Welcome to the third episode of CSR News. My name is Simphiwe Mtetwa, one of the editors at CSR News. Today, we’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With the challenges of navigating through life in 2024, it’s essential to pause and ask ourselves a fundamental question: Who are we?
In our previous episodes, we explored the importance of embracing small beginnings and the power of planning. However, there’s a vital aspect that we often underestimate when striving to achieve our goals and resolutions. Why do so many of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions? Why do we begin the year with unwavering determination, only to lose our focus later on?
Over the recent December holidays, I delved into the profound insights shared by Miles Monroe in his book, “The Power of Character and Leadership.” This exploration prompted me to ponder the essence of who we are and how it affects our ability to achieve our objectives.
The first step towards self-empowerment involves shedding external labels and opinions. Imagine tearing off the post-its of societal expectations, familial judgments, and peer perceptions. Standing alone in front of the mirror, the question becomes: Who am I?
In my journey of self-discovery, I’ve come to believe that our identity is intricately tied to our character. Character is not merely the sum of our actions in solitude but a set of principles and values deeply embedded in our souls. These principles shape our decisions, determine our choices, and ultimately define who we are.
Character, formed in the first seven years of our lives through parental influence, is the bedrock of our values and principles. These values, in turn, bear fruit in the form of morals and ethics. With a strong character, we can discern and say no to things that do not align with our values.
Picture your character as a steadfast companion, guiding you towards your vision, mission, and plans. It serves as the fuel propelling you forward. When faced with conflicting choices, your character intervenes, reminding you of the commitments you made to yourself at the beginning of the year.
As we navigate the year, we encounter invitations and distractions. The choice to decline a social gathering in favour of fulfilling work obligations becomes a manifestation of our character. It’s the embodiment of the values and principles we hold dear, transcending the momentary pleasure of leisure for the satisfaction of meeting our objectives.
The key to achieving our goals lies in self-definition. By peeling away external influences, embracing our character, and understanding our values, we gain the power to say yes to what truly matters and no to distractions.
In the pursuit of self-empowerment, it’s essential to reflect on the profound impact of character on our journey. Thank you for joining me in this episode. Until next week, I’m Simphiwe Mtetwa, signing off. Goodbye!
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