5 things to start doing in 2015

Previously, I had a post titled 5 things to stop doing in 2015, which received great response! Hence, I'm writing this post as a follow-up to aid you in making 2015 even more exceptional! With out any further ado, this is 5 things to start doing in 2015.

1. Chasing your dreams

I know this sounds like it came out of a Disney movie, but speaking from my own experiences, pursuing your aspirations is essential. You only have this lifetime to accomplish it, how long are you going to wait for? Don't let yourself live in regret. I warned you, this feeling is terrible and will tear you from the inside out. 

In 2015, do what you can and do what you love. Trust me, it is worth every second of your time. Putting your heart into achieving your goal is undeniably satisfying! Even Grandma Mary is learning to play the guitar at her age. With passion, you are unstoppable! Time waits for no man. Take the chance now and go after that goal! You don't want to miss it! 

2. Leading a healthy lifestyle

The top new year resolution on everyone's list. Nothing beats a healthy body, it is a blessing to not be plagued with illnesses. I have to admit, I am not in the pink of health myself. Eating clean and exercising regularly is now on my to-do list for 2015.  It is laborious to keep up,but I am sure we will all reap positive results!

In 2015, stay healthy and strong! Go for regular health-checks, keep a exercise regime and eat responsibly. You are what you eat, it reflects on your body. A journey of a million miles begins with a single step, begin slowly and make progress steadily. Start now, it is never too late to tilt your body back to it's superb condition. Soon enough, you will be amazed by what your body can do!

3. Save up

With today's economy, it is crucial to have enough money to live by. The cost of literally everything (except our wages), is increasing. It is critical to save up enough money to live comfortably. Begin early and by the end of the year, expect to be rewarded handsomely. Why not start by following this awesome challenge? It doesn't seem that hard, right?

In 2015, do make the effort to save up regularly. Getting your daily coffee fix at a local coffee shop can save you so much more than buying it at a fancy cafe. Little savings day by day will accumulate to a substantial amount at the end of the year. Let's do some simple math. A cup of latte at any fancy coffee house cost you about $4.50 at the very least. Whereas a cup of coffee at a coffee shop costs only $1.20. If we choose the cheaper alternative, we can save roughly $99 a month and $1204.50 a year! Look at that shocking difference!

4. Spending more time with family

We are constantly working hard to make our family proud. Stop for a moment and ask yourself : "Is sacrificing family time worth it?" There are many instances where I regretted not putting in some time for them. Once it has passed, there is no going back. Hence, the next time a family occasion pops up, be sure to attend! Everyone must have missed you! However, be prepared to be bombarded with tons of "When are you getting a girlfriend/boyfriend?" or "When are you getting married?" questions though! 

In 2015, take some time to appreciate your family and invest in some quality family time. Family members can't be with you for your entire lifetime, cherish them and make it worthwhile. When was the last time you and your family bonded together? A weekend stay-cation or even an overseas trip would surely strengthen family ties. Start marking your calenders and pack your bags!

5. Eat more, yes eat more

Simply because food is everything, food is life. 2015 wouldn't be amazing if we didn't have good food. Sometimes, it's worth the indulgence.

5 things to stop doing in 2015

With the year coming to an end, I look back and thought about the things I did that I shouldn't have done. Life is all about trial and error, nobody succeeded on the first try. I have come to a glorious conclusion and now I present to you, 5 things everyone should stop doing in 2015. 

1. Having high expectations

One thing I did was to constantly believe that people would treat me exactly the same way I treat them. The brutal truth is that the world does not work this way. You can put in everything for this one person, but in their mind, you are nothing but a speck of dust. Stop anticipating, it's not going to help at all.The more you try to reach for greater heights, the harder you fall. I kept waiting for miracles to happen but this only occur in fairy tales. 

In 2015, don't give yourself such high hopes again. Function in such a way that you don't expect wondrous things to happen to you. If you have mental preparation that you will be rejected, you wouldn't be taking things the hard way. In order not to feel upset, you need to tell yourself to be prepared to fail. By having this mentality, you wouldn't be afraid of people letting you down. Sound logical?

2. Procrastinating

Procrastination is the biggest killer of all. You only have 365 days, 8760 hours, 525600 minutes and 31536000 seconds a year. So much more could have been done only if we didn't decide that lying down in bed doing absolutely nothing, is more important than doing what's important. To be honest, I am the greatest procrastinator ever. I missed out on a multitude of activities just because i was plain lazy. Looking back, I was such a fool.

In 2015, don't be a victim of procrastination. Do something about it! I know procrastination feels sooo good. On the other hand, having something accomplished and feeling productive is incomparable to feeling blatantly lazy. It takes a heart of steel to not be tempted by procrastination, but once you are there, you will never look back. 

3. Splurge unnecessarily

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends used to be of utmost importance. I would spend a lot of money on clothes,beauty and cosmetic products. As the year goes, I realized that fashion is only temporary and all that could have been used more appropriately. All of my savings were spend on materialistic objects and were definitely not put into good use.

In 2015, don't spend money on wants but rather on needs. After working in the retail industry, I finally realized that money is hard to earn. Oh boy did I regret my actions in the past, how I wish I could just press the rewind button now. Next time you are buying something, ask yourself: "Do I really need that pair of new jeans?" Keyword: really. 

4. Taking things for granted

Be it your parent's love or the kindness people has shown to you. I am guilty of not treating people right, I know I have sinned. I have regretted making some choices. A few circumstances wouldn't have turned out like what it is today if I didn't make the wrong decision. 

In 2015, don't be trapped in this vicious cycle,appreciate what you have around you. Love and be loved. Be kind, be respectful and be thankful. However, when some things are broken, it is difficult to repair. It is not always your fault, everyone is learning and sometimes, people just make mistakes. What passed is the past, there is no purpose in looking back.

5.Trusting people too easily

Lending your trust to people who turned out to be a back-stabber was the greatest mistake of 2014. I trust too easily and made myself vulnerable. Learning the truth hurts, but being in the dark completely is much more painful. Getting slapped in the face by the truth can wake you up. I once had a friend ask me this: "Why are you telling me all this? Do you trust me that much?". It was only then did I realized that I wouldn't be so agonized if I knew how to trust the right people.

In 2015, don't be so naive. The world is a complicated place filled with pain and betrayal. Learn to be smart and not have faith in the wrong people. Be careful of what you say and do, you will never know when people can use it against you.

May we all have a 2015 filled with less drama and more happiness. It is up to yourself to make the year exceptional. Good luck!