At the first Senior School Assembly of 2026, Oliver M (SVI) spoke about New Years Resolutions and how to set meaningful intentions for change. You can read a transcript of his speech below.

Good morning everyone – I hope you all had a relaxing holiday and are feeling fresh coming into the new year.

At this time of year, there’s a word we hear a lot: resolutions.
New Year’s resolutions. School-year resolutions. Promises to ourselves that this year will be different.

We say things like:
“I’ll work harder.”
“I’ll stop procrastinating.”

And for a few days – sometimes a few weeks – we really mean it.

But today, I want to talk about why resolutions so often fail, and more importantly, how we can rethink them so they actually matter.

A resolution, by definition, is a firm decision to do, or not do something. But the problem is that many resolutions are built on pressure, not purpose. We make them because it feels like we should, not because we truly understand why.

Think about the most common resolutions.
“Get better exam results.”
“Be more productive.”

Neither of those are bad goals. But they’re vague. They’re distant. And they’re overwhelming.

Saying “I’ll get better exam results” doesn’t tell you how to act when it’s 9pm, you’re exhausted, and your phone is right next to you. A resolution without a plan is just a wish.

And when we fail to keep these resolutions, we don’t just forget them, we judge ourselves. We decide we’re lazy, unmotivated, or not disciplined enough. That mindset can be more damaging than not making a resolution at all.

So what if resolutions weren’t about becoming a completely different person overnight?

What if they were about becoming slightly better versions of ourselves, consistently?

Instead of resolving to be perfect, what if we resolved to be intentional?

Here’s an example.

Instead of saying, “I’ll never procrastinate again,” try this:
“I’ll start my homework tasks the day they’re set, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.”

That’s realistic. That’s measurable. And most importantly, that’s achievable.

Because progress isn’t built on dramatic changes. It’s built on small decisions repeated over time.

Another problem with resolutions is that we often make them alone. We keep them private, almost secret, as if sharing them might jinx them, like a driving test. But accountability matters. Telling a friend, a teacher, or even writing your goal down makes it real.

And when you slip up, and you will, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human.

One missed gym session doesn’t make you unhealthy.
One bad grade doesn’t make you incapable.
One unproductive day doesn’t define your future.

Resolutions shouldn’t punish you for being imperfect. They should guide you when things get difficult.

For SVI, resolutions take on a different meaning. This is a year of pressure, expectations, and big decisions. University, careers, exam results – everything can feel like it’s happening all at once.

So maybe the most important resolutions aren’t academic at all.

Maybe it’s resolving to ask for help when you need it.
Resolving to support your friends, even when you’re stressed yourself.
Resolving to speak more kindly to yourself.

Because success without wellbeing isn’t really success.

In a few months’ time, most of us won’t remember the resolutions we made at the start of the year. But we will remember the habits we formed, the choices we repeated, and the way we treated ourselves and others.

Real change doesn’t come from a single decision made in January. It comes from hundreds of small decisions made every day after that.

Thank you, and I hope this year is one where we all move forward, one step at a time.