‘‘ Taking care physically will help you more effectively accomplish your purpose in the other seven dimensions . We know that we need to take care of our bodies , but rarely do we do it with focus and conviction . Think of what it will take to live a long life in good health and decisively make the lifestyle changes you need to make . Don ’ t be drastic unless you absolutely must .’’
our family members are not perfect . While you may not see eye to eye with each family member , you can decide to get on cordially with each other as much as possible .
Letting go of past hurts is necessary for good relationships . Where necessary we need to forgive so that we can be free to forge ahead towards true success .
Psychologist Steven Hayes describes un-forgiveness as a hook on which you and the person who wronged you are . The hook is very painful and the only way you can get off it is to let the other person off the hook . Simple , but not always easy . Forgiveness starts with you choosing to forgive and let go and then living the forgiveness daily until all the anger and resentment is gone .
Business / Career : We spend about a third of our day working . Your business or work should be something you enjoy that fulfills you ; otherwise it becomes a source of stress . What needs to change at the work front ? Career-wise where would you like to be by the end of 2017 ? What are the top three things you need to do to advance your career ? It ’ s usually easy to do well in your career if you have a strong work that includes consistent focus on discipline , diligence , forthrightness and faithfulness , combined with good relations with your colleagues .
For those of you in business , how is business ? Are you happy with your sales and profitability in 2016 ? Could you have done more to grow your business ? What limited you ? What will you do differently in 2017 ?
Things to consider include having a written business growth strategy that you are implementing with regular reviews . The number one cause of business failure according to bplans . com is ineffective management , which includes poor planning . There is no short cut – ensure that you have a written business plan that you regularly review and update . It should cover your operations , people and marketing as well as financial and succession planning .
Nothing comes from nothing . The more diligently you work your career or business , the greater your success will be in 2017 .
Physical : Taking care physically will help you more effectively accomplish your purpose in the other seven dimensions . We know that we need to take care of our bodies , but rarely do we do it with focus and conviction . Think of what it will take to live a long life in good health and decisively make the lifestyle changes you need to make . Don ’ t be drastic unless you absolutely must .
Your lifestyle changes should incorporate regular exercise , drinking plenty of water , eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and adequate rest . In a short while your energy levels will increase and you will look and feel better , which will boost your confidence .
While we are on the subject , consider your wardrobe . Does your look need a makeover ? Some attention in personal hygiene and grooming ? Get rid of all torn , stretched , outdated and ill-fitting clothing , or clothes you have not worn in the last 6 to 12 months and invest in a few simple , elegant pieces that have a classic cut and bring out the best in you .
Financial : Almost everything we desire in life requires money , such as education , travel , moving to a bigger house , purchasing land or a new car and so on . Do you have up to date financial goals ? Are you financially disciplined , diligently budgeting and tracking your expenses ? Do you save and invest regularly ? If so , are you happy with your investments ? What about your insurance cover – is it adequate ? Also , are you tax compliant ?
It ’ s very easy to waste money by living without a plan . This leads to over-spending and underinvesting and , ultimately , regret . The inspirational story of Sylvester Kibe ‘ Wamei ’ who saved 200 shillings for over 10 years in order to buy and run a 30 seater matatu , says it all . All things are possible and dreams come true with frugality , clear vision , diligent saving and wise investment .
Social : This dimension touches on friends and community . Who do you associate with ? Do they build you up or tear you down ? Do they sharpen you and push you to be your best or do they lead you to doing things you are ashamed of ?
What contribution are you making in the community ? Choosing to help the less fortunate always does us well , especially if you do so
46 MAL 15 / 16 ISSUE