I think a lot of us can agree that 2015 was a struggle. We went into this past year with high expectations, thinking the world was going to come to us super easily. Instead it was more than a little crazy. I don't know anyone that didn't struggle through this year. The news was constantly filled with war and protests, death in every post. War, cutting financial aid, and plenty of other bad things constantly surrounded us this year. Maybe that's normal and we're finally noticing. Either way, we all want a better year next year, and while we can't fix the world, we can fix our lives.

1) Get organized.

Make sure the new year starts out neatly. Get everything organized, from your schoolwork to your finances. Take a couple hours in the few weeks we have left and make sure that when 2016 hits you can start with as few worries and as cleanly as possible.

2) Make some goals!

Know what you want to get done this year! Now that you're organized and free of clutter, your mind is open to focus on the positive things that will come to you in 2016. Figure out what you want now. Set goals for grades, social life, and work life. Be afraid of nothing. Nothing will stop you as you move forward in this year.

3) Surround yourself with good people!

Make sure 2016 is a year filled with great friends (haha, get it?). Good friends will make sure your year is filled with fun times and will be there to support you during the rough ones. People like that are priceless and you can never have too many, so to make sure 2016 is great have as many as possible.

4) Last but not least, focus on yourself!

To have a successful year, you have to make sure you put yourself first. Before you worry about anyone else, focus on your own personal growth. Getting organized and making goals is just part of that. Go to the gym, eat healthy, and pay attention to your needs.

That's it! Do all of this and you're getting started on a great 2016.