1. Want something? Fight for it.
Whether it's a spot on a sports team, a position at a new job or a grade on a test. Do all you can and don't let anything stop you from trying your best. Even if you don't get it, at least you can say that you gave it all you had. Nothing in life is handed to you, you have to earn it.
2. Bad days = Good days.
"You can't have a rainbow without a little rain." Even if it feels like the worst day of your life, push through and make the next day better; it can only get better from there. Bad days help you realize how many good days you have. Don't get discouraged, no one is perfect.
3. Enjoy the little things.
Friendships, cute texts that make you smile, gorgeous weather, two coffees in a day. Think small, but don't think they don't make a difference. Sometimes the little things are the things we look past the most, yet they're the most special to us in the end.
4. Not everyone is going to be nice.
It wouldn't be a normal day if you didn't run into someone who's attitude just ruins your mood no matter how good of a day you're having. It happens to me all the time. It only takes one mean person to throw off your whole mood. Don't let them get to you. Let good overpower bad. Think about all of the kind people you come across in a day instead of letting that one person bring you down. Not everyone is going to be nice.
5. Be proud, but don't be cocky.
Don't let your victories or accomplishments get to your head. Be proud of that promotion or that award you received. But don't let that change who you are or how you act towards people. "Always stay humble and kind" as Tim McGraw would say.
6. Nothing lasts forever.
Not even high school. So don't get caught up in all of the pointless drama that's going on around you. Appreciate everything you have in life, especially who you have in your life. One day you'll be wishing you enjoyed it more while you still had it.
7. Choose your friends wisely.
Don't pick the people who will stick around for the good parts of your life and turn their back during the bad times. Find friends who will be with you through anything and everything. Find friends who respect you and like you for who you are. One amazing friend is better than twenty "friends."
8. Family is everything.
Don't try to act cool and brush off your family. They're the only people who will literally be around your whole life. Appreciate them and everything they do for you throughout your life. Family should always be your first priority.
9. Change is good.
I've always been one to hate change. I like routines. However, I'm learning to accept change and embrace it. Change is a good thing. It means you're growing and moving on. It means that you have a chance to experience new things. Don't get too comfortable with your everyday life.
10. Take chances.
Even if you're not sure how it will end up, take a chance on it anyways. Sometimes the best things come from taking a chance at something you were unsure about. You never know unless you try, so you should try it.
11. Live life for you.
Do everything you can to make your life the best for yourself. Being considerate of others is a good thing, but sometimes you have to do what's best for you and only you. You may hurt people by doing this, but it's an important part of life to think of yourself as a priority. So many people, myself included, struggle with this everyday. Try to live for you instead of pleasing everyone in your life.
