Changing gear, Powering ahead?

Happy New Year! Welcome into year 2020!! It's the first day, in the first month - I mean 01/01/2020. Quite amazing!!!

This is one year that promises to be an awesome one at personal, family, corporate, national and global level. I must admit that every new year have the same potential only that I am so fascinated with the rhyme “20-20” to accord this one its special status. Is this year one in which you need to slow down a bit at the onset and deliberately work things out for the better or one in which the fundamentals are strong already such that you are at vantage position to “change gear and power ahead” without let or hindrance? You are in the best position to deliver the just verdict.

It was in 2004, a year I’ll never forget for so many reasons (and that space will not permit me to discuss), that I had a unique encounter. I had acquaintance with a great leader who was the MD of a reputable company in Asia Pacific. He was the one who socialized the mantra “Changing Gear, Powering Ahead” and it has stuck with me since then. It was such a powerful message that resonated with all stakeholders that the business outlook was one in which the coast was clear for the company to power-on and deliver dividends to the shareholders sustainably. Can you say the same about yourself? Are you so certain that there are no aspects of your life that needs adjustment, improvements or rejuvenation in one form or the other? Have you identified areas in which you can safely step-up and power ahead?

Those who are familiar with manual transmission vehicles know that you cannot speed-up or slow-down without first engaging the gear that is commensurate with the desired speed. Irrespective, there are conditions that must be met before a driver engages the gear and speed up without unintended consequences. Such includes but not limited to the following:

    - The driver have not forgotten vital things required for a successful journey behind.

    - The driver is conversant with the speed limit and operates within that limit.

    - The car is in good condition and not showing any untoward signs in operation/motion.

    - The road condition is good and the weather condition is favourable.

    - The driver have double-checked and have a clear view that it is safe to speed-up with seat-belt securely fastened from onset.

In the same vein, “changing gear” in our context  is an idiomatic expression for changing from one activity or level of engagement to another. We are at a unique moment having just transited from one year into another successfully. What are the requisite requirements or vital things you must arm yourself with to have a successful year? Do you know your limits and operate within them? Are you certain of your mental, emotional and physical state of health? Are you operating in an enabling or hostile environment? Are your friends and acquaintances such that encourages you or reverse is the case? Have you taken stock and can safely say that the coast is very clear for you to change gear and power ahead in the new year? 

Whatever you must do this year, understand early what it will take for you to end it well. Envision the end from the beginning. This is the 2nd of Stephen Covey’s seven habits of highly effective people after “Being proactive” - “Begin with the end in mind”. Work towards your vision and don’t allow detractors have their way along the journey. Just like the driver behind the wheel, you are not answerable to anyone but yourself. “Only the wearer knows where the shoes pinches”. Hence don’t disappoint yourself. Don’t endanger yourself neither the life of others around you. Be safe as I wish you all the best in the new year. Changing gear? Let’s power ahead safely!