What are Butler County’s New Year’s resolutions?
Ah, the New Year’s Resolution: Often made, not often fulfilled.
While millions of Americans make a promise at the start of a new year to better their lives, research shows only a small percentage of them actually follow through with that promise to the end.
According to a survey conducted last year by Forbes Health, more than half of all New Year’s resolutions — 52.1% — last three months or less before they are abandoned. In many cases, this happens because the goals are unrealistic or too specific.
Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions include losing a certain number of pounds, stopping a bad or unhealthy habit such as smoking, or making better financial decisions.
Chelsea Furl, who took a dip in the Allegheny River at the Parker Polar Plunge on Wednesday, Jan. 1, said that her resolution is to “eat less and definitely go on a diet.”
Similarly, Richard McGowan, who also was present at the Polar Plunge, said that his resolution is to “just eat right, eat healthy, and drink less beer.”
For Rita Young, an experienced hiker who participated in Moraine State Park’s First Day Hike, her goal is to reach 200 total miles on trails within the year.
“I was able to do 300 once, in 2020, thanks to COVID,” Young said. “I’m going to try to hike somewhere every weekend.”
Maddie Rudman, who works at the Beacon Hotel in Forward Township, pledged to run a half-marathon in 2025.
Other New Year’s resolutions sound more long-term in nature. Jordan S., who requested that his last name not be published, pledged to finish listening to the audiobook for the book “Eat That Frog!” by Brian Tracy and implement the book’s 21 pieces of advice for becoming more productive.
“It’s about productivity and not procrastinating,” Jordan said. “I’m going to do all the things that the book recommends for this year.”
Many have begun to reject the notion of New Year’s resolutions altogether.
Lianne and Brent Thiec, of Stoneboro, attended the Silvester event on New Year’s Eve alongside their daughter, Ella. Instead of adopting resolutions, they instead chose to follow their daughter’s words.
“Ella always says that if you want to make some type of change to your life, you should do it now,” Lianne said. “There’s no point in waiting.”
