By Tafadzwa “HR”
Something that I have seen is that people are frustrated today because they don’t know who they are, and what they are best at which also makes them happy. Despite complaining about the economy and political atmosphere, they still do not know who they are and blame the environment for not being able to help them identify themselves. They look at others whom they see as financially successful and try to be exactly like them (worse they try doing what they are doing) but it’s mostly a fruitless exercise. It’s a herd mentality which is quite common especially in Zimbabwe, if you think am lying here are just 3 examples;
- Mabhero (2nd hand clothes)
- Huku pamaba (Chicken selling)
- Chihuta (Small chicken)
Take time and burn your inner self and find out who you are and work with that. I once had this discussion on inner search and will not lie people argued that internalising and all that passion is useless cause you need to know how to survive in this economy. But my argument was one need to just set aside some time in their life to find out who they are and focus. Your future depends on what you know about yourself.
Does self-search help?
This argument in Zimbabwe will leave you exhausted and high emotionally charged because of what people will say. In the discussion I had about this with people they all noted that nobody in our economy will achieve by following their passion or what. This was based on the number of people whom they knew that failed at making a living because of the economic conditions. In this conversation many variables were raised and in the end you could realise that one is fixed on the notion they have. I am not trying to change anyone’s mind on the issue of self-searching but what I am saying is that carrying it out goes a long way. In Zimbabwe Nigel Chanakira said his passion was to open a bank and he did, despite what happened he did what he set out and achieved a lot. My question is self-searching really unnecessary?
I have a friend, who loved dancing and, for interests’ sake let’s say food, they never ended up the dancer they wanted to be but they are greatly involved in food. This friend even wrote two books on the aspect of food and personally motivated me to drive on in life. My point is that they know who they are and they milked their strengths and have become a great person in their field. I personally respect them and actually am going to be getting their services in the near future.
Don’t doubt
The herd mentality won’t work for us, yes they say go where the wind is blowing but at times you need to go with the wind in your own style. Know your skills and use them to the best of your ability and it will go far. A friend in Zambia was telling me that they had a lot of doubt within themselves but after knowing who they are, they have grown and in 3 years has taken opportunities that are reaching them towards their goal. It starts small and grows, BUT, we want the fast results to be honest. In life they are no short cuts and any short cut haunts you in the long run believe you me.
My example is this, there was guy Drew (Not real name) who was supplying materials to a company because he knew the Finance guy personally. Now his products were not as strong and competitive but they could deliver at 70%; the challenge came when the Finance guy left the company. It so happened the replacement was not impressed with the products Drew was supplying to the firm. A new tender was opened and Drew was told to compete for the job. Drew lost to a rival who was far different from him. How did he lose, Drew only had that firm and another as his only clients, the competitor who beat him had 6 references that vouched for him. I will let you know the contract was 5 figures monthly.
In this case Drew knew people and got in easily but his competitor worked hard and his work proved his worth. They are no short cuts, people think knowing someone gets you far, it does but also being able to produce gets you further. How do you go further, know who you are and understand yourself better.
Contact details:
Tafadzwa “HR”
Mobile: 0783771448
Feel free to get in touch for career advice, HR consulting or any business/Income generating structural advice.
