January is often a time when many people start fresh and reflect on their lives, and set goals for change. As the new year begins, people start to think about what they want to leave behind and why. This is a time to consider what to do differently in the new year and what parts of your life people want to keep the same. Many different habits involve procrastination, negative or positive thoughts, or actions, in productivity. The beginning of the year encourages people to focus on change and improvement for themselves and others around them. 

For multiple people, breaking a habit is easier said than done. Habits form over time and can be hard to change, even when people notice they are unhealthy or unproductive. But the start of a new year gives motivation and inspiration to try to set new goals and work on getting rid of those habits. Junior Ellison Wallace says, “I want to stop going out for food and make more homemade meals, so I save money, and it’s more beneficial for my health since it’s healthier than many food places.”

As people look ahead, they also think about what they want to do differently in the future. Some may want to improve their time management, while others hope to build better routines or take better care of themselves and their health. Goals like these often reflect lessons learned from past years and make people realize that change is possible. Junior Alexix Frech said, “One thing I have to get better with is limiting my screentime;, limiting myself will increase my free time and build healthier routines.” Many students from Ledyard High School want to reduce screen time to gain more free time or for other reasons. Another student, junior Lillyanna Krupinski, said something similar,  she said, “I want to stay off my phone more to reduce screentime and be more open to trying newer things this year.” 

However, not everyone believes everything needs to change. Although some habits are worth breaking, others bring comfort and stability. January becomes a time not only for letting go, but also for deciding which parts of life are worth keeping the same. 

Corinne Whitaker, Staff Writer

Junior Corinne Whitaker is a staff writer for the 2025-2026 Colonelnews Magazine. She loves sleeping and lacrosse. She is a big animal person!