It's mid-November, the time of year when you begrudgingly accept that your waistline will inevitably expand over Thanksgiving and Christmas break, and you promise yourself that your New Year's resolution will quell all of the atrocities you inflicted upon your body.

Don't get me wrong — I am a huge fan of cider, cocoa with extra marshmallows, baked turkey, all of the casseroles, and sweet tea (I am from Mississippi, so when I say sweet, I mean sweet). And maybe I'm crazy for thinking outside the box, but why wait until the new year to better yourself?

"The New Year" is such a loaded phrase — it seems to compartmentalize all the little things that make up what you wish you could be in a very grandeur way. As if, just maybe, the different number on the end will magically change your mindset in a dramatic, life-changing way.

I'm learning to talk myself into believing that change does not always have to be scary or overwhelming.
I'm sure most of you will have at least one "new year's resolution" conversation before January 1st. I challenge you to assess the person's body language and demeanor and really study the mood behind the motive.
For instance, a large majority of people's resolutions are to get healthy: eat healthier, work out, etc., but often times the spoken resolution is followed by an eye roll or face palm.
Why does it have to be this way?

To end this year with a bang, I challenge you to believe in yourself -- In whatever that may be, whether it means becoming healthier, pursuing dreams you've always been told you could never accomplish, or just being a nicer person. All of these outcomes depend entirely on you and what you make of each day and each decision. Tell yourself you can do this. I don't mean roll your eyes and whisper, "I can do this." I mean, frenetically, tenaciously, and fervently believe in yourself. And don't wait until January 1st to do so. The only thing stopping you from becoming the person you want to be is yourself. Accept that. Believe it, become it, and end this year with a bang.

Make yourself proud this time next year.

Do it!