A ‘To-don’t-list’ for the new year

We are all headed towards diving into a new year- and usually the last few days of the year passing by stimulate a lot of reflection, planning and the desire to restart again! Yet this year again, we are surrounded with uncertainty and wariness.

Here is a take on how to identify what really matters and totally ditch everything that feels like extra weight.

Remember we are not making a list, we are discarding the one we already have. We don’t say ‘new year-new me’ anymore. Because this mantra has been taken over by this decade. The 2020’s is the new boss baby and you’ve got to listen!

But the reason the Darwinian theory came into existence is in fact because the human race is indeed the most supreme of all. Because we know how to adapt and how to be equipped.

On that note, let’s start to strike off everything that can stop us from being the truest and strongest version of ourselves.

DON’T HOARD THINGS, PEOPLE, MEMORIES OR HABITS THAT DON’T SERVE YOU ANYMORE.

Lets Marie Kondo everything that doesn’t spark any joy- As Marie says. Don’t know who she is ? She is the founder of the Konmari methed and has written four bestsellers that have sold millions of copies worldwide. She even has a show on Netflix- Tidying up with Marie Kondo.

Read more about the Konmari method to understand the power of organising.

So sit down and identify- people, memories, things or even thoughts that don’t spark joy in you. And then discard them. Easier said than done- but it’s possible. Remember we are the superior beings for a reason.

DONT WORRY ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE’S GRASS

Instead, water your own because that’s when it always turns green. Also instead of wanting to be in their grass- try to be in their shoes. Learn from them. Appreciate them. And then water your own- everyday!

DONT MAKE RESOLUTIONS ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT, SHAPE OR SIZE.

You don’t need a new year to start a healthy lifestyle. In fact, research has proven that people who wait for the new year to begin their diet or exercise give up before the end of January!

More importantly, taking care of your health is your responsibility for 365 days- so a change in date is not going to help you do it if you don’t do it for the rest of the days anyway.

DON’T FEEL BAD FOR NEEDING TIME TO REST

For all the bosses who don’t like this one- here is a fact:

Time-out actually increases productivity. Dwell on that!

For all of you who feel they need time to rest but feel guilty right afterward, please be assured that rest is not a sign of sloppiness. Your body requires it or maybe your mind does. Just take that 20 minute nap!

DON’T IGNORE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

This one is the most obvious but it’s so important that it had to be in this list. Prioritise your mental health and do not hesitate to ask for help when needed.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF HABIT

We are what we repeatedly do.
Success is not an action but a habit
-Will Durant

Our life is ultimately made up of our daily actions. It is all the little things that make up big things. So choose your actions intentionally. Be accountable for the small things. Take baby steps, build up good habits. And see the big difference.

DONT FORGET TO CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

A complete lack of boundaries may indicate that you are not well respected, often taken for granted or even exploited. So no, say that NO! Create that clear space between yourself and that other person to ensure that you are mentally and emotionally stable. If need be- strike off people who don’t respect those boundaries.

DON’T WAIT FOR ANYONE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY

Be your own source of happiness. Self love and self care cannot wait. Everything else can. So commit to yourself and see how much it helps everyone else around you.

They are selling you information. But not every piece of information is true. So verify everything before you follow. Social media can be really toxic. So watch out for what you consume. Watch your behaviour after your Instagram session. Does it make you feel frustrated, unhappy with your life and comparing with people. Try switching people you follow. Unfollow the pretenders of perfection. Choose the kind of information you want to receive.

Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and a safe new year!

MyHippocampus