2017 is upon us. Many of you are probably making the decision to lose weight, find love, get that job you want, or start your traveling adventures. These are all great, big goals, but not everyone knows where to start.
1. Write down your plans.
Know your schedule. Getting back to school or back to that big kid job after Christmas can be challenging, and maybe even overwhelming. Take a deep breath and start early. Take a day to fill out your planner so you can see your week before it happens and prepare for what's ahead.
2. Remove toxic people.
This year, I started the process of surrounding myself with positive, good people. You might have a friend who's been taking advantage of your good nature, a boss who won't let up, or a roommate who makes your home a pit of stress. Distance yourself. You don't have to completely write them off, because I know you might have memories, you might be stuck in a lease, or you might need that job with the sucky boss, but you have to do what's best for you right now and if they're really your friends, they'll support you for bettering yourself. Not every person you meet is good for your soul or meant to stay.
3. Take on a hobby.
My roommate found it a little odd when I bought a ukulele during the most stressful point in my semester, but I'll play it in my downtime. When I'm overwhelmed with work, and school, I'll take a 10-minute break, and do something I really enjoy. Take on that new instrument, learn a new skill, and practice during your 10-minute breaks.
4. Take some time for you.
This may seem redundant, but I cannot stress this enough. When everyone is pulling on you, and asking you to pick them up, you suddenly have the weight of the world on your shoulders. It is not your job to rescue everyone. Make sure you are well. Work on your physical and mental health. I like to light an incense and just reflect on my day sometimes. A few minutes of quiet time is a great coping strategy at the end of a long day.
5. See that cool place you've always wanted to see.
This may seem like a stressful thing when you're planning it. Money is tight, and it's hard to get time off work, but you have to go see that cool place. Learn another language, bring history to life. Take a friend or a significant other, and just go explore something new.
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
This might seem wrong. You've been telling people you can't always help them because you need to help yourself first, so how can you possibly ask for help? Well, sometimes we just need it. You should absolutely help your friend in need when you have time but search for those people who will help you as well when the time comes. Humans are not wired to do everything alone, so a little support from a good friend or family member can go a long way.
7. Make your resume flawless.
This isn't fun. This is actually agonizing. I'm awful at talking myself up, but part of creating 2017 you, might mean landing your dream job, and that all starts with a beautiful resume. Turn it into every possible employer, go meet your possible future bosses, shake their hands. Become an unstoppable force, while doing what you love to do.
8. Don't spend all your time looking for love.
I'm not going to feed you some line about how everything is better with someone special by your side. I do enjoy being warm at night and having someone to tell my day to, but I'm also independent and willing to wait and search for what I need. I'm actually going to feed you this line: When you go looking for love, make sure it's someone who is also working on themselves. They don't have to have it all figured out, but they shouldn't be sitting completely still either. (Do any of us have it completely together?) You are onto big things, though, and you should be loved and supported in your dreams, while you do the same for their dreams. And if it doesn't happen this year, it doesn't mean it will never happen. Part of finding love, I've learned, is figuring out what you really want and need. Which leads me to my last point.
9. Go on dates.
It doesn't mean you have to make them your boyfriend or girlfriend, but be open to meeting new people. Talk to that cute guy at the bar, let someone buy you a burger. I'm the definition of afraid. I panic when I meet someone new and convince myself it's probably not worth my time. I need to stop that, and so do you.
