Realistic Resolutions

**as appeared in Sunday Star, 15 Jan 2012

LAST January, when I made my New Year resolution, I told myself I would make it happen, come what may. I wanted to go on a vegetarian diet, for a healthier lifestyle and to be more disciplined when it comes to food (difficult for a Penangite).

I actually kept it up until March, when I had to undergo minor surgery and had to change my food intake.

But, hey, I maintained the vegetarian diet for 90 days! Hence, I decided that if I made short-term resolutions, I could achieve them and feel proud, rather than not do anything to shape my life. I also decided not to wait till the first day of the new year to do so – I could make the list as I went along.

First on my list was to lose 3kg by the end of 2011. A very realistic goal.

Many people I know aim to lose 10kg or more and when they do not see any result (at least within a month), out goes their resolution and they never want to talk about weight loss again.
But I can guarantee you that when you lose the targetted 3kg, you will be motivated to lose more. It worked for me, and some of my friends. Try it.

I also resolved to drink at least one litre of water every day. I mean plain, boiled water, not teh ais, limau ais, or soft drinks. Do you know that when you have enough water in your body, it increases your ability to fight off sickness. I have a 800ml water bottle on my table and I make sure that I fill it twice daily.

Making someone smile and making his/ her day better is another of my resolutions. The someone here means anyone, even total strangers. I often talk to the cleaners in my office. I will ask them what home-cooked food they have brought and chat a little.

When I walk into a bank or any government office, I never fail to ask the name of the person I’m dealing with. I like to say thanks and goodbye to them by using their name. You should see how their faces light up when you do that. Coming from a customer service background, I know how it feels to be addressed and appreciated.

All these little things that I achieve daily make my day complete and make me smile to myself. – Marlina Sara Sylvester