Since the beginning of 2020 nothing has felt certain. Everything from the job market to romantic relationships became unstable and for some of us — has been ever since. As we approach the end of 2021 there is still a lingering sense of uncertainty, which makes anxious people like myself even more anxious. So instead of creating a standard ‘new year new me checklist’ that I knew I was never going hold myself accountable to.
I decided to compile a checklist of 5 items that were actually suited for the apocalyptic chaos that is unfolding around the world since 2020.
- Take it one day at a time: F*ck the 5-year plan and start fleshing out your 1 week/1 month plan, this will help you stay focused and reduce any anxiety that you may have around the future.
- Figure out a way to get all your thoughts and emotions out of your system and into the wider world: Exercise, therapy, or journaling are highly recommended. Whatever your outlet of choice, find one and stick by it because I guarantee that if you fail to remove/manage excessive tension or stress in an effective manner it will cause you to explode or implode (neither of which are favorable).
- Pick your battles: I’m the kind of person who tends to avoid drama unless it involves reality TV. In which case I’m all for it. In the past couple of years, I’ve come to accept that there are always going to be instances where you are going to have to decide if the argument/battle is worth the rise in your cortisol levels. So in order to protect your sanity, I’d recommend walking away from petty arguments and taking the high road (where possible) because the only arguments worth fighting are the ones that lead to really good makeup s*x.
- Stop putting up with unnecessary bullshit: Draw boundaries and stand by them. In a time period where everyone’s sanity is hanging on by a loose thread, sometimes things are said and lines are crossed. As someone who used to play the role of a doormat at times, learning how to tell people to (politely) f*k off was the single greatest skill that came about during the pandemic.
- Make time for things that matter: During a time where everything feels rushed and slow at the same time, make it a priority to do the things you love. Go for a stroll by the beach with your favorite cup of coffee or grab dinner with your loved ones instead of pushing it to the following weekend. Whatever sparks joy and curiosity take the time to explore that because I guarantee that when you reflect back on yet another unconventional year, those are the moments that you will cherish the most.
Strategic Chaos 