Lately, I have been journaling a lot and recounting steps. This is not unconnected to some major unintentional mistakes and the socio-economic situation of the country. Remember, my newsletter is not about proven tactics or what’s not. It represents my journey through life and something that could maybe one day form a book if and when it all makes sense. Thus, the themes and stories in my newsletter would wander through various stages. On some days, I might be sharing my wins, and on another day sharing my struggles as we all face them.
Recently I've been conflicted greatly about growth in capacity, skillset, and earning power (money makes the world go round). Having self-introspection about the stage where one is and seeing the cap on one’s potential can be super challenging. As Nigerians, we try to out-hustle our way away from every struggle we face. People without side jobs are frequently looked at as not being realistic or serious. This is due to the consistent economic downturn that cripples ones earnings on a daily basis. I mean this salary is barely enough for a lot of us. Unfortunately, this takes a mental toll on people than they care to admit. It is a struggle switching personality required for the different hustle we pursued. Hence, the need to understand our priorities.
There are many concepts that I learned as a product manager, famous ones are priority frameworks that help to measure impacts and effort to get some things done. Our life greatly depends on what we prioritise vis-a-vis where we spend our time and our money. This is why it is important to be honest about one’s journey. I have been fortunate enough to get my hands on some ventures, failed at it, and the other ones, successful. Thus, rethinking one’s life mission and the goal is a constant activity as the glamours that come with attention or publicity can be super misleading, giving one a false sense of achievement and ownership.
The biggest threat to one’s life goal or ambition is finding comfort in self-deceit or playing a status game. Status game refers to the act of feeling proud based on people’s perception of you. It feeds the ego and is self-destructive as anyone seeking status ignores the ability to honestly check themselves. Seek wealth, not status said Naval. I have seen this played out in situations where people failed to reinvent themselves or abandon a sinking ship because their identity is tied to them. For example, abandoning your identity as a senior in a craft that is dying to pick up a new skill that is growing requires a lot of honest and brutal self-introspection. It is also sometimes rooted in our degrees and certificate, failing to reconcile with the changing world. It is an uncomfortable decision that comes with a lot of sacrifices.
One question that always lingers in my mind when it comes to embracing the realities about changing worldview and self-imposed pride as it relates to career is this; Do you want to be a fish in a pond or in the ocean? The fear of where do I start from is valid, but so also the limit of your progress. We must be ready to make the sacrifice for the few years required to sharpen the tools that can reinvent oneself for the next decades of opportunity. Ignore the perception and chase value and growth unapologetically.
Hey guys, I know today is Arafah yeah, and tomorrow is Sallah, I am receiving Sallah gift and dua. Please hit the share button with your friends and family