Secrets of Success in 2009: Presence, Agility, Stamina

There’s no question really that life now in this Century is in some ways much different than ever before. Take the recent global developments relating to the dual financial and food crises; the tumultuous road that many face could straightforwardly spell doom in the heart.

But, with all major crises there are opportunities for the bold.

2009 is a year that will welcome the much-vaunted President-elect Barack Obama, a leader who’ll have the hopes of the Western world on his shoulders and beneath his wings. Yet, for any man it would be easy, and forgivable, to be defeated in spirit before the race is even run. But Obama is no ordinary man, clearly.

As we venture into the unknown future of a New Year, what will be the difference for us? ‘What will be’ regarding our New Year’s resolutions?

And what opportunities will 2009 throw at us? And how would we respond?

There are three words that could very well describe Obama; words with meaning that could transform us too.

Presence – we stand here present on this earth able to think and act, able to do so much, and make an impact--for good. Our presence is crucial. There are people who not only depend on us, but there are also the future opportunities that will come that mean all we have to do is ‘be present,’ and be “us.”

Agility – at a mentoring session recently I was given this word as a guide for uncertain times. It’s about being agile, and staying/thinking on our feet, not making assumptions, and being ready to act and change at a moment’s notice provided that’s the right thing to do. It’s a deliberately simplistic and lean approach.

Stamina – no other quality would be more important than this, particularly in this age. When the temptation is powerful to give up, stamina helps us grit our teeth and say, ‘I can do more, I can go further, I can smile despite the present circumstance, I will not give up.’

Presence, agility and stamina will be critical characteristics for the President-elect and his staff in negotiating a minefield of political, economic and social turmoil.

These too can be the very characteristics that we take on from the first day of the New Year, as we struggle and succeed, in whatever milestones and challenges that lay before us to be conquered.

Courage is the underpinning attribute behind all three: presence, agility, stamina.

Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.