How I kept my New Year’s resolution

I

It is easy to make a New Year's resolution, but almost impossible to stick to it. Unforeseen events emerge to distract you. However, if you target something close to your heart, then maybe, you can stick to a resolution for 365 days.

In December 2020, it had been one year since my heart attack. My music centre was lying idle. I looked at my turntable and decided to rebuild my music library with mainly vinyls. It was a challenging task, but one that I can now comfortably say, in December 2021, was an enjoyable experience.

II

After my SSC in 1985, my parents gifted me a National Panasonic cassette and radio player. The price, Tk 5,500, was a hefty amount in those days. Soon, this two-in-one became my portal with the outside world.

The radio opened the world of BBC, VOA, Australian Broadcasting, All India Radio, and Radio Ceylon. The cassette player made me fall in love with music. Whatever pocket money I could muster, I would spend on recording cassettes from Rainbow, Rhythm, Soor Bichitra, Geetali and Soor Kallal in New Elephant Road.

The recording stores would tape from 12 inch LPs or 7 inch EPs to an audio cassette. I loved going through the LPs. There would be information about the album, sometimes little posters in the inner sleeves, too. This romanticism of LPs made me dream that one day I would have a collection of LPs in a grand music library.

By 1995, I had a decent collection of cassettes and CDs in my music library, but few LPs. I made an effort then to collect LPs, but failed. Then came December 2020. Could I stick to a target for 365 days? I was adamant this time, but had to be organised.

III

In an Excel file, each sheet was the source of where I collected the LPs. Dates of purchase and price details were noted. I would follow-up on the sources in a separate sheet at the end of the month. I was aware of a few things.

First: LPs in Bangladesh are available, but sources and supply are erratic.

Second: Prices vary. I had to be prepared to pay a higher price.

Third: There could be unforeseen events and expenses.

Fourth: Look away from the money spent. The objective is to rebuild.

Fifth: Try attaining the target a few months earlier. So I could collect in a relaxed mood.

I followed all the above religiously. I passed my target by June or July. The last golden rule I followed was not to make the resolution public. Only and only after the task has been achieved, would I come out of my shell.

IV

I am happy having achieved a dream I had from childhood to listen to albums on LPs. I am happier to share the New Year's resolution this year. Now, to listen to my music library in 2022 and beyond.

Asrar Chowdhury is a professor of economics. He follows Test cricket, listens to music, and spins Vinyls when he has free time. Email: asrarul@juniv.edu or asrarul@gmail.com