(Re)Solving for the New Year

As we enter 2019, in VUCA-packed times, and with unprecedented change driven by, amongst other things, technology, here's my take on what it will take to be happy, healthy and content lives in which we move forward. Disclaimer - new year resolutions are out, re-solving in in.

1. It's "Survival of the Fittest". Never been more apt to remind ourselves of this. To make it actionable, besides your "specialisation", nurture a second engine of growth. Invest in yourself. Stay relevant. Observe, read, listen. Be curious. Find a mentor, or two (preferably). Whether you are a CEO or in the initial phase of your career, find yourself a sounding board, someone who you respect & trust enough to listen to.
2. Surround yourself with people who help you be a better person and life becomes fun, fulfilling and meaningful. It's also no laughing matter if you aren't laughing enough.
3. Go experience the adventurous outdoors. Explore, push the boundaries. You won't just discover new sides to yourself but also discover new #relationships (refer Pt 2). A core benefit will be an ability to find simplicity and focus in the face of adversity.
4. Guard against luxuries becoming necessities. It's funny how a new #iPhone / #Bose speakers / #BMW becomes a need rather than an option. Chances are you have a middle-class upbringing, retain those values, if not the #lifestyle. With higher amplitudes and shorter wavelengths, it's time to have a strong core. This also means that we consume what we need, and eliminate waste.
5. Choose your habits, wisely (make sure you have habits). Kinetic and muscle memory is a huge plus and will help you tide over the waves with relative calm. Identify habits you need to build and eliminate (fingers crossed, you don't mix them up).
6. Be patient. It's a war of attrition. Humans discovered many centuries ago that they are not at the centre of the universe, nor are you. So hang in there, bide your time and keep doing what needs to be done. And your time will come. As a corollary, be an eternal optimist while accepting the lack of 100% control over the outcomes in the short term. And pray. To let your good luck continue. Luck plays a role more often than we care to acknowledge. Focus your energies converting chance to serendipity. And watch your run of #goodluck continue!

The above will apply not just to 2020 but the 2020s. So do start building in some of the above (#habits) in a balanced manner (not excessive, not perfunctory) and they will hold you in very good stead. I know which I am going to be focusing on, do you?

Good luck and Happy Re(Solving)!