17 Things to do in 2017

1. Save money.

You've seen the effects of the recession that hit Nigeria. People have been dipping heavily into their savings, and cutting all sorts of corners just to make ends meet.

Plan out how you can reduce your expenses even slightly. Use less data. Less electricity. Stay in more.




2. Build something.

I don't particularly mean like a house or a business. Be creative. Build a relationship. Build an idea. Build self-esteem. Build a brand even. Look in and out and make something beautiful this year.


3. Love More.

If you're thinking of boyfriend/girlfriend iss, or romance - then you don't know love very well. That's just one dimension. Go to an orphanage and visit children. Go your church and encourage the workers there. Call your parents and siblings more. Donate belongings that you can spare. Even if it's just once or twice this year. There are 365 days this year. Just use a few.


4. Help out.

There's many a person out there who needs help with something. It doesn't need to be something big. It could be as simple as cleaning shoes. No-one is too big for anything. Take a minute. Or an hour. Or day. Just help.


5. Pay attention.

In this tech-obsessed society, we rarely ever take the time to spend time with something that's not electrical.

There are no better HD graphics than the ones out in reality. Look more at the environment you stay in. Look more at the people around you. Study them. Note 5 new things every month. That's all you need to do.


6. Speak out.

Don't just sew your mouth shut when something is going wrong. Speak gently and firmly. Believe in yourself. Stand your ground. There is POWER in your words.


7. Fix something.

So you've paid attention. You've spoken out. Oya do something. You see a problem, don't just "make mouth". Move your body. Fix one thing around you this year. Do it just once a month. Then watch the world around you transform.


8. Say no when you need to.

Don't be a pushover. When you recognize bias, or exploitation, or unfairness, don't let it stand. Do not be part of it. Walk away or fight it. But of course - you shouldn't fight the wrong fight or look for trouble where it's nowhere to be found. Judge the situation with good conscience.

9. Look inside.

Do a little introspection. Look deep into your mind and soul, and make sure you like what you see. What are your flaws? What can you do to fix one or two this year? Take a step. Any step really.


10. Thank God.

Everyone of us has something to be thankful for. Tons of things really. The food you eat. The travels you make. The very air you breathe. You may think these are little things, but there is really no "small" blessing. Don't wait until you meet the people paying N10,000 per day for simple oxygen to realize you've been given gifts without limit.

11. Stay strong

You're going to see a lot of things this year. I'm not saying whether they'll be good or bad. You need to dictate that part yourself. But whatever you see - don't fall over backwards. Keep going strong. Stand up. Walk forward. Keep your eyes straight and level. You can do this. You WILL do this.

12. Listen

The world around you, and all of creation has something to say. It could be through the people in your neighborhood. It could be through your family - parents, siblings, children. It could be through a potent feeling on a normal looking day. Do not just ignore this. Listen closely. You just might hear the wisest whispers.


13. Read something.

Not everytime MTV. And no, not something like gist - pastor rapes girl, Nikki Minaj slaps Beyonce. Read something of substance. Even if it's just two books this year, or one online article on TRJ every week.


14. Do something new

It doesn't matter if you're 15 or 65. You can always add a point to your skill and experience list(Good things only. Go somewhere you haven't. Eat something you haven't.


15. Say hello.

Greet! Good morning. Good afternoon. Good night. Simple words for simple reasons. You don't need to know who they are. Show a little courtesy. We're all human in the community aren't we? SOmeone just might need that human touch of kindness right now.


16. Call an old friend.

Or chat them up. Visit, if you can, even. There are people you used to be close with, but haven't spoken to for 1 year. 2 years. 5 years. Change that trend NOW. Doesn't matter who did what. Be a friend.


17. Be happy.

Let's face it. You know a lot of the things that cause you stress. Move back from those things a little. Don't get angry, or sad, at every little thing. Smile more and look for happiness.

You'll always find what you're looking for.



It's 2017.
Burn Brightly.