Every end of year, as is my tradition, I do a reflective column, a “think piece” about the year that has been, my reflections and the lessons I have learnt. It is usually my last column of the year, my 51st or 52nd, slowly stewing and steaming in my mind throughout the year, before I pour out my heart. However, this year’s “think piece” comes a week early, perhaps because I feel there is so much I need to share. So here goes, my biggest lessons for 2017. If I am inspired, I might perhaps extend this piece to next week’s column. 1. Feel the fear and do it anyway Fear is often the greatest inhibitor to achievement. This year, I have feared many things. I have feared for the future, the challenges I have met and the responsibilities ahead of me. But what I have learnt is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling the fear. Just don’t allow it to cripple you or make you miss out on the opportunities that lay ahead. 2. Make no apologies for growth Only a failure will fear growth. Do not apologise for growing. Do not be afraid to be a different person from who you were last year. Most importantly, do not be afraid to leave behind behaviour, lifestyles and people that do not accommodate your growth. People from your former life will not be very impressed by your growth. Grow anyway! 3. Pick your battles You do not have to honour every fight or argument you are invited to. A lot of invitations to battles that will come your way are often meant to distract you and pull you away from your mission or goal. You do not have to prove to everyone what a hero you are by taking up every fight. So how do you pick a fight? Always ask yourself; will this issue matter to me in the next 12 months? If your answer is no, walk away. 4. When the past calls, send it to voicemail Earlier this year, I wrote about everyone having a certain past that they are not proud of. I used the story of the Deputy President owning his past and disarming his so-called “enemies” who wanted to embarrass him. My point is, sometimes the past will miss you, it will try to come up in your plans for the future. Don’t give it a minute of your attention. When the past calls, don’t answer. It often has nothing new to say. Also, still on the past, do not be afraid to own your past. Don’t bury it under the carpet. Admit it, and you will disarm those who want to use it against you. 5. Trust the process I know I am beginning to sound preachy, but trust me, you will need this for next year. Most of us want instant results, but that is often not possible. The process of getting where you want to be is perhaps more ...
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