I don't want this to be just another "cliché" article about New Year's resolutions, or "just another article." So here is my stab at trying to not be basic.

Whether 2016 was the absolute worst year of your life and you are never looking back or it was the most amazing one yet; never fear, a fresh start is coming for you in 2017.

We all get a clean slate.

Like a lot of Odyssey articles that are going to be published the same time as this one, I am going to mention resolutions. I know, I know, blah blah blah – same old same old. This has to be the most cliché thing ever.

Nevertheless, the concept is a classic, and, as a writer, I love making lists so this is a favorite of mine when a new year rolls around.

It becomes a cliché when the only things on your list are to start a diet and exercise regimen. I'm not saying those things won’t be on my list as well; however, we have to think practically.

The reason I like making to-do lists for myself is that at the end of a task I get to take my pen and mark through something I have completed. It means I am done and on to the next challenge.

This is why I usually make a long-term goals list, and a daily goals list.

I know there is no way I am going to be able to mark off “start an exercise regimen” the second week of January.

Because -- What if I quit before I even start? What if I forget a few days? What if I’m not motivated? For me, the idea of a regimen is unrealistic, which is why my "start an exercise regimen" goes on the long-term goals list.

We just have to discipline ourselves and make the time.

Same goes for Christians, we have to make the time to be alone with Jesus every day – no matter how loudly Netflix is calling our name.

There are also cliché Christian resolutions like reading the Bible more and praying daily. Again, these are going on my list, but I am NOT putting them there because it's the Christian thing to do, but because I actually want to see these lived out in 2017.

I enter 2017 with my eyes focused on Him and Him alone (and my grades of course). Sure, there are going to be days where I forget and do not feel particularly motivated, but in my world there’s no such thing as perfect.

Ending with a challenge (what's new, I mean besides the year?):

I challenge you all to make a resolution and rely on God to help you achieve those goals you set out. You cannot do everything on your own, and when we try to we end up failing on January 2nd.

Nothing ever lasts long when we are not focused on Him.