Almost everyone starts out a new year with a list of resolutions they wish to accomplish, and almost everyone ends that same year with close to none of those resolutions completed. To fix this issue (fingers crossed!), I've created a list of five simple resolutions that we can all complete by the end of 2016. These resolutions will not only create an amazing year for yourself, but they will also improve the world around you.
1. Learn from 2015's mistakes
One of the best yet hardest things a person can do when beginning a new year is to reflect on the past year's flaws. Hannah Montana once stated, "Everyone makes mistakes," and this statement couldn't be more true. While it may be tough to bring back the mistakes you've made in 2015, I promise that these mistakes will allow you to grow as a person over the next year. I also promise you will continue to make more mistakes in 2016. However, you should know that these new mistakes won't be the same as last year's and that they, too, will help you in the future.
2. Be confident
Make 2016 one of the best years of your life by learning to be confident in yourself. It's time to throw away your doubts and believe in yourself! Tackle the things you were too afraid to try last year, and if you fail, walk away with confidence knowing that you tried your very hardest.
3. Appreciate everyone in your life
It's too easy to take the people in your life for granted. This year, try to appreciate both the little and big things the people you love do for you and show your appreciation in any way you can.
4. Be a little nicer
While this seems like too simple a statement to be considered a resolution, I believe that everyone can make a conscientious effort to be a little nicer. Think about it: if everyone in the world decided to do one "nice" act a day, such as holding a door open or complimenting a stranger, the world would slowly but surely become a more beautiful place to live in.
5. Listen to others
By listening to others' opinions, wars can be stopped. This is an exaggerated statement but isn't too far off from the truth. Listening to others will provide you with new information, opinions, ideas, beliefs, etc. Whether or not you agree with what someone is saying, respect that person's beliefs. Respecting someone's statements matters much more than simply agreeing or disagreeing. Listen. It's that simple!
I hope we can all make an attempt to complete these resolutions by the end of 2016. Here's to a wonderful year full of new experiences and adventures!
