It’s hard to believe that we’ve made it to another year, but welcome, 2017! With every birthday, holiday, football game and fun college event I feel like each year passes by faster than the one before it. We keep growing older and we can’t make it slow down. Lately I’ve thought a lot about how we tend to hold onto the small things that don’t mean much, or we put our focus into something we shouldn't. So, here are 5 habits that I think would be healthy to “kick” in this new year:

1. The constant need to be on our phones, iPads, computers etc.

I’ve placed this at number one because I see this affecting so many people, and not just the millennial generation. Ever since my dad got an iPad I’ve noticed he has it with him every second; when he’s eating, relaxing, watching TV, you name it. While these devices are fun to have, and provide communication with others, they also take away the physical communication. I see so many groups of friends going out to dinner and all sitting there on their phones, and wonder why they even made those plans in the first place. And I know you understand how frustrating it is when you’re telling someone a story and they miss all of it because they were looking down. I love social media and posting pictures but it’s time to put the devices down, especially in the presence of actual people. Fully immerse yourself in a conversation no matter who it is and eat meals as a family and tell each other about your day. Disconnecting from these addicting devices could help you reconnect with someone close to you.

2. Holding onto a grudge or rehashing an old argument

Whether you get in a big fight with your parents or simply disagree about something small with your best friend, once that argument is over, leave it in the past. It’s never good to push things under the rug that need to be talked about, but too often I hear people bring up old disagreements to prove they were right or to make someone else feel guilty during an argument. That never leads to any sort of understanding or compromise and just makes the two people angrier and upset. We all want to be “right” about things, myself included, but realize that it shouldn’t matter whether you’re right or wrong all the time. It’s not worth worsening a relationship with someone just to make yourself feel better. Handle the situation with good communication, and then move on. Relationships are stronger and grow more this way.

3. Tearing yourself down

We are always our biggest criticizers because we know ourselves better than anyone else. But the more we pick out the negative aspects we don’t like, the worse we feel. It’s time we start really loving ourselves for who we are, whether that be physical qualities or skills we have. I know it’s so easy to compare ourselves to someone who seems to be smarter in one area, or have the skinnier body or whatever you think represents success; but remember, we were all created to be different in looks and skills and that’s what sets us apart from others. So this year, focus on what you’re good at or what you love about yourself and put everything you have into that. I guarantee more people will notice the great things about you even more when you radiate confidence about who you are.

4. Giving up on what we love because it's "hard"

I’m guilty of it and I know you’re probably guilty of it one way or another. We find something we love and want to go after it, and then start realizing how much work we have to put in or find someone that does it better and slowly give up. Stop doing that. Stop putting your dreams aside because you think you can’t do it or that you’ll do it wrong. If you love something, go after it. Put the work in and make mistakes along the way. Because if something is really worth it to you, you won’t give up on it. If you have dreams of being a famous writer someday than go after that. Do everything you can now to get there and don’t let someone else tell you that you can’t do it or that your dream isn’t practical enough for this world. You can do absolutely anything you want as long as you work hard and have a passion for it.

5. Settling in a relationship

College is the time to figure out who we are and what we want to do with our lives. However, it’s also the time we want to feel loved and cherished by a significant other. Relationships in college can be great, but don’t feel like you have to commit to someone just because they show a little bit of interest in you. If you don’t feel compatible or don’t feel like the relationship is helping you grow and learn about yourself, then it’s probably one you shouldn’t be in. Too many times I see girls (and guys) settle with being with someone just to have someone around because they’re lonely or want to feel important. Now’s the time when you are trying to date someone who you could potentially see your future with, so don’t waste your time with someone who doesn’t treat you like you should be treated. And don’t feel pressured to be in a relationship at all. This is the time to do what’s best for you and focus on your dreams, the rest will fall into place when the time is right.