Many people have been ranting about how 2016 was one of the worst years in existence. Instead of being so negative about the past, we need to be positive about the future. 2016 might not have been your best year, but that does not mean that 2017 has to be horrible, as well. You can improve your future as long as you make an effort. Below, I have listed seven essential tips to help you make 2017 your best year yet.

1. Be open-minded.

You should keep an open state of mind throughout the new year. People change, and things never remain the same. Remember that you will encounter many new experiences in 2017, and each experience will require a different approach. Try not to complain about how things have worked out previously. Instead, take advantage of being able to progress.

2. Take on challenges.

You are the only person that is holding yourself back. If there is something that you want to accomplish, then do it. Live with no regrets. That way, if you fail at something, at least you will not regret trying.

3. Set your priorities.

Think about what you want to do with your life, and what you need to do to get there. Make a list if you need to. If anything keeps you from accomplishing those priorities, turn it down. You are in charge of your own success.

4. Love yourself.

No one is perfect, and we all have flaws. As long as you are trying your best, that is all that you can really do. Look in the mirror every single day and point out one good thing about yourself. It does not have to be about your appearance. It could be about how you treat other people, or something that you have accomplished. Just know that there are good things about you, so try not to be down on yourself.

5. Set new goals.

Do not just focus on the goals that you have made previously. Continue to improve yourself as a person. Goals are great because they give you something to look forward to. They do not have to be that big either. They could be anything from reading a chapter of a new book a day to graduating with honors. Become goal-oriented, because having goals is goals in our society.

6. Get rid of negativity.

This is not just referring to yourself. Trash anything that makes you feel bad. If you are picking up bad habits, trash them. If you are hanging around toxic people, trash them. You do not have to do anything that you do not want to. Choose what makes you happy.

7. Leave the past in the past.

We have all messed up in one way or another, but those mistakes do not determine who we are as people. What determines who we are is how we move on from those mistakes. That is the beautiful thing about each new year, or even new day. You have the chance to turn your life around. Do not become bitter because of the past. Learn from it.