Practices I want to take forward into 2021!

As we all countdown to a fresh start in 2021, I spent some time reflecting on experiences that will make 2020 a year to remember. Obviously there are a number of them that I would like to leave behind and never look back on, but then there are some practices that not only got me through the year, but something I would like to carry into and continue building next year and beyond. It all distills into three broad themes:

1. Self-discipline

Discipline of beginning and ending your workday at a set time in a remote environment irrespective of how much work is left; discipline to not give into impulsive online shopping; discipline of investing; discipline of limiting screen time and so on. The point is not to impose an army like rule for everything, but having a little structure and set routines that prevents you from going into a downward spiral of binge watching, eating and spending. Trust me it goes a long way in keeping your mind, body and wallet healthy over the years.

2. Mindful presence

‘Mindful’ is the keyword here. I practically spent every day of the last 9 months, ever present with my wife and son but I can claim only a few hours of that time as being there completely when there was no screen present in our conversations and I was 100% focussed. Over my breaks and time-offs now I make it a point to keep my phone out of hand’s reach when talking to my wife or playing with my son and hope to continue maximizing ‘tech-free’ family and friends time.

3. More exercise hours

Exercising was the first thing to go out of my daily routine when the lockdown started and gyms closed (perfect excuse!) and that time was quickly filled up with other “important” work. And it wasn’t until the girth of my waist started increasing and double chin showed up to remind me how easy at my age and lifestyle it is to pick up excess weight and associated disorders. Going back to exercising has been tough (and painful!), but it’s something that tremendously helps me sleep and think better.

What’s on your list from 2020 that you look forward to carrying into the next year?