With the new year right around the corner, we're all thinking about coming up with a resolution. In my opinion, having a New Year's resolution is a great idea and something everyone should have. It's a new year and a chance to start fresh. Resolutions are a good place to start to make changes in our lives and the new year gives us a great starting point for that change. Sometimes, coming up with a resolution can be a challenge. No worries! I'm here to help and have come up with a list of some ideas for you. If you like any of these, feel free to take them on.

1. Healthier Living

Most people's new year resolution is to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle. This isn't a bad idea at all. However, we are all aware that the first two weeks of the new year at the gym is packed with a bunch of people starting their resolution, but after those two weeks, most of those people don't come back again. This can be a great resolution, but the key is to stick to it. Promising yourself that you will eat healthier and get more exercise will not only help you lose weight, but improve your health and make you feel better about yourself. Create a whole new you this year with this resolution!

2. Meet New People

This is for the hermits who like to stay at home all the time. Force yourself to get out more and surround yourself in new environments. Mingle, meet new people, and make new friends. Start the new year by welcoming new people into your life. You never know, you could find some that end up sticking around forever.

3. New Job

Do you hate your current job? Get a new one. Not have a job at all right now? Find one. There's nothing wrong with getting involved in a new career and making some money. And if you hate the job you have, why are you still there? If you're going to be working you might as well be doing something you love. I've always been told, "if you're doing something you love, you won't work a day in your life." Follow that motto, and do something you're passionate about AND make money doing it.

4. Get More Sleep

I know what you're thinking, "Caity, that's such a lame resolution." But hear me out! Sleeping is a very important biological process that your body needs. Most of us can probably say we don't get as much sleep as we should. If you get a good night's sleep, you'll be more awake for the following day, have more energy, and have an easier time focusing and getting things done. Simply adding more sleep to your schedule can enhance your life in more ways than you think. Make this new year a well-rested one!

5. Give Up A Bad Habit

Quit that bad habit that you know you have. We all have one. This could be something as small as quitting biting your nails to something a lot more challenging like quitting smoking cigarettes. Look that bad habit right in the face and tell it you're done with it! Start the new year living your life without it.

6. Pick Up A New Skill/Hobby

There's nothing wrong with expanding your horizons and adding something new to your life. Learn to knit, or start writing, or play a new sport. It'll add more excitement to your life and give you something new to do to pass your time. Who knows, it could actually be something you love doing and become more passionate about. You never know unless you try!

7. Travel

There's a whole world out there waiting for you to come see it. So get off your butt and do it! Experience all there is and plan a trip with some friends or family and see where you find yourself. It could become a trip of a lifetime with fresh experiences that you can share with important people in your life. It could be life-changing, and also gives you memories you'll have forever, and great photo opportunities!

8. Let go of Old Pain and Stress

Leave what happened this year in the past. It's a new year, so promise yourself that you will work towards leaving behind all the stresses and pain in 2016 and welcome 2017 with optimism and positivity. We live and we learn, so it's time to move on. You could also try to find new ways to cope with stress, like meditation, art, exercise, etc. You'll thank yourself for it later, and the future stresses won't be a problem anymore.

9. Spend Less Time with Technology

Sitting in front of your television or staring at your smartphone takes up so much time that you could be spending doing more productive and exciting things. Starting this year, tell yourself that you're going to limit your time with technology and give yourself certain times during the day that you can enjoy it. However, don't let it consume your life anymore. Go outside, get fresh air, clean your house, get work done, spend some time talking to people face-to-face. No more couch potato!

10. Have More "You" Time

This is one that I made for myself, and it was a good choice. We all need to have time set aside for ourselves to indulge in our hobbies, learn more about ourselves, and reflect on our lives. Giving myself more "me" time allowed me to understand more about who I am, the things I like, and the things I want to do with my life. It's great time for self-discovery. Who's more important to get to know than yourself? I bet if you made time to learn more about him/her, you'll love him/her more, thus creating more self-confidence.

If you like any of these, feel free to use them! Or maybe just reading these inspired something else for you. Either way, it's a new year and a great time to make a change you've always wanted to make.

With that being said, happy holidays, and have a very happy new year!