Changing gears can mean different things depending on the context. It could refer to shifting focus, adjusting strategies, or transitioning to a new phase or direction. Letting go of the previous ways with which we did things and embracing something totally new.
Here are some indicators that you might need to start shifting gears:
As you reflect on your current goals, interests, and priorities (this might take some time) you might recognise areas where you are stagnant or unfulfilled. This might mean it could be time to change gears by exploring new hobbies, learning opportunities, or personal development endeavors.
You Should:
Embrace challenges and step out of your comfort zone to experience growth and broaden your horizons. This could involve taking on new responsibilities, seeking mentorship, or pursuing passion projects.
How about your profession? Do you have a desire to move on and explore other things?
Assess your career trajectory and aspirations. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, consider changing gears by exploring new career paths, seeking advancement opportunities, or transitioning to a different industry or role.
Invest in continuous learning and skill development to stay relevant and adaptable in a rapidly changing professional landscape. Networking, attending industry events, and seeking feedback can also help you navigate career transitions effectively.
To all my business owners and of course my entrepreneurs:
Evaluate your business strategies, market trends, and customer needs. If your current approach isn’t yielding desired results, it may be time to change gears by pivoting your business model, expanding into new markets, or launching innovative products or services.
Stay agile and responsive to market feedback and evolving industry trends. Collaborate with industry experts, conduct market research, and leverage technology to drive business growth and adapt to changing dynamics.
Let’s not forget about relationships whether personal or otherwise.
These too might need a shift in gears. Be honest enough to realise when what satisfied us before no longer does. It does not mean that we have become narcissistic or hormonal hopefully not) or that the individual/s have suddenly become “bad” or not “good for us”. It just means that we have reached a stage in our lives where we need more…Totally understandable. Is your current relationship helping you to be better? Does it assist in achieving your goals, help you fulfil purpose, or have you regressed and become stunted? Be honest…
Assess your relationships, friendships, and social circles. If you feel disconnected or in need of change, consider changing gears by fostering new connections, nurturing existing relationships, or seeking support from community groups or counseling services.
Prioritize open communication, empathy, and mutual respect in your interactions with others. Be willing to listen, learn, and adapt to strengthen meaningful connections and create a positive social environment.
Health and Wellness:
Today mental health has become even more important. After the covid pandemic we recognise that our ability to cope is not as strong as we think it is. Life can deal you a hard hand from time to time, in your finances, family struggles, it really can take a toll. Our jobs can also absorb so much of our time along with social media and the like. I suggest the following:
Take stock of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If you’re experiencing burnout, stress, or unhealthy habits, it’s time to change gears by prioritizing self-care, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking professional support if needed.
Incorporate activities such as exercise, mindfulness practices, adequate sleep, and healthy nutrition into your daily routine to promote overall wellness and resilience. ( I took up swimming it works!)
It would be remiss of me to leave this blog without speaking about Finances. If I were to be honest my financial experience can be compared to a roller coaster. Seriously. Especially in the early years, some of the middle years as well (lol) When you decide to step out and own your own business the capacity to manage your finances is a key skill. So be honest about your financial position. It’s the first start of getting better.
If you have financial goals Review those goals including your budgeting strategies, and investment decisions. If you’re facing financial challenges or seeking financial growth, changing gears may involve adjusting your savings plan, exploring new investment opportunities, or seeking professional financial advice. Two words: Financial Discipline.
Changing gears will also impact your Time Management and Productivity. How could it not? With so many distractions (social media being one of the biggest) proper time Management can be the crucial element to your next opportunity.
Assess your time management habits, productivity tools, and work-life balance. If you’re struggling with time constraints or feeling overwhelmed, changing gears may involve optimizing your schedule, delegating tasks, or practicing effective time management techniques. Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency, set realistic goals, and create a conducive work environment that promotes focus, creativity, and well-being.
Changing gears is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves self-reflection, adaptation, and a willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges. Whether it’s in personal growth, career advancement, relationships, or wellness, navigating gear changes effectively can lead to growth, fulfillment, and a more fulfilling life journey.
Aging gracefully…with a little help – Dale Forde
I AM 53. When I tell people that, they do not believe me. My age is not something I flaunt, neither is it something I hide. I am grateful to be at this stage in my life. I suppose how I look can be attributed to good genes and disciplined skin care.
My mother tells the story that when she was pregnant with me, she changed her diet according to the directives of her OB-GYN. That diet included adequate amounts of fish oil, vitamins, iron and protein. According to her, at my birth that same doctor said she had never seen a baby with such beautiful skin. Throughout my pre-teen years my parents made sure that my siblings and I ate a diet similar to what we were fed in the womb – fresh fish and meats, fruits and vegetables, little to no sweets, and fast food very rarely.
By the time my sister and I reached puberty, we had become accustomed to seeing our mother complete her skin-care routine every night – cleansing, toning and moisturising. She exfoliated often, bathed with either Dove or Oil of Olay soap and at night she applied the Oil of Olay moisturiser to her face, after using Witch Hazel toner. On her body she used Jergens lotion and Vaseline for the elbows and heels. Nothing annoyed my mother more than ashy heels and elbows, especially on her children, boy or girls. And just as importantly we had to brush our teeth twice a day, floss and have regular dental check-ups.
Mummy would not stand for anything less. The saying goes that the eyes are the window to the soul; my mom believed it was your teeth.
Though my sister and I had bouts of teenage acne, they were not severe because our mom made sure we instituted her same self-care routine. In my 20’s, I fell in love with makeup and taught myself how to apply it and, most importantly, how to remove it. As wearing makeup became a daily requirement for my career in TV, it became a nuisance that I endured only when I had to.
I have long believed that my greatest asset was clean and healthy skin, with an inner glow that came from regular exercise, eating well, drinking the daily water requirement, minimising alcohol and feeding my soul with good books, great music and movies; love for myself, family and friends; fulfilling my passion; living towards a higher good; being confident and building a relationship with God.
This in no way means that I am perfect, and certainly not my skin. I still have days when I get angry, disappointed and I feel de-motivated, but it is on those days that I try to be kindest to myself, or I am reminded by a loved one that I need to be. I do have stretch marks, cellulite and wrinkles under my eyes, because I can only slow down, not halt the aging process. And that is OK. My intention is to age gracefully. One of the ways I do that is to be comfortable with me and play up those parts that I find most attractive: my eyes, lips, cheekbones and hair (which I have kept short and natural for most of my life).
On my 50th birthday, one gift to myself was a photo shoot. Now I intend to have one every birthday. Yes, part of it is vanity, but mostly it is fun and I love having current images of myself.
Looking good does not have to be expensive. There are affordable products for everyday use including good old Vaseline. I prefer Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant lotion which I apply at night before bed and after a shower. I still use plain Vaseline on those heels.
I use CeraVe Hydrating Moisturising Cleanser and the Facial Moisturising Lotion PM for night and AM for day; the latter includes SPF 30 which is important protection from the sun. I never leave home without my sunglasses which are protection for my eyes and when I go to the beach I wear a floppy hat, apply sun block and drink lots of water. After extensive exposure to the sun I apply a Vitamin Serum under my regular moisturizer at night.
A good addition to daily moisturising is an oil and I was fortunate to stumble on Bajan- made Naara body oils: my favourites are Island Life and Orange Cranberry which keep my skin supple and smells amazing. But I can’t wait to try their new scents – Vanilla
Peppermint & New. Their line of natural soaps is a great substitute for commercial soaps which are really harsh detergents, but that is another story for another time.
It sounds like a lot but trust me, routine self-care does not have to take up a lot of time. Once you get started and see the results it will become second-nature. I like to think that I am making the most of my mother’s legacy. But so should you. You won’t regret it.
Dale Forde Media Consultant
