The clichéd idea of 'new year, new me' is one that seems to continually present itself towards the last few days of December. Some may use it as an excuse to post a selfie on Instagram, and some may use the idea to motivate themselves to create resolutions that they will follow for perhaps a couple of weeks following the New Years' celebrations. Others stand as critics of the idea, claiming that the changing of a date does not change any aspect of your life.

Stepping outside of these groupings, I am challenging you to use the coming new year as an opportunity not only to change, but also to better yourself and your life. Do not expect yourself to accept and achieve these overnight, or even within the first month of the year. It will take time, but I challenge you (and am absolutely challenging myself) to make the following changes in stride throughout the 2016 year.

Change the way you look at yourself in the mirror.

The first place our mind has always trained us to look when we look in the mirror is directly at our insecurities. You look for every flaw in your skin, every softer part of your stomach, and every imperfection in your smile. Believe me, I know how incredibly easy it is to first notice everything that you want to fix about your appearance. But you cannot keep doing this to yourself. You are far more than any summation of physical imperfections, and you need to either start loving these imperfections or start noticing all of the beauties you have. And while this is so much easier said than done, you will never know the extent to which you can love your flaws and how great it feels to do so until you start trying.

Change your work ethic.

How many times have you told yourself that this will be the term that you finally reach your 4.0, only to lessen your expectations a few weeks into the term? How many times have you told yourself that you will upkeep a consistent workout routine to reach your goal weight or the toned look you have been wishing for, only to get worn down and begin creating excuses? While I am not suggesting that you forfeit your social life and sleep, this could potentially be the year that you finally dedicate yourself to upholding your work ethic and achieving the academic or physical goals you set for yourself years ago.

Change your way of listening.

There is a saying I have come across many times: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." Though hard to admit, many of us might fall guilty to the latter. Everyone has someone that they always go to with their troubles because that someone knows how to listen with the intent to understand, rather than waiting for their next chance to speak. Challenge yourself to become that person. If you already are that person for someone, keep it up; we need more people like you.

Change the energy you wake up with every day.

For many of us, the only days we wake up excited and ready to go are Friday and Saturday mornings. But starting this new year, wake up on Monday excited because you have a brand new week ahead of you. Just because you do not have a weekend directly in front of you does not mean that every other day can't be made to be the best day of your week; it all starts with the perspective you wake up with.

Change your sense of adventure.

Everyone has their comfort zone. It's familiar, it's safe, and it's very hard to leave. So why step out of it? Well, maybe because there are so many more opportunities beyond where you might feel most comfortable. It might be scary, and it might be distressing; but it also might be worth it. But how would you ever know if you continue to hide behind the walls of comfort you have always surrounded yourself with?

Change your mindset.

The past year of my life has forced me through some of the most painful and trying experiences that I have come across in my 19 years. I could very easily allow the past year to be defined by these losses, to be defined by the sadness and the heartbreak. But the past year of my life has also presented me with some of the most lively and loving moments and people that I have ever experienced. And while it has certainly not been easy, I am choosing to see through and beyond the times of hopelessness and to allow my mindset to be defined by all of the people and the opportunity that continually surround me. You have complete control of your own mindset. Choose optimism. Choose the bright side.

I am challenging myself to achieve all of these in this new year of 2016, and I am challenging you to also do so. Give it time, and give it your all. See what this new year and your new self can bring to you.