It’s easy to tell yourself that January 1^st means you’ll be a new, improved and more successful version of yourself if you follow these simple resolutions. The truth is, by mid-January, you’re probably face-down in chocolate fudge cake and stalking every ex on Facebook wondering how his life is so perfect. Why isn’t he still miserable over you? Take these 10 tips to start living a happier (more realistic) improved version of you… You’re Doing Your Best Being hard on yourself isn’t going to change your job, your shape, reword that conversation or take back your mistakes. You’re only human. Take a deep breath and start again. Drop The Competition Don’t try and keep up with everyone else. It’s the one way you’re bound to make yourself miserable. While you admire her clothes, her career or maybe envy her relationship – she could wish she had your brains, your confidence or awesome dance skills. The only competition you need is with yourself and your ambition. Keep your eyes on the prize. The Scales Don’t Mean A Thing Did you know more than 70% of women are unhappy with their weight? While it’s important to stay healthy, and exercise, following one miserable diet after the other isn’t the answer to a happier you. Drop the scales and use your comfy clothes as your guide. If you can button up your trusty jeans, you’re doing alright… Money Won’t Make You Happy Sure, it might make life easier, but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel fulfilled with more cash in the bank. Book that city break with your girlfriends, or treat yourself to a manicure. Life is short, and you can’t take those savings with you. Make yourself happy and experience some of life’s little pleasures. Drop The Frenemies You need this ‘friend’ as much as you need to catch the winter vomiting bug. You can’t help but feel threatened in her company and her success brings out pangs of jealousy you don’t care to admit to. It’s time to ditch the frenemy and make room for your real circle of soul sisters. Take That Leap Of Faith Always wanted to take a dance class? Have an urge to visit Brazil? Or maybe you’ve been trying to build up the courage to go for that job promotion? Sometimes you need to have some self-confidence and know your own ability. You’ve got this, now work it! You’re Pretty Hot Stop scrolling through the internet, looking at magazines and comparing your body to any of those models. Chances are there’s some serious photoshop helping out these curves and you know what? You’re pretty hot as you are. Now dance around in your underwear and thank God you were born so bootylicious. Be Bold In Love and Lust Scared to make the first move? We’ll let you in on a secret, so is he. Ok, there’s a chance he’ll say no, but what’s the worst that can happen? If you’re head over heels, we suggest trying to say hi. Save yourself another year of wishing he’d talk to you while you pretend not to check him out at every opportunity. Send Your Mum A Text Your mammy is the only woman who single handedly saves the day, cooks your dinner, lights a candle for any test or exam and still manages to know just what to say to make it all better. Don’t forget to let her know how much she means to you. She’s worth her weight in gold. There’s Always Tomorrow Rome (and your future super successful life) wasn’t built in a day. Enjoy the moment, do your best to work on making yourself happy and accept that maybe you won’t get it right always. But tomorrow is a new day, and a new chance to be an even happier you…