As 2016 comes to an end, New Year’s resolutions begin to creep through the woodwork into conversations. Soon, the cheerful conversation about presents and family in town will turn into deep sighs as people analyze the past year and try to make a blueprint on how to better themselves. I do believe in the #newyearnewme trend, just as everyone should. Yes, seeing people dusting off their sneakers to start their first jog in order to get into shape does make me giggle, but bettering yourself is no laughing matter. There is always room to progress. Sure, getting into shape, straightening up those study (read: procrastination) habits, and pumping the breaks on how many time you swipe that credit card are all amazing resolutions! If you know me though, you know I won’t be sticking to the clichés. Here is my New Year’s resolutions list, and I highly suggest you try them out:

Be more selfish

2017 is your year. Don’t spend your year worrying about everyone else’s drama and lose yourself. Don’t get me wrong; please by all means be there for your loved ones. It’s just, next time you find yourself consoling someone who lost a parent…remember to call yours. Next time you hear someone complain about grades...do what you need to do to get yours up to your standards. Next time you find yourself eating ice cream because your friend got stood up…be sure to take it as a lesson on how you don’t need anyone to be happy, and if you do have a significant other be sure to appreciate them more. Next time you find yourself in an argument with someone…be selfish with your time, there isn’t a need to drag something on with anger and hate. Next time you find yourself alone…remember you have a God that died for you that loves you.

Drink more

There is a reason why FOMO exists, but it has nothing to do with drinking. I’m not saying I plan on getting drunk more, I actually plan on cutting back on alcohol, but I am excited to drink more. Get coffee with that distant friend. Have one more beer with your roommate from freshman year. Make your mom some tea and listen to her vent about work. You would be shocked to see how many people are in your life once you reach out to people. New Years is all about looking back at the “good ole times,” who said those people had to reside in only a memory?

Don’t apologize as much

I do have a firm belief that there is always a reason you could apologize. Even when you know you’re in the right about something, there’s always something you could say such as “sorry we argued” or “sorry we had to go through that.” I do apologize all the time, and still plan to just in a better way. Stop saying, “sorry I’m late” start saying “thank you for waiting.” Stop saying, “Sorry I’m a crazy boyfriend/girlfriend” replace it with “thank you for being so understanding with me.” Stop putting yourself down all the time and putting a negative image in your peers’ heads and fill it with positive gratitude.

Put more miles on your car

Just go. Be that designated driver. Go surprise your brother on his birthday. Go to that concert one state over. Go to the beach for the weekend with your friends. Go on that camping trip you’re not so sure of because of bugs. Be free. But don’t forget: go home.