Introduction.
I had the great privilege of being born and lived in the 20th Century, started learning [schooling], earning, became conscious of my environment and graciously migrated into 21st Century and continue learning and is yearning. Same is true for every adult reading this book or everybody above 12 years at November 2011 [the time of writing this book]. I take it as a privilege, not taken for granted, and I thank GOD.
Matter of Urgency.
It’s urgent that in this 21st century that all of us that migrated into her on December 31st 2000 must succeed or fail in this century – no other century. Why? You can’t just cross two millennia, even if it is given to you as a gift, you will not like it i.e., wish to migrate to 22nd century. You’ll be too old to your liken. So, they must succeed or fail in this 21st century before their deaths. The children born early this century can migrate.
But my concern in this book is serious!
My Concern.
Today’s life and work environments require far more than THINKING skills, hard work and content knowledge. The ability to compass and navigate the complex life and work environments in the globally competitive information age requires to pay rigorous attention to developing adequate relevant life and career skills.
Once Upon A Time.
The time I was born, things were a bit stable, stable enough that planning is enough to take life or organization to a good height if not a peak. As I came to end of 20th century and entered into 21st century, now its 2nd decades, planning is becoming useless. That means that before you finish planning, the thinking you are planning to execute have already gathered mental dust, outdated or moribund.
The Paradigm Shift.
We begin to talk about revisable plans – STRATEGY. We start talking about CHANGE. We talked about jet age, and knowledge worker age. Today, we talk beyond those facts. Why? How can we talk about change when the rate of change is faster than the change itself? Now, we can encourage people to reinvent themselves, the organization and their genre…and that they need a strategy to achieve these reinvention: of a new version of themselves.
We don’t just talk about knowledge; we talk of age of “uncommon” wisdom. We challenged Management, and encourage people to stop maintaining (statuesque i.e., managing) but start leading.
Redefinition of Things.
The 21st century redefined work, life, love, …, just everything. It is age of globalization, automation, technology and of course, paradox. You need a new set of paradigm shift, a new skill set and a new know-how set to make impact in 21st Century. Impact is real…impact matters!
The Book.
My book did a great exposure of this. But see an abridged version of it – let me give you a run-down of my persuasion of 21st century keys to living ‘impact-full’ life to win in this field of battle in 21st century. Note, a key is an access, a secret, a strategy, a tip, a way-out, and an answer. So, as you get these keys;
key of self discovery, committed passion, spirit of excellence and fervency, today’s knowledge and thinking, lifetime learning, innovative ideas, creativity, right attitude, upgraded and sharpened minds, renewed mindset, empowerment, daily motivation and inspiration, correct beliefs and values, updated information, trendy skills, some cash, sound health, beneficial accountable relationships, prudence and efficiency, beyond effectiveness, strong leadership, and ultimately the GOD’s factor,
use them key-fully.
Conclusion.
I am persuaded to impact, influence and properly impress in 21st century. And I have started. Your life and career should;
- Be flexible
- Be Adaptable
- Have initiative
- Have self-direction
- Have social skills
- Have cross-cultural skills
- Manage profits
- Produce results
- Be accountable
- Be a community person
- Guide and Lead others.
Dr Mike Ihezuo,
The Author.
