Zimbabwe's Emerging Future (PART 2: THE POWER PARADOX)

Welcome to part 2 of this 3-part blog series. In this second part, I will be breaking down the definition of power and redefining it to suit societies that encourage positive, proactive change. In part 1, I discussed the fundamental foundational human need to connect. Connection is what makes us human, and my point was that was there is a lack of this connectivity in todays world. This disconnect has is even more evident in our social, political and economic dealings with each other. I would strongly suggest reading part 1 HERE if you have not already…

Now lets discuss power: how would you define it? Most of us have been raised to equate power with physical strength; especially in our youth, where size has a correlation to social hierarchy. As we grow, power is soon correlated with position or status. And in this great pyramid scheme, those at the ‘top’ have more access to resources and hence access to more opportunities. This, in turn, creates a scramble to be at the top, where there are limited seats available. And because the competition is more stiff, people become more determined to stay there by whatever means. 

So terms like the ‘rat race’ have become the depiction of peoples efforts to obtain status = resources = opportunity = power! 

The lust for power has turned even the most nobly intended people corrupt. It seeps into their consciousness and salivates a thirst for more of it. It can be a dangerous thing… So lets flip it on its head and see power from a new perspective. 

What if we defined power, not from its traditional Machiavellian view based on hierarchal status, being ruthless and cut-throat, to it being those who are socially intelligent,empathetic and generous? What if power was given to those who maintained a focus on bettering the other? To boldly put it simply, lets redefine power as the following:

Power is the ability to advance the greater good.

And you want to know the cool thing about this definition? It cant be measured by some global or national test. It’s not something that can be compared to another.  There is no age limit, gender bias or belief system you need to follow. No, when you are figuring out your ‘ability’, it happens organically; when you stop fighting it. It’s when you start letting go of fear itself and truly test your faith. To put it in other words: It’s simply BECOMING…

Think of your ability as a superpower: no one else can do what you do. Just like there are no two snowflakes or fingerprints that are alike, there are no abilities that are. Your ability is not just something that you are good at, it is something that you enjoy too. And the most important thing: it benefits others! For this definition, what you do must uplift another. Now it does not matter how wide your ability reaches; some have a global reach, others continental or national. Others’ powers are only meant for a specific community or group of people or even an individual. Do not compare your ability to another. There is none that is more or less superior to yours; each has something unique to offer. 

Yes, Oprah, Mandela, Mother Teresa or Ghandi, there is no difference between them and you, except they dared to find their ability and advance the greater good! 

Now in the societal context, this new definition of power will certainly shake up the more traditional structures and systems that were built on the old definition of power. Good! This is what evolves civilisations! In Zimbabwe,and many parts of the world, the current systems do not encourage diverse ideas, thoughts and expressions. In hindering one to express him/herself you hinder them in finding out their unique abilities and hence their power. In order for a society to progress, it must permit its citizens to take this personal journey without fear of prejudice and ridicule. There should be a celebration when its citizens excel, gain influence and find themselves. 

Societies that have diverse people, conversations, ideas, perspectives and are open to new streams of consciousness, will excel.

There must be a shift in how we operate as a people and that shift can no longer only benefit a small few; it must impact all of us. Power is no longer a position or title based on status. Power is now accessible to all of us.

Those in power stimulate growth.

Zimbabwe is a nation of creatives, intellectuals and thought leaders. There are some that have found their abilities and other’s that are currently on that journey. But it is not enough. Each of us need to uncover this obstacle of fear (in whatever form it comes in your life) and reveal it for what it is: a great illusion. This will give you space to now find yourself and be unapologetic about it. You strip the societal titles/pressures of being a parent, spouse, professional or student and just become. You seamlessly blend into things and instinctively know what to focus on and when. And most importantly, you start contributing to the greater good of society in your own distinctive way. 

Thanks for reading! Please like and share this information! For those in Harare, I will be hosting a ULab Hub for the online MIT course Theory U: Please register here and join the global discussion of how to create better societies. You can join the Harare Hub by emailing me : motivate@mutsasamuel.com