It’s amazing the speed at which the world is changing these days and in case you haven’t noticed, the entire world is following at a fast pace so no one is left behind. In a few weeks, the year 2017 will be over and a new year ushered in. With each day comes its own peculiarities, what is important is that the individual that will thrive is constantly in motion and constantly working to stay prepared and equipped for the rapidly evolving society. The truth is, what you know so well and hold so dear today can easily become obsolete and useless by the morrow. Here are a few important things to know that should help make your life easier and keep you relevant for the times.
TECHNOLOGY
Except you are living under a rock and intend to stay there for another 100 years, you must be IT compliant in these times. Everything from businesses to human interactions and networking is now done over the internet and with the use of technological devices. While everyone cannot be a techie, you should be able to have an appreciable level of skill and knowledge of IT how to’s, some of which include;
- Know how to build and manage a blog/basic website. Besides the fact that everyone now has a platform to showcase what it is they do and sometimes, how they do it, knowing how to build your own website or blog will save you the cost of hiring someone to do it.
- Know how social media platforms work. You do not have to be on all of them or fully explore all the features that come with social media platforms but you should be able to understand what is going on within them and how you can use the benefits to better your individual and business activities.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
In a world where there’s now so much information and resources readily available, it has become quite easy to spot mediocrity and unproductivity. You cannot afford to be slack and say ‘this is who I am’ when you could do a lot to make yourself a better person. Just as physical appearance can be improved on, so can the mind, habits, character and personality traits be improved. Certain things that are important to imbibe for self-development include;
- Time management. Whether it’s your time or other people’s you do not want to take it for granted. Time is money and it cannot be taken back once lost. Even the bible encourages us to save the time. It is important to understand that your time is the currency you invest into your future and what you do with it determines the outcome you see. As there are many things competing for our time and attention, one must learn how to reasonably allocate our time and what best to use it for as it comes.
- Communication/human interactions. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. People are at the center of everything and interactions are inevitable. What’s more, your success in every area of human existence will depend hugely on how you are able to effectively communicate and interact with the people around you while also taking in the message they’re trying to pass across.
MEDICAL
Knowing how to handle medical emergencies with or without the presence of a medical personnel is no longer a luxury. Understanding how the human anatomy functions and the nature of some common ailments and diseases is also important as many people have died from ignorance and dangerous self-medication.
First Aid. You shouldn’t be at an absolute loss as to what to do when an emergency occurs. At the very least, you should know what numbers to call for help and what you can do to keep the situation safely contained while help is on the way. Ignorance is not a valid excuse where saving lives is concerned.
FINANCIAL
A very huge percentage of the world today have been statistically categorized as ‘poor’. While it is not uncommon to see and hear people blaming it all on the government and the economy, financial illiteracy and irresponsibility is the cause of many people’s lack. Getting a good job and earning a good income is not all that is required to have financial security. You may want to find out more about the following;
- Investments. this is how you get your money to work for you and bring back returns on its own. Contrary to what most people think, investing is not only for those who have more than enough. There are investment opportunities of various sizes and types that are suitable for different class of persons regardless of how much you have.
- The Yoruba people have a saying ‘nina l’owo’, it literally translates to mean ‘money is meant to be spent’. This statement is not entirely true though not entirely false either. Spending should be the last thing to do with your money, it should only come after savings and investment is done. To save is to build a roof over your head to protect you from the rainy days. Now that currencies and economies are fluctuating and market prices have no consistency, your savings will come in handy to make up for unplanned expenses.
- Side Money making. It is a ‘must’ to have some form of side income in this day. Putting your eggs all in one basket is neither safe nor reasonable. Multiple streams of income (only as many as you can safely pay close attention to) should be an important target for you to achieve and sustain financial security.
CRAFT
Get a skill, learn a vocation, engage in a trade, something, anything. Smooth English, nicely laundered suits and a fancy certificate is not enough anymore. The ‘security’ of getting an education has failed and continues to fail people. You must be able to do something that not only keeps you busy but satisfies your passion and earns you some form of income. You do not want to end up a liability to the people around you.
Recycling. Many things previously considered can be converted and reused, thus, reducing the amount of waste in our streets helping you save money. The benefits accrue to both you as an individual and the society at large. The process can also be very basic depending on what you chose to do and how creative you’re willing to get.
RELIGION
Pray. Here’s where it all starts and ends. The place of prayer is where you offload the not so great and fill up on the positivity you need to excel in life. Beyond all the hustle and bustle, the one who will stay relevant and on top of her game must make a habit of going into the place of prayer as a matter of lifestyle.
Meditation. Your mind is your power house. Meditation is how you set it in order and prioritize what takes a hold of your mind which automatically determines your actions. One way or another, we all meditate, but what it is we set our hearts on is what makes the difference in us. Let your meditation be on the things that are Godly, pure, lovely, of good report, and very importantly, meditate on God’s instructions. These set the course of our daily lives.