I have been challenged since the beginning of this year. My laptop decided not to go with me on this journey any longer. At a time, when I’m not able to purchase another one, it went blank and wouldn’t power up.
A series of headaches on how to recover my documents have been pressing, and most times I just feel depressed that I have nothing to work with. Handicapped is an understatement of how I truly feel especially when I have an assignment to do, or a report to prepare.
However, the last two weeks have been an insightful one for me. I mastered the art of flexibility. I realized I had a smartphone that carries a word processor. That’s how everything changed.
I started using this device to create documents both in their doc and PDF formats. Even though there were some limitations, I was still able to create something far above minimum acceptance.
To where, is my story leading to?
Most times, we cry over spilled milk that we forget that we still have milk solids in the cup below. All we needed was just to get over the spill, shake and stir some more and then move on.
The shaking and stirring of the milk is our ability to think and ponder on the question, what other way can this task be done? How can we still deliver this value even in the face of limited resources?
Answering these questions well is the beginning of flexibility and an optimized performance.
However, we can’t do much without a strong determination to deliver results. I mean, how can I think of organizing a digital skills training for teenagers at The American Corner even when I do not have a laptop?
Yet, I was able to overcome that challenge. It may seem minor to most of you. But it’s a challenge that we may all face one day.
How flexible are you?
Limpho Phokojoe works with U.S Embassy Maseru as an EducationUSA Adviser. She is an Alumni of YALI Regional Leadership Center for Southern Africa. She has been selected for Kectil Program which aims at training young African leaders in developing countries who aim at transforming Africa. She is also a fellow at Royal Commonwealth Society.