Maybe your New Year's resolution this year was to eat healthier, exercise more, move out of your parent's house, or land your dream job. Maybe it was to be a better person, go out more, or find small ways to relieve stress in the midst of a hectic schedule. Maybe your resolution changed four times in one hour, and then again the next; or maybe you even forgot to make one. Regardless of big or how small the goals you set for yourself this year are, there are two questions you need to ask yourself right now, as we enter the second half of a year that seems to want to do anything but slow down: Firstly, have I accomplished my goal? Secondly, what can I do to better my answer?

Whether your answer to that first question was yes or no, you should not simply settle for where you're at. Instead, as you push closer and closer to a new decade, look back on how far you've come, say thank you to those who have helped you get to where you are now (including yourself), and look forward to the distance you have yet to go. Change and life transformation neither happen immediately, nor does they have to be big to be significant; however, taking the next step is the most important.

As we find ourselves mid-way through this year, think of any dreams, goals, ideas, or deeds you're able to put into action right now, and find what you need to do to make them a reality. Is there anyone who can help you along the way? Look out for those opportunities that have the potential to become something more, be a yes (wo)man, and take how you're feeling inside into account at all times. Success does not require stress, but do stress what you want from life out loud. If you have a dream, say it out loud—yell it at the sky, whisper it as you fall asleep, mumble it to yourself as you work. The more you visualize and give form to something, the more likely you are to make sure that it not only exists, but thrives.

Don't see these last six months of this decade as an end in which all good things need to be rushed, or where panic needs to ensue. If you feel like you haven't accomplished everything you promised yourself this year, last year, or a decade ago, don't waste your time worrying about it, and look at all of the other things you may have accomplished in the meantime. Have you improved your mental health? Did you start a new fitness routine? Did you end that toxic friendship or relationship? Did you feel confident in that outfit you just bought? Have you learned to be more compassionate, caring, thoughtful, honest, or kind? None of these small feats go unnoticed, and they, in fact, have brought you to where you are now—have made you the person you are today.

You cannot change the past so what's the use worrying about it? Gather up all of the thoughts, lessons, and magical moments of your last half-year, hold tight to the prospect of the next half to come, release your inhibitions, and fly—because soar you will.