Freshman offers insight for 2026 resolutions

As the new year begins, many see a trend in New Year’s resolutions and goals for 2026. Freshman Hailey Bevins discussed the merits of goals and more in the new year.

Bevins said she believes it’s beneficial to set New Year’s goals each year, and that her friends are busy creating them as well.

“I think setting New Year’s resolutions is beneficial because it helps you establish habits early on in the year that can lead to your more long-term goals.”

Bevins said that she sees trends with her classmates’ motivations at the beginning of the year, especially.

“I do know my classmates are more motivated at the beginning of the year because it’s a fresh start, and I know that my friends are setting goals and they want to start the new year on a high note, especially since Christmas break ended and they have like new clothes, which makes people feel new.”

In addition, Bevins said there are also mental benefits to the new year mindset and setting goals for yourself. 

“I think that the New Year’s mindset helps with people’s mental health because the new year is a way to start fresh and to forget about the things you did last year, which can give people confidence and motivation to be a new person. Being a new person means that you can work on your physical health, and if you want to work on your physical health, it all starts with your mind and your mental health first.”

Bevins said she also sets her own personal New Year’s goals. This year, she wants to focus on faith.

“Yes, I set personal goals for myself every New Year. This year, I wanted to focus my goals on my faith. One goal I have is to grow even closer to God this year, like to keep reading my bible consistently and using my knowledge to be a light to others. I also want to become a better version of myself by not letting fear take over my life and others because of me.”

Bevins said that recognizing unreasonable goals is something you have to be aware of in the new year. She said that if you want to succeed, you should set reachable goals.

“From the past, I set goals that I thought were impossible and just tried to take them in big chunks, but I think if you start with a small consistent habit every day, you could start to see progress,” and “I’d suggest starting small and consistent in your goals, and they could turn bigger if you commit to it.”

In terms of advice, Bevins said to prioritize mental health over everything else in the new year.