1. Don’t take life too seriously. Most times, it is only my ego that is hurt. And that may not be a bad thing.
This resolution forces me to examine myself often. I have come to realise that a lot of issues I struggle with are the result of my pride, which is easily bruised by words and actions. That is often the source of my misery and self-pity. I need to remind myself that not everything is about me.
2. The “likes” I get on Facebook do not affirm who I am.
This is a reminder to not base my self-worth on things that are transient and superficial. It also reminds me to live a life that is not driven by the whims of the latest fad.
3. If we want to change for the better, stop making excuses.
I aim to stop procrastinating. If something is worth doing, and you know it is what you have to do, then do it. Don’t stand in your own way to achieving personal breakthroughs. Like Nike says, just do it... already.
4. Overnight changes last only one night. True change takes time.
Nothing worth doing is easy and I have to give a life enough time to change. I learnt this the hard way when my three children went through their PSLE. I saw them through my own myopic lenses and focused only on the grades. But they all eventually bloomed in their own time.
And my son recently gave a good wrap-up for the year at one of our family gatherings. He reminded us: “Everyone is on their own journey, and it is okay to go at their own pace and give them the space to run their own race.”
5. True success is never allowing success to change us.
The best version of us is before success happens. This is to remind myself of where I come from, and not let achievements go to my head.
American medical researcher Jonas Salk once said to give our children roots and wings. I take roots to mean our humble beginnings. Never forget where we come from, and the struggles and the tears shed to arrive at where we are today. Once the roots are firmly entrenched, we can soar with wings confidently spread out to take us much farther.
Success then becomes about building character, rather than accumulating and flaunting wealth.
6. Never underestimate the power of choice.
When it comes to facing adversity, nothing is as bad as it looks or feels until I decide how I respond to it. It was the Stoic philosopher Epictetus who said that “people are not upset by events but rather by their opinions about them”.
7. If we can’t afford the time to understand people, then don’t insult their intelligence by trying to change them.
This is a wake-up call to listen intently for what is not said, because it is important that I put myself in the other person’s shoes rather than impose on him what I think is right for him.
Everyone is going through a different journey. Be kind always, and seek to understand and lend a helping hand. At times, the best encouragement is simply silent company, to be one who listens more than he speaks.
8. Life may be short, but the journey is long. So always remember to live our life short on hate and long on forgiveness.
I trust this last point is self-explanatory.
Have a great 2025.
Michael Han is a father of three and managing partner of a legal firm.
No comments:
Post a Comment