This is the first time I am resolving to do something at the beginning of a year. When I googled ‘new year resolution’, it seemed that most of the people fail to keep them. This was no surprise, having procrastinated going to the gym endlessly, waiting for the 1st of next month, next monday to start writing that blog, it seemed very natural.
Then the challenge for a first timer is to ensure you don’t end up being on the side of the majority and I found this piece by Robert Nahas very helpful. He suggests three things i) Set realistic goals ii)strategise and iii)write a plan. I have pondered over these points and my resolutions over the past couple of weeks; have tried to keep resolutions diverse, quantify the goals and looks like I have a plan.
1. Read works of atleast 12 Indian authors.
This resolution is inspired from @A_B_Morgan’s resolution to read a piece of literature from every country on the planet. In this TED, she talked of her experiences trying to find translated works from all different languages used. Given the geographical and cultural diversity of India, I think it will be interesting to read from all the 29 states. In this year, I will try to cover atleast 12 states and I will try my best to strike a balance in terms of geography, genres and gender.
2. Use non-motorised mode of transport to commute to/from office for atleast 150 trips
I can easily cycle to office and though it’s a little effort to walk, I have tried both in the past. I never kept a track of it though. This year I will keep a track and positively revise the number during the course of the year.
3. Take Poonam out on a date atleast once a month.
Though we go out often, being a good wife she often complains that I don’t take interest in finding a new place or even choosing between the options she finds out. Besides, I don’t mind going to the same good known restaurant again and again, but she loves to explore new places. So I promise my better half that I’ll take interest in doing to required research and take her to a new place every single time.
4. Be in touch with family and friends. Call and meet more often
I know I fail miserably in keeping touch with my closed ones. I promise that I will try to improve. Between you can also help me keeping this resolution by calling me regularly 😉
5. 12 days of social service and a minimum weekly donation
I have been wanting to start volunteering with some NGO for some time but haven’t started as yet. Will gather all the steam this year and start.
I have been donating annually in memory of dad but wish to do this with more involvement. I am sure will not donate cash, but use this sum to provide food, clothing, stationery, etc. to less privileged people.
6. Click and post atleast 26 good pictures
As with my other hobbies, I haven’t seriously pursued photography. I hope to click more frequently this year and hopefully get some clicks exhibited.
7. Run a half/full Marathon
This is the most challenging of all my resolutions. I really hope to run for unity this year
Making lists is a great way to remember things and stay focussed. And letting your friends and family know what’s on your list is also a good way to build a positive pressure to perform. Hopefully this positive pressure will help me fulfill my resolutions for 2016.
The learning Curve 