As the holidays are fast approaching, so is the new year. With 2017 soon to be in our rear-view mirror and 2018 just ahead, it’s time to start thinking about those daunting New Year’s resolutions.

Every year it seems as if it’s the same basic, surface level resolutions. “I’ll work out more,” “I’ll eat healthier,” “I’ll fit into those jeans I wore back in 2015,” and the same simple aspirations, all revolving around appearances.

Maybe instead of focusing on getting that six-pack for spring break this year or getting more use out of that YMCA membership, we should shift our focus to improving what’s on the inside, not outside.

In today’s society, the media puts such emphasis on body image and outward appearances, particularly around the holiday seasons. Victoria’s Secret commercials flashing their new “holiday bombshell bra” on underweight, photoshopped models because what could be better than waking up to undergarments under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning with the family, right? Or Planet Fitness claiming they’re a “judgment-free zone” while showing healthy, fit adults running on the treadmill and doing squats.

As much as we participate in and encourage those things, they’re unfortunately unrealistic when translated into the real world.

While setting fitness and health goals are important and something I incorporate into my life, I don’t want 2018 to be clouded by those superficial aspirations. I’d rather focus on becoming a better friend, sister, daughter, and person.

While the actions that go into becoming a better overall person are broad and relatively undefined, the littlest things could make a difference.

Maybe in 2018, you want to rekindle an old relationship and reach out to an old friend. Maybe you want to create new relationships and meet new friends.

Maybe instead of focusing on external relationships, you want to focus on the one you have with yourself. Maybe you want to learn to love yourself more and spread that love to others.

Maybe you want to travel to a new place and gain an understanding for a different culture. Maybe you want to get a better understanding of your own culture.

Hangout with your family more, get more sleep, work hard for that promotion at work, volunteer more, get out of your comfort zone- whatever it may be, make sure your priorities are where they should be.

Make 2018 and your New Year’s resolutions about becoming a better person, not a more attractive person. We all know that cheesy quote “The happiest people are the prettiest”, but amen to that.