Some of us older people will remember Billy Ocean singing about this way back in 1985 – but even if you were born after 1985, the message is still equally, if not more, relevant today.
Our country, our continent, and even the world is experiencing very trying times. Whether a natural disaster, Brexit, economic downturns, war, the refugee crisis or climate change; our environment is getting tougher and tougher to navigate. Here in Kenya, our headlines scream about corruption, the high price of basic foods, economic decline and unemployment incline in every county and every industry.
It is tough. And possibly it is going to get tougher before it gets better. But tough times represent an opportunity for tough people, tough companies and tough communities. Opportunities for personal growth, for business growth and for economic growth. Like most situations in life, the outcome is not dependent on the situation, but on how you react to the situation.
So, how do you get tough? Being tough simply means being resilient despite setbacks. It’s about being willing to work more, to risk more and to be more. There is no room for entitlement when the going gets tough because the tough know that the one who works harder, who takes the most initiative, who is the most innovative, will ultimately emerge most successful.
- Do not take the job you have for granted, it is a gift to be employed.
- Work harder without asking for more, rewards will come.
- Be flexible, the more you adapt the higher your chances of survival.
- Budget wisely, live within your means and forfeit luxuries where necessary.
- Be positive, your energy will determine your success.
- Help where you can, you are more fortunate than many.
It is time to lift our game, lift ourselves and lift each other.
It is time to get tough and get going.