New Straits Times

Life-changing resolution­s

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AS we approach the new year, it's time (again) to look back at our lives in the past 12 months as we look forward to 12 more. What's 2020 going to be like? Was 2019 a "good" year or one you'd rather forget?

To me, a year is neither good nor bad. It's what we put inside it, month in and month out, that counts. So, in these final few days before 2020, let me share with you several encouragin­g words that I've found to be useful in helping me to push myself out of my comfort zone and do the things I never thought possible. They're not just New Year resolution­s; they're life-changing ones.

STOP GIVING EXCUSES

There'll be a thousand excuses preventing us from doing something, but only one reason to do it. Which one will you choose? Someone sent me a quote, "Success occurs when your dreams get bigger than your excuses."

It's time to dream bigger. It's time to remove the negative voice in our heads that's trying to limit our potential. Instead, envision the best world for yourself. Imagine that there are no limitation­s and you can achieve anything you want.

FOCUS ON THE SOLUTION, NOT THE PROBLEM

Talking and complainin­g about problems will make us feel good temporaril­y, but nothing changes. Thinking about the solutions is much more empowering and satisfying. It even gives you the energy to push forward when others start going backwards. Muhammad Ali said, "Greatness isn't a function of circumstan­ce or things happening to you. Greatness, it turns out, is a matter of conscious choice and discipline."

Let's choose to be like children who don't understand the meaning of "no." They find ways to get what they want. They don't easily give up when things get tough. They find a thousand ways to solve a problem.

JUST DO IT

Take action today and stay true to the path. Starting something is the most difficult part. But once it moves, it takes a lesser effort to keep it moving. Remember the rocket launch? Once it's in the orbit, the massive monster moves with little effort in the no-gravity zone.

We too can cruise into 2020 and beyond if we're able to overcome the initial hurdle.

IF IT'S TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME

No point in hoping for others to come to our rescue. The world doesn't owe us a living. Take action today because no one will but us.

So, what's it going to be? Imagine we're sitting here 12 months from now in December 2020, pondering the months that have gone by. Will the words coming to mind be "Yes, I did it!" or would it be filled with regrets?

The choice is ours. And the time is now! Best of luck and Happy New Year!

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 ??  ?? SMART PARENTING ZAID MOHAMAD COACHES AND TRAINS PARENTS TO EXPERIENCE HAPPIER HOMES AND MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES. REACH HIM AT ZAID@ SMARTPAREN­TS. COM.MY
SMART PARENTING ZAID MOHAMAD COACHES AND TRAINS PARENTS TO EXPERIENCE HAPPIER HOMES AND MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES. REACH HIM AT ZAID@ SMARTPAREN­TS. COM.MY

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