2015 is quickly coming to an end, and for some, the new year could not come fast enough while others are spending the last few days of the year clinging to all that this year was for them. But whether we like it or not, 2015 is ending and soon we will be struggling to date our papers with the 2016 instead. A new year means new possibilities, new chances, new adventures, new memories and, most importantly, a chance to make a new you.

Some people take New Year's Eve to sit down and come up with resolutions or goals to hopefully achieve within the next 365 days of the new year. Will you be one of those people going into 2016 with a goal? I know I always try to tackle the new year with a new goal. But I, like most people I know, fail miserably to follow through on our plans to change. And in my struggles, I have come up with a few tips and some realistic resolutions to make if you don't want to set yourself up for failure.

Realistic Resolutions:

Being healthier: physically, mentally and emotionally

Being happier: surrounding yourself with happiness and letting go of anything that chases it away

Getting better at studying: find new study habits until you find one that works for you

Basically, if you want to find a good resolution that is the perfect choice for you, take a moment to look back over last year, and any of the previous years if that helps, and decide what you may want to change and what you think you CAN change. It can be small or a bit big and harder to change, but as long as it's something you want to do then go for it and try it out - you are allowed to have more than one.

Tips:

Start small, and work your way up if you are determined to make a huge change. Build yourself up throughout the year. Take baby steps in January. Then around April learn how to crawl. In July begin to walk. By December you will be running like the wind. Whatever you do, DON'T TRY TO DO IT ALL IN JANUARY. You have all year, don't rush into anything.

Be patient with yourself. Most people fail keeping up with their resolutions because it's hard to change. You have to constantly remind yourself about the promise you had made back during the previous year and keep to it. It'll sometimes be hard, and you may even find yourself wanting to quit and give up, but don't. You chose this particular goal as your resolution for a reason. Remember that reason and let it help change you.

Make a schedule and stick to it! Plan out how far along in whatever goal you have made and where you want to be during each month of the year. If your goal is simple and doesn't need to be taken slowly, then pick a date in every month to check in with yourself that you are still working on the goal you set. But be sure to WRITE IT DOWN so you don't forget the promise(s) you made to yourself about yourself.

Don't give up on yourself and don't let others get you down, which is kind of the same as above, but too important not to remember. You are important, you were last year, you are this year and you will be next year. When choosing your New Years Resolution and when making it come true, remember that it should HELP you and not hurt you. You are important, you are special and you are kind, and so this year, if you can, make that a part of your resolution - to be kind to yourself. So many people forget that they are worth it.

And remember, if you fail you can always try again next year. Happy New Year's everyone, I hope 2016 is better than 2015 was for all of you.