2026 has begun! Here are 4 Habits I’m choosing to develop for the new year

I used to write new year resolutions when I was younger. All the enthusiasm meant I gave myself really high achieving goals that I faltered at by February, making me ditch my resolution by March. I’ve settled on various other things after that, and lately, I’ve been realising its not so much about goals but habits that matter. Rather than impossible task that pressure me, I’ve chosen to invest in little things that I can do again and again that shape me to be a better person.

Last year, I practised some of these habits, and to start off 2026 I’m suggesting four simple habits that you can practice for a more joyous and meaningful year.

Gratitude

I’ve gone on about this before, but gratitude really was the one thing that shaped me into a more joyous, optimistic person. I believe there are two ways you can see things, and what helps you see things in a brighter light is the simple practice of gratitude.

Eight years ago, I started a gratitude journal, journaling at least 3 simple things that I am grateful for each day. Food I ate, people I was with, the sunrise…. This year, I’m continuing this reflective practice, but I’m doing it in letter form to God, and listening for His response, so its a bit more of an enhanced version.

If you’ve never tried gratitude journaling, I highly recommend starting a ‘3 simple things I’m grateful for’ list. You’ll realise soon that there is a lot to be grateful for.

Savouring

Savouring. Stopping between moments and enjoying the simple things in life that bring me pleasure. This year I am determined to ask myself at least once daily what I enjoy about the present moment. If its a boring day at work, I will pause and savour my mug of hot chocolate, the wall design or architecture of the place. If I’m relaxing at the sofa, I’ll pause and enjoy the fan blowing at me, take a few deep breathes and let that lead me to gratitude. If I’m stuck at the traffic light, I’ll choose to observe the buildings or green plants around me and admire the design of the universe.

I think it will make life way more fun, and myself way more observant and joyful. Wanna try?

Intentionally engaging

This year, I’m also choosing to face everyday life with an attitude of intentionality. What do I mean? Well, I’ve been thinking about the technological boom and AI and all, and while all this has made life somewhat easier, I’ve realised I’m engaging my human self a lot less.

Lets talk about it for a moment. In the ‘long ago’ past, when there were no smartphones, I used to memorise telephone numbers. This meant my brain was engaged in memory work and I tried to keep the phone numbers of those closest to me in my head. Nowadays, I engage my mind in essential memory work a lot less. Also in the days without GPS, having to remember the direction, I used to be more observant of my surroundings – the buildings around the turning I wanted to go, the road towards the east of Kuala Lumpur. Now, I don’t. And I’ve realised that its making me a bit lesser of a human.

So call me oldschool, but this year, I’m going to be trying to turn off my GPS once I know the directions to a place (It’ll probably save me toll money too). I’m going to choose to walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift each time, making my heart beat a little faster sometimes, and making me healthier in the process. And while I might not memorise phone numbers, I’m going to try memorising scripture verses again, allowing myself to be intentionally engaged in everyday life while activating my memory cells positively.

Letting go

This one is a little challenging for me, so I’m intentionally making it one of my habits. Blessed with pretty vivid memory, I usually can remember both the good and the bad of something in the past. This year however, I’m making a habit of choosing to process and let go of the trauma and hurt of the past, living lighter and happier.

If you would like a good method of processing past pains and hurt, I wrote about it in this article called The Surrender Box. Check it out!

So, what do you think about these four habits? Anyone you would like to give a go? Do comment below!