New Year’s Resolutions

It’s the first day of the first month of the New Year and there’s no better time than today to put down in writing our resolutions. Here are 10 things you might want to consider in making yours.

• Encourage and be positive. Whether you’re in the workplace or with family, you can be an influencer. Don’t be negative in approaching situations. If you stay positive, you create good vibes. If you inspire others to do good, it will mean spreading a lot of sunshine.

• Don’t procrastinate. Do what you can now. Time is of the essence. You’ll never know what the future will bring so if you accomplish what’s on the table today, it may lead to something more meaningful for you to do tomorrow.

• Set a direction for yourself. Now that the New Year has started, it’s timely to chart what your goals are. Establish deadlines. What do you intend to achieve on a personal basis, for your family, at work? Will you devote time for charity or a social project? Will you travel to a destination on your bucket list?

• Offer a solution to a problem and don’t just criticize. It’s easy to point a finger in blaming someone for a mistake. It’s hard to rectify an error or find a solution to a problem. But the challenge is in making things right. Don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution.

• Appreciate the impact of sports. The success of the recent SEA Games reflects on the pride of a nation. It came at a large expense but for as long as every centavo is accounted for as used for the right purpose, nobody can argue it was worth the cost. Sports should be a national priority and government should create a cabinet position for the person in charge of its development to signify the importance of a health-conscious people and an inspiring core of elite athletes.

• Preach unity not disparity. Life is too short for people to squabble over turf, quibble over authority and quarrel over spoils. It’s better to make friends than enemies because friendships last forever and animosity only leads to bitterness. The example of the PSC, POC and PHISGOC coming together in the spirit of oneness to stage the recent SEA Games is a shining light that can glow in every aspect of life.

• Share stories to inspire not to drive you to despair. Media has the responsibility to communicate the news, good or bad. But in a world that is torn by conflict, there should be a concerted effort to deliver news and views that inspire, enlighten and promote goodwill.

• Never think the impossible is impossible. In the two SEA Games before last year’s edition, the Philippines finished sixth in the overall medal standings. It seemed like a mission impossible to go from sixth to first in a period of two years but a contingent of determined, empowered and dedicated Filipino athletes made it happen against all odds, proving that if you put your mind into doing something seemingly impossible, you can overcome the toughest obstacles.

• Strive to improve and don’t settle for second best. If it ain’t broken but is about to crack, fix it before it is beyond repair. Don’t be content to be just OK. Go for excellence, go for gold. Commit to become better, move to the next level, learn from experience and the experts.

• Spread the love. Make every day like Christmas. Reach out to the underprivileged, share your blessings. You can’t take your earthly possessions with you when you’re gone. Wouldn’t it be nice if you were happy every single day like you were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ?  Keep the Lord in the center of your life, give unconditional love and welcome 2020 with a fervent wish of peace to all mankind.