It’s not about you, it’s up to you
MY preacher, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle, often teaches: “It’s not about you but it’s up to you”.
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the world and believe our happiness and success are determined by forces beyond our control.
It is often easy to blame the economy, our relationships, weather and other kinds of setbacks.
While we cannot control everything around us, we have more power than we realise.
It is not about what happens to us that should matter the most; it is about how we respond.
It is not about the number of times you get knocked down; it is about the number of times you get up.
Organisational status
One of the challenges in many organisations is the blame game.
No one really gets to take responsibility, especially when things go south.
You may find teams pointing fingers at the management, while the management points fingers at employees.
Each side probably thinks the other is failing to align with what is required and is contributing towards problems in the organisation.
Each side waits on the other to take corrective action that would change the trajectory of the institution.
The sad part is that, if the blame game is not controlled, it can be very detrimental to the whole organisation.
You need to know that you are the change you hope for; everything you desire starts with you.
Organisations should learn to operate as one team because the aim is to achieve one vision.
How to take charge of your life
Shift your perspective: This is one of the first steps towards adopting an empowered mindset. Instead of seeing yourself as a passive victim of circumstances, recognise yourself as the active driver of your life.
You have the ability to make choices, take action and shape your own reality.
You do not have to ignore challenges or to pretend that everything is okay.
You need to acknowledge obstacles while believing in your ability to overcome them.
Take responsibility: Empowerment comes hand in glove with responsibility. Stop blaming others for your situation and start taking ownership of your choices.
You need to understand that making a mistake is common, but the important thing is to make the right decision after making a wrong one.
The setback comes when you continuously beat yourself over past mistakes without taking corrective action.
Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
Take deliberate decisions about the next direction you want your life to take, and take the necessary steps to get there.
You have what it takes: Always know that you are capable of.
If others can do it, then you also have what it takes to make it. It is easy to fall into self-doubt sometimes.
Achieving great things requires a positive “I can” attitude.
Once you see it, then you are halfway there.
Believe in yourself and your potential before anyone else does. Do not be afraid of chasing your dreams. It is okay to dream big but then it is important to keep moving towards the dream. We do not just become.
The power of action: The Bible says faith without action is dead.
Do not wait for the perfect moment or the ideal time to start taking action because it might never arrive; just start from wherever you are.
Start small, set achievable goals and celebrate your progress step by step along the way.
The more you take action, the more confident you will become in your ability to achieve your goals.
It is not about you, it is up to you: Ultimately, your life is your own. You have the power within you to create the future you desire. It will not be easy but know that it is possible.
Be challenged, encouraged and inspired to rise up and make things happen. ◆ Rutendo Gwatidzo is the managing consultant at The Consultancy. She is HUB HR a multi-award-winning leader, consultant, speaker and coach. She is also the author of “Born to Fight” and “Breaking the Silence”. Contact detail: 0714575805/ winningstrategy.2020@gmail.com / Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official Facebook public page