Let's be honest: 2016 has been a rough year for most, if not all, of us. Thankfully, 2017 is quickly approaching. And while some of us are reacting like this:

I know there are still others who are focused on other things right now, namely creating resolutions that will help manage several areas in your life in order to create a prosperous outlook for the new year. Diamonds have to be polished before they can shine, and the same is true for each of us. You have to take the person you are right now and mold yourself into the person you want to be. And your resolutions should reflect this process--realistic and practical.

So, here's a bit of insight into what my resolution list for 2017 looks like. Hopefully, you can find a few to incorporate into your own.

1. First and foremost, as a college student, I will go to class every day.

2. I will minimize my judgmental inner thoughts on my life choices.

3. I will minimize my judgmental inner thoughts on the life choices of others.

4. I will minimize the time I spend focusing on trivial things.

5. More importantly, I will maximize the time I spend trying to find my purpose in life.

6. I will increase the time I spend cultivating my passions and following my dreams.

7. I will only keep individuals in my life who deserve to be there.

8. I will read more, because the exponential growth of my "To Read Later" shelf is starting to cause my bookshelf some stress.

9. I will not let another person be the measurement of my happiness.

10. I will learn to make my own decisions.

11. I will trust myself more. But more importantly, I will trust God with myself more.

12. I will create fewer reasons to lie.

13. I will spend more time contemplating life's greatest mysteries, and I will write all of them.

14. I will stay updated on the things that happen in the world around me.

15. I will live my life the way I was meant to: passionately.

16. I will focus on keeping things simple.

17. I will not start things that aren't worth finishing.

18. And the things that are? I will finish them.

19. I will be unabashedly and blissfully happy.

20. And I will do my best to make those around me feel the same.