Happy New Year!

As we’ve just entered a new year let me first wish everyone a happy new year!

Ever since my sophomore year of high school teachers have emphasized to me the importance of setting New Year’s resolutions. As a result, I’ve developed a regular habit of drafting a list of goals each January to lay out an annual plan.

Setting New Year’s resolutions can be a daunting task because of the disappointment that comes with realizing you haven’t been able to do everything you originally wanted. But I see it differently. By year’s end, even if I was able to accomplish some of what I hoped to do, I still feel a tremendous sense of delight. Just knowing that I tried to make the most of my time is very rewarding.

Making goals and striving to complete them is important. I’ve heard countless successful people say that having a plan doesn’t guarantee success, but it’s impossible to succeed without a plan.

How does one go about setting goals? Before deciding anything, I think it’s important first to know for yourself what the meaning of life is and to understand what you hope to do with your life. What is meaningful in life and what is worthwhile? Some people try to adopt other people’s definitions and values to gain “success” or “wealth”, but be careful—depending what you adopt, you might find this ends up being a waste of time or even harmful.

Besides knowing what it is that I want to achieve in a new year, I ask for God’s guidance. I believe He knows what is best and most suitable for me, and this step helps me to better understand the real needs and desires of my heart and then to set my goals.

In executing the resolutions, it’s a good idea to accomplish your goals in order of most importance. Work on those things that give the greatest sense of pleasure and would make one’s life more fulfilling. Do first those things that you wouldn’t want to regret.

There have been many rumours and speculation lately that 2012 will be “the end of the world”. Inevitably, during these types of conversations, I hear someone ask, “If this was your last year how would you live it and what would you do?” This question is worth considering now. As for me, I believe that life and time are in God’s hands, and when He’s a part of my life it means I can live each day with faith and hope.

Regardless of whether there’s a next year or not, make this year your best and live life to the fullest.

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English Translation by Haymen Leong  中文原文

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Originally posted on the Amira Culture website

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My other articles on Amira Culture:

大自然的奧妙和啟示 The Wonder and Lessons of Nature

愛從小事開始 Love Begins with the Small Things

整然有序 Put First Thing First

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