(New Year Speech for Social Groups)
It is with profound joy and gratitude that I welcome all present to this gathering which marks an end and a new beginning. There is no better time to realize the flowing nature of life than a time like this when we celebrate the dawn of a new year. Definitely, last year had its ups and downs but despite that, we can beat our chest and say boldly that we have emerged victorious because we all here, by virtue of being in this new year have been given a new opportunity.
Yes, it is a new opportunity to be better, the opportunity to be more, the opportunity to be truly a brother, truly a sister, truly a father, truly a mother and truly anything that we have failed to properly be in the past year.
It is usually a routine for everyone to make new year resolutions and at times they almost sound cliché. However, there is still meaning in making new year resolutions and setting goals. It should begin with a reflection on how the past year went and what things were not done right in the past year.
When you are done with the reflection, it is now time to set new goals. In this new year, I want you to set process-based goals rather than result-based goals. It is common for someone to say “In this new year I want to buy a car” or “I want to make X amount of money.” However, I want you to rather say things like “I will put in extra X hours into my work” or “I will read X amount of books every month” or “I will save X amount of money each month and invest” etc.
Following that pattern, you can create goals that focus more on the process rather than the result. Believe me, with such goals, you will definitely see results. This is because those processes, when consistently followed will lead to the desired results of having more money or more properties or whatever it is. Do not be afraid of committing yourself or taking up a discipline routine. It is the only way to get better and do more and I believe that you really want to do more.
The Greek philosopher, Socrates, once said “It is a shame for a man to grow old, without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Of course, the mind and body can do so much when guided properly through discipline. This is the time to try out something new. You have been so lenient on yourself and that has always led to under achievements. You are definitely fed up and will love to see what you are capable of doing. If you put in the work and maintain the discipline, you will see that you can do so much more than you can envisage.
Finally, as you go through this year, following up your goals, bear in mind that it will not be entirely rosy. Therefore, I encourage you to hold God closely and never relegate your spirituality to the background. Always be in harmony with God and at peace with yourself. Your happiness is of great importance and you will need to maintain your happiness both in good times and in bad. I wish you well as we all continue the journey of life in this new year. Remain Blessed.