Lessons we must learn in 2022

10 years ago, we had very structured systems. Life was extremely predictable. It was like living through a flow chart tree diagram. If A didn't apply then you use B to get to the next decision box. It was easy to trace people's stories from any part of their lives. You could almost tell their destinies and be 87% accurate.

Things are partly more efficient and loads more complex now. We have shaken off most bits of our stability, even the basic ones. There is barely any predictability with anything. Schools open and close whenever. The weather is full of surprises. Trends and cultures are on default re-invention. We didn't notice how our needs and interests have readjusted.

Life has no 'return trip'! We must make the best out of this trip, before we are no longer there. Here are a few things you should think about as you prepare to start 2022 in a dynamic context.

Is it perfection or is it progressive growth?

We are familiar with feeling at loss because things did not turn out to be as precise as we had planned. These disappointments are hurtful in the long run. When addressing them, we must be careful to not overshoot our expectations. It is okay to need help. It is okay to have human weakness. When you are comfortable with that, then you must begin a proper paced efforts of capacity building. Measure steps, lessons and every indication of growth that you see and celebrate it. It is okay to have a slow but resilient growth.

Go beyond the intentions to exert yourself...

Your brain has an amazing capacity to plan postponement of plans. Often, people get vivid images of how ideal 'next time' will be for them. Procrastination, even when deeply rationalized, remains as passed opportunities. Translate what needs to be done into actual action. Do it today and now. Tomorrow will have its own troubles you know! As you start applying efforts in postponed projects, remember to treat yourself with beginners' expectations but with hopes of mastering in the near future. Find a rhythm for consistency using whatever works for you, eg. accountability friends, applications/ softwares with trackers etc.

Invest in present relevance and future sustainability

If you are ready to draft resolutions and action plans for anything, you are set with the passion of ambitious thinking. That is very important. Passion with to your plans what oil is to engine gears; a critical enabler for proper functioning. But passion needs to be accompanied by strategic research, planning, reviewing and re-strategizing. In essence, you will need to be open to extended learning and unlearning. Read, listen, observe, ask, think and repeat. Learn when to say YES and when to dish a NO. As you combine refined thoughts and passion, you are likely to have relevance and sustainability. Invest generously in learning because only then can you harvest expanded knowledge.

Have yourself a progressive, intentional, passionate and thoughtful 2022. Hopefully, the end of it shall be marked with self development and fruitful service to the world.

Do you have other thoughts you would like us to chew on? Drop your comments in the section below.