Earning more money. Doing some much-needed cleaning. Being successful at school.
Those are just some of the resolutions people across the region have as they plan to ring in the new year.
In fact, between 40 and 45 percent of the American population will make a New Year’s resolution, according to polling by researchers at the University of Scranton. About 8 percent of individuals will keep their resolutions and meet their goals, the research suggests.
But some, like Janice Lipps of Bradford, have no specific goals in 2017. She said she “can’t think of anything.”
“I am just taking it one day a time, as it comes,” she said as she stood on a snowy Main Street in the city on Friday.
But Steve Chapman of Bradford said he wants to work harder and make more money.
He said he tries to make a New Year’s resolution each year. “I hope to keep it. I will try to keep it,” Chapman said.
For her part, Kim Crouse, executive director of Bright Alternatives Inc. of Bradford, said she plans on concentrating on paying off debt, so she could do more to help others.
“And just over all make better choices to be more positive, healthier, and kinder,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ann DeHaven of Port Allegany said she is planning to continue her 2005 house cleaning project.
For local attorney Stan Pecora of Bradford, he said he plans on doing some cleaning at his office on Main Street. He said he plans to clean out his office after 53 years of paperwork have built up.
He said he doesn’t plan on retiring, just doing some much-needed tidying, Pecora indicated.
For the first time in her life, Beth Hollowell of Weatherly said she is making resolutions. The first one is to be more active.
“I am a stay-at-home mom and just don’t move around as much as I should,” she said. “The second is to make a routine/schedule. I am always running around like a crazy person trying to get my kiddos ready and out the door for school.”
Her husband, Phil Hollowell, formerly of Hinsdale, N.Y., however, said he has never been into New Year’s resolutions. But this year he is going to make another go at it.
He said he wants to “make improvements in my physical fitness, for my family and for my local fire department in which I volunteer at.”
In Bradford, Jonathan Palmer initially said he never has a resolution for the new year.
But then he said when he begins classes at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in January, he wants to get all A’s. He has aspirations of becoming a math teacher.
For those people who desire to maintain a resolution, there are several tips available.
First, people should start small in choosing a resolution.
“Rather than resolving to lose 50 pounds, start with a more manageable goal, such as losing 10 pounds. When you reach the goal, you will feel more confident and then you can up the ante,” according to information provided by Metro Creative Graphics Inc.
People should also set a reasonable time frame.
“Be realistic when determining how long it will take to achieve your goal. Achieving a difficult goal can take time, so don’t expect overnight success,” Metro Creative Graphics Inc. points out.
In addition people should practice self-control in every area of their lives. Individuals should also obtain support or talk it out, according to Metro Creative Graphics Inc.
“Speaking about what you are going through and getting reassurance from other people can work wonders to strengthen resilience,” according to Metro Creative Graphics Inc. “When the desire to quit sneaks up, you can consult with a friend or consider a support group.”
Lastly, people should have an accountability system in place.
“Institute a rewards system for your success,” Metro Creative Graphics Inc. points out. “You might even use a monetary system as a double-bonus. When you stick to a resolution over a predetermined period, put a dollar in a jar. If you fall off course, take a dollar away. Find the incentive that works for you.”
