In preparation for writing this, I thought I should Google what the definition of "resolution" actually is. Dictionary.com defines it as, "a firm decision to do or not do something" and also "the action of solving a problem, dispute or contentious matter."

Something about that definition just didn't sit right with me.

I don't want to go into the new year thinking about everything that's wrong with me or in my life and how I can change it. That sounds pretty counter-productive to me and I don't want to go into 2018 thinking about everything I hate about myself.

This year, I'm challenging myself, and I'm challenging you, to go into this new year thinking about your GOALS rather than your resolutions. With resolutions, there comes this expectation that if you mess up even once, you're not successful in sticking to your resolution. With goals, it seems more acceptable to fail and then try and try again.

With this in mind, I wanted to share what my goals for this year will be. What's beautiful about these lists is that they can and will change throughout the year as I change and experience different things. If you're thinking about making a list of things you want to accomplish this year, keep in mind that you're on your own journey. Don't compare yourself to others, and allow yourself to thrive in who YOU are, and not try to emulate or change yourself to match someone else and the journey that they are on.

1. Finally get to a point where I feel confident in myself

I have always been someone that is super self-conscious in their own skin. I've just never truly felt confident in everything I do, or heck, even in the clothes I wear sometimes. I'm tired of letting these insecurities keep me from doing things and living my best life, and I want this to be the year that I'm finally able to overcome this negative mindset.

2. Say "yes" more often

This was a goal of mine last year, too, and I think I want to keep it around for another year because it exposed me to a lot of things that I probably wouldn't have been if I wouldn't have allowed myself to say yes as often as I did. This went for a lot of things. If someone asked me to go out to dinner or a party, I said yes more often. I also said yes to attending school-related events and activities, such as attending a weekly gathering with the Jewish group on our campus, and that's something that I wouldn't have done if I hadn't said yes when my friend Hannah asked me to go (thanks, Hannah).

3. Read 50 books

This is also another one that I'm keeping around from last year. Well, really, I try to do this every year. I've been successful once, but I want to do it again. There are just so many books and so little time.

4. Try foods I've never tried before

This is a given, as I am traveling to England for 6 months on Friday. This is one of my goals that I am most excited to accomplish, honestly.

5. Document my travels and experiences in pictures and videos

Last but not least, this year is going to be filled with travel and new experiences. I want to keep these experiences close to my heart, and I think a good way to do that is to really focus on documenting it all through photos and videos. I can't wait.

I hope maybe I've inspired you to look at starting a new year in a different way. I encourage you to focus on doing things that make you happy and setting goals for yourself that revolve around things you enjoy so that you are more likely to accomplish these things.

Remember that you don't have to go into this new year with the resolution of losing weight or getting fit or starting a gym membership like the world wants you to. If that's something you really want to do, than I whole-heartedly think that you should, but if its something that you're just going to do because that's what everyone else does, and that's what they're expecting, than maybe reevaluate what it is that you really want.

Happy New Year everyone!