Lately, it seems that all we read about is negativity regarding this last year as a whole. When people think of 2016, they don't remember anything remotely good happening. Between the crazy election, innumerable celebrity deaths, and various other events in our own lives put together, it's clear to say this year has not been a boring one. While it's easy to let all the bad occurrences cloud all of the good ones, I personally refuse to let that hold me back with this upcoming year.

I'm not a firm believer in the, "new year, new me," mindset many seem to adapt to. I don't think that changing the '6' to a '7' automatically wipes my slate clean and allows me to start fresh. I think that's just a given any day, place, or time. We don't have to stay the same ever. You can decide to transform your life right now if you really wanted to. People just like to have an excuse to force themselves out of poor habits. Whether it's going to the gym, learning to save money, beginning a diet, or cutting people out from your life, you have the complete freedom to decide that today is that day. The thing is that we don't want to. We prefer to push things off because we somehow believe it'll make it easier to start something new at the beginning of the week, month, or in this case, year. We like the idea that with a brand new year, we get to be a whole new person. It'd be nice if that were true, but your past is still going to cling to you once January arrives, as it will each and every new year. Just because something didn't happen in the particular year you're living in doesn't mean it never occurred at all. Instead of pretending the past never happened, I believe it's best to gracefully carry it with you and let it be a reminder. Do this without letting it turn you bitter. Let it make you better.

Having all of the negative things from before kept in the back of your mind should just increase your drive to do better than before. Acting as though you have nothing to do with the "old" you doesn't help anybody, especially yourself. It lets you set the standard for what a great year should be. Plenty of individuals are thrilled that 2017 can't get any worse. It might not sound like the most uplifting message, but it's certainly a start. Whatever gets you motivated. I'm not easily swayed by optimistic messages, but I also don't believe in letting tough times keep you at a low point. You can sulk in the drama and heartache or you can promise yourself that everything you experienced can only launch you onward and upward. It won't exactly be a new you, but it'll undoubtedly be a tougher you.

You also shouldn't feel obligated to change anything about yourself. You're allowed to continue being who you are, despite the fact everyone on your Facebook news feed seems to be bragging about their resolutions. Really sit there and think about the person you want to be. Are you happy the way you are? Good. Would you like to improve upon yourself? Even better. Whatever you do, just take into account that the power to succeed or even fail is all yours. You can wake up tomorrow and decide that a piece of your life isn't working out and it needs to change. Don't wait for when it seems convenient or trendy. New Year's resolutions rarely ever work out anyway. A genuine plan to enhance your life, however...