Day one or one day? The choice is yours

PEOPLE often do not realise the impact of something until after it has been accomplished.

Changing Perspectives

Rutendo Gwatidzo

When we count days, it all starts with one, which then builds up to many, weeks, months and years.

One day produces many others.

I believe we all look to the future with great anticipation that things will go well and we will enjoy life. The better tomorrow that we hope for starts with day one. Many of us think and believe a better future is coming without calculatedly doing something about it. Others say life begins at 40. Is that really the case, especially if you do not do something about it?

I have come across many people who got disappointed when they turned 40.

You need to work towards the future that you desire by taking the necessary and relevant action.

Organisational status

One of the challenges in many organisations is that of high expectations from both management and subordinates.

For instance, managers expect better performance, great profits and business growth in future.

Employees, on the other hand, expect higher salaries and more benefits in the future.

Interestingly, if you analyse both sides, you may find out that no one is really taking time to consider the strategies needed to bring about the desired future.

I have seen many organisations losing good talent or employees losing jobs simply because their expectations were not being met.

Both management and employees should take time to discuss the kind of future they both anticipate and desire, including ideas of how to get there. Management should be transparent with resources, while teams should be clear on what they are able to do.

One of the reasons for frustration is unfulfilled promises. Management makes promises that do not get fulfilled and employees may also promise a certain level of delivery that may never be met.

Successful businesses are a result of measured efforts. Facts also need to be respected. For example, it may be a fact that the business is undercapitalised.

Being honest about it will inspire teams to know what to expect when doing their work.

I know of a man who once started a bank.

Sadly, things did not go according to plan. He once shared something very important.

He had worked at Econet Wireless during its early days. During that time, management at Econet Wireless were frank with him about the situation that was on the ground.

Resources were not enough to pay him what he deserved. He then agreed to receive a small allowance until things improved.

He worked hard towards the desired future and when things got better, he got a share of the profits, and that changed his life.

General facts

I would like to challenge all of us to look at 10 years back and see if our lives turned out the way we expected.

If not, begin now — Take today as your day one and begin to do something about the next 10 years. If you are living the future you wanted, then be deliberate to maintain or to keep doing better.

Many of us lose opportunities due to overlooking the impact one day can make in our lives. Do not take each day for granted.

Be inspired to make the most out of each day and maximise opportunities.

One day can significantly change the direction of your life for better or for worse.

Be encouraged to take today as day one towards something. Be inspired, encouraged and challenged to number your days to avoid wasting time. Ephesians 5:15-16 says: “Be very careful then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

◆ Rutendo Gwatidzo is the managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy. She is a culture and change management specialist, multi-award-winning leader, speaker and coach. She is also the author of “Born to Fight” and “Breaking the Silence”. Contact detail: 0714575805/ [email protected]/ Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official fb public page.