Facing 2024

Every year, many people make a list of resolutions to follow. However, as millennials get older, we learn to take life as it comes.

Embracing what the year holds

Year 2024 is moving quickly, with no signs of slowing down as the conclusion of its first month approaches. Though it has only been a few weeks since the beginning of the new year, this year has proven to be challenging, with daunting news such as a plane crash, earthquakes, and more wars.

For the average Joe, the struggle with the new year is just like any previous year. Though the numbers have changed, the journey through life’s various trials continues. To me, a new year means new goals and ambitions; who knows what the next 11 months and beyond will bring?

Though I am past the age of making resolutions, I would like to complete the year by achieving goals that I set along the way. Though the future remains uncertain, the best food for thought is to live a happy and positive life. Having lived my life thus far, I believe that happiness is subjective. Happiness, in my opinion, can only be attained when one feels satisfied with life, and that is my goal for this year.

Goh

Goh Kheng Swee, 39, expressed a similar sentiment, saying it has been years since he set New Year’s resolutions. To him, having a resolution is equivalent to making a firm decision.

“It used to be a commitment to myself, but now it’s nothing. Experience taught me that life is unpredictable, and many things are beyond our control.”

Goh, a comic artist, said that he used to live life to the fullest and with no regrets. Having done it all, from graduating from engineering and leaving the industry to pursuing his longtime passion as an artist.

“When I was younger, I had hopes for my life. I used to believe that hard work pays off; but experience has shown me that achieving my goals requires more than just hard work. Now, I’m simply trying to live my life happily,” he added.

Sofea

Meanwhile, Sofea, 29, decided to stop making New Year’s resolutions last year. To her, having a list to follow was beneficial because it motivated her, however, she often had pauses in between days as she would break them.

“I remembered making a resolution to only consume fast food on Saturdays. However, it is difficult to follow because there are times when I have no choice, such as when I am out with friends.”

Aside from stating that in her resolutions, Sofea would also include achievable targets such as completing paperwork by 9pm each day, carrying out general cleaning every week, and so on.

“I used to feel awful every time I broke a resolution. But I don’t stay demotivated for long; I immediately reset and start again.”

Irene

Irene Law, 41, believes that making a resolution makes one feel that they are attempting to perform better than in past years or to reach a particular goal in life. Nonetheless, the freelancer felt that establishing a list would reduce the likelihood of achievement.

“I did not make any resolutions. I’d rather go with the flow and react as needed. Whether or not you have a resolution, life goes on. The most important thing is to learn to love yourself before you can love others. You can’t just please everyone.”

In contrast, Medical Interpreter Sherrie continues to set goals for herself, such as staying fit and healthy and earning more money to travel.

Sherrie

Sharing further, the 35-year-old said that she was usually able to achieve them, especially earning more money to travel. But every year, she still finds it challenging to adopt a healthy diet. Nevertheless, she motivates herself to achieve her goals by thinking about travelling around the world.

“Whether on land or scuba diving in the ocean, I need to earn a certain amount of money in order to go on an adventure. So far, I’ve bought plane tickets for my trip in May, and as I do so, I’ll continue earning more money for future ventures,” said Sherrie.

As we reflect on the past, we realise that life is not always a pleasant experience. We become wiser with each passing second, and older with each passing day. So, are you on Team New Year’s Resolution or Team Live Life As It Comes? In either case, remember to live life to the fullest.