There are multiple theories on how one should live their life, and how to find fulfillment. There's a concept in today's society with a stigma attached to it, that being: it takes a new year to be a new you.

But does the year itself have so much power? Or is it human beings that have the power?

I know for me and for many others, my perception of the world isn't changing because it's the year 2017. The first of January is just another day. If it's cold outside, I still won't have the desire to exercise and being a new year won't make me more eager in doing so. The same goes with my obsession with being timely and my ability to react poorly won't likely change either. Unless I make the decision in wanting change.

I have many qualities and character flaws I want to work on fixing. But, just like me, you have desire to change - take baby steps (I'm very aware how cliche that is of me to say). If there are personality traits you aren't all that fond of, or perhaps you have daily habits that abuse your body in a number of facets, do not wait for a new year to become who you want to be or the body you wish to own. Time passes by far too quickly to keep waiting. After all, we might not get "a new year."

Time is fleeting and while I am very much a control freak, I am fully aware I can not control the pace of time.

However, I can change what is I do with my time and spend it a little more wisely rather than wishing it away just to "get through" the next challenge I encounter.

I find myself to not be one whose all that resilient to change. Change is uncomfortable for me and I often stray from it. I crave routine and knowing how certain circumstances will play out. I am most at ease living my life that way.

But I am just like millions of people need change in order to grow and appreciate the gifts I do have in my life. Although the year I write on my paper will soon change, everything else is up to me to change. Throughout this week, I have had an epiphany. What keeps us from changing the way we live or how we correct flaws in our character is discomfort. But I have also realized dreams seldom materialize on their own. Change is required for dreams to become real. Also, change will happen regardless of whether or not we are ready for them or in control of them. And we shouldn't wait for a new year to want a better way of life.

Trust me, I am fully aware how hard it is to wake up extra early to go for a run every day. It's so much easier running from challenges than it is to "physically" run. It's also easier to become avoidant than it to face challenges head on. Being one who squanders or wishes time away doesn't resolve issues or protect us from what lies ahead.

Life conveniently places valleys standing in the way of what we want. Too often, we avoid them or run away from them because we are dictated by fear or scared of change. Don't use a new year to change aspects of your life you aren't fond of or wish to improve. Make today the day, you start working on the best version of you. It may take breaking up with your long time partner and focusing on you, or working extra hours and saving just a few dollars each week to go on that dream trip of yours. It may take being around a person who poisons those they influence with negativity to come to realize you never want to become them. Whatever the case may be, let today be the starting point in wanting change. Don't let another year go by for you to make another resolution that's likely unrealistic, too. With the help of a new day, simple efforts and good influences that are clearly directed towards your goals, you can achieve most anything.