Like the Chinese who typically have an animal theme every New Year, we could say this is the season for the woman. It has been so for some time but its aura grows stronger with each passing quarter in the last couple of months.
Pressing for progress which was the theme for International women’s day this year speaks to many different things and this theme provides an opportunity for both men and women to internalize what this means for us individually. More importantly, what it would mean to us for the rest of the year.
Growth and growing could be some sort of synonym to the phrase press for progress because it takes effort and consciousness to get things going whether it is to grow or to press on.
As 2018 powers on, how would you #pressforprogress going forward?
In your Career: Whether your career is powering on, tapering or stagnant, one major boost you can give it is you. Yes, the gift of you being more deliberate about it. What would you do? How is it going to take shape?
Personal Development: What would you be adding to yourself this year? What skills or added knowledge or ability would you be garnering?
Leadership calls! We already take on leadership positions in groups, at work, social circles so what’s stopping you from taking it up a notch this season?
As You? – The most underestimated part of nurturing and pressing is in taking in your whole self and nurturing it consciously. What would you be doing for adventure this year? What have you always desired to explore or achieve that you’ve been holding back on? What has been a childhood dream that could be achieved now if you let it? What has been a dream to see, touch, be, do, explore? Take a bold step this year and give yourself permission to achieve one. Just one in 2018!
Pressing for progress speaks to taking decisions and staying the course. Pressing and progress requires stealth!
For some of us, you couldn’t care less about Pressing for Progress! Which progress? When the tsunami you find yourself in your relationship or some challenge is drowning every ounce of energy you could have mustered and you’re exhausted from pressing for help and gasping for air.
The phrase “Still I rise” comes to mind because for every air you gasp for, there’s strength that comes from a deeper place within you.
We’ve got to know when to ask for help. We must not wallow in self-pity or powder our noses in a hurry to look like all is well with the world. Raise the flag for help and raise your voice – find professional help if you’re unable to confide in one person.
You must nurture aright. Growing healthy like a plant requires the right conditions which includes having an outlet – one sounding board of a person who you can tell all as woman. It’s called being human and also a form of self-preservation!
In spite of, despite all you go through, you’ve got to grow deep. It’s got to be beyond the surface. Pressing in any form or shape requires a certain type of energy and torque.
Grow deep in your anchors – who is in your corner and why? Be deliberate about nurturing relationships – not just when you need them.
Grow deep in spending your moments – attempt to be more ‘present”.
Grow! Sprout!! Blossom!!!
Ngozi Adebiyi
