New Year is around the corner and these things should be on your agenda!
1. Get fit
Losing weight is probably very high on your list of New Year Resolutions.
It is a noble thought. But don't lose weight at the cost of your health.
Being fit and having a healthy lifestyle will hold you in good stead in the long run.
Don't ever trade it off for being thin.
How to start living healthy in 2015?
Start small, says Dhruv Gupta, founder of the weight loss programme, Fitho.com.
Change one of your meals, opt for a cup of green tea instead of chai or coffee, start your day by drinking water and then going for a brisk walk.
Read this -- 5 really simple ways to get ready for a fitter 2015 -- and you'll know that it isn't as difficult as you may imagine it to be.
2. Invest in mutual funds
If you don't follow the market regularly, I would advice you against investing in stocks," says financial planner, Sridhar Vetapalem. "However mutual funds are highly recommended."
"The markets are doing well and with the new government and new policies, the economy is expected to do better.
"If the economy does well, equity markets do well too.
"The important point to remember while investing in mutual funds is to remain patient.
"Invest for a minimum of five years.
"Importantly, don't worry about short term fluctuations," he says.
3. Get a life insurance cover
Life is unpredictable. If you're young, have liabilities like a home loan or have a family that is dependant on your income, invest in life insurance cover," Vetapalem advises.
"Don't penny-pinch here.
"Get a cover of at least Rs 1 crore.
"Even if you're around 30, it will cost you about Rs 10,000 per year, which if you think of it, isn't so expensive after all," he points out.
4. Travel, travel, travel!
Travelling is a way of life, says blogger Lakshmi Sharath.
"It shapes you as a person
"Travelling isn't just about sights and sounds; it is about taking in new experiences, learning that you are just a speck in this world.
"Travelling humbles you, helps you get rid of your false ego and offers you fresh perspective on life.
"When you travel, you finally realise how much you can push yourself; your mind opens up, you become aware of your social responsibilities.
"You don't have to travel to some exotic location; travel in your own backyard.
"Travelling can teach you a lot more things that a cubicle cannot."
Need more reasons? We thought so!
Don't know where to go in 2015? Read this, this and this!
5. Create a powerful personal brand
Follow trends in your area of functioning; look at what is happening in the markets.
Research and talk to your peers; develop a point of view," says Savitha Gaekwad, a managing partner at Antal International, a prominent recruitment company.
"Apply what you've learnt to your immediate workplace.
"Share your knowledge with people around you.
"And be known as the go-to person in that area.
"We are all living in a fast-competing world and you have to be able to stand out!"
6. Network within your organisation
Everyone speaks of networking within your industry. But Gaekwad stresses the importance of networking within your organisation.
"Understand how other teams work.
"Understand their timelines and their pressures.
"Build relationships with them. Because the next time your team needs something from them, chances are the work will get done quicker than usual :-)"
"Learn to navigate within your own eco system first.
"Leadership these days has little to do with title and everything to do with influence.
"And influence comes with network and knowledge in the area of your functioning.
"If there are two things you need to focus on in 2015 career-wise, build a personal brand and network more. These two things will make you a better leader."
Still from the film Wake Up Sid has been used here for representational purposes only.
