I love the New Year. There's something refreshing about the whole thing. It gives you time to think about the past year with all of its triumphs and failures and put an end to it while also giving focus to the future, full of unknowns, slightly terrifying, but still joyful in anticipation.
It's a great time to take stock of what has happened and make the necessary tweaks to be better and improve on what we have done. I guess it's the whole notion of progress that makes "New Year" so appealing and something to be happy about. It reminds us that we can change if we want to, and that change is something good, albeit frightening, but ultimately good.
This year, I want to be more focussed. I want to set very specific goals so that I have something to work towards. I find that after graduating from my Masters, I've allowed myself to slide back into academic mush. I want to create a reading list that I would like to go through per month. I also want to make sure that I write articles to keep my writing skills up (both from an academic and recreational standpoint). I want to pump out at least 12 papers (either academic or recreational) this year. Either I write 12 papers, or I write a book (yes, I've been thinking of writing one for a very long time).
I also want to establish routines so that I can accomplish more things. I want to start waking up at 6 a.m. every day and get my spiritual disciplines up and running. I also want to establish my gym dates because I want to work out at least 3x a week. I don't want to say they're my New Year's resolution. They're more my goals for the upcoming year. That way, it sounds more definite and I can't be wishy-washy about it.
I also want to blog more consistently in the upcoming year. I will commit to posting once a week (more if time affords it...) And if there are topics that you want me to talk about, let me know and I might decide to tackle it =)
All in all, I just want to say thank you for reading my blog, being a friend to me, and for all your words and deeds that encourage me. So write a comment and let me know your thoughts.
and scene...
love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear your take on the New Year Sid. I've been thinking a lot about the benefits and pitfalls of resolutions as well, so I completely relate to your taking a different route with routines and goals.
ReplyDeleteI think the routine element is crucial, as what becomes habit translates to progress. Getting into the way of simply doing without thinking is half the battle won, as much of the hard work is mental and involves will power.
Best wishes for your objectives and a Happy New Year. I look forward to reading about your progress!