The last part of the above headline may appear crazy at a time like this when many are faced with myriads of challenges. But the truth is that I have arrived and I deeply desire that you also do. You will understand and see how I did it, if you are patient to read this article till the end.
The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is the fear of the unknown.
Many people today are in dead-end- situations. They have no doubt, they have hit the rocks and nothing can change. But they are scared stiff, of what will happen to them if they dared step out, to try something else. They are afraid of the unknown. They tell you, a bird at hand is worth more that a million in the bush. They tell you, the devil you know is better than the Angle you don’t know.
Good consoling words for someone who is afraid of changing a hopeless situation by choosing to remain in his/her comfort zone! What is the usefulness of remaining in a comfort zone that has already failed. Or do you call that tenacity or perseverance?
Achieving success in any endeavour is not a comfortable procedure. It’s a very uncomfortable thing to attempt, according to Steve Harvey. The fact is that as you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once frightening becomes your new normal. Many times, the thought of fear itself is greater than what it is we fear.
It is no exaggeration to admit that we all have fears. But how you handle your fear makes all the difference. The reason you must act is that the cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
An author, Joe Dispenza said, many people say when they’re in the unknown, they can’t predict the future; things don’t feel right. Well the best way to predict your future is to create it. Not in the known, but in the unknown.
Some questions for you. Have you ever imagined the suffering and embarrassment faced by people who suddenly lost their jobs or retired without any alternative tangible source of income?
Have you imagined the loss of respect you will face from your family and friends; the sudden pain and deprivation your children and other dependants will suffer when you are suddenly sacked, retired or your company closes shop?
Have you imagined what will happen to you when your present skill becomes obsolete, made useless by technology or taken over by Artificial intelligence?
Don’t wait until it becomes your experience.
For years, I searched for answers even as I worked for a company. I wondered how I would ever fulfil my heartfelt dreams and explore my creativity. I lived from paycheck to paycheck; collecting monthly salary that hardly lasts till the middle of the month.
I knew that the solution to my problems lies in acquiring new and nano compliant skills as well as strengthen my old skills and align them with the new age where the rave of the moment could become obsolete the next minute.
The question is, is it possible to overcome the fear of the unknown. Some will say yes; some may say no. I tell you that it is possible. It lies in your boldness and ability to take calculated risks. Acquire knowledge and apply it; power lies in applied knowledge. It is not enough to know; you must act; you must take action. Make mistakes, learn from them and forge ahead.
Let me explain with my own true life story which is still a developing story.
Until recently, I worked full time for a company. After taking stock, I decided to take the plunge and focus more on building my own business. Was it an easy decision. No, it was not. I was scared of how I and my family would survive. But when I considered that afterall, I was already down and should not be afraid of downfall because the only thing left was to get up, I made up my mind.
Let me digress a little to bring those who do not know up to speed. I started out in 1996 as a graphic artist. I had the opportunity to work in advertising agencies and later moved to printing press. I worked in major two. It was while working at Pace Pressing Press, Apapa that the Marketing Manager and other marketers from the Sun Publishing Limited became my regular customers; because I was desiging artworks for them.
They later negotiated to have me work fully with them. And in February, 2004, I joined The Sun as a Senior Graphics artist in the commercial printing section.
From the commercial department, I moved to the Advert Department. While at advert, my interest in writing and reporting, was rekindled. So, I enrolled and studied journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba- Lagos where by His grace I made Distinction as well as emerged the Best Overall Graduating Student.
Thereafter, I was deployed to the Editorial department as a Correspondent; covering the Judiciary. After some court attendance as a reporter, I decided to study law to have a better understanding of court proceedings.
Therefore, what I do today is a combination of all these experiences and that is where my confidence comes from. Because of my acquired skills my hustle now include Real Estate sourcing and marketing; managing my online newspaper: multichannels247.com while still being very committed with my first love which is graphics designs and printing.
Besides, I market my wife’s customized footwears and bags online and offline. Above all, I now find time to write books and stretch my creativity for financial gains. Infact, two of my books will be completed before December.
The truth is that I am personally involved in all of that and I do them with extreme passion and pleasure. So call me, Jack of all trade and master of all, if you like.
These are the things I now teach in conferences and seminars as a resource person; and the pay and the other intangible rewards are quite gratifying to the soul.
You too can learn new skills. Technology is changing things faster than you think. For instance, many years ago, news reporters were separate from typists and cameramen. Today, a reporter combines all three; gathers his news; takes his pictures and types his story. Same applies to many professions including law and medicine.
It will get worse with the coming of Artificial Intelligence (AI). You can’t fight or stop the imminent technological revolution. Find a way to align with it and benefit from it.
Talk to us today about how to master the under listed skills in three months:
– Public Speaking.
– How to gather, write, edit and proofread standard news stories for your blogs/online platforms.
– How to write killer sales letters/advert copies.
– Graphics designs.
– Start Real estate business.
– Make customised sandals, bags and other leather materials.
Call:08022905330, 08034080699
