"Work hard for what you want, because it won't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive." - Leah LaBelle

Personally, I feel myself getting stuck in the same routine every day. I just go through the motions just to get by. I go to class, I get something for dinner, I do my homework, and I spend the rest of my night in my dorm. I get in this routine and it makes me feel as if I am missing out on something better. I allow myself to worry and stress about the uncontrollable. I let myself get down over the littlest imperfections. I need to remind myself daily why I am on the path I am and why I belong right where I am.

1. Do not let a bad yesterday ruin a good today.

I struggle with leaving the past in the past. If I had a bad day I let it bring me down for the rest of the week. If you allow yourself to let your past control your future, you will never progress. I constantly remind myself that a bad day is not a bad life. Maintaining a positive attitude when everything seems to be going wrong may be tough, but sometimes optimism can turn your whole life around.

2. You are in control of your own happiness.

That boy who does not love you back does not control your happiness. Your grades do not control your happiness. There are no external things that can be in control of you and your happiness. You make the choice to be happy. It is up to you to live a positive and optimistic life. Once you realize that you are the one in control, happiness will become a lot easier to achieve.

3. Stop comparing yourself to others.

With the popularity of social media, it is easier to see what everyone else is doing with their lives. People will post statuses about their great news, like a promotion. People show the successful parts of their lives. They will make it seem as if their life is perfect. Do not let that fool you. Everyone has bad days. No one has a perfect life. Just because they only show the good parts does not mean they have a better life than you. Do not think you are failing in life compared to someone else. Do not bring yourself down because you think someone else is doing better than you. Know your purpose and path and continue doing what you are passionate about.

4. Do not take life for granted.

As cliche as it sounds, live life to the fullest. Do not pass up great opportunities because you are afraid. Make the most of what you have. If do not like your life, then change it for the better. Live outside your comfort zone and allow yourself to grow. The biggest regrets are the chances you did not take. Make each day your own and make the best of it. This is your life; it is your decision what you do with it.

5. You are one of a kind.

There is no one out there like you. Do not try to be like someone else. Be yourself; be the person you want to be. You are loved by someone out there. There is happiness out there for everyone, and you make the decision to have it. You have a purpose, a meaning. Do not take this life you have for granted. You are the person you are and you should have confidence in that. There is no one else out there like you.