New Year Resolutions. The words I've dreaded every December. How does one stick with something for a whole year? How do I pick just a few things to improve on?

Such an overwhelming concept.

However, after what seems to be universally acknowledged as a terrible year, I knew no matter what I did in 2017, it would be difficult for this year to be worse than 2016.

When thinking back on the countless events and days that made 2016 one of the worst years, I discovered a theme. Every "bad thing" revolved around judging others, hating others, and lacking trust in others. All of these created a general shortage of happiness.

How do we aspire for more authentic happiness if we cannot control others? We start with ourselves. I can't change the people around me, but I can change myself. In fact, I recently came across a quote that stuck with me: "Being aware of a single shortcoming within yourself is far more useful than being aware of a thousand in someone else."

So, in 2017, I am choosing to focus on myself. I am starting by giving myself the motto of "No excuses. Stop justifying." In order to build myself up, I need to do what's best for me. Making excuses for why I can't go workout or study more are not a healthy habits. If I don't absolutely adore and respect the people I choose to call "friends," then I need to stop justifying why I should spend time with them. On top of this, I want to turn my annoyance with others into something I can focus on for me. For example, instead of becoming frustrated with a person's lack of work ethic, I should focus on improving my work ethic.

Out of context, calling 2017 "My Year" might seem selfish, but when considering that this is my way of growing and way of helping improve society as whole, I'm satisfied with this title.

I hope that 2017 can be a year for everyone to focus on themselves. I also hope that 2017 is a year of love, not hate, anger, jealousy, annoyance, fear, or sadness. Love starts within each of us and eventually spreads to those around us.

Love always.