THE FESTIVE season and 2013 is gone. New Year’s resolutions are still vivid in our minds since making the new resolutions have become a norm and fashionable. Without any iota of doubt, I believe it’s a good practice because it’s these resolutions that normally shape an individual vision. However, what remains personal is the extent to which we evaluate the accomplishments and implementation against a given period, or how we balance between intentions, resolutions and implementation. I have often wondered why there is so much talk about intentions, hopes, dreams, goals and visions but so little to show for it. The plain truth is that you can’t build a reputation on what you intend to do.  The journey of life is like the long road to a boxing championship in finding the strength to get by, struggling to make the grade, rising after being knocked to the ground or in other realities of life like healing after a family tragedy, failing to get or losing a job or just stretching to accomplish something bigger when you feel all avenues of hope are elusive. While life’s challenges can overwhelm you just like a big tough opponent can in the ring, it’s possible to overcome them. Even if you are unsuccessful over and over again in the pursuit of a specific purpose, you still gain strength of character, a good starting point for future power and you eventually triumph. Effort and practice are what bring forth strength and courage. Instead of taking one leap to the top which can be a daunting task- focus on one step at a time. In the real world, expect that as you defeat one challenge it likely that another one will crop up! The principle lies in Winston Churchill’s shortest speech ever-Never, Never and never give up! Never give up on your 2014 resolutions in this respect.If you sit back for a minute and make a flash back, no matter who you are- man or woman, young or adult you will realise that you have your own ring to enter and your own battle to fight- please enter the ring for a win.  Whether you are working, raising a family, studying or struggling to set up business, you ought to have the zeal, stamina, discipline and the strength to work as hard as you can, to get up when knocked down and to give it your all for the envisaged outcome. Remember you have got to pay the price before the prize!There are simple, but not so easy lessons you can apply in achieving your goals and highest dreams. Reflect on those lessons as you read this article, draw a flash back on your life’s journey, evaluate your alternatives, streamline your strategies then you’re on the right path to becoming a champion and achieving your goals and dreams. In 2014, we can all be the champions because that’s what we are destined to be in God’s eyes! Always keep in mind and remember that many people fail when they don’t realise how close they are to success. People do not fail; they just quit too early! In his book Imitation is Limitation, John Mason advises "People don’t fail so much as give up easily”.  In the same book the author maintains "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins- not through strengths but through perseverance”. To all my readers we can all be the champions in our respective areas of career and relationships with other people. Finally never let your fear decide your future. If you have read this article to this point you are already a champion! I hope you will be inspired to achieve your goals and resolutions in 2014!The writer is an educationist, author and publisher.