In just a mere number of days, a new year will begin.

Not only will December 31 mark the end of the year 2019, but it will also mark the end of the decade. 

With the new year and new decade comes new goals, new opportunities, and most importantly, New Year’s resolutions.

Each and every year, you hear copious resolutions uttered from the mouths of those around you. 

Lose weight, work out more, get organized, and save money seem to be the goals of almost everyone when the new year rolls around. But are those things truly the most important aspects of life in need of resolution?

The simple answer is no. The most important resolutions should come from your reflection of the closing year, not from the opinions and judgements revolving around your life.

Rather than solely focusing on improving physical appearance and the perception people hold of you, it is important to reflect on the closing year in order to live an elated, prosperous new one.       

As you enter a reflection, consider the aspects of life that are most important: family, friends, and happiness. 

Did you spend enough time with the ones that you love?

Throughout the year, did you put your happiness first? 

If questions like these can not be immediately answered with an assuring, confident “yes,” then your list of New Year’s resolutions should certainly become much longer and fall much deeper than the common goals forming the resolution lists of people all around the world. 

When you enter the new year, be sure to avoid the cliche. Focus on what truly needs to be improved throughout your life, not the traits and behaviors that others tell you to resolve and improve upon. 

This is not to say that getting into shape or beginning to save more of your money should not be on your list of goals, but they should not be on your list because you feel it is your duty to fulfill them. They should only appear if they will make your life merrier and make the coming year more jovial than any you have ever lived. 

Goals are not meant to be a burden. If your resolutions begin taking a toll on you and start to drown out life’s radiant, unforgettable moments, then leave them behind. 

If they truly came from your own desires, the pain would never have appeared in the first place.