As most of us know, a brand new year is just around the corner. The time of the year where everyone takes out their pen and makes a big list of their "New Year's Resolutions".

There's this big stigma attached to those lists because for the majority of people those lists are referred to for the first month of the year and then quickly forgotten.

It's comparable to a first year college student beginning the semester off by completing every single reading assignment, not matter the immensity. After a few weeks into the semester they realize that reading every single article, textbook page, or book assigned before class is a little absurd. They find the bare minimum they have to read in order to keep a good grade in the class and move on with the semester.

More often than not, the same circumstance occurs with completing a new year's resolution.

Just like the first year college student, you had good intentions, but soon realized that a lot more time and effort was required than you initially thought.

This year, in order to stray away from making an overwhelming list of "2017 Improvements", I'm going to focus on one goal.

The unique thing about this goal is that it's not simply for 365 days, but a life-long goal, one that I believe everyone NEEDS to have.

It's not focused towards attaining my fitness goals, getting more sleep, or eating healthier foods.

While these are all good things, my goal takes it a step further. Before I can attain outward goals (physical goals), I have to first work on the inside.

Self-Love.

This is my lifelong goal. Like all goals, even though I may have already attained it, in some way/shape/form, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.

Here's a poem I wrote titled "Self Love":

People are like stained glass windows, light from the sun outside makes them sparkle and radiate

The only ones that remain lit in the darkness are ones that have light from within that they create

Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for relationships with all other people

Is your self-love comparable to that of a deserted building? or is it more like a steeple?

A steeple that is so strong and sturdy that you don't care what others think of you or say

Because your sole purpose is focused on improving yourself each and every day

In order to begin to love yourself you must behave in ways that you truly admire

You're the boss of your life, make sure that you are someone that you'd want to hire

You are stuck with yourself for the rest of your life, so you better make sure you like who you see in the mirror

Fall in love with your heart and soul, for through that love you will see yourself even clearer

Demonstrate love by giving it first to yourself unconditionally, without limit or reservation

This will attract others with the same kind of love, they will look at you with admiration

Lacking self-love will leave you searching for love and happiness in places where there is none

Be like the stain glass windows, shine from your inner beauty and love, and don't rely on just the sun.