How I wish I was the kind of person who starts the new year in an incredibly perky, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed state. Unfortunately, I am not, possibly due to the fact that my underlying DNA seems to be 99% dormouse.

And oh dear lord, THE WEATHER.

Anyhow, having something upbeat to write on the first day back did put a spring in my step. It was really good to learn about Rapidity’s expansion through the acquisition of Lefa Print, and to hear about the positive outlook the team has for the potential for the enlarged business.

Paul and Ben Manning and their team reinvented family-owned Printflow and gave the business fresh impetus and a fresh identity. Now, their intention is to breathe new life into Lefa, using the know-how they’ve gained over the past decade or so – along with that all-important positive, can-do attitude.

They're not the only people starting the new year very much on the front foot, and it’s notable that more than one person who took part in our new year’s predictions (an excellent read by the way, see all 14 here) cited the famous Henry Ford quote: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

The reason this soundbite still resonates after so many years, is because it remains oh so very true.

Self-confidence, self-efficacy – call it what you will, eminent psychologists have studied this trait, with the upshot being that if a person believes themselves to be capable of success the chances of achieving that outcome do actually increase. The reverse also applies.

So, happy new year, a hat-tip and a cheer for all the can-doers out there. You make this industry a brighter and better place.