5 Things I Learned In 2015

*pops bottle of Veuve Clicquot* HAPPY NEW YEAR! Whether you spent New Year's Eve in your pajamas or in your party dress I am sure you were just as happy as I was to welcome 2016.

Nothing is better than writing down a list of goals for the new year and jotting down how to achieve everything on the list. If you feel you're above making New Year's resolutions, that is a clear sign that you desperately need some! 

Something I do and something I encourage you to do is to evaluate every aspect of your life assessing the things that stress you out, make you happy, bring you down and give you peace - write down everything! Decide what you need to change to provide more happiness and less stress in the new year. 

While determining my goals for 2016, I have enjoyed reflecting on the last 365 days. Here's what I learned: 

1. Age means nothing

I wish I had a dollar for every time people freaked out last year when I told them I was 19 years old. I've noticed that people I meet who are 21-25 are the most surprised to hear my age and I think it's because they assume I am the same age as they are. 

Age has never been a factor in my decision making process. I work as if I make a six-figure salary and I carry myself like a chameleon - able to converse with anyone in any setting. This was a great advantage for me in 2015.

2. Plan ahead - way ahead

The most important things that happened to me last year were certainly not planned - well, not in the way you may think. I studied abroad in Milan,  I interned in DC and attended New York Fashion Week amongst other things. I had no idea that 2015 would hold these incredible life-changing experiences but that doesn't mean I didn't plan these things in advance.

I have been writing down these EXACT things since my sophomore year of high school. Planning, writing, thinking, planning, writing, thinking. I encourage you to do this with anything you want to achieve. Good things will come.

3. Friends are money

Think about this.. You have two wallets. One has fifty 1 dollar bills and the other has five 100 dollar bills. Which would you choose? This sounds like a no brainer, but it's not. 

My past (especially high school) was full of "one dollar bill" friends and as I've gotten older, especially in 2015, I've realized that one "100 dollar bill" friend is exponentially better. Surround yourself with dynamic, diverse individuals that cheer you on and inspire you. Don't hang around any one dollar bill losers in 2016. 

4. Fear nothing

I will crawl into any damp, crowded NYC subway and I will travel to any almost foreign country by myself without thinking twice. If you live your life in fear you aren't actually living at all. No matter what doom and gloom 24 hour news cycle brings, never let fear consume you.

Furthermore, don't be afraid of anybody either. Have confidence in yourself and in your unique set of skills to carry you into a lifetime of success. Don't have a fear of failure, a fear of being alone or a fear of danger. Live a fearless life and watch amazing things happen (see #2). 

5. Life is short

This is my official motto for 2016. I am going to use these three words to fuel every decision I make simply because it is SO true! Life is extremely short and if you're not careful, you will be full of regret.

This may sound morbid but imagine you're on your death bed and all you have to do is reminisce on your life. What do you want to see? Self-doubt, hesitation and conformity? F*** no! You want to see bliss, confidence and fulfillment. Life is short, friends. Don't let any one limit you in 2016.