It is the start of the year and, just like previous years, everyone is writing out the things that they want to change to have a better 2019. These “resolutions” are aligned to make a better person in all of us by the end of 2019, that’s if we get to stand by the plan way past the first quarter.
Honestly, I love the positivity that embodies the whole concept about becoming a better version of us BUT I also see why most people fail in their resolutions. These “plans” are focused too much on what we want to “BE” rather than focusing on what we can DO to “BE” that kind of person. Case in point, most people resolve to “BE better at work” and there is nothing wrong with this resolution except that it is vague. We need to define what step changes you will take to BE better at what we do and that can mean meeting your deadlines a day ahead or coming to work earlier to accomplish more. Focus on what you can control to BE that kind of person.
I have listed down my own step change checklist for the year and I would like to share with you some ideas on small things that you can do to make a difference. Small steps that will help you BE better and BE a better Pinoy.
Plant a tree.
We all have voiced our concerns about wanting a cleaner environment and the need to BE more environment conscious. Most of us probably have our own metal/wooden re-usable straws, utensils, and cups that we use as our small contribution to being earth-friendly.
Why not level up your contribution by planting a tree this year for a more long-term contribution to your resolution to BE more environmentally conscious? The act is a small thing to do right now that could reap huge benefits to future generations. You can do it with family and friends and you can work with organizations like the Masungi Georeserve in Tanay. It gives you the opportunity to not only raise awareness on one of the most pressing issues that we are facing but to also create a legacy to future generations.
Pick-up trash.
This action requires a shift in behavior that, not only impacts you, but the people who see your actions. Picking up trash and disposing it properly every time you see one is a short-term solution that has a bigger impact to those who witness the act. It sends out a strong message that littering is not okay and that it is everyone’s responsibility to dispose their trash responsibly and properly. It emphasizes the message to you as the doer and to those who witness the act.
In the same way, respectfully calling out people who litter is also a great way to send out the same message. It teaches the person and the people that they are with that littering is not an acceptable and will never be an acceptable behavior. The operative word here is “respectfully”.
Use pedestrian lanes.
I remember shifting my behavior towards using pedestrian lanes during the campaign period of the 2016 Presidential Elections. Campaigning for President Duterte, I realized that one of the major concerns for us Filipinos is discipline. Most Filipinos tend to throw the law down the drain when they are the one on the spot. This is most evident in the simplest laws that we have like crossing the street using the pedestrian lane, for example. We tend to cross anywhere without disregard to both the law and safety.
Using the pedestrian lane is a simple conscious act to obey the law. We need to respect and follow the laws of our country, from the smallest acts to the bigger ones. I believe that we need to start by focusing on doing what is right even in the smallest actions. It speaks of respect and obedience. It is also an act that speaks more to the younger ones about obeying the law. If we want change to happen, change should start with us.
Go local. Promote local.
I have strong appreciation for quality local products. I am always on a lookout for items from local entrepreneurs that I can use whether at work or for my travels. I always check-out local markets when I am out exploring for great finds that I can help promote in my travel blogs or suggest to friends. By doing so, I play my part in helping build the strength of the local economy. In fact, 95% of the gifts that I gave out last Christmas were from local businesses. I use these products and I help promote it to my friends and family.
This is a great step change in behavior that we Filipinos need to make. We should put premium to quality local products instead of the usual imported brands. There are locally manufactured items that are superior in quality. By supporting these local products, we spawn the economy in these communities that provide livelihood and income, not only to its owners, but also to its workers. We help in building the confidence of entrepreneurs to create more products and help the locals in their communities uplift their lives.
I would also like to encourage you to go to your local markets rather than mall groceries for your usual house supplies run. This helps our local “tinderos/tinderas” with their small businesses. Apart from getting these items fresh and cheaper, you also help in sustaining the livelihood of in your community.
Travel more to local destinations.
Since we are in the topic of appreciating local products/brands, let me also encourage you to pack your bags and explore our own – the Philippines. There are a lot to discover and appreciate in our backyard. Discover what makes the Philippines one of the best vacation spots in the world and learn our unique culture and heritage.
I appreciate the increase in the interest and appreciation towards local destinations by Filipinos over the past years. I have seen how the paradigm shifted from international to local spots. I love the fact that the shift opened new opportunities for these communities by the traveling community. I have witnessed stories about how local tourism improved the lives in communities and how it raised awareness on sustainable tourism. We still have a long way to go but if we keep exploring and promoting local destinations, we will get there.
Eat healthy. Exercise regularly.
You can choose to live healthier this year. Again, this is going to be a shift in mindset. Start eating healthier and start a fitness regimen. Do not do it because you are pressured, or you are envious but do it for yourself. Love yourself so you need to take care of yourself.
There are a lot of ways to get healthy and going through the net is overwhelming. The best way to do it is to go to an expert. You can try to get in touch with someone you know and has a background in the fitness industry, or you can try enrolling in a health club if you are the type that needs an extra push to get Remember that not everything you read and watch on the internet is ideal for you. Have the right goal, consult an expert, and keep the discipline.
Give to worthwhile causes.
I have always believed that Filipinos are innately kind and helpful. We go out of our ways to help someone in need even if it means tightening our own belt in the process. There is a certain joy that we get when we lend a hand.
My travels have given the opportunity to personally witness how basic services can be a struggle in certain areas of the Philippines. I have seen how certain ethnic groups have adjusted their lives to provide the very basic to their community even with minimal help from government units. I have also seen how NGOs and private group manage to seek and send out help to these communities. So when you get the chance to sponsor a child’s educational supply or a meal, please do not hesitate to lend out a hand when you are able. This small act can make a huge difference to child’s life and, even, for a community.
These are just small steps that you can take to create a ripple effect to your family and friends. These are small acts that collectively can make a huge difference in our society. The change that we want starts within us. Start small and be an example.
Keep smiling and cheers to a great 2019, dear friends!
adobongpinoy 