The dawn of a new year creates the environment for reflection, the cathartic shedding of the year that’s ending and the ritual of setting new resolutions. Anticipation and excitement collide on New Year’s Eve and the air is magnetised with the midnight wishes of millions.

In describing 2018 it’s apt to say that it was “quite something”. But as we ponder #reclaimingourtime #timesup, our momentum remains to grand jeté into 2019.

The new year will be one of relationships. We’ve already seen signs:#relationshipsmatter. People do business with like-minded individuals. If you’re outside the circle, create the situations that will put you in the same rooms with these people.

Invest in yourself: Whether it’s a new accreditation, acquired skill/trade, or finally going to that annual conference that you’ve pined after for so long, put effort into making yourself better.

Take care of your health: Get those annual check-ups out of the way! The sooner the better. You only have one body, one temple, so look after it. In doing so you’re priming the engine to undertake whatever it faces and win.

Read more: The world’s most successful CEOs read a book a week. Whether it’s a topic with which you have intimate knowledge, something you wish to learn — like cryptocurrency or the memoirs of a respected leader — education is the new six-pack. And you can’t deny its sexiness.

Explore your creative side: Most of us have creative potential that is severely underutilised. Whether you want this to be your side hustle or just an activity to look forward to in your downtime, embracing creativity will allow you to grow professionally and personally. Whether you paint, sculpt, play an instrument, write, sew, take photos, cook, or learn a new language, creative pursuits will allow you to explore, develop and upgrade.

So, as we ready to say farewell to 2018, let’s not get inundated with past occurrences. Yes, vow to hold on to the lessons learnt, but strike 2019 with the force of Thor’s hammer! Make it the year in which you actualise goals that will improve your life, influence those around you, and in turn impact the nation.

Our end-of-year issue seeks to pique your interest around personality-driven topics. Read, ponder, react and engage.

Cheers!