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I know that some people refuse to listen to the news. They say that there is nothing ever good in the news and that it is depressing.  I have to listen to the news to keep up with what is happening. As I head back to work in the New Year, the omicron variant of COVID-19 is top on my mind. When will this all end? Oga adi nma.

Oga adi nma is an Igbo phrase from Nigeria which literally means “It will be well”, however when said in the language it means so much more.  It has become my motto for the New Year. No matter what has happened the previous year or the previous day, the next day will surely be better – Oga adi nma.

It is with this attitude that we can proceed with setting our priorities. I have transitioned from making resolutions to set priorities based on the eight dimensions of life. I answer a series of questions and then determine the top three areas I would like to work on. You can reassess quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly. My preference is to revisit these dimensions yearly.

The eight dimensions of life to consider are:

WORK – Do I wake up excited to go to work? Have I developed good relationships at work? Do I have a mentor or sponsor at work?

MONEY – Am I living within my means? Have I maximized the amount of money to place in my retirement account? Have I paid off my credit card bills?

LIVING ENVIRONMENT – Is it time to get rid of the stuff in my house that does not bring me joy? Am I ready to down-size, up-size, or right-size? Is it time for me to buy a house or condo?

PERSONAL GROWTH – Have I discovered my purpose in life? Am I ready to step out of my comfort zone? What does it mean to be my authentic self?

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – Am I ready to change my diet for the better? Why am I not getting enough sleep? What is stopping me from doing all forms of exercise – aerobic, strength-training, flexibility, and balance?

COMMUNITY – How can I make my community better? Are there opportunities for me to volunteer? Are there clubs that I have been thinking of joining or forming?

FAMILY – What is the legacy I want to leave with my children? Have I shared my stories with the younger generation? Is there a family member that needs my help?

SPIRITUALITY – What is my relationship with God? Am I living my belief? Am I ready to read the Bible, the Koran, or the Torah?

You may have other questions in the domains. Once these questions are answered, pick your top three dimensions and set your priorities for the year.

No one can predict what is going to happen but having the attitude that things will be better is how we will get through COVID-19 and beyond – Oga adi nma.

Happy New Year and May we accomplish all that we want for the New Year!