It's that time of year again, the end of the year, to be precise. That means it's almost time to decide on a New Year's resolution. Do you have yours figured out yet?
If not, you still have a few days to pin one down. Maybe you want to eat healthier, learn a new skill or be more financially responsible in 2015. Those are at least some of the more common New Year's resolutions.
But famed Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has a different idea for you. How about making your New Year's resolution to change the world?
In his latest video titled "An Astronaut's Guide to Optimism," Hadfield encourages viewers to be hopeful as 2014 winds down and we enter 2015. Though there's obviously a lot wrong with the world, Hadfield reminds us to not be discouraged by that but inspired to make the world a better place.
"There are problems with everything and nothing's yet perfect, but that shouldn't be cause to bemoan," said Hadfield in the video. "That should be cause to achieve."
I know, I know. This sounds a little corny, but Hadfield does actually make some good points about how global health and wellness have never been better. Worldwide literacy is on the rise, infant and maternal mortality are way down and once-devastating diseases, such as smallpox and Rinderpest, have been eradicated in the last few years.
With violence, disease, poverty and injustice filling our headlines, it's difficult to see any good in the world and be optimistic about the future. However, Hadfield successfully reminds us that when you're feeling so hopeless, you just need to keep everything in perspective — and do something about it.
And if this video doesn't cheer you up, Hadfield's awe-inspiring viral cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" will surely do the trick. It's always worth another viewing.
Check out the full video below.
[H/T Mashable]
