[Life] What I Learnt in 2014

7:17 PM Cindity 0 Comments

Hey friends,
Its exactly 5 more days to the end of 2014! How was the year for you guys? Look at that warm glow on yer faces!
Like every other year, we remember the good times 2014 brought us and on the other hand also regretting the progress we failed to make. It's okay, next year will only be better. But that will only succeed with your help.
Let's dive straight in to the milestones you've hit. I'm sure that there are plenty, just spend a little bit more time to practice gratitude. ;)


Me first, I'm so eager to share! So, let's get the ball rolling.

 Here's a little list of what some life lessons 2014 has taught me:


1. Prioritize

 Define the most important task for each day. Everything seems to be urgent and screaming for attention if this is not done. This is especially true in this information age, a single Facebook or text notification and you're out of track. They are often unimportant but demand for immediate attention.
Beginning from the later half of this year, I tried to review my list of to-dos frequently. To realize that there are more things that I could eliminate. This fundamentally changed my life. Spin less plates at a time and be less overwhelmed.  
via MadOfficeHero

 2. Make Reversible Decisions Quickly

Decision-making takes up a lottt of willpower, that's the real reason why people can get exhausted from shopping. Too many choices can overwhelm. And of course take up time, our precious commodity. Decide fast for things that don't matter so as to preserve more attention for the important matters. 
Don't Postpone Just to Avoid Uncomfortable Situations
This is very true for conversations. I don't reply others in time and leave people hanging. So toxic. And it'll also pre-occupy my mind for the rest of the day. Make the decision, and move on.

 3. Don't Regret

If something can be done to reverse a bad situation, then do it. If not, complaining is not the solution either. Especially about things we have no control of. Regretting is past-tense and useless. It also depletes attention and builds up negative emotions which are harmful. 
I understand sometimes this comes without awareness. Have friends to remind you if you do so, otherwise keep yourself noticed. This can be as easy as snapping a rubber band on your wrist. I'm not a masochist, but this helps to raise awareness.
via glee.wikia.com/

4. Don't Compare Causes

This slow-realization only dawned upon me during the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge hype. Service is simply something that I can do to improve lives besides your own. It can be mankind, environmental, animal; whatever. 
So please, everything needs help. Don't get into those childish "my cause is better than your cause" arguments. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons are unfair and simply don't make sense. Everyone feels different degrees of compel for different causes and can use different vehicles to achieve that. If you're doing your best and making a difference, then consider it as a job well done.

I don't even want to mention those snobs that just get on my nerves, why would you spend so much money on airfare to Cambodia to rebuild houses. Pfft.

via www.aoaophoto.com
Also related: Bill and Melinda Gates TED Talk: Why giving away our wealth has been the most satisfying thing we've done.

5. Use Parkinson's Law

Also known as procrastination. But nevertheless, it is great to achieve astounding per-hour productivity. Focus, get it done and get out. 
If not your mind will constantly be pre-occupied even when you're not getting anything done. It will then be attention-drainer until you get to it. And that means that you can't whole-heartily enjoy any of your relaxing activities prior to that.
Your professor or boss may give you ample time, so it is up to you to set internal deadlines. Guess there's no need for me to say this but, don't leave it till the last minute. So that you have time to react to any unforeseen situations.


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What these mean to me: more time 
And yes, we do have more time than we think. Many of us like to indulge in the workaholic-lifestyle - that we are productive if we had something to do. [Read: Psychology Today- Are you addicted to being busy]

 Ending off with nice quote that I've just read:

“All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it's impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.”

― Niccolò Machiavelli


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And of course, speaking about gratitude.
I gave my friend a card similar to this; which she thought the carrot was a piece of loose coloured paper and... you can complete this: the poor snowman just had penectomy.
via nobleworkscards

 And of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thank you so much for staying with me this year. Here's to many more future chapters together!

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