What are your resolutions for the new Year? It’s a question I love to ask and answer. I always have the same answer, but love to hear what other people say. Every year I say “Read 50 books.” My highest count is 44. It’s a goal I continually strive towards, and a resolution I don’t think I’ll ever give up. Everyone is better off from reading more.
This is is different though. I have new resolutions for the new year. Several resolutions. And while I agree with the notion that it’s stupid to use a day; month or party to reset yourself and decide now is the time to take action… It feels right to do so this year. Maybe not right, but appropriate. Not only because 2020 was 2020, but because of the reflections of New Year’s Eve to my own actions and mindset. My own negative thoughts, lack of planning, commitment, and unwillingness to look towards the brighter side.
A night that perfectly captured my attitude, and behavior throughout the whole year… And there is so much I an change and work on, starting TODAY.
So What Are The Resolutions
My resolutions for the new year are to do my 5 W’s every damn day (again). 365 consecutive days of winning the fucking day. I’m getting back into cold showers. Returning to harsh self honesty. Morning workouts, and cutting back on the crap food.
This year, I’m going to improve my time management. It will be as much of a mission as getting residency and doing my 5 W’s. On top of better time management, I am going to fully commit to things. No more fence-sitting. Hemming and hauhing. I’ll listen to my gut, heart, logic, or mentors. Commit or walk away then and there and either force myself to arrive and finish, or never look back. I will once again stare into the mirror and see a traveler, storyteller, and disciplined mother fucker.
Jote down my expenses, and earnings every day. Do an assets and liability Assessment every week. Chequing, Savings, and Investment Banking Assessment every month.
Of course, the age-old, classic resolution stays in place (this has been my resolution every year since Jan 1st 2014) Read 50 books. And to kick this year off right, I’ve already got my first 15 books planned. Which will be listed at the bottom of the post.
These Aren’t Goals
I have goals for 2021. Big goals. In a lot of ways, 2019, and 2020 was a year of planting seeds. Youth, and immaturity had me belive big things would come with less than 12 months of consistent effort. I was not the lucky one, and I lost my way on being a determined one.
But determination can come back; and old work can be resumed where left.
Tomorrow, I’ll write about the big goals for 2021. Goals are not resolutions, because I have less control. I cannot guarantee my goals; only the effort. They will be differentiated.
And guys, they’re exciting. Antarctica, and the book (not Mr Cayley, but the book conception that started New Zealand) are both more real now than they ever were in 2019, and 2020.
What Makes This Year Different
I set resolutions for the new year all the time. Why will this year be the year they happen? Especially when I’m piling more onto my plate. Simple. Discipline creates discipline, and success builds success. One will lead into the other, and the victorious cycle of winning the day, and maximizing the moment will be realized.
Because I’ve tried to do this before and failed. Ace Marketing taught me my limits. How detrimental a burn out can be, and how quickly I can forgoe my long term goals, and true self, for short term glory. I can’t guarantee I won’t make the same mistake again. I an guarantee, that I’ve learned the signs and redflags, and have come out of it with a better sense of how to have balance.
Fun is important. When I don’t have fun, I become shitty. When I become shitty, it bleeds into my work, relationships, attitude and discipline.
Discipline is important, and sacrifice is necessary; don’t get me wrong on that. HOWEVER, staying determined, maintain the attitude, and self-care is also important. Learning to juggle will be the great challenge of the early year.
The Book List
My first 15 books for the New Year
China’s Artic Ambitions And What They Mean For Canada