Let’s talk about Fear! Over the years, I have written about fear in different ways. This seems like one of those seasons when we are afraid again. We are talking and acting out our fears. Taxes are higher and we are more conscious of things getting more expensive. We are expecting them to get more expensive. We are scared of our livelihoods being affected by the economy, debt, the Chinese, expensive railways etc. Most of us read people’s opinions and do not reach out for the facts ourselves. I’m not here to paint a rosy picture but I know that collective negativity usually gets us nowhere. In other words, it will not put food on your table and will not prepare you to have less food on the table if it comes to that.
I was at a dinner recently, and the guest speaker, scolded us for thinking small. In fact, her exact words were “Shame on You”. I did feel the shame, but I was very inspired at the same time. I turned my mind from what I do to what I could be doing. You may not be in a grand leadership position influencing policy but what are you truly doing with what you have? Not what you would do if only you had more time, money, support, savings etc. but what you are doing now? If the answer to that question rests solely on you having better material things, better meals, better schools for your kids or better holidays, then you are in the business of thinking small. This is because it is all about you. These things are important and nice to have and by all means enjoy them. But they cannot be the whole purpose of your life. Yet most of us spend most of our time and resources on this.
If you are truly worried about the economy, look at your personal spending. I was heart broken recently to hear somebody making a case for imported jam and publicly denouncing all local products. Even those of a similar quality. Does that person really have the right to complain? There are taxes and government policies that should be put in place to protect local produce, manufacturers and businesses. However, let us also take a long hard look at our choices and what we unnecessarily promote. If someone walked into your house, whose brand would they see you building? Is it your own country, own continent or the very same nations you are complaining about?
So why did I start this article talking about fear? If we are not careful it will make us shrink! You cannot shrink into greatness. People are more scared of losing their jobs therefore they will not raise their hands and suggest the unconventional approach to a problem. Businesses will stop innovating and just try to survive. Others will fail to adapt and make the changes they need to their lifestyles, because they fear losing their social status. Fear will attract fear. More people will congregate at the bar and talk about how bad things are taking comfort in that company for the moment. As much as we talk the talk about what other people should be doing to make our lives better, we wake up every day and do the same thing, have the same conversation, ride the same route, read the same tweets, spread the same gospel.
No matter what is happening, our role in a changing environment, cannot be to stay or think the same. Instead of ranting and raving about the insecurity you feel, face it! Experience the discomfort and then ask yourself a very important question. Utado? What are you going to do about it? A while back I wrote about a watchman who decided to collect plastic bottles on his way to work to make some extra money. Last week I met an artist who has decided to paint what our country could be. I have an intern in my office at the moment who just wants to help irrespective of what he may or may not earn during his time with us.
I’m very guilty and personally challenged as I write this but I think the times call for all of us to go beyond the norm. Ordinary just doesn’t cut it anymore. Everybody has something they can use, give or help with. Creativity, innovation, skill, time, conversation, money or ideas! The list can go on forever. So, Utado?
Waceke runs programs on Entrepreneurship and Personal Finance Management. Registration is currently open and ongoing through our website centonomy.com For more information get in touch with her through waceken@centonomy.com /Facebook-Waceke Nduati /Tweet @cekenduati