A Pre-New Year Message

Woow! I can't believe we're in the last month of 2015 already. I hope the past months were fulfilling. I believe you have realised majority of your goals for the year. If you haven't, don't lose hope, don't give up yet - keep pursuing and believing because, God only needs a second to turn your life around.

As we wait to be transitioned into next year, I would want you to use this month to prepare yourself for it:

Stop being around people who make you look good by how little they know and get around smart people - people who make you look a bit 'stupid' and deficit.

The latter stretch you; they make you study; they make you grow, they expose you and bring out the best in you. The former make you rot!

When a fingerling grows bigger, it's transferred into a bigger pond. You can't be a big fish in a small pond - you will simply suffocate.

As you grow, always remember changing your pond is not an option; it is the only way there is to grow bigger and better. It doesn't mean you hate your 'old-pond,' it only means you desire to develop and get better.

Let me be quick to add, as you start changing your 'old-ponds,' your old friends will surely make some self-centered utterances such as: 'now you've changed o; now you bluff a lot; you don't call us as you used to; you don't spend much time with us as before,' but you know what? Never allow their criticisms to hinder your progress in anyway, because, anytime you stop changing, you stop growing.

They said, old friends are the best, but when it comes to living your life to the fullest, you must constantly change the 'ponds,' because, new friends who are smarter are always better. Why not make that decision to change your 'pond' right now? Can you take a moment so we do an exercise together? Take a piece of paper and a pen. Write the names of the people you spend much of your time with; people who have direct influence on your life. Done? Ok. Now, I need you to genuinely ask yourself these questions:

Since I've known this person, how significant was his or her influence on my life? Does s/he stretch me to grow and motivate me to learn something new? Does s/he expose me and bring out the best in me? Is s/he responsible for my good habits and positive attitudes? Am I my real self when I'm around this person? Does s/he accept me for who I am? Ever since I've known this person, can I attribute any positive turn-around in my life to him or her?

Now, for every name on the list you've made, answer the above questions. Anyone who doesn't get a YES for these questions has grown obsolete and is no longer needed in your life any longer. I don't think you want to spend 2016 and probably the rest of your life with people who make you look like a hero because of how little they know - they will make you complacent and ultimately, make you rot and never get to exploit your full potentials.

As you prepare for 2016, I believe one of the best decisions you can make is to change your POND. You can make the best resolutions and plans for next year, but when you still maintain some of your old associates, 2016 will also end and you will realise your life has never experienced any significant change, if anything at all, it has gone from bad to worse.

One of the best New Year gifts you can give yourself this December is to buy some smart people into your life. Promise yourself that in 2016, you won't be afraid of bidding 'au revoir' to some people and boldly stretching forth your hands and welcoming some new people into your life. Get to expose yourself; get away from people who: think like you're thinking, do the things you do, believe in your beliefs and look like you.

Refuse to be a one dimensional person this coming year - expose yourself to new people, new ideas, new musics, new environments, new concepts, new hobbies, etc; because, exposure increases your options and more options ensure you make the best decisions and choices. I don't know how you will do it; I only need you to let some people go, and let others in.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE.

The Author is Elorm Hermann. He's honouring speaking engagements from any group, especially youth groups who want to position themselves for and live a more fulfilling life next year. You can contact him on: +233249177007 or [email protected]