Everyone in this planet is gifted to make a positive difference. Each of us is born with innate gifts and creativity; each child, each youth beams with capabilities. We all bloom in our own uniquely different ways.
Discover your talent
The first step in this process is to discover our talent. If we study the lives of people who have achieved great heights, we can see that they knew their strengths, talents and gifts.
Consequently, the first step is to recognize and understand that we have an irreplaceable individuality within us, which expresses itself by way of our passion and aptitudes.
Do not be disheartened if these inborn capabilities are not readily evident, because for some, it is a process of discovery. If you persevere, you are sure to unearth those hidden talents. Just like a plant, the instinctive charisma take time before they become apparent and start to bear fruit.
Believe in your dream
Most of the time, we lose the grip on our individuality due to fear; because of past experiences or what was taught when we were young. Let us not forget the fact that every child is a dreamer.
There are dreams in all our hearts. One might think they are mere fantasies, but on the contrary, they point towards the purpose for which we are born.
Once we understand our dream and purpose, we can take steps to develop them. We must envisage in the dream a plan of execution to make it happen. Keep the visioning process simple, but be specific. Put it down as a one pager with your mission, objective, strategy and plans.
Invest in people
You are never finished or done with, until your dream is fulfilled. Life will usher in many chances and people who believe in your vision. You will encounter ample opportunities and circumstances to live your dream that will impact this world. The secret is, never give up.
Some people invest in stocks and shares, some in gold; some count on banks, all hoping to receive a dividend. However, investing in people will be the best asset, because it is the only venture that offers lasting significance.
Look around, and you will see scores of youth waiting for professionals to invest in their lives, coaching and mentoring them in trade and technologies, so that they could master the skills necessary to have a life of their own.
Take an inventory
Let us take a closer look at ourselves. What kind of impact do I have on others, especially, the youth? Am I leveraging every opportunity that I am given, to have a positive impact on those working with me as apprentices or interns?
Am I willing to make a difference by investing in one trainee at a time? What are the specific ways in which I can influence the youth to pursue lucrative vocations in the sector where I have made a mark? What worthwhile causes resonate in my heart and stir my passions?
Coach and mentor
Life is only given to us moment by moment, and big dreams are achieved, one step at a time. Make every moment count because there are only a few of them left. As a nation, we have to become exceptional in coaching and mentoring the younger generation. We need to value each youth whom we encounter at the workplace and concentrate on one youth at a time. Mother Teresa said: “one of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody”.
Language of love
Discover your love language and develop it. Nothing moves human hearts than seeing good deeds carried out by fellow humans.
As a country, we are on a journey together, generating one million employment opportunities, enhancing income levels, developing rural economies and creating a strong middle class.
These goals will thrust us toward becoming an upper middle income country that thrives on socially competitive market systems.
Find your love language to impact vocational education and flow with it. We all have knowledge, skills, experience and resources. The worst thing is not to share them with the younger generation.
Let the floodgates swing wide open. Be who you are! Do not allow fear or prejudice to hold you back. Move in ways you have not moved before. Take the initiative to do something new. Move forward and release your talents for the betterment of future generations! Be there to catch them when they fall. This way, you will lead an impactful life!
(The writer is an HRD practitioner)