What makes a man...

It's another new year...again...and as similar as previous years before this, some of us will take some time to indulge in a self-gazing mode...calculating failed ambitions, unfulfilled 2009's resolutions and seeking ways to be a better man this 2010...as for me, Syazwan a.k.a John, a good old friend of mine (since our naive years of 13 years old in the enclaved mckk) came in the brim of the new year...leading to another trip...another story to be told...

While most of us believed that there are no use to make any New Year's resolutions when they are far easier to make than they are to keep, I am sure that this new year...most of us will promise ourselves a more successful, productive and happier year than the previous one...

What you really want out of life this 2010?

Learn new things- I don't really say 'learn!' until the extent that you drastically quit your job for another degree or MBA when you don't really have the guts and capacity for that...but learning could be just as simple as learning how to cook or swim, taking up new language or learn to give more than receiving...it will gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you could finish a small step in learning...trust me...I am the right guy to say this (17 years of education and still learning) :)

Start reading-Ever heard of any great titles but never had a chance to read any?...grab one and try to finish it by the end of the year...Do accept the fact that intelligent and wise men read...tired of crappy yellowish pages of another paperback edition? why not try to download 'Count of Monte Cristo' e-book by BeamItDown...it's available for free...direct to your iPhone so that you could sneak to it at any of your free time...reading will improve your vocabulary and increase your charm...(i don't know how by the way...)

Help yourself to be healthier-Visit your panel doctor for a thorough checkup...adopt a new diet plan...join a gym...change your bad habits...start new sports...stop smoking...pursue your hobby...you will feel a boost in energy, reduce love handles, you look and feel better...it will help you expand your network and meet new people, which is good for your state of mind too...

Create a nesting egg, financially-Keep a percentage of your income into an untouchable account...it will do great in rainy days and better..as a springboard to another great holiday trip or bigger...as a downpayment for your first house or a new ride...(those times of receiving every single thing from your parents is over...if you still do, it is just another sign of 'failure to launch')...

Be a better man-There are no other ways to make you feel better about yourself than to help those in need...whatever you can do to help others is worth doing...but if you are in a rut, help yourself first...

Travel-I start my new year by visiting new places....it is about taking myself out of my comfort zone...push myself to a new limit, broaden my horizons and checking out the new corner of the world...put yourself at a crosshair of an adventure and surely it will cure your boredom....budget crisis? a visit to an old small cafe next town to try some new menu in the weekend will do...traveling challenges you, makes you think on your feet and grooms yourself more interesting ...well-traveled makes you cultured, helps you tell many interesting episodes and helps you draw more connections to events in life than those who stay at home...

What makes a man this 2010??

...it lies beneath you...and only you could reveal the answer....

Happy New Year 2010!!!

-Ilham 2010:我慢と頑張ろう;gaman and gambarou;perseverance towards striving for the best-