Generally, people settle during life. They have learned that big dreams don’t always come true, that sometimes they must accept how things are instead of draining their resources on the impossible or improbable. Maybe they marry their second choice, maybe they work a job beneath them because they don’t think they are worthy of something better.

Some people will do anything to achieve their dreams even if it seems impossible. These are the Barack Obamas and Steve Jobs of the world. These are the Clintons, Oprahs and Marie Curies of the world. They went after their dreams. They were ambitious. They said, “To hell with it!” and went off and grabbed the bull by the horns.

I am usually a settler. I succumb to the “reality” of life. I don’t go after what I want. I am afraid to achieve greatness. But this is not the life I want. I see myself driving down a path (because I’m definitely not a walker) that is flavorless with no light. At the end of that light is unhappiness. The landscape is grey. There is no art, no natural beauty.

I don’t wish that for anybody. I don’t want that for me. I want to see color. I want the sun. I want the incredible. I want first choices and good jobs. I know my life can’t always be amazing, that sometimes I must choose second best. Albus Dumbledore from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" said, “Do not dwell on dreams and forget to live.” That’s good advice if you wish to bring your parents back from the dead. But dreams are the fuel that lights the fire.

That’s why I’ve decided to throw away my bad habits and create new ones that will improve the quality of my life. I’ve made a small list of New Life Resolutions that I will try to stick to for the year. I’ve gotten off to a late start, but whatever

1. Manage my money.

- Stop incessantly shopping.

- Save my friggin money. I don't have a lot.

- Budget. Duh.

- Invest money in a retirement account. I have $1,050 invested, but that Victorian mansion is much more than that.

2. Take care of my body.

- Facial regimen. Acne is a problem.

- Lose those pesky 10 pounds. I know it’s ridiculous that I care about ten pounds, but I can’t fit into my bras anymore. Maybe I will cut down on the carbs and walk a bit more. Not promising a lot of exercise.

- No more fast food. This includes work food and Starbucks. Only emergencies.

- Take medicine. This is a big one. I don't take my depression and seizure meds that often, but I want to change that.

3. Write more.

I have always loved writing and I’m slowly getting into it again. Reading more, too.

4. Do better in classes.

Just. Do. Better.

5. Be celibate.

...unless Daniel Radcliffe magically appears in Indiana.

I know it seems like some of these things are ordinary resolutions, but every little thing can change your life. Dumbledore also said, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” We as humans choose to be good people, choose to help others and choose to help ourselves. We are the hardest on ourselves. Everyone is so negative about every little thing under the sun. Instead of seeing the beauty in the roses, we see the thorns that come before.

“Give yourself permission to step into your greatness,” said Dave Gambrill. Step into greatness, internet. You have everything you need.