16 guidelines youth should adopt

The youth of today are confronted with different challenges compared to the youth of 1976, including unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, violence in schools, materialism and education disparities.

What the youth should know and do: 1. Know thyself The key that opens doors during life’s journey is to understand who we are, what we want, where we are going and how we are going to get there. 2. Love thyself We forget it is only when we love ourselves that we are able to receive love.

3. Have a master plan

Life has more meaning when we plan ahead.

Plan your goals, identify possible challenges and ways to deal with them. Set measurable goals, with time frames to achieve those goals. 4. Get educated Education has long been recognised as a route out of poverty and eradicating the inequality. Technology has made education easily accessible.

We must strive to educate ourselves beyond the classroom. This can include being part of professional bodies or signing up for online courses. 5. Get a mentor When we stand on the shoulders of the giants (Isaac Newton), it is then that we can see further than our predecessors. We can learn from their mistakes.

6. Invest more in your strengths

We are encouraged to know our weaknesses and our strengths, yet at times we spend too much time trying to fix our weaknesses instead of developing our strengths. 7. Be politically conscious Be aware of things that are happening around you. 8. Start saving Not depending on others or on credit gives you freedom.

You should always ask yourself if you really need this, or is it just a want. 9. Travel the world Be adventurous. Fill your life with many experiences.

It is when we leave our comfort zone that we learn more about the world and others, but most importantly, we learn about ourselves.

10. Be conscious of your online presence

Your social media posts expose who you truly are. 11. Set aside a “me time” Create time and space for self-reflection.

It is at this point that you can also revisit your master plan for your life journey. 12. Forgive unconditionally Forgiving others is a way of reclaiming your power. 13. Accept your past Some things about our past deserve to remain there, in the past. Do not keep going there.

14. See every day as an opportunity to redefine your life

You can choose to complain or make the best of each day. 15. Give to your community It is in giving that we receive, and find love, peace and ourselves.

16. Find your spiritual campus

Find a way to fill your cup.