1. Learn to forgive.

I know it might be hard sometimes. Your ex cheated on you, your ex-best friend stabbed you in the back, you had an argument over something you don’t even remember 2 years ago… we all have been hurt by somebody else before. But, carrying that hostility and animosity about another person with you will only destroy you more. You have to learn to forgive the person who screwed you over in the past, even if your friendship with them is over. I know we can be stubborn or hold a grudge sometimes, but learning to forgive and letting go of that black cloud on your shoulders is one of the best feelings you will ever feel.

2. Try something new every month.

Try listening to new artists or music, visit a new restaurant every now and then, or even shake up your routine every week! Routines are bland and tedious, sometimes I even feel like a robot or zombie when going through my every-day normal routine, eating the same foods every week, and listening to the same type of music every day. Shake up your days every now and then and make 2017 really new!

3. Be kinder to the people around you.

So many problems could be solved if people were kinder to others. Open the door for someone, buy food for your friend one day, try to not take out your bad mood on others around you- even if you really want to. Kindness could lighten up anyone’s day, especially if someone was having a bad one.

4. Learn to take responsibility for your actions.

We’re human, we all make mistakes. But the best way to try and fix any mistake is to take responsibility for your actions. Odds are, whoever you hurt or screwed over will be more willing to forgive and forget if you own up to your mistakes and apologize for them. Even if it is something as tiny as eating your roommate’s food- own up to your actions and take responsibility for them. It’s part of being an adult, and you’ll learn that life would be so much easier if you avoid lying, manipulation, and if stop putting the blame on others.

5. Stop being lazy- just do it.

That 10 page paper can wait until tomorrow. I have all week to study for that chem exam, why start early? The gym is open 24/7, I can just take my rest day today.

Sound familiar? We’re all lazy sometimes, I get it. Procrastination can sometimes be our best friend or worst enemy. With our jam-packed schedules filled with school, work, or clubs, we all can use a little lazy day and leave our responsibilities for tomorrow. However, the best feeling in the world comes from getting all of your work and responsibilities over with today to avoid feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed tomorrow. Working early on that 10-page paper might bump your grade from a B+ to an A, studying for that chem exam a few days in advance might save you from pulling an all-nighter, and going to the gym more often will have you feeling great, refreshed, and like a brand new person.

It’s 2017, a brand new year. It doesn’t have to be “new year, new me.” But we can definitely all try to make 2017 the best year yet.