Earlier in the month I was speaking with a group of friends — reminiscing how far we’ve come and our unique experiences, and how they further strengthened and shaped our current realities and convictions.
While speaking, it dawned on me that I should put together a few of those lessons which I’ve garnered and learnt from almost 3 decades of my personal experiences, observations and a few exceptional people I have had the privilege to learn from.
Here are 28 lessons I’ve learnt and I endeavour to live by;
- Spend twice the time you spend with men alone with God. Time spent with God is never wasted. Ultimately, your world will thank you for it.
- Find God very early in life. You’ll reduce your error rate.
- There’s a strange joy you only experience while serving. Truly, it pays to serve Him.
- God is a Good Father. He’ll take care of you — only to the degree you allow Him.
- The Word of God in your mouth is as powerful in God’s mouth. Confess it daily.
- Drop food and touch God — at least once a week.
- You can’t outgive God — although it’s cute trying.
- Speed and Restoration are possibilities in God. You need both — especially if you’re Nigerian/African.
- There is a place for hard work. There is a place for Favour. You need both.
- Relationships. You are the sum of average of the quality of relationships in your life. Buy Relationships.
- Be gracious and patient with people. They will eventually change — but not when you expect or want them to.
- If you knew better, you would act better. Be intentional about acquiring knowledge. It is extremely difficult but worth it.
- Be intentional about contributing significantly to the net positive gains of the world. That’s a sure path to sustainable riches.
- Never say you are a youth. Dream Big or Go Home.
- Dear brothers, the world is not so kind to men. Find purpose and pursue it relentlessly and unashamedly. That’s how you’ll stand out.
- You owe your parents everything. Honour them.
- God made and designed us to function effectively in a bunch. Find your company and ensure you are all growing together.
- If you take care of God’s business. He’ll see that yours are sorted.
- Serving God is the greatest privilege of one’s life. Do it excellently and never take it for granted.
- Childhood love stories are the purest — cherish them.
- My dear brothers, men are shields. Be accountable to someone. No one succeeds alone.
- Never fight alone.
- Borrow vessels, not a few. The oil is only mandated to stop when there are no more vessels. Build capacity.
- 5 Foundations of every great man; Integrity, Diligence, Loyalty, Persistence and the ‘X’ factor.
- Travel, Travel and Travel. There is a whole new world to explore and experience. Your level of exposure can sometimes limit you.
- Learn to rest. Work no dey finish.
- Physical exercise profits little — but e still get profit. Tighten your abs.
- Nigeria is good. Africa is better. The entire world is the best.
Bonus:
- Be wary of the applause of men. Many have fallen because of this.
- The higher you rise in life, the more you’ll need the Help and Mercies of God. Endeavour to schedule seasonal heart-checks.
