Happy New Year and welcome to 2017! I think we all can agree that 2016 may have not been the best year, but as of January 1st we get a brand new start on the year. My New Year's resolution is to continue to strengthen my mind and body. Our bodies are temples which we should treat with respect. This past year I found myself asking why? Why am I doing this and what purpose does it have? Asking this led me on the quest for more knowledge and often I found myself in a book or scouring the internet for information. I think it is very important to have a general understanding of why things exist and how they came to be. Knowledge is power and I am going to continue making myself smarter everyday. Same goes with working on my body. I owe it to myself to eat healthy and exercises more often. If you are wondering how to get a head start on the year look no further! Here are some tips I believe will help you conquer 2017!

1. Be Optimistic

You never know when an experience or someone can change your life. Take on every opportunity with open arms and don't let ignorance get in the way of you trying something. We only have on life to live so don't close the door on an opportunity, it may seem scary at first, especially if the opportunity requires you to move, but it will be worth all the while.

2. Question Things

One of the best ways for you to become smarter is to question things. Annotate the world! I'm not saying become a know-it-all on everything but you should know the reason as to why you are learning or doing something.

3. Become a Morning Person

So much time is wasted by us just sleeping. Recently since coming home from school I have found myself staying up till 2am everyday and waking up at 12:00pm. Morning hours are crucial for getting a head start on the day. If you are sleeping till the afternoon, you are wasting valuable time. Get a head start on the day, work on something, or better yet go exercise!

4. Become More Ambitious

Realize what you want to accomplish and go after it. Ambition is a very good trait to have as a person. It shows that you are hard-working and strive for success.

5. Become More Confident

This is yet another good trait to have as a person. Building your self-confidence helps you a lot in life. The best way of becoming more confident is to complete little things. It's doing the little things that help you become more confident. Also following your voice. Be you! People sense confidence in others and it's a way to seperate the weak from the strong.