10 things to remember before entering 2021
By: Izma Shahid
Tags: Advice For Life, Positivity, Mental Health, New Year Resolution, 2021

2021 is next week and who’s ready? I know I am not. After one hell of a 2020 ride, God knows what 2021 has in store for us. Here’s a list of 10 things we can do that can have a huge impact on the upcoming year.

Without further ado, let’s get into it:

1. Take THAT risk

Now is the perfect time to do what you always thought about doing. You have to take that first step. If rejection and failure is what you fear, don’t forget the burden of regret is much worse and heavier.

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." – Steve Jobs

Let’s get real for a minute, if Steve Jobs hadn’t taken the risk, you probably wouldn’t be scrolling through this article.

2. Give time to your mental health

Your mental health IS important. 2020 left us all a little shattered and the only way to move forward is if we glue our pieces together. Give time to yourself, do things you love. Take a break from the hectic workload, take a break from the stressful nights, take a break from the mundane routine.

“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” - John Lennon

3. Remove toxic friends

I cannot stress this enough. Not everyone wants to see you succeed, not everyone wants to see you achieve, not everyone wants to see you happy. People you surround yourself with, affect you in a humongous way. Don’t let their toxicity derail you.

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” - Mark Ambrose

Surround yourself with people who radiate positivity.

4. Don’t quit

Success is relative, everyone succeeds at their own pace. Everyone grows in different circumstances and their success sprouts at different times. It can take a few weeks or maybe years, but don’t quit. Be consistent! If we can learn anything at all from Jack Ma, it is to never lose hope, always be optimistic and trust the process. After years of trying and not quitting, he is now the Co-founder of AliBaba Group.

5. Don’t forget beauty comes from within

Stop comparing yourself to those IG posts, they’re nothing but a load of filters, makeup and lightning. You’re beautiful in your own way. What makes you distinct, makes you beautiful. Use that to your power!

6. Show your love

Remember those special people around you, your parents, your siblings, your friends. It may sound bland and something you don’t need a reminder for. But unfortunately, we have dwelled in a restless time where it has become less common to a dangerous level. These people stood by you through your ups and downs and will continue to do so. They deserve your care, your attention and your love. Don’t be shy to show it to them.

7. Get real

Just quit the social media! Now this might sound contradicting, i am literally using social media to tell this to you. You need to go out in the real world. Spend time with nature more often and find yourself. Try meditation.

"Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind." -Amit Ray

Reduce your screen time. It leads to obesity and mental health problems like insomnia, depression, anxiety.

8. Read more books

I know this is not a 1981 resolution list and we went through a digital revolution, blah blah blah. You’ll be amazed at how reading affects your brain. This year let’s challenge ourselves to read atleast one book per week. That’s 52 books for 2021. Not bad, huh.

9. Start eating healthy

You SERIOUSLY are what you eat. As tempting as the snacks and desserts look, they can lead to serious hormonal disturbances in your body and result in multiple illnesses. They’re LITERALLY poison for your body. Starting 2021, be gentle on your gut and you’ll be amazed at the results.

This is the last and probably the most important point:

10. Stop taking things personally

Now i know this is easier said than done and i take things personally too (way more often than i should).

Do what you think is right, people who criticise you are often jealous or simply can't see you succeed. Don't ever forget your worth.

I know 2020 sucked, we lost our loved ones, our plans and aspirations got postponed, the whole situation got us on the verge of a mental breakdown but we can only do as much to mourn. It’s time we move on and let go of all the misfortunes. (Maybe I’m ready after all) It’s time we welcome 2021 with a huge smile radiating positivity. With that being said, I wish you all a very Happy New Year and best wishes for the future!