Just like every day is a new beginning, every year is also a fresh new beginning. You cannot undo or redo the things that you did yesterday, but you can always do them in a different and better way today.

This year, let’s resolve to do something different, that is, to work on ourselves. This might sound odd and most of you may have never thought about it before, but let me tell you, this is very important.

Focus on yourself. And by saying this, I definitely do not mean that you become completely selfish, mean and forget about everyone else just because you are focusing on yourself. Rather, work on yourself in order to be a better version of yourself.

While there is a depth of meaning in this, in short it means that you work on improving yourself, not just in school but as a person as well, that you start loving yourself, that you know what you’re doing and where its taking you and what it’s costing you, that you stay away from everything that is harming you in any way, that you learn that sometimes you need to put yourself before others, and that most importantly, you take care yourself.

During the course of our everyday lives that includes school, homework, tests and a hundred other activities and also in trying to maintain different relationships, most of us compromise our health, well-being and dignity. Sometimes we become so absorbed in preparing for the test that is the next day, that we forget to have our lunch and dinner.

Sometimes there is so much homework to do and assignments to prepare in a day that we don’t bother to brush our teeth in the morning and comb our hair. Sometimes, Facebook or Twitter becomes so interesting that we don’t realise how much of our time, that we could have spent on some other task, is wasted on it or that the screen is damaging our eyesight.

Sometimes, we kneel so low in front of someone that it becomes difficult to stand up again because we care about that person a lot, but that person definitely does not care about us at all. Sometimes, we start hating ourselves because people tell us we are ugly and worthless.

It is time to change the way you approach things, time to start fixing things and building yourself up. Say ‘no’ to the things that harm you, either physically or mentally. Walk out of every situation that puts your self-respect at stake. Walk away from people who, in any way, are being a hindrance to your growth and development.

If that burger is giving you stomach aches at night, throw it away and start eating fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. If that TV or cellphone is wasting your time or preventing you from reading your favourite book, turn it off. If your best friend is only using you and giving you nothing but disappointments in return, don’t hesitate to say goodbye to him. You are not obligated to be there for him or waste your time and energy on him.

Have a few but good friends, those who bring out the best in you. If you failed that test and your friend passed it, it does not mean that you discourage your own progress.

God made you with love and care. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself and love yourself. No one else will do it. Set your priorities right. Know what you are doing, why you are doing it and where it is taking you. Never lose focus. Speak well, eat well, dress well and, yes, sleep well.

Smile whenever you can. Be your own best friend. Read good quotes and good books. Everyday make a list of the tiny things that you accomplished and the ways you became better. You will be surprised by the end of the year to see how much you have improved. Never stop learning and always allow yourself to grow. Keep challenging yourself.

Running a marathon is difficult? Try it. You failed? Try again. Eventually you will succeed. Have an optimistic outlook towards life and walk away from all negative situations and people.

Don’t forget to give some time to everyday to doing something that you love and which gives you pleasure, be it painting, cooking or whatever you enjoy. Also don’t forget to give time to the people you love. And remember, never compare yourself to anyone but yourself. If there’s anyone you should be better than, it’s the person you were yesterday.

Learn to let go and look ahead. What you lost was never yours. God has better plans for you. Make your connection with God stronger. Tell yourself, “I am important. I am worth it. I can do it. My well-being and self-respect comes before everything.”

This year let’s add this to our New Year resolution list: “I must work on myself, for myself, by myself” so that by the end of the year, you can say to yourself, “I am proud of myself.” Everything takes time, but in the end, it is going to be worth it.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 31st, 2016