where next?

Every year we seek a new (and better) start for ourselves. We promise to live a healthier life, start a sport, write more, take better photos, travel wiser, save up, build better relationships and may be even ditch that bad habit. But sometimes, we realize the year’s just about to end again. And only to look back as to what happened in the last 12 months, going through our mental to-do list and feeling sorry that we haven’t exactly accomplished if not all, the majority of the things we wanted to do. So what about this year? How’s that list going to be any different? We’ve consumed cups and cups of Starbucks within a month only to get that planner ahead of everyone else who waits for the double-sticker day. We mark our travels for the summer and browse through the entry regularly. By the time the rainy season comes again, planner still updated? Well I’m seriously no expert and I’m guilty as to what happens to that planner by the middle of the year. But let me share with you some tips I got from other individuals and some which I feel could help you (and me) to accomplish those goals.

1. ) Write everything down.

From your grocery list, expenses, salary credit, bonuses, things to-do, stuff you wanna buy, places you want to visit, experiences you want to try, etc. Nothing beats seeing a physical record of what’s been done and what you set yourself to accomplish. Just like signing a contract, you bound yourself to what your plans are. And cliche as it may sound, never forget to make those actions, SMART. Or else, you might be fooling yourself by wanting to go to Batanes and not even saving up a cent and knowing the best season to go there.

2. ) Keep your notebook handy.

Whether it’s on actual paper or the modern version i.e. your smart phone, net book or laptop, make sure to have one anytime you need to write something down. Even the most random idea should be noted!

Here’s a reason why you should keep one beside your bed: http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/bedtime-notebook/

3. ) Use social media to help you stick to your word.

Yep.You heard that right.Although envy (or maybe just plain dislike for that person) sometimes gets to us when we see them getting a new car, making that trip or trying out something we’ve always wanted to do, these social sites do give us that additional kick for keeping our word. Just make sure you don’t exactly spill everything online. No one wants to know ALL the details, okay?

4.) Be sincere.

No rocket science there. Just because I suggested to use social media, doesn’t mean you’ll want to do the “cool” stuff only. If hand in your heart, you know you want to do something extraordinary… okay, something weird. BY ALL MEANS JUST DO IT.

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And on that note. I have finally done another small step to one of my goals for 2013, which is to update my blog regularly (and by regularly, I mean at least one post per week)

As for the other stuff on my list for 2013, here goes:

• Read ALL books purchased from last year (you know when you keep on buying but never had the time to read them?)
• Save Php xxx,xxx by the end of the year (once upon a time I did it. I seriously want to do it again)
• Book 5 photography (paid) projects (more income!)
• Go back to Ho Chi Minh (more income!)
• Become a much stronger surfer (commit!)
• Have more land trips than those requiring to book flights (feature more local sights)
• Climb up a mountain (for someone who has low body heat,the thought of single digit/negative degrees causes a step back right away)
• Watch LOTR, Matrix, Kill Bill, Troy, Forrest Gump (don’t kill me. I’m pretty sure you can add more to that list.peace.)
• Have a travel article to be featured (fine, that may take a while haha!)
• Love more.

Because of unplanned purchases and expenses in 2012, I realized that I would’ve had these items already! Oh well.

My to-buy list for 2013:

• Basic studio lights
• Filters
• Surfboard
• Zoom lens

Doomsday or not, this post is a response to the DP challenge which I do plan to keep until the end of the year. Now tell me what’s on YOUR list?

***If there are any items at all that you’d care to help me out with, please do! I’d seriously,really, absolutely appreciate it!

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