The best year ever

It is a new year; it is a new decade. We have barely started the New Year and then there is already an on-going debate whether the new decade should start with 2020 or 2021? Let me give you a little bit of context here.

We usually say "the start of the century" begins at the year ending with 1. It is because we celebrate A.D. – Anno Domini and it starts with year 1. There is no “0 A.D.” But when we refer to generations, we use the rounded number. Case in point is that we say: “The Eighties.” “The Nineties.” And it starts with Zero. We can of course celebrate it twice. But we will have to spend twice. So let's make good on this one. It is a new decade.

The year 2020 has a beautiful sound into it. It sounds like another Lazada Event. And then, of course, there is the much-awaited Summer Olympics. 2020 – SPEAKS OF CLARITY OF VISION; 2020 for me, also talks about a duality of times. It is the best of times it is the worst of times. These immortal words derived from the classic work of Charles Dicken’s “A Tale of Two Cities” would aptly describe the kind of world we are in today.

It is “The Best of Times” for those who are willing to face up to the challenges and exploit its opportunities. It is “The Worst of Times” for those who are either:

1. Unwilling to change and adapt.

2. Giving up and quitting too soon.

I choose the first one, and so should you. 2020 should offer us a clarity of vision.

And while we are still in the “Start-of-the-year” mode of feeling this would be an excellent time to ask ourselves some self-reflective questions: How did I do last year? Did I do well? What were the things that were done right and perhaps can be enhanced or replicated this year? What were the things that did not do well, and why did it happen? What measures should I take to prevent the same from happening?

In many of this year’s rallies, I am going to challenge the people with making this year the best year of their lives. And the best year this year begins with the best day you and I are going to make today. Multiply this by 365, and you have the best year; multiply that with a couple more years, and you will have the best lifetime one can ever experience.

On January 1, I posted this on my Facebook page and all of its related digital spaces:

“Decide to be joyful. Fill the heart with hope. Make this year your best year and 2020 your best decade by making your every day the best day of them all. God be with you on your 2020 Journey.” To make 2020 a winning year, we need to acquire three essential skills so we can stay relevant and take advantage of the immense opportunities lying ahead of us. Of course, there are many other skills requirements, but for discussion in this limited space, allow me to zero on these three. If you want more, then I would highly recommend that you attend my Level Up Leadership workshop seminar that is about to take place within the month.

1. Critical Thinking is the foundation for complex problem-solving.

2. Customer Focus. Customer urgency is the new customer service.

3. Communication. The ability to articulate ideas and to collaborate with others on the things necessary to do business that would lead to growth and development.

Changing Demographics. Changing Technology. Changing Skills Requirements. Whether in business or career, we need to be life-long learners. And learning fast is the foundation of all skills. So many new things I have learned, and I am excited to share. And there are so many more things I still need to learn. If last year has been challenging for you, this is a good start and to make this year better. And if last year had been a good year, great! Celebrate and now strategize on how to level it up.

Somebody says: “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives have not happened yet!” ”I love this quote from someone who said: “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” And with God's Grace and a lot of work and dedication on our part, we can make the best of 2020 happen!

(Francis Kong’s much awaited and highly acclaimed Level Up Leadership 2020 Edition runs on Jan. 29-30 at Seda Hotel, BGC. Attend the two-day inspiring and effective seminar workshop. For further inquiries or advanced reservations contact April at +63928-559-1798 or register online at www.levelupleadership.ph)