A new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It brings a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm, as if the calendar itself is offering another chance to do better. I treat this moment as a new beginning and take time to prepare my list of New Year resolutions. These resolutions are not just yearly promises, but a personal roadmap for how I want to spend my time and effort throughout the year in a way that supports my long term goals. When the year comes to an end, I look back and reflect honestly on what worked, what didn’t, and where my plans were carried out successfully or fell short.
I know many people set New Year resolutions, only to abandon them within a few weeks or months when they start to feel overwhelming. Some even make resolutions casually, more as a yearly ritual than a real commitment, and never take action on them. For me, however, resolutions serve a different purpose. They are a conscious commitment to the things I truly want to do and achieve. This commitment does not come from pressure or expectation, but from a clear sense of purpose.
For 2026, I have following resolutions:
01. Read at least 15 new Books.
I have been consciously trying to rebuild my reading habit since 2023 and managed to read around twenty five books by the end of 2025. In 2026, I plan to continue nurturing this habit with more intention. This year, I have decided to explore a wider range of genres, focusing on biographies, books on politics, finance, and business, while still making room for novels and short stories.
02. Do or learn something new.
Every year, I make a conscious effort to learn or do something new. It helps me sharpen my skill set and keeps the year engaging and meaningful. I plan to carry this mindset forward in 2026 as well, using new experiences as a way to grow and stay curious throughout the year.
03. Have holidays and visit to new locations.
Making time for travel has always been challenging for me. Even so, in 2026 I plan to be more intentional about it by visiting at least three new locations and setting aside meaningful holiday time with my family. I want these trips to be less about ticking destinations off a list and more about creating shared memories and moments of rest.
04. Share knowledge through writing or teaching.
I also plan to rebuild my writing habit. This year, I want to write more consistently, whether through blog posts on my website or articles on LinkedIn covering a range of topics. Alongside this, I aim to share my professional knowledge more actively, using writing and teaching as ways to contribute, learn, and connect with a wider audience.
05. Resume physical exercise.
Before moving to my current place, I used to play badminton at Chandrima Uddyan almost every day. I used to ride my bicycle occasionally. Last year, I picked up golf and enjoyed the learning curve it brought. However, over the past couple of months, I have completely drifted away from regular physical exercise. In 2026, I plan to change that by getting back to both golf and badminton, while also building a consistent habit of morning walks and cycling. I see this as an important step toward restoring balance and maintaining my overall well being.
06. Become more proactive and reduce unnecessary screen time.
In recent years, I have significantly reduced my overall social media activity. Yet I still find myself spending a noticeable amount of time scrolling through Facebook feeds and reels. At times, this habit pulls me away from a more active lifestyle and leaves me feeling reactive rather than intentional. In 2026, I plan to cut down on unnecessary screen time and focus on being more proactive in both my professional work and daily life.
07. Read and learn Quran Regularly.
In recent years, I have struggled to read the Quran regularly. Thanks to platforms like quran.com, I was still able to read occasionally from my phone, which helped me stay connected. This year, however, I want to be more consistent. I plan to build a regular habit of reading the Quran and begin memorizing selected chapters as part of my daily routine.
08. Continue participation in Social Works and Professional Networking Events.
Since 2024, I have been gradually increasing my involvement in professional networking events and social initiatives through my Rotary Club. These experiences have been both enriching and meaningful. In 2026, I plan to continue this journey and further increase my level of participation, with the aim of contributing more actively while building stronger professional and community connections.
09. Cut unnecessary expenses and make new investments.
This year, I plan to be more mindful about my spending by cutting unnecessary or avoidable expenses. Alongside this, I want to channel those savings into new investments, with the goal of building stronger financial discipline and supporting my long term financial plans.
10. Keep in touch with friends and relatives.
Because of my busy lifestyle, I often feel disconnected from friends and relatives, and I find myself missing family gatherings more often than I would like. In 2026, I want to change this. I plan to create a list of my relatives and make a conscious effort to stay in touch with all of them. I also hope to reconnect with friends I have lost touch with over the years and rebuild those meaningful relationships.
Resolutions are never perfect, and they are rarely easy to follow through. Still, they serve as a reminder that growth is always within reach. If you have already reflected on your intentions for 2026, I would love to hear about them in the comments. Let’s encourage one another, build momentum together, and make this year a truly intentional one.
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