10 Tips to Change Your Life

Some habits are hard to break, but most can be done with a little extra effort. Last year, I promised myself that I would focus on being the very best version that I can be. While I didn't complete everything on my 2016 To-Do List, I did change the way I perceived life a bit. I followed these ten tips to help create new habits and boy do I feel better.

1. Wake Up Earlier

If you're a working lady like myself, you probably already have a set time to get up so you're not running late. But what if you wake up an hour earlier than that?

Last year, I wanted to be more productive by waking up an extra hour earlier each day. Yeah, even on the weekends. Since moving, my commute time is about 75% shorter giving me ample amount of time to work on editing a video, finishing up a blog post, and applying eyeliner. Of course, waking up earlier means going to bed earlier and as a former Night Owl/ Hater-of-Mornings, this was the best decision I've made so far. 

2. Drink More Water

I cannot tell you how amazing you will feel and be if you follow this step. Every doctor, magazine, lifestyle guru and mom has been telling you this for years. Seriously, drink more water. You'll thank me later. 

3. Get Rid of Those Negative Relationships

Over the past couple of years, I've been attached to relationships that weren't good for me. 2016 was the year for me to let those go. Why stay attached to relationships that had you feeling worthless? Why stay friends with someone who's always into drama? Let that shit go, girl. 

I'm not going to lie, it was really hard for me to do this step. I loved those people dearly, but they weren't good for me. And as selfish as this sounds, they weren't going to help me in my path to success. It's okay to be selfish. 

4. Write It Down

I tend to forget things, especially when I have a lot going on. So I bought a Happy Planner to write down everything in. I write down birthdays, when I paid my bills, upcoming events. EVERYTHING. I feel so much more productive and on top of it since I've started doing this step. 

5. Meal Prep

Yeah, this was a big trend a couple of years ago and everyone and their mom were Instagramming their meal prep routines. But honestly, if you're in school or work a 9-5, meal prepping is a boss move in productivity. Also, it ensures that you're not spending way too much money eating out, which also helps you stay healthy. 

Here's the short on my meal prep routine: Find lunch recipes on Pinterest, grocery shopping on Sat, and then meal prep on Sunday. I bought some really cute containers from Target that are glass to store everything in. I only make enough for the week and don't eat it for dinner so I won't get tired of it and want to eat out instead. 

6. Don't Be Afraid to Try Something New

2016 was the year of trying something new. I tried painting with gouache which I love now. So many different hairstyles were attempted. I gave almond milk a go and it's actually quite tasty. Trying something new doesn't have to be life-changing or major in any way. Small steps are just as important as big ones. 

7. And Don't Be Afraid to Say 'No'

We don't need to say "yes" all of the time. If you don't want to go somewhere or do something. Say "no." I used to be the girl that always went out and partied. I never turned down the opportunity to hit the club. But deep down, that really wasn't my scene. Last year I said no to all of those things and focused on what made me happy. I focused on things that were entertaining to me. While I don't mind going out every once in a while, I really enjoy staying in and trying a new recipe or binge watching a new series on Netflix.  

8. Speak Up And Ask Questions

MAJOR KEY ALERT. It is absolutely okay to ask questions or need help. Raise your hand and speak up if you need more clarification. I used to think that asking questions showed how much you didn't know. That's never a bad thing. I've gained so much knowledge about my career and other people simply by asking them questions or speaking up when I need help.

9. Make Time Doing Things You Love

You know that feeling you get when you're really, really happy? You're so content that you lose all track of time? That's the feeling I get whenever I'm baking, working on a DIY, or painting. Last year I focused on creating more "me time." Even if it's only for one hour a week, I set some time off to work on a project or bake a cake just to take my mind off of things and relax. 

10. Make Memories and Document Them 

Although this is the age of social media and we document EVERYTHING. With the focus on instant, expiring content, like Snapchat or Instagram Live, the memories we make are no longer a permanent reminder. It's so important to document our time with our loved ones and friends as we don't know how long we will have with them. This is a tip I really want to focus on next year as I look back now and wish I did it previously. Documenting can be as simple as vlogging your vacations or taking pictures of your family or friends. Memories can last a lifetime if you let them.

What are some tips that have changed your life?