He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice! There’s a line we hear throughout the holiday season, but it’s not just Santa who’s following that rule.

Come New Year’s Eve, many of us are scribbling down our goals for the coming year: don’t procrastinate, be more organized, lose a little weight, etc. Then by January 2, those lists crumbled up in some drawer, and you forget them just as quickly as you made them.

But, let’s be honest with ourselves, as human beings, we are beyond flawed. There is always room to improve. So, I’d like propose a new type of list — a lifestyle list.

Try something a little more wholesome than just looking into a new gym membership. Maybe something more along the lines of drinking more water, buy yourself some work-out clothes, stock your pantry with healthier foods, and go on a hike three times a week.

2018 is an opportunity to be a whole new person, someone a little more confident, or a little more concerned with their health, or someone who grabs opportunity by the shoulders and goes through life in the driver’s seat instead of the passenger’s.

In 2015, I decided I was done hiding behind the kid in class who raised their hand first, I was done showing up to school in a sweatshirt and leggings and hoping nobody noticed me. So, I made a lifestyle change.

I started studying up the curriculum so I could confidently voice my opinion in class, I went from a sweatshirt and leggings to dresses and blouses, and I made sure people could notice me. It’s kind of the fake-it-till-you-make-it type situation.

My goal for 2018, is to be a little more patient, and to learn to control my temper. The lifestyle change I’ve decided on is to start journaling, do yoga a couple times a week, and focus on breathing exercises when I get really upset.

Now, don’t misunderstand me –– don’t change yourself for anybody but you.

I didn’t change so that other people would like me more, or so that I would feel accepted. I changed because I didn’t like being afraid of slipping up when I ordered a burrito at Chipotle, or shaking when I apologized for bumping into someone.

But we can all stand to self-analyze, and try to be a better human being for ourselves. If you want,