Re: 5 Principles of Failure That Work Every Time

Life does continue when a person chooses to remain in his or her comfort zone and not aim for excellence. However, it’s one thing to live and another thing to live well and positively; an added bonus if your life inspires others to live in the same light. So in line with this thought, here are some points to consider on why failure principles must be avoided, no matter how inviting they may look:

1. Flock: “Eagles soar alone, while pigeons flock below.” I can’t remember who made this statement – and don’t really care to be frank – but it points out something that many people miss on this their fictitious quest to success. If we’re being honest with ourselves, successful people are very lonely. Those of us who choose to be otherwise, we’re the ones having a laugh in life. We hang out with our peeps all day long – in person, on Facebook and on Whatsapp. We also go out every weekend. With all that work, you’re too tired to do anything else, so it’s best to just go with the flow.  The secret is to make sure nobody in the group is aspiring for success too. After all, can two walk together unless they agree?

Response: Yes, truth be told, most successful people do not have many friends and the reason for this is quite straightforward. They’ve discovered a nifty secret that some are yet to realise – it’s all about the quality of people you are with, not the quantity.Ask yourself this – do these people add substantial value to my life? Or do they constantly subtract from you in the areas of time and finance? Time is a resource, so when you have to – and you should – make time out for those who matter.  

2. Be impulsive: A plan? For what? There’s no need to plan when everything is going to fall into place anyway. How do I know it will? I just do; I can sense it. All those business plans people are making are absolutely useless, trust me. But if you must make one, don’t show anyone, especially the professionals. They could steal your idea! Just keep it to yourself, and as I said earlier go with the flow. Things like career plans are also a waste of time and mental energy. That’s what you’re supposed to be using to flock, remember?

Response: You can’t build a house without estimating its costs, including the materials and the team you’ll need to complete it. In exceptional cases, life might demand quick action to get things done. In other situations, please put down thoughts down on paper, devise a strategy and identify possible loopholes in the process. An extra set of eyes – that you TRUST – will also help you see your plan from a different perspective, spotting things that you may not see.  

3. Package well: In Naija, it’s all about the packaging. Hang out with the right people, wear the right (borrowed) clothes and you’ll find yourself up on the social ladder in no time. That’s where true success lies if you ask me. Who cares if you’re not that knowledgeable? None of the socialites are and they’re making names for themselves on Linda Ikeji. You should know, after all, you’re on that site every waking moment. You have to fit in with crowd at all costs, literally. Borrow, steal and beg if you have to  until you buy that designer bag or flashy car that’s guaranteed to earn you the rep you truly deserve. #FakeItTillYouMakeIt

Response: Sadly, a lot of us fall prey to this, either consciously or unconsciously. Looking nice is good, but the saying “cut your coat according to your size” comes to mind. At the end of it all, the benefits of investing in and developing your character will always far surpass building a Reputation for yourself, especially one based on pretense.  

4. Take your precious time: Slow and steady wins the race, people!  Where are you rushing to? Take your time in life, no one’s chasing you. Yes, you have an idea or dream, but you have a whole life to live. And you’re young too- yes, being thirty something is young-ish. Take time out to play now so when you’re old and gray, you can look back and say you’ve lived well. You Only Live Once o! I have said my own.

Response: Leaving things to the last minute is recipe for disaster, just ask any chronic procrastinator. You will rush things, and with that will come mistakes that would have been avoided if you had started sooner. Unless God tells you otherwise, put your dreams into motion as soon as possible, while you’re young, active and have less important commitments and responsibilities.  To young people who plan on starting their dream businesses in their retirement age, what if you die before then? Then what?  

5. Be your own boss: You must never be anybody’s boy boy or Ekaette in this lifetime.  After all, how can you, a whole YOU, call somebody Sah? No, that’s not your portion in Jesus Name. You must do your own thing, be your own boss as soon as you can because learning or working under someone is for olodos. You have a brain, remember? You don’t need anyone to teach you things. Everything will fall into place while you drive your big car and flock with friends that your stance against planning saved you time for.

Response: Starting a business straight out of school is not the problem. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, for example, never worked for anyone before beginning their companies. It only becomes an issue when you choose to start primarily because you don’t want to work for anyone. You will never be fit for leadership if you don’t learn to serve first, or are even willing to be in a place of servitude. Remember this.     Editor’s note: Hopefully, you would have guessed by now that Part 2 of the 5 Principles series was satirical. If you missed it, you can read it here and Part 1 here.    

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This article was first published on 7th July 2015

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