Embracing a New Year with Authentic Intentions

Unconventional New Year Aspirations

As someone who has traditionally steered clear of New Year resolutions, I sometimes wonder, am I the odd woman out? The concept of resolutions always seemed conformist to me, representing a societal expectation rather than a personal aspiration. This idea of adhering to something simply because it is the norm is at odds with my nature. I take pride in making unconventional choices, from the way I style my appearance to the decisions I make every day. Some have called me a rebel, and frankly, I am comfortable with that label.

My nonconformity is not merely a stance; it reflects my core values. It involves making choices that align with my beliefs instead of following a pre-set path. I revel in being different, in standing apart from the crowd – it is where I find my strength. My approach to New Year resolutions stems more from a desire for authenticity in my goal-setting than from a reluctance to engage in traditional practices.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself in a reflective mood. This New Year, I am embracing the idea of setting intentions. I am doing this not because society expects it of me, but because I see value in reflecting on my goals and aspirations. In this light, I am not just a rebel without a cause but a rebel with a purpose. I am someone who challenges the status quo, not for the sake of rebellion, but to pave a path that is true to myself. Now, I find myself scratching my head…I am struggling to come up with any intentions. First, let me acknowledge what I have achieved or am in the process of doing. I have unlearnt behaviours which I believed were harmful, rid myself of most toxicity, and am already taking steps regarding my health and wellbeing.

My 2024 Aspirations

1. Embrace kindness in daily actions: This year, my intention is to consciously increase my acts of kindness towards others. I plan to focus on small, meaningful actions that positively impact people's lives every day, rather than on grand gestures. My intention is to offer a helping hand, lend a listening ear, or share a word of encouragement more often, recognising that these acts of kindness can significantly brighten someone's day.

2. Cultivate patience: I have noticed that my natural pace is faster than most, often leading others to perceive me as impatient. This year, I am dedicated to fully embracing patience. I intend to appreciate and respect the different paces at which people operate. A humorous memory serves as a poignant reminder: my quick yet unreadable handwriting during an evaluation of an adult literacy programme once led participants to jokingly suggest that I should join their literacy group. Even though advancements in technology have made the skill of handwriting less important, the underlying lesson about the value of patience continues to be crucial for me.

3. Give more:  My aspiration is to generously contribute to society, transcending the usual bounds of charity. I plan to share my time, knowledge, empathy, and compassion in ways that meaningfully impact lives. From volunteering and mentoring to simply being present for those in need, my focus is on enhancing others' lives through direct and heartfelt support.

4. Challenge the status quo: : I am committed to championing gender equality and social inclusion. I will persist in questioning policies, legislation, societal norms, business practices, and attitudes that undermine the rights of women and other disadvantaged groups. My aim is to advocate for sustainable transformation, ensuring a future that is equitable and beneficial for all.

5. Break rules towards meaningful change: I firmly challenge the conventions of 'proper' behaviour, especially when it leads to growth and understanding. I do not rebel just for the sake of it; instead, I engage in meaningful defiance that promotes positive change. In questioning and redefining accepted norms, I aim to cultivate a culture that values diverse perspectives and progressive thinking.

6. Cultivate my authentic self: This year, I am committed to actively nurturing and growing in alignment with my true self, embracing all my quirks and flaws. Instead of striving to become the 'best version' of myself as dictated by societal standards, I will focus on cultivating my authentic self. I aim to actively move away from external benchmarks of 'best' and concentrate on living in alignment with my own values and identity. In recognition of the superior value of authenticity over perfection, I will deepen my understanding and appreciation of, and further develop, my unique attributes, even those that challenge conventional expectations.

7. Sustain self-care in sync with my lifestyle: My self-care strategy is designed for both immediate effectiveness and long-term sustainability. It is a forward-looking approach, ensuring the practices I adopt now will continue supporting my wellbeing in the years ahead. This commitment means aligning my self-care routine with my evolving lifestyle and needs, ensuring it remains relevant and beneficial. I focus on self-care that resonates with my natural rhythm, choosing activities that rejuvenate and relax me while matching my energetic lifestyle. This involves a mix of dynamic exercises like yoga and mindful practices such as meditation, alongside practical routines that integrate seamlessly into my daily life. The key is finding a balance that energises yet soothes, maintaining my wellbeing without slowing down my pace.

8. Continue independent writing: I am committed to furthering my journey as both an Independent International Consultant and a blogger. For years, I have embraced the role of an independent consultant, but it was not until I began blogging at the end of July this year (2023) that I fully grasped what being truly independent means. In my writing, I enjoy complete freedom - there are no dictates on scope, language, length, or audience. This independence is crucial as it allows me to write freely and authentically, covering a diverse range of topics that initially began as personal musings.

9. Pursue excellence in programming: I aim to pursue and excel in programming, driven by a desire to not only acquire a new skill but also to engage deeply in a process of ongoing personal and professional growth. In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, I recognise the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments and trends. My ultimate goal is to achieve such a level of proficiency that the term 'mistress of programming' becomes an appropriate, gender-sensitive way to describe my expertise. This descriptor signifies more than just skill; it represents a journey of dedication and perseverance in a field often dominated by men. Reaching this status would mark not only a personal achievement but also a step towards challenging gender norms within the tech industry.

10. Advance NITE TANZARN IntellectNest: My objective is to advance NITE TANZARN IntellectNest, guiding it to become a leader in its field. This ambition goes beyond establishing a personal legacy; it encompasses a commitment to share the extensive knowledge I have acquired, expressed in my unique voice and style. My focus is not solely on leaving a personal mark in the industry but also on contributing significantly to the technological sphere.

Concluding Reflections at NITE TANZARN IntellectNest

As I reflect upon my journey at NITE TANZARN IntellectNest, it becomes clear that my resolutions are, in fact, more than just resolutions. They are intentional, purposeful aspirations guiding my path, embodying a process of evolution, and the nurturing of my authentic self. These intentions represent a departure from harmful behaviours and an embrace of a life filled with nonconformity.

These reflections signify more than personal goals; they are a call to action for all who resonate with the spirit of nonconformity. They encourage us to embrace not just change but the affirmation of our unique paths. As a rebel at heart, I see rebellion not as a mere act of defiance, but as a conscious choice of an authentic, vibrant life. This New Year is an invitation to let our unique perspectives and creative energies shape our experiences and interactions, embracing the unconventional with enthusiasm.

To all fellow rebels, this is a toast to a new year of personal rebellion, authentic living, and embracing our journeys with courage and joy. Let us celebrate our own brand of glorious rebellion, finding joy in our uniqueness and the paths we choose to forge.

#NewYearGoals #AuthenticSelf #EmbraceKindness #CultivatePatience #GiveMore

#ChallengeStatusQuo #MeaningfulChange #SelfCareJourney  #RebelSpirit #NITETANZARNIntellectNest

About the Author

Nite Tanzarn brings over 20 years of international development experience, having worked on more than 100 assignments across 24 African countries for organisations such as the European Union, World Bank, and United Nations. Adept in both research and practice, Nite's work spans diverse sectors, including transport and agriculture. Nite is committed to promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion.