Happy New Year, and congratulate yourself for making it this far.
But just because we’ve made it this far doesn’t mean we have all of the answers. As the most notorious Girl Gang of all time, us Her Campus Collegiettes must stick together and promote avenues that lead to success. Here are a couple of adult Do’s and Don’ts for the upcoming year.
Do: Forgive
It’s a new year. Everything that happened last year was left in 2016. Learning to forgive people for the mistakes they made towards or around you, relieves you of stress and will reduce wrinkles.
Don’t: Forget
Forgiveness is the first step, but what we will not do in 2017 is allow the same drama we encountered last year to invade our personal space again. You already know what can happen in certain situations, so be cautious and proceed slowly.
Do: Promote self-love
Look in the mirror and say, “I love me.” If you have never been the one to shower yourself with the highest of praise, this is your year. Self-love is the first and truest love that will help you branch out and create a more inviting persona. The more you build yourself up―through knowledge, pampering, alone time, and treats― the harder you will be to tear down.
Don’t: Avoid self-growth
Loving yourself does not mean there is no room for improvement. A true self-loving collegiette is always looking for ways to be the best version of herself. This year, learn how to take constructive criticism and adhere to advice that is beneficial to your personal and worldly growth.
Do: Be honest and speak up
We live in a world where a woman who speaks her mind is feared and deemed radical. We have been told that women should be nice and not fight back for years, and that ends this year. Be honest with everyone. If something makes you uncomfortable, say so. If you do not agree with the general consensus, challenge it. If you have a better idea, propose it.
Don’t: Be Mean
There are ways to go about speaking your mind without tearing others down or offending the ideas of your peers. A simple expansion of vocabulary could help express your idea properly and professionally. Your goal is to publicize your idea without making anyone feel inferior or inadequate.
Do: Shoot your shot
This is the year of the three point, fade away. The most popular term for approaching a crush or taking a leap on a new goal is “shooting your shot”. It’s time to dispel this idea that you cannot be the person who makes the first move. If you know what you want, go out there and get it. We have lived long enough to know that the world does not operate on our schedule; we have to put ourselfves in the position to receive the goals we want. It’s perfectly fine to make the first shot. There’s no harm in saying hello, texting first, calling that job first, or asking for well-needed advice. It could be one of the best decisions of the year.
Don’t: Be annoying
As hard as it is to agree with, people have the right to say no to you. There is a fine line between being persistent and being annoying. Let’s try not bombard someone with text messages, emails, funny memes, calls and unscheduled FaceTime appointments. Being ignored is not a fun feeling. To avoid being annoying, take the subtle hints someone is laying out for you. If the response is not as enthusiastic, it comes four hours later, or does not come at all, take the cue and leave the situation alone. Move on to bigger and better opportunities. They will respond in due time, and who’s to say you’ll be around when they do.
You don’t have to take our advice, but whatever you do, better yourself in every possible way.