Things I strive for this as a 20-something year old.
To be honest, I actually haven’t turned 22 yet. That is going to happen later this year. But this is going to be my 22nd year on this planet. Chances are, if you are like me, being 21 was just a lot of floundering about trying to come to terms with ‘officially’ becoming an adult. Now that you’ve done it for a whole year, you might be wondering what next?
2015 was a really amazing year for me. For once in my life, I had a room that I could truly say was my own and as such, I had a lot of introspective time. I got into a “real” relationship that taught me, in retrospect to give yourself to another without losing your identity. I landed a job at a creative agency and realized that hard-work pays off and that reaching milestones doesn’t mean a break/ vacation. Sometimes reaching the peak of a particular mountain offers you a glimpse of the many more peaks ahead in life. I really got to know a bit about myself in the year 2015.
With those lessons, there are a couple of things I want to try and do with my life in 2016. You can call them resolutions, I just see them as more milestones in the journey that is life.
1. Write More
Much has been said about the benefits of writing. The actual goal is to write every day, starting with this post on Medium. Not everything will get published and not all of my writing will be journal-esque posts. In fact, I hope most of my writing turns out to be opinion-pieces on particular topics of interest. However, I don’t have any fast-and-hard rules to this endeavor, so any tips you might have will be greatly appreciated. The aim is to get better at writing and communication.
2. Communicate better with friends and family
Any one who knows me understands that I have a hard time receiving unexpected phone calls and answering text messages. Even worse, I can go for months (literally) without talking to friends whom I don’t physically see. When every second is taken up by work, class, social media and music, talking to the important people in your life kind of slips my mind. This year, more effort will be made in the communication department.
3. Draw more frequently
Draw and design at least 3–4 times a week. It helps appreciate the details and imperfections in everything.
4. Make TONNES of mistakes
Experiment. Experiment. Experiment. Till it hurts and then some more.
One of my favorites quotes from the start of the year is:
Stop looking for answers to all of life’s questions & start setting up experiments to find answers customized to your personal situation.
5. Provide value to those in contact with me
You only get noticed when you provide value. Submit meaningful answers online, share interesting content on Twitter. Become useful. Make my experiences priceless.
6. Travel and experience more
Travelling has multiple pros. This year will be a success if I travel to at least 5 places. Lake Chala, I’m looking at you.
Also try different cuisines, Mediterranean, Japanese… The more outlandish, the better.
7. Meet more people
My mum always tells me that the people you meet in your 20’s greatly impact the person you become. This year, I plan to meet and have meaningful conversations with as diverse a population as I can manage. The full spectrum; 5 year old kids to octogenarians.
8. Volunteer more
9. Wake up earlier
5:00 AM seems early enough. Too many early risers out there are making it, it’s about time I gave this a shot.
10. Learn a language
11. Get in shape and run a marathon
12.Be a bit selfish by learning how and when to say “No!”
13.Read more books
14. Find meaningful relationships
This changed how I think more than anything else:
You’re going to have this stupid idea that you need to value work above all else, at least for some sustained period of time. Who is going to be there when your work ends? Who are you working for? Don’t make the mistake of valuing money, or semblances of money, over people. It never pays in the long run.
15. Learn to save and invest money
16. Trust your own gut more
Advice from other people is fine, but learning to trust your gut feeling is often indispensable.
17. Conquer a fear
18. Go to more live concerts
There is just something to be said about live concerts. The energy, the people, the sound of live instruments.
19. Learn to cook well
20. Have moments reserved for introspective thinking
21. Be thankful for at least one thing every day
22. Always listen to other people’s opinions but have one too, independent of theirs
This is just my list of things I want to check off in 2016. What are yours?
Peace!
