Setting goals is a popular way to start the new year, although resolutions often fail in a few months. For those wanting to make longer-term changes, inspiration can also be found in life philosophies popular in different countries and cultures.
Evolving over the centuries to enable communities to come together and find common ground, or as a necessary way for people to adapt to their environment, these global philosophies can inspire you to adopt newfound practices and mindsets that make a real difference.
From dolce far niente, the Italian philosophy of finding guilt-free pleasure in doing nothing, to ikigai, the Japanese practice of creating a life filled with purpose, these seven philosophies will open you up to new, positive ways of thinking and living.
1. Pomalo, the Croatian philosophy of unhurried living
With slow and intentional living topping many lists when it comes to lifestyle trends for 2026, the Croatian life philosophy of pomalo will appeal to those looking to slow things down in the coming year. Translated as “slowly” or “take it easy”, the phrase is often used in everyday language when cautioning against impatience, such as: “Pomalo, no need to rush.”
This is the antithesis of hustle or grind culture that advocates squeezing every minute out of each day, turning hobbies into money-making side gigs and considering leisure time wasted. Instead, pomalo embraces the idea that life is to be lived rather than optimised and that constant busyness is not an enviable goal.
Incorporating pomalo into UAE life: The notion of
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.