Why is it that there are those who are content
with their lives just as they are? There is something about mediocrity that
really bothers me, that one would accept compromise over integrity. It baffles
the mind.
In this journey called life, we will undoubtedly
face many challenges, heartaches, failures, and guess what? We will also enjoy
success, happiness, and achievement. The mind is a powerful organ that God has
blessed each one of us with. Some choose to accept that they will not be more
than they presently are, while others know that where they are will always be
the beginning of bigger things to come. We have many lessons we can learn from
other successful people who have achieved much through their own lives, lives
that have been filled with adversity and pain. People like Nelson Mandela,
Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr., and even more striking examples from the
Holy Scriptures. As one writer put it, “we have nothing to fear for the future,
unless we forget how the Lord has led us in the past”. Such profound words are
worth meditating on.
So, how can you and I continue on this path of
near peril and failure? Firstly, we must have a spirit of determination, the courage to face an uncertain future with hope.
We must strive to believe in the gifts and talents we have been given.
Secondly, we must learn never to sell
out on our beliefs, our values, and our traditions that have made us a
cultured race. This is the very foundation of integrity. Thirdly, we must be adaptable. The world is changing fast.
We have moved from real time to continuous instant time. It is now not uncommon
to watch the war live on television, or to download how Saddam was executed on
our IPads. To keep up with this fast changing world, we must adapt at a pace
that is faster than the changing world. Fourthly, we should learn to reconcile with our enemies. Oft times
we create enemies by holding on to petty grudges. Later in life we ask
ourselves why we are enemies with certain individuals, past friends, or family
members. It’s time to let the past be that: the past. Design a new future with
old foes by reconciling. The feeling is liberating. Fifthly, we should learn to
share with others. Share your
opinions, your experiences, your failures, your time, your resources. By sharing
and giving of ourselves, we become better people, edifying the very element of
our being. Sixthly, smile. Too often
I have seen people so frustrated and on the edge, and it is amazing what a
simple smile can do. The release, the relief, it could be the difference
between road rage and life. So next time you enter an elevator, or the
Gautrain, or on your next flight, be pleasant and smile to a stranger and make
their day. Lastly, be a servant of
mankind. Humility is one of the least discussed qualities that all human
beings should have by default. To serve is such a noble quality, one that makes
such a difference to the next person. Isn’t that what this life is about? The
ability to be of service to the next person, to your employees, to your spouse,
to your children, to those whose welfare depends on you. Show a little
kindness, nay, a lot of kindness and watch how much of it returns to you.
So, never be content with mediocrity. Choose
your future properly. You can design your success, or you can choose to remain
where you are and watch the world go past with your victory, your joy, your
peace. Choose now!
