New Year, New Me: The Resolutions of the Navigator Staff

By Chesed F.

*Note: The Navigator Staff wanted their names left out of the article, so they will be named staff member numbers, like Staff Member One, or Staff Member Two.*


I know what you did on December 31, well, not exactly, but a rough idea. You probably toasted a chilled glass of something sparkling, and resolved to some sort of ritual that would lead to a better you in 2024. Well, you aren’t alone. Millions of people around the world participate in this tradition, either scribbling resolutions down on a crumpled napkin, or in an embellished notebook they purchased for the occasion. Well, the Navigator staff also participated in this ritual, and shared some of the resolutions they made for 2024. 

Question: What was the first New Year’s Resolution you thought of for 2024?

Staff Member One: “The first thing I thought of is doing something that I'm really proud of. I feel like because of Covid and health issues, every other year I haven't been able to really achieve something I'm super proud of. So I hope to do that this year.”

Staff Member Five: “Learn at least 3 - 4 new piano pieces and master them.”

Staff Member Eight: “My New Year's resolution is to run a 22-minute 5k.”

Staff Member Ten: “This year, I decided that I want to work on spending more time in prayer just talking with God about whatever is on my mind. Prayer is so important, and I felt drawn to spend more time in prayer. Prayer helps us to better understand God and His plans for us. It can help us truly grasp the concept of letting Jesus be the Lord of our lives. As I have worked on this resolution, I have noticed a big change for the better in my life in all of these areas.”

Question: What were some other resolutions you made?

Staff Member Two: “I want to run a 5K at least 2 times a week. “

Staff Member Three: “I want to be in God's word more.  I want to care less about having a best friend and focus more on having a couple close friends.  I want to get my driver's permit.”

Staff Member Four: “Becoming my best self physically, spiritually, academically, and mentally!”

Staff Member Six: “To live in faith and not fear.” 

Staff Member Seven: “I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, so I'm honestly making these up right now. The first thing that comes to mind is to work on my relationship with God. I find a lot of times when I just don't feel connected to Him, and I really want to try and change that. “

Staff Member Eleven: “One of the first things that I wanted to do this year was write a book. I have a really good idea for it but it needs to be fleshed out.”

When asked if they felt they have accomplished this resolution so far, 54% of staff members felt they “somewhat accomplished” these resolutions. And 27% felt they had not accomplished their resolutions at all. The reality of New Year’s Resolutions is that many times the hope and thrill of the New Year sets in, and causes us to dream bigger than we ever have before. Many psychologists claim that this is due to the festivities, or the curtain of hope, concealing the promise of a new and unexpected year. We,then in turn, claim that we will be new and unexpected people. What is the best part about this? Dreaming larger than what we can accomplish is the best thing we can do for ourselves. As Staff Member Four said when asked if their resolutions were achievable until 2025, “Yes! Because we can always be improving!” 

So, what are your resolutions?



Chesed F. lives in Colorado with her mom, sister, and golden retriever named Khusi. She is sixteen years old and has been a student at NorthStar for two years. Chesed has been dancing for eight years, with a specific focus on ballet. As well as being on the Navigator staff, Chesed is a member of National Honors Society and spends her free time volunteering to help underprivileged children with literacy. She hopes to pursue a career in law and hopes to always incorporate the beauty of writing and words into her daily life.