In the spirit of the new year and its resolutions and the hustle culture and it’s productive days, I’d like to discuss the opposite, rewards. Those things we used to care about as kids and cry for, but now don’t even remember when was the last time we had one. (Do you?)
Recently it seems that we’ve drifted further and further away from a balanced existence. Don’t get me wrong I’m all about working hard and trying our best, but i think if there was one good thing about this awful year is that it opened our eyes to examine our lives. It also scared the hell out of us that this could be the end that we haven’t prepared for.
This got me thinking into a new resolution or tradition if you will, for a well lived year I’m going to reward myself at the end of that year, with either an event with family or friends (if the world decides to go back to normal one day), a small gift, and an afternoon spent doing fun activities. I’ve already started for the end of this year and yes I’ve dared to spend an unproductive day, and maybe you should try it too.
The catch ? A well lived year is not one that we’ve worked so hard that we fell asleep before the clock hit 12 AM on New Year’s Eve (unless if you’re in the healthcare industry then god bless your soul and we all thank you for your service). But a year that we’ve done things and activities we’ve always wanted. A year that if we were told that was our last year, we’d look back, smile, and say “true that I still had more stuff I’d wanted to do, but that was a good year and I’m fulfilled by how I’ve spent it”.
Now I know this sounds unrealistic or privileged, but I’m talking about an average normal tradition. I’m also talking about something we can strive for, rather than torment ourselves with. Let us break it down.
First the year, I can only give examples from my personal life, but for me, a thing I’d always wanted to do was learn to play an instrument. Didn’t have the resources or an instructor to do it before as a kid, but ended up starting by the end of quarantine to learn and guess what ? No I don’t play beautifully and have mastered the piano in 3 months. But, I did learn to play a few songs and it brings me great joy trying to learn these songs and hopefully many more. Why end of quarantine ? Well I’m glad you asked, it’s because I still had my job (which I know I’m privileged to still have and I pray that everyone affected and looking for a new job finds one) and the quarantine made the work load more rather than less and I had to focus on that in the beginning.
Now the event, just like anyone else if I want to treat myself I’d save for things, but I noticed I rarely spend on events or experiences thinking they’re fleeting (few hours) and not worthy of the few hundred dollars they cost(depending where you live). Now I still think they’re overpriced, but I now see how meaningful, fun, and memory creating they can be. You can also book early to get better prices, or call asking for a discount or offer based on the bank you use.
As great as experiences are, they’re fleeting as I mentioned above, and memories are great but we don’t always think of them top of our mind. That’s why I think a small gift is great appreciation and souvenir for yourself. You can decide on something that can be upgraded over the years like a simple bracelet that you can add charms to, or completely separate items depending on what you’re into that year.
As for the fun activities afternoon, that can range from a zoom games night with friends to either a walk on the beach or a night in with a book and some hot chocolate. Simply yet rewarding.
Hard work is important, but so are rewards that will positively reinforce our behavior and help us keep on applying it for the years to come.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2021, and that our world starts to heal. Let us not forget we have survived 2020 and I think we all deserve a pat on the back for that.
Till next time 🙂 !
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