1. Let go of the people who are bringing you down.

You may not even recognize who they are right away, because they might not be doing anything overtly cruel or demeaning. But take note of the people who make you feel loved and energized and inspired. Those are the people you want to keep by your side. Gently let go of the rest and walk away.

2. By the same token, don’t let people’s words about you influence who you think you are.

Don’t allow them to make you love yourself any less. You are a perfectly flawed little human; you’re going to make mistakes. Focus on what you can do better rather than what you’ve done in the past.

3. Stop. Breathe. Then respond.

Think of how much someone has hurt you with a quick, biting response of theirs, and try not to do that to someone else. Your responses shape your experiences, as well as the experiences of others.

4. Act out of compassion and empathy.

Don’t assume the worst. Everyone (hopefully) is doing their best with their current circumstances. Give them the benefit of the doubt, just as you hope someone would do for you.

5. Stop focusing on physical beauty and start focusing on how you feel.

So what if you can’t seem to get back down to that 120 lb. weight you were at a few years ago? Stop hating yourself for not being the same size and shape as Agbani Darego and focus on the satisfaction good health can bring you instead.

6. Tell people how much they mean to you.

Life would be nothing without the people we care about. Remind people that they’re loved and appreciated, and that you’re thankful they were born.

7. Compliment people – and not just about their physical appearance.

How special do you feel when someone compliments something about your character? Acknowledge the things you admire or enjoy about someone and tell them.

8. Get better at following a budget.

This one doesn’t need elaboration. We all want to be financially stable; budgets help with that...

9. Stop telling yourself you can’t celebrate your little victories.

Whether it’s not talking to an ex or not taking drinks for a day/week/month: acknowledge it and let yourself be proud of it.

10. No, honestly, just be quiet sometimes. Listen to people.

Stop talking about yourself. Stop complaining about the same thing you’ve complained about for the past two months. Stop planning your responses or trying to one-up them or misconstruing what they’re saying to hear what you want to hear. Just listen. Someone else did it for you (and hopefully someone will do it again).

11. Don’t fall into the rut of being content with the same things you’ve always done if you aren’t happy with them.

Your job that you aren’t in love with? Take advantage of your current stability, and find ways to work towards what you want. Networking, taking that class you’ve been thinking about, attending graduate program info sessions – just do it, and then see where it takes you.

12. Stop the #nonewfriends mantra.

Practice being open and welcoming. Wouldn’t you rather be remembered by the stranger at the party or the new person at work as warm and kind than standoffish and proud? If not, you probably have a few self-esteem issues that should be addressed somewhere other than Nairaland

13. Just goddamn own it.

Whatever “it” is. Whether it’s a mistake you’re taking ownership of, a new haircut you’re self-conscious of, or a dream you’re wanting to pursue: just own it. This is your life – make it what you want it to be and don’t apologize for being yourself.

Most importantly, dont forget that your biggest factor in Life in achieving alot in 2016 is God

Yaaaas!

#brilliant post

Nice one, don't forget to smile throughout 2016.

@ Op... this is a good list.. I will try to Stop. Breathe. And Respond.

I was here