The Next Minimalist

The ups and downs of 2018 were almost unbearable but yas! I’m still here. Let me tell you that the last time I was in a group, we were asked to share what were our learnings this year and I think I’ve got a lot more in my mindt and so I made this Top 10 #TakeAwaysFrom2018 to spread inspiration. Feel free to use the hashtag if you wanna share yours too.

1) TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH.

It was sometime during mid of year 2017 when I thought of doing something for my career/profession. I did consider as well doing something totally different from my current line of work. I didn’t exactly know what I want and all I ever know is that I want to achieve something. Generally, I do make decisions quite long but when goals are identified, whether it’d be an ultimate dream or something that is just given to me, I make sure that I get things done. The discernment stage passed and yes this 2018 I took the plunge with a brave heart. And I know from that time, I made the right decision.

2) COMMITMENT IS THE KEY.

“I will go for it when I’m finally ready” didn’t work. What was effective during the process was, “Nobody is 100% prepared”. I learned that what you only need is to identify your goal then commit to it and everything else will follow. My family has seen my worst this year. But then again, I’ve set my goal already, no turning back and I will finish the battle! I told my self.

3) SACRIFICE (period)

Deactivated social media accounts, not renewing my membership to a digital organization whom I am affiliated with before, declining invitations from friends and even to some of my family members. And those supposedly Saturday to Sunday rest days from my full-time job were turned to weekdays as well. Sacrificing was not an issue, after all, I’ve prepared a brave heart right from the very start and I know to myself that I can do it.

4) ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT FAILURE IS INEVITABLE. SO WHY NOT!

Then the start of everything. Failures welcomed me and so the boastful brave heart melted down. I was so down and I cried a lot. But thinking of the mantra, I need to fake my emotion. Surprisingly, it did work. Haha! And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, that is to confront my fears.

5) ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. NO ONE CAN PREDICT. SO HOLD ON.

There were many turning points that happened during this year. And I’d like to thank God for sending people who made the turning points worth it. I learn that it is not impossible to learn things you thought you never will. Most of the time, it’s only our attitude towards the situation that we need to change.

6) ENJOY AND HAVE FUN.

Build your support system during the process. Also, try to perform other activities especially those that you enjoy doing. Do not be too hard on yourself and to that goal. However, never ever forget about it. When you have a support system, you will fail together and cry together. Joke! But really, you know you’re not alone and that you will succeed together.

7) SOMETIMES, IT’S OKAY TO BE SELFISH.

Don’t be guilty if there are times that you only thought of yourself alone over everyone else. You’ve worked hard a lot so don’t deprive yourself especially when you are almost in the finish line. Take care of yourself. But honestly, this one is really difficult. It is always important to know your pacing and manage your energy well.

8) CREATE THAT DREAM FOR YOUR SELF NOT FOR OTHERS TO CREATE IT FOR YOU.

So what was I trying to accomplish? Why I did that? Growing up, I had this stigma that success is defined by something tangible like grand material things or a particular achievement you get from school or extracurricular activities. And without it, it would seem like you are a less kind of person. But as time goes by, I slowly understand that success may come in different forms. And that’s one thing I’d like to emphasize that at the end of the day it is how you treat people around you that matters. You may be recognized of a particular achievement but how you live with that achievement is more important. Indeed, achieving our goal is just a bonus. It is the process or the journey that will make everything worth it whether you’ve achieved or not the goal you’ve identified.

9) LET GO AND LET GOD.

If you know that you did everything that you can, let God do the rest. If you fail, then acknowledge it and continue with whatever you have at the moment. No matter how little the next step is, just move. Remember that at the end of the battle, those who never give up are the stronger ones. If you didn’t reach the goal, it means another thing. God is working for you. In my case, it took 5 consecutive years completing the Misa De Gallo every December to pray for something I dream for so long and a lot more of unsaid sacrifices believing that someday it will be granted. But I always end up the previous years not achieving it. This only means that God has already written your life. You will have your time and you’ll be surprised.

10) GO BACK TO WHY YOU STARTED.

Don’t ever forget that reaching your goal is just a bonus to whoever you are as a person. It is not something that would make you better than the others. It’s just one of the perks of life. You are still human. Always go back to the time you’re still praying for that goal.

11) BE THANKFUL. (Opss! This is 11 takeaways from 2018 rather)

Thank you so much to my family for understanding me. You had me at my worst. But you all chose not to break my heart. Haha! (that Pinoy movie line though). But really, to all of you who became part of my 2018, thank you so so much most especially for every prayer offered. I have been blessed and I pray that you too.

Grateful to you 2018,

TNM