It’s that time of the year again when we make long, exhaustive lists of things we want to achieve in the next 365 days but somehow on the 364th day every year, we realise that we totally forgot about the list and probably have been able to tick off not more than a couple of points on it. This year, we tried making the New Year’s Resolution list a bit more realistic and hopefully achievable.
1. Shape your character, not just your body
While you are on the process of shedding those extra calories, make sure you don’t forget to curb the ego, arrogance, jealousy and anger that you have brewed in the past year. Gym sessions ought to be more effective with a healthy dose of compassion, patience, empathy and gratitude.
2. Read at least 16 books
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
Harper Lee
Turn that TV off; stop downloading TV series from the Internet. There lies an unearthly magic folded in between the pages of literature. Experience it.
3. Go backpacking
It doesn’t have to be something as fancy as a Euro-trip or a week of living the American life. Take a bus to Bhutan and go trekking. Try parasailing in Cox’s Bazar. Enjoy a cup of masala tea in earthen cups at the Gate of India. Make plans with your best friend to see the Northern Lights from glass igloos in Finland. Walk on foot, stay in local hotels and converse in incoherent native words.
4. Master the art of procrastination
There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting started on your work a little late than others as long as you know you can finish it within the stipulated time and do not have to let it snowball into next day’s work. Learn to strike that fine balance between being lazy and being a professional procrastinator.
5. Donate 16 things you don’t need
Remember that neon pink bag you never used because it does not match with any of your outfits? Trust me, in 2016 it won’t either. Stuff it with that T-shirt you don’t fit into anymore, the wristwatch which you have a duplicate of, the set of crayons you have been meaning to use for five years, the sneakers you stopped wearing ever since you discovered wedges, and hand them to somebody who perhaps could make better use of them all.
6. Let go of an age-old grudge
Nothing feels better than to begin the year in a spirit of forgiveness. So what if your co-worker was a bully in middle school and stole your tiffin every other week? If s/he has turned over a new leaf, it’s time you move on too. Forgive and forget.
7. Less online chatting, more offline talking
Your virtual interactions should not be taking you away from real-life interactions. Can a chat emoticon ever measure up to the facial expressions of a person when you speak to them face-to-face?
8. Take up an old hobby you have almost forgotten
Whatever happened to your stamp collection, or the rustic old box filled to the brim with foreign coins, or the roses you used to grow in your backyard?
9. Make DONE lists, instead of TO-DO lists
Stop penning down the wrong list to experience an inexplicable feeling of satisfaction when you see how much you have achieved, rather than how much is left to do.
10. Sleep early, wake up early
Make this resolution every single day if needed but you cannot afford to miss out the productivity boost that comes with this routine. Or the breathtaking sight of dawn’s first light.
11. Confess
If you are not going to tell them how awful you feel being friend-zoned in 2016, you might as well be guest-zoned at their wedding in 2017. Just saying.
12. Visit 16 family/friends you have not met in years
We fail to realise the importance of certain people in our lives until they leave forever. Do not wait to pay your respects at their funeral; pay them a visit while they are still alive and waiting for you.
13. Stop seeking validation on social media
You don’t need to post selfies on Facebook to have people tell you that you are beautiful. Know that you are.
14. Cut down on impulse buying
Try not to venture into that shop with “winter sale” banners at the entrance, because chances are you did not actually need anything but you will still end up buying something you are going to immediately regret upon reaching home.
15. Indulge your parents
Set aside time for your parents every single day. If you are living with them, volunteer to do one of their chores. If you cannot visit them, make a phone call. Take them out on a date. Make them feel important, because they are.
16. Love yourself
Stop beating yourself up over past mistakes. Stop losing sleep over “what I should have done instead” scenarios in your head. Stop taking into account everything and anything people tell you, because a good number of times they are wrong. Breathe, meditate, take a long shower, sleep in on a weekday, roll on the floor with your cat, speak up for what you want. It’s okay.
