The phrase "new year, new me" got played out faster than a Drake album. As always, we have social media to thank for that! Every year we make promises to ourselves and others about the positive changes we plan to make for the new year. It seems like the anxiety of a new year rattles something within us, an excitement for change of some sort. After all, who doesn't like a new beginning? We make these promises before January 1st with the guarantee of pulling through with our commitments. While celebrating, we look forward to the New Year with our promises-- no more drinking, cut off all the fake people around us, save more, spend less, etc.-- you name it! And then sadly, about a month or two in, it all goes south. We either forget, or are no longer interested in our unrealistic commitments that seemed so attainable when we first made them. Hence, why the term "new year, new me" turned on itself. People rave about becoming a new version of themselves and wrap this idea around their heads that they're going to change who they are in a day, and if you think you can quit drinking, cut off all the fake people in your life, save all your money and not spend it all in one day-- well then, my friend, you must be superhuman.

Now, that's not to dismiss anyone's New Year's Resolution because it's yours to do what you want with! A New Year's Resolution is basically your first goal of the year, so it's never too stupid or ever too farfetched. A goal is a goal, and the simple act of thinking one up is already a step in the right direction. However, what you may want to remember is that these are goals you want to carry out throughout the year, not just a day or a week of it, but a goal for the overall year. Setting positive, character-based goals is more rewarding and beneficial than setting a goal to have a Maserati by June-- which I'm definitely not opposed to believing in, because if you have the means to do so, then DO YOU BOO BOO. But the important thing to keep in mind is wanting goals that are going to better you, those around you and your overall situation, so that by the end of the year, you've accomplished more than you did coming into it, and can carry your success into the many years to come!

Some goals you may want to consider include:

Positivity and Optimism

So, this seems like an obvious, borderline cliché, goal to have. We wish to be positive every day, and try to practice it on a daily basis whenever sh*t hits the fan. But here's the trick-- that's the whole point! Try to think of a New Year's Resolution not only as a start over, but a continuation of something great. The new year begins but our lives continue, and if we are already practicing this positive point of view then we should continue to do so. If you're not, here's a good mindset to have that'll help you get started: things can always be worse. I like to remind myself of all the blessings I am surrounded by: my health, my family, my friends, a home to sleep in, an education that grants me opportunities, and so much more. Yeah, things aren't always in our favor, and your worst night ever could possibly be New Year's Eve itself, but as long as you're alive, realize that, and remember that tomorrow does not have to be today. Every day is a new start, so look forward to it with a smile, and don't let anything beat you up for too long: "5 by 5 rule...if it won't matter in five years, don't spend more than five minutes upset about it."

Save a Little, Spend a Little

A lot of us do not save as much as we should, and the reasons are usually the same amongst us-- BILLS. How can one save when 2/5 of our checks are bills, 1/5 is credit cards, another 1/5 on food necessities, and the last 1/5 is all you have left to survive on until the next check comes-- God Bless America, am I right? It's always a split between being young and carefree and just spending the damn money, or trying to be a mature adult and saving it for a rainy day. One thing I've learned that's helped put some money aside even when there didn't seem to be any left to save, is patience. Don't stress yourself trying to save $50 or $100 at a time. Saving $20, $10, or even just $5 dollars every pay period makes a significant difference, you won't even realize it. One thing I've being doing recently is saving loose change in a plastic bottle and letting that baby build! I work at a bank, so seeing customer's bring in hundreds, and I mean HUNDREDS of rolled coins to either deposit or cash inspired me. I thought, all that coin accumulated to hundreds of dollars effortlessly. Don't forget, we are YOUNG. Saving is important, no doubt. But so is having fun, and it's okay to splurge on ourselves and have a good time. Don't pressure yourself on saving! Saving is like going to the gym-- it's a process before you see any progress!

Health is Wealth

Speaking of the gym, when's the last time you made that $40 charge to your card once a month worthwhile? Okay okay, you got me... I don't pay $40, just $25 :)

LOL, just kidding. I don't go to the gym. But who needs a gym! You live in a neighborhood with hills? Have a dog you can walk? Stairs outside your house? Well then, you have just as many tools as any person in a gym! We just spoke about spending vs. saving, and gyms are not cheap nowadays, at least not any nice ones. Who needs luxury to make healthy decisions though? Keep that heart rate up, and try making healthier eating choices. Easier said than done, right? Especially for college students. But what's a goal if it doesn't require work? I'm not saying we all have to strive to body builders. In fact, working out isn't everybody's thing. But even a simple 20 minute walk can do your body, and overall health some good. Track your steps, find a fruit or vegetable you can tolerate, anything! No matter how small, strive to make 2017 a year dedicated to yourself, and what better way than starting from the inside?

SURPRISE YOURSELF

A New Year's Resolution should be like any other goal-- for you, and yourself only. A resolution indicating cutting people off, or caring less than the year you did before is not focusing on yourself. Don't let the people that have hurt or betray you play any part in positive choices you plan to make next year. Be selfish! Do things that will benefit YOU, better YOU, and make YOURSELF proud. Set goals that are attainable, and never judge yourself on how slow you need to go. Make 2017 your year in everyway, financially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Goals don't stop at the number one. You can make a New Year's resolution every day if you want. It's your world baby.