1. Start completely fresh.

There’s no reason for you to hang onto the negative things that happened yesterday, or feel defeated because you ate terribly the first day of the New Year. What’s in the past is exactly that—the past. Today is a new day, so start completely fresh. Tell yourself that your goals, resolutions, and life-changes start right now, and quit beating yourself up over who you used to be.

2. Begin budgeting.

How many times have you told yourself that you’d start saving….and then blew the remainder of your paycheck on booze, or nights out with friends, or random things you probably don’t need? We’ve all been there. But no more. This is a new year! It’s time to get your spending in order by making a simple budget spreadsheet. Give yourself spending money, bill-paying money, and even a few dollars a month for savings. This will not only keep you on track, but relieve stress as you head into the New Year. And trust me, your future self will thank you.

3. Bring a positive face to work every single day.

No matter if you hate your job, feel indifferent, so-so, or absolutely love it, this year, head into the office with a smile. Who knows? Your smile might be the encouragement a coworker needs to work harder, or to even stay. And plus, your workspace will be much less miserable if you go into the daily routine with a smile on your face.

PS: If you hate your job, it’s time to quit complaining and start making steps to change your position. Start applying at new places. Ask if you can move into a different department. Enroll in a class to begin to switch your field altogether. The opportunities are honestly endless. Don’t let yourself be miserable. Put a smile on and make some change.

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— Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Brungs