Surviving a long winter in the dark...
Why am I talking about all this in a property newsletter you may be thinking?
Well, success in life, business and society in general is all about 4 things, sentiment, perception, belief and preparation.
Sentiment is how you feel about the future, which determines how we will act NOW, which will have a major impact on how the future will in fact turn out.
Sentiment has been making record lows on various indexes in SA over the last year. Consumer-, business-, voter- and investor sentiment have all seen new lows.
Especially with the Rand almost breaking the R20 / $ level recently after the game of Russian roulette backfired on the ruling party.
Perception is the glasses through which you view the world. If you think things are bad and getting worse, that is a perception which will lead to withdrawal and spirals.
Half empty is far less appealing than half full, after all.
The world's perception of South Africa is not what it once was. No more Mandelas, is the theme of the last decade+. Many see us as just another hopeless case of a nation, grinding ever downwards to a failed state status.
That is the perception of many in the western world. Or at least it was, but we have a chance to change that!
They say success happens when preparation meets opportunity, but it only works if you have an unwavering belief.
Well, we have a massive opportunity right in front of us to improve the perception the world has of us as a country and a nation.
Through an iron will, belief and meticulous preparation over more than 10 years, Dricus has taken the opportunities in front of him, overcoming the odds time and time again.
You might be thinking, its just "cage fighting". But MMA and the UFC have made meteoric rises in popularity and reach in the last 5+ years.
Reaching global audiences, drawing millions of followers and even having former presidents ringside on a regular basis. People care about the toughest people on the planet and they are watching.
As an authentic "boer seun" he is well mannered, well spoken, clean cut and respectful. Saying all the right things and carrying himself with dignity and pride.
A humble yet confident young man, not afraid to say what he believes in and what he stands for. Proudly declaring he is fighting for his family, for his team and representing this great nation of South Africa proudly.
Now the eyes of the world are on him and on our rainbow nation by extension. What will we as South Africans show them? What kind of people are we?
Champions win battles, which win hearts and minds, which in turn lay the foundation to build enduring great legacies.
Will we rise and grind, prepare diligently, shift our own sentiment and fight for what we believe in?
Will we look into the future with hope?
Will we put our differences aside and work together to change perceptions and overcome our many challenges?
I know we will. Why not join us?
Jacques Grove
Principal and Dreamer
