In Nigeria, we all say that here in this country, "no man is an island".
But sometimes we carry things in our minds that always hinder us from moving forward. For me, one of the things we carry in mind here in this country is pride.
There are many people that always feel that they can do it themselves, kind of people Especially living in places like Abuja or Lagos, where everyone seems to be hustling so hard to prove themselves or prove something.
But I'm learning that pride is just every load you carry that weighs you down easily. And when you sacrifice it, you unlock it. There are so many opportunities in life.
I can remember a few weeks ago, I was just struggling with my phone, with my smartphone repairing business. Customers were just coming in. I had only a few customers coming in to my shop. And I was just there, being too proud to ask for help. I thought, admitting that I need advice. It would make me look like a weak person. I was seeking advice from my colleagues around me. It would make me look like a weak person.
But then, during a church program, I just overheard a guy talking about how he managed to thrive in his tech business by learning from others. Then that word hit me so bad. I realized that I have to swallow my pride and reach out to an older person.
I realized that I have to swallow my pride and reach out to an older person. So he invited me to his shop one day, shared a very exciting strategy and even tried to connect me with the supplier. I'm happy that my business now is picking up and I'm so amazed at how much I was missing trying to do it alone and keep it all to myself thinking that I can cover everything by myself.
But when you sacrifice pride. It will open your eyes to the power of community and connection. In Nigeria, we thrive when we mostly lean on each other, and also learn from each other. Whether you're sharing a plate of food, helping a neighbor with their household and guiding them.
At least, I'm happy now that I'm now part of the local business group. And each week, we gather to share ideas and support to each other. We have to let go of pride, because pride feels like a shady, heavy that is too heavy to wear. If pride is really holding you back, now it is time to just take it off your shoulder.
Ask for help. Just admit you don't know it all, and you can never stop learning. It will be helpful for you. Nigeria is already tough. Don't make it tougher on yourself. Carrying yourself with too much pride, work together and be unstoppable.
Images are AI generated.