Onward Podcast: Write Your Personal Manifesto with Boiki Keaitaya

Write Your Personal Manifesto with Boiki Keaitaya

Dec 14, 2020

Boiki Keaitaya knew his blood pressure was high. High blood pressure ran in his family and took his mom’s life. But, Boiki also had a job he loved, so he worked. Then, during a routine checkup, his doctor bluntly asked him what he was going to do about his high blood pressure. Ultimately, Boiki made the difficult decision to retire. Consequently, this decision caused dissent in his family and left Boiki feeling hurt and rejected. He returned to his home country of Botswana and eventually his family relationships healed. Now Boiki inspires others to live their best lives. He’s written several books and two Manifestos. Finally, Boiki recommends we define our own success, In addition, he suggests we write our own personal Manifesto and read it every morning as a reminder on how we chose to live our lives.

Episode Highlights:

Emily and Boiki met through Mark Bowness’ We Build Tribes Coaching Program.
Boike is just starting his tribe and his facebook group is called Daily Inspiring Tips.
Boiki became a math teacher once he graduated from college.
Later in his career, he moved to a position in Human Resources.
There is a history of high blood pressure on Boiki’s side of the family.
Unfortunately, his mother passed away from high blood pressure.
In addition, all but one of his siblings has high blood pressure.
Also, when Boiki was a teacher, he managed his high blood pressure with medicine.
Then, once he started working in human resources, his blood pressure became an issue.
However, he was oblivious to it and focused on his work, which he loved.
Consequently, his blood pressure was taking a toll on his health.
When Boiki went to the doctor for a routine visit, his blood pressure was high.
His doctor sat him down and asked him directly: “What are you going to do about your high blood pressure?”
She also told him he needed to lose weight.
Boiki knew he was overweight and he was still relying on medication to keep his blood pressure under control.
Also, he wasn't meditating or doing anything other than taking medication for his blood pressure.
He was working and focused his energy on the job he enjoyed.
After meeting with his doctor, Boiki went to work but the conversation weighed on his mind.
Boiki realized he had to sit down and reflect on whether staying on the job was sustainable for him
After 3-4 weeks, Boiki decided to retire to protect his health.
Six months into retirement, Boiki suffered from another health issue.
Boiki then moved to his home village.
When he arrived, he experienced conflict with his extended family and siblings.
In Botswana, working for the government is like working for Google in the U.S.
His family was upset that he left a job of such high esteem.
So, for the first time, Boiki felt extremely vulnerable.
Also, his family wanted nothing to do with him and he lost his sense of belonging.
Boiki was not skilled at handling family adversity.
He felt like a reject and had low self confidence.
His family’s words were very painful.
In addition, he had no tools or skills to manage this situation.
He was hurting.
Ultimately, he and his family found the peace they have now.
It took Boiki a while to realize that, even though he wasn’t working for the government, he wasn’t useless.
After spending four years in his home village, Boiki felt healed. So, he went back to city to start something.
He’s been writing a lot to deal with his issues.
He’s written two books and his Manifestos guide him.
He decided to define success for himself.
Boiki reads his Manifestos every morning.
Boiki says the San People, or Bushmen don't have high blood pressure.
They have simple needs and are the best people on the planet.
When he returned to the city and looked around, Boiki noticed that the people are stressed.
He wrote a Manifesto to show how one can best live.
Indecision becomes decision. It's your life - live it!
Do what you want to do - not what others want you to do.
Finally, write your own personal Manifesto.

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