How many of you know people who seem to simply give up, complain about everything including their lack of money or job opportunities and yet you never see them take responsibility for changing the course of their lives?
These are people who will not even bother show up to meetings, events, or community activities but then have the audacity to complain about unfairness. People who will complain about a government (but then not vote), people who will complain about theft or rubbish in their communities but then not turn up to meetings about mobilising neighbourhood watch or clean up campaigns. People who complain about poor customer services (but then not bring this to the attention of management), people who complain about the lack of jobs but then not turn up to careers events or events where companies/recruiters are presenting, people who complain about lack of funding for their business, but then not look for alternative sources of funding including barter trade. People who complain about their friends using them, but then still remain friends with this same circle of “friends”. People who want to be leaders and yet are more focused on partying than putting in the hours and dedication required to lead successfully. People who secure an interview or client meeting but then show up late or worse, not show up at all. And so the list goes on…
It is not a coincidence that those who tend to be successful are no more cleverer than the rest of us but what they do is they turn up – no matter what! No meeting, project, contact or networking event is ever a waste of time for them. They do not expect to strike gold the first time and they keep ploughing until they do.
Turning up doesn’t always mean physically being somewhere. Turning up could mean replying to an email or phone call, mobilising people or participating in dialogue and not just sitting in silence and then complaining that nobody cares about your opinion. Turning Up is basically giving something your full attention, swiftly followed by action.
The number of billionaires in the world has more than doubled over the last 5 years (the tech industry adding a high number to this). As depressing as the world may often seem, we have more opportunities now than ever before. Africa’s population is set to double over the next 35 years to 2 billion!! The opportunities within the continent are growing – life expectancy is increasing, the middle class is burgeoning, the technology revolution is gathering speed, most of you reading this post are what they call “mobile natives” i.e. you have grown up with mobile technology, namely the mobile phone. The internet has enabled many people to start businesses with little or no funding. There are many FREE services and training that can be obtained online as long as you are willing to take the time to do some research or speak with people to get personal recommendations. Life is full of opportunities but you need to turn up! To read more posts by Miriam, click HERE
