03/01/2023
On 28th December last year, I sat down with a former presidential candidate who is also my mentor, and his brother in law from UK. Both of them are in their 60s age-wise. We sat down talking way past 2AM. I purposely asked them what life had taught them at their age. These are some of the things I noted down:
1. Family is not always blood, better is the neighbour next door than a brother who is 600 km away.
2. Don’t chase cheap popularity. If you put in enough work you will be noticed in the right way.
3. Don’t reveal your plans too early, always get strong enough to defend yourself before you announce.
4. The worst thing you can do is marry the wrong person, the best best thing you can do is divorce them as soon as you find out what they’re up to.
5. This too shall pass. Even good things come to an end. While enjoying good, be prepared for times that might be tough. Bad things also come to an end, so prepare to enjoy the good times.
6. No one is coming to save you, they’re busy saving themselves. Save yourself.
7. Nothing will work unless you work.
8. Nothing last forever, learn to enjoy the seasons of life.
9. It doesn’t matter how many ideas you have, it only matters how many ideas you execute.
10. Relationships are better than money. If you look after and nourish them, they will bring wealth to you.
11. People do business with people that they like, so learn to be a likeable person.
12. Money DOES grow on trees, those trees are called ideas. If you cultivate and act on enough of your ideas you will make money.
13. People can sing your praise today and they can plan your downfall tomorrow.
14. Give everyone a chance to prove themselves but cut all ties when they refuse to meet you halfway.
15. Don’t chase money. Build value within yourself. If you are a valuable person you will attract money.
16. Youth is temporary. You will not be young forever. Make use of every opportunity that comes your way while you still have the vitality and strength to do so.
17. Laziness will take away your confidence and momentum. Don’t stay away from your work too long, you might forget how it’s Done.
18. Your friends today might not be your friends tomorrow. Friendships can be seasonal, where are your friends from primary school? Watch for those who might be your lifetime friends.
19. If you don’t learn to manage what you have, you will lose it to those who know how to manage.
20. Don’t be desperate, people run away from desperate people.
21. Don’t visit people and overstay your welcome. Learn how to read the signs and leave when they need their space.
22. The help that you are giving to someone today does not guarantee that they will help you back tomorrow, it also does not guarantee that they will be grateful.
23. Expect nothing from no one. If they do something for you, be grateful. If they don’t do anything for you - don’t be bitter - accept it.
24. The sooner you get rid of bitterness the better, it will steal a lot from you.
25. Forgive them but don’t forget what they did. You can’t keep repeating the same mistake.
26. Everybody wants something. Your job is to find out and know what they want from you.
27. Get better. The best way to solve your problems is to be bigger than them. Stress is a part of the process of success. Handle it with Grace and maturity.
28. Learn to handle a gun. A man must know how to protect his family.
29. Work on helping yourself first before you expect help from someone else. People love helping winners win. If you look like you are willing to put in enough effort to win, they will help you win.
30. Having money today doesn’t guarantee having money tomorrow. Use your resources wisely. Not having money today doesn’t mean that you will not have it tomorrow. Don’t compromise your integrity for something that can be here today and gone tomorrow, gone today and here again tomorrow. It’s all a game, just learnt to play it without selling your soul.
31. If you add value to others you will make money. Remember the saying: “those who water others will themselves be watered.
32. If you build it, they will come. All you need is a little faith and action.
33. When God is the centre of your life, you rest in the confidence that if you take enough action, you will be like him - A MASTER.
