This year-end post is rather late, but you can consider it for the Chinese New Year. It's nice to look back on the highlights of 2011. However, much of the things that struck me were the lessons I've learned from last year's experiences, may they be good or bad.
5. Give yourself a deadline.
Planning is one thing, but starting it is another. It's very easy to list down the things we want to accomplish, but do we really want these things enough to get us out of our comfort zones and make sacrifices to make them happen? I've learned that if we don't give ourselves deadlines, we won't achieve anything. Chances are we would just put off the items in our checklist and forget about them eventually.
Deadlines also work for knowing when to stop. I have always believed that quitting is not always a sign of weakness and it was three years ago when I've come across an article online that impeccably voices out my sentiments. It takes a lot of wisdom to figure out when to put a halt to our serious efforts on something (or someone) that proves our commitment futile. As human beings, we can only do so much and we have to learn how to determine when it is wise to put our resources and energy on other things that could be more fruitful.
4. Appreciate as many things as you can.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
I am also guilty of taking things that we already have for granted and stressing ourselves out on things that we keep on desiring. I guess at times, we must step back and realize that what we have now are the things we used to want. We must also be thankful for the unexpected blessings that come our way. They may not always be tangible objects, but all the little things that make our lives more fun, more delightful and more meaningful are blessings that we should always be grateful for.
