People around the world make New Year's resolutions each year, some of which they keep, and some of which they give up. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — At the beginning of each year, people around the world make resolutions for self-improvement, with the goal of turning the resolutions into a reality. Unfortunately, according to a Jan. 1, 2019 article published by Business Insider, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail within two months of them being made.

On Saturday, eight people in downtown Shepherdstown were asked at random whether or not they planned on making resolutions for the New Year. Half of them said “Yes.” And half of those people said they weren’t confident they would be able to keep their resolutions through 2019.

“I did do well one year, to buy no new clothing. Halfway through the year, I discovered Goodwill, and then was able to buy used clothes,” said Shepherdstown resident Laura Turman, with a laugh. “The whole idea was to clear out the house and not buy stuff, so I sort of did stick to that resolution. But I took it a little too literally — no ‘new clothing.’

Turman plans on making her 2019 resolution a little easier to keep.

“After buying this year’s stollen, I found last year’s stollen when I was looking through the freezer,” Turman said. “So this year, I was just hoping to eat everything in the freezer.”

Washington, D.C. resident Lauren Zillinger, who was visiting her hometown for the holidays, said she thinks her resolution is achievable, with regular effort.

“I’m going to try to start some new habits, waking up earlier and going on a run, rather than waiting until later in the day to work out,” Zillinger said, mentioning she plans to have some back-up exercise ideas, to help her keep focused on working out regularly. “I’m going to try to learn yoga and other workout routines, in case I get bored of running.”

For current Colorado and former Shepherdstown resident Shannon Hartley, 2019 may be the year when she gets around to fulfilling her long-held dream of learning a foreign language.

“I’ve been seriously thinking about it, but never put in the effort. Learning a new language, it’s hard to make yourself accountable to do that,” Hartley said, mentioning she will use her roommate’s Rosetta Stone program to learn Spanish. “I’m most likely going to Costa Rica in the new year, and a few of my friends speak Spanish, so it would be nice to be able to communicate with them.”

According to German Street Coffee and Candlery employee Allie Casserley, keeping her New Year’s resolution has become achievable every year, because she renews the same one every year.

“I’ve never been a resolution person. I had to try when I was younger, but then I gave up,” Casserley said, before explaining her New Year’s resolution. “I think, ‘be as kind as possible and pay it forward — treat others as you wish to be treated.’ I think that is my New Year’s resolution every year. It’s much more satisfying than superficial.”