With 2019 in full swing, and my first minutes being spent in an Uber in the city, don't let anyone weaken your hopes of achieving your newly set resolutions. Whether you write them down weeks before 2019, set them at the NYE party, or decide within the days following...all of the things you see as something that will better who you are and how you live are things that deserve attention. They're not "stupid."

Although many times resolutions fail to stick, the very act of recognizing them as something you would like to improve on for the new year is as important as the effort to keep up with them. Recognizing our changeable flaws isn't harmful and shouldn't be regarded as such.

If you didn't set a resolution or two heading into the new year, ask yourself, "if I could change something that would better myself moving forward, what would it be?"

Now think of ways to commence this change. They don't need to be extravagant, they could be as small as saying "no" to Coca-Cola when you go out to eat or walking to class instead of taking the buses on campus. That's the very thing with resolutions, little do we know, we set them often throughout the year. Resolutions can be big or small.

Now, if you've already set your resolution, think about how the ways you've already started to keep up with it and how you plan to continue doing so throughout the year. For example, if you vowed to give up a certain type of candy or cookie, think about Halloween and the holiday season. Yes, it's extremely far away, but when we set our sights high and plan ahead (or think ahead) our rate of failure decreases immensely. Next, ask yourself, "is this truly something I want to pursue this year? Or did it just sound better in my head?" Be honest with yourself on this one. There's no harm in changing or modifying your goals. For example, that candy or cookie you promised to give up...maybe you decide to avoid it solely on the weekdays and indulge in moderation on weekends if you must. Or, did you vow to go to the gym 5x a week? Maybe decrease it to 3x a week and add a workout class in your schedule instead! Like I said, there's no shame here. We live busy lives and we shouldn't have to miss out on memories and opportunities for a New Year's resolution. Small improvements are still improvements. Don't feel the need to go straight up the mountain, resting and taking a look at the view is important.

And if you're at a loss for resolutions this year, here are some we all should follow (no matter who you are):

Smile more. Be kind. Treat your body well. Listen to others. Try something new. Say "yes" to something that scared you before. Laugh, a lot. Be generous if able. Tell the people you love that you love them. Think about the world. Pay attention. Don't settle.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!