We all want to lose those extra few pounds or travel more. We want a new car or a new house... but how often have you succeeded in achieving those huge resolutions you make for yourself? Of course, there are a lot of people that are able to stick with it, but it's not usually the case. Before you decide to lose 20 pounds, start with some of the smaller ways you can change for the better.

1. Unfollow negative people on social media

Go through your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and all of your other social media accounts and spend the next few days cleansing your feed. Get rid of people who make you feel bad or angry. Get rid of people who you aren't close with because you will only feel negative thoughts when you have to see them on your dash every day.

2. Stop saying sorry unnecessarily or when you don't really mean it

I definitely struggle with this, personally, but saying sorry so much really diminishes the meaning behind it. Instead of saying sorry, add more positive words instead. Instead of saying sorry for being late, say thank you for waiting.

3. Accept compliments by saying thank you

Don't put yourself down every time someone gives you a compliment or says something nice. Not only is it bad for your own self-esteem, but it will make the other person annoyed if you ignore their words.

4. Drink more water

Again, this is something I struggle with, but drinking water will make you feel so much better in the long run. Your skin will clear up, you won't feel as exhausted, and your body will thank you.

5. Meet new people

It's always good to branch out and meet new people. It's good because with new people you learn and try new things.

6. Spend time with people who matter

Don't spend time with that person who you know you wont be friends with for longer than a year. Don't spend time with that friend who puts you down and doesn't support you.

7. Start saving more money

When you get paid, put half or more than half into a savings account. You want to start out the year with safety and stability, not with the risk of missing a payment because you have nothing saved up.

8. Learn to let go of grudges

It isn't healthy when you let something brew in the pit of your stomach. It isn't good for your current relationships or yourself. Either let the person go or forgive.

9. Spend less time on social media

It's isn't a secret that social media isn't the best for yourself. People are obsessed with image and how they want to be seen, not how they really are. Log out of facebook and instagram. Stop letting it control your life, and make that your goal.

10. Take a self-defense class

It is never a bad idea to learn how to protect yourself, especially in this type of world and environment. Make it your mission to be able to protect yourself so you don't feel unsafe.

11. Read more

Reading is always a good goal to have. Read to learn or read just for fun. Either way, reading every day before bed is good for your own mind.

12. Spend at least 20 minutes walking a day

Everyone wants to lose weight at the beginning of the year and they make huge goals to do it. Walking just only 20 minutes a day is a very good and easy start.

13. Sleep better

Start getting ready for bed much earlier than you usually do. Put your phone away from your bed and turn off the t.v.

14. Start a journal

Whether the journal includes your dreams or little ideas that pop into your head, it's good to have them written down on paper to look over later.

15. Make more time for yourself

Buy that bathbomb or facemask, or simply spend more time in your room or at a coffee shop. Allow yourself to relax and just be with yourself.

16. Learn a new skill

You could learn guitar, sign language, or some other skill. It could be big or small, but once you achieve it you will feel very good about yourself.

17. Be more positive

It's always good to be positive when so many people in this world are negative.

18. Volunteer

Volunteering is not only good for the people you're helping, but it makes you feel good. When you could be inside playing games or watching t.v, go out and do something for the world.

19. Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Another small way to lose weight, but a good and easy one. You don't have to take any time out of your day, just do it instead of the elevator.

We all want to be a new person when the New Year comes, but like most things, it takes time and patience. It's far better to work on the little things and make your way up to the big one.