I have tried to follow the path of those who are great today. When I see them, a question pops into my mind. “How do these people make it that great?” But I always find myself answering different forms. Maybe they came from a wealthy family and got the backup they wanted, the inheritance and all. But at the same time, I also get to see some people who are also not from that kind of background, yet they got it.
Maybe they are kind of created differently from most of us. Or maybe it's just their personality that makes them great people. It was like a puzzle to me. I could find a way that they made their way to the top. Do they have a mentor or maybe an idol or model they
look up to and follow in their path?
I embarked on a journey of reading biographies of great people. And also made sure I digested them well. I watched some videos, then came to realize that it's not always about anything special, but their determination to become successful and a driving force.
About five years ago, since Facebook and other media already knew about my search, they brought related posts to me. That was how I stumbled across a post that changed my mindset the most. The image was so catchy, and even the first paragraph got me hooked. Then I had to finish it up.
It was an old picture of a guy and his friend after they concluded they were sitting by with a bottle in their hands, their looks could tell how confused they were about what was next they had to face in life.
Then the caption has it that the two fellows were a well-known businessman in his early youth and his friend. Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA bank, is also a businessman with his shares in many other aspects.
What got me hooked was his picture; I kept staring at the difference. I just can't get my head off how he made it that far. I knew it must have taken him a lot of sacrifices and dedication to achieve that. I reflected a lot and pondered it. Made me do more intense reading about his biography. He is now dwelling in wealth.
While I was in my National Youth Service year, just like he was confused, I was also in a similar situation. But I tried as much to seek a path for myself after my service year. I got into a discussion with a friend who happened to be a little younger than me, but intelligent.
We discussed at length, and I told him I would be focused on growing a business after my service year instead of seeking employment. The major issues or challenges I will have to face are financial. I don't have any backup or anyone who will give me that push to make my dreams come true.
He then shared with me a book that I should read. I assured him I would read it, but I didn't till I was done with my service year. I never knew the reason why he asked me to read it.
I took a screenshot of it and saved it on my device. I had to read it on one of the days I remembered. Then it was just another eye opener for me..
It was about the biography of a guy who was done with his service year, just like I did, had no background support or finances, then took a job in the bank with a target of just three years of employment. He worked towards it and saved up for his business plan. After three years, he resigned and focused on his business.
Gradually he started small, he was into dairy production and then with just five cows he could afford from his savings he was able to milk them and make some sales. It took him about five years to grow his business as he gradually kept building and focusing.
He got married and named his business after his wives. They were his business cabinet. After ten years, L&Z yoghurt became so popular and well-known that its cows alone couldn’t meet the demands, so it had to outsource from other farms.
I don't know how he did it. But I was moved by his story. I had similar aspirations, so I took his path at my own pace. Our stories are different, but there are surely some similarities. I am in my 3rd year, growing my business and trying to get things in place.
In five years, I hope for the stability he got and also focus more on the next five years. He has been a good model I follow and I remind myself about my focus every time I read his book.
