10 lessons I am learning on my personal and professional development journey.

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While motivation is a good thing, self-discipline is also important. 


I've occasionally lost out on opportunities because I didn't give them the time and attention they required to be successful. Sometimes I didn't take the time to effectively prioritize my tasks because I was feeling overburdened by my workload. Like life, learning is a journey. I am aware that if I don't have the self-control to try, some things won't happen.


Here are 10 more lessons I am learning on my personal and professional development journey. 


  1. Not all motivations will move you beyond your current spot if you refuse to take responsibility for your progress. 


  1. It is also important that you recognise that not all opportunities are meant for you, if you are disciplined enough.


  1. Most of the time, we use motivational stories to illustrate how the process works, but the truth is that it takes a lot of effort to carry out the actual work before we decide to write about it. 


  1. One of my colleagues asked me how I managed to avoid getting burned out after I started writing and sharing my Community Tech LAB project impact stories regularly. My motivation for this comes from the motivation I get from my students and how rewarding it is to see their journeys change. I pause to reflect on my days and think about what worked, what didn't, and what needs to be improved. Such things serve as my sources of inspiration.


  1. Constantly being in the foreground or background of things can be draining. Others see it as a selfish objective, while some see it as a sign of leadership weakness. However, leading and finishing a mission requires a lot of effort. If you have to put everything you have into something in order to show its worth and essence, why not do it and track your progress? Live independently of other people's views, but don't ignore advice or recommendations that will help you succeed.


  1. Not everyone who applauds you has your best interest in mind. This shouldn't be a problem as long as you understand why you're there and maintain the social awareness to know when and where to draw the line. I've learned from this lesson to value both praise and criticism equally. Although accepting it might be challenging, it's something to take note of.


  1. Recognize that losing is a process when it happens. When you start winning, consider it a step forward and never belittle those who aren't there yet. If you were designed to be a light, act like one instead of a flash. Be a change, not a "fade," if you are wired to be a change. Be aware of the timing, manner, and content of your speech. People around the world value them greatly.


  1. Even if you work hard to thrive and keep your sanity, you will come across people who will question your character. They might want to point out your flaws and claim that you are no different than them. It is important to understand that you are not a perfect human being incapable of making mistakes. Such people may frustrate you in order to bring out the other side of you, providing them with a point of contention and allowing them to continue to question your good character.


  1. Paying it forward is an important lesson I've learned. It confirms the scripture's message that "one who spends a dime from his wealth in a good cause will be rewarded in multiple folds." One of my mentors once told me, "The people you help today may not be the ones who directly reward your generosity. Do it for God, and He will reward you abundantly." The Almighty designed the reward system in unpredictable ways. You must believe that your reward will come in the best possible way, far beyond your wildest dreams. Although we often want immediate results, trust me when I say that delay is not denial. Your turn will come.


  1. Respect relationships: I am always mindful of this, and it is one of those things that I do not take for granted. Just because I have access to people does not mean I should become a liability to them in any way. As much as I want to benefit from them, I also try to give back to them to the best of my ability. I've also learned that respecting them entails asking them reasonable and important questions the majority of the time. If I need to complete 10 tasks, I try to complete 8 or 9 of them and present them with my results. I then ask for the 10th point, which could be a suggestion or an approval. I've learned to recognize when I'm going too far and to respect the network I've created in all dimensions.


© Afeez Olalekan SAKA 2023

#SakaSpeaks


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