New Year’s Resolution

Happy New Year!

To my future self in 2026: How much did you learn? How many habits did you form? Did you gain any insights? Did you reduce your screen time? Did your perspective on social media shift from consumer to creator?

In 2025, I was fortunate to have five exhibitions. I also got to paint a large welcome board for a friend's wedding. All in all, it was a year filled with satisfaction.

And of course, there were realizations too.

First, I realized I'd been lazily interpreting every little thing as a message from God, using it as an excuse to slack off on effort and growth. Growing up in an environment where believing in God was just part of life, that mindset never left me. I don't want to lose that part of myself, so I still believe in God. But I was always choosing paths thinking, “Maybe this is what God wants me to do.” I realized that was just me picking the easy way out. (This might get me in trouble...)

Then there was the unconscious belief that “I'm special.” Having been raised with constant adulation, I unconsciously held this unfounded confidence that I was somehow special. But to get a proper reality check, I took a free IQ test and scored right at the Japanese average. I was forced to face the fact: I'm an ordinary person, and growth requires study and effort. (Yeah I know. I realize this after living 30 years.)

With these realizations, I knew I couldn't live confidently and joyously if I stayed this way. So around autumn, I dove into learning mode. Starting with art history, then psychology, investing, marketing—I just tackled whatever caught my interest, skimming the surface of everything. I found joy in learning and felt a slight accumulation of knowledge. Through this, I gained a bit more clarity on what I lacked, what I should learn, and what I want to learn. Alongside this realization, I also felt I needed a guiding principle for life and reconsidered the values I truly wanted to cherish. (Better late than never, I know.)

While my life's guiding principle isn't fully clear yet, I decided this year's goal is to make creation, learning, and exercise habits—based on the idea that it's better to regret doing something than not doing it—while I still have the physical stamina.

For creativity, to make it a habit, I'll start by keeping a sketchbook, pencil, brushes, crayons, etc., within easy reach. I'll lower the bar for habit formation, aiming for just one line a day as a success. As a new approach, I'm thinking of posting my thoughts and activities on YouTube, maybe even trying a vlog while I'm in Japan. If I discover something from doing it, great; if it turns out not for me, that's fine too. I have an exhibition at the end of March, so I'd like to document that process as well. Also, I want to travel around Kyushu and Tohoku, so I'd like to document that too. If you know of any easy-to-use cameras like the Insta360 or Canon V10, please let me know.

My learning is mostly habitual now. Content-wise, I'll continue learning art history and investment from last year. This year I’m adding AI on the list. If there are any interesting exhibitions or recommended museums in Japan, please let me know. If you have any AI recommendations, please share. For now, I plan to visit the Kawakabe Kyosai exhibition this spring. I'm also planning to see my first kabuki performance. My research skills will be put to the test. (To anyone reading this self-indulgent post this far, thank you for your precious time and thank you for your recommendation!)

Finally, about making exercise a habit: I just want to establish it while I still have the stamina. Plus, people who exercise and get toned look cool, haha.

I do feel like I'm putting too many things on my plate like always, but I'll put them out anyway. With the mindset of “better to regret doing something than not doing it at all,” this year, I aim to make creating, learning, and exercise regular habits.

If you're someone who wants to push yourself this year, let's do it together. Thanks to everyone who read this far.