Every year, I see people say the same thing: "New year, new me." They go on and on about how the next year will be "their year."

Yet most people who say this end up exactly the same as they were before the year ended. They have the same mindset, the same interests, the same friends, the same everything. Nothing has really changed, and they’re left wondering what went wrong and why they had such a bad year.

Why?

Because they talk the talk and don't walk the walk.

If there's one thing I learned, it's that you can't be a spectator in your own life. You can't just sit by and watch it happen. All the thinking and wishing in the world won’t change your year or your life. If you want your life to change, and you want 2017 to be your best year yet, then you have to actually do something.

Here are a few simple things you can do to actually make 2017 "your year."

1. Work on something you don't like about yourself.

You're not as perfect as you may think you are. There's always room for improvement, even on the smallest things. Take some time to truly reflect on yourself and where you are in your life. Think about if there is anything you want to change. It can be anything from losing weight to developing a completely new mindset.

For me, personally, one thing I am going to work on is being more trusting of people’s hearts and their intentions; I get so hung up on what people say and do to me, I forget that people aren’t perfect – they can say things they don’t mean, or even hurt you without intending to. And when that happens, I am working on trusting their love for me, instead of shutting myself off from them out of fear and hurt.

2. Develop a new hobby or interest.

Nothing is more motivating or empowering than learning. I love having something to work towards and something to improve on. Plus, you never know who you could meet or what you could learn if you step outside of what you know. There’s a whole world of knowledge out there and it’s calling your name.

3. Focus on forgiveness.

"Holding on to a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." There is no heavier burden than that of a bitter heart. Forgive others, not just because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. Forgiving the countless people who have hurt me was the best step I ever took towards personal happiness, and I’m confident it can help anybody.

4. Say you're sorry to somebody.

And just like you need to forgive others, you also to try and give others the opportunity to forgive you. Nobody is perfect, and we have all hurt other people at some point. We owe it to other people, and to ourselves, to admit when we have hurt somebody and tell that person we are sorry. And if they choose not to forgive you, that is their choice. Be graceful with your apologies, and the person's reaction to it.

5. Spend more time outside.

It's no secret that being outside makes you feel better. Even science will tell you that. Research local hiking trails in your area and get back into touch with nature. We go throughout our normal lives so often, going to jobs and running errands, that we forget the planet we live on is a beautiful gift. It’s a beautiful gift that should be noticed – and cherished.

6. Focus on being more positive.

I've met people who only open their mouths when they want to complain or put somebody down. Let your words grow flowers, not weeds. And before you speak in 2017, T.H.I.N.K. about this: is what you are about to say Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary or Kind? If not, maybe it's best you keep it to yourself. Pointless and excessive negativity doesn't just annoy people and accomplish nothing, but it also hurts you.

So now that you’ve seen a few ways to make 2017 your best year yet, go out and do it. Stop wishing, and start doing.