We have hit that time of the year where the motivational speakers earn their keep. The fatigue is deep within, but the year is yet to be done!
The final quarter really requires one to be intentional about the moves they make. It demands you be thinking about what you are doing, otherwise you can really find yourself coasting along. In all honesty just getting up is a challenge at this point, let alone showing up and giving it your all.
I was telling a friend the other day that I’ve put on about 7kgs after working really hard to lose 20 or so. She enquired as to what happened and all I had as a retort was “life…”
That’s essentially because getting up at 06h30am to go for a 5km run has been nigh on impossible of late. Try as I might, the body insists on remaining horizontal and checking on the latest tomfoolery of the social media platforms. Platforms that have degenerated in the most spectacular way by the way, but still the body wants what the body wants.
Yet, with sixty days to go, there are still so many issues outstanding. There are still tasks that could make substantial difference to the year that need to be completed. So, what to do? Where is that last little bit of inspiration meant to come from? It’s no wonder this is colloquially referred to as the “rat race”. We’re always on the hunt for the cheese. Goodness, who moved this damned cheese?!
The crux of this column was actually supposed to be how we ought to regroup and refocus as individuals and as a nation. I was thinking about Joshua Setipa’s failed bid at attaining the Secretary General position of the Commonwealth. A case of so close yet so far, I hope Lesotho has come away with some real learnings from that on how to go about such a mission going forward.
As has been said on social media, these positions are really supported by the government and the country of the candidate. It should not be an individual effort. That said, the government and Mr Setipa deserve to be lauded for the effort. Even aside from the failed bid, I think there was still value in the lobbying. Our foreign affairs should’ve gleaned much Goodwill, while also reigniting dormant relations.
I had a quiet word with Mr Setipa when he was here on a short visit and it was his view, whether he gets the job or not, Lesotho and its foreign service ought to be in a better place. Let’s hope that’s the case. That the men and women whose job it is to ensure sound international relations between Lesotho and the world will leverage the platform.
It’s sad that Southern Africa have missed out on the opportunity to lead a major global organization, but I’m certain the Ghanian foreign minister changed with this massive responsibility will do a stellar job!
We are tired, but that should not make us complacent nor staid. We must find agility and energy, and finish the year strong. The rewards will eventually show…
