Next Decade here I come !!

While another year passes and we reflect on the hits and misses that have been 2019; we are also moving to a new decade and I had a moment to reflect on all the resolution I had made in the past decade (too much pressure on the grey cells ) that has cascaded to this moment. In this reflection, I found that in the push to make it bigger and better; it is but the small things that matter. The small things that have made the difference. Many times the goal post had changed with convenience or some time just plain brute force of life. And hence upon reflection and thinking about what the new decade will help me achieve; the following is what I want to list down as goals for the next decade 

1. Be happy with lesser: In today's world of abundance and unlimited credit access, we often fail to see what actually makes us happy. Do we need more to be happy or can we strive to find contentment in less? I feel we should look at small things that can make us happy and these things cannot necessarily be bought or cost us a bomb 

2. Be mindful of yourself: Most of us run the race in life, not for ourselves but for others, kid, wife, parents, extended family and sometimes even friends. This takes a toll on "you" and "you" are often ignored by yourself until its too late. We should be more selfish about "yourself" and make sure "you" are also taken care 

3. Move out of your comfort zone: Like the story of the frog in water that was boiling, we often never step out of our comfort zone. In going for our goal we take the path of least resistance often coming to a dead-end. In today's world where things are ever-changing and we often resist change by doing what may be the easiest way. This is not necessarily the job but also many aspects of your life for example Parenting. We need to take time and move away from taking the easy decision. We needed to think more and resist more to yield to the path of no resistance. Everyone cannot be happy every time 

4. Do not go through the motions: Waking up without purpose is a deterrent to self-growth and a good life. You wake up and feel good, but if you have no purpose, in a way that lulls you into believing that you feel good; then unknowingly you are just going through the motions. We need a purpose and sense of value addition to whatever we do ( major things ) else we will lose interest in life itself. A small thing like this makes a big difference in the way you live and is reflected in others around you.

5. Plan an alternative career: I think the people who say that they want to retire are disillusioned. IF you are true to yourself; then you cannot sip a drink and sit on the beach for the rest of your retired life. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Hence look at what you are passionate about and can be sustained once you no longer have gainful employment, It also needs to be done at your pace. Get ready by investing some time to study and scale-up for this alternative career. Have a cut over date in your head so you work towards it

6. Find people to grow old with: I often say that "Friends" are god's way to apologize for relatives. Strong bonds with friends increase your lifespan. So find a few friends who would like to be with you at later stages in life so that you grow old in each others company 

I wish you all a great decade ahead and Happy New Year !!