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2021, the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, was considerably difficult. As the pandemic continued to linger, the resilience of people was stretched to breaking points. After full dose(s) of the Covid-19 vaccines, booster shots now need to be boosted. And with the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, disruptions to air travels and sporting activities have suddenly returned. The hope of a post-Covid-19 ‘new normal’ has yet to materialise; the challenges and stresses brought about by the pandemic now look to be for the long-term.

It is unrealistic to think that the current predicaments of the world will suddenly disappear just because the calendar has rolled over to a new year. At the same time, however, there are reasons to be optimistic. The good seeds we have planted in the past years will produce fruits in the new year.

With the new year, we have another opportunity to pursue new goals. It is, therefore, important that we charge forward boldly and remain resilient to challenges, as we pursue a ‘better normal.’ Our recommendations for worthwhile goals and how to achieve them are briefly discussed below.  

Awake Purpose

Business strategists make the case that purpose is a key to exceptional performance. Psychologists describe purpose as the pathway to greater well-being, while medical experts have even found that people with purpose in their lives are less prone to disease.

Purpose is increasingly being promoted as the tool for navigating the complex and volatile world we live in today, where strategy is ever-changing and decisions that were seen to be impeccable turning out bad results.

2022 brings an immense opportunity to look within and decide to pursue what really matters. Caring for our personal wellbeing, the wellbeing of the people around us and that of our planet are now inextricable to good purpose. 2022 is the year we must embrace our ability to develop a most noteworthy purpose for our lives, as individual or corporate entities.

Live Simpler

In a world that suggests that we should get wealthier, consume more, and achieve faster, we have been unhappier. Statistics show that the world is getting better in terms of poverty, literacy, safety, health, freedom, and technology. Undoubtedly, we are achieving better comfort by the day.

However, the problem lies in the negative impact of our growth-driven society on our psychology. Though life’s comfort has reached unparalleled heights, many feel empty and demotivated. But the key lessons we most likely have learnt over the past 24 months boils down to the basics: live healthy for yourself and for your loved ones.

The power of simplicity comes with tremendous benefits that can no longer be overlooked. It is inspiring new mindsets, habits, and lifestyles that are gaining ground and respect even in today’s modern world. Living simple teaches us to be resourceful, live greener, make thoughtful decisions, contribute to our community, and take care of our planet because our collective future depends on it.

Develop Partnerships

It is a clinical and logical truth that life without key relationships is not only unhealthy but also potentially dangerous. Strong relationships are the backbone of a good life and business success. Although the future is unpredictable, one thing is certain: the future of business is collaboration and partnership.

We must stay laser-focused on building concrete partnerships at a time when solidarity and support have become something of existential importance for community and for sustainable economic progress. Partnerships will not only produce better outcomes than individual efforts, but they will also infuse a new sense of shared purpose.

Progress and breakthroughs have hardly been achieved in isolation. Working collaboratively to create opportunities will serve as the needed energy to fuel creativity, innovation and sustainable success.

Protect the Environment

In 2021, the word ‘sustainability’ had record high number of searches on the popular search engines. Sustainability is undoubtedly influencing the progression of our civilisation. It is the next frontier for brands as it now serves as a vital component of clients’ motivation on what to invest in, where to invest, what is consumed and how we use products. No brand that wishes to remain in business can ignore this new paradigm.

All brands have an urgent mission to propose, introduce and deepen approaches that  deliver a sustainable future. We must take bold initiatives and the next big steps in 2022 towards a circular economy and make net-zero achievable as early as necessary.

Be Agile and Adaptive

At Bilaad Realty, our sustainability advocacy is not limited to real estate development. We understand that every economic sector needs to embrace the agility and adaptiveness that are required to survive and thrive in a sustainable manner. As an organisation, we, however, believe we should be exemplary and lead in creating innovative products of exceptional social and environmental values.

In 2021, we put into practice the lessons we had learned over the previous years. Our management team not only remained on the roller-coaster, but we also thrived, as we pursued our goals. We have come into the new year wealthier with experience. Unpredictability is something we are now primed to be able to navigate more successfully.

All our recommendations are best pursued together and not in isolation. None will be as effective as necessary without integrating the others. This means 2022 will be a busy year of introspecting, learning and doing.

Happy New Year!

Bilaad Realty Limited is an Abuja-based company focused on delivering sustainable real estate solutions.