Timely resolutions, reflections and reminders

For 2025, the focus is not so much on what I will do differently, but how I will think differently

- Michael Han

When the year is coming to an end, we wait in anticipation for the new one to start.

The best way to begin it on the right footing is to be intentional about how we want to live our lives. Making resolutions is one way of doing so. It also gives us a sense of control and autonomy.

Some of us keep the New Year's resolutions we make to ourselves. We prefer it this way to avoid being held accountable to them. If we don't fulfil them, at least the disappointment remains a private matter.

Others would rather spend their time doing other things.

Some go for retail therapy instead, giving themselves a pat on the back for another productive year. They do not see the point of resolutions.

For them, if there is any resolution worth making, it is the resolve to do and be better. The focus is on the doing rather than penning down. They set goals as and when they come during the year and meet them. No fuss about it.

At 54, I have had my fair share of New Year's resolutions. When I was in school, I wanted to get better grades. I listed down the subjects I wanted to do better in and structured a study plan.

As I grow older, after marriage and kids, my priorities have changed.

I now resolve to live and eat more healthily, for example, increasing my running routine to three times a week instead of two. I also make a point to order teh-c siew dai and control my carbohydrate intake. I used to finish two to three bowls of rice a meal. Now, I limit myself to one bowl for the entire day.