With the new year comes new expectations, new hopes and new dreams. And for some of us, it’s a continuation of our old dreams, goals and plans. No matter how the year ahead feels for you, I want you to know there is nothing you cannot do or become in life if you put your heart into it. Your life can be much better, your life can be made new, your life can completely change in one year. All it takes is just one moment. All it takes is just one step in the right direction. All it takes is you.

You can completely rise up from anything, you can completely recreate yourself. You can think new thoughts, you can do something new and you can develop new habits. It’s never too late to start anything.

The new year holds so much potential and it’s important for you to start it right. You never can tell what opportunity lies ahead. Starting it right keeps you prepared, it also makes it easier for you to make the most of your time. Below, we shared 5 ways you can prepare ahead and make the most of a new year.

1. Set aside personal time to think, retreat, and reflect.

Going on a personal retreat is simply one of the best ways to enter the new year ready. Spending time alone and setting time aside leaves you with no regrets, it helps you to think, reflect, and review plans for the future. Don’t do it because everyone is doing it, do it because you need it. Take a look at all the areas in your life, know your performance for last year, and look for ways you can be better in the new year.

2. Create a vision board

Creating a vision board is quite easy and simple. All you need is a drawing board or cardboard paper to map out what you want to achieve for the year, or how you envision your life to be. Make sure that all you write and design on the board is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. Articulate it very carefully, visualize it wisely, and make it visible on the wall of your room. You can also get beautiful pictures and representation of your dreams or vision to paste on the board.

3. Break down your big goals into smaller goals

Achieving goals takes work because goals don’t work unless you do. If you must achieve all you designed on your vision board this year, then you must take things one step at a time. Don’t try to do everything at once, take them one by one but be strategic about it. Create daily and weekly to-do lists, plan months ahead, schedule your day with a planner, and stay disciplined on actualizing your goals.

4. Make a commitment towards personal development

One of the best ways to attain so much in the coming year is to commit to a better you. Without a serious intention and commitment to personal development, it’s hard commanding results in life. Stop being complacent and lazy with your life, take meaningful actions towards realizing your dreams daily. Eliminate all forms of distractions, read books, join online classes and informative groups, attend seminars and conferences, learn from successful people, implement all you have learnt and take the needed action to grow. Just do something meaningful with your life.

5. Surround yourself with all round positive people

You can’t afford to be around the wrong set of people in the new year. Mind your association and friends because they sum up your life. Invest in quality relationships, build a strong network of positive and all round inspiring people. It may cost you your money, time, and ego, but it’s absolutely worth it. Ensure you connect with the right people daily, people who will love and support you on your journey, people who will spur you to action. Trust in the power of divine connections and value the relationships in your life.

I believe the year ahead holds so much in store for us all, so stay ever ready. It’s not a time to slow down, procrastinate, or behave foolishly. Be wise. Get to work and let us know how you plan on making the best of it. We hope you have an amazing new year!