21 Awesome Ways to Improve Your Life ...

1 Learn to Say “no”

You don’t need to feel guilty for saying “no”. You have to put yourself first because no one else will. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Ignore the guilt and the FOMO. You don’t owe anyone anything.

2 Don’t Be Afraid to Say “yes”

Things can be scary, and saying “yes” can take a lot of courage. Try new things and say yes occasionally. You might be surprised.

3 Stick up for Yourself

Don’t be afraid to be assertive. You may not want to be a bitch, but you shouldn’t let people walk all over you. Be strong. It’ll help your confidence.

4 Acknowledge Your Strengths

Being humble is great and all, but there will be at least one thing you’re amazing at. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge it. Whether it’s years of training or natural talent – own it!

5 Take a Compliment!

Just a simple thanks. Accepting compliments is hard, but it’ll get easier the more you do it.

6 Give up on Fashion Trends

Who cares what everyone else is wearing, and why would you want to be a clone anyway? Wear things you love and that are unique to you. Your size does not determine your worth as a human being.

7 Look past the outside Appearance

Judging someone based on appearance is almost a reflex at this stage, but learning to undo that can help you grow.

8 Take Risks

Perhaps skydiving is a little much, but you can take small risks each day. Try a new bar or a new hobby. Try talking to someone new. You don’t need to eat the same food every day. Take small risks.

9 Learn How You Think

Really getting to know yourself will make your life easier; know how you learn and how you think. For example, if you have a habit of fixating on the negative, being aware of that can help you overcome it.

10 Love Yourself

That includes your chubby thighs and fat rolls.

11 Remember That No One is Better than Anyone else

It’s easy to think that you’re inferior to other people; maybe you’re not as pretty, smart, famous or talented. This way of thinking can really drag your self-confidence through the mud. At the end of the day, we all come into the world the same way. We all go to the bathroom. You can be a better person, but other people are not always better than you.

12 Challenge the Systems around You

You don’t need to blindly accept things. We live in a time of huge change, and it’s easy to accept the world around you without question. Your parents may be old-fashioned, but you don’t have to be.

13 Stick up for What You Believe in

You’re allowed to love things, to fight for them and to believe in them.

14 Only Date People Who Really Add to Your Life

The fear of being single is huge, but dating people can take a lot out of your life. Only date people who genuinely add to it, otherwise you're wasting your time and effort for no real benefit.

15 Cut off Toxic Friends

A lot of friendships are formed through convenience. Just because you see someone daily or live close, doesn’t mean they’re not toxic. Friends can be toxic; encourage bad behaviours or make you feel like shit. You can end friendships the same way you’d end a relationship. Look after yourself.

16 Remember to Enjoy the Present

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the past and the future. Take a moment to appreciate the little things in life and acknowledge where you are.

17 Know What Makes You Happy

This especially counts when you’re in your teen years. Social pressure can be enormous, the desire to fit in can make you ignore what you really enjoy because you feel it’s embarrassing in some way.

18 Get the Tattoo and Piercings

You came into this world as a blank canvas – don’t be afraid to paint! Not everything needs a deep meaning, some things you can just love.

19 Be Bold

Shave half your hair off and dye it bright blue. It’s your body and your hair – don’t be afraid to not fit in.

20 Have the Dessert

Fuck the calories. Life is way too short.

21 Think Critically

Use your brain and think for yourself; don’t believe everything you hear. Question everything. Your behaviours and thoughts are so easily shaped by the world around you. It’s ok to question things and change your beliefs.

And finally…
Someone once told me that life is like a train station; we rush from one train to the next without thinking. This can be from school to college to university to careers to a family, and before you know it you’re 80 and regret everything. It’s ok to stop and think – you don’t need to rush for the next train.