The year has just started and we’re 15 days in. I hope it’s been going really well for each and every one of you. Here are 5 ideas of things that you could or should do in 2017.
- Start a Gratitude Jar
I mentioned this idea in my last post, Plans for 2017, but for those of you who do not know, it basically is a project where you get a jar or container or whatever to hold small pieces of notes which you write and put in every time you are grateful for something. At the end of the year, open up the jar and read the notes and realize just how truly blessed you were throughout the year.
This idea not only helps you count your blessings at the end of the year but also helps you to practice gratitude in your everyday life which is super important and beneficial.
2. Keep a journal
I know I know this one sounds silly and girly but it’s really beneficial. Trust me on this. If you want to write and essay or go for an interview for a scholarship and they ask you questions like “what are your strengths ad weaknesses?”, keeping a journal will help you answer that question tremendously well and increase your chances of getting a scholarship. This is because journalling helps you become more self-aware and you get to know yourself better and from there on improve.
(if you don’t know how to start writing a journal read this article by Darius Foroux: Read This If You Want To Keep A Journal But Don’t Know How)
3. Exercise regularly
I’m really big on this one and it’s not just because I really love freestyle football and playing soccer (okay, maybe a little). But, I’m quite sad and a little annoyed when people say that they go on diets or take supplements because they want to stay healthy or they want to lose weight.
The truth is to do that all you need to do is exercise regularly for about 3 sessions of 30 minutes each a week and you’ll see a difference in your life. The only reason why we don’t do that is because we’re being sold advertisements about health products and dietary plans. Unless you’re on medication and are physically ill, you don’t need to do any of that, just exercise regularly. 
4. Learn
When I hear the word “learn”, I think of studying textbooks and memorizing information to score well in exams. I believe it’s the same for most of you.
But, when I say that in 2017, you should learn, I mean that you should read and explore ideas, stories, and topics that you are interested about. Go do your own research and reading. There are so many new ways to learn these days that it’s a wonder how much we can actually learn just from the Internet itself. Check out YouTube videos, online courses, or read blogs or books about topics you’re interested in.
Most importantly, DO NOT LIMIT YOUR LEARNING TO WITHIN THE 4 WALLS OF A CLASSROOM!
Learning is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it—Albert Einstein
5. Search for Meaning
This is probably the most important thing on the list. This year, it’s time to ask some difficult questions of yourself. Ask yourself why you were born and what’s the purpose of your existence.
If you just go along with life without tackling some of the big questions in life, you’ll surely lose. So many older folks talk about “when I was young” or “50 years ago”. Do you know why?
It’s because they have regrets in life. And it’s one of the most hurtful things to see in a person’s eyes.
So, please please take the time to at least try and figure out some of these questions by asking questions of the things you currently believe in—your culture, principles, and religion.
If you were born in a different family and in different circumstances, would you still believe in what you did now? How does that affect the way you view life?
You do not have to have all the answers but searching for them helps ensure you live your life intentionally and with a bigger picture in mind. This helps prevent you from having regrets later on.
Which of the 5 things are you going to do in 2017?
Thank you for reading.
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