New Year Resolutions and Their Transforming Power

By Timothy A. Edward

Every new year, we make extraordinary, life-changing resolutions, only to break them in no time. Yet, the very act of making these resolutions is half the battle won. The next step is to strategise how to implement them throughout the year ahead.

Leading Ourselves First

New Year resolutions are essentially about leading oneself. We must first acknowledge the need to lead ourselves before we can lead others. If you have made resolutions for 2026, you are already on the fast track to success and leadership. The best way to implement them is to take one day at a time. Each new day is fresh, with the previous day having become history. Look at nature - every sunrise and sunset is different, marking the beginning and end of each day.

Shaping the Present and Future

We cannot change history, but we can take control of the present and the future. Resolutions are about shaping today and casting a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and those we love and serve.

The Power of Persistence

Every day presents amazing potential to reach our resolutions. If we falter on a particular day, we should not be disheartened. Life often consists of missed marks, but if we keep trying, focusing, and driving toward our goals, eventually we will achieve them all.

Inspiration from History

The secret to making resolutions 'happen' lies in taking one day at a time. History is filled with examples of individuals who changed its course through determination. One such person was Hansa Mehta, a pioneering Gujarati lady: a freedom fighter, educator, writer and social reformer, who influenced the UN Declaration on Human Rights by changing the phrase “all men” to “all human beings.” Her contribution transformed the way treaties view human rights, which resulted in protecting billions of women, children, and communities worldwide.

Suggested Resolutions for the Year

Here are some resolutions to consider this year, to help us lead ourselves better:

• Share our time, talent, and treasure with the needy, vulnerable, and those who cherish life’s little joys.

• Do what is expected of us despite challenges, opposition, or misunderstandings.

• Maintain a happy and positive outlook on life. Avoid complaining, and be grateful to parents, family, friends and organisations who enrich our lives.

• Play our part in the bigger picture - something greater than ourselves.

• Take control of stress and pressure on a daily basis before they take control of us. Chronic stress often overwhelms us when we live in pretense, showing one life outwardly while hiding another inwardly. This act ultimately harms us and makes us sick.

• Decide not to seek revenge, criticise, or complain. Instead, practice forgiveness, motivate others, and offer praise.

Building Habits Through Cycles

It is said that practicing a habit for 40 days makes it second nature. With 365 days in a year, we have nine such cycles, plus a few extra days to falter, learn, and realign ourselves. Interestingly, nine is a number of completion – for example, after nine months, a child is born. Similarly, if we practice these resolutions in nine cycles of 40 days, they have the potential to transform us into better individuals and, in turn, make the world a better place.

Leadership and Self-Discipline

The writer of this column extends gratitude to those who responded to the leadership questionnaire that was launched last week and continues to make it available, hoping it will inspire others to share life-changing thoughts on leadership.

https://forms.gle/Ge5iTMpcVAcDrv9p9

Ultimately, the first lesson in leadership is learning to lead ourselves. Only then will we qualify and prove ourselves in the eyes of others as competent enough to lead people and organisations. (The writer can be reached at timothy_edward@rocketmail.com)