Last week, I addressed the 2024 graduating class of Bridge House College, Ikoyi.
Entering the hall, catching the anticipation on those faces, it took me back to my childhood. I grew up with limited means and few privileges, my mum was an entrepreneur, running a restaurant, but there was love and an abundance of optimism. There was also determination. I imagined the thoughts going through the room: What next? What direction should I take? Optimism and excitement, but also uncertainty.
I set out the four pillars of my success, the critical guides in my own journey into adulthood.
Our world is full of opportunities, but can we seize them? Will we seize them? What does it take to make dreams reality? Our children need the wisdom and guidance of trusted parents and mentors, who understand the principles of success and the value of putting in the work.
I shared in that room, filled with hope and expectation, my four guiding pillars of success. I believe these four principles will empower our young, as they embark on their own journey into adulthood. In some ways they are simple, even obvious – but do we practice them? Do we learn them, do we execute? Often in life, we can have that idea, that spark, but does it become reality?
1. Hard Work
In today’s world, the value of hard work is often overshadowed by the appeal of shortcuts and quick fixes. Yet, every success story, including my own, is rooted in relentless hard work. People often see the successful result and assume it happened overnight. They do not realise the countless hours of effort and dedication.
And it is not just hard work – it is hard work with an objective, a plan. It is very important to be intentional about hard work. Whatever task you undertake, no matter how small, do it with passion and diligence. Success depends on it – the most talented sporting star would be nothing, without the hours of training, of gym, of improvement, of learning – the entrepreneur is no different.
2. Discipline
Discipline is another cornerstone of success, especially in a world filled with distractions. In my younger years, we did not have the constant pull of social media and the phones, the social media, the messaging, those temptations we know all too well. Maintaining focus and discipline is more challenging, but also more crucial now.
Learn from parents, mentors, and role models who project discipline. Being disciplined means setting goals and following the plans you make to achieve them. It is about resisting the temptation to indulge in those immediate pleasures, that can derail long-term success. Discipline is the backbone that supports your hard work and showcases your efforts.
3. Sacrifice
Deferred consumption, or sacrifice, is a concept that can be difficult to embrace, but is vital for lasting success. Teaching my first daughter the importance of managing money wisely comes to mind, when I think of sacrifice. By giving her a modest allowance and encouraging her to save, I wanted her to understand the value of sacrifice and the principle of living within one’s means.
Sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Save a portion of what you earn and invest in your future. This mindset of capital formation and prudent financial management lays the foundation for financial stability and growth. Sacrificing short-term pleasures can lead to significant rewards in the long run.
Start saving now, so when you become a business owner or a corporate professional, you will know how to manage money and handle expenses effectively. You will stand out from those who did not start early, settingyourself up for financial success.
4. Tenacity
Finally, tenacity is the quality that binds all these principles together. Life is full of challenges and setbacks, and it is easy to become disheartened. However, the ability to persevere, to be rugged and resilient, is what differentiates those who succeed, from those who give up.
Be tenacious, face difficulties head-on, and do not to succumb to despair. Life’s journey is not a straight path, but a series of ups and downs. Only those who are tenacious and continue to push forward even when the going gets tough, will make it to the success line.
