Goals and Vision
It’s all about knowing what you want in life, making choices and being prepared to do what it takes to achieve the goals. It’s about having a vision and a goal. When l made a decision to study CIMA l knew it was going to be challenging, however l was mentally prepared to push the boundaries.
My goal was to be a Chartered Management Accountant and my vision was to create a better life for my two boys, to enhance my career and be an industry leader that can influence others.
I would be lying if I say it was easy because I had to do a lot of adjustments in my life. I had to make some sacrifices and dedicate the time to my studies. My evenings and weekends were set aside to my books and my boys. Some few people around me were not convinced that l was doing the right thing but l kept myself focused on my goal.
There were times when I felt like giving up, especially after failing some of the exams. I remember one day coming back to work from the exam centre and knowing that I failed. That day, I went to the bathroom and cried like a small baby, because I thought I gave it my best and put in my 100%, as I always did, and I just couldn’t see myself doing any better than 100%.
Right Support is key
This is a journey you can’t go through on your own. You need to surround yourself with people who have a similar vision as yours, who will always support and motivate you when the going gets tough. I had a good support structure among my colleagues at work. There were people like Mamsie who was also studying for the same qualification, Maureen and Nalanie (these people are amazing) as well as management who I reported to, over the years, while I was following my dream. They gave me the much-needed support all the way.
There were guys who always gave me support when things didn’t go well and encouraged me not give up, but to go back to the drawing board and try again. My study mate’s in this CGMA journey Nontobeko, Peace and Tshepo whom I all met at operational level and have now became not only friends but family, they where of great support to me. Along the way l meet people like Lewis, he was always there to support with CIMA resources and updated advice when CIMA was evolving.
My biggest “fans” were my kids. They knew my exam dates and were very accommodating towards me. They always put a smile on my face at all times and celebrated my passing of exams with dances and screaming…… amazing two boys! After every exam, they would ask me how the exam was, and we would celebrate together after the success of a pass.
Planning is a pre requisite
Planning your day is very key. We all have 24 hours a day, you work 8 hours, you sleep 8 hours, but what do you do with the remaining 8 hours? I had to prioritize my time. I had a monthly timetable and adjusted it on a weekly basis, sometimes daily, especially when it was close to the exam day. There were times where I would be spending 5 hours or more per day studying, work for 8 hours and slept 5 hours. The remainder of my 6 hours was spent in travelling to and from work and then in the middle of my busy schedule, I still had to help my boys with school work, as well as doing house chores.
“If you don’t make the time to create the life you want, you’re eventually be forced to spend a LOT of time dealing with a life you don’t want.” Kevin Ngo
Balancing Act
As l went through the CIMA journey, l developed a new skill, of being a “ninja” l had to balance work, family and studying and be a winner in all aspects.
What does this achievement mean to me?
It feels great to belong to a group of internationally recognised global chartered management accountant, this is my global passport that will take me anywhere, anytime. It meant recognition, promotion and growth. I always wanted to achieve more and be a role model to the younger generation in my family. By me having achieved this qualification and progress in my career, shows that dedication, hard work and commitment pays off.
Personally, this wouldn’t have been possible without my Heavenly Father, the Highest God, who have carried me over the years, and gave me His ability and made my goal a reality and my spiritual mother, Auntie Maria who always prayed for me and reminded me that I can not do it on my own.
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