Success Stimulants

It has often been said that time and tides wait for no man. I first learnt about this phrase when I was in primary four from the literature book ‘ Çhike and the River’ written by renowned Nigerian Author Chinua Achebe when Samuel Maduka Obi (SMOG) told Chike to hurry up and gather enough shillings (money) to cross the river Niger before the bridge was built across it. Also, it is said that Mr Time is nobody’s friend. But I beg to disagree. Who would give every Tom, Dick and Harry equal chance at life? Only a true friend could. Who would provide us with an equal platform to thrive and make headway in life? Only a true friend could. How then is Mr Time no man’s friend? Truth is, time can indeed be no man’s friend. In fact, it can only be friend with those who come to embrace the way it operates. True? Absolutely yes! Before we proceed, let’s agree on some facts about time.

Wow! I'm so happy you made it! Happy New Year my friend. Glad to have you here. I'm convinced this year is going to be the best yet for you. However, there are just a few things that could help you start the year on a great note (like you definitely want).  I know we're now at that point where New Year resolutions would begin to fly in here and there. People would begin to make meaningfully (at times outrageous) pledges for the New Year. But the truth is, only a handful get to follow through with their propositions. This may be due to unforeseen negating circumstances or personal ineptitude. Research has shown that only 8% of people who make resolutions actually achieve them. So statistically, I bet you're one of those who didn't. Not to worry, you could join the elite list of the 8% mentioned above. All you have to do is carefully read and follow through the points itemised below. 

In a period when there appears to be chaos all over the world. The cry for a saviour has broken the current decibel record. Passionate wail has overthrown the regular groan and moan we used to be accustomed to. People have refused to take seize the initiative and take the world by a storm during this trying time. Rather we have subconsciously transformed ourselves into zombies for fools' sake. We have folded our hands and refused to set it to work and reset things to our taste. I have always held this thought that for us to thrive and overcome this period, we need to get up and stand out Not just that alone, one needs to live above the abnormality the world currently exudes, dare to stand out and carve a niche. Else, one risks being swept away by the incessant flood of abnormality.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” ― Helen Keller . You can either stay put and live a normal life or break the norm and do the extraordinary. And to do the extraordinary, you need to create an irregularity from a regularity. How can you do that? These outlines should help you out.

Taking risk is good business if you ask me. It may necessary not come easy on the eyes but it's always worthwhile. Irrespective of whatever risk you're taking, a big career, business, academics, personal growth or relationship decision, there will always be two positive outcome. You either succeed or fail! Truth be told, you have a greater chance of failing than succeeding.

While thinking of what to share with you today, I stumbled on a piece I wrote over a year ago and I felt compelled to share. This lovely piece was inspired by renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, after watching her speech on 'The Dangers of Single Story'.   The speech was delivered on popular American TV talk show, 'Ted Talk'. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the whole video but the little I caught changed my orientation and perspective about things, issues, people and life. There are two sides to every story   What is a Single Story?

Rather than continue with another important ingredient in the series Recipe for Success , I decided to pick and discuss one of the tools needed to become resilient – which we talked about last week.  Change is a phenomenon that is bound to happen to any man – whether positive or negative. Change is so beautiful and unique; it is only second to death as the constant thing any man will ever experience while earth. I believe we have to be a victim of a change in one a way or the other. Be it physical, mental, or socioeconomic change. No man is free from it, isn’t that marvelous ! However, of all changes one can think of, there is but one which I discovered men find hard to conform with. This, I call ‘Attitudinal Change’.   How about we start with this short story before we proceed on our discussion for today .