New years are rich in new possibilities, and 2024 is no different. For the first time ever, the Paris 2024 Olympics will boast an equal number of male and female athletes, as well as a new breakdancing competition. NASA is making a return to the moon — the first since 1972 — on the Artemis II mission. New advances in entertainment and science are sure to keep coming, but what about advancements in our own lives?

New Year’s resolutions often cause a lot of unnecessary stress for people when they’re treated like an assignment instead of an aspiration. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t try — making an effort to stick with your resolutions will yield higher results than vaguely defining your goals and giving yourself an eternal grace period — but you shouldn’t beat yourself up over struggling to make progress. Instead, celebrate the accomplishments you’ve made and let them inspire you to keep at it.

One way to stay on top of your New Year’s resolutions is to keep track of your progress in a calendar, diary or even a designated journal. Start with a roadmap of how you will achieve your resolutions. “In order to achieve [your resolutions], you need to have specific plans on what you’re going to do,” sophomore Arsh Lalani said. Take small steps first, then gradually increase your efforts. For example, if you wish to eat healthier this year, don’t start by cutting out all desserts  from your diet. Instead, try to incorporate more nutritionally beneficial foods into your daily meals, like eating fruit alongside your usual breakfast.

2024 can be your year only if you try. So try. Make a move on the person you like. Set boundaries with the person you don’t. Find new friends. Eat more vegetables. Plan an exercise regimen. Make 2024 the year for you to thrive.