A new year is a chance for a new beginning – a fresh start, a clean slate and a chance to completely reinvent yourself and be whoever you want to be. Granted, you can really do this anytime throughout the year, but there’s something extra special about the start of a new one. And now that 2017 is here, it’s time to really think about how you want to live your life, be your best self and live as authentically as possible. All of this will lead to finding that partner to share this life with. Try these tips to increase your chances of falling deeply in love in 2017.

1. Have An Open Mind

This means not just saying you have an open mind, but really feeling it and believing it. While it’s good to be picky and you should never settle, it’s important to give people a chance – especially the ones who you aren’t sure about. Off the bat, you might not think you’ll like the guy your colleague keeps telling you she wants to set you up with, but what’s the worst that could happen? You don’t like him? So what? Just don’t set up a second date. Give him a chance. Have an open mind, and you just might be surprised.

2. Surround Yourself With Positive People

What exactly will you gain from having negative people around you? Absolutely nothing. It’s so important to distance yourself from negative people and energy. They will only bring you down to their level, and nothing good can come of that. You need to surround yourself with those who lift you higher, who support you, who believe in you and who will be there for you no matter what. If your friend constantly complains about how all the guys suck in NYC, well, I hate to say it, but she’s never going to meet someone with that cynical attitude, so stay away.

3. Put Your Best Self Out There

Here’s the thing: if you’re down in the dumps and go out on a date or go out to a bar with friends, that “Debbie Downer” attitude can be seen and felt by everyone around you. If you’re not feeling good, stay in, take some time for yourself, go to the gym … basically, do whatever it is that’ll make you feel your best once again. If you’re not feeling happy with yourself, how do you expect anyone else to be happy with you? Self care is important. Feel good from the inside out and it’ll show. It’s not about looks or weight or the color of your hair; it’s about attitude and confidence. Work the room, own the room and be the best possible version of yourself when you go out looking for love.

4. Don’t Think So Much About It

It’s true what they say: you’re not going to find it when you’re looking. You’re going to meet your person when you least expect it. Don’t think so much about meeting someone. It will happen in good time. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but it’ll happen. The more you think about it, the more you’ll drive yourself crazy.

5. Enjoy The Single Life

You’re not going to be single forever, so enjoy it now. It’s the time you can be selfish and think solely about yourself and what you want and what’s best for you. You don’t have to run decisions by anyone, and you can live for YOU. Enjoy this time, and I mean really enjoy it. Have fun and live it up. Now is the time to do so.

At the end of the day, stay positive. Don’t worry if you haven’t met someone. Don’t worry if all your friends are in serious relationships or married and you’re going on first dates every other night. You do you. You’ll meet that special someone when the time is right, and you don’t want to waste away these days wishing for that moment. You want to live your best life now. Here’s to the very best 2017!

You may also be interested in 4 Ways To Give Your Online Dating Profile A Makeover In 2017