My facebook note from 2012

In 2012, I wrote a note on Facebook about how I wanted to live the following year.

Recently, someone liked that post, and it brought back memories. It reminded me how intentional I have always been about planning, both in the small details of everyday life and in the bigger picture of my journey.

I am still a strong believer in proper planning, especially when it comes to life. I like to plan for the short term and the long term. Many people want to win small and win now. I do not mind delaying small wins if it means positioning for a much bigger one in the future.

I have always believed in the full 90 minutes, not just the first 45.

That post was divided into four key areas of my life: health, personality, community, and life. I outlined how I intended to live in each of those areas over the next year.

I am sharing it again because the principles are still relevant today. In fact, they may be even more relevant now.

I hope it brings you value.

Enjoy.

P.S. I did a bit of editing. The English I used in 2012 needed some serious upgrading.

Some years ago, I wrote down personal commitments across four areas of my life: Health, Personality, Community, and Life.

Looking back, some of them make me smile. Some I still practice. Some I am still working on.

But one thing is clear. Intentional living matters.

Here they are.

Health

I will drink plenty of water.
I will eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar.
I will eat more food that grows on trees and plants, and less food manufactured in factories.
I will live with the 3E'ss: Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
No matter how busy I get, I will make time for prayer and reflection.
Play more video games. Yes, I am still playing to date.
Read more books than I did the previous year.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes every day.
Sleep for at least 7 hours.

Personality

Take a 10 to 30-minute walk daily, and smile while you walk.
I will not compare my life to others. I have no idea what their journey truly is.
I will not entertain negative thoughts about things I cannot control. I will invest my energy in the present moment.
I will not overdo things. I will respect my limits.
I will not take myself too seriously.
I will not waste precious energy on gossip.
I will dream more while awake.
Envy is a waste of time. I already have what I need.
I will let go of past issues and not bring them into my present relationships.
Life is too short to hate anyone. I choose not to.
I will make peace with my past so it does not ruin my present.
No one is in charge of my happiness except me.
Life is a school, and I am here to learn. Problems are lessons. The class may end, but the lesson remains.
Smile and laugh more.
I do not have to win every argument. I can agree to disagree.

Community

I will call my family often.
Each day, I will give something good to someone.
I will forgive everyone for everything.
Spend more time with people over 70 and under 6.
Try to make at least 3 people smile each day.
What other people think of me is none of my business.
My job will not care for me when I am sick. My family and friends will. I will stay in touch.

Life

I will do the right thing.
I will remove anything that is not useful, beautiful, or joyful.
I will remember that forgiveness heals.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
No matter how I feel, I will get up, dress up, and show up.
The best is yet to come.
Every morning I wake up alive, I will not take it for granted. I will embrace life.
Deep inside, I am happy. I choose to remain satisfied.
I will enjoy life.

Looking back, I realise planning is powerful. But living intentionally is even more powerful.

Do you enjoy making plans ahead, or do you prefer to live life as it comes?

adekunle adeniji's blog

Search This Blog