Everyone has their New Years resolutions made, mapped out and started. Now, have you stuck to your plan? Or have you lost your drive? Let's see if we can change that.

Make the change.

With the “2016” book closed, finished and signed off, I find myself reflecting on the past few months, a year ago and even three. I have grown so much without even realizing it, and you have too. It’s not necessarily noticeable right away, but it’s the change you find yourself having made after a period of time later.

In recent times, I have been ripped apart, betrayed, torn down and so much more; but I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to grow from it all.

I ask you to take a moment to reflect on yourself. Think about you and who you are, who you were, and where you want to be. We all have a dream, a goal, it may be surfacing, or it may be so deep down you don’t even realize it yet. Take a moment, even just 30 seconds to think about where you want to be at some point in your life and how you want to be.

From a sophomore in college thinking about who she is going to be and all the places to go, this is challenging.

This isn’t something you put in the middle of the “New Year’s Resolutions” list that you will have crumpled up somewhere and come across it at the end of the year just in time to start a new one. Make this something you are actually willing to and have a passion for change.

Now that you have you envision in mind, think about how you are going to get there. How do you plan to make this change? How big of a change are you going to make? How much time are you going to devote into your change?

For me, I have made my personal change starting the end of last year and coming into 2017 with a passion. I have changed my outlook on people and how I plan to treat them. I have taken a look at how people choose to treat me and have learned to grow from it. I have learned that being a little selfish is very okay and to make decisions that also benefit your well-being. I have found my niche with fitness, working out, eating healthy and taking care of myself (and I will forever question why I didn’t start sooner). I continue to strive spiritually, mentally and physically to be my best self and continue growing, after all; you are your best motivator.

So, now that you have read my rant, think of your own.

I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed with the changes you make. Being a stick in the mud is boring. So make the change. Build something new out of yourself, don’t be afraid to grow (no matter how many years young you are).

I have found it is well worth the time and effort to reflect on myself, to motivate myself and to be a little selfish in my changes and growing. You are your best advocate. Floating through life is not a way to live. Take a chance and make the change.

Change is a good thing.

For those of you reading this, I hope at least a handful feel inspired, a small amount of you roll your eyes at how cheesy I am, and all of you make even a small change to benefit yourselves.

It is never too late.

Don’t be afraid to be challenged by yourself, don’t be afraid to grow; because at the end of it all, you might find yourself in a better place than you started.