Every year, when the new year rolls around, ambitious souls across the globe write a list of resolutions to *hopefully* improve their lives. On the top of many lists: lose weight, eat healthy, give more, spend less money, the list goes on and on. In practically every aspect of our life, we can think of something we should be doing differently.

It’s not long before losing weight becomes turning the channel to a pilates program while sitting on the couch eating a tub of ice cream, and eating healthy turns drenching salad in bottles of ranch to block out the actual taste.

According to an article on Forbes.com, only 8% of those who set their new year’s resolutions actually achieve them.

We should not give up on our dreams and ambitions only a few days into the year. Start your goals off small and set a deadline.

Each day wake up and look in the mirror and say, “I can do this. Today is a new day and another step towards my achievement.”

Resolutions are not met overnight or even within the first week of a new year. Don’t let yourself be discouraged if you do not see a visible result right away. As it is said, anything worth having is worth waiting for. But don’t simply wait for it. Work for it.

Why do we find it easier to start something new at the change of the year rather than a random Tuesday in the middle of the year? Perhaps for some they can relate to hope a new year brings, allowing ourselves to change when the year is also changing.

Resolutions can be as simple as, “Today I am going to drink one more cup of water than I normally do.” And can eventually work up to, “I will limit myself to one can of soda a week.” Keep your goals simple and tangible and the work will seem less scary.

Self-improvement is important. We recognize our areas of weakness and *optimistically* squash them like mosquitos in the middle of July. It is necessary for humankind to continue up the steep ladder of personal success. Changing for the better today can make our lives better tomorrow, and the days to follow.

We should take it upon ourselves to keep in mind that life is a work in progress. We may not know what the future holds, but we can control our outlook on it.