Personal Courage Freedom and Independence

most likely, you have written out a to do list of 2015 resolutions: habits you want to break goals to achieve and big dreams. maybe a company you want to set up: a book you want to write; places you want to visit; a relationship to nurture etc. In the light of this, and being very honest with yourself, how do you propose to achieve them?

The new oxford american dictionary of english defines courageous as “not being deterred from a cause or decision by discomfort, danger or even pain”. In other words, courage means sacrifice. Why you may ask, should I exhibit courage this year? Simply because it will require courage and sacrifice to achieve goals this year. and most importantly, this is the year for trying out new things, for launching out into uncharted waters and for doing things very differently. This year, you have to change your strategy and be bold about it!

In the territory of the courageous, you will find uncertainty, pressure, change and the very likelihood of failure. But it’s also the place where opportunity, and maximizing your full potential reside and you will never reach it until you break out of the familiar. I have learnt this from personal experience and would like to share it with you.

In the summer of 2012, I initiated the process of setting up a business together with some friends and associates. much of what we experienced, I have shared in the article’ So You Want to Start a Business’. of course, no book, article or discussion can ever prepare you for the reality of running a business especially in a place like nigeria. all your planning and budgeting becomes a fantasy when you are faced with the challenges of power, unskilled artisans, poorly trained graduates, local government authorities and approving ministries. I had to literally talk to myself daily and “confess” that I would not fail or be discouraged to make it. The beauty of it is that the experience has changed my perspective on a lot of issues and given me a wider view from my very narrowed one sitting behind a desk in a corporate office. You will not achieve success if you stay put in your comfort zone. You must be ready to challenge yourself and to face failure head on.

So in the area of your finances, I challenge you this year to be bold and courageous. It doesn’t matter if you earn n11naira or n1million naira. It’s the habit you want to develop. Start a savings programme, Start a home group in your compound, pursue that desire to learn a new skill, start a home business. Whatever you do, please do not do nothing.

What do you need to change this year that will catapult you to another level of growth and success?

do you need to acquire a long overdue educational qualification? Then go for it… no excuses.

do you need to get married, then draw up a plan and begin to prepare yourself and search for your spouse.

do you need to spend more time with your family? Give them the gift and choice of your frequent undivided attention because they are the most important people in your life.

Is your job making you compromise your values and integrity? Then take a bold step and transfer to another unit or change jobs.

Is your marriage on shaky grounds? commit to understanding what your spouse wants and do it. Humble yourself before them because pride is a very cold companion.

do you have an investment plan or savings plan for the next five years? or do you spend all you earn every month? Then commit this year to save at least 10% of every income you get.

Have you got a great business idea lurking in your heart? Then take that step and write a plan for it and share with a mentor or someone you trust. Have a clear picture of who you want to be and where you want to be financially: short, medium and long term.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. and it will be better to say I tried but it didn’t work out and am working on improvements than to say I was too afraid to try.

I would like to encourage you to put up a financial future plan or montage for yourself first and then your family. What would you like to see in your next five years? Involve your spouse and children and draw up a family mission or goal statement. agree on values you want to see in your children spiritually, morally, academically and emotionally. Be very clear about your financial expectations especially if you are on an upward career path. discuss and draw up plans for retirement. Get everyone to contribute and as you go along, I am sure you will make interesting discoveries that will change your life.

no journey was ever completed on the same spot. But if you fail to launch out or take a step in faith, even while fearful, you deprive yourself, your family and your community of the gift of that great idea.

Why don’t you throw off the chains that are holding you down, forget your past, ignore the naysayers and the scoffers and just be courageous!!

Have a great week ahead.