The excitement of a new year often brings with it a surge of enthusiasm for self-improvement. Whether it’s getting fit, learning a new skill, or saving money, January is traditionally when we make those big promises to ourselves. But now that we’re nearly a month away from ending 2024, how many of those resolutions are still standing tall, and how many have already fallen by the wayside? It’s time for a quick reality check.
“Every year, I tell myself I’m going to hit the gym more, save money, and read more books. I’ve done it for the past three years and, honestly, I don’t even know where the time goes,” says 25-year-old Uwayezu, a UR Student. She laughs, adding, “But this year, I promised myself I wouldn’t beat myself up if I don’t keep all of them. I think it’s more about making progress than perfection.”
Her perspective is one many can relate to. January is when we’re the most determined, but by February, things often start to feel a little… less urgent. The daily life take over, and the gym memberships, new diets, or language classes we signed up for seem like distant memories. But that doesn’t mean we should give up altogether.
Let’s be honest—life in Kigali and beyond can get pretty hectic. Between work, school, family obligations, sticking to those grand resolutions is not always as easy as we hope.
“I promised myself I would be more consistent with my diet this year and reduce junk food, but I abandoned that thought in May. Working in town there is not so much good and cheap options for meals you know and I can’t be seen packing my own lunch.” says 30-year-old Shumbusho, a tech entrepreneur in Kigali. “But I think the key is not to give up completely. If I manage even one day a week where I don’t order food, that’s progress.”
There’s also a cultural shift happening in Rwanda, especially among the youth. Resolutions are no longer just about personal gain; they are increasingly about contributing to the community and the nation’s growth. “This year, I resolved to volunteer more, especially in youth mentorship programs. It’s not just about me anymore. I want to give back,” says 22-year-old Uwase, a student at the University of Rwanda.
Uwase’s sentiment reflects a broader societal trend, particularly among Rwandan Gen Z. While individual success remains important, there’s a growing focus on collective growth and national development. Whether it’s through environmental initiatives, community outreach, or even promoting local businesses, many young people in Rwanda are channeling their energy into causes that benefit others.
As the year starts to slip away, the big question remains: Are you on track with your resolutions, or did your list gather dust? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to recent studies, only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. But here’s the good news: that doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
“I don’t really believe in sticking rigidly to New Year’s resolutions,” says Olivier Mukunzi, a graphic designer from Kigali. “I think it’s more about setting intentions. If I didn’t achieve everything I set out to do in January, I’ll just reset and keep moving forward.”
His view highlights an important aspect of resolutions: flexibility. It’s not about making the perfect plan but about building momentum. Resolutions are a tool for self-improvement, not a strict set of rules that you must follow to the letter. And if you fall off track, there’s always time to get back on.
