Happy New Year friends. I believe like always, most of us are excited to begin a New Year and look forward to the great opportunities it will bring forth. Moreover, I understand that some may not be as excited due to some unforeseen circumstances but I would like to encourage you not to lose hope. The beginning of a journey may never be easy but how you cope with the challenges along the way is what determines how you reach your destination (outcome).
Having seen discussions on how to survive the January blues, I am concerned that it’s still an issue to many. We have all year to save and plan for events and vacations during the festive season. Unfortunately, procrastination or some sort of excuse gets the best of us. We incite one another and end up engaging in a competition on who can have the best time during the festive season.
While there’s nothing wrong in taking time to relax it’s important to save for these festivities to avoid debt and cause for alarm when the year begins.
The future is bleak for those who live outside their means. You borrow to pay debt until you cannot borrow anymore. You destroy your character because you cannot keep your word and you end up losing credibility from those around you. Save and learn to multiply your money throughout the 11months particularly if you are not able to travel during the low season.
Additionally, manage your finances in such a way that your premiums do not necessarily have to be due at the beginning of the year. Many investment plans and indemnity covers are flexible allowing you to have a monthly payment plan. Be wise and take measures that will ease your burden financially as you begin the year.
Furthermore, as you make promises please remember to honor them. Your word is your bond. If you keep it, only then will you be able to create a brand; a product of value. Your name is the value you have and it’s something you take to the bank. It’s your money. Keep it solid and learn to earn the trust of others. This is the first rule of borrowing. Don’t ruin your reputation in the name of evading debt payments. Consider that one day, you may really need the assistance and no one will come to your aid because your image is tainted.
Therefore, as you begin the year my friends, do right by others but most importantly do right by yourself. Don’t get into bad debt and be weary of those who will encourage you to engage in activities that you clearly cannot afford. If you borrow to sustain your lifestyle, then you are as good as a fool. I once defined the middle class as those who live beyond their means. Prove me wrong.
As the year unfolds, execute wisdom in all you do. Re-examine the goals you had set. For those who did not achieve their goals, look at what went wrong and strive to do things differently. Albert Einstein once said, insanity is doing something over and over, expecting different results. Don’t become the insane one around your peers. For those who achieved all their goals, it’s time to set new goals and benchmarks to achieve them.
Finally, many countries this year will be holding their General Elections, Kenya included. I can only advocate for peace. Everyone (of the legal age limit) has a right to cast their vote. Give them the freedom to do so. Let us all exercise our civic duty and be mindful of others as we air our views. We will differ ideologically but we need to remember that a country needs its people to advance. Endeavor to progress and encourage one another along the way.
May peace prevail in our motherland and may we work hard to reach our various destinations.
