Everyone suddenly hears the countdown of the ball drop and rushes for their pens or their smart phones to begin to write down the list of goals they want to achieve in the new year to come. Whether it's losing 10 pounds by going to the gym more than once a month, being better in your relationship, or not holding on to grudges, everyone has that vision of the part of themselves they want to improve after that ball drops. It's amazing talking to people and hearing these goals and seeing their faces light up with the possibility that their routine lives have a chance of seeing different light, that they have the opportunity to create a better year for themselves. They'll say things like, "Oh my God, I found this easy work-out schedule and it's only once a day and I can do it at home!" You'll get really excited for them to a point where it will inspire you to make your own goals for the new year too.

The problem is that people rarely follow through with these goals after the first few days of the new year. The confetti stops flying and no one toasts to the new year, and incredibly your life is back to the same it was on December 30th. This acts as a downer for most people, but it's crazy how much hope people have for themselves each year. We've all heard the sayings of how a new year shouldn't be an excuse to improve yourself simply because it's a fresh start. This is true, you're still going to have the same job in 2016, if you are in school you are only one semester down and still got another one to go, so what exactly is beginning again?

If you are having trouble jumping into this new year with a "New year, new me" motto written across your forehead, it might be better for you to try not to romanticize this celebrated holiday. Don't think of it as this race where you need to compete everyday at your flaws until it's next year and you have done your best to become a better person, but have almost killed yourself in the process. Look around and see all the other people who are taking this opportunity, and if you feel like you can become a better you, go for it. Just remember there are new beginnings to months, mornings, daybreaks, and chances, and they can happen at any moment of any year.