I am writing this newsletter from a place of genuine sacrifice. I had committed not to interact with any digital device during the final three days of the year, yet there was no other way to share this timely encouragement. This message comes at the start of my second day of retreat, and I felt compelled to reach out.
If you are reading this at this moment, it is opportune.
There is a rhythm to meaningful progress. There is a season for visibility and a season for withdrawal. A season to appear, and a season to retreat. For those who desire to go far, especially early career researchers and purpose driven professionals, rest is not optional. There is a time to pause, a time to prepare, a time to reflect, and a time to advance.
As the year draws to a close, this period should be marked by reflection. Take deliberate stock of the year that has passed. Give thanks to your Maker for every provision, every open door, every challenge survived, and every lesson learned. Some may describe these moments as luck, coincidence, or chance. I would argue otherwise. They are not accidental. They are the result of divine positioning, intentional choices, and cumulative investments.
Nothing happens in isolation. Our decisions have consequences. Our choices carry weight. Our investments produce outcomes. This is why reflection matters.
If you are reading this in 2026, I encourage you to do this before the year becomes busy. Beyond the celebrations and greetings, take time to look back and ask yourself honest questions. What did I do right? What am I doing right? What did I do wrong? What am I still doing wrong? What can be adjusted? What must improve as I step forward?
Begin by reviewing key areas of your life.
First, your spiritual life. What was it like last week and throughout the year? How did it shape your decisions and direction? How can it be strengthened?
Second, your mental development and capacity. In what ways did you grow intellectually and emotionally last year? What deliberate steps will you take to develop further in the coming year?
Third, your physical health. Reflect honestly. How did you care for your body in the year that ended, and what changes are required going forward?
Fourth, your assignment and purpose. Assess your alignment. How have you stewarded it? Where can you improve? What specific actions are now required? If you have not yet identified what you consider your assignment or purpose, it is time to inquire. Self assessment is essential. If you would value support in this area, you are welcome to reach out. A short five to ten minute conversation can help clarify your next steps, and I have practical resources that can assist you through this process.
Fifth, your finances. Review previous years carefully. How have you managed resources, and how can you do better?
Sixth, your relationships. Consider how they stood at the close of the year. What needs strengthening, healing, or re alignment?
Across all these areas, clarity is essential. Set intentional and measurable goals. This framework is inspired by the teachings of my mentor in the faith, Apostle Joshua Selman, which I have studied, reflected on, and further developed into a practical structure that I am happy to share with those who are interested.
My encouragement is simple and deliberate. Take time to retreat. Take time to review. Then, relaunch with clarity, conviction, and purpose.
Thank you for reading, and I wish you a meaningful and progressive new year.
Ola
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