Tributum Newsletter #74

Hello

To stay, or not to stay – that was the question around the VAT rate for most of April. Until it stayed at 15%. While it can be considered a win for consumers, the toll on the political landscape may be high, and the policy uncertainty hated by investors just keeps going. Time will tell whether the protracted implementation, court case and political wheeling of dealing for a 0.5% VAT increase was worth it.

Do I love my sport or what? I’ve said it before – you just can’t make that up. Mostly unscripted, it provides great lessons for life. And while we are not the “man in the middle”, those men and women sometime make it hard to be a fan. Like Rory Mcllroy…

By 2014, at the age of 24, he already won 4 golfing majors and was touted as the next big thing after Tiger Woods. And then…an 11year gap till the next one. April 13, 2025 – The Masters at Augusta. Only the 6th golfer ever to win a career Grand Slam. The win itself was not easy – just like in the 11 years in between.

Here are some of the life lessons I learned from my Master’s weekend watching Rors:

• It is not easy. Never was, never will be. Especially if what you are working for is worth it. 
• The competition is as much with yourself as it is with others. The most difficult thing to master is yourself.
• Hard work works. Even if it takes 11 years.
• Change what needs to change. But if it ain ’t broke don’t fix it.
• Don’t let the failure of yesterday or the doubt about tomorrow detract from what must be done today. Do today – Carpe Diem. Focus on what is right in front of you and get it done.
• Celebrate the good days. Don’t let the task of tomorrow detract you from the success that you had today.
• Learn from the bad days. Don’t dwell, don’t blame – learn.
• Believe in yourself. Don’t be arrogant but believe that you can do what needs doing. Take advice and listen if need be –  but believe.
• Roll with the punches. Some days the bounce is bad, other days it is lucky. You don’t have to like it, but fighting the bounce is a waste of energy – pick your battles.  
• The buck stops with you. Be accountable. Good or bad – own it.
• That Monday after Masters weekend is a long day as bedtime is between 1am and 2am if your favourite has a chance to win…and none of us are getting any younger.

I hope you can find a lesson in the above. Now we must go and apply it. Do – that is what is required. Until next month, keep breathing.