2014 is nearly over. What should we ask ourselves as one year ends and another year begins? There is still time for reflection. We don’t have to be too harsh on ourselves though. This is the season of peace and goodwill. It is useful for each of us to ask this one last question in 2014: Have we left undone what we ought to have done?

I Know What I Have Left Undone

In terms of my blogging, I know what I have left undone. I have not posted often enough in 2014. Yes, I have just counted that I have no fewer than 110 draft blog posts. Like the books that we have bought and not read, these drafts are useless for my readers unless they are polished, posted and shared in my blog.

This lapse is one that I am not willing to accept. Not only that, I owe it to you, my readers and supporters.

I don’t usually make New Year Resolutions, but this time I’m making an exception. And I’m even making a declaration of it here.

My 2015 New Year Resolution

It’s simple. I will share at least three blog posts each week with you, my loyal readers. It’s easy for me to declare a resolution, but I promise to stick with it.

How Do I Intend To Keep My 2015 Resolution?

It’s difficult to keep up a resolution for a whole year, so I’ve devised a plan. I’m going to follow three simple rules, keeping myself accountable through regular checks:

# 1. Keep blogging at the top of my mind every day

– I will set aside a particular time for writing and set reminders to stay on track.

# 2. Set a weekly review to make sure I’m reaching my target

– I will have a weekly review every Thursday. So if I haven’t reached my target by then, I still have three days left.

# 3. Finish what I start

– I will focus on finishing and publishing posts, rather than keeping them as drafts! During this time I need to stay focused on writing, so I’ll turn off my phone and log off social media.

Personal  Reminders

I’ve found that the following three reminders have worked for me. They empowered me and are my mental triggers to spur me on, to complete tasks and fulfill promises. I believe that they can work for you too.

1. Life Is Ceaseless Endeavour

Life Is Ceaseless Endeavour ~ Ploughing Rice Field With A Water Buffalo

A long time ago, I read that “Life Is Ceaseless Endeavour” in a magazine, which was delivered free with Sunday newspapers. It was the caption above a picture of a farmer ploughing his field with a water buffalo.

Etched into my mind’s eye, that image has often helped me to just start work. It has continued to motivate me to finish the task at hand, however mundane it might be. Perhaps this can serve as an inspiration or as motivation when you’re tired, helping you to finish your work.

2. A Poem By Robert Frost

I have memorised this stanza by one of my favourite poets. I replay it in my head whenever I am tired but must carry on.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening ~ Robert Frost

3. The Unfinished Drawing

Brush-And-Ink Drawing Of King’s College Chapel, Cambridge University

In the summer of 2004, I received this brush-and-ink drawing of the iconic King’s College Chapel in Cambridge. It was my son’s work and his graduation gift to me. Since then, I have interpreted the “unfinished” drawing as Lawrence’s intention to tell me that each of us has unfinished work and promises to keep.

The drawing now hangs in front of my writing desk. It is such an apt reminder that I have unfinished work in my blogging each time I am at the desk.

Journey In Life, Promises To Keep And The Miles To Go Before I Sleep

As I’ve said in the beginning, we don’t have to be too harsh on ourselves  even if we have not done what we ought to have done. There is still time to empower yourself.

I wish to extend the Season’s Greetings to you, my dear readers from across the world and your family. And a Happy New Year.