New year, new me, right? Followed by an extremely long (and usually unattainable…) list of resolutions for the new year that usually ends by the 2nd week of January. I have even started my own list of small, basic resolutions such as going to the gym (which I have not even started doing…), losing some weight to get rid of the Freshman 15 (...something that also does not seem that attainable now…) and starting a bullet journal. But as far as not following through with resolutions (which, let’s be honest, everyone falls back on), there are things that we should all be doing in 2018.

No matter how new a new year can seem, it does not instantly remove any past 2017 events that we are not necessarily proud of. 2018 may be the same, or worse, as 2017, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t do anything to prevent it. Even following just ONE of the guidelines* below will not only help you make a better 2018 but for the benefit of others also.

1. Don’t just focus on your own resolutions…choose to focus your resolutions on others

Everything below this is pretty much following these guidelines, but it does help to blatantly spell out the point of this list. Yeah, creating resolutions about eating healthy, exercising, being more organized, but maybe this year, try to think of someone besides yourself sometime? YES, treating yourself is a good thing, especially in terms of mental health, but take time to think of others this year. 2017 was filled with some of the most grotesque shootings seen in US history, horrific weather fueled by climate change and political events that will affect lives in 2018. Look out for the people affected by these catastrophes especially, and to those that will inevitably come in 2018.

2. Join a service organization...and don’t just do it for volunteer hours

Join a service organization that you actually care about. Don’t just join one because you think it’ll look good for grad school or some kind of specialist school. With this new semester join groups like Circle K, Make a Wish Foundation, etc, at your university.

Get involved in certain causes that have and will continue to have an effect on our society. Keep up with DACA, especially since a decision from Congress is expected January 2018. Advocate for the stop of sexual harassment between co-workers, friends, peers, family members, etc. Take the knee during the national anthem. Make a point to be involved with not only these things but other advocacy movements for the betterment of human rights.

Go to rallies.

Write an op-ed.

Call your representatives in Congress.

2018 isn’t a year where we stand around waiting for someone else to make a change in gun control policies, immigration, equality in the workplace, racism, classism, police brutality, sexual harassment, etc. Make a point to not wait around and take matters into your own hands that will be beneficial to others.

3. Take time for yourself.

As 2017 was, 2018 will continue to be as chaotic. New issues involving climate change, politics and society will continue. But it doesn’t mean that everyone will stand around. Make your new year resolutions about these issues. Make your resolutions actually stick with you by involving yourself in your community by making a difference, no matter how small it may seem, no matter how many obstacles there seems to be.