The Sunday Mail
Changing Perspectives
Rutendo Gwatidzo
THE rainy season is upon us and farmers are busy working in the fields.
On the other hand, learners are busy with examinations and preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
Most organisations are also busy with strategic meetings to review performance in the current year and strategise for next year.
Clearly, preparations for the next season should start this month, if they have not started already.
Very soon, our surroundings will be lush green and beautiful because of the rains.
The year 2023 is nearer than we think.
Food for thought
It is unwise to enter the new year without a plan.
Using the same plan as last year is still okay if you think it will still work.
The most important thing is to have the plan. Have you ever wondered why companies spend a lot of money on strategic planning?
While dreamers are not necessarily able to make dreams come true, planners, however, are able to do so.
Having both a dreamer and a planner is convenient.
As you prepare for the next chapter of your life, it is important to be honest with yourself.
You know your strengths and weaknesses, and you need to plan accordingly. You also need to assess your threats and opportunities.
In short, you need to come up with your own SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis.
You may probably need to engage other people and ask them to be honest with you so that they do not tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear.
Success is seldom random; it is often a result of proper planning and execution.
Generally, in life, we achieve what we plan for and find what we look for.
We may not know what the future may bring, so we need to plan for the future.
Organisational status
I believe that there are many who fail to plan. In my human resources (HR) experience, I have seen people who get carried away upon receiving their salaries.
They would spend weeks buying fancy food at work before buying basics at home. After the money runs out, you will then hear the individual blaming the company for paying inadequate salaries.
Inasmuch as salaries may be low, proper planning and budgeting are key.
I have also seen departmental heads who blow up budgets in ways that betray lack of proper planning.
Resources will never be enough for those who do not plan.
It is, therefore, important to plan first.
So, be encouraged to begin preparing for the coming year. This includes planning for different seasons of your life.
One author once said a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Do not survive on wishes only — get real, get ready and get practical.
The clock is ticking
It is never too late to change.
Be inspired to plan for your life.
If the founder of the popular KFC, Colonel Sanders, started his business at 65, then, yes, you, too, can still do it.
If others become CEOs at 20, then, yes, you, too, can do it.
Age is just a number, all you need is planning and the rest will follow, as long as you put your mind to it.
All the best in your planning.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is a culture and change management strategist. She is an HR consultant, speaker, mentor and author of the book “Born to Fight”. Contact details: 0714575805/ [email protected] /Rutendo Gwatidzo Official FB Public page.
