The Things I Will Do This X’Mas Break

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Christmas is not simply parties, shopping and gift giving. It is a time of the year when we celebrate the birth of a baby on a manger. It is a time to reflect and evaluate the values we uphold. Aside from that, it’s a time to do the things we really love to do. Below is a simple list of the things I’m planning to do this time of year. It is my hope that it inspires you to fully utilize your time and resources effectively!




1) Read the 10 books I read from the library
Yes, I am a self-confessed bookworm. Unlike the typical ‘worm’ that devours just about anything, I love to chomp up books that (like most people) are practical and useful. If either of the two is missing, it’s not worth reading (like your Calculus book!). “You can’t lead if you won’t read.” People who don’t read are big L’s. Though, I understand fully that most of us are bombarded with reading materials in school that are not only overly academic and boring but worst of all, USELESS! Yet, the ability to read is a vital skill in getting ahead in life. It’s no longer a plus point but a requisite! This Christmas, classes are off and we all have the time on the Earth to be reading the books that appeal to our minds, hearts and souls. Below is a list of the books I borrowed from the library (yes, they have good books!) I’m planning to finish reading before the start of classes!
1) Principled-Leadership by Stephen Covey
2) Living The 7 Habits by Stephen Covey
3) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
4) The Leadership Wisdom of Jesus by Charles Manz
5) The Road Less Travelled by Scott Peck
6) The Greatest Mystery In The World by Og Mandino
7) The Greatest Salesman in The World by Og Mandino
8) Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
9) The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
10) Outliers by Malcolm Gladewell
* I would become better than ever after X’mas!

2) 1 Day Retreat (Alone Time)
I stay at my room the whole day and just reflect. No TVs, celphones, computers. Nadah! I close myself from civilization for a day! Clearly, unimaginable! But, after the “retreat,” I feel a whole lot better than ever. With all my values aligned, I am again ready to dominate!

3) Study in advance, Make Assignments
Being a “lazy” person, I prefer to spend the holidays on studying and making assignments so that during the school days, I can enjoy doing enjoyable stuff that I find enjoyable. It just gives me pleasure when I see my classmates cram during exams (though, I don’t approve of it!). So it’s not really nerdiness (if there was such a word) but “laziness.”

4) Make New Year Resolutions
Man either progress or retrograde. Being able to evaluate myself throughout the year, it’s about time to change and become a better me! If you have suggestion, tell me. (And yes, some of them may remain suggestions.)

5) Evaluate Personal Mission, Vision, and Goals.
You start living life once you have an aim in life. Personally, it’s useless living life when, at the first place, there’s no reason behind it. And unlike many mindless human beings, who just live to die, I have one and the Christmas break is a time to evaluate it. What do you think?

6) Make 2010, Semiannual, quarterly and monthly goals. And Plan For Next 5 Years
Life is a series of successive goals. A person who has goals but doesn’t have plans and deadlines is only dreaming! And dreamers don’t get ahead in life. To dream is not free therefore I don’t buy to the” Libre lang mangarap” crap. It takes planning, dedication and focus. And yes, I’ll be living my dreams for real! Will you?

7) Jesuit Vocation Seminar
I will be going to Ateneo de Manila from 26-30 to find out whether the Jesuit vocation is meant for me. Regardless of my decision, life goes on and I continue saving the world!

8) Prepare Student Leadership Plans
I just love serving my fellow students. I just can’t imagine myself just studying and doing nothings to things I can affect. I want to become a better leader and to inspire others that they too are capable of leading themselves and others. Next year will be my last year and I want to maximize it for His greater glory!

How about you? What are your plans? Are willing to waste this X’mas break partying and leaving the year empty handed? Or will you come out better than ever?

Whatever your plans are, Merry Christmas!