The beginning of everything is very significant. It goes a long way to determining how the other parts become.
With the gift of a new Year, (although this post is a bit late, but I believe it's better late than never), it is pertinent that we get things right and decide the track to run on.
Many have set standards, made resolutions, drawn plans etc. All to achieve success. But the ability to make such resolutions and plans is far different from the capacity to be firm in them and to achieve success.
And it seems timely to present the biblical Magi (the three wise men) as our models and motivators (cf Mtt 2:1-12). They saw a special star and identified its worth as leading to the Seat of Wisdom (Christ). They decided to follow The Star to arrive at their goal. At a point, The Star vanished (so frustrating). But they were not discouraged neither did they discontinue their quest.
They sought guidance, and their determination brought up a direction for them once more (The Star resurfaced). They continued on the strenuous and cold journey - for it must have been at night (stars appear at nights).
Fortunately, their focus and determination brought them before their goal - their search for He who is Wisdom itself. It was wisdom seeking wisdom.
As the year unfolds, weakness sets in, pessimism sets in, procrastination and other factors militating against our plans and resolutions may equally set in. We may get confused within the year. We may think of quitting. Doubts will certainly come in. But we are to remember that our focus and determination will always defeat all these if we keep on pushing and have our eyes fixed on what The Star represents and not just The Star.
You can be where you want to be this year. Push yourself.
And never take your gaze off from God.