I hope it is not too late to greet you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2017 will be a prosperous, fruitful, blessed, peaceful, and joyful one for all of us.
First of all, a sincere apology for not updating my blog regularly- assuming that I have constant readers, since it was a very hectic holidays for me. I bet you were in the same shoes too. I know I have to update you with a lot of stuff but before that, let me share you another life tip.
A new year has come and surely, everyone has started or even finished making their new year's resolutions. But do we really keep up to whatever we plan to change, modify, adjust, or add in our life? Personally, I must admit, I have not kept up with them. Definitely, I made my list every start of the year but for the past years, I have not fulfilled it. But you know what, I learned from my recent experience of downfall, that if you just list down your goals, assess your life regularly, and just stay focused on it, hardships would not be that difficult to overcome especially if they are not out of your control.
Therefore, one of the things I planned before 2017 arrived is to list down my goals both short-term and long-term. Short term in a sense that I have to achieve it in a year or certain period of time and long term is when I want something to be changed in my life permanently. Here are my few tips on how to make that list and make yourself a better one and live a better year:
1. Take time to assess your life. It is advisable to go to retreats or just take a break and spend time with yourself. Think of the major life events that happened which brought you sadness and joy because these would make you realize a lot of things.
2. Buy a diary/planner. I prefer a diary though. This is very essential because you will not be only listing your resolutions or goals but you have to keep track of it. So you have to write down your updates and see the progress.
3. Before listing down your goals, please keep in mind that you have to be honest with yourself. Reflection is important because it is where you can clearly identify everything that you want to change and achieve.
4. List down your short-term goals. Think about the things that you want to happen in a year or certain period of time. For example, save a certain amount of money in 6 months, or travel and visit 5 countries in a year, or practical things like, clearing off my debt in 6 months.
5. List down your long-term goals. This list will contain things that you generally want to change in your life. For example, you wish to live healthier and become fitter, then that is part of your long-term goals because you will achieve it for the rest of your life. Long-term goals are something you want to start doing to make yourself a better one. I also suggest things like, quit smoking, quit bad habits, avoid cursing or shouting to other people, and etc. Basically, these are the traits, behaviors, and habits you would like to change or add for the better.
6. Make a plan on how best to achieve your goals. By listing down these things, you only just recognize it but not acting on it yet. You have to do the things you planned for to ensure that you are in the right path of making your life a better one. I know this would be the hardest part because implementing your goals takes so much effort and motivation. You have to work on it and ensure that there are results.
7. Keep track of your goals. As mentioned, you have your diary to jot down and see your progress. Always go back to your list to be reminded of your goals in life-this is the best way to achieve them. You just have to stay focused and to tell you something, I was a bit lost before because I did not even bother to check my plans in life and just let loose. I know some people prefer to live life spontaneously and I have tried that but it did not work. I just found myself lost in the thrill of it.
8. Lastly, this should not pressure you but motivate and inspire you. You have to make sure that you keep living positively. Always know that you can always do something about the things you want to get and happen. Stay optimistic and driven that you will achieve all of your goals and make your life a better one.
Love and Peace.
Loca