The second Friday of every January marks “Quitters Day,” the informal holiday meant to recognize those who give up on their New Year’s resolutions early on.
UMKC students were asked what their resolutions are and more importantly, if they’re sticking with it post Quitters Day.
“I haven’t completely given up,” said Bruno Hoeltgebaum, a sophomore biology and chemistry major.
His resolutions are to exercise more and to wake up earlier. “I’m waking up earlier on average, but some days I turn the alarm off and head straight back to bed,” he said.
Hoeltgebaum said resolutions are about “giving yourself grace,” if you want them to stick.
Teju Male, a master’s student studying computer and electrical engineering, said they are giving up saying “yes” to everything this year.
“Before, I used to feel that if I say ‘no,’ others might judge me, but now I’ve started treating myself as my priority,” said Male.
While students seem to be keeping up with their resolutions, others haven’t begun to set them up.
“There’s all year to make improvements to yourself,” said Michael Walker, junior music education major.
Walker never sets New Year’s resolutions. “There’s no point in putting pressure on yourself at the beginning of the year.”
Walker isn’t the only student who skips New Year’s resolutions.
“You don’t need to wait for a new year to start something,” said Peter Johnson, a freshman geology student. “Right now, I’m just focused on studying more for classes.”
The Mayo Clinic suggests sticking to S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-framed) goals for students’ New Year’s resolutions.
Diego Escutia, a freshman finance student, has been staying true to his goals. “I was more consistent in the gym last year, but school and work made me slowly fade from the gym,” he said.
So far, he’s been a regular in the Swinney Center, canceling his previous gym membership downtown. Escutia says he likes the availability of working out on campus.
