NEW YEAR’S resolutions have become a yearly practice in many countries. As we approach the start of a new year, there is a natural desire to reflect on the past and establish goals for the next year.
Resolutions indicate a new beginning and a desire to be better and break free from old habits. Despite various difficulties in following through, it remains appealing to many people because of the idea of optimism.
The concept of having another year to give it a shot and maybe this time succeed and go as planned. However, in addition to stating all of the resolutions, there is a lot to discuss in terms of implementing them.
That is why republicasia delved into the relevance of New Year’s resolutions in an interview, particularly with Gen Zs, to uncover frequent causes for their failure and suggest strategies for accomplishing meaningful goals.
What has happened this year?
In an interview with republicasia, Ayessa Abana, a 24-year-old Gen Z nurse, stated that it was difficult for her to follow through on her plans owing to the difficulties of transitioning to adulthood.
Adulting derailed her from her 2024 New Year’s resolution, but forced her to be more adaptive in the face of a difficult year. This also helped her realize that life does not always go as planned.
“It’s my first year as an adult. I thought once you graduate and pass your boards, everything would go according to your plan, pero hindi pala ganon ang buhay,” Abana shared.
“Andaming hindi nangyari sa plano at nangyari na wala sa plano. It may not have been the way I envisioned it, but it was the year that humbled me so much and made me realize that we have our own timing for everything,” she added.
Photo Courtesy: Ayessa Abana | Facebook
Meanwhile, Ian Capati, 23, is preparing for his wedding in January 2025 after being engaged in June of this year. Last year, he set financial discipline as his aim for 2024.
However, it has become fairly difficult for him to balance his wedding preparations with the daily and monthly costs he has throughout the year.
“Last year, before entering this year, my biggest resolution was to save more money for my wedding. I wanted to be more disciplined financially so we could plan the event without added stress,” Capatid shared.
“I made progress by cutting down on unnecessary expenses and sticking to a budget, but unexpected costs got in the way of saving as much as I hoped. Still, every peso saved felt like a step closer to making our dream day a reality,” he added.
Is it even important?
For some, making a New Year’s resolution is a way to push oneself as they approach an already tough year. These are vital as they guide and keep them anchored in what they can anticipate from themselves.
“It’s absolutely important. Especially when it’s tied to something meaningful, like building a life with my fiancée,” Capati explained. “Resolutions help me stay grounded and remind me of the bigger picture.”
“They give me a sense of purpose and direction. But I also think it’s important to remain flexible—life happens, and setbacks don’t mean failure,” he went on to say.
While these resolutions exist to guide us, they are not meant to restrict us from changing our minds and accepting what the current events and opportunities provide to us.
“It’s a guide that we follow, but it’s not something that we must strictly adhere to,” Abana explained. “Most of the time, we find ourselves happier and more satisfied when we live in the moment rather than strictly following the goals we’ve set.”
“My psychiatrist once told me it’s okay to dream big, but in the pursuit of your dreams don’t forget to live in the moment,” she went on to share.
Gen Zs New Year’s resolution
It may be difficult to keep some resolutions, but both Abana and Capati recognized the need to be kinder to themselves this year. For both of them, imposing manageable goals and letting go of those that are excessively challenging are a must.
“[This year] I will pursue the things I’m passionate about, even though they scare me. I’m leaving behind the fear of starting, and I will take that first step toward my goals,” Abana said.
Photo Courtesy: Ian Capati | Facebook
Meanwhile for Capati, “For 2025, my focus is on saving more intentionally for our wedding and future together. I’m setting clear milestones.”
“Like growing our wedding fund and creating an emergency savings buffer for married life. Beyond just saving, I want to spend more thoughtfully—focusing on things that truly add value to our relationship and future,” he added.
No pressure
While setting specific and attainable goals, tracking progress, and fostering resilience are all essential in listing down New Year’s resolutions, the process of improving and achieving goals should be an enjoyable journey rather than a daunting one.
“As a Gen Z, I know how overwhelming it can be, especially with today’s challenges. It’s okay not to have everything perfectly figured out. Resolutions should inspire, not weigh you down with guilt,” Capati said.
“Focus on small wins, and remember that love and commitment matter more than having a flawless plan. To my fellow Gen Zs: don’t be too hard on yourselves. Every little step counts,” he added.
Ultimately, New Year’s resolutions are more than just changing our behavior; they are about changing our perspective and approach to life, accepting the possibility of a brighter future, and making the most of each new beginning.
