On the first day of this new year, I've decided that New Year resolutions suck. Every year we get sucked into this idea that we have to make a complete 180, and become something that we are not. People get in our heads throughout the year with what they think is just constructive criticisms. "You'll be happier if you lose the weight." "Jane Doe has a great job without a college degree." "You might want to hurry up and do [insert thing that this person thinks will fulfill your life] before it's too late." The people who say these things might have good intentions or not, but the truth still stands that what works for them may not work for you. I've decided to forgo the resolutions this year. Instead, here is a To Do list with no real deadline or ungodly expectations.

1. Be a good friend

Around the end of one year and the start of a new, people become concerned with kicking bad friends to the curb. Do you want a better idea? Work on the relationship instead. There are toxic people out there. Chances are that the girl friend that never texts back isn't toxic; she's just busy with her own life. So instead of deleting someone from your life, try to be a better friend. You never know what someone is going through, so set the example of the type of friend that you want. Show love to them the way that you want to receive it back. Doing so might just turn that relationship around. It's worth it to put in the effort.

2. Face Your Fears

You are smart enough and strong enough to conquer any walls that come between you and your goals. Ask for that raise. Travel to that unknown place. Talk to the cutie you admire from afar. Things will never get done unless you take action. You are enough.

3. Master a new skill or pick up a hobby

What is life if all you do is work and sleep? This year, make time to do something or learn something that you're interested in. You may want to learn how to garden, learn how to draw, learn a new language, or learn how to cook. Whatever it is that you're interested in, do it because you love it. Making time to treat yourself by doing something productive is a great way to stay positive.

4. Be healthier

Be healthier mentally, physically, and spiritually. There is always room for improvement in all three of these areas. Instead of being hateful to yourself by demanding that you lose weight this year, fall in love with your body. When you love something, your take care of it. Be good to yourself. Bathe, put on clothes that make you feel good about yourself, and take time to relax. If you love to work out, then do it. If you love to eat mac n' cheese, then do it. This year, don't torture yourself. What better time to start improving your life than right now?

5. Be unapologetically you

Whatever you do this year, be you. Do the things that you love, wear the things that you love, and be around the people that you love. When 2018 approaches, you'll be able to look back on the year in relief knowing that you boldly followed your heart, and left the haters in the dust.