So it’s finally 2017. It’s the time of year again where everyone promises to go to the gym more, in the new year, only to fall back into their old habits after a few week. Well, this year, perhaps it is better to make goals that have long term value, goals that with time, will improve your overall being and inner peace. 2016 was a long year. It’s time to take advantage of the fresh start of the new year.

1. Educate yourself. In 2016, social justice was at the forefront of political conversation and many people, it was the first time they were exposed to a lot of the relevant issues. If this is you, read up, ask questions, and learn. Education is a powerful thing.

1. Care less. Not about everything, of course. But make it your goal to stop working yourself up over the small annoyances of life. As most of have learned this year, there are so many things worth getting upset over. In 2017, don’t sweat the small stuff.

1. Give yourself a break. You worked hard in 2016. You’ve been through a lot. Stop beating yourself up for all the things you feel like you could’ve done more of. 2017 is a fresh start, so forgive yourself.

1. Give others a break. Everyone is going through something - the cashier who’s struggling at the grocery store, the person driving too slow in front of you, and you. Consider all the bad days you’ve had, all the times more was expected of you than you could give. Put yourselves in their shoes and have patience.

1. Stop saying “I’m sorry,” so much. Not everything or everyone is deserving of an apology. Instead, say thanks - “Thank you for waiting”, “Thank you for caring”, “Thank you for listening to me.” Gratitude can be a lot more powerful than sorrow.

1. Let people go. If you’ve been trying to keep a friendship alive with someone who isn’t real a friend, say goodbye to them in 2017. No friendship that leaves you feel drained or hopeless is worth it, no matter what that person meant to you at one point. In 2017, do more of what is right for you and less of what is right for everyone else.

1. Be kinder to yourself. Tell yourself you love your body, even if you don’t. Tell yourself you look great in that outfit, even if you feel like the opposite. Tell yourself you are worthy of respect and love, not just from others, but from yourself as well. Tell yourself until you start to believe it.