You are stronger than you think –

A last feel-good inspiration by Theresa Blake Manager at 21st Century

“Be kind to yourself and those around you, wherever you can. We have become so accustomed to operating at 110% in everything we do, except when it comes to looking after our mental wellbeing. We are conditioned to be “doing OK”, “managing” all the time. And always chasing!

“We all know, it has been a particularly difficult period and one where things changed on a daily basis – lockdown levels, what we were able to carry on with, what had to stop, even who we could see. For many, the change was even more devastating – loss of livelihoods, loss of loved ones. As if that was not enough, we are now faced with daily challenges wondering when the lights will go off! We really are a resilient bunch, but the culmination of all these challenges does affect us by differing degrees.

“I recently listened to Simon Sinek. And his words really inspired me. Instead of chasing after all the things on our bucket list, rather take some time to build a “reverse” bucket list.

“Move the focus away from what you have not done or have not achieved.  We can all fill our buckets with tons of this!

“Certainly, we must have goals! But take a moment and reflect on what you have done, what you have achieved. You will be amazed at how much you have accomplished. None of this can be taken away from you. Be GRATEFUL for the things you can tick off on this “reverse” bucket list. Perhaps you won’t complete that IRON MAN challenge, but at least you progressed from a slow walk to a 5km jog! Well done!! Perhaps you were not top of your class, but you achieved that pass! Congratulations!! You survived an illness or complication that was thrown your way. So happy for you!!!  Despite your fear of heights, you managed to walk over the bridge. So proud of you!!! This is your bucket list of achievements. Keep filling it up and draw from it as often as you need.

“As we head towards the “silly” season of December and the end of another year, pressures and stresses increase. Instead of being caught up in the hype, offer little acts of kindness to yourself and those around you.

“Make your New Year’s resolutions. But also think over what you have done and achieved in the past year. You may be amazed at what a lot you have packed into this time. When we constantly chase that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, we miss out on all the colours along the way.

“As an employer and a manager of people, remember that you always have an influence on the people around you. Wellness can be contagious, just the same way as disease has been. Perhaps these last few weeks of an old year and the start of a new year are an opportune time to create some positive influence and change.”

-- ENDS --

Written by: Theresa Blake, Manager: Niche Projects

About 21st Century
21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Remuneration and HR consultancies in Africa, with a team of more than 60 skilled specialists, servicing over 1700 clients – including non-profit organisations, unlisted companies, government, parastatals and over two-thirds of the companies listed on the JSE. 21st Century offers bespoke business and strategy planning services, operating model and organisational design, creative reward practice modelling, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. These are all underpinned by our analytic and survey capability tailored to the African environment. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence. 

21st Century has expanded its services to offer a full turnkey sustainable business and remuneration service. Beyond remuneration and reward consulting, 21st Century offers local analytics for business advantage; remuneration and HR training; change management services; talent and people solutions; and end-to-end organisational design and development. 

Issued By: The Lime Envelope
On Behalf Of: 21st Century

For Media Information: Bronwyn Levy
Telephone: 076 078 1723
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.