Why still make resolutions when every single year I fail most of them anyway? Stan Wawrinka’s tattoo of words from Irish poet Samuel Beckett is a good constant reminder:
“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”
Samuel Beckett
To fail better. How difficult of a task is it? I suck at failing. I tell myself I fear criticism and judgement from others, but maybe really it is my own criticism and judgment of myself that I fear the most. And yet, every person has the capacity to be better, to seek out goals and wishes that will improve ourselves and the world around us. To not let my fears rule my life is something I still need to learn, which is why picking “SHIP” as my word of the year is a good first step. But yes, I suck at failing. Luckily, the one thing I can do well is to forget things and then just start new resolutions in the new year! Hahaha. Forgetfulness is a curse, but it is also a great gift to start again.
So let’s start with the resolutions, shall we?
Find time to read
This is my annual must-have resolution. Last year I read a lot about habits and procrastination as well as the usual marketing/psychology books. This year, I’d like to continue that trend. I feel like there’s more to learn. One book that I’m bringing forward from last year is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Once that’s done, I’ll be reading Grit. And then we shall see what’s next from there (I can’t plan ahead that much lol).
Why read? Well because I enjoy it. Why make it a resolution if you’ve been reading anyway? Because somehow reading always gets sidelined when life gets busy.
GOAL: Read 6 good books this year.
Write as a hobby
I’ve always enjoyed writing. When uni ended, the only thing I missed was the opportunity to write (well I know you can write anytime, but having the pressure to do so makes you actually do it!) and the time to actually research on interesting topics. My friends thought I was weird, but essays really were fun. Blogging has always been fun too. Until I tried to maybe do it as a freelance… And then I realise that some things should really be kept as hobbies. It does not mean I can’t get paid to write, but it just means I have to continue writing as a hobby even if I’ve got other writing gigs happening.
So this year, I want to continue writing as a hobby. To write whatever I want, in the style that I want, at the time I want. And to write more.
GOAL: Blog weekly.
Exercise regularly
Hello darkness, my old friend. Hahaha. Literally the reigning champion for being there every single year in my list of resolutions, I’d like to at least move more, wiggle a little or something, don’t just bloody sit and lie down on my bed all day. Last year (or was it the year before?) I told myself I’d love to learn how to dance (at home, in my room, with nobody watching). Dancing might be a good gamification of exercise, so it’ll suit the fun-seeking person that I am. I have not done that.
As someone who’s never exercised in her life, exercise is tough because (a) I really dislike it, and (b) I don’t know what to do. But as I get older, I don’t think I have the luxury of “I just don’t do exercise” anymore.
GOAL: Walk at least 2500 steps daily and learn how to dance 1 song.
Keep creating
Things will get busy. There will be less time to bum around doing nothing. There will be even less time to produce good works just for the sake of creating. And in those times, I want to remind myself to keep at it; keep creating, keep making things, keep producing content, keep doing what you love. Whether it is my photography, Instagram storytelling, YouTube travel stories and food content, or just simply journaling… I hope this year I will keep pursuing my art, even when the silly brain of mine says I shouldn’t.
GOAL: Get into the habit of posting on YouTube consistently, which is a vague goal oops. Okay, let’s do this: 2 videos a month.
Love better
I always think that I am not the kind of person who takes things for granted. I live life with a healthy dose of curiosity and excitement; I stop and smell the roses; I see the world with eyes full of wonder. But even so, what about taking people for granted? Living in Japan, there is definitely a certain amount of neglect that is bound to happen. I can’t be there physically for my friends when they need a friend. I can’t be there to share silly stories with my parents when they need company. Being physically present is so important, but just because that is impossible at all times, does not mean that there are no other ways to show love in this globalised society.
I want to love intentionally and love better, so that there will be no regrets; only joy. Because when all else fails, love always remains.
GOAL: Video call my parents once a week. Message my friends more often.
Always be resolution-ing
Let’s be honest, I write resolutions every year because I seriously love writing resolutions. LOL. I’m not an achiever, I don’t push myself hard to get these resolutions resolved. But I know slowly, quietly, in my own ways, I have seen myself grow (sadly, not vertically) throughout the years.
This year marks the first year where “eat veggies” is not a part of my resolutions. Wow, what?! Yes, I might not be eating a lot of vegetables still; I am still crazy picky with my food. But also, I have now enjoyed eating vegetables that sometimes I’d ask for it. You will know how much of an achievement this is if you know how little veggies I used to eat. This is basically my Everest climb (yeah I’m dramatic like that!).
So there you go… Even a non-achiever like me can achieve things I didn’t know possible. So can you.
