Picking the correct resolution:
This is something that I am experiencing very late in life. Earlier on, I used to think I am good at almost anything, so I can do anything. I chose wrong careers like many do. I chose wrong jobs, just because I got them on my way. I never thought, whether those jobs resonated with my identity.
Inline with the above, it is easier and more achievable to select a resolution or goal that one can identify with. For example, just because my friend has Phd degree, or someone else knows iceskating, does not necessarily mean that I will enjoy doing those things or identify with those. This is not to suggest, one should not try out new things, but it is easier to be happy doing things that are closer to ones identity, liking and personality. I have heard people say -' Oh, I love my job, it doesn't feel like working", whereas some crib, 'I hate my job'. What is the difference? Both sides are hardworking, one section chose the correct profession, the other didn't, perhaps?
Even great maestros attribute their achievement to natural talent at times, which proves the above hypothesis. The nightingale of India - Lata Mangeshkar says in one of her interviews to NDTV -
'Natural Talent is 75%, and the rest is practice'.
She says, she had taken some wrong career choices as well such as acting, which she didn't enjoy at all. Her passion was deep-rooted in singing. So when she got her first singing opportunity, she gave it her best shot, and as they say - The rest is history.
I am reading this book called Atomic Habits, in which the author suggests that it is important to pick goals one identifies with instead of just picking a random goal for the heck of it.
Having said this, not everyone is lucky enough to get a job, based on their liking. However, it is good to know what are our strengths, what do we really like to do, what do we really enjoy doing, what is closer to our identity and polish those aspects about ourselves.
Make small resolutions to start with:
If the goal is a big goal, break it down into smaller chunks that can be accomplished, rather than not attempting the big goal at all. Find some way to measure the progress. For example, in my case during the pandemic lockdown period I strive to do some professional courses to up-skill myself. Most of the online courses measure the percentage of course completed. So I know that I am making progress slowly and steadily.
Make small resolutions to start with:
If the goal is a big goal, break it down into smaller chunks that can be accomplished, rather than not attempting the big goal at all. Find some way to measure the progress. For example, in my case during the pandemic lockdown period I strive to do some professional courses to up-skill myself. Most of the online courses measure the percentage of course completed. So I know that I am making progress slowly and steadily.
Do not be embarrassed to make a fool of yourself, if you really want to do something.
Take baby steps, do a little, even if you don't feel unto it. To maintain the flow is important.
Track progress in tools like Jira, personal diary, a chart. Whatever way works best for you, it is important to track, as we all tend to forget what we might have worked on 6 months ago, and that effort gets wasted, if discontinued.
Appreciate your hardwork:
Congratulate yourself on achieving the small steps or making the step by step progress towards the goal. Recently when I completed a certification successfully, I did gift myself something that I had my eyes on for a long time. A pretty cool stylus. This process of retail therapy for achieving something serves as a motivation sometimes for some challenging goals, but again this is quite subjective.
Focus on end goal, and don't complicate it unnecessarily:
For example, I thought it is ideal to get up early at 5 AM and exercise. I tried doing that and failed repeatedly as I would never get up at 5. Does that make me a loser? In fact that would take me on a guilt trip and spoil my entire day. I tweaked my goal to exercising 3-4 days a week, no matter the time, and I feel way better, that I am making incremental and achievable progress towards my goal.
Peer Group:
Its fine to work together to achieve your resolution with someone who lifts you up, and brings out the best in you. ( In my case it gets boring to do things monotonously)
Peer Group:
Its fine to work together to achieve your resolution with someone who lifts you up, and brings out the best in you. ( In my case it gets boring to do things monotonously)
Priorities:
It is important to be able to say 'No' to situations that can stress you out and distract you. A fine balance is the key. Some people have a very sharp focus, but for some individuals a mix and match approach with a fine balance of fun and goals works. Ultimately its about being true to yourself without feeling stressed.
Dont give up! Be true to yourself.
It is important to be able to say 'No' to situations that can stress you out and distract you. A fine balance is the key. Some people have a very sharp focus, but for some individuals a mix and match approach with a fine balance of fun and goals works. Ultimately its about being true to yourself without feeling stressed.
Dont give up! Be true to yourself.
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