Entry # 2 2017: Better Beginnings
I've never understood the phenomenon of New Year's Resolutions. Sure, I get that it's a chance to start afresh with a clean slate, but the percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolutions is 8% The problem with resolutions is not only that they are overly ambitious. Fat to being slim, drink less, or Furthermore, these resolutions don't connect to what happens after they've been accomplished. So, you've managed to "become a better person"...then what? Instead of creating concrete resolutions, I tend to get more value out of outlining a few general thoughts that inform my day-to-day approach, not define it. They're not new beginnings, just better ones. Here are few thoughts for 2017: 1. Commit to a process, not a goal. Choosing a goal puts a huge burden on my shoulders. Can you imagine learning two programming in one year? Just learning the basics stresses me out. That’s what I do last year, I set my goals and because of this, I learn none. Besides of basic programming. Nonetheless, I didn’t learn as much as I want. I thought why stressing myself when I can do this step-by-step or in a process. Where I keep things, simple and reduce stress to do what I want to do. Sticking to my schedules, rather than worrying the burden that I set to myself. Focus on the steps you're taking in every process. You’re not only making yourself be better but at the same time, you’re making your future improve. Like Vincent van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” 2. Stop delaying, beat the odds. I’m one of those people who abruptly stop what they’re doing something they don’t want to do. Sometimes it’s just doing cleaning my room or decluttering my closet. But I ask myself: If I don’t do this now what’s the difference then? Often, it’s not even the thing itself but the accumulated emotion of reluctance that prevents me from making a start. If this situation will have accumulated in the future, maybe I will start from there. No one can finish these things but only me. 3. Self-Discipline. Impulsive and irrational is my friend when it comes doing what I want. Sometimes I didn’t think before I did something that leads me to hating myself or regret that I didn’t do this thing. It stressed me to the point I cannot do anything. Self-discipline is a learned behavior. It will take practice and repetition in my day-to-day life. 4. Stay in touch with people more. This is simple. People are important - it's really not the place you live or what job you have, but the people you share these morsels of life with. Sometimes people who mean much to you drift in and out, and it's unfortunate we let them drift out so far. Maybe it's about being better at reciprocating and creating opportunities to connect rather than relying on spontaneous interactions. But either way, no effort is no excuse. Make a better effort to reach out to people who are losing touch, especially if the geographic circumstance is to blame. Here's to an improved 2017! Feel free to hold me to these.
