My 9 Lessons from 2019
I made a conscious effort to write more in 2019 but that didn’t turn out very well, so here we go giving it a shot again.
- Consistency
It’s very easy to start anything, there’s usually that initial rush of energy, but it’s hard staying consistent. Usually consistency is what differentiate high achievers from others. How consistent are you with writing every week? With going to the gym 4 times a week? With reading for 30 minutes per day? Taking that tutorial for 3 hours per week. I’ve realised it’s better to make that attempt every time than to give in to the temptation to skip it. Over a period of time you would be closer to that goal.
The goal this year is to show up every damn time and put in the work
2. Networking
Being an introvert, this was one of the hardest lessons, my roles require me interacting with people both within and outside the company, managing partners etc. I could be in a room with Elon Musk and not start any conversation, just because…*eyes rolling*
However, I have realised you have nothing to lose, especially when you are not going to be a pest and you have some value to bring to the table. Someone needs that information/knowledge/experience you have, people also like to talk about themselves and what they know, so this year i hope to start more conversations.
This year if I see you, I may holla. What’s the worst that could happen?
3. Laughter & Fun
Life’s too hard, let’s not even talk about Nigeria, or Lagos?? Madness everywhere. Find time to relax, laugh, have fun. This does not need to involve spending, time with friends, comedy shows on Youtube. Just find a way to relax and lighten your heart.
4. Money
Having money helps you take advantage of opportunities. Last year I made some investments and got returns which made me realise no money should be left in a bank account doing nothing or getting 3% a year. LOL. Money should be put to work wherever possible.
I primarily invested in MutualFunds and Agribusinesses after some due diligence, I also looked into dollar denominated products (stocks and mutual funds), there’s been rumours of deregulation, and the foreign reserves keep depleting.
I think it’s very important to increase your streams of income and cultivate a savings habit no matter what you earn. Ask yourself serious questions before making purchases, Do I really want to dine, or want to go to a place i can snap and post for the gram? Do I really need a new phone or i don’t want my friends to think i’m suffering? Do I really watch all the stations on the cable Tv bouquet I’m subscribed to? etc
This year I hope to make more money and invest more.
5. Anxiety
I believe in the quote “Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best”. So, in most situations I am able to remain calm as I would have thought about the worst case scenario before it happens. I rarely get shocked or surprised and this is good and bad.
My phone is mostly on silent mode, this allows me to have control over my day, a ringing phone can really give one anxiety, you should try it.
6. Work & Learning
I learnt about work ethics many years ago through the teachings of Pastor Poju. To show up for meetings on time, deliver on deadline, put forth my best work. I must confess, it is a lot harder when it’s not yet an habit but with more consistency it’s rewarding. 2019, I explored new paths, took courses on HTML and CSS and took up an additional role in Product Management.
I hope to solidify my programming and product management knowledge this year. I learnt being a person of value is very valuable, and this value mostly comes from knowledge and experiences.
7. Family
While the world is going crazy out there, family are the ones that keep you sane, that you can be real with. Family can be blood relations or true friends. I valued my friends and family more last year than I did the previous year and I hope to do more of that this year. The lesson here is to have people around you who you deeply care for and deeply care for you.
8. Travel
I didn’t travel in 2019, though i intended to but cancelled for the bigger plan. Traveling helps to free my mind, see places beyond my immediate environment, meet new people, try new food and see the world from a different view. I’ll be doing more traveling this year, within and outside Africa. So I intend to double my hustle to fund this goal.
9. Faith
By definition is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something” or “strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof”. I have a strong belief that everything will eventually work out for my good, so I shoot shots, live easy and generally try to worry less after giving it my best.
