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This is the second part of my look back at 2016, and some lessons learned hard or easy way. It was the most intense and interesting year of my life and I hope you'll find things I'm sharing here helpful.

[Be sure to check the first part.](https://steemit.com/life/@alcibiades/15-life-lessons-learned-in-2016-1)

# 8. Don't complain

It became part of our nature to complain about everything. We complain about slow internet, about our favorite sports team losing, too many commercials, high prices and not enough money, about traffic, politics, neighbor's dog, typos, facebook statuses, Nickelback, about being hungry, about our boss or coworkers, cold weather, hot weather... 

If you can change the situation, then do it - don't listen to that annoying band, hide facebook notifications, change your job. 

If you can't change your situations, then change your attitude towards it. Start being aware of these complaining situations and decide to rise above them.

# 9. Lead the way

Stop seeking approval or guidance from the society, your family and friends to pursue things that interest you. It's not a sign of compassion, but lack of confidence and self-worth.

Taking responsibility for one's own life and decisions is something we should all do. Until you align yourself with your core beliefs and start acting that way, things won't get better.

# 10. Read

If there is one thing that every successful person has in common, it's the fact that they allocate big chunk of their time to read books, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, and other material related to their field of study or the subject they are interested in.

Not just fiction books, even though these are great as well, but also books about self-improvement, psychology, marketing and other topics you could benefit from.

Starts small but be consistent. I was the one who had trouble keeping focus and taking time every day to read, but with habits developed I was able to read or listen 30 books in the last four months.

# 11. Plan ahead

Having your head too high, always looking at the end goal and not celebrating small progress is bad, but also is drifting aimlessly without clear picture of what you want to accomplish and the purpose behind it.

To achieve big goals you have to decide it's a must for you, and not just something that you 'should' do. So importance of these yearly and long-term goals is big, but it's also important to create monthly, weekly and daily plans that serve as milestones and stepping stones on the journey.

Make plans and take action immediately, don't treat everyday like it's Sunday. 

# 12. Fulfillment over achievement

This is in relation with the previous advise. No matter how much you accomplish and acquire in life, there will always be more to strive for. New milestones, new interests, new fights to be battled. So why not just enjoy the whole process?

Don't wait for some final destination to start celebrating life. Enjoy the small everyday victories. Don't postpone happiness from making small progress while in pursuit for the big goals.

# 13. Always wonder

> *The  sign of intelligence is that you are constantly wondering. Idiots are  always dead sure about every damn thing they are doing in their life. - Maya Angelou*

Explore and entertain new possibilities. Don't take everything for granted. Things you're sure about, might look different from another perspective. 

Take a genuine interest in learning new things, meeting new interesting people, seeing and exploring new places and possibilities.

Stay off the beaten path.

# 14. Be grateful

This might be the most important ritual I've adopted in my life in 2016. It is very easy to take things for granted and lose perspective and appreciation for the incredible things you have in your life.

Gratitude is antidote for anger and fear of everyday life. You can't be grateful and fearful at the same time.

Decide to practice this every day. Take few minutes and think of a couple of things you are grateful for. It doesn't need to be something big, but even small things like a beautiful winter landscape and a wind on your face, or the chance to enjoy music of your favorite band. Remind yourself and appreciate all the incredible blessings you have in your life.

# 15. Rest before you are tired

No matter how well you are doing and how it might seem easy at times to stay after hours to bring your ideas to life, it's important to make sure you're taking proper rest regularly to prevent burnout and fatigue. 

You might be loving what you do, but taking time to re-energize and recover is critical in the long term to prevent physical and emotional consequences.

Give yourself a day off every week and take some vacation every few months and go do something completely unrelated to your daily work. Take a trip, gather with your friends and family or enjoy your other hobbies. 

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We are what we do every single day, so make sure to consistently practice new habits you want to introduce in your life.

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