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It can be very frustrating to start the year without a job especially in a country like Kenya where everyone including those that are struggling pretend to be thriving. The pressure is real, and it can paralyze one when it feels like you are lagging on your goals, dreams, and aspirations.
Inevitably, we tend to compare our progress with that of our peers and if they are doing exceptionally well, the pressure to do more and be more abounds. When in such a space, if you are not strong mentally, sliding gradually into depression and becoming overly cynical is highly probable.
In the same vein, the cynicisms that stems from the illusion that we are not doing well seldom permits us to perceive life objectively. It’s possible that amidst our career and financial struggles, nice stuff could be happening around us, but rarely will we notice because the negativity clouds it all.
For instance, relating well with significant others is a huge milestone which many of us overlook. Healthy relationships with family, friends and colleagues can put you in a very good space because they are a source of social support and companionship. If you relate well with your family and they truly care about you, if you have a friend or two who genuinely care as well, if you have lucky enough to be in a healthy love relationship, you are succeeding in the social sphere and its commendable.
Let no one lie to you that succeeding in others spheres of your life like the social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical are insignificant. One day when God blesses you with a good job, and He surely will in the fullness of time, you’ll come to appreciate that while career and financial goals are vital, they will not fulfil you if you are struggling socially, mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Accordingly, as you begin the year, invest in the following spheres of your life even as you look for a job or plan to set a business.
Purpose to grow spiritually. If you are a Christian, let 2023 be the year you aspire to be a better Christian. Read your Bible frequently, pray, meditate on the word of God, read other spiritual literature, and generally work towards growing your faith. As a true believer, you’ll hardly be anxious over the uncertainties of this life. You’ll be a firm believer of things working out and they always do.
Secondly, invest in your relationships. Try to talk often to those you care about. If time and money permits, visit them. When you are not in fulltime employment, you have time. Instead of seating in the house the whole day fretting over the stuff that aren’t working out, use the time well to build healthy relationships with your parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. If there is a meaningful friendship you lost over time due to busyness or the vagaries of life talking a toll on you, go back and rebuild them. Close and genuine relationships founded on mutuality can be a major source of fulfilment.
Thirdly, keep your physical health in good shape. Eat fruits and vegetables. Take a lot of water and exercise often. Luckily, fruits and vegetables are affordable. As for water, all you need to do is to boil it. Take a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, stretch, and skip if you can. Health is often taken for granted. Good health is indeed an area many of us should be thankful for, but we overlook it.
Importantly, take good care of your mental health. Examine your thought and feelings and try to understand why you think and feel as you do. Start making peace with your past. Let all the guilt and shame go. You’ve been holding on to it for far too long. Read personal development books and start learning new and healthy habits. Strive to overcome your addictions. Commit yourself to remain hopeful. To start you on your personal development journey, I recommend you read the 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Steve Covey and Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman.(To download, scroll to the bottom of the page where there is a green download button, click the drop down menu above the button, chose a book then click download). Have a fruitful and wholistic 2023.