Strategize

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “we can’t progress until we are unified and we need allies.” The reason South Africa was able to eradicate an apartheid was because they had a collective agenda that included a financial impact. Corporations began to divest in South Africa. The reason certain boycotts were effective was because it was a collective effort that affected a financial institution. In order for real change to occur, it has to affect our economy. It has to hurt financially. Most wealthy Americans, Black or otherwise are not trying to lose their wealth. They are willing to protect their pockets not matter the collateral damage. We aren’t unified. Yes, there are historical reasons for this, but we don’t all have the same goals. We don’t all want the same things. I've seen divisive posts about the Black LGBTQ community as if they aren’t Black first. I’ve seen disparaging posts about the disconnect between Black men and women…and yes there is a reason for that as well, but we have to strategize. We have to have an agenda. We have to get on the same page. We have to truly want the same thing. We can’t protest. We can’t boycott. We can’t be effective until we unify and strategize collectively.

Now

There are no “do-overs.” We can’t change the past. We can shape tomorrow by what we do today. What are you doing now? If nothing else, this pandemic has taught me to be prepared. We don’t know what the future holds, but we can equip ourselves. We have the opportunity to shift our lives in ways we never could before this pandemic. There are free classes and tools that are accessible, now. There are ways to better ourselves, now. There are ways to be better prepared for similar circumstances, now. We can budget better, now. We can live better, now. Do something, anything, now!

Obstacles

Part of being successful is acknowledging the obstacles in your way, and to the best of your abilities planning for them. There will be unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part we know our challenges. It is important to set realistic goals. It is important to evaluate resources. We must always count the cost. Some journeys require you to travel alone. Some roads are long and narrow. No matter what path you take this year, count the cost. Evaluate and acknowledge your obstacles...so you can overcome them.

Prepare

I’m a planner. I have several digital “to do” lists. I have alerts on my phone. I have multiple organizers. I have shared calenders, the whole nine. It makes it easier for me to manage my household and keep up with everyone’s schedule and budding social calendars. You don’t have to go to this extreme, but anything of value in your life is going to require preparation. You will need to prepare for every major step in your life. Some preparation requires physical training. Other preparation requires mental and spiritual conditioning. While other prepartion is financial. No matter what area in your life requires preparation, do your due diligence to properly prepare. Plan. Prepare. Proceed. Perform.

What's Next?

Perspective is everything. Do you have an optimistic or pessimistic perspective? Is the glass half full or half empty? Are you hopeful or do you expect the worst? Do you feel that the game is rigged or do you have a fighting chance? What's next? Do you have plans? Are you moving forward or are you waiting on life to happen? Are you defeated or did you just lose one battle? What's next? Do you see God's favor or do you simply see another closed door? Do you understand God's providence and sovereignty or do you only see consequences? Is your God punishing you or preparing you? What's next? Is your latter greater? What's next? Are you looking forward to what's next or focusing on what's already happened? What's next? Are those dreadful words of damnation or declarations? What's next?