For some, 2016 was a pretty traumatic year. For others, it was filled with rather fond memories. Regardless of how those 365 days panned out for you, now is the time to decide what to bring, what to leave behind, and what to change in 2017. For the next couple of weeks, you will hear the infamous phrase, “New year, new me.” People believe that in the new year, they will stay true to their resolution and that the next 365 days will be completely different. But how long do they actually stick with their resolution? And is it really a realistic expectation? Most of the time, the answer is no.

From year to year, we tend to make unrealistic (and sometimes downright crazy) resolutions. These plans we make are unsustainable and often end up failing. Over the past two years, we have improved slightly in setting more realistic goals. In 2015, the most common resolution was to lose weight. And according to Michael Lazar from The Huffington Post, the most common resolution for 2016 was to live life to its fullest. The second most common resolution in 2016 was to live a healthier lifestyle -- not just to lose weight. Last year was clearly a year of change when it came to ordinary declarations of growth. Many people have shifted their perspectives on resolutions and made them into something more probable. Deciding to change your lifestyle in a small way can be more effective, approachable and less boring than goals attempted in the past.

On average, 40 percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions. Most of the resolutions are similar in nature, such as losing weight. While not even half of the population set a resolution, only 8 percent of this group actually achieve their resolutions. Many of us who have made resolutions are guilty of quitting after a month, or even after the first week. We make these plans with extreme outcomes in our minds, but if we don't see progress in the first week, we just give up. Rather than setting unrealistic goals with unlikely success rates, you should choose something that you are more likely to stick with to help make you more successful.

Instead of making one ordinary resolution, such as to lose weight, get organized or to find love, set a goal to change your lifestyle. Make a resolution toward self-improvement: work toward having a healthier lifestyle, having a more positive perspective and having a better relationship with yourself. Setting a goal to have a healthier lifestyle will help set your mind not just to a destination, but a journey. Working toward improving your perspective and outlook on the world will help you find your purpose, and changing the way you live your life and doing more of what you love will help you create a better relationship with yourself. Instead of always putting yourself last, put yourself first. You cannot give much to others if you don't take care of yourself first.

So this year, make a resolution dedicated to making self-improvements. And remember that January 1 isn't the only day you can start over. You can start fresh each day if you choose to do so.