2016 has been quite a year, with interesting stories to tell across the globe and different industries. A myriad of memories; some great, some tragic, some unbelievable, some inspiring, some we “never saw coming”, some happened against all odds (you know the one I’m talking about). The political landscape changed in key nations, with economic uncertainty and fear of the unknown ravaging souls all over the world.

 

We all have individual stories to tell about 2016. We made some good and bad memories. My story may be different from yours, but I am confident that the life lessons we picked from our experiences are not far apart. I had just one goal to achieve on in 2016. It dictated my focus, actions, decisions, and I am glad I did. Was it all straight forward? A walk in the park? Definitely not! Was it worth the focus? Definitely yes!

 

These are my top 16 life lessons in 2016 based on my experiences and observations in the year.

 

1. Nothing is ever guaranteed or immune to change. 

Two key events reinforced this idea in my mind. 1. The UK exit vote from the European Union and the subsequent events. 2. The American presidential election result.

 

There was no way David Cameron could have imagined at the start of the year that he would lose his job in 7 months, neither would Teresa May have believed she would be the next UK prime minister in that time.

 

Don’t take any position or where you are in life for granted. When you think you have everything figured out, life can throw you a curve ball.

 

2. A decision can change the direction of your life significantly. 

A collective decision was made by Britain (popular vote) to leave the European Union and the ripple effect of the decision was unbelievably painful for many. One decision and no one still knows the full impact it will have on the nation and her citizens.

 

Don’t be afraid to make difficult decisions even if it means things may change for you for a season. Decisions have ripple effects – be sure to look at all the variables before taking your stand.

 

3. You will only discover/see what you make your focus.

I have one and only one goal I focused on in 2016. You will only see what you are looking for. I was amazed at what I discovered in my findings and search. You can read more on my pursuit here.

 

 

Your immediate focus will determine your level of energy, emotion, and courage. Life is like a camera – focus on what is important and you will capture it perfectly. Thoughts can be very consuming, and the dominating one drives our concentration, focus and action.

 

4. You have time to do what you need to do. 

Time is one of the greatest gifts we all have in common and in equal proportion. Many spend the time while some invest the time; irrespective, it is free. You have to create time to do what is important to you. I created time to play matches in my local squash league at least once a week, created time to complete a five-week oil painting class, created time to read books, created time to write blogs and manuscripts, at the same time hold down a 9-5 job.

 

‘I don’t have time’ may really mean ‘it is not important to me.’

 

5. Every minute, hour, day, week, and month of the year is important. 

They all determine how we end the year and whether we are closer to or farther from our preferred future. Our future is hidden in everything we do or don’t do daily! Each day is the future per instalment.

 

Everyday is important and crucial to your preferred future. Make each day count.

 

6. There is always an opportunity to develop new skills.

The truth is, there is always room for improvement except you have relocated to the comfort zone. What you consider your best today is not really your best but what your best effort can produce for now. Robert Greene, author of the book, Mastery, once observed that the future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.

 

there is always room for improvement except you have relocated to the comfort zone

 

What you consider your best today is not really your best but what your best effort can produce for now

 

7. Understanding the seasons of your life is important and crucial to every effort to reach your goal in life.

Life unfolds in seasons. Understand your time, season, and you will never wonder or ask, ‘WHY ME’ again. You can’t fight seasons. Rather, flow with the season and arm yourself with what the season requires. Don’t be afraid to make temporary changes to survive and outlive unfavourable seasons.

 

8. Everything seems impossible until someone has the courage to do it. 

Accepting anything as impossible is accepting an opinion as a fact, which may cripple motivation. The reality is, nothing is ever impossible. It may be impossible for a time or a season, but not forever. What you may tag impossible is someone else’s reality.

 

9. Let your faith be bigger than your fears. 

Everyone is afraid of something. Even the brave lion is afraid of moving lights. Don’t lose confidence in what God can do in you, through you, and for you.

 

nothing is ever impossible. It may be impossible for a time or a season, but not forever

 

10. There is always an opportunity to help someone.

Even with your limited resources and unanswered questions, there will always be an opportunity to help someone within your capacity.

 

 

Be kind both to strangers and people you know – it will look good on you. One kind word can change someone’s entire day, create confidence, and better morale.

 

11.  Your trust will be betrayed by close associates but not enough not to trust again. SELAH.

 

12. People are in your life for a season. 

Not all relationships are designed to last a lifetime. Don’t hold on to them when their season is over. Eleanor Roosevelt once observed, Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

 

13. Stop abusing yourself.

Stop mistreating your body by feeding on the “wrong” food and doing no physical activities or exercising. Take care of your body – make effort, treat it well and keep it healthy. It’s the only place you can live in. You don’t need to attend the gym to exercise or workout. There are so many exercises you can do at home. A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.(Spanish Proverb)

 

14.  Promotion does not necessarily equate to progress.

Sometimes, progress is developing yourself, improving your skill set.

 

15. Engage a mentor.

It’s worth every time and resource invested. I engaged a career mentor this year and his contribution is priceless.

 

16. Have big dreams and start small. Big dreams, little steps.

My wife sent me an email I originally sent to her in 2010 – a 10 year plan/goal for our family. We are 6 years into the plan. Truly, I had forgotten about the list but to my amazement, we are truly on track to achieve all items on the list. I have been unconsciously driven by these goals.

 

 

Have big dreams but take little steps.

 

There is no overnight success, it’s a myth.