Resolutions Redefined

Hello readers! Welcome to my first post of 2025! Happy graduation year to me! Happy ¼ of the way through the 21st century! And of course, Happy New Year to all of you! The start of a new year is a time to reflect and reminisce. It's also a moment to make fresh goals for the unknown months ahead. New Year's resolutions are a time-honored tradition, and while I may have stumbled with them in the past, I’m determined to make this year different. I’ve realized that sharing my resolutions with all of you will hold me accountable, so here we go!

First off, I really need to get off my phone. The endless hours spent on TikTok and Netflix? Those are officially over. I’m setting a strict screen time limit for myself and aiming for at least one digital detox a week. I’ll still need my computer for school, but my phone is just a distraction. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I want to focus on studying for upcoming tests and actually getting ahead on my assignments. Procrastination is no longer an option. My phone has become this constant source of stress, creating problems that aren’t even there and keeping me anxious. With less screen time, I’m hoping to clear up mental space and really focus on what matters.

Next, I really need to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Lately, I’ve been getting only six or seven hours of sleep, and I can definitely feel it—heavy eyes in class and extra crankiness towards my mom. It all comes back to procrastination. If I stay on top of my work over the weekends and after school, I can get to bed earlier and wake up feeling more refreshed. I can even set up apps to remind me to cut down on screen time and actually get some sleep.

Finally, I want to do something I can be proud of, though I’m still figuring out exactly what that is. I have access to tools and opportunities that other teens would love to have, and I really want to use them to make a difference for others. My goal this year is to find a way to give back, whether that’s through volunteering, starting a project, or using my skills to help people in my community. I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and my goals!