Happy New Year's and congrats on making it all the way to 2016! This last year was definitely a whirlwind, with some ups and, unfortunately, some downs. Lucky for us, a new year serves as an opportunity to start fresh. Whether you believe in resolutions or not, we can all agree that some changes are in order. Using everything I learned from 2015, I've compiled a list of 11 changes we can all implement to make this year the best one yet!

Leave 2015 in 2015.

So a few bad things happened last year. I, for one, did poorly in classes I expected to succeed in, got way behind on my sleep schedule and even lost my head a few times throughout the year. Fortunately, all these disappointments don’t have to be dragged with me into the new year. Rather than dwell on the past, I’m going to forgive myself, learn from it and leave it behind. Let all of your (and my) failures in 2015, be your motivation to succeed in 2016.

Remember to put family first.

Last year, you forgot to call your mom so often she had to call your roommate, to make sure you were still alive. Well in 2016, make it your mission to check in more frequently, and sometimes even have a lengthy conversation. I plan on calling my mom at least every other day, and not just when I need something. Your family loves you, so strive to make this year the one that brings you closer to them. After all, a quick 20 minute conversation every other day isn’t too much to ask, right?

Call your friend. Yes, that one.

There was a friend in 2015 with whom things could’ve have gone much better. Personally, I felt like I was drifting apart from a few friends who I care for a lot. So in 2016, I plan to call them and tell them that I want to work things out. I want to stop drifting apart, or start laughing more and fighting less. If you have a friend who you want to see more throughout this year, bravely call them and tell them how you feel. Doing this will save your friendship, and make your year much less stressful.

Leave that friend behind, yep that one.

On the other hand, there may have been a friend in 2015 whom you tolerated, despite disliking. What's the point? Let. Them. Go. If you feel the friendship is past the point of repair, then remember that you don’t have to deal with it. Call them and say that in the previous year(s), you've put up with all their nonsense, but you have decided that you aren’t up for it in 2016. Bid them farewell, and move on.

Let go of your grudges.

We all have people who may have angered us throughout the year. Some of those things we were able to resolve, while others are still hanging over us like a black cloud. There were a few instances in 2015 that have caused me to be angry with some friends. Instead of holding onto grudges and letting those friendships continue to sink, I’m going to forgive and forget. If in 2016 you allow yourself to let go of animosity, and forgive those who have wronged you, you’re guaranteed to have a much less stressful year.

Make smarter financial decisions.

In 2015, my wallet suffered more than it should’ve. I tried my hardest to save money, but spending it was unfortunately much easier. So in the new year, I’m going to strive to budget my finances better and avoid making the same mistakes. Saving more money now means that you’ll have more to spend on what you truly want later. You’ll thank yourself in the summer when you have the financial means to go on vacation without needing any “loans” from your family.

Stop holding onto pain, literally.

I once read that you know you’re an adult when your parents no longer schedule your doctor's appointments, and you just hope that whatever hurts you won’t kill you. Although funny, this is wrong! Stop self-diagnosing yourself using WebMd and go see a real doctor about any ailment. Don’t go on simply hoping that the pain goes away, start the year off by taking care of your health.

Start taking more pictures and videos.

This year, try documenting every amazing moment you experience, even the little things. There’s nothing better than being able to look back and remember all those moments that you would’ve otherwise forgotten. At the end of the year, you’ll have a ton of pictures and videos to look back at, and of course, to upload as throwbacks!

Let loose, more or less.

Last year, I found myself letting loose and socializing out, a wee bit too much. So this year, I’m going to make sure to find a solid balance between having fun and taking care of business. On the other hand, if last year all you did was sit at home being stressed out, maybe you should plan to loosen up a bit more. Decide on a perfect median between waking up with a hangover five days a week and not leaving your house five days at a time!

Spend time thinking of the future.

Although life shouldn’t be lived constantly thinking of the future, you should give it some thought. Think about where you see yourself in the next five or 10 years. Once you have an image of what you want to accomplish, think about what you can do this year to make those things possible. Just because you’re a few years away from applying to law school, doesn’t mean you can’t start watching "How to Get Away With Murder" today, am I right?

Believe 2016 will be the best one yet.

The most important tip to having a successful year, is to believe that anything is possible. You have 365 days to fill with laughter, friendship and adventure.

Strive to make every single day of this year count. Having a positive outlook, from the very moment the ball drops, will help in making every day, week and month of this year an unforgettable one!