Finishing this year strong

 

As we stride into July, we instinctively realize that less than half the year remains. Time can be viewed differently depending on how you value it. Some may say only a handful of things can be changed by the end of this year while some may say scores of things can be altered significantly if we strive to make a move even though the remaining time is short. It is relevant to the "glass half-full" or "glass half-empty" idiom, which describes optimistic or pessimistic outlooks of individuals.

I recently happened to read my piece "Courage to continue," which appeared in this section of The Korea Times at the beginning of this year. The writing was about my commitment to keep my resolutions despite repeated failures in a series of attempts. I now confidently believe that I have kept my temper under control fairly well, one of the goals I mentioned in the writing, since I have rarely encountered embarrassing moments fueled by my quick temper. Well, I have been quite successful in a goal set earlier this year. So, how can I use the remaining time this year?

I chose to be a person with a "glass half-full" view, believing I still have plenty of time to fulfill another goal. Getting an intermediate level on the language proficiency test for Spanish is my next goal to achieve. Spanish has long been the subject of my study. I spent several years attempting to master it as I wished to develop competence in other languages besides English.

I had the ability to read Spanish literature well, write essays with few grammar errors and confidently engage in conversation with people from Hispanic communities. Yet, this is a story from more than two decades ago. Without much need to use the language in Korea, I gradually lost interest in learning and almost entirely lost my competence in it. Now I feel a sense of shame to say that I studied Spanish intensively in the old days. Things could have been much different if I had at least put a little effort into practicing the language on a regular basis. But it is too late for regrets. What I should do now is start fixing it.

I made a deadline for the date when I will take a Spanish language proficiency test. To remain on track, I specifically allocated time to my language study each day. To maintain enthusiasm and keep moving forward, I share what I learn today with my oldest son who also has a keen interest in acquiring a second language. All these plans will encourage me to stick to the objective.

"Better late than never," this is an idiom I am pursuing to finish this year strong. Reaching new milestones by the end of this year will ultimately lead to a continuity of my momentum into the new year.

I hope I can share good news around the end of the year. I also wish that readers can be challenged by my undertaking and decide to finish their year strong too.

The writer (faith0906@gmail.com) is keen to explore the world outside the office and loves to weave stories of our daily lives.