As we enter 2026 and the halls fill back up with students, there’s something in the air other than the winter chill. It’s the spirit of self-improvement. The season of New Year’s resolutions is upon us — a time when everyone can take a moment to look at our habits and decide how we want to grow this year. While many people think of resolutions as promises that fade by February, perhaps this year, Lakeside students will actually strive to achieve their goals.
Tatler asked students to share their resolutions in the Tatler poll and reached out to a number of students on campus. To no one’s surprise, one of the most common themes among Lakeside student resolutions is increasing academic focus. While straight A’s are a target for many, students are realizing that the key to academic success is how they manage their time during the school day. One student said she hopes to use her free periods more effectively, while Josephine S. ’27 shared that her main resolution is to “really stay focused on schoolwork.” Many of these successes in school are tied to daily habits, not just outcomes. To improve your concentration for 2026, try starting small by setting realistic goals, such as finishing assignments on the weekend. By focusing on consistency, staying focused this year will become a habit that actually makes it out of the vision board.
Another major theme is reducing phone use and breaking habits like procrastination. Several students mentioned that they want to change their scrolling and excessive screen time habits. Abigail L. ’28 listed “less time on my phone” as one of her resolutions, with “scrolling” as a habit she’s trying to break. Another student expressed a similar goal, saying, “I’d like to delete TikTok,” while also admitting there is no way she will actually follow through. Even if deleting an app feels too extreme, coming up with alternative things to do when you feel compelled to scroll may help reduce screen time in the coming year.
When it comes to athletics, Lakeside students tend to be more specific in their resolutions. One student wants to run a five-minute mile, while Abigail wants to “score [her] first goal in lacrosse.” Xavier G. ’27 summed up his mindset by saying he strives to “focus on recovery.” These clearly defined goals show that many Lakeside students approach their athletic resolutions with more intention. Having specific goals makes it easier to actually follow through, allowing students to give themselves a clear and tangible path towards success.
Despite the strong motivation that many feel at the beginning of the year, several students admit that following through on resolutions can be challenging. When asked about last year’s goals, several students said they didn’t complete or even remember them, while only a small percentage were able to say they achieved their resolutions. Nevertheless, when asked how confident they were in sticking to their resolutions, confidence levels tended to hover around an 8 out of 10. Some students remain especially optimistic. Walter C ’29 rated his confidence at an “easy 12” when it comes to his goal of making “Spikeball Club the biggest and greatest club in the school.” Ultimately, whether these resolutions last past January or not, hopefully Lakeside students can make 2026 their best year yet.
