We’re currently in the first month of 2016, and at this time of the year, I often notice two types of people — resolutioners and those who make fun of them.

Currently, some people are dedicated to whatever New Year’s resolution they have set for themselves, whether it’s getting in shape, kicking a bad habit or changing something else about themselves. They’re often called resolutioners.

Others enjoy making fun of resolutions and claiming that most, if not all, resolutioners give up after about a month.

New Year’s resolutions are still relevant; they are good things. People generally don’t make them out of ill will. They are genuinely trying to better themselves.

There is no logical reason to bash resolutions because, for the most part, nothing is wrong with them.

Resolutions can be motivational for many. Maybe, after a tough year, people want something to look forward to. Some people have been wanting to change, and they see the new year as an opportunity to make needed changes.

People might not succeed in their resolutions because they are not motivated enough or they are aiming too high. For example, someone might want to go from only wearing sweatshirts and T-shirts to being better dressed everyday. It’s possible for that person to become much more fashionable, but still not achieve their resolution because they wore T-shirts some days. However, that person still moved in the right direction.

As cliche as it sounds, the key to achieving any resolution is to stay motivated. It’s probably going to be hard, because change of any sort usually is. But resolutioners should remind themselves that they’re doing it for a reason and, in the end, will likely feel accomplished.

Also, resolutioners should remember that there is no rush. They should feel free to move slowly. Although they probably want to meet their goal by the end of the year, truthfully, they have their entire lives to become better people. Change is difficult, and difficult things take time.

Resolutioners should ignore the negative people that make fun of resolutions. They’re probably just joking around, but I think a lot of them are disappointed in themselves because they wish they had persistence.

As a resolutioner, you’re a positive person trying to better yourself. Wear that with pride.