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David Hamelech wanted to arise each night to thank Hashem for His
kindnesses. A north wind was sent to play on his violin and help him
awaken in time. He chose midnight because that is the hour when the
Attribute of Mercy is in control and, as such, is auspicious for prayer. This
is why we have the custom to recite Selichot at midnight.
Whatever one has achieved the previous year is his personal acquisition.
At the outset of the new year, he is enjoined to advance further. He should
be filled with regret that his awareness of Hashem’s greatness was lacking
during the past year, and, as such, did not serve Him as he should have.
This is why we begin the new year with the statement, “May the year and
its curses end; may the year and its blessings begin.”

“One should always incite the good inclination
to fight against the evil inclination, as it is
written: Tremble and sin not. If he subdues it,
well and good. If not, let him study Torah, as it

is written: Commune with your own heart. If he
subdues it, well and good. If not, let him recite
the Shema… If he subdues it, well and good. If
not, let him remind himself of the day of death,
as it is written: And be still, Selah”

(Berachot 5a)