This week I have read a number of articles all about the New Year and resolutions. And it's really time to cut the crap on this "New Year, New Me" mentality. You aren't going to change a bit unless you start changing the way you think and the way you act.

Think back 12 months ago. What were your resolutions then? Do you even remember them? Were you going to earn that 4.0 GPA? Were you going workout for at least an hour a day, every day? Were you going to cut those pesky carbs out of your diet? All of these are worthy goals. But 12 months ago did you make a study chart so you could plan your time to achieve that 4.0 and still have time to make it to the gym? Did you meal prep and grocery shop so you wouldn't be so tempted to dive into the soda and crackers or swing by Chick-Fil-A? Or did you just think about all these things and say "oh I'll just do it later....?" Where are you now with your 2016 New Year resolutions?

I think it's great to set goals. I believe it is the only way to track progress and get anywhere that you want to go and achieve the things you need. However, if you walk into 2017 proclaiming "I'm going to lose 50 pounds this year!" that's all well and good. But until you sit down and make up a plan, a realistic and feasible plan that you know you can hold yourself to, you're simply spouting empty words.

You are setting yourself up for a repeat of 2016, the year the world is so desperately ready to end.

A New Year doesn't signal a fresh start. A new outlook, a new mentality, those are the things you need to make a new beginning.

So make a resolution. But make a plan to go with it. Lose the weight, learn a new skill, earn better grades, surround yourself with better people. Improve your life, but first, improve your perspective.