I remember those times in school when it would seem as though a select few always managed to top the class and get good grades no matter how difficult a course might seem. It was as though they had a course material hidden somewhere which the rest of the class had no access to. It only took one a little while which was the gap almost before and after graduation (earlier for some of us), to discover that the game plan it took to succeed in school was not necessarily the sort of game plan one needed to succeed within the work environment. The principles were still the same but the contexts were different and would demand a different set of approach and a newer, more improved set of principles. For instance, school would reward you for sticking to the rules and conforming while life would reward you for disrupting existing systems and standing out.
A game plan is simply a strategy that one implements to achieve an objective. We all have dreams and a lot of us want a life that is better than what we have today. However, many of us have little or no idea of the practical steps we can take to get from where we are presently to where we envision ourselves to be. It is very crucial that one envisions in one’s mind a future that is better than where one is today. It is a very important starting point. However, being in this position alone does not simply make things happen. It is like the college student who dreams of himself having As in all of his courses but makes little or no effort to make this happen. We want to ensure that even when you make an effort, it is an effort targeted in the right direction and that you are not simply expending energy which will, in the long run, yield little or no results.
In drafting this article, I reviewed the lifestyle of some millennials and the game plans that made them stand out in their diverse fields. There were specific actions carried out in the right direction which yielded outstanding results. Foremost amongst them is the subject of character and integrity. The truth, matter of fact, is that anyone can take the short cut and become an “overnight success”. The problem with this type of success, however, is that it is ephemeral and makes next to nothing impact on improving the lives of others. Worse still, the person involved ends up ruined on the long run. Our generation celebrates and wants to talk about the end product more than they want to pay attention to the “process”. Yes, people talk about the idea of not giving up and sticking with something until it works. But, how many young ladies will choose to date a guy in the “process stage of his life” over a guy who owns an Audi Q5 alongside different classy houses in choice locations? Or, how many guys will choose to date a girl they perceive is smart and intelligent and “in the process stage of her life” over a classy girl who slays in expensive outfits? Most millennial guys would want to be recognised with the “classy” girl and might even feel that the other girl is simply interested in the material stuff she can get from them. Everyone is attracted to the “End result”. If you want to be a millennial with a game plan, you need to change the mind set of quick results and cutting corners and embrace one that is willing to go through the process. You have to make a personal decision that you will not cut corners but will allow your character be formed in “the process”.
Most millennials have found themselves in a position where their “big picture” outweighs their integrity. Integrity is about being faithful in the little tasks and the big ones too and doing them well. It is about putting your best foot forward even if it is the most difficult thing to do. Anyone can be lazy or lackadaisical, but you must choose to be excellent in your dealings.
Integrity is being honest and having strong moral principles. It is deciding that you will not go beneath a particular standard irrespective of what anyone throws at you. Millennials who make an impact are not afraid to be different. They are not scared to be treated as outcasts because of the choices they have made for their lives. They see the big picture and decide to forgo the comfort and compromises of the present in order to attain the big picture that their mind’s eyes can see.
Another important aspect of the game plan is Focus. The 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 in Europe is made up of a list of phenomenal individuals who targeted particular fields and put in every resource that they could to see it work. You have to understand and accept the fact that you cannot succeed everywhere at the same time. You only have a given number of resources and you have to choose to invest them wisely. Putting out your energy in too many places will only exhaust you and yield little or no results eventually. The first thing you should do is decide where you want to focus your energy on; then, channel all your resources in that direction.
Steven Ng (25) is a solid example of a millennial who through focus and integrity, was able to access enviable heights. Steven – Founder, Elliot Havok – makes a fortune by selling high end wrist watches and wallets with a transparent supply chain. This supply chain Steven adopts is a mirror of his integrity. In 2017, Steve Ng made it to the Forbes 30 under 30 list of successful entrepreneurs. In a Facebook post, Ng explains how his uncle saved up his salary to purchase of 400 dollars to purchase a Ps 2 player for his brother and himself. They had both promised their uncle that they would both repay the kind gesture and with time, Steven Ng bought his uncle a brand new car. Steven admits that he had grown up a really poor child.
Is there anything you cannot achieve?
With the right information, I don’t think so.
You can also find out for yourself how true this is by applying these timeless principles in your own life and watching them work for you too.