5 Self Investments You Must Make In 2021
2020 was a real roller coaster and adventurous year for all of us, sparing no one. To me, it felt like a “layover from our direct non-stop flights of life” when we stopped caring about the most valuable things for our lives — the environment, mental health and most importantly, our families.
I never imagined that I’d ever come back to my hometown and spend time with my lovely mother. 10 years back, I left for my undergrad college, and it seems like a long time ago. Then, I stepped into the swamps of never-ending professional life.
Isn’t that a shame that we are always busy for ourselves and never had a convincing answer if someone asks: “where are you busy nowadays”? At least, I never have one of which I can be proud of. What’s your answer?
“I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” — Steve Jobs
Hence, in these quarantined times, I gathered some of my learnings and investments that we all should not forget in the unpredictable times; therefore, we should be ready for a new kind of future. Who knows what’s coming in 2021? So without any further delay, let’s get straight to the point.
Below are “5 Investments To Make In Yourself “so that your 2021 is better than your 2020:
1. Social media sanitation:
You know what — I learnt from Instagram and baked 25 types of new cakes. I feel like a Masterchef. Wait. What? You also did that? I thought I was the only one? Oh gosh! But one thing that I am really proud of and successfully did was to un-follow people and deleted channels that made me feel inferior and have been disturbing my peace all this time.
My suggestion: I know we cannot delete our Instagram accounts but please limit your daily viewing on social media only to those “who inspire us to do great things daily”. Honestly, nobody cares if you would unfollow your ex-girlfriend or a colleague that you avoid in office.
2. Doing creative things is the only escape, my friend:
Paint, wrap gifts, learn guitar, start bathroom singing, write poems for old friends. I started writing on Medium to express myself. From my personal experience — it’s worth it :))
My suggestion is to “get started”, “keep writing” & “be honest with yourself”.
Initially, your writing doesn’t have to be perfect and grammatically correct. Set your imagination free and let your creativity flow. Pen down every thought that comes to your mind and edit it till it makes sense and satisfies your writing mind.
3. Where did my savings go?
When I came back home after five years of my corporate roller coaster ride, I only had INR 2 lakh (2700 USD, 3500 CAD) in my savings. Whoosh, all money is gone, like the wind. But where did it go? Well, I really can’t remember. Maybe in travelling, buying stuff I don’t want, car, phones, etc., but I really don’t have a one-word answer to this question.
My suggestion: Every month, have an honest look at your finances.
4. Go outside and watch trees and smell flowers:
Ahh, it has really helped me after my fights with my mom, which apparently happens every day :) Jokes apart, it’s ok if you don’t have a park near your house, you just need to get out and have some talking with yourself.
My suggestion: Watch those small children playing in parks, people from different backgrounds, and just observing. Taking some time off from digital media will really help you realize “how tiny creatures we are compared to the universe.”
In this hustle-bustle of daily life, we become so anxious, self-centred, creates a mental ceiling, and sometimes egotistic.
5. Give your body some physical and mental movement:
Staying physically spry doesn’t just improve physical health & makes you burly, but it also improves your mental clarity and boosts positivity by releasing endorphins. Even if you’re steering clear of small indoor spaces like gyms these days, you can still find ample free online meditation classes. Remember, your mental health needs the same attention as anything else, and your growth and development will be impacted by how you think about things.
Someday, you’re gonna be all alone. So you need to figure out how to take care of yourself. — Alice Harmon from Queen’s Gambit.
My suggestion — satisfy your curiosity about a new topic by reading books or watching documentaries, conquer a Rubik’s cube, or take up crosswords, sudoku, or puzzles.
Most importantly, while sleeping, always count your blessings.
