Queen Ramotsehoa, CEO, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy

If one has not planned the year, it is already late. However, the wheels are not in full motion yet, which allows one last chance to review the past year. Developing a plan without making an in-depth review of past wins and losses puts one in jeopardy of repeating the same mistakes, with the possibility of ending up worse than before. Repetitive mistakes become expensive when they accumulate over time, and one will find it to be a hefty penalty to pay.

When a person has a plan in place, their attitude towards their goals and aspirations will be critical in determining their success. This is due to the fact that how one responds to difficulties and setbacks greatly affects their capacity for resilience and overcoming barriers. When one has a positive attitude, they are more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity and have the motivation to keep going even when things get tough.

On the other hand, one could argue that some South Africans' attitudes are a barrier to their success. Many have a pessimistic outlook on the future, which has left them unmotivated and unassured of their ability to succeed. The nation's high rates of unemployment and poverty serve as particularly stark examples. The "that's not my problem" mentality is well known among South Africans and is a perspective that frequently results in a lack of accountability and responsibility for their success. The prevalence of the "victim mentality" is another problem. Many South Africans hold the view that they are powerless to alter their circumstances and that events are outside of their control. The culture of entitlement is yet another obstacle, with many believing that they are entitled to success, without putting in the necessary work and effort. This attitude breeds laziness and a lack of initiative. Success requires hard work, determination, and perseverance. Those who have a sense of entitlement are less likely to put in the necessary effort to achieve their goals.

Taking responsibility for one's life is crucial to achieving success. Constant introspection helps one focus on areas that require attention and provides clear insights into where they need to improve so as to avoid being passive recipients of their circumstances and instead take proactive steps towards their success; exploring different options, learning new skills, and taking calculated risks to achieve their objectives. Those who adopt this mindset are more likely to succeed because they use all the resources at their disposal to achieve their goals.

Unfortunately, there is one significant barrier in our educational system. The custodians of education in South Africa are failing the youth, which severely hampers advancement and success. Even if one has access to these resources, educational institutions are setting our youth up for failure, simply because they teach about the past and not the future. Although changing the entire system won't be simple, doing so is necessary for one's future success as well as economic growth and prosperity in South Africa. The results of these teaching methods put individuals in poor positions because, when they complete their education and receive their qualifications, they are not equipped to create for the future. To add insult to injury, the poor quality of education provided in many schools, inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of qualified teachers leave them ill-equipped to compete in a highly competitive job market and hampers their ability to improve their social and economic standing, perpetuating inequality and limiting opportunities for upward mobility.

It is imperative to recognize that resources are finite. As such, we must use them wisely to achieve the best possible results. In today's fast-paced world, competition is fierce. Those who can maximise their resources tend to be the most successful. Whether it's time, money, people, or technology, we must learn to make the most of what we have. Maximizing resources requires discipline, creativity, and careful planning. A careful and considerate utilisation of these resources enables us to be more efficient, innovative, and productive, leading to better outcomes and increased success. If you want to become successful, it is essential to cultivate a mindset that is constantly in the positive.

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