10 Life Hacks To Improve Your 2018

I think we can all agree that 2017 had its rough patches! I’m a little happy to see the back of it, frankly.

As I look back on this year, I’m choosing now to relish its great moments and to learn and grow from the bad. From my beloved Granny’s passing to a crazed, orange-hued world leader dominating headlines, I really could have used a break from 2017. I’m stronger for it though. I survived the crazy schedules, benefitted from all the hard work I poured into my passions and got closer to those I love and cherish.

From these experiences, I’ve learned some life hacks (and earned some damned crow’s feet) from the lows of 2017. Don’t get me wrong. My life is good. I’m blessed and lucky to have a good-looking best friend I call a “husband”, some sisters that keep me in stitches and really close friends to lean on when I need a hug (or three Old Fashioneds in a row).

Thanks to 2017 – the weirdest year I’ve lived through – I’ve learned some life hacks that I think can benefit you…to make 2018 the best year yet.

I’m full of hope right now. I’ve never really felt this way before on New Year’s Day. Maybe it’s the hangover of New Year’s Days past that have left me feeling “meh” about starting a new year. This January 1st though, I’m feeling good. REAL GOOD – and I want you to feel optimistic too. So, feel free to implement a couple (or all) of these tips that benefitted me over the last 365 days. Oh – and check out my quick YouTube video on How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolutions.

#1. Say “F*ck Off!!” When Needed

Someone disrespecting you? Feeling overlooked or judged? Being mistreated?? Say “F*ck Off!”. Say it loud and clear to the person who is causing you pain. Say it when someone puts his or her hands on you and you don’t like it. Say it with your eyes, your body language…you name it. Just take control of the situation and feel good about it.

#2. You Deserve A Treat

Honestly! Why is it so hard for us to wrap our heads around this? Get that expensive bag! Go on that trip! Use that wedding crystal that’s been sitting in boxes for years! Eat your scrambled eggs off that Wedgwood china. Who cares? What are you waiting for? That special occasion that might never come? You work hard. You’ve earned it. Your mind and body will thank you!

#4. Recognize How Great You Are

Don’t wait for others to recognize you and your hard work. Learn to validate yourself. Learn to appreciate yourself!

#3. Respect Your Body

Prepare your dinners from scratch. Don’t sit at your desk for eight hours straight. Get on the floor and play with your dog for 15 minutes. Eat some more damn vegetables. You only have one body. Love it. Trust me. You’ll be happy when you are 90 years old and still able to live your life the way you want.

#5. Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself

This is one I really struggle with. I’m Queen of Self-Deprecation and I hate that. I hear myself doing it, but I just can’t help it. I’m also really, really hard on myself if something doesn’t work out. I’m sick of making myself feel bad! I am learning to take the time to appreciate all of my efforts and all of my strengths. It’s also become easier to ignore the online trolls because I can recognize my worth and achievements.

Ruminating in bed late at night would keep me up for hours. Taking control of my life, seeking the advice of a therapist (yeah – I did!) and working out regularly has quieted that a**hole of a voice at the back of my head and given me a lot of calm.

#6. A Little Humility Goes A Long Way

There’s a difference between being a respected boss bitch and being completely insufferable. Your hard work speaks for itself. No need to toot your own horn 24/7. It turns people off while humility draws people in. Do you want your reputation to lead the way or your giant head to squash people out of the room? After all, ego stunts growth. Remember that.

#7. Be Fearless

Stand up, puff out your chest, hold your chin up and do it. Do whatever it is that scares you. From applying for that promotion you want to asking out that hot guy who sits near the photocopier, ya gotta try. You never know if you don’t “seize the day” and hey… most times being fearless really works out in your favour.

#8. Quit Comparing Yourself To Others.

I know it’s hard, especially with everyone hyping themselves up on social media. “Comparison is the thief of joy” – trust me on this one. How can you live your own best life if you are always measuring yourself against someone else? That other person has his own problems and issues. Why not focus on how great your own life is? What’s so bad about recognizing how cool you are??

#9. Stop Half-Assing It

If you are going to do something, do it well. Don’t do a crap job. It just reflects badly on you and never gives you that great sense of fulfillment. This is especially important when it comes to your job. If you hate your job so much that you just can’t be bothered to care anymore, GET OUT. Find something that stokes that inner fire where you will continue to learn, grow and feel good about what you do. Life is too short to wither away at a 9-5 you detest.

#10. Desire Does Not Equal Value

I listen to some single friends wondering why that guy who booty-called at 3am doesn’t fill those needs that humans require to be happy. It’s because desire and lust are not the same as value and respect. Know the difference. Promise – you’ll know it when you see it. Now, I’m not on a soapbox over here being Judgy McJudgerton. I’ve been there. I went out with that hot scumbag who treated me poorly for a little too long.

Once I got my head on straight and found someone that valued me, life got better.

What are your favourite life hacks? Sharing is caring! Happy New Year!