I always roll my eyes when people start posting stuff like “New year, new me,” blah blah blah. So, I’m not going to do that here.

In truth, I don’t think we need a new year, or even a Monday, to make the decision to change our lives. We can do that any day, it just involves making a commitment and staying dedicated.

I used to make these huge, elaborate lists of resolutions at the start of each year. I’d be amped up on them for maybe 3 weeks, then my excitement would fizzle and by the time December 31 rolled around, I didn’t accomplish anything. Then I decided it was better to come up with Life Goals. They’re practical, they’re attainable, and they’re ongoing in some cases. These were things that actually mattered to me, so I was way more likely to strive to reach them. And, because life can’t be serious all the time, I made sure to add one random, fun goal in there each year.

So, to kick off the new year (and my consistent blogging ritual), I have my 2017 Life Goals all ready to roll out:

1. Continue becoming healthier.

This is a big one for me, and it’s something that I’ve been working on for almost two years now. I’ve learned so much about what it means to eat right, the right types of physical activity I need for my body and the issues I deal with, and what foods I need to eliminate because they wreak havoc on my system. So what does this mean for the coming year? Weekly meal packing sessions will continue. Paleo life will continue. Avoidance of gluten and dairy will continue, because they both make me feel like shit when I consume them. There will be no more soda. There will be very limited sugar. And there will be much time spend being physically active in some way, shape or form. This whole lifestyle evolution is something I’ve been working toward, and I’ve had successes and failures both. But, I refuse to give up. Because I love me.

2. Publish something.

I have this problem in life called “I always have fifteen projects going at the same time.” Not just in one area either. I always have five books I’m reading, three online projects going, five work projects in progress … and, of course, a zillion stories that are outlined or partially written. I get plot bunnies every time I turn around, and I have such a hard time caging them up. And I have SO MANY stories that are just floating around in my head at any given time. So, this year, I’m going to work on really channeling my time and energy into one piece of work and hopefully having it ready for publication by the end of 2017.

3. Master the art of contouring. 

This is my fun, random goal for the year. I love makeup. I love creating fun looks. But, I just can’t seem to grasp the whole concept of contouring. So, 2017 will involve testing a lot of brands, brushes, and techniques. And maybe having this completely superficial thing figured out by the end of the year.

4. Start saving to buy a house. 

For the first time in a long time, I’m in a position where I feel like I’m ready to make a commitment like purchasing a home. Now it’s about getting financially situated so I do things the right way.

5. Stop giving more than I get. 

I do this all the time. I have a big heart, I love the hell out of the people in my life, and sometimes I end up in these situations where I’m making most all of the effort to keep the relationship afloat while the other person kinda sits around and half asses their end of things. It’s always been something I’ve struggled with, because I care immensely about the people in my life, and I’m very much focused on maintaining relationships and seeing them last. But … I’m no longer going to do this at the expense of myself. Relationships are two way streets, and unfortunately I will not be the one holding up both ends to keep them on solid ground anymore. It might cost me a friendship or two, but honestly, if that happens, was that person really a friend to begin with? I don’t think so.