{Lifestyle: 10 Ways to A Better Version of You}

New Years Resolutions. We all make them...and then we break them two weeks into February (if not sooner). When I woke up on New Year's day, I said "maybe a good resolution this year - one I'll actually keep - is to set more realistic goals for the coming year". So instead of writing down a bunch of resolutions that I knew I probably wouldn't keep, I decided to make a vision board for how I wanted my year to look.  As you've read here, last year was a rough one for me, so my biggest vision this year is to live a well balanced life. I placed my board in a frame and have it hanging in my bedroom as a reminder as to where I've been and where I plan to go.

The following are 10 simple things you can do to become a better, happier version of yourself in 2014 - based on both personal experience and things I’ve learned along the way (via).

1. START WEARING BOLD LIPSTICK

According to a L’Oreal survey, 75% of women believe that lipstick makes them feel more confident. 

2. START ACTING THE WAY YOU WANT TO FEEL.

Pay attention to this one. It will make a world of difference in your life. Kind of a different version of “fake it ‘til you make it,” but guess what? It works. 

3. CALL UP A FRIEND YOU’VE LOST TOUCH WITH

We all lose track of time in our lives. Old friendships fall by the wayside. That’s okay, it happens to all of us. Stop making excuses, call them up and meet them for drinks, coffee, or skype!

4. GIVE AT LEAST 3 PEOPLE A COMPLIMENT THIS MORNING

Know what always makes me feel good? Making other people feel good. It’s part of being human. It’s why we spend so much time picking out the perfect Christmas present or birthday card. We want to make others feel good. Stop waiting for an occasion to do so. 

5. MAKE EVERY HUG LAST AT LEAST 20 SECONDS

Scientific evidence tells us that hugs lasting 20 seconds are more are proven to increase levels of oxytocin (a happy hormone.) 

6. PICK ONE ARGUMENT PER DAY TO “LET GO”

Arguing sucks. Often times, both people are usually left feeling worse than they did before the confrontation if not handled correctly. I think we all argue a lot more than we need to. In 2014, let’s try to pick our battles. 

7. SPEND JUST 5 MINUTES PER DAY TIDYING UP YOUR SPACE

This is coming from someone who turns her room into a tornado every time she gets dressed to go out. Lack of organization causes stress. Think of how serene you feel walking in the door after you’ve done your spring cleaning? Commit to spending just 5 minutes per day tidying things up, and you’ll feel a lot better when you wake up to a clean house each morning.

8. PICK ONE NEW OR DIFFERENT THING TO TRY EVERY MONTH

This doesn’t have to be something earth-shattering. Pick up a book you would never normally read. Go to Chinatown. Sign up for Photoshop 101 on SkillShare.com. 12 “new” things a year is not a hard thing to do but it will make you feel much more accomplished.

9. HAVE MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH STRANGERS

This one might seem a little strange at first. After all, our mothers always told us to never talk to strangers. I don’t know about you, but I’m always the most touched when I get a compliment from someone I don’t know, or experience a random act of kindness from a complete stranger. In 2014, I want to talk to more strangers.

10. STOCK UP ON CUTE GREETING CARDS

Everyone wants to be more like that friend who always has a sweet card in her back pocket when you need encouragement. Emails are great, but in 2014, I’m going to snail mail a lot more greeting cards.