BUILD A BETTER YOU

As we begin the New Year, we look with hope and eager expectation to those who guide the destiny of the nation. At the same time let all of us remember that the effort of each individual can make or mar the concerted effort of the nation as a whole.

If you are one of those who believe that you are too insignificant to play a part in the nation’s progress, read with care what God told a young teenager who prayed earnestly for a better world:

“YOU should build a better world!” God said.

Teenager questioned: “How? The world is such a wondrous place; so complicated now; and I so small and useless am, there’s nothing I can do.”

But God, all-wise and kind, replied:

“Just build a better YOU!”

No matter your age, the advent of the new year is the occasion for new resolutions and new plans. But to the teenager and the young worker, entering the new year can be compared to a bird that has just been caged.

Because its vision is not obstructed by the bars of the cage, the bird imagines that its freedom of movement is not permanently obstructed—there is a way out, if only it can find the opening.

After a few attempts have failed, the bird grows despondent and in time gives up in despair.

EAGER ZEAL

In the same way, youth faces the new year. First, full of enthusiasm, with rosy dreams and ambitious schemes.

With eager zeal and fresh vigour they devour the articles that fill the special new year issues of magazines and say with firmness: “This year nothing will stop me from my goal.”

Then as the weeks go by, things begin to get tough, and their resolutions weaken. They hear their companions say, “It’s no use!” and see them give up one by one.

When the time comes, remember that with a little more trying success will be yours.

Why? Because you are not a bird in a cage. The cage you are in is of your own making—barriers raised by past failures, bars put in your way by parents who lack faith in your powers, or companions who try to stop you succeeding where they themselves have failed through sheer laziness.

YOU can fly above them for they don’t enclose you; they are only fences that force you to mount higher.

BASIC RESOLUTIONS

Stick to basic and practical resolutions. Start with Punctuality. This is easy and it will build your confidence when you find how helpful being punctual can be. Your companions admire you and your elders begin to depend on you.

Second, learn to fulfil your promises and don’t be in a hurry to make them. Many a promising young person becomes unpopular by promising too much.

Next, try to improve your handwriting and your spelling. Learn to listen with attention and ask questions rather than air your views on topics you know very little about. This way you will learn more and make many more friends. Resolve to read at least two good books a month.

At the recent book fairs in Bhubaneswar, it was good to see more young boys and girls going in for self improvement books. These teach how to live a fuller life gaining both profit and pleasure through positive thinking and prompt action. If you are one of those who have been dogged by failure in the past, take courage and start anew under expert direction this time. With the dawn of each new day, say with courage and with confidence: “Yesterday ended last night. Today is a brand new day!”