To begin, I would like to state that I really hate New Year's resolutions. I have always found them pretty stupid, and we all know that people have a tendency to lose sight of their resolutions very shortly after declaring them. That being said, I think that any time that an individual is wanting to make a positive change in their life, he or she should simply go for it.

For some, the start of a new year provides a perfect motivation to jump into a scary new lifestyle change. That is okay! The only stipulation is that you have to stick with it and set yourself little, achievable goals along the way.

For example, if someone says "My New Year's resolution is to lose 35 pounds." That can be a pretty hefty and intimidating goal. That person may try out trendy new diets and cleanses and sign up for some new gym classes, and that is amazing. However, if that person doesn't instantly start shedding pounds, he or she can easily become discouraged and forfeit his or her goals.

So, a key to success would be starting with a smaller picture such as "I am going to cut back on the number of times I eat out this week." Small achievements can help set a positive precedent for the rest of your journey. Now, without further ado, here are 5 real-life resolutions that everyone should consider for the start of 2018 and any other time of the year:

1. Dedicate More Time to Yourself

Use a planner, bullet journal or phone reminders to give yourself time. This could be time to sit down and reflect, meditate or pray; it could be time for you to read your favorite book or watch an old movie; it could be time to take a nap or a bubble bath. Whatever "you-time" means to you, allot some time for it in 2018.

2. Eliminate One Thing From Your Life that Brings You Negative Energy

Don't get overwhelmed by trying to correct every challenge in your life at once. Start small. If you are still holding onto a toxic relationship or friendship, it's time to let that shit go. If the color of your kitchen is bringing you down, it's time to go pick out some new paint. One simple change and eliminating one source of bad vibes will encourage you to keep seeking out good vibes only for the rest of the year.

3. Make a Bucket List And Immediately Make a Set Plan to Complete an Item

Everyone has dreams and aspirations of traveling to foreign countries, climbing tall mountains, swimming clear waters, eating exquisite cuisines, etc. The key to a successful bucket list is starting to tackle some of your greatest fantasies. Right now is you're only chance to live the life you are currently living. If you want to skydive, right it on your bucket list, then immediately call and make an appointment. Make the dreams become reality.

4. Incorporate More Face Time and Less Screen Time Into Your Days

I am just as guilty as anyone else of playing on my phone during the vast majority of the hours in a day. Jobs and school are demanding more and more screen time from employers and students, and it can sometimes feel nearly impossible to escape it. However, it is miraculous what you can gain in relationships, friendships and families by cutting back on the screen time and engaging in a lot more literal face time.

And for those of you that are looking for love in 2018, do not bring the phone out on a date! That is your time to find out if you have a connection with the other person. If you find out you can't stand Billy, you can tell your best friend Brittney afterward, not while you're still sitting at the table with him.

5. Set Little Goals

Once again, if you have something specific you would like to accomplish in 2018, that's a great thing. Just set yourself up for success by setting goals that you know that you are capable of achieving. If you don't meet those goals perfectly according to plans, that's alright too.

You have to be flexible with your goals and appreciate yourself for the effort that you are putting in them. There is no need to get discouraged by less-than-ideal results. Rather, channel any frustration into new goals, new plans and more hard work. Always reward yourself to continue forward with your journey. When you ultimately achieve your goal, remember the journey that brought you there as motivation to maintain your position.