Every time a new year rolls around, it's a tradition for many to make New Year's resolutions; things they want to change and improve on next year.

It can be as simple as trying to be kinder or could involve a major lifestyle change, like losing weight. Unfortunately, only about 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. Why is this? In my opinion, New Year's isn't actually the best time to make a change.

Many may feel as if they have to make resolutions because it's the thing to do to ring in the new year. New Year's has come to symbolize new beginnings, leaving the past behind, and looking forward to improving yourself. A new year, a "new you." Why is New Year's the only time some people feel the need to make a change? Why do people use the new year as the benchmark to become a better person?

Some people just make resolutions for fun; they do it as part of the New Year's celebration and know they have no intention of keeping them. Others, however, see the new year as a motivation for change; they think that New Year's is the best time to make a lifestyle change.

If you really want serious change in your life, a new year shouldn't be your only motivation for doing so. If it takes a landmark like a new year to implement a new lifestyle, you probably didn't have much of a desire to change anyways. Changes can be made at any time of the year, not just the new year. In fact, if you want to improve yourself, you should be willing to do it at any time of the year, not just a holiday that prides itself on "new beginnings."

Changing a lifestyle habit isn't a simple thing that can be done overnight. It requires a lot of goal setting, hard work, dedication, and passion. A major life change can't be done just because it's suddenly a new year; it has to be done because you truly want to make that change. Don't feel pressured to make a resolution to change your life if your heart isn't in it. Remember, New Year's isn't always the best time to make a change.