When you are in school, it really feels like August is the start of the new year. And each year, I always form up a list of things I hope for. Yet year after year I fall short of my goals. I make up excuses for why things didn't go my way, but this year will be different. I have finally figured out the fact that if you want something out of your life then you are the one that has to make it happen. Yes, fate may surprise you sometimes, but really and truly you are the one who has to decide what you want and then to go for it. So here is what I am going to work for this year!

1. Let new friendships take root.

Friends are the family you get to choose in college. This is a hard one though, because you have to be careful. The wrong people can severely alter the path of your life if you let them. So, don't be afraid to cut off a relationship if it isn't bringing light to your life; take ownership of your environment! On the flip side, when you find the right people, they will love you as much as you love them, and that is a feeling you wouldn't trade for the world.

2. Do yourself a favor.

For once in your life, take your own advice and don't procrastinate. We have all been there but sooner or later you are going to wait too long and you are going to learn your lesson the hard way. Take it from someone who has been there, IT SUCKS. Save yourself the heart ache and learn from someone else's terrible mistakes. Get your sh*t done, because "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."- Benjamin Franklin

3. Change your habits now.

If you aren't happy with your lifestyle then change it. You can. Be the person you want to be, and don't let your short term wants ruin your long term goals. My boyfriend and I recently had a conversation that completely changed my mentality about health and fitness. He talked about the fact that changing our habits now is going to be a heck of a lot easier than it will be when we are 40 and don't have a choice. You only get one body so take care of it.

4. Make the memories.

Do something you haven't done before. Say yes more often than you say no. Be adventurous and do the things that scare you. Be bold. Sometimes we are so focused on our destination in life, that when we finally reach it, it is over in the blink of an eye. We miss out on days and weeks of our journey because we don't live in the moment. Don't waste your time. You only have so much. Make sure you have stories to tell and stories that maybe you shouldn't tell, because you only have this one life. Make the most of it!

Here's to a beautiful year filled with happiness and progress!