It's a new year, and time for many people to make changes in their lives. While you can make a positive (or negative I suppose) change at any point during the year, this is the time where most people make resolutions for the new year. A lot of people tend to make the same cliche resolutions as every else, and many times they don't pan out the way you hope they will. The problem with most resolutions is that they are either to vague, so they aren't measurable, they are too difficult, causing many people to give up, or they are not made with a positive outlook. This year, try to make your resolutions that make your life better, are something that you can truly accomplish, and make them with a positive spin. Here is a list of 12 New Year's Resolutions, followed by a list of the same resolutions that take on a different outlook.

1. This year I will lose (insert amount) of pounds

2. This year I will work out 3 times a week

3. This year I will read (insert amount) of books

4. This year I will watch less TV/Netflix

5. This year I will not procrastinate as much

6. This year I will not sleep in every day

7. This year I will find a new hobby

8. This year I will save a ton of money

9. This year I will eat out less

10. This year I will go to class every day no matter what

11. This year I will work a ton during the winter, so I have more money for summer

12. This year I will cut all of the toxic people out of my life

Try replacing those resolutions with the following:

1. This year I will build my self esteem

2. This year I will make a healthy choice each day

3. This year I will expand my knowledge base

4. This year I will use my time to do things that make me happy

5. This year I will plan ahead at least once a week

6. This year I will get up 15 minutes earlier than I need to

7. This year I will find something I love to do, that is also good for me

8. This year I will think twice before purchasing items

9. This year I will cook at least 2 meals a week at home

10. This year I will not skip more classes than the syllabus allows before losing points

11. This year I will pick up at least 1 work shift for every 4 I'm asked to take

12. This year I will make myself a priority

Many people bash others for making resolutions only once a year, but who is to say that making these decisions once a year is wrong, when the other choice is to never make them at all. Make resolutions. Fail at them, and make more. Succeed, and make more. Never stop challenging yourself. If this is the one time a year you feel empowered enough to make a change, then my suggestion for a resolution for you is to choose to make yourself a better person at any point during the year. I hope you all have a wonderful year, and make the most out of it!