5 ways to live a life that doesn't suck in 2018

With the new year here I sat down to go over some goals I'd like to tackle in 2018. I’m sure you and I share a couple of the same goals such as eating better, being more physically fit, remembering to floss on the daily, etc. 
​
But besides those cliche resolutions, I'd really like to focus on something more important: Self Growth. Here's five steps I’m going to take, to make it happen. 

---

5 ways to live a life that doesn't suck in 2017

​1. Surrender bad juju

Like many of you, I lead a busy life but I want to accomplish a lot. I want to achieve success. That’s why surrender and letting go is so important to me. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others who are wealthier, higher up the corporate ladder, thinner, or more attractive.

Learning to surrender comparisons and bad juju enables us to wish others well, so that we can refocus on our own energy. Surrendering yourself from the negativity allows us to celebrate our own opportunities, talents, and skills.
If there’s anything I’ve learned in 2016 it’s this: Surrender is never about being perfect. It’s more about doing your best and remaining authentic. Being perfect is just a futile attempt to control what can’t be controlled.


2. Surround myself with like-minded people

Surrounding yourself with the right company is the key to success. Your environment shapes who you are and who you will become so why not place yourself in the most positive and engaging environment that you can. Let go of people who don’t add value to your life; the individuals who have no prosperous impact on you and only want you to stay around to fulfill their needs.

You are in total control of your life and the choices you make. Make the choice to be around positivity and dump those people that suck.

3. Spread Joy

I read this quote today that really got my wheels spinning, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” -Leo Buscaglia

We forget how truly meaningful it is to genuinely interact with another human. Want to spread joy this year? Smile at someone (especially the grumpy people.) Give out free hugs, compliment your friends and family. It’s such a gratifying feeling to be the catalyst that activates joy in other people. Be genuine and practice kindness every single day. You’ll never regret it. 


4. Take Responsibility

You are the only one responsible for your own actions (or lack thereof). If you fail or miss out on an opportunity don’t blame other people, take responsibility. Accepting responsibility is a measure of your own self-worth and a true sign of strength and courage. Having the ability to own up to your own actions will empower you to grow in ways that will bring you great reward and accomplishment in life.

"The more you are willing to accept responsibility for your actions, the more credibility you will have" -Brian Koslow

When you take responsibility you become a better person and earn the respect of others around you. 


5. Create a 100-day plan

You know that time Franklin Roosevelt pioneered the “100-day plan” as a way to gauge his effectiveness in the white house? Well now it’s become a US president tradition and there’s really no reason we shouldn’t all create a plan.

The 100-day plan consists of achievable short term goals that adhere to the President’s long term vision for the country. The plan establishes 100 tasks and requires specific steps and resources that are needed to achieve them. 
​
Why shouldn’t you have a plan of short term goals of your own that will shape out your year? Start off 2017 with a burst of energy and something to look forward to by crafting and pursuing 100 days worth of tasks that will get you one step closer to your overall goal. Once you reach the 100-day finish line in April, you’ll know whether or not to celebrate or reconstruct. 

---

What are some steps you are willing to take this new year to not suck at life?
Leave your ideas in the comments below and share this article so we can get all the sucky people off of the streets.