LIFE | 2016 REFLECTIONS & RESOLUTIONS

I always believe that New Year's resolution are superfluous.That I have resolved over the past couple of years to not make an...




I always believe that New Year's resolution are superfluous.That I have resolved over the past couple of years to not make any grand promises and declarations at the beginning of the year but instead to just take the year as it comes.

Of course I have made and set goals during the years but not any grand declaration(s) at the beginning of the year. This has been largely due to the fact that I believe that we often commit to a large set of unachievable resolutions and by the first month of the new year most of our resolutions are largely just fragments of our imaginations. However this year is a new turning point in which I will dedicate 2016 to building my personal and corporate self/brand. To be frank, during past years, I have done so whether unconsciously or consciously. The only difference with this year is being consistent.

Building my personal self is really quite explanatory in which I become an all round better person physically, mentally and spiritually (you know the whole shenanigans). I will refrain from delving into the intricacies of building my personal self as it's best not to bore you with the cliche resolutions of improving oneself. Not so far on the spectrum involves building my corporate self which involves honing my skills/talent in the work industry/environment, becoming more financially sound and savvy, being more adept to the corporate world.

This blog I find is yo-yoing between my personal self (because it is a reflection of who I am) and my corporate self (because the skills I have learned in the corporate world I have (un)/consciously injected into the blog). As you may have noticed, the blog has gotten a new look and has been expanded to include more of beauty and lifestyle. Going forward, my aim is to make From Head To Heels and all its platforms a source where YOU learn something new, get entertained/have fun or be inspired. 



Lets talk more resolutions... 

New Year Resolutions are contracts we make with ourselves, but share openly with others. Avoid disappointment and make them reasonable.

How many times have you promised yourself that tomorrow will be better?  You'll give up smoking; lose weight; take up exercise; eat more healthy meals; go and enjoy yourself; apply for that job of your dreams or maybe do some study.  How many times then?  I know - the list is endless.  Too often, tomorrow just doesn't come.

The idea of the resolution dates back to about 150BC to the time of Janus.  He was the ancient Roman God of what's now termed ‘Gates and Doors'. He was believed to have two faces: One pointing to the past and the other to the future.  He could therefore look in both direction. 

He found his position at the head of the yearly calendar where he was best placed to look forward and backward.  This period became one of hope where Romans sought forgiveness from their enemies.  It was a time for the exchange of gifts with neighbours as all welcomed in the New Year.

Today is very much the same. The time signifies a new beginning.  We make our resolutions – many of which are over ambitious - and we promise to be the very best we can in the year ahead.  It's a time for working harder and smarter to achieve our dreams and goals.

Many people make a joke of their resolutions and don't treat them with the seriousness they deserve.  About 40% of the population makes resolutions.  Of those, about 60% keeps them initially but after 6 months, that percentage dwindles to about 45% and as time passes, the percentage shrinks even more.







The following seven points can assist in embracing the concept of resolutions and understanding how important they can be to your life:

  • Make it a time for reflection and introspection
  • Embrace the power you have to initiate change
  • Ask positive questions; formulate powerful answers
  • Keep your focus no matter what you encounter
  • Know the impact your resolutions can have on your future
  • Believe that your future will become more empowered
  • Rewarding small and large successes builds confidence
Sometimes a mentor or coach is a great acquisition to help you formulate those resolutions. This individual has the experience to help you stay on track and remain focused and determined.  You can also use family members and friends to help you stay the distance.

Don't allow others to push you from your path.  Make up your mind that your end goal is going to be achieved, irrespective of what you encounter, even the negativity from others.  They just don't have the same resolve you do.

You don't ever have to wait for the New Year to begin your resolutions.  Any time during the year is an ideal time to empower and enrich your journey. You can make those life-enriching resolutions at any time of the year.  When you feel inspired by someone or something, put that new found enthusiasm to work and begin to build on your dreams and goals. 

Don't stand by and do nothing – the future doesn't stand still and neither should you.


Be grateful for every positive step you take and understand the place that faltering also has in your life.  If you fall off the wagon just shake yourself off, take stock and get back on.  That becomes a very positive and powerful step in itself.

As you achieve your successes, write them in your journal/diary in red ink:  Celebrate them and be grateful for just how far you've come. Formulate positive sentences to commemorate those achievements: ‘Thank you for the win in the weekend game': ‘Thank you for the very successful outcome with the operation': ‘Thank you for the fantastic party with family and friends over the weekend': ‘Thanks for the successful signing of the contracts'.  The list is endless.

At the end of the year, stop and look back on your many successes.  Don't spend too much time worrying about the places where you faltered.  Be grateful for how far you've come and remember to celebrate your success, no matter how small it might be.

Imagine the possibilities ….

[AB] 

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