First of all I welcome you to the year of our Lord 2026. we are grateful. we made it. There are many people who did not do this. And as God is God, on the last day of 2025 there were people having a lot of fun, there were people who had not crossed over, and there were people who had reached the Paar Paar services, there were people who had not crossed over. These things are not in our hands, so we thank God for life and new beginnings. So we should be in Thanksgiving mood. We are truly grateful for God's mercy. So let us talk about our tasks, our plans and our goals for our newly created year 2026. Last week, as the year came to a close, I advised you to stop whatever you're doing to hurt another person or put someone down and resolve to become a better person who will actually bring value to a complex world. While we're still on that, let's talk about ten things that can and should make your 2026 better.
1) Your health:This is something you should not take lightly. High blood pressure is decreasing. Cardiac arrest is being seen in individuals below 27 years of age. This is caused by high levels of stress and anxiety. Many people, especially younger individuals, are so motivated that they believe they just need one more deal before they can rest next week, whereas rest is needed now.
Other things that can cause high blood pressure include lack of sleep, poor and unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, lack of exercise and, in some cases, alcohol and/or drugs. This is the year to take care of yourself. Get tested as soon as possible.
Know what to avoid, reduce salt intake, get your eyes checked and get medical insurance. Wellbeing is vital for a successful 2026.
2) Financial knowledge:This is very important for 2026. How much do you understand about your bank charges? Are you a loan lover? I don't take loans, not only because I don't want to spend my entire life paying off loans, but also because it doesn't make sense for interest rates to quadruple or the interest to be capitalized when you don't pay. It seems like I understand it correctly? But actually, I don't do that. You don't want to head into the new year without understanding what comes in and out of your account and why. You should also know which money you took and for what. If you have a business, check your books frequently. Understand what is happening. And for businesses and individuals, understand the new tax regime.
3) family: This is an important part of your entire essence. Last Sunday, our officiating priest drew our attention to the power of the family. Dad, where are you? Are you leading your family well, or are you constantly with the guys and don't know what's going on? Are you living up to your responsibilities? Mothers, are you present, or have neighbors who tell you how your children are doing? Children, how are you honoring your parents? Be careful! That disrespect can destroy your blessings. make amends. Work on reconciliation. Meet your old parents. Don't use that tone on them. Parents, befriend your children.
Brothers and sisters break the toxic cycle.
4) move forward: In 2026, you have to live intentionally. What strategies should I adopt to become a better person? Running for clarity. A morning routine that works. Early morning prayer. Night time for self-reflection and journaling. Set a realistic timeline for yourself for the end of the 6 months. By then I should have started speaking French because I want to become a diplomat. Saving up for a course or moving to a new neighborhood. I'm changing a few things in my closet to declutter. I need to take a three month course on strategic communication or project management. Take your self-improvement up a notch. Make a positive impact on your CV and be dedicated to it.
5) Stop buying restaurant food every day or eating out 24/7: Commit to learning how to cook, trying new recipes, and inviting a few friends over for practice. Join a cooking class or watch cooking programs on television. You save a lot when you cook your own food, and most of the times, the compliments of the tasters gradually make you a respected person and future chef. And by the way, cooking is very therapeutic. Remember Kalyan?
6) travel: Take out time from your busy schedule to travel. Travel is education. And I don't mean going out of the country at all. Drive slowly from Abuja to try the resorts in Suleja, go to Obudu, or go to Lakowe for a peaceful and very therapeutic holiday.
7) Invest in movement: Make sure you start saving, and by the middle of the year, you will have enough money to invest in movement. If you can get a car, why not? But when I say movement, I mean getting from point A to B efficiently. Get a reliable cab driver and negotiate discounts and quantities. For example, you have to go to work every day. Make arrangements to travel back home with a co-worker who lives near you. Don't take his kindness for granted. Contribute fuel or food from time to time.
8) leisure: Please, sir, please mother, hmmm… don't try to kill yourself in the name of running around. Do some work that you enjoy. Window shopping, sightseeing, picnics, fooling around with the kids in the water and lunch dates with friends and family.
9) language: Yes, I said it. learn a new language. Keeps your mind active and helps you move through the world. Mandarin, French, Hausa, Igbo and Igala. Just do it!
10) 2026 should be a year of more education for you: learn something. Go to school. Get study leave. Leave your comfort zone. be curious. When your brain is active, it flourishes. Avoid cognitive decline as we age.
11) This no. 11 is a bonus. make peace. This is the year you should protect your mental health. Avoid friction. Unnecessary fights. Be more understanding. Hold on to your faith. Show more love. Be kind to strangers.
May your 2026 be filled with God's goodness, lots of happiness and good health. Amen.
May new doors open only for you, and may your year be filled with great joy, good news, happiness and great adventures…Amen.
PS Kick out that boyfriend or girlfriend who is not adding value to your life. Clean up and remove them so that someone better, appointed and who will not take you for granted can see you. (Yes…my smile is wide, mischievous.)
Happy New Year, my people!
