Every year, I notice the gym is flooded with individuals attempting to fulfill their New Year's resolutions during the first few weeks of January. As the weeks progress, the amount of people attending the gym declines. It is interesting that in addition to our long-term and short-term goals, we also formulate New Year's resolutions that seem to be easily forgotten. What's the point?

New Year's resolutions can serve as an adjustment or modification to the goals from prior years. The only way to improve upon yourself is to reflect on the failures and accomplishments of your past. Moving on from challenges and building on success will allow for future achievement.

Here are my New Year's Resolutions:

1. Be happy for others even though you do not agree with their choices. I prefer to be prepared for all anticipated life changes. I take pride in building my savings account and working as many hours as possible. While I may enjoy security and independence, other individuals do not desire a sense of stability. I will work towards maintaining a positive attitude and provide support for friends and family despite my personal preferences and beliefs. It is important to present encouragement for friends and family during significant life-changes as it is meaningful to a relationship; even if you do not agree with a decision, it is ultimately about the other person.

2. Take advantage of all opportunities. I was given the opportunity to teach a lengthy math lesson in a middle school during the fall semester. I was incredibly intimidated, but I knew I would develop valuable skills for my future career. Even though an opportunity appears challenging and overwhelming, it is essential to accept all reasonable and achievable offers in order to grow as a person and student. Through an uncomfortable environment and intimated state, one will achieve and reach his/her maximum potential.

3. Improve friendships. I learn how to associate with others by watching people interact. I have learned, it is important to individualize your friendships with each person in order to provide meaning in each relationship. I notice certain friends enjoy a hand-written note of encouragement when they need motivation while others would rather receive a small gift such as a coffee or candy. Certain friends need me to ask them how they are doing while others would prefer to initiate a discussion about a specific issue. It is crucial to a successful relationship to identify the needs of the other person and tailor your actions to those specifications.

4. Not everyone has to know. It is effective to choose a few trustworthy individuals in your life to share your concerns, doubts, and challenges. In order to avoid unfriendly responses or misunderstanding, it is crucial to keep your personal life, personal. I have noticed that I tend to share an extensive amount of information with others when I feel I have nothing interesting or valuable to contribute to a conversation. In an attempt to escape a socially awkward encounter, I begin to ramble. The entire strategy is counterproductive. I want to improve upon my ability to avoid small-talk while averting a drawn-out discussion of my personal life by asking questions and discussing ideas.

I challenge you to reflect on your prior New Year's resolutions and make realistic changes to each goal to ensure success during 2017!