wingi.
Swahili for “abundance” or “plenty”
FRANS PIENAAR | ENTREPRENEUR AND OWNER
We can always find reasons to complain and disrespect how much we actually have, especially in challenging circumstances. WINGI reminds me to approach life with an attitude of abundance: to rather focus on everything I already have instead of getting hung up on what I do not have. No matter how stark the situation, there is always something to be grateful for, and it is empowering to place one’s focus on these things rather than on what is lacking.
Being thankful helps us to recognise the good in our lives, which leads to the release of positive hormones (endorphins, I think), which in turn causes us to be more positive. What a wonderful up-cycle! It is the exact opposite of the spiral of depression and defeat that can so easily entrap us, and it gives us the courage to take risks and to believe that growth is possible.
A mindset of abundance counters a victim mentality and a spirit of dependence. It re-orients our focus from external factors that are usually not under our control to the things that we can control. The clever people tell us to start with what we have. Focusing on expanding the little that we have can lead to an easy win early on, which will motivate us to attempt more.
Many people talk about the power of positive thinking. Sometimes this leads us to believe that we have to lie to ourselves about reality so that we can become more positive. This is not the case: start with what you have and build on that. Work with what you can control and go after small victories in these areas. This is abundance and abundant life. As they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Or to put it another way: ”The best way to begin, is to begin.”
I am a civil engineer with a strong background in construction, and in growing businesses across Africa. I currently act as business advisor to several businesses and manage investments in property, manufacturing, building and hardware retail.
I serve on the boards of The Luke Commission and Partners in Action USA), non-profits with a vision to transform through community upliftment. I also serve on the board of Swazi Airways.
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