The year 2026 has begun. With each passing year, our lives undergo change. Some of these changes happen according to our wishes, while others are forced upon us by circumstances. In the coming year too, many changes will enter our lives, shaped both by our desires and by situations beyond our control.

If the changes in our lives are driven more by our own choices and less by compulsions of circumstances, we can consider ourselves successful. On the other hand, when we are forced to act under pressure, compelled to abandon a project, or pushed into decisions we did not want to take, we experience helplessness and often a sense of failure. However, not every circumstance-driven change is negative or harmful.

If we are able to identify upcoming circumstances in advance, we can prevent their impact from moving against our wishes. Even if things do not turn out exactly the way we want, a healthy and satisfactory balance can still be maintained. This gives us the satisfaction of having tried, of having exercised some control over the situation, without having to compromise excessively on our aspirations.

That said, this is not easy. To do so, one must be prepared mentally, physically, financially, and socially. Just as a soldier prepares before going to a war. To protect himself from enemy attacks, a soldier undertakes many kinds of preparation, like wearing a uniform, a bulletproof jacket, camouflage clothing to blend with the surroundings, a helmet, goggles, and several other essential gears. At the same time, he also prepares weapons, equipment, and undergoes training to attack the enemy. Only after such comprehensive preparation does a soldier step onto the battlefield.

In the same way, if we wish to “win” the year 2026, if we do not want circumstances to overpower us, we too must prepare both defensively and offensively.What can our defensive preparation include?

First, preparing ourselves mentally to face difficult situations. Second, maintaining physical health so that our daily routine remains uninterrupted. Third, being financially prepared, saving necessary reserves that can be used in emergencies. And fourth, building strong social relationships, friends and relatives who will stand with us in difficult times, not against us.After defensive preparation, we must also be ready to take offensive steps to overcome challenges and move forward. For this, we must learn to read the times in advance. We should stay informed about global and national trends through newspapers, journals, and analytical programs. If adapting to new situations requires learning new skills, we should begin that process without delay. Instead of hiding in a cave and waiting for the storm to pass, we must build a boat strong enough to face the storm and venture into the sea.

The year 2025 was challenging, and it would be unrealistic to assume that the coming year will bring only good news. Globally, we have witnessed unrest and wars, many of which are still unresolved. Signs of new conflicts are emerging. Economic trends too have delivered repeated shocks. Yet, since we have managed to navigate these challenges so far, there is reason to believe that we will be able to face future adversities as well.

And if this confidence is accompanied by preparation and readiness, then even war begins to feel like a child’s play. Therefore, let us prepare ourselves to welcome 2026, to ensure that its circumstances do not dominate us, and that most of our actions align with our own intentions. Let us prepare both defensively and offensively. Let us be ready like a soldier.

After all, those who sweat more during training bleed less in war. A person who practices preparedness like a drill will not be swept away by the currents of circumstance. Only then can we turn adversity into opportunity and achieve better outcomes in the year 2026.