Swamiji has given us four tips on how to bring ourselves closer to God in the New Year. Enjoy!

1. Bring in the New Year with Worship

Celebrate the New Year with worship in any form, such as Puja, Path and Homa. We want worship to be the last thing we do this year, and the first thing we do when the New Year begins.

Worship Lord Shiva, worship your Guru, worship Sri Ramakrishna, or any form of worship you choose. Dedicate your New Year to God by bringing in the New Year with sadhana and worship.

2. Define Success

Make the New Year better than the last by getting more clear on what you are trying to accomplish. Have a clear criterion of what constitutes success by developing clear goals that are definable and attainable.

Make sacrifice a larger portion of this year’s goals. Increase your sadhana and spend more time with Guru and God.

3. Make both Near and Long Range Resolutions for the New Year

We should set both near-term goals and long-term goals. The near-term goals will be achievable in this upcoming year, but also will bring us closer to, or set the momentum for, accomplishing our long range goals.

4. Stay Inspired

Make your New Year’s Resolutions a pact with God (a sankalpa), and say to God: “If I don’t adhere to my side of the bargain, how can I expect that you will uphold yours?”

Remind yourself of your goals and resolutions frequently. Think about why you made the resolution and what you are trying to achieve.

May you all have a successful 2014!

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji!