By: Shayla Terry

2017 is upon us. I’m sure everyone started the year with a ton of aspirations that will lead to a better you. Yet, with January coming to an end, so is the sure failure of some efforts. But if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. The most important thing about a goal is that it is accomplished, not how long it took to accomplish.

I had two resolutions this year. Unfortunately, I have failed on my health bit already. Honestly, I never even started. Yet, I am not discouraged. It’s my resolution because I have something to prove to myself, and no one else. As much as everyone will congratulate you on accomplishing a goal, nothing is better than the pride you can feel within for doing what you set out to do.

Forming a plan is the first step. Write down every detail of your goal, and the ways you can go about accomplishing it. Planning makes for fewer errors. Next, find an accountability partner. It doesn’t need to be someone who you can push over. Like the name suggests, it should be someone who isn’t afraid to hold you accountable for your actions. Lastly, just live. Life isn’t without mistakes. Some days will be worse than others, but keep living.

There is still a lot more 2017 left to make my goals a reality. Optimism is sometimes equated with naivety, but it’s not the same. Being optimistic let’s people know that you are a follower of positive energy. You put your best foot forward, and hope for the best.

I am optimistic that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to. I’ve found that the goal isn’t the task, putting your mind to it is the test. So if you’ve relapsed on the resolution, start over in February. You can also start over in March, July or September. The important thing to remember is to start.