The new year often inspires people to start over with a clean slate and become the best version of themselves. As a part of this “new persona,” people will do things like go to the gym, start a new diet, or join a dating website. These “new year resolutions” are great in theory, but are notorious for fizzling out when February rolls around.

New Year resolutions originated as far back as the Babylonians, who made promises to their gods at the beginning of each year. In modern times, people made promises to themselves and others rather than a divine being. Some popular resolutions include losing weight, ditching a bad habit such as biting nails or smoking, or traveling more often.

“This year, I want to find potential in my mistakes,” said junior Daniel Clenney. “I also want to see potential in others to make me a better person.”

A New Year resolution can be a fresh start for some people as they reinvent themselves by ditching bad habits.

“I want to be kinder to my body,” said junior Haydn Harris. “I want to stop staying out so late and surround myself with people who support me.”

For other people, it means setting practical goals for themselves to help with all areas of life.

“I want to be better about spending money,” said junior Alex Ruiz. “I need to be more conscious and save more.”

Whether you’re hitting the gym or hitting the books, taking up yoga or taking a cooking class, think of the New Year as a blank canvas, ready to be turned into a masterpiece.