I was still chewing on the leftovers from the post I made on my Instagram page when this young man and acquaintance, B. Bolaji, sent me a WhatsApp message.
I could count our conversations.
Twice last year (March 4 and June 2, 2023.)
None so far this year. Until April 19, 2024.
First, it’s a screenshot of an email that reads,
“Congratulations on your Forward Graduation!”
It’s familiar.
I had received the same email a year ago, having successfully completed the McKinsey Forward program. It’s a journey I saluted myself for finishing considering how the classes clashed with my 9–5 hours and the rigours of assignments and group meetings. It’s around the same period that my probation was extended at work. I had so much stress and pressure.
At that phase of my life, completing Forward Learning was like the only good thing that had happened in my life in a long time. I shared the success on my WhatsApp status.
Back to B. Bolaji’s message.
Then , he sent an audio message reminding me of how he had seen my WhatsApp update I made about my successful completion of the learning journey. He remembered that he’d tried to apply to the program, but he abandoned it.
Seeing my update, he thought:
“If she fit complete am, then wetin dey do you na, bro?”
“So I say, Okay, make I go check am.”
“I see say ah omo, the thing just be like say na heavy heavy, heavy duty. See say eh, na real-life issues, and how you fit use top problem-solving techniques to solve real-life issues.”
“And it’s a beautiful experience. And you be like the person wey motivate me to do am.”
The sight of an achievement is the greatest gift a human being could offer others. - Ayn Rand
I documented the quote above in March 2024.
When I find quotes that prompt me to think, I save them to my Google Doc.
I collect them from books and movies.
I go over them regularly to dissect their meaning, or I just ask Google to explain what they mean.
The World Guiness Record for the Longest Chess Marathon: 58 Hours
I have always admired what Tunde Onakoya does with chess.
Each time his Twitter handle publishes updates from 'before' and 'after' regarding their rescue missions for kids and teenagers, I am moved to tears.
So I dutifully followed his WGR chess marathon. It’s when Tunde reached 24 hours that Ayn Rand’s quote became clear to me.
“This is a perfect explanation,” I said.
Following the marathon was like a re-awakening.
The World Only Recognises Those Who Have Made It
People sometimes grumble that only the successful, who have achieved extraordinary feats, get the spotlight.
That the world isn’t paying attention to those beneath the rock.
That’s not true!
Let’s be reminded that those who have 'failed,' those still trying to climb need to see and be inspired by those who have ticked it.
However, the most important question, I think, is:
Are those beneath the rock paying attention to those who have climbed and are on the rock?
For your personal growth and development
Attend ground-breaking events where leadership and feats are celebrated.
When last did you read/watch success stories—biographies, autobiographies, documentaries?
Also, share your wins via the platforms available to you. Whether small or huge, on anything, you never know who you are inspiring.
To take words from Tunde Onakoya, you can do great things from a small place.
Think of B. Bolaji, who successfully completed the McKinsey Forward program because I shared my completion congratulatory email via my status.
Imagine the numbers of people, young and old, resigned and faithless, who have now believed again and have been pushed to try better and pursue greater things because Tunde Onakoya believed that it’s possible to do great things from a small place, and went on to break the GWR to raise a million dollars for the education of children across Africa.
Did you follow the marathon? What did you learn?
Witnessing feats inspires even the most hard-hearted. And being inspired triggers disciplined actions.
Stay BAKE!
Words failed me today but I am glad that success stories are a huge source of inspiration and encouragement for those still climbing and always a reminder that giving up should not be an option.
Thank you for baking!
I wish there's a clap button. I love how you link each part into one. May your inspiration continue to increase. Thank you for writing and the gift of your consistency. Indeed, "witnessing feats inspires even the most hard-hearted. And being inspired triggers disciplined actions."