Sunday 2 January 2022

10 lessons in Pursuit Of Purpose (P.O.P)


By Brian Maregedze

It is undisputed that 2020 and 2021 have not been easy years, at least to most people globally. Although the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been a serious challenge, the question on our purpose as humanity on earth equally demands important moments of reflection. There are at least 10 lessons l found intriguing and worth sharing after reading Ralph Kadurira’s 2018 publication, 109 Pursuit Of Purpose (P.O.P) Aphorisms published under Mind Blowers Publishers.  Drawing lessons from philosophical and biblical teachings, it is vital to note the following lessons;

1.       Everyone is uniquely designed for a purpose

It is under uncertain times that hope is lost. Why are you on earth? Why are you alive? From a functionalist entry point, Ralph is noticeably clear that everyone is uniquely designed for a purpose.” This is so because purpose goes beyond financial gain but guarantees a life full of meaning.

2.      Discover your purpose

Everyone must discover her/his purpose. It is that which you already have.  What you only need is to DISCOVER your purpose. It is not going to be easy for you to sacrifice and do what ever it takes to succeed be it academically or in extra-curricular activities if you don’t know purpose. Reading Ralph Kadurira’s books is vital in the quest for a #purposedriven life.

3.      Be passionate about what you do

Citing other writers on passion, it is noted that, “You have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to right. If you’re not passionate enough from the start, you’ll never stick it out.”-Steve Jobs

With passion, one can courageously move mountains. The struggle may be there, but it is all confronted with zeal and burning energy. Candidates writing the public examinations under the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) undoubtedly are uncertain about the prospects of excellent results. Writing examinations under Covid-19 compounded by a long year without having proper learning environment isn’t an easy task.  

4.      Constancy of purpose

Under the principle of constancy of purpose, long-term thinking and improvement is vital in the life of every learner. Gesturing towards the greater good and results must be upheld. 2020/21 may have been a challenging year, but remaining in touch with constancy of purpose is crucial. By being consistent in continuous study and sharing knowledge, it is possible to excel resoundingly.

 


5.      Focus

Efforts have been made before to stall the public examinations in Zimbabwe but with no success. Instead of listening to gossip and rumours on whether the public examinations in Zimbabwe are still to be written or not, FOCUS in reading, revising, and making sure you know all your material is vital. Ralph Kadurira is very apt when he notes that, “purpose will not allow you to engage in unnecessary talk.” As you pursue your purpose, don’t allow yourself to be drawn into social media fake news but rather FOCUS on your GOALS. More notable is that those the purpose driven don’t have time to fall for distractions. Beyond public examinations, those who pursue purpose remain FOCUSED.

6.      Be responsible!

It is easy for some learners in 2020/21 to say that they are likely to fail due to the pandemic, lack of resources to learn, lack of access to resource persons as classroom instructors among other reasons. However, it must be acknowledged that it is your RESPONSIBILITY by all means to fight and win. The Zimbabwe crises have manifested variously over the past two decades, but they must make important decisions in life, to exit your excuses and BE RESPONSIBLE.

 

7.      Eat that frog!

Instead of ONLY being a planner and a schemer, ACT on your plans. Many at times learners write and read the timetable daily but without being faithful to the timetable. Whenever one is studying, it is easier to read, revise on familiar topics rather than to take up challenging topics.  Brian Tracy wrote, Eat that Frog! to promote an action driven plan in everyday life. In P.O.P, it is a recurring theme to take up challenges and be ACTION oriented.

8.      Law of attraction

If you ACT on that which you love, it is possible to find volunteers who support your cause or your purpose in life. The story of Mind Blowers Children’s Fund started by Ralph Kadurira is a typical example. This initiative had other supporting hands because Ralph was equally able to take ACTION in offering a giving hand to those in need.  You are responsible for changing the course of your LIFE if you take the right steps.

 

9.      Associate with the RIGHT people

Reading P.O.P closely, the power of association is related to the biblical story of Mary and Elizabeth who shared similar purpose. Reading the biblical book of Luke is instructive on the story of Mary and Elizabeth. Away from the bible, the power of association is made clear. Who do you play around with? Association comes with influence for the better while to some, it may result in catastrophic life decisions. In 109 P.O.P, Bishop David Abioye is cited saying, “Association is vital to every man in pursuit and fulfilment of destiny. Who you follow determines what follows you. Where you stand determines how and what you view.”

 

10.   Don’t settle for less

Aiming higher and chasing excellence is key to pursue and unlock your purpose.

 

 

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