Hi. I know this is kinda overdue for a 'recap-of-a-nostalgic-2013-plus-2014's-new-year-resolution-ey' post, but here goes anyway.
Year 2012 had been a huge roller coaster ride for me. It was a huge turning point in my life that made me open up to new insights. for the first time ever, I decided that for the year of 2013, I wanted to make myself some kind of resolution. I started small; I just wanted to be happy. To make sure i constantly improve myself, instead of making resolution which I would probably forget by February, I decided to lay a set of guidelines for myself to follow, of which I could try to adhere to as closely as possible, but wouldn't beat myself up even if there were days that I didn't.
Here is the link to the actual post I wrote in 2013.
Little did I know: 2013 had been SO MUCH MORE than just a roller coaster ride. No, it wasn't even a ride anymore, it was when life actually began. It was when my path had began to carve itself, and I experienced what adulthood truly was.
Dear 2012-self, think 2012 was tough? Think again: 2012 was child's play; only a preparation and glimpse of how life as an actual working adult is and will be full of shit yet so awesomely exciting and rewarding if you play it right.
Do I want to make resolutions for 2014? Nah... I figured that from lessons learnt in 2013, I would make improvisations on my guidelines to further better myself. I'd remove those that I had managed to make a habit out of, and then make modifications on others I seem necessary. I have also realised some guidelines overlap with others, so I'll remove redundant ones as well.
Here goes...
2013's guideline #1: You are what you eat
Reflection: this could never be truer. I initially put this as the first guideline to remind myself to maintain a healthy weight and eat healthily. Also, I thought it would probably be the easiest to achieve. Oh, how wrong I was. You know how you eventually get into the habit of absentmindedly munching away at your work desk? It kinda got a little out of hand. I gained 7kg in the past one year. I intend to lose it. This time for real.
2014's revised guideline: You ARE what you eat.
Reflection: this could never be truer. I initially put this as the first guideline to remind myself to maintain a healthy weight and eat healthily. Also, I thought it would probably be the easiest to achieve. Oh, how wrong I was. You know how you eventually get into the habit of absentmindedly munching away at your work desk? It kinda got a little out of hand. I gained 7kg in the past one year. I intend to lose it. This time for real.
2014's revised guideline: You ARE what you eat.
2013's guideline #2: Exercise
Reflection: I got busy. There were other priorities. Not that I abandoned exercising entirely... There was that once I went for a swim, and the other time I went for the 10km urban walk, and... That's about it.
2014's revised guideline: For starters, exercise at least once a month.
Reflection: I got busy. There were other priorities. Not that I abandoned exercising entirely... There was that once I went for a swim, and the other time I went for the 10km urban walk, and... That's about it.
2014's revised guideline: For starters, exercise at least once a month.
2013's guideline #3: Increase fluid intake
Reflecton: I know this guideline may seem unnecessary, but I used to think I never hydrate myself quite enough. I'm proud to say that I've managed to increased my fluid intake and maintain it at a healthy level. I've got this pretty Starbucks coffee mug on my office desk (There's just something different and more enjoyable when drinking from a fancy mug). The frequent strolls to the water cooler and the porcelain throne have become stress relievers during work break intervals. The system works. :)
2014's revised guideline: I'll remove this from the list, now that its a habit.
Reflecton: I know this guideline may seem unnecessary, but I used to think I never hydrate myself quite enough. I'm proud to say that I've managed to increased my fluid intake and maintain it at a healthy level. I've got this pretty Starbucks coffee mug on my office desk (There's just something different and more enjoyable when drinking from a fancy mug). The frequent strolls to the water cooler and the porcelain throne have become stress relievers during work break intervals. The system works. :)
2014's revised guideline: I'll remove this from the list, now that its a habit.
2013's guideline #4: There is only love
Reflection: I initially intended this to serve as a reminder to see the good in others, even when they piss me off. Little did I knew how difficult this turned out to be, especially in my line of work, where being upset at people becomes a daily occurrence. I have learnt that sometimes you'll just have to accept the idiocies of others and just move on. This guidelines is useful and helpful, and I'm getting better at it. There's still room for improvement, though.
2014's revised guideline: There is only love. Anger is a waste of time.
Reflection: I initially intended this to serve as a reminder to see the good in others, even when they piss me off. Little did I knew how difficult this turned out to be, especially in my line of work, where being upset at people becomes a daily occurrence. I have learnt that sometimes you'll just have to accept the idiocies of others and just move on. This guidelines is useful and helpful, and I'm getting better at it. There's still room for improvement, though.
2014's revised guideline: There is only love. Anger is a waste of time.
2013's guideline #5: There is something to learn from everyone
Reflection: Damn right there is. I've learnt a whole lot in the past year, and I'm proud to say that I've become a better person because of it. I am first and foremost very thankful and fortunate to have so many people around me who helped mould me to the person I am today. I learned from my colleagues, who shared their wisdom and insights in my work. My leaders, seniors, and managers coached me, believed in my abilities and gave me the opportunity to grow. They pushed me and helped me realized my true abilities were few beyond what I thought was capable of. My boyfriend, Nathaniel, taught me that love is about commitment, trust, and respect. He taught me how to see things from a different perspective, to appreciate the finer things in life, and that happiness does not necessarily mean eating at the most expensive restaurant. Thank you baby, for making me a better person. Last but not least, I have learnt something from each and every candidate that I have interviewed. They opened me to new insights and to understand that everyone comes from different walks of life. This guideline has served me well thus far, and it's definitely a keeper.
2014's revised guideline: There is something to learn from everyone. Don't you ever forget that.
Reflection: Damn right there is. I've learnt a whole lot in the past year, and I'm proud to say that I've become a better person because of it. I am first and foremost very thankful and fortunate to have so many people around me who helped mould me to the person I am today. I learned from my colleagues, who shared their wisdom and insights in my work. My leaders, seniors, and managers coached me, believed in my abilities and gave me the opportunity to grow. They pushed me and helped me realized my true abilities were few beyond what I thought was capable of. My boyfriend, Nathaniel, taught me that love is about commitment, trust, and respect. He taught me how to see things from a different perspective, to appreciate the finer things in life, and that happiness does not necessarily mean eating at the most expensive restaurant. Thank you baby, for making me a better person. Last but not least, I have learnt something from each and every candidate that I have interviewed. They opened me to new insights and to understand that everyone comes from different walks of life. This guideline has served me well thus far, and it's definitely a keeper.
2014's revised guideline: There is something to learn from everyone. Don't you ever forget that.
2013's guideline #6: Listen well
Reflection : I initially meant this as literal as it goes: listen to others when they speak, with respect and understanding. To my pleasant surprise, I had learnt much more: listening and understanding the words that people speak is only part of listening. To really listen, you have to also listen to body language, intentions, and inner thoughts. These are elements that cannot be deduced easily by merely listening to the words that are spoken. One who is successful is one who masters the skill of REALLY listening. This guideline is a keeper, but it's meaning has somewhat changed.
2014's revised guideline: Really listen well.
Reflection : I initially meant this as literal as it goes: listen to others when they speak, with respect and understanding. To my pleasant surprise, I had learnt much more: listening and understanding the words that people speak is only part of listening. To really listen, you have to also listen to body language, intentions, and inner thoughts. These are elements that cannot be deduced easily by merely listening to the words that are spoken. One who is successful is one who masters the skill of REALLY listening. This guideline is a keeper, but it's meaning has somewhat changed.
2014's revised guideline: Really listen well.
2013's guideline #7: Speak up
Reflection: Again, I meant for it to be as literal as it sounds. Yet again, it has proven to be so much more than just that. This guideline has helped me gain some much opportunities, but it goes beyond that. Speaking up is one thing, but communication is another. In my workplace, open communication is one of our core values. I am grateful that my company's culture has moulded me to believe in open communication, because it works so well not only at the work place but also in personal relationships. I pride myself in saying that the relationship that Nathaniel and I have are based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication.
2014's revised guideline: Speaking up respectfully (i.e., open communication) has become second nature to me that I think it's safe to make do without this guideline.
Reflection: Again, I meant for it to be as literal as it sounds. Yet again, it has proven to be so much more than just that. This guideline has helped me gain some much opportunities, but it goes beyond that. Speaking up is one thing, but communication is another. In my workplace, open communication is one of our core values. I am grateful that my company's culture has moulded me to believe in open communication, because it works so well not only at the work place but also in personal relationships. I pride myself in saying that the relationship that Nathaniel and I have are based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication.
2014's revised guideline: Speaking up respectfully (i.e., open communication) has become second nature to me that I think it's safe to make do without this guideline.
2013's guideline #8: Do not put off what can be done in less than 3 minutes
Reflection: it only works occasionally when I'm motivated. But more often than not, the laundry remains piled up on the bed instead of folded newly in the closet, and the shoes remain strewn around instead of being arranged on the shelves. I really should work harder on achieving this, but this isnt exactly was priority on my list right now, so I shan't be too hard on myself about it. In any case, I've always got the boyfriend to nag me to do stuff anyway. :)
2014's revised guideline: At times where you can help it, try to minimise procrastination.
Reflection: it only works occasionally when I'm motivated. But more often than not, the laundry remains piled up on the bed instead of folded newly in the closet, and the shoes remain strewn around instead of being arranged on the shelves. I really should work harder on achieving this, but this isnt exactly was priority on my list right now, so I shan't be too hard on myself about it. In any case, I've always got the boyfriend to nag me to do stuff anyway. :)
2014's revised guideline: At times where you can help it, try to minimise procrastination.
2013's guideline #9: Go to bed early
Reflection: my bedtime used to be out of control. I'd go to bed sometimes at 1am, sometimes at 4am, and even on the rare occasions, as late (or early) as 7am. I knew it wasn't going to be good for me, hence this guideline. Little did I know that I needn't had worried. With my current day job being as exhausting as it is, I've no issues falling asleep before midnight. Even on weekends. Of course, my initials definition of 'early' meant going to bed as early as 10pm, but seeing that I usually arrive home from work at 10pm, improvisations had to be made. 12am isn't all that late, and at least now I have a healthy and consistent sleeping pattern. I feel old, though. For not being able to stay up past midnight.
2014's revised guideline: going to bed early has turned from something I had to force myself into doing it, to something I'll gladly and thankfully do.nSo yeah, this is off the list.
Reflection: my bedtime used to be out of control. I'd go to bed sometimes at 1am, sometimes at 4am, and even on the rare occasions, as late (or early) as 7am. I knew it wasn't going to be good for me, hence this guideline. Little did I know that I needn't had worried. With my current day job being as exhausting as it is, I've no issues falling asleep before midnight. Even on weekends. Of course, my initials definition of 'early' meant going to bed as early as 10pm, but seeing that I usually arrive home from work at 10pm, improvisations had to be made. 12am isn't all that late, and at least now I have a healthy and consistent sleeping pattern. I feel old, though. For not being able to stay up past midnight.
2014's revised guideline: going to bed early has turned from something I had to force myself into doing it, to something I'll gladly and thankfully do.nSo yeah, this is off the list.
2013's guideline #10: Procrastination is a sin
*We've been through this one in guideline #8.
*We've been through this one in guideline #8.
2013's guideline #11: Smile
Reflection: I've been told I'm naturally a smiley-happy-go-lucky kind of person, which is a good thing because I bring a good vibe to my work place. I've been told by my colleagues that they wished they had my optimism and ability to smile even in times of stress. I think I have my boyfriend to thank for that. His mere presence in my life has made me smile even more, especially when he crosses my mind. When he is actually around me, I smile ALL THE TIME. I'm silly like that.
Reflection: I've been told I'm naturally a smiley-happy-go-lucky kind of person, which is a good thing because I bring a good vibe to my work place. I've been told by my colleagues that they wished they had my optimism and ability to smile even in times of stress. I think I have my boyfriend to thank for that. His mere presence in my life has made me smile even more, especially when he crosses my mind. When he is actually around me, I smile ALL THE TIME. I'm silly like that.
2014's revised guideline: I smile all the time. It's off the list. =)
2013's guideline #12: Forgive
Reflection: Jesus said, love your enemies. That means forgiving does not only include forgiving your loved ones, but your enemies as well. Definitely wasn't an easy one, but I think I can commend myself for occasionally "closing one eye" at others' attempt to hurt me, as long as no actual harm too place. There's still room for improvement though.
2014's revised guideline: Always forgive.
2013's guideline #13: Work hard, play hard
Reflection: I initially thought the working hard part would be difficult to achieve, but for the last 12 months, I've worked MY ASS OFF and I'm extremely proud of it. 14 hours a day, and sometimes even on weekends. And you know what? Hard work pays off. It really does. It makes you happier and makes you a better person and when you look back, you'll think "Wow. I was capable of all that?" and you'll have this awesome feeling of great achievement which will motivate you to work even harder and the virtuous cycle just goes on and on and on. As for playing hard? A wee bit more difficult to achieve, but I did it too.
2014's revised guideline: I work hard. I play hard. It's in my system. This guideline is OFF the list.
2013's guideline #14: You are happy now, not later
Reflection: You know what? I AM happy now. I have a loving boyfriend, I love my job (how many people can honestly say that?), I have a supportive family, I have a roof over my head, food on my table, knowing that I'm constantly being inspired to be a better person and KNOWING that I WILL BE a better person, and I am alive today. Why else wouldn't I be happy?
2014's revised guideline: This guideline is too important to be done away with. I shall let it remain as a constant reminder, and just in case someone else needs it too.
2013's guideline #15: Enjoy the process
Reflection: Not been really focused on sticking to this one. This one was intended to be a reminder to not only focus on the goal or the end product, but to also enjoy the process of it. Have I achieved it? Yes and no. Yes, I have enjoyed the process and journey throughout the past year, and look how far it has taken me. No, I did not realize I was actually enjoying it, because I was too focused on whatever I was doing to get to where I am now. Should I remove this from my list? Yes. Even though I may not notice, I am already happy with whatever I'm doing anyway.
2014's revised guideline: Scrapped. =)
2013's guideline #16: Get organized
Reflection: I organized my work space. I organized my room. I made myself throw out a bunch of stuff. It became easier to be organized when I started to do that. I feel happier when there is less clutter around.
2014's revised guideline: Throw out stuff you don't need.
2013's guideline #17: Fluff up your living space
Reflection: I tried doing that, but I became a shopaholic and ended up cluttering my room with useless stuff instead.
2014's revised guideline: I'll scrap this one too.
2013's guideline #18: You are only young once
Reflection: I initially meant this to be a reminder to constantly try out new things which I could only afford to do in my youth. Stuff like staying out late, partying, sky diving, you get the gist. Thinking back, I think 2013 has taught me instead that I should utilize my youth to work hard and establish a strong and stable career foundation for myself before I grow old and regret not working harder in my younger days.
2014's revised guideline: I don't think I need to be reminded of this anymore. I do realize that I've only got 6 more years till I'm 30, and I should appreciate my youth before it's too late.
2013's guideline #19: Failing is fun
Reflection: Easier said than done. Failing IS NEVER fun, but the lessons are worth learning. I was shot down and I got up. Down and up. Down and up. Being positive helped me pull through. I am a stronger person, and I will only grow stronger still.
2014's revised guideline: I am strong. Nothing can break me. Dare to fail.
2013's guideline #20: Everything is an experience
Reflection: A little similar to guideline #19. Everything is an experience regardless good or bad, even failures. They give us experience to learn from. They shape us to who we are today. I shall keep this as a reminder.
2014's revised guideline: Everything is an experience
2013' guideline #21: If you lose something, remember that the payment is (almost) always worth the lesson learnt.
Reflection: This encompasses two previous guidelines: "Failing is fun", and "Everything is an experience". Being positive is key. You lost your wallet? Great! You gained a valuable lesson: Be wary of your possessions. Was the lesson learnt worth the wallet lost? Yes. You'll never lose your wallet again.
2014's revised guideline: Have you noticed guideline #19, #20, and #21 are soooooo similar?
2013's guideline #22: If someone offends you, let him off - he probably had a bad day
Reflection: I am generally a nice person even to people who offend me, except for the times I'm not. As much as I can, I have been trying to be nice to people in general. I may not be nice all the time, but I think so far I've done okay. We've kinda been through this in guideline #12 anyway.
2014's revised guideline: I usually let people off pretty easy. As how I'll easily let this guideline off the list too.
2013's guideline #23: Be the bigger person
Reflection: This is also pretty similar to guideline #12. Not trying to brag, but I have been the "bigger person" in most situations. The way I see it, is it really worth it to waste your efforts being angry or keeping grudges? It's easier to let it go and stay happy.
2014's revised guideline: I'll gladly let this one go.
2013's guideline #24: Let them laugh - stick to your principles, do what you love, wear what you want, be yourself
Reflection: I totally do that.
2014's revised guideline: I don't even have to remind myself of this one, because this is my personality. I don't know why I put this up in the first place.
2013's guideline #25: Believe in innocence.
Reflection: I think I meant it more along the lines of 'See the good in others' as in, no matter how horrible a person may seem to be, there's bound to be some good in them. That being said, it is really hard to see that side of a person, especially in my line of work.
2014's revised guideline: This one's too hard to achieve, and even if I did, I don't see how it's going to make me any happier. I'm already "always forgiving" and "letting people off" and "being the bigger person".
Now that I've done some reflection, here are the final guidelines I have for the year 2014:
- You ARE what you eat.
- For starters, exercise at least once a month.
- There is only love. Anger is a waste of time.
- There is something to learn from everyone. Don't you ever forget that.
- Really listen well.
- At times where you can help it, try to minimise procrastination.
- Always forgive.
- You are happy now, not later
- Throw out stuff you don't need.
- I am strong. Nothing can break me. Dare to fail.
- Everything is an experience
To a better year ahead.
