At the start of every new year, we all make resolutions and tell ourselves that we will stick to them for the full 365 days of the year. Some of us don’t even make it through January without cheating on our resolutions. Some of us make it six months and some of the lucky ones make it through the entire year.

But what if we fall into the category of the people who don’t make it past January? We say we’re going to start working out every day, drink more water, eat healthier and so on. But if we don’t end up following through with these resolutions, we feel disappointed in ourselves and say, “Oh well. I’ll try again next year.” Then, the next year comes and the same thing happens. It’s an endless cycle we can’t escape.

Why not start working out today? Or drinking more water today? Why do resolutions always have to be started at the beginning of each year? If you have a goal that you want to reach, you shouldn’t have to wait an entire year to obtain it. Some people make these new years resolutions because they believe the next year is going to be bigger and better than the previous year, but it will only be bigger and better if we follow through with our resolutions.

That in and of itself is setting yourself up for failure. We’re human. Sometimes we want to have cheat days, sometimes we want to sit around all day in our sweatpants and sometimes a glass of wine sounds a whole lot better than a glass of water.

When we get it into our minds that the new year will be greater than the previous year only if we change ourselves and change our daily routines, it sort of puts a damper on the road to achieving your goals right? People always say, “New year, new me,” but why can’t you start a “new you” whenever you want? What if August 2017 comes and you want to pick up a new hobby, why should you wait until 2018? Start it on the day it came to your mind. If you want to accomplish something… do it!

If you think it’s going to make you happy and feel fulfilled, why do you have to wait for a new year to start? I know it’s cliché to say “live every day like it’s your last,” but why don’t you? Tomorrow is never promised for anyone and neither is the next year. So, if you want to start being healthier, drink more water or whatever it may be, don’t wait until a new year starts. Go out and do it without the restrictions you usually set for yourself by making new years resolutions.

Allowing yourself the freedom to accomplish your goals the way that best suits your lifestyle is far better than setting unrealistic expectations for a new year. The year 2017 will be what you make of it, so make it a year about doing what you love on your own terms.