15 ideas to start in 2021

I get the fact that new-year resolutions suck! Why is it that what we plan for a new year never comes to fruition? Is it because we don’t plan well? Jinx ourselves when we say them out loud? Or is it the crippling urge to be in control of all situations such that if things fail, we think that all plans fail? Whatever the case, 2021 is a new year to start on a new slate especially after the year that was 2020.

Arguably, 2020 was an awful year, I won’t even go to the details of reminding you about it. However, was it also a year that actually shaped us? If you don’t believe it, examine how your priorities shifted.

As we get into 2021, I am certain that there are many things you have planned. Habits you need to drop, pick up or learn. If not, here are a few ideas you can start in 2021.

1. Enjoy your meals

This seems farfetched, but follow my line of thought. Most of us eat for nutrition not for flavor. Chances are, you don’t really enjoy your foods; savor the flavor, revel in the explosion of your taste buds, or remember flavor after you are done eating.

Sit down at your favorite spot in the house, pick your favorite movie or type of music, and take time chewing and enjoying what the flavor does to you. You will appreciate food more. If you can eat with your favorite people, the better for you.

2. Move!

The musings of King Julien’s ‘I like to move it move it’ soundtrack ring true! Whatever makes you move, gets you out of that couch, bed, or office chair, do it.

Learn how to be Megan the Stallion or Cardi B, dance like David danced, walk, jog, run, start aerobics, HIIT and LIIT, yoga, walk up and down the stairs, go hiking, jump, skip rope, or go to the shamba. As you move, plug in your earphones and jam to your favorite songs, listen to your favorite podcasts or audiobooks, and have an absolute ball.

3. Explore and experience

Spend money on experiences. Go to those places that you have been putting off, and make a tonne of memories. Explore areas of yourself you didn’t know existed. Learn a new language, take a master class, take up a new hobby, this is the year to bake and cook, taste foods from different countries, a new cuisine, volunteer, make a kitchen garden, try painting and drawing.

4. A chapter a day, keep the mind the fresh

I think we should bring back the culture of reading. In a time when 80% of the content on social media is videos, we are constantly on screens getting entertained, being fed information, and we don’t really advance our minds. Try reading a chapter a day of whatever book, in whatever format you can access, and see how your mind and thinking process will improve.

5. Always be singing

Melodies and harmonies have a way of lifting spirits in a matter of seconds. Do you have a song stuck in your head? Sing it, even when you don’t know the words. In a matatu and your favorite song comes on? Sing along. Doing house chores and you want to occupy your mind? Sing.

6. Just keep smiling

Start your day with a smile even when you know that things are in shambles. Smile through the negativity. Smile even when your boss decides to be a pain. Smile when your child decides to throw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket. Smile when your trainer is making you do burpees. Granted people will think you are insane, but you will be setting the tone for your day, month, and year.

7. Journal

There is nothing as therapeutic as writing. Putting down your thoughts into words can help you come to some realizations. Start journaling every day. In there have daily affirmations, plan for your day, write something in the evening, put down your ideas, what you are thankful for, things you can do differently, and steps you need to take to achieve your goals.

8. Single tasks, no multi-tasking

The world is busy, you shouldn’t. Instead of doing many tasks at once and doing them unsatisfactorily, pick one task, do it well and exhaust all the avenues. When you focus on one task, you will not have stress, plus you will be able to plan for your time better.

9. Healthy routines

As creatures of habit, having a constant routine can do you a lot of good. Eat breakfast every day, have time for working out, eat lunch, do your face and skincare regimen, read a book or the Bible, eat more vegetables and fruits, sleep for 8hours, take constant breaks between tasks, or what have you. With a healthy routine, your body will thank you.

10. Show off

This is the generation of sharing. What is a mystery even? People don’t compute. What does showing off mean? I am not saying that you should go fully nude on social media or show people how much stuff you have. Show off your skills, your personality, the things that make you happy, or your achievements. Showing off gives you a sense of accomplishment so that you can celebrate small wins, or just yourself for just being you. Whoever has a problem with it, block them!

11. The year of the bucket list

What are the things you want to do before your birthday? Write them down no matter how extravagant they are. Once you have them written down, start doing the small activities as you build-up to the huge ones.

12. Find your roots

This is the year to find out where exactly you come from. Find your lineage all the way to your great grandparents and pay a visit to those relatives you didn’t know existed. When you find your roots, you will get to know why you are the way you are, and what gives you your identity.

13. Give compliments to strangers

Make it a habit to compliment a stranger every day. Isn’t it satisfying seeing a person smile because of something you said? Granted some people will think you have an ulterior motive, but some will get that drive to conquer their day.

14. Plant parenthood

Plants need love too. Being a plant parent can be calming after a long day of activities, and you just need to stay calm or relax. Other than being beautiful to look at, you will have something to look after other than yourself, which will give you a sense of purpose when you are questioning a lot of things. The thing with plants is that you can choose those with high or low maintenance to fit into your lifestyle.

15. Date yourself

Whether you are single, in a relationship, married, in a Nairobi situationship, or when you don’t really know what you are doing, taking yourself on a date, once a while can be the energy boost you may just need. What better company can you have other than with yourself? During these dates, you can just sit and do nothing, journal, work on a side project you are passionate about, or just indulge in food and drink till you drop!