After the pandemic reset our lives and priorities dramatically, do goals and resolutions still matter? If they do, in what ways have they changed? Three Mumbaikars share their plans and misgivings for 2022
Image for representational purpose only. Photo: istock/Neelanjana Mondal/Neha Nagar
It is that time of year when almost every person around us cannot help but introspect. Goals are set and resolutions made, even if many fail to keep them. While some have altogether given up believing in the annual tradition, for those who continue to resolve, the Covid-19 pandemic has shifted priorities dramatically. Work-related ambitions have taken a small step back, whereas mental as well as physical health have risen to top importance since 2020.
Mid-day Online reached out to Mumbaikars from different fields, including teachers, content creators, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and more, to share their resolutions for 2022.
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Here is what they had to say:
“I remember making certain resolutions by the end of 2019, having no idea at that time that the next two years are going to confine us to the four walls of our house. I don’t remember the resolutions properly now. However, now that we are going into 2022 and things are hopefully getting better, I have decided to make some new resolutions.
In the lockdown, the lack of sufficient activity and movement and unhealthy eating patterns have emerged. I have realised that I can’t let my health be compromised like this. So, I have decided to do a little more exercise by going on walks, riding the cycle and even joining a gym when my schedule permits.
Also, I have realised that the latter half of 2021 has been really hectic and chaotic. I took on a lot of work and left no time for me to relax. So, I plan to do more activities that will help me relax and rejuvenate like traveling to different places and exploring them, making sure to not take more work than I can handle and keep space in my calendar to de-stress.
The last two years also made it difficult for me to socialise and connect with more people. So, I aim to meet more people, go on more dates and connect with people. I think this self-isolation has made me realise the importance of having a good social and emotional support network. So, I will be building that and not be sitting at my home like a hermit.
- Pranay Javeri, 23, Mulund, mental health team in-charge at AIQA (All India Queer Association)
Neelanjana Mondal, Kolkata, journalist
“I really feel like 2022 is going to be the recycled version of 2021. I'm not making any resolutions at all, just keeping the ones I've already made and committed to this year- worrying less about things I can't control and focusing on my wellbeing. I had tried making resolutions before, but I could never stick to them. I mean, you know how our schedules are. If the industry is the ringmaster, you're the lion who has to jump through the hoop on fire. Always alert and on your feet. That's more of the reason for me to make decisions whenever it suits me during the year. It feels less constricting and makes me feel in control of my life. So, it's my job shaping my resolutions, if any at all.”
- Neelanjana Mondal, Kolkata, journalist
“My resolution is to ease up on the work aspect of life a little and give some time to myself and my mental health. As a teacher, I would be serving no purpose if I’m unable to contribute to the mental health of students. We are, after all, living in a world where mental health takes precedence. I have got to practice it myself first, if I want my students to follow suit. I believe kids are imitators. They do what you set an example of. And hence, that’s my resolution for 2022.”
- Gavin D’souza, 27, Vasai, teacher
“The last two years of the pandemic have been all about surviving darkness and waiting to be on the bright side. Work-from-home consumed all aspects of my life with meeting job goals taking over everything else. Few months ago, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It was a defining moment that led to the epiphany to re-prioritise my wellbeing in 2022.
Besides, I want to pick the loose ends of my personal goals that I let go in 2020. I want to put myself out in the world more. That would mean attending more events, going for cultural walks, plays, shows and group treks. I also want to re-start Spanish lessons, go back into therapy, meditate more often and journal again.”
- Arpita Bhagat, 33, Navi Mumbai, campaign manager, Purpose PBC
Neha Nagar, Greater Noida, finance content creator
“Both 2020 and 2021 taught us to be well prepared for any situation. 2021 was risky for both lives and investments. So, I will focus more on my mental and physical health in 2022. This year was full of chaos in and out. Achieving mental peace will be my NewYear resolution. We tend to focus more on earnings, status and achievements but the last two years gave us some more time to think about our health. I want to be happy with whatever I have. I want to be at peace with life and 2022 will be a year of hope and peace for me.”
“New year brings new hopes and new energy to start afresh. At the end of every year, as a content creator, I review my year and plan for my next year. Yes, I have achieved some of my goals that I planned in 2020 for 2021 but half of them are still incomplete. Resolutions actually help to motivate you to achieve your goals in a specified time period and they worked well for me. Like, I wanted to be good at public speaking in 2020 and I became a TedX speaker in 2021. Plans always help us to move ahead. It’s okay if you don’t have a plan but New Year is the time you should review and start again.”
- Neha Nagar, Greater Noida, finance content creator
(With inputs from Nascimento Pinto)
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