by Phindile Ndlovu
We fear taking risks. We are told to focus on one thing! We maintain the status quo. We do not apply for our dream jobs because we do not tick all the boxes. We are scared of registering for that course that everyone says is difficult. We are okay with blending in because no one will criticise us. But is this the way to live? Are we truly living if we are living in fear? I reckon not.
I want to share with you 3 things you need to start doing in order to break down the barriers and become the best version of yourself. Sounds like a cliché I know but trust me this works. Sometimes I find myself wondering if the things and roles I have taken on are worth it. I doubt myself and procrastinate, but on good days when I do these 3 things, man I feel better, I become more productive. The trick is to attempt to do these things every day, but with our schedules I know I will be asking for a lot from my working mommies.
So here we go!
Reading
I have made it a target to read 50 books this year and I am on book six. I am not yet close to reaching my target but I have read more books than an average person in South Africa, already. The thing about reading is that you lose yourself to insights and valuable information. I have chosen books that allow me to have so much knowledge about leadership, business and politics to a point where I can engage with almost anyone. I know a little about various topics. The more I read, the more I will know. Knowing and learning are important things to engage in. What if you do not like reading you might ask? Me too! But I love learning, I need to earn so I do it. Chose the topics you love and reading will be easier.
Meditating
People usually think this is for deep people, boring people, but I differ. Meditating is about visualizing and playing your dreams in your head over and over again. It is about being in a state of quietness and you talking about one thing. Some people sit somewhere quietly in their house, burn candles. I do not do that. I meditate just before I get out of bed for 5 minutes, then again in the shower when I am about to go out. The trick is to have an hour of this, I have about 10-15 minutes because my life is just hectic like that.
Networking
On Facebook and Instagram, you will find people posting pictures wearing their best outfits out at events where the best speakers were speaking. But then six months pass by and they have done nothing with the people they connected with or taken on board the learnings from the inspirational speakers. I say this to myself. Always have an objective when going to an event. Ask yourself what do you need to stop doing? This is some internal work we all have to do. Then ask, what do you need to start doing? This is when you look out for events that speak to this; then lastly, ask what skills do you need and who can help you? When you attend an event, knowing what you need to be learning and who to look out for will help you to maximise the opportunity and event. By no means do I discourage dressing up and posting your event experiences on social media, but make sure you maximise the learnings.
These 3 things can help you start making better and intentional decisions about your lifestyle. They might assist you in staying focused. Self-development is key, reading, meditating and networking are key ingredients in making sure you are confident, motivated and relevant. Remember what I said, the trick is to be consistent. I do not spend an awfully long time doing these things but the impact is there and my life has taken a positive change. Imagine if you did it more often than I do? Ahhh! You will be well on your way to being a millionaire.
Phindile Ndlovu is passionate about Community Development pertaining skills development and education for the youth. She is experienced in driving life changing community development campaigns. Passionate about self-development and leadership, she works and speaks with young people across the Gauteng Province in South Africa, motivating and coordinating her vision and goal setting workshops through her organization, Bhekizenzo Foundation. Her skillset is based on project design, brand awareness and organizational surveys, amongst many others. Phindile has strong, professional media and communications expertise, particularly with event coordination and campaign strategy planning. She has obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies and Sociology at the University of Witswatersand Johannesburg. Learn more.
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