So with 2015 just arrived and a full stock of calendar days ahead of us, many people use January as an opportune time to wring their hands free from the previous year, gain new inspiration and start anew. In light of the “newness” of 2015, below are seven sources of inspiration to consider for success in the year ahead:

1. Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. It has been said that who you are speaks louder than what you say. Don’t be the social hand grenade from which people seek cover. While the motivation for self-worth and to feel value is a strong driver, too much can be toxic because nobody likes hearing the same voice all the time. Know when it’s time for input, time to question, and time to listen.

2. Fill the gap between the two ‘you’s.’ Self -awareness is critical to effective leadership (and relationships in general). Research has provided clear evidence that emotionally intelligent leaders are more successful…

3. You will be the only person tomorrow who remembers your errors of today. Everybody is his or her own worst critic. It’s natural to hold oneself to a high standard for a number of reasons, and while setting a high bar for oneself is good, failing to adapt that bar is not. Sure, do your homework, work hard and expect results, but when life throws a curveball, take it as an opportunity to learn and optimise success rather than characterise it as a failure.

4. Always have a plan — always. Not having a plan can be compared to shooting in the dark and hoping to hit your target: you may hit it, you may not, but either way there’s no feedback and your chance at success become additional wasted shots.

5. Ask and clarify questions, but make your own decisions. There are two ways to come to a conclusion: to obtain input from others to formulate your own opinion, or to assume their opinions because you don’t have one. Not having an opinion is fine, but there are also plenty of ways to find one.

6. Forget yesterday. Focus on today. There was a saying — a motto, really, “the only easy day was yesterday.” Meaning, that yesterday was easy because it’s over; there is still today and tomorrow to endure. Use the past as a rite of passage — something to be proud of — rather than a right to passage.

7. It’s okay to take risks, but it’s not okay to never try. It has been said that the only failure in life is the failure to try. How you deal with uncertainty offers a glimpse into who you are and what you can do — your character, bear in mind that it can always be improved. You don’t learn from that which you do not try; if you don’t learn, you fail to.