As the year begins to come to a close, I hope I'm not the only one who thinks to themselves, "Uh, what?" Every new year, we lay out all these plans and hopes and goals for ourselves, whether that be to get that bikini body (hah yeah...still didn't happen), or to travel new and exotic places (but oh wait, I'm poor), or find love (I'm in a dedicated relationship...with my dogs). Whatever it may be, I feel like the beginning of November is when we realize how many goals we didn't reach this year. But there is still hope! We have two months left, people! And maybe that's not enough time to travel to Paris, lose 30 lbs., and fall in love with a handsome Parisian man...but maybe we can take small steps in the right direction.

So here's 10 "dares" to do this month that will get you out of your comfort zone a bit, and break some of those bad habits before the year ends. I call them dares because you'd be more likely to do something if someone was grilling you about it. Well here it is America! (Picture me Uncle Sam style, finger pointing at you, except I'm smiling...I'm a smiley person.) We need you, you need you, to follow through on these dares, making ourselves more well rounded. Who's with me?

1. Walk around campus without your phone in your hand.

I was recently angry about something, and didn't want to deal with people blowing up my phone giving me weak little "it's OK, you'll survive" kind of things, so I sassily threw it in my bag and stomped to class. I started to look around, thought out my situation, and was feeling better — but what I noticed was how very few people walk around campus without their heads tilted down at their phones. Look up people! That text can wait the 10 minutes it takes you to walk to class. Think about life. Smile at strangers. Look at the world. Watch out for cars... and if your university is anything like Ball State, bicycles and skateboards are just as deadly. Maybe you'll notice something new, maybe you'll meet someone (handsome Parisian man? oui oui) or maybe you'll take a little time for yourself by unplugging for even small amount of time. Sounds small and pointless, but I think it truly is the small changes that count the most.

2. The next time you go on a date, or start talking to someone, ask them different questions than usual.

I recently read this article a friend posted on his wall. It's about four questions to ask on a first date, and they say it'll lead to a second one, and I'm not saying that. But, I definitely think it'll start a new relationship (whether friendship or romantic) on a more sincere level. We've all read articles about how our generation has screwed up dating and relationships, and yet many of us long for a real connection. Well, hate to break it to you, but its not going to happen over a semi-flirty conversation about favorite pizza toppings or Netflix addictions. I'm also not saying to lead with these questions, but if you start talking to someone and you want to see if there's anything there, ask these questions. The questions are like middle of the swimming pool deep: you're not in over your head, but most of you is definitely in it.

In case you're too lazy to read the link, the questions are: "Do you usually follow your head or your heart," "What's most important to you in this world," "What are you currently reading," and "Do the ends always justify the means?"

3. Write down where you want to be in the next five years and share it with someone.

Everyone says, "When you write something down, it sticks." I do agree with that, but I think writing it down and displaying it somewhere to be seen/ talked about is even more effective. I know as a senior my college days seem to be blurring a bit — who's to say that won't happen in life too? So really think about yourself, your goals, and your weaknesses. Write them out. Then consider where you hope to be, with these things in mind, in five years. Then frame it. Put it by your end table, or hang on the wall. Remind yourself often of your goals, and change them as necessary. Life is about the journey, not the destination — but it would be nice if you work towards a destination you've been dreaming of, right?

4. Schedule gym sessions like you would classes.

Now, I am such a hypocrite writing this... but, I mean I have a huge sweet tooth... it's bad. I know. But, what I'm going to try to do is every time I have a sweet, I have to schedule a session at the gym and hold myself to it. Just like you hold yourself going to class, think of going to the gym like going to class. Schedule it, write it down, set an alarm for it, whatever you have to do to get it stuff in your head. Tell your friends about it, tell them to text you at the time, and be like "Is your butt at the gym?" I, like most people, bargain while dieting. "I had dessert so I'll just eat a salad at dinner." While that doesn't usually tend to work, exercising more would definitely be a good idea, while also being sneaky in getting you back into a routine of working out. This dare also forces you to reconsider your food choices. Think about what you eat if you don't want to get on the treadmill.

5. Give someone a chance to surprise you.

This dare is broader than others because we all build our walls up in one way or another. Whether this be you not being the absolute control freak in a group project (me), and allowing someone to show you what all they can do, or talking to the girl you kinda sorta know, or you've heard things about, and you are not sure if you need that in your life right now — or even the kinda-sorta-cute guy that buys you a drink at the bar and you're like "ummm," let these opportunities play themselves out a little. I'm not saying to go against your gut or to put yourself in danger. Not saying that at all. But, I think we all should reevaluate the limits and walls we put around ourselves. Sometimes, they're unnecessarily high. We won't be able to control everything in life, and shouldn't expect to. Give life a chance to show you something new.

6. Ask someone what they think you need to work on as a person.

This sounds awful, I know. But rarely can we be objective when it comes to evaluating ourselves. Now, ask a good friend or family member that knows you well. Ask them to be honest...but not brutal. It's good to see how people may view you, and people that know you well are likely to know what you're really wanting to mean/ say. Take it as a suggestion. Keep it in mind, and maybe work on it to make yourself feel like more of a whole person.

7. Do that little thing to pamper yourself.

Get your nails done. Get a massage. Go shop a little bit. Eat out. Whatever you find relaxation in doing, and feel fabulous once you're done, do it. The end of the year is both busy and focused on doing good for others. Good! That's not a problem. What is a problem is not taking that small moment to respect yourself, treat yourself. Do this as you do your dares! Even though, I don't think most of us need any enticement to spoiling ourselves a little bit. But it is nice for someone to be telling us to do so, so we're not feeling as guilty.

8. Go to a new restaurant, or go to a regular spot, and eat something new.

There may not be time, or money, to go to your dream location yet this year (but you could always write that in your goals). But that isn't to stop you from experiencing new cuisines! Go to that little Indian place, or try a new sushi roll. Take a small chance on something. If you don't like it, you'll never have to do it again. But at least you tried it.

9. Go out of your way for someone.

I think we all hope to be good people. Whether that is to leave the planet a cleaner, happier, or fairer place, we need to hold ourselves to it. No one else can to the work for us to make us better people. It is our responsibility. Maybe hold the door for everyone you encounter for one day, or help carry someone's groceries, or even compliment that girl you can see is having a rough day, or is unsure of herself. Do something small. They'll soon become habits and become something much bigger.

10. Become an expert on a current event.

You're probably not going to become an expert by scrolling your Twitter feed or Facebook home page. Select something you've heard something about in the news, and research it. Holiday parties will be coming up, have something prepared to talk about with your relatives other than your personal life. Watch the debates, or if you hate politics like me, pick a trend going on, or a law in the makes, or the headline news of your favorite foreign country. My mom definitely criticizes how little I pay attention to national news (I mean that's not my fault it's not on Netflix), but I do agree with her that maybe I should know a little something... about... something.

I hope y'all feel inspired after this, and even if it's not to do all the dares, maybe do a few of them!

Good luck, and may the dares ever be in your favor!