16 Ways To Have A Great 2016
16 easy changes to make an awesome new year
1. Let go.
The first and foremost is the most obvious; leave anything that’s bringing you down behind in 2015.
2. Start a journal.
For my birthday my roommates got me a "Favorite Moment of the Day" journal, which has small spaces for each day to bullet my favorite parts of it. This makes it easy for me to keep track of days without spending so much time journaling in between working and school.
3. Go on dates.
Okay, stay with me here. If you are single, the only way you will ever meet someone is by getting yourself out there. As thrilling as it is to swipe on Tinder, you will not actually meet the man of your dreams while sitting on your couch. Go out with people, and even if it sucks, at least you can say you tried.
4. Get a job.
This may seem like the obvious, as a college student, but I don’t mean a real job. I mean any job. Get a job as a hostess, or an ice cream scooper, anything! I can honestly say that I have made some of my best friends at the little jobs I have been working throughout college. It’s a change of pace, a chance to meet people, and a chance to make money.
5. Go somewhere you have never been.
If Paris isn’t in the cards, go somewhere that’s an hour away. It does not matter where it is, but it's great to see new things, no matter what.
6. Work out.
So a lot of people have this idea in the new year, but that’s because it is a good one. Get yourself on a workout schedule, even if it is only three days a week. It is essential to get endorphins to your brain and take some time to sweat.
7. Set a goal.
Have something in mind that you want to have by 2017. Write it down, keep it in mind every day and strive for it. Even if you maybe don’t have it by 2017, keeping goals is what keeps us motivated to do better.
8. Give other people more recognition.
I am a firm believer in karma, and the more you support others, the more they will support you. Get your best friend flowers for getting into grad school, grab an extra coffee for your coworker, etc. It's the little things that means so much to people and it feels great to make them happy.
9. Give yourself more recognition.
Sometimes, other people will forget to recognize your accomplishments but that doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself. You work hard, get some extra whipped cream on your latte.
10. Stay organized.
I think I will have a planner for the rest of my life. Writing stuff down and making lists is the only way I will get anything done. For some people, their phone calendar is their lifeline. Find yours and use it to keep your life together when things get crazy.
11. Find what helps you relax.
I love baths, especially lavender scented ones with bubbles. That is what helps me to chill out after a long day. What helps you after a long day? Figure it out and use it as much as you can.
12. Be friendly.
Ask your barista how she is too, smile at random people, say hi to anyone whether or not you know them. Sometimes little conversations can make your day, or you could meet someone who changes your life. Being friendly to more people will only be a good thing, even if they aren’t always as friendly back.
13. Be the change.
If you want something different in your life, you have to change it yourself; no one will do it for you. Be who you want to be and the right people will follow.
14. Read magazines.
Before Twitter and Instagram, we had to read about gossip, fashion, news, etc. all in magazines. However, magazines are still a fun and easy way to keep up with all your favorite people and things. Pick up a few at your local drugstore or the campus drugstore.
15. Try new things.
If someone asks you to go to a new exercise class or try a new food, do it. Why not? The worst that could happen is that you don’t like it. Then you’ve learned more about yourself to pass on to others.
16. Do all the things on this list.
I dare you to.
