As the last som tam is served and the final midnight shopping spree at Siam Paragon winds down, Bangkokians prepare to embrace that peculiar annual tradition: New Year’s resolutions. It’s that magical time when we convince ourselves that somehow, the stroke of midnight will transform us into morning joggers at Lumphini Park, despite our long-standing relationship with hitting the snooze button.
But let’s face it – our resolution track record often resembles Bangkok traffic during rush hour: stuck and going nowhere. Studies show that roughly 80% of resolutions fail by February, making them about as lasting as an ice cube in a bowl of tom yum goong. So, how can we turn our well-intentioned promises into actual achievements? Let’s explore some strategies with a distinctly Bangkok twist.
The Art of Realistic Goal-Setting (Or: Why You Probably Won’t Become a Monk Tomorrow)
First things first: let’s talk about setting achievable goals. While “I’ll medi- tate for two hours daily like the monks at Wat Pho” sounds admirably spiritual, starting with “I’ll practice mindfulness for five minutes each morning during my BTS commute” might be more realistic. The key is to start small – think Soi size, not Sukhumvit Road length.
Consider this: instead of vowing to “get fit” (a goal as vague as directions from a motorcycle taxi driver), commit to “walk 10,000 steps daily by exploring a new neighbourhood each weekend.” Not only is this specific and measurable, but it’s also infinitely more enjoyable than staring at a treadmill screen.
The Bangkok Method: Making Resolutions Stick
Want to know why most resolutions fail faster than your phone battery in Chatuchak Market? It’s often because we try to transform our lives more dramatically than a face-tuning app. Here’s how to avoid that trap:
1. The Som Tam Principle: Just as you wouldn’t order som tam Thai at maximum spiciness on your first try, don’t dive into extreme lifestyle changes. Gradual progression is key. Want to eat healthier? Start by swapping one bubble tea per week for a coconut water.
2. The BTS Strategy: Like planning your route through Bangkok’s transit
system, map out your resolution journey with clear checkpoints. If your goal is to save money, set up automated transfers to your savings account right after payday – before that shopping mall “sale” temptation kicks in.
3. The Soi System: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable sub-sois. Want to learn Thai? Start with mastering one phrase per day instead of attempting to memorise the entire Chulalongkorn University Thai curriculum in a week.
When Things Go Wrong (And They Will)
Remember: setbacks are as inevitable as rainfall during Bangkok’s monsoon season. The key isn’t to avoid them entirely but to prepare for them. Did you miss a week of your new healthy eating plan during Songkran? Mai pen rai – the Thai approach to life’s little hiccups applies perfectly here. Dust yourself off (or in this case, dry yourself off) and jump back in.
The Secret Sauce: Community Support
In a city where street food vendors remember your favourite order and security guards greet you by name, why try to achieve your goals alone? Share your resolutions with friends, family, or even your favourite som tam vendor. Their encouragement might be just what you need to stay on track.
Consider starting a LINE group with friends sharing similar goals. Nothing motivates quite like knowing your exercise buddy is waiting for you at Benjakitti Park at 6 am (though we all know someone will still blame the traffic for being late).
The Bottom Line
As we embrace another year in the City of Angels, remember that sustainable change happens not with the grandiosity of a Sukhumvit skyscraper, but with the steady persistence of a canal boat making its daily rounds. Set realistic goals, break them down into manageable steps, and most importantly, maintain your sense of humour along the way.
After all, if we can navigate Bangkok’s sprawling maze of streets and survive its infamous traffic, surely we can handle a few New Year’s resolutions. And if not? There’s always next year – and plenty of street food to console ourselves with in the meantime.
Remember: progress, like navigating through Pratunam Market, doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be forward-moving.
About the Author: This piece was written while stuck in traffic somewhere between Asok and Thong Lo, fuelled by iced coffee and air-conditioned dreams of achievement.