It's easy to forget the things we deem as common sense when we juggle such busy lives. Working 40+ hours a week, on top of homework and studying, can make accomplishing the smallest task seem overwhelming. As I continue to find new ways to make life a little easier, I've put together a few things I found helpful in my everyday life, and hopefully, you do too!
1. Talk less & listen more.
Seriously, this isn’t meant to be a challenge. Make this a habit. Give people your undivided attention and just listen. Soak in every word they say to you. I promise, next time you see that person, they’re going to just stare at you for a good two minutes because you’re going to recall information they didn’t even think you remembered. Like, yeah, I actually want to know how your cousin’s boyfriend’s friend’s sister’s trip to Australia was. I like kanga’s.
2. Study, study, study.
It might be considered as common sense, but I used to think studying was critical for school and school only. I don’t care what you’re doing in life, school or not, you will always need to study. Study for that anatomy exam. Study people. Study your new job’s employee handbook. Study your mom’s credit card number. You never know what you might need to know for the future. #Inovative
3. Stop the overthinking.
So you think you bombed that biology quiz? So what -- refer to point number two. You think your mom likes your brother more than you? She probably does. Think your roommate has been secretly eating your pizza rolls when you’re not home? She probably did. She could probably get a job, too. Who knows. Whatever the situation may be, overthinking is not the key to success. Overthinking leads to more overthinking which leads to more overthinking and you might end up on My Crazy Obsession: I Can’t Stop Overthinking.
4. Become more organized.
I cannot even stress how important being organized is. Literally the key of all keys to success. I’m not joking about this. It’s real simple. Get a planner. USE IT!!! My life would probably consist of me eating teddy grahams and Nutella at 4PM on a Tuesday while I watch the Kardashian’s; which somehow triggers a sense in my brain that reminds me I actually have class at 4PM on Tuesday’s. But that was avoided -- because my planner is my best friend.
5. Drink water. And lots of it.
I’m a huge advocate of this. I used to be that person who needed to make myself reminders and leave sticky notes around the house telling me to drink more water. If you’re not a huge water drinker, make your water routine a little more interesting. Add some lemons, cucumbers, mint leaves - even fruit! Or all of them. Whatever gets you excited to drink more water -- do it. So get yourself a cute, eco-friendly water bottle and drink up! Your skin, weight, and overall health will thank you later.
6. You are not meant for everyone.
You’re unique. You’re different. You’re out-of-the box. You're a little psycho. All of the things about you are what make you, well, you! And you are so amazing just the way you are -- no Bruno Mars verse intended. If the person you’re feelin’ just isn’t feelin’ you back, take the energy and time you have planned trying to convince the person you like to like you back, elsewhere. Trust me, they won’t ever want what you’re selling.
7. Talk about ideas instead of people.
Plain and simple. This one is really a no brainer but there are people that struggle with this concept on a daily basis. This can be a vicious cycle that seems habitual when it’s all you do. Imagine how the person you’re talking to feels when you talk about someone else. They’re probably curious as to what you have to say about them when they’re not around. If you find yourself constantly talking and gossiping about people, it may be time to introduce yourself to new hobbies. Seriously, if you find yourself even thinking of talking about someone else, literally just talk about dogs. Every great conversation probably included a dog of some sort.
8. Stop procrastinating.
It’s obviously easier said than done. You’re taking 16 credits, working two jobs, exercising three days a week, volunteering every weekend, hanging with your sorority sisters, playing X-box, scrolling through your Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram feed, yada yada yada. Whatever you do, keep doing it. But prioritize your time wisely. Just do what you need to do. Identify what needs to get done and when it needs to get done by. It is possible to make time for all of these things, under the condition you make good use of your time.
9. Commit to a healthier you.
Be selfish with your time! No one can do the hard work for you. Make this year and all the years to follow, a time to better yourself and become the best version of you. In previous years, I’ve been motivated for the sake of other’s judgement, for an event or it was temporary and shortly after I was back to my old ways. This year, I’ve decided that enough is enough. I’ve dedicated and challenged myself to a long-term lifestyle of healthiness and happiness, all for me, myself, and I. I’m not an advocate for being selfish, but when it comes to your health and well being, stay with it.
10. Love yourself.
Of course for every good day you have, you feel as if there are a million more bad days that follow. Don’t let the bad days define your being! No one can ever replace you. You are one of a kind, you are beautiful, smart, and even more importantly, you are so loved.
Here's to 2016.
