LOOK BACK BEFORE MOVING AHEAD

By Nwaobasi, David Ndubuisi (Audit Department)
Before you set your goals, resolve to assess your accomplishments

At the beginning of each year, our minds turn to what lies ahead. It is a time to set goals for the next 365 days, to challenge ourselves to adopt a better attitude, do away with bad habits and set ourselves back on the never-ending path to self improvement. But while New Year’s resolutions should infuse us with hope and empowerment, all that self-examination can draw our attention to our shortcomings and put uncomfortable emphasis on the goals we have not yet met. Before you set a plan for the future, take a hard look at the past. Acknowledge all the goals you have achieved and the person you have become. We could all stand to improve on ourselves – it is an essential part of our humanity. But do not lose sight of how far you have had to come to get where you are.

The Questionnaire

Where were you a year ago? Who has come into your life and enriched it? What are you most proud of? Where you were five years and ten years ago and what has changed? More importantly, how have you changed? The questions are deceptively simple. And “I have not changed” is not an acceptable answer. You have. It is impossible to live life, to look and listen to the world around you and to take part in it, without letting it affect you. Your job no is to take stock of what you have done and who you are and give yourself credit for what you have accomplished. Life moves quickly. Even when daily life is at a crawl, the passage of time can take you unawares. And we do not see even huge changes, maybe especially huge changes, when we are in the midst of them. It is up to your later self to look back and acknowledge progress.

Success in hiding

Challenges can look a lot like setbacks, and can even disguise themselves as regrets. Do not be fooled. Even our greatest trials and grandest failures can spotlight hidden strengths. Say you have taken a pay cut or put on a few naira. That does not mean there is no cause for commendation. If you are supporting yourself despite a career change or tremendous responsibility, if you are making efforts for your health when your schedule does not allow it—you are succeeding. And with what you have learned on the way, you are on your way to greater success. You may not be at your end goal yet, but chances are, you never will be. There will always be some ways in which you will strive to be better. Remember, pessimism is easy. We are imperfect creatures with a drive for perfection. It takes a little effort to realize that growth is difficult and see our strengths for what they are.

Groundwork for the future

There are a lot of reasons for giving ourselves props for years past, but taking time to celebrate your success during the New Year is especially important. It helps to remind you of why resolutions are worth making – not because you need improvement but because you are worth every effort to be the best you can be.

WHERE IS HAPPINESS? by Akwarandu, Chidinma Precious

This is a question most people have not really taken time to ponder over issues like this and come up with an acceptable answer.
Well HAPPINESS IS NOT MONEY – Jay Gould – the American Millionaire had an enormous fortune, but when he was dying he said, “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth”
Not in PLEASURE any way – Lord Bryon lived a life of pleasure and ease. He wrote, “The worms, the canker and grief are mine alone”.
Not even in MILITARY GLORY- Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his days. Then he wept, “There are no more worlds to conquer”.
Not in POLITICAL POWER all the same – William Tweed became the brilliant boss of Tammany Hall and ruled New your city. He said, “My life has been a failure in everything”.
Not in UNBELIEF – Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote, “I wish I had never been born”.
Not in POSITION AND FAME – Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both, he wrote, “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age regret”.
Where then is HAPPINESS? The answer is simple; in Christ alone. He said “Your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you”. Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he”. (Proverb 16:20). In Christ is comfort, “Let not your heart be troubled”. (Jn 14:27)
In Christ is fellowship: “I will never leave thee.” (Heb: 13:5)
In Christ is life: “He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life.” (Jn 3; 36)