1.) Be kind.

2016 was without a doubt, a year of controversy. As humans we accept that bad things happen and that people can be ungodly, however, a lot of the time, we fuel the fire. People need to practice what they preach when it comes to a peaceful and fair world. Stop unnecessary violence. Stop arguing via social media. Stop picking on others. I am not saying that everyone needs to volunteer, give money to the homeless or donate to charity, though if you can, I strongly encourage doing so. What I am saying is, stop creating issues that are not important. Stop following the pack of people that express hatred towards others.

With this said, I beg of you to be kind to everyone. We have absolutely no idea what is going on in others lives. Every goes through tough times, some far worse than others.

2.) Be patient.

With being kind, comes being courteous. Though these go hand in hand, I feel that patience is another thing the world lacks today. With the fast pace of technology and the internet, we come to lack the ability to show patience in many circumstances. For instance, as someone who previously worked in the restaurant business, so many people are unappreciative of the work that goes into a night out at dinner. What I am saying is, the next time you have to wait for a table or for you food a few more minutes, don't forget that things do happen. Servers need time, restaurants are often understaffed, etc. Don't forget to be courteous and kind to others this year.

Other than literal patience with others, give yourself time. If things don't seem to be going your way, think positively and give it time.

3.) Work for it.

With the times changing and once again, technology becoming so impactful, we have fallen into a sea of laziness. We often forget that a lot of things will not just be handed to you. I see this especially in High School and younger students. Once I hit college, the real world smacked a lot of people in the face. Things are not easy. Work for what you want. Laziness will only get you so far.

4.) Pay attention.

GET OFF OF YOUR PHONE. The world is often a beautiful place with so many things to see. Sit back and enjoy them, don't view them, through an iPhone camera. Listen to your teachers. Be attentive and actually take the time to learn things. One huge controversy in politics is that the popular opinion, right or wrong, is quickly spread and treated like facts. For instance, in this recent election, things said about both candidates, influencing voters, were false.

5.) Let it go.

Finally, leave 2016 in the past. Don't hold grudges, don't start out negative, and don't live in the past. How can we ever move forward if we are stuck in what was? Start now. Create goals. Be the best version of you that you can be.