Simple Steps to Achieving Success in the New Year

"The reason for the failure of many New Year resolutions and goals is because they are not anchored on a clear vision."- Femi Banigbe

To help us explore how anyone can position himself/herself to thrive in the coming New Year, we hosted two high-profile business leaders: Femi Banigbe, Managing Partner, Silver Rock Technologies, and Akosua Annobil, Founder, AB2020 at the second edition of #SFANLiveChat. They shared with us simple steps to achieving success in the New Year!

Here are four takeaways from the chat:

Create a Vision for the Year, Not Just Goals

Many people confuse goal setting with wishful thinking, Femi says, “A goal is simply a plan with a timeline while a wish is a fantasy without clear intention. Achieving your goals in 2017 will require you to clearly define your objectives.”

But, to translate your wishes into concrete actionable goals, you must be intentional about what you want.

Being intentional in your goal setting requires that you “define exactly what those goals are; what the purpose behind them is and define the bigger objective. What are your goals linked to? If you can anchor them onto a bigger purpose, you’re more likely to stick to them. Identify the people and activities you truly want in your life. Make quality plans and put dates in the diary,” Akosua explains. 

When you have a clearly defined vision for why you want to do what you plan to do, you get to strengthen your resolve.

Your vision gives you the “why;” a purpose for what you're doing and your goal is backed by your purpose.

"When your dream is big enough, the odds don’t matter."— Les Brown.

Leverage Relationships and Tech

AB2020 is one of the premier carriers of global business news, events, missions, and Africa-focused business content. A key component of Akosua’s success strategy with this venture is leveraging relationships and technology.

At the end of the day, she says, “Business is relationships. Networking is a must! But, it’s not a one-way street. What do you bring to the room?”

Building strategic alliances with people who are pursuing similar goals with you is of vital importance.

On technology, Akosua noted that tech has provided us tools, platforms, apps, and other resources that can enhance productivity at little cost. But "as much as leveraging mobility and collaboration tools is important, most of the time, what you need is simple tech-based tools that can help you focus, plan, learn and manage execution. Don’t make the mistake of complicating your life with advanced tech tools. The Key phrase to remember is ‘Keep it simple,’” Femi highlights.

Create a Balance

Femi has worked for several reputable companies in different executive positions, including being the Network Support Group Manager at Ericsson, Director of Operations at Airtel Nigeria, the Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana, etc. At each of these levels, he always managed to find extra time to contribute to the community by serving as a leadership and life coach or motivational speaker at conferences across Africa.

"The question of balance can be elusive to many,” he explains. “It’s simply focusing on what is important at each phase of your life. Balance requires self-management - ensuring that you are in control of how you use and invest your time. It involves giving appropriate amounts of attention, time, energy, and resources to the important aspects of life."

"Be flexible and don’t be unrealistic. Sometimes we need to work a bit harder and sometimes rest a bit longer.”

Think as Big as You Can, But Start Small

Akosua’s job at AB2020 involves being the eyes and ears for what’s going on in the African business space, and, inclusively communicating this. This could be a daunting task sometimes. She believes that to avoid being overwhelmed by your goal, you must “do whatever you can with what you have. Ask others to help…whatever you do, don’t focus on what you haven’t got!”

“Having BIG dreams and NO resources are common excuses people make,” Femi says, “big dreams are achieved in small steps. The resources you need to take the first step in achieving your big dreams are available if you look deeper. You have all it takes to take the first step toward your dreams. The first step opens a door that leads to many doors.”

"Every artist was first an amateur. " — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Conclusion

If you want to thrive in the New Year, you need to focus. “Your plan will need your attention, and this may require sacrifices. To quote one of my favorite songs, ‘Life is what you make it’. Whatever you have planned for the year, start today,” Akosua emphasizes.

“The coming year, like every year, is full of opportunities. Go all out to succeed,” Femi concludes.

Learn new digital skills to thrive in the New Year! Visit ReadyforWork.