January 1st represents a new beginning — a chance to start all over and become everything you've ever wanted to be. People all around the world set goals for themselves that they'd like to achieve for the new year. These include losing weight, quitting smoking/drinking, exercising more, etc... Whatever the case may be, one thing remains constant; the concept of changing to become a better version of yourself.

But what happens when December 31st comes, and most of the things that you originally set out to do never happened, and you feel like you wasted the entire year? The reason that many people feel this overwhelming sense of regret is because they set high expectations for themselves without actually making a commitment to accomplishing those things.

Every single day that you are alive is a new opportunity to change your life for the better. You do not have to wait until a new year to follow your dreams, or to do the things you've always wanted to do. The truth is, life is unpredictable, and you never know what each day will bring. To avoid feeling disappointed in yourself because you did not accomplish any of the things on your New Year's resolution list, take things a day at a time.

You are not a failure.

Now I am not saying that you shouldn't make a list of goals for yourself... lists help you stay on track. But don't beat yourself up if something doesn't go the way you imagined. Remember that you are exactly where you're suppose to be in life, and that if you want something to change, it is completely up to you.

Try new things everyday, and do something that you've always been too afraid to try. Apply for that job or school and challenge yourself. Start small, and think of all the ways that you can love yourself better. Let go of toxic relationships and people. Take care of your mental health.

Just because certain things didn't work out before, does not mean that they never will. Don't wait until the new year to change and grow. Use every day that you are given.