The average person is subject to conditioning- a state where routines are preferred to adjusting to changes. As much as change is perceived as uncomfortable to most persons, the world is without regard ladened with so much volatility, Same way prices, markets and technology are changing; values, norms and belief systems are changing likewise. If you put your mind around just about anything in the last 7 years, it’s almost impossible not to identify with CHANGE; that includes YOU. You are not exactly who you were in 2015! In fact it appears as if Change is the constant, while other things are consequentially variable. It’s also important to state that my emphasis in this writing would revolve around shocks and negative changes, as opposed to a holistic perspective.
The need to be in sync with a rapidly changing world justifiably amplifies the obligation towards embracing adaptability and flexibility in planning and living our lives. Yes, shocks will come and they happen every day to different persons (you just may not be aware). I am intentional about not delving into much detail on this, as I believe you can relate just somehow. If you are reading this and have never been in shock or had to respond to an unanticipated change at any point in life, I would honestly need you to write me on how you have being so lucky!
I know a lot of motivational speakers are all around the internet saying ‘I have no plan B or it’s now or never! I either do this or die’ and other stuff like that. My perspective to this is a little bit critical. You cannot approach everything in life as a nail, especially when all you’ve got is a hammer. If you do this, you would have destroyed just so much, before you realize that what you have being hitting with a hammer is not even a nail in the first place but glass. I would say, be all you want in all your pursuit (this is so fantastic) but have a plan B and/or C if you can.
As much as we talk about viable businesses and opportunities and all that, there is little talk around living a viable life. A life that is ‘future shock proof’, but also viable in essence. In terms of viability, I mean viability with time, skills, applied knowledge, finances, savings and investments, information, career and business, the list is endless. While it is really dangerous to omit flexibility and an ability to evolve from your overall master plan, it is smart to invest in staying up to date (whatever this means to you in your space) and in sync with the current and the future.
I am not even talking about just acquiring University degrees, courses or status just for the numbers, but for relevance. A key area of critical thinking for any young/middle aged adult should revolve around beginning to do or to continue doing the exact things that guarantee relevance today and for the times to come (this includes the rainy days). This resolve can both influence your day to day decisions, action and/or inactions, as well as serve as a blueprint for major success in the long run.
There is no beauty in being relevant, once upon a time. Having to reference the good old days is a defeat anthem and one that I would never pray that you sing (me too)! It becomes germane that you channel quantum effort towards staying evergreen, never becoming obsolete and of course, not because you solely want to blindly impress or compete with anyone. If you say you’ve got a Masters, there’s someone that’s got 3! If you have a promising career, some persons have conquered your industry! In any space, you would always find those that have completed whatever ladder it is that you intend to start or have already started climbing.
As I conclude, the race to relevance should not be aggressively approached as a sprint. This is something you would need to imbibe as a lifestyle for a very long time, until you break-even and eventually ‘break out’. One trap you must avoid falling into is a burnout, a point where willpower is completely lost and nothing seems to be worth any drive. High performers and creatives are most vulnerable to getting to this crossroad quite often. If you ever come close to this point in your process, it is completely legal/valid to take a break (rests) for a while just before setting off again. Never forget that it is a marathon and not a sprint. Do not lose yourself in the process!
Thank you for giving out time to read this beautiful piece. I pray that your new week is an evergreen one and that you eventually cross the finish line in whatever space you are in.
