As we start a new year, many of us set ambitious goals and make New Year's resolutions in the hopes of achieving something great. However, it's important to remember that we don't have complete control over our lives and sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't go as planned. This is where the concept of a miracle comes in.

A miracle is not just an extraordinary event that defies natural laws, but it also serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our journey. The power of a miracle lies in the confluence of three key components: intention, effort, and faith. When we set our goals with a sincere intention, make an effort towards achieving them, and have faith that something greater is guiding us, we open ourselves up to the possibility of a miracle. The timing of the miracle is also important. Sometimes, things happen at just the right time and we realize that it couldn't have happened any other way.

In this sense, setting ambitious goals and making New Year's resolutions can be seen as a form of putting our faith in action. It shows that we believe in something greater and that we are willing to work hard towards attaining our aspirations. And if we are blessed with a miracle, it serves as a powerful reminder that with the help of something greater, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

For example, the Miracle of the 6th Imam, which is read on the 22nd of Rajab, is an example of how the timing of the miracle was perfectly aligned with the prayer of a wood cutter's wife. If the wood cutter had found the treasure earlier or two years later, it would not have been a miracle. Similarly, when a wazir was arrested and put into jail, the power of the miracle was witnessed when the Prince came back the next morning after they repented. If the Prince had come earlier or later, the power of the miracle would not have been witnessed.

On the other hand, people who do not believe in miracles will attribute everything to effort and will see the timing of events as random and extraordinary. For example, today we see extraordinary events like droughts and then flooding seen once in a generation, snow that killed people in buffalo and flooding in many parts of the world. Some may see these events as natural disasters and attribute them to environmental factors, while others may see them as a sign of God's power and presence. For example, the appearance of the comet after 50,000 years, and its significance.

Therefore, it is important to not only set goals, work hard, and have good intentions but also to have faith in Miracles, especially when the road is bumpy and our own efforts seem to be futile.

Event of an Arab who comes to the Prophet Mohammad PBUH for help. The Prophet directs him to the house of Syeda Fatima Zehra. Since she didn't have anything, she gave him her neckless for the sake of Allah. The blessing of this Neckless changes many lives.

Once upon a time, there was a wealthy businessman named Hasan. He had everything a person could want in life: a successful career, a beautiful family, and a luxurious home. However, despite all of his material possessions, he was deeply unhappy. He constantly worried about losing his wealth and status, and was never satisfied with what he had.

One day, Hasan met a poor but contented farmer named Ali. Ali had very little in terms of material possessions, but he lived a peaceful and fulfilled life. When Hasan asked him how he managed to be so happy despite his poverty, Ali replied that it was because of his reliance on God (tawakkul).

"I trust that whatever happens, God will always provide for me," Ali said. "That is why I am content with what I have and I am not worried about what I lack."

Hasan was struck by Ali's words and decided to try living with tawakkul himself. He began to let go of his worries and trust that God would take care of him, no matter what. And as he did, he began to find peace and contentment in his life.

From that day on, Hasan was a changed man. He no longer felt the need to constantly acquire more and more material possessions, and was able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. He would often tell the story of Ali, the poor farmer, to his friends as a reminder of the importance of tawakkul in life.

This story is a famous muslim story by : Shams Tabrizi, the famous sufi scholar, in his book "40 Rules of Love"

True Tawakkul will be realized when we realize that Allah controls all aspects of our life. As we observe Tawakkul wholeheartedly, we will quickly realize the true extent of God's power. Allah mentions in the Quran that he is responsible for everything from sustenance to life and death, and that He grants honor and power as He pleases. This understanding will bring even more contentment and peace, as we trust that Allah would take care of all of our needs, no matter how big or small. And it is not just about material possessions that were provided by Allah but also the ability to breathe, the ability to think, the ability to feel emotions, the ability to see, hear and touch, and all the other functions that happen in our body. When we understand that even all chemical reactions, all movement of muscles, all the electrical impulses that happen in our body are controlled by Allah, we will become even more grateful for all the things that are going right in the body and in our life. We will realize that the same God who is taking care of all these functions is the one who will take care of all the other aspects of his life as well. This realization will bring true happiness and fulfillment.

Tawakkul, or reliance on God, is a fundamental concept in Islam that emphasizes trust in God's will and guidance in all aspects of life. This principle can be particularly relevant when it comes to setting and achieving New Year's resolutions.

When setting resolutions, it's important to remember that ultimately, it is God who determines what will come to pass. While we should make our best effort to achieve our goals, we must also recognize that we are not in control of the outcome. This can help us to release any unrealistic expectations or undue stress related to achieving our resolutions.

Tawakkul also reminds us that success is not only measured by the attainment of our goals, but by the effort and sincerity we put into them. In the Islamic tradition, it is believed that it is the effort and intention behind an action that is most important in the eyes of God. Therefore, even if we don't achieve our resolution, as long as we have put in the effort and have the right intentions, we have succeeded in the eyes of God.

At the same time, tawakkul should not be used as an excuse for laziness or lack of action. Instead, it should be used as a reminder that we must put in the effort and take action towards our goals, while also recognizing that the ultimate outcome is in God's hands.

Tawakkul also encourages us to turn to God for guidance and assistance in achieving our resolutions. By making consistent supplications (dua), and asking God for help, we can receive guidance and strength to overcome the obstacles that we may face in the pursuit of our goals. This will also increase our faith and trust in God, which in turn will help us to remain motivated and focused throughout the year.

In conclusion, the principle of tawakkul in Islam can provide a useful framework for approaching New Year's resolutions. It emphasizes the importance of effort, intention and reliance on God, which can help us to set realistic goals, maintain perspective and stay motivated throughout the year. As we set our New Year's resolutions, let us remember to put in the effort and have the right intentions while also relying on God's help and guidance.

Often times we might think that we should have conservative goals because we might fail and be dejected. This is true when you are behaving like a limited human. But since we are asking for help from the almighty power, the controller of heavens and earth, we should set lofty goals as his power is unlimited. If he wants, these goals will come true.

Setting ambitious New Year's resolutions can be challenging, as it goes against the common wisdom of being conservative. However, it is important to remember that if we don't aim high, we will never reach our full potential.

Setting ambitious goals pushes us to strive for excellence and to think outside of our comfort zones. It challenges us to grow and develop in ways we never thought possible. Furthermore, being ambitious in our goals is a way of putting our faith in action, as it shows that we believe that Allah is capable of helping us achieve great things. It reflects our trust in the power of Allah and our willingness to work hard towards attaining our aspirations.

One of the most ambitious goals one can set for themselves is to help the last Imam - Imam Mahdi. This is because it is directly equivalent to supporting Allah and His teachings. The Imam is considered to be the spiritual leader and guide of the Muslim community. Supporting him means promoting the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait AS, working towards justice, and standing against oppression. It means dedicating oneself to spreading knowledge and truth, and striving to improve oneself in order to better serve Allah. By helping the last Imam, we are not only fulfilling a religious duty, but we are also making a significant contribution to the betterment of society and the world.

In conclusion, as we begin a new year, it's important to remember that we don't have complete control over our lives, but by setting specific, ambitious goals and seeking guidance and support from Allah, we can overcome difficulties and achieve our aspirations.

As we embark on a new year, it's important to remember that we have the power to shape our destiny and to make a positive impact on the world. By setting ambitious goals, seeking guidance and support from Allah, and connecting to the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait AS, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our aspirations. We must not be afraid to dream big and to strive for greatness. With hard work, dedication, and the help of Allah, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. As Tony Robbins said, "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." So, let's have faith in Allah and ourselves, set ambitious goals, and make this year the best one yet.

As we start a new year, it's natural to reflect on the past and make plans for the future. Setting New Year's resolutions is a common practice that has been passed down for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. But what is the true purpose of setting goals and how can we ensure their success? In this discussion, we will explore the importance of setting ambitious goals, the role of prayer in achieving them, and the significance of connecting to the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait AS as a path to understanding and serving Allah. We will consider the idea of uncertainties and why it is important to seek support from the almighty power to make our aspirations successful. We will also discuss the importance of standing against oppression, specially that of 1400 years ago and that of today in Hijaz, and to work towards the cause of the last Imam - Imam Mahdi.

The practice of setting New Year's resolutions has been a part of human history for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Babylon. They believed that by writing their goals on tablets and praying to their gods for help in achieving them, they could overcome difficulties and achieve their aspirations.

Today, we may think that life has changed significantly since then, but in many ways, it remains the same. We often think that we have control over our lives, but the truth is that there are many uncertainties and variables that are beyond our control.

This brings us to two possible scenarios for approaching the new year: the first is to do nothing and lead a random, unguided life, while the second is to set specific, ambitious goals that are aligned with our priorities, vision, and principles.

It is important to note that we have the power to act or not act. If we choose not to act, nothing will be accomplished. However, if we choose to act, there is the possibility of both success and failure. Failure is often caused by a lack of understanding or the inherent uncertainty in life.

One way to remove uncertainty and increase the likelihood of success is through prayer. The ancient Babylonians and Romans prayed to their respective gods for guidance and support. However, as Prophet Joseph mentions in the Quran, it is a blessing of Allah that he has only asked us to pray to him. The question is, is it better to have many gods or just one true God?

Life can be difficult and full of distractions that can cause us to lose focus. That's why it's important to seek spiritual support from Allah, the single God, and the creator of all things.

In summary, setting goals and writing them down is an important step in achieving them. But more importantly, it is important to pray to Allah for help in achieving them.

It can be frustrating when we set New Year's resolutions with the intention of improving ourselves, but find ourselves struggling to stick to them. We may feel like we have failed or that we are not good enough, which can be disheartening.

There are a few reasons why people may struggle with their New Year's resolutions:

1. Unrealistic goals: Sometimes we may set goals that are too ambitious or not realistic for our current circumstances. This can lead to discouragement and a lack of motivation when we struggle to make progress.

2. Lack of a plan: Without a clear plan and specific steps to follow, it can be hard to stay on track and achieve our goals.

3. Lack of accountability: Having someone to hold us accountable and provide support and encouragement can be a key factor in our success. If we don't have someone to keep us accountable, it can be easy to lose motivation and give up on our resolutions.

4. Life circumstances: Sometimes external factors beyond our control can impact our ability to stick to our resolutions. For example, if we experience unexpected challenges or changes in our lives, it can be difficult to stay focused on our goals.

By recognizing the common challenges that people face when trying to stick to their New Year's resolutions and finding ways to overcome them, we can increase our chances of success and make progress towards our goals. This may involve setting more realistic goals, creating a plan with specific steps, seeking support and accountability, and being flexible and adaptable in the face of life's challenges.

As we all know, it can be challenging to stick to our resolutions and achieve our goals. But why is this the case? From a psychological perspective, there are a few common reasons why people may struggle with their New Year's resolutions.

First, lack of self-awareness can be a challenge. Sometimes we may set goals that are not aligned with our values, interests, or strengths. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a lack of satisfaction when we achieve our goals. It's important to reflect on what is truly important to us and set goals that align with our values and passions.

Second, lack of self-control can be a factor. Research has shown that self-control is a limited resource, and when we try to exert too much self-control in one area of our lives, it can drain our ability to exert self-control in other areas. This can make it more challenging to stick to our resolutions. One way to increase our self-control is by establishing good habits that support our goals. Example: Keep the phone away

Third, negative self-talk can be a roadblock. Our inner dialogue can have a big impact on our ability to stick to our resolutions. If we have negative thoughts about ourselves or our abilities, it can undermine our motivation and confidence. It's important to recognize negative self-talk and reframe it in a more positive and supportive way. Example: Instead of I cannot, use I can

Finally, lack of intrinsic motivation can be a challenge. External rewards and incentives can be helpful in motivating us to achieve our goals, but they are not always enough. If we don't have a strong sense of why our goals are important to us and how they will benefit us personally, it can be harder to stay motivated and committed. It's important to tap into our intrinsic motivations and find ways to connect our goals to our values and passions. Example: Understanding the broad impact. Watch motivational movies

By recognizing these common challenges and finding ways to overcome them, we can increase our chances of success and make progress towards our New Year's resolutions. This may involve seeking the support of a therapist or other mental health professional, establishing good habits, practicing positive self-talk, and tapping

Islam is a religion that has always placed a strong emphasis on the well-being of the individual, both physically and spiritually. This focus on the individual is reflected in the teachings of Islam, which offer a holistic approach to human psychology and well-being.

One of the key ways in which Islam addresses human psychology is through its emphasis on the importance of self-awareness and self-control. The Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encourage Muslims to reflect on their own thoughts and actions, and to strive to control their desires and impulses in order to live a virtuous and meaningful life. For example, the Qur'an teaches that every person is responsible for their own actions, and that they will be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgment. This emphasis on personal responsibility helps to cultivate self-awareness and self-control, as Muslims strive to live in accordance with the values and principles of Islam.

Islam also recognizes the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of life, including the emotional and psychological dimensions. The Qur'an speaks of the importance of maintaining balance in one's relationships with others, and encourages Muslims to avoid excess in their thoughts and actions. This emphasis on balance helps to prevent the negative psychological consequences of overindulgence, such as anxiety, stress, and depression.

- Ancient practice; Evolved over time to the modern times

- Allows us to take stock of our life and create a plan

- Difference between New Year's Resolutions and Professional/Business targets

- Common factors between NYR and Professional targets