It’s 6:00 am and I am out for a run, jogging swiftly through the streets of Maitama, Abuja [Err …. not really]. [Actually] I am walking because I am in the worst shape. I really can’t wait to get back to my prime again, but this has been an on again, off again routine.
Wait a minute, is my workout regimen lacking intentionality? Do I really want to get in shape? If yes, why am I am not getting to it?
Not long ago, I was in my perceived prime; I had great cardiovascular and muscular endurance, flexibility and strength. In short, I was physically fit! And if I recall correctly, I was able to achieve this by sheer determination and purposefulness. With some research, and together with my fitness instructor, we decided on what actions I needed to take, and I was determined to stick with every plan we made.
As I reflect on these during my walk, it occurs to me that if I so desperately need to get back to my prime, I should be intentional about it – which was what got me fit previously. Now, I’d like to describe being intentional as the act of deliberately evaluating and deciding among various options and acting upon the choice you have agreed upon – on time.
Your every step and every move should be in line with the agreed plan; no step can be out of the required timed steps. The dance is on! You move and turn with a sense of divine direction as you maneuver the course, avoiding obstacles in your way. This means you are resolute about doing and living out what your stated intentions are, even when the choices are difficult.
These same thoughts occupy my mind as I find myself also thinking about the state of my country. I think the current state of the nation is a result of lack of intentionality – and we all have contributed to this in some way.
We live in a country with so much lack, yet, so much potential. We are indeed blessed to a point that our reality has become like painful blisters making it difficult to sit on hard chairs. What we miss is the will to decide and act upon our decisions. Business strategists refer to this as execution – which, quite literally, means the discipline of getting things done.
Execution! This is what we miss and what we seek!!
We tend to go looking for said execution capabilities everywhere but home. We have all the resources, but we are not deriving the positive outcomes in the value chain of these resources. For example, we have hydrocarbons, wind, sun and waves but no steady electricity. We have hospitals and schools, but the quality and level of healthcare and education is beyond questionable.
Let me step away from myself and ask you. What are your intentions for Nigeria? What are your plans for your life?
You cannot arrive north by walking south; you cannot run a race whilst burying your head in the sand. If we hope to achieve Gods calling for our lives, and our nation, we must be intentional and live it out daily. It is as simple as that.
We all have our parts to play, it’s not just the politicians. We must understand that ALL our works should be a sacrifice to God. We are ALL on earth to serve the Almighty and ALL we do with our hands serves as a form of worship to God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
If you intend to be a doctor, then you must decide and be the best doctor to your patients.
If you are a teacher, then become the best teacher for your students.
If you are a ‘paper pusher’ in an office, make sure no one pushes the papers better than you do.
You want a better work environment, become a better employee.
You want a better nation, become a better citizen.
Majority of our problems are a result of our lack of execution: simply not doing, or not doing as well. It is impossible to execute when you do not abide by your intentions.
It is a strong statement of character when you stand regardless of the circumstance, firm in your intent to be and do as promised.
Steps off pulpit….
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Os is an aspiring farmer with a streak of leading transformational projects. When he is not recommending or implementing solutions for clients, he is either lost in a gallery or gazing through a window with pen in the hand – daydreaming about being an author.