Happy New Year!

It’s officially 2020 and you know what we say: #NewYearNewMe!

Not 👏 on 👏 this 👏 blog.

I’m excited because 2019 was off to a great start but then I felt weighed down by all kinds of pressure. Mental, physical, spiritual, creative. It took me a few months (and some major R&R) to feel like myself again. It was strange. Like suddenly, all the energy and life force for creativity disappeared overnight.

Maybe I’ve mentioned it in the past but I don’t really make New Year resolutions. I don’t believe in them. Instead, I set goals throughout the year and do my best to be consistent. Everything I’ve been through this year/decade has taught me that knowing where your Point A makes it easier to be practical about how you’ll get to Point B. The bigger picture, guys.

And just go with the flow.

Another thing that I’ve been preaching is creating a life where I can be my most authentic self in every situation. How I live will determine where I will end up and what steps I need to take to get where I want to be.

With that said, this year I want to immerse myself with new experiences. For me, that means becoming a global citizen and going where I’m inspired. As I get older, the importance of exploration is more aligned than owning a property in the city. So, that’s where I’m focusing my intentions for this year on—ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!

Here’s what’s on my radar:

Write Consistently.

This one is for anyone. Whether you’re an expert or novice writer, I find writing therapeutic. It really helps me get whatever I want to say out of my system without burdening anyone. Plus, sharing ideas never intentionally hurt anyone LOL.

But if you must word vomit to someone, I urge you to try writing it down first.

Use Your Instincts to Guide You.

How many times have I thought or had a feeling about something and never acted on it? Countless. I’m working on listening to myself so I can do what’s best for me. Don’t live to please people—you won’t like where that takes you.

Make Hard Choices.

Sometimes, I think too much. And that leads me to say ‘no’ to harder choices more often than not. This year, I want to make a conscious effort to choose bigger-impact life decisions. Essentially… doing what scares me the most.

Like living on my own, being vulnerable, working remotely, travel solo more.

Work Smarter Not Harder.

I’m guilty of not fully integrating this. In fact, I tend to feel that I need to fill my day with tasks, social events, and working out to feel productive. But busy is not always productive. This year, I’m working on creating a process where I’m not consistently overwhelmed but getting way more out of it.

Share Your Load.

This one is probably the hardest for me. I like to rely on myself a lot because you know that saying: if you want it done, you have to do it yourself. But I’m learning to let my friends help me when I’m failing to help myself.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

How’s everyone feeling so far about the New Year, New Decade? Do you have any goals, resolutions, or something you’re dying to just do? Let me know! We can help each other stay accountable.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Let’s keep in touch! Follow OFFtheRECORD on the ‘gram.

Annie Ngu is a writer and a Lead UI/UX designer at EnergyX. She lives in Toronto, ON spending so much money on streaming services that she doesn’t even remember the total number of subscriptions. She’s on Twitter @AnnieNgu