The massive ball dropped in Times Square, fireworks lit up the night sky with dazzling colors, and millions shared that oh-so-cliche kiss with their loved ones. However, these New Year’s Day traditions are always followed by an even more explosive phenomenon: New Year’s resolutions.

Massive amounts of people commit to carry out some form of self-improvement with the arrival of the new year, some of the most common ones being resolutions such as losing a few pounds, getting physically fit and healthy, or being more positive.

However, most will fail to deliver on their promises to themselves. According to a study conducted by the University of Scranton in the beginning of 2014, typically only two out of twenty-five are triumphant in carrying out their goal for the year. This exceedingly apparent lack of success is disheartening, but there is a possibility of more frequent success if the time frame in which people make these commitments is expanded to be limitless.

While the New Year is a common symbol of new beginnings and an opportunity to bring about a positive change in lifestyle, the truth of the matter is that a fresh start cannot be pinned down to any specific period of time. The decision to change something about yourself is not brought along by some sort of mystical New Year’s magic; you decide at what point you improve your way of life.

The idea that this time of year is the optimal time to adopt a resolution is a ridiculous notion. Any time is the best time because every person makes decisions constantly no matter what. Whether these are major or minor, they are nevertheless inadvertently life-changing. Every single day of the year is a chance to make a pledge toward self-improvement.

So start making changes and determinedly committing to resolutions, but do not allow the ritual of New Year’s resolutions to dictate when you do it.