Rats, What A Race!

It’s usually easier to start a race with the initial excitement than to actually maintain that pace and consistency with the aim of reaching the finishing line.

The same applies when it comes to our 'annual run'.

We often start the year well with a new perspective armed with things we want to do and accomplish.

As months go by, weighed down by unexpected hurdles and “injuries”, can we still run the race with a sense of focus, determination and enthusiasm?

Or, will we see our new year resolutions sadly going down the drain one by one?

After all, research has shown that by the second half of the year, less than 50% of people are still on track with their new year resolutions. By year end, the number declines to about 10%.

Consider these two tips to help you stay on course:

1. Write them down

First things first. Have you written what you have thought of achieving this year on paper (or typed and saved in your mobile gadgets)?

If you haven’t, it’s highly recommended for you to do so.

Unknowingly, the act of writing things down opens up a world of possibilities, besides helping us to remember better.

It is a useful tool to unload our cluttered mind to a place of clarity and focus.

In the legal fraternity, we recognise the importance of written documents.

Likewise, so is this “documentation” of our resolutions as a personal commitment and accountability to our plans for the year.

Don’t just write your resolutions, but record your achievements too along the way!

2. Step back and review

In the corporate rat race, things often move at a pace that forces us to “ride with the wind”, lest we are left behind.

In the process of doing so, we often forget to take a step back to review what we have originally planned for the year.

Hence, make a conscious decision to go back to your written resolutions on a regular basis to check on your progress towards achieving your plans.

Don’t repeat the mistake of reviewing them only when December comes knocking.

Also, don’t treat resolution review as a test whereby you pass or fail.

Instead, use it as a self-discovery exercise to know yourself better and connect the dots in your life.

Look back on your little successes (written in Tip 1) to spur you on to achieve other pending resolutions.

Conclusion

As mentioned in Our Two Cents article, keep in mind that what we plan may not always work out the way we want them to.

After all, many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Divine’s purpose that prevails in the end.

What’s more important is that you enjoy the journey to the finishing line!

Published in English daily The Star, Malaysia, 10 January 2015