People often get reflective towards the end of the year or the start of a new one. It’s a great time to start planning your new year, making resolutions or reevaluating what’s important in your life. This time, that’s doubly the case for me. Almost two months back, I handed in my notice. I had absolutely no idea what I’m going to be doing in 2020. For the first time, I didn’t really make any plans. I just knew that I wanted a change. In order for the end result to be different, you have to change the process. You can’t stick to the same habits, the same hobbies and the same behaviour but expect completely different results.
Start with reflection
When I was little, I always envisioned what growing up would be like. I figured that I would understand how to manage my hair, have the freedom to choose what I do, be able to adult. Perhaps I’m the only one but I feel like I have spent a lot of my life not doing what I wanted. I’ve been told not to dye my hair, get a tattoo, go travelling alone. Sometimes it’s a safety thing, sometimes it’s the fear of being judged. Funky hair colours and tattoos might not come off as “professional” or may incur judgement that affects your careers. Travelling alone, studying or working abroad, can be dangerous.
Because of someone else’s fears or the fear of societal pressures, I have always been told to live in a certain way. And honestly, I am getting really tired of it. I feel like I am living someone else’s life, constantly trying to fulfill other people’s expectations of what life should be like.
I also thought that one day, I would just figure everything out. Because as a child, I thought adults had their shit together all the time. They knew how to cook, they were capable of looking after others as well as themselves, they knew how to do their taxes. I sort of just thought it would all click one day and I’d have my shit together. But I don’t. I can barely look after myself, let alone be responsible for someone else. Taxes still terrify me. I definitely do not exercise as much as I should or know anything about healthy cooking.
Continue by making regular monthly goals
Coming up with a single resolution seemed foolish. But having a dozen would be far too overwhelming and stressful. So this year, I am going to change or grow in different ways by making regular goals. I have opted to make this a year of intention, dedicating it to growth and development – and learning to stop being so damn afraid. I worry unnecessarily about certain things, I am scared of doing things that I shouldn’t be afraid of doing and I overthink. These things are definitely not going to change overnight. However, I am going to intentionally try and set goals that combat these, and help me to grow.
You don’t need to wait till the new year to make a change. But since the timing fell just right, it seemed apt to try. Dedicating time to this blog is one of the few goals that I know I want to do throughout the months. I will be sharing a lot more content over the next few months as I have a ton more to show you. So here’s to a very awesome – or should I say ‘aumsome’ – filled year ahead, I hope it is full of so much happiness and success for you all. Thank you for sticking with me.
Then make this year the best yet!
Alright, I will be honest – this is much easier said than done. However, you may as well start a goal by being hopeful and optimistic towards it. So, here’s to making this year the best one yet! Just remember to forgive yourself if it does not quite like up to that expectation. Do your best and you can’t go wrong. At least, that’s my aim! If nothing else, this is a new opportunity to restart your year, turn to a new chapter, start that new blank notebook.