As the year winds down, I join some friends who reflect on its events and set targets for the coming one. Unfortunately, I tend to shelve all my wonderful plans and find myself reacting to different unplanned challenges that come with the new year and then totally forget about my set strategies.

“As the year draws to a close, we tend to look back without conviction. Unfortunately, for many people this means focusing on failures, disappointments and setbacks and so they face the future with fear. Look back at your past constructively; learn from your mistakes for your own advantage instead of groaning under their burden. Successes of the past are no excuse to rest on your laurels but should inspire you to reach even greater heights” said Solly Ozrovech, my  most inspirational writer.

Does this mean I should not worry about the many unresolved matters facing my country Zimbabwe and me as an individual? For example, the pending writing of a new people-driven constitution which will ensure true democracy and good governance; the long awaited opening up of the airwaves which should see experienced broadcasters, including myself, opening up our own private radio, television stations and new daily newspapers for an alternative voice.

Determining our own destiny
Making concrete resolutions means that I should continue to fight for positive change in the way I have been doing all along through tough private initiatives such as our own Radio Voice of the People (VOP) and ‘Letter from Zimbabwe’ designed to report in a fair, balanced manner. I should continue to mobilize my fellow countrymen and women towards full participation in determining their own destiny through a constitution authored by them and not the current remnants from the colonial era which are strategically amended by current rulers in order to stay in power forever.

On a personal level I want to take my young daughters’ advice seriously: “Dad, get rid of that big tummy,” they always say, “We are embarrassed to walk around with a seemingly pregnant father, besides it’s not good for your health.” To their amusement I have just purchased a kit for the gym and for regular street jogging.

Creating practical formulae
Although my wife appreciates that I am a passionate broadcaster, manager and student, she has however often urged me to create some time for the family. “Your body is not a machine. You need to take regular time off from your work and studies just to relax. You have just destroyed your social life and you need to get it back urgently” is her usual recycled piece of advice.

Come next year, I have to find a workable formula to achieve all these targets since my bosses, donors and lecturers want their deadlines met without fail and excuses.

Ah! I also have to set some time aside for watching the World Cup matches on television as they happen next door in South Africa later in the year.

But if I survived the last five years of economic, social, and political collapse and repression without fleeing to the diaspora, then what would drive me to do so in 2010 when I can now see, feel and touch hope, recovery and progress hovering around me?

Photo: tomu.cs (Flickr CC)