how do you create a SMART goal? An article in MindTools suggests asking key questions like: What exactly do I want to achieve? How will I measure my progress? Is my goal realistically achievable? What’s the relevance of this goal in my life? What can I do in the next six weeks to get closer to my goal? The answers can be a roadmap to your success.

Brody Mineard, a freshman, takes a different stance. “I don’t make resolutions,” he stated plainly.

Remember, there’s no obligation to make a New Year’s resolution. But if you do, consider using the SMART plan to enhance your chances of success and have a reason to celebrate when 2024 comes to a close!