South Africa

The Year of the Dragon: Embracing New Wisdom and Enhancing Inherent Qualities

Felicity_head shot
National Manager Learning Design
PMI
2 mins

This is a call for action to make 2024 your year of opportunity.

According to the Chinese zodiac, celebrated in China and by Chinese communities all over the world, this is the Year of the Dragon, a time of celebration and festivity, when communities come together excited by the promise of new beginnings and inspired by the potential for positive transformation.

And yet the dragon is fifth on the Chinese zodiac, not first. According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor, originally a mortal king, went through years of trials and tribulations in pursuit of the ultimate truth. Through gaining exceptional wisdom and building admirable character, he ultimately transformed himself, ascending into the heavens to become a divine being. The Jade Emperor then held a race across the heavenly river to decide which animal should take first honour in the zodiac. Of course, everyone thought that the Dragon would come first, but on the way to the race, the Dragon stopped to help the people of a village suffering from drought. That is why the Dragon did not win the race, and is fifth in the zodiac.

I love how this story illustrates why the Dragon is a symbol of power, transformation, and renewal, but also of prosperity, loyalty, and guardianship.

The Dragon is celebrated for its innovative and adventurous nature and is a symbol of power. As you start the New Year, it is the perfect time to reflect on how you might embrace new experiences and enhance your power. There is no better time than the beginning of the year to set yourself some goals to learn something new.

Here are some ways to enhance your growth and make the most of this year:

  • The dragon is known for its ability to adapt and to learn from new experiences. You can also become known for these good qualities by setting yourself challenging goals and putting a learning development plan in place.
  • Be bold by exploring new interests and creating new habits, align these with the dragon’s qualities of strength, wisdom, and fortune.
  • Collaborate and build strong networks by connecting with people who share your passions and who are interested in learning.
  • The Dragon symbolises loyalty, so consider how you can strengthen your relationships and commitments to others. For example, you could learn how to be a better team player.
  • Have the courage to take on new adventures and explore unfamiliar territory by taking on some creative projects and do not let the fear of failure stop you from trying new things or developing a different perspective.
  • Reflect on the things you are already adept at and look for ways to nurture and cultivate your strengths so that they become even stronger qualities of yours.
  • Challenge yourself to develop your cognitive and problem-solving abilities by taking short learning programmes that expand your knowledge and understanding of various topics.
  • Step out of your comfort zone and learn something you have always wanted to learn but lacked the confidence or time to do so.
  • Just like the Dragon, be determined and intentional. Be clear on your vision and set goals that will help you achieve it.

The promise of a prosperous year lies ahead; a year filled with new energy and opportunities for you. All you have to do is embrace the spirit of the Dragon.

Find a learning path and experience that is right for you, and make 2024 a year in which you become stronger, bolder, and wiser – a more successful version of yourself!

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