It was Dec. 31, 2006, and I was pondering the practicality of creating a New Year’s resolution. Every year I would choose something, even the simplest of tasks to complete over the following year, and I would let myself down. But this time, I was committed.

Last year, I was among the roughly 50 percent of Americans last year who decided to set a goal for themselves.

According to About.com, the top 10 New Year’s resolutions range anywhere from spending more time with family and friends to losing weight or quitting smoking. I, however, had one generic goal that encompassed all aspects of my life: to become a better me.

Of those Americans who make resolutions, fewer than half actually honor their resolutions past six months into the new year, according to ProactiveChange.com.

I can relate to this statistic. I also had tried to honor my resolutions but after a month or so, I forgot or started to care less about the goal I’d set for myself. But this year, I made an effort to remind myself of something I so desperately wanted to achieve.

But what did it mean to become a better me?

1. I was going to become more active, both physically and mentally.

2. I wanted to work out and make a habit of going to the gym. This was not necessarily to lose weight, but to feel better about my body.

3. I also wanted to learn how to eat healthier without going on a diet or having to starve myself.

4. I wanted to be happier – somebody who could look past her worries – an optimist.

The beginning of the year was a slow start for my workout and eating plans. With the pressures of school and work, I soon found myself falling back into old habits. Summer presented new challenges – I either had to cook at home or eat out.

It wasn’t until the end of summer that I really kicked it into gear. Exercise became part of my weekly routine. I started choosing healthier foods and I’ve not eaten at a fast food burger joint since mid-summer. To engage myself mentally, I also took on the challenge of working two jobs and excelling in both while keeping up with my school work.

I look back on this year, looking and feeling great, and wonder why so many fail to follow through with their resolutions. Wouldn’t it be great to look back on the year, to see your progress and realize you’d accomplished your goals? Live your life to its fullest and challenge yourself to become the best you can be.

New Year’s 2008 is nearly here. You can be like either the 50 percent of Americans who make a resolution, or the other half who don’t. So I challenge everyone to make and accomplish a resolution, no matter the hurdles that may stand in the way. A goal achieved after a year of hard work is a reward that no one can take away and is a great motivation for next year’s resolutions.

– Holly Johannsen is a sophomore in journalism and mass communication from Harlan.