I woke up this morning around 1.30 am and decided to reflect on my past and discovered I had a lot to the
thankful for. Quite a lot has happened over the past 5 years, made so many
mistakes, took things for granted, got too comfortable in my comfort zone, etc.
but I believe we all need to learn from our mistakes or at the least learn from
the mistakes of others.
Life was smooth flowing for me from the beginning and had it
good all the way, with no hiccups. Primary to Secondary, to University to the
banking industry and never had delays. I got retained where I did 1 year
mandatory service (NYSC) at age 23 and rose to the position of a Senior Manager
before reality dawned on me and was forced out of my comfort zone.
Bankers as we were/are being called have/had opportunities to
excel in life but many failed to utilize it, just like me. We were carried away
by the glamour and good things that came with being a banker: good pay, nice
car, beautiful homes, overseas trips, nice wardrobe, good and expensive school
for the kids, good things of life, the attention and respect from friends and
family members, etc. Nobody though it could happen until the CBN Governor was
change and all hell was let loose. The believe that it can never happen to me
became the gaffe of many as most did not plan for a life after nor make
necessary preparation.
The unexpected exit of many led to severe consequences with
many committing suicide, became a drunk or a terror at home, psychological
damage to the children, etc. Many could not adjust their life style to the
present realities nor the capital to start any meaningful business. Those that
went into micro lending quickly lost the little cash they had. This was my
story!
RELATED: When Shall I Provide For My Home?
When I was forced out of my comfort zone, I had only N5,000
in my account with no other means but I had 3 things going for me that saw me
through the trying period:
1. Forced to build a house whose
location was not the best at the moment as my dream was to leave in Lekki or
Ajah. I had to jettison the idea as the cost then was unattainable and that was
my saving grace
2. A friend introduced me to Ice block
making business which provided me with daily cashflow to meet immediately needs
but had to stop due to dwindling sales and high cost of maintenance following
the influx of others.
3. Invested (though too late) in lands
that were off loaded to provide the much needed support and stability.
I had to seek paid employment twice for stability of income
but had to leave due conflict of purpose and my inability to derive the much
needed satisfaction and fulfillment that I needed.
RELATED: Don’t You Think It’s Time?
I eventually decided to start my own business and I have not
looked back since. The road was rough at the initial as I wanted to start big
without a clear thought for income generation and running cost as bulk of my
capital was tide down in non-earning assets believing that revenue will start
flowing in as soon as we open for business (was I wrong!). For six months
nothing came in and cost was increasing by the day. I have learnt from my
mistakes and much better for it. Some of the lessons learnt as Detailed below:
1. Always seek change; don’t be too
comfortable in any position either as an individual or a business owner
2. Always have a plan B, an alternative
should the initial plan fail
3. Dare to dream, have a Vision and make
effort to achieve as a vision without action is termed “day dreaming”
4. Always invest or have a planned to
save for the raining days, which I assure you will come eventually
5. Start small and grow with time. This
is necessary to test the waters and o easily make necessary changes/amendments
should the need arise
6. Empower your partner or spouse as a
fallback position and cushion at least for the maintenance of the home before
you find your feet
7. Look for a Mentor or an Adviser to
guide you and provide necessary input/insight to achieving your goals
8. Seek knowledge and it shall set you
free. Know yourself and your temperament
9. We all can’t be entrepreneurs, develop
a plan that will ensure regular flow of income even in retirement
10. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help,
remember two heads are better than one and problem shared is already half
solved.
RELATED: What’s Next?
Whatever your situation or challenges, it’s never too late.
Start writing your goals and aspiration, appreciate the challenges (not
problems) and seek ways to overcome. The most important is take steps towards
achieving your goals and associate with the right crowd that will encourage
rather than discourage you.
Remember, a
journey starts with a step!
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