MY NEW YEAR CHARGE | My watchword for 2021 is, BE DYNAMIC. Please be open to change and be quick to respond. You may have been surprised by COVID-19 in 2020, but you can't say you are surprised in 2021.

There might be fresh lockdowns. Vaccinations will need at least a year to be fully distributed. Nigeria will take time to stabilise its currency and to exit a recession & food inflation. Plan for these outcomes.

You already know about these things so, remember the adage, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." While you cannot control the world and you are not in power, look for opportunities and mine them. There are always opportunities in crises.

The next word is, PLAN. You need to do your scenario analysis. Fine-tune your tech tools and remote working processes. Craft financial and business plans. Those who plan are wise. Stop waiting with empty hope. Instead let your preparation meet opportunity.

The same skills that are used to plan for one set of circumstances are also useful, even when there's a different outcome. Your plan is a basket. Only put in things that serve your objectives. Ignore distractions, especially social media distractions.

Next, GO INTERNATIONAL. Stop waiting for political cycles to determine your fate. Seek new markets. Now is the time to stop only googling "How to Open an Offshore Account" or "How to Receive International Payments in Nigeria". Implement the results of your searches. Get it done.

SEEK JOY. Diarize meetings with family and friends. Make them part of your schedule. Do one thing you like everyday, even if it's to listen to one song or to watch one episode of your favourite Netflix show. Be deliberate about fueling your emotional tank.

PRAY. Schedule time with God and evacuate your pain and frustration daily. Stop carrying burdens alone. Talk through your plans with God. Give him space to talk too. Be open to him and read his word. You'll learn invaluable principles and gain direction.

BE COURAGEOUS. The tigers are not as fearsome as they seem. They're just loud. Your reputation will not be destroyed. Your business will not collapse. Your life will not end. Tell the truth & let the devil be ashamed. Face your fears & challenge oppressors. Stand up to bullies.

BE PATIENT. I know you are tired of the pandemic and all it brought. But, you can't rush a virus. In the meantime, be deliberate and keep building on & executing your plans. Your time and life are not wasting.

Finally, EMBRACE LOVE. Love yourself and allow others to love you. You are an exceptional specimen of humanity. A glorious expression of the universe. God's special person. So, revel in love. You deserve it and are worthy of it. What a wonder you are.

So with all my heart, I wish you a happy new year and all the best!