Did you have a terrible year and want to make this next one better? Did you have a great year and want to have an even greater one in 2017? Every year is a new chance to do new things, find a new hobby, go on new adventures, and become a better person. There are lots of ways to make 2017 the best, and below are some tips on how to do so.

1. Get rid of something

You can let go of a memory that brings you pain or a person that brings you down, anything that brings you unhappiness, get rid of it this year. You don't need negativity in your life and you deserve to relieve yourself of it. Let go and move on.

2. Find a new hobby

As the saying goes, "You'll never know until you try it!" You could have a passion for sewing and have no idea until you decide to take it up. Say yes to new opportunities and emerge yourself in hobbies that you love, try something different everyday until you find a hobby that draws you in and pursue it.

3. Make a new friend

Even if you think you have all the friends you need, it's never bad to make more. It could just be one new friend if that's all you want. Make it a goal to have one more friend this year, or even a hundred new friends. Every new person you meet has the potential to change your life for the better if you give them the opportunity to do so by befriending them.

4. Love yourself

You can't love anyone else until you love yourself. Don't be so judgmental and hard on yourself. Accept your flaws and be loving anyway. If you choose to love yourself this year and recognize all the good that lies within you, you will be able to give others your love freely as well. Everyone wants love, don't hold yourself back from loving yourself.

5. Go on a vacation

It doesn't have to be an expensive trip, or even one out of state. Plan a vacation you can take this year and make it something you can look forward to! You don't just have to stop at only going on one trip, if you've always wanted to travel, make this year the time to do it and take multiple vacations- even if it means driving, flying, or even taking a train to get there.

6. Smile more

Smiling never caused anyone harm, and have you tried to be mad when you smile? It can be pretty hard. Try to be happier this new year and simply smile when life gets you down. Don't let sadness take over this year. This year is for you, this year is a time for joy and seeing the positive in everything.

7. Be more forgiving

8. Work hard

Maybe 2016 was a bad year for you and a lot happened that you don't want to let go of. However, holding grudges and choosing to stay mad will negatively impact you. Let go of the things you need to, and be more forgiving when situations come up. Even if it's hard to forgive, it's possible, and if this new year is full of forgiveness then it will also be full of happiness.

9. Play harder

Be productive, do something this year that you can gain something from. Find experience in a job you're interested in, or simply work hard in school. Working hard at something, even if it's not a job, will make you more successful in the future and 2017 is the perfect year to start pursuing whatever it is you want to work for.

10. Do something you've always wanted to do

Don't take 2017 so seriously. Relax, let go, dance, sing, and just be silly. It's okay to let loose sometimes, and don't let the stress of the new year get to you. Remember to have fun and do something every day that makes you happy.

This can mean anything. Everyone has goals, but they will never happen unless effort is put towards it. If you've always wanted to learn a new language, gain some muscle, or win a tournament, don't make any excuses not to anymore. Step up and accomplish a goal. Accomplish all of them if you can!

2017 is a new year full of opportunities that should be taken by everyone. Don't take this year for granted and live every day of it to the fullest potential it has to offer you. Say yes to new chances, throw away negativity and other things you don't need anymore. Let go of what last year brought and welcome what the new year has to offer.