It’s been an important tradition for me to write down my goals and plans for every new year for the past eight years. I’ve looked forward to doing that each year with the addition of picking a personal theme as well. Aside this, I encourage my friends to do so usually because I’m equally motivating myself.
This year however,I’ve shied away from making them. I made excuses to myself and procrastinated before finally getting to it. I’m obsessed with planning and it stresses me. I plan to the tiniest detail, to the strands of my hair. I’d have to admit that a few of these goals tend to be unrealistic.

Last year, I had a specific goal that I wanted to achieve. By mid year, I had to hear people tell me I’d be able to do all these things when I start working and earning and so I should put it away for now. It wasn’t what I wanted.That would be too easy but then I’m probably a little too hard on myself. I did set some goals for 2022 and these were more out of obligation rather than the exhilaration that comes from it.
Last year and previous years, I’ve watched as people around me achieved feats and to be honest, I felt like I was behind and these days I feel a little too old .There were things that would have made sense to me if they had happened earlier, however,at this juncture, I’ve allowed myself to believe that they’re no longer a big deal if they’re achieved now.

I asked a friend what his goal was and he told me that he wanted to thread lightly which was intended to be funny but it held some truth. There’s so much pressure around to succeed, sometimes we ‘punish’ ourselves for not being where we want to be or where others are. Comparison is really the thief of joy.

Here’s a summary of my goals for 2022:
I want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled. If fulfilment is achieved through talking to a 5 year old, so be it. This isn’t in anyways implying that I won’t be chasing the ‘bigger’ goals.
My health deteriorated during the early parts of my stay in Ho last year, mostly GI related.
If happiness this year comes for me through talking to an old friend or taking solo trips then I’m going to do just that.

I’m learning to be flexible and make amends and changes to any written list where possible. After writing my final year exams last year, I woefully realized and regretted not making enough genuine connections with people and I hope to be mindful of that this year.

It’s also quite important to me that I am consistent in the things I love to do inspite of the scanty responses or engagements. This can be a real discouragement but I’m choosing to see beyond that. I’m choosing to stay steadfast to the little things.

I’m wishing you the best that the year has to offer. Do share any tips to survive the year ahead.