To many, 2016 was a tough year and to many others, it could've been the best year of their life. But a new year is a time for new goals, new adventures, and new experiences. Here are eight things to remember as 2017 comes around.

1. Be present in every moment

I have always been guilty of checking out and not truly appreciating what I have in front of me, whether it is time with family or time with friends. Be present in each moment you have because you never know when you won’t get those experiences anymore.

2. Put your phone down and go outside

Today’s generations have been consumed by social media, the internet, and smartphones. Put down your phone, go outside and find somewhere to hike, ride your bike, go for a run, just do anything outside. Nature has a way of just calming and soothing, so spending more time outside is sure to make you happier.

3. Set goals for yourself

Setting goals sounds so simple and cliché but it is so important. Having a plan of what you’d like to do with your future makes those goals so much easier to achieve.

4. Tell your loved ones you love them

Whether you talk to your family members all day, every day, or only once a year, never forget to tell them you love them. You don’t know when you won’t have the chance to anymore.

5. Enjoy the little things

Begin to appreciate something as simple as a nice text from a friend or a smile from a stranger. If you start appreciating the smaller things in life, then you will be an overall happier person.

6. Capture your memories

Carry a camera around with you, whether it is a 20-year-old Polaroid camera or a brand new digital camera from Best Buy. Capture every moment you can so when 2018 rolls around, you can look back on your year and remember all of the wonderful memories you were able to have.

7. Change is necessary and that is okay

Embrace change this coming year. I know, we are humans and humans struggle with change. But with every change you experience in life, something better can come out of it. When something new comes your way in 2017, don’t run in the opposite direction. Face it head-on and let it help you become stronger.

8. Don’t just exist. Live.

Live your life. Experience new adventures. Do something you’ve never done but have always wanted to do. Don’t let the endless school and work cycle take away your opportunities to be spontaneous and carefree. To be successful in all areas of life, you need to be happy with life by doing the things you’d love to do.