Understandably, when a new year arrives, we all start to look for new resolutions. But to me, the resolutions need not always be new. And it need not be only a resolution but can also be a reflection. Preferably more of a reflection rather than resolution. Also, it can be a continuation of the previous year’s resolution(s) except that you may want to re-adjust and re-align it to suit your ambitions or plans in the new year.

So, what I will do first is to reflect and then have a resolution if I need any new one. If not, I will stick to the present and/or previous resolutions and continue with them. The way I look at it is like this: as long as I have not achieved the old resolution (if I have one), I won’t start on a new one even though it is a new year. I figure that we don’t have to have new resolutions just because everyone else is having one.

I would want to reflect on my relationships with my siblings and parents, especially with those whom I have taken for granted and¬† hardly know who they are as individuals even as we grow older and apart. It may sound surprising¬† but many of us don’t really know our sisters, brothers and parents.

Then, I will want to look at my other relationships with people outside my family circle. Do I need to continue or discontinue with them or network for new ones? I look for reciprocity in any relationships. It’s not just that I like your face and I want to be your friend kind of thing.

Not forgetting my career, where am I going with my career? Do I want to continue working ‘makan gaji’ or do I want to do something else on my own for a change. Also, what about my contributions to the society? That, too, needs to be looked at in order to share the knowledge that is in me so that it won’t lie wasted.

Last but not least is the need to look at self-management i.e. my daily life, my debts, my time, my place, etc. What went well? What can be done better? What did I learn?

Welcoming new year sounds looks like a tall order. But the need to go through all that is vital if you need to renew yourself. So, just having a resolution is not enough but one needs to first reflect, reflect and reflect before coming up with any resolution.

God willing, may 1430 Hijriah, New Year 2009 and Lunar Year of the Ox bring us much success, happiness and prosperity!