“New year, new me” is often heard during the first week of January, when people compile a list of resolutions or goals they wish to achieve in the new year. For some, this could mean quitting an unhealthy habit like smoking or adopting a new healthier practice, like exercising regularly. The origins of setting resolutions or goals for a new year hark back to the Babylonians who, it’s alleged, made promises to the gods in exchange for good fortune.

Losing weight, quitting smoking, spending less money and either earning or saving more money, learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby are among the most popular resolutions that people make at the start of every year. Gyms and fitness studios have reported that during the first few weeks of the year, their facilities are packed with people determined to achieve their goal, but by the middle of February, they see a sharp decline in the number of people using their facilities.

We asked teens and young people across Mzansi what their plans were for the new year. Here’s what they shared:

“Money, Mr Loot is the master of the enabler. Make money and grab opportunities that come my way which are financially and academically rewarding. Concurrently, find an academic mentor who can help steer me toward an ideal career path so I am aligned with my thesis before I could enrol for my Masters.”
– Galaletsang, intern and tutor

“My goals for 2022 are to graduate and obtain my diploma. I want to get a job, I can achieve this by exposing myself to a workplace and familiarize myself with work ethics.”
– Sindisiwe, intern

“My goals for 2022 are to work hard on my studies as I will be going to tertiary.”
–  Nokubonga Ncube, Grade 12 learner

“In 2022 I want to further my and studies set a foundation for external career hobbies, entering easy industries that develop oneself while studying something totally different.”
–  Musawenkosi Khuzwayo, Grade 12 learner

“My 2022 goals is to see myself as a qualified BEI graduate, working towards completing honours degree. Thereafter, get a job in one of the schools where I can grow and can continue to learn and contribute as much of value as I can.”
–  Khulisile, tutor

“I want to do well in Grade 10, and get used to the stream that I chose (science), I want to be a viral YouTuber (it won’t affect my studies) and I want to do many things that me and my family are going to be proud of.”
–  Lerato, Grade 9 learner

“I have a few things lined up for the year 2022. I have applied for the Community College Initiative which is a U.S.A exchange program for technical and vocational students from South Africa. If I am not accepted for that then I will re-write and upgrade my Mathematics matric mark. I will also be working in a personal development and coaching program that helps people of all ages achieve their goals and realize their fullest potential. I will continue to avail my services as a tutor in the Chesterville Branch. I also plan to have a social life next year so that I can get better at my job of tutoring and also coaching people in chess and life in general.”
– Joshua, tutor

Whatever #goals2022 you have set for the new year, we hope you’ve also undertaken to read more books, write more poems or essays and learn new skills, all on FunDza’s mobisite, https://live.fundza.mobi/

Tell us: What are your 2022 goals?