Before we delve into the focal point of this article, I just want to say that this is the first post on my blog on Hashnode. Yay!!!!!! 💃 I am really excited because this is an item I have been reluctant to tick off on my checklist. Well, I can say imposter syndrome has been working overtime and effortlessly but guess who came out victorious, this baby girl😎.

It is the beginning of a new year, as such, we all have adopted the introspection and self-examination orientation and in the end, made reflections on the previous year and mapped out some resolutions for the new year. A new year resolution may vary amongst several folks but usually incorporate visiting new places, learning a new skill and unlearning a habit, a healthy lifestyle, financial decisions which may include saving more or spending less, goals we want to achieve, career choices, career transitions and channels through which we attain successes in our chosen field.

Every year I draft out a list of things I want to achieve and end up carrying them over to the next year, lol. This usually happens sometimes because of misplaced priorities and self-doubt but I am glad I no longer have an affiliation with these enemies of progress😂. This in a way, affirms the speculations “new year resolutions are a waste of time”. This is because they become history immediately after the first two months of its existence or lesser in most cases, hence, utopic.

SO WHAT MAKES NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN OR UNREALISTIC?

We have been biologically programmed to live for the present. As much as we can make plans in order to shape our future, we never can tell what cravings, events, or changes is likely to happen because uncertainties cannot be controlled. So, it is pertinent to note that, these resolutions are often made when we are relaxed and in a more comfortable state of mind. A better approach at tackling this issue is making your resolutions more specific and based on your present needs. For instance, I decided to take up technical writing last year but I did not understand what value it would add to my career, the level of commitment required and my ability to match up. It is always important to set up defined parameters for each goal so they don’t end up as another item on your list. What do you need right now that will serve a greater good in the future?

BASICALLY, ALL I'VE BEEN SAYING IS,

It is important that one does not overwhelm oneself with a lot of goals. Focus will be lost. It is not that we can’t stick to our resolutions, we just aren’t doing a good job at deciphering what goals are actionable and achievable. When this is resolved, publicize your goals. You could just stick to a few persons who can support and contribute to sustaining and achieving your goals, track your progress and celebrate each milestone no matter how small. In all, believe in yourself! This is key trust me.

I penned down the goals I carried over from last year,

1. Document the challenges, insights and progress as a Frontend Engineer. You become better at what you do when you teach or talk about it. I didn’t know better. I was worried about keeping up with content creation but not anymore. I just want to get better as a frontend engineer by talking about everything I know about it.

2. Start Open Source Contribution. Just imagine contributing to a software that is used globally. Exposure to an intelligent community and a sort of mentorship from contributors.

Do you identify with not sticking to your new year resolutions? If yes, do you resonate with this article? I’d like to know in the comments.

Happy New Year!!! Let’s conquer more territories!