“Thank goodness 2008 is over” has been the recurring theme in many of the messages I have received from friends and colleagues over the last few weeks. Yes, it has been a tough year for most people – and not only in South Africa. Across the globe, people have faced the worst economic turmoil in almost 80 years. And in some sad countries, notably Zimbabwe, the lives of ordinary people have been made even more miserable by the disgraceful conduct of their leaders.

Yet when I look back on the past year, it has certainly not been all doom and gloom. Was anyone not inspired by the election of Barack Obama of the US presidency and his message of hope? And let’s not forget the sensational achievements of some of our young sportsmen and women. Double gold for sprinter Oscar Pistorius and multiple medals for swimmer Natalie du Toit at the Paralympics, the US Masters title for golfer Trevor Immelman and inspired batting by JP Duminy against Australia, to mention just four of them. And in each case, as they competed successfully against the best in the world, it was their determination, composure and self belief that impressed me most.

So I feel inspired as I look forward to 2009. To succeed in the year ahead, we just need to demonstrate the confidence and steely-eyed determination of our sports stars.

Ian is one of the people who dreamed up getclosure! He has a background in dispute resolution and financial services. Click here to read more Ian and other members of the getclosure! team.