I recently got an opportunity to deliver a speech at one of the nation’s top high school’s prize giving day. During preparation, I unsuccessfully tried hard not to overwhelm them with some distant concepts they may not relate with. However, the conversations I had with some of the students after the event made me feel good about eventually deciding on throwing all caution to the wind.
Before we dive into the contents of the speech, I’d like to talk about one of the questions I was asked during the informal debriefs. “What do you think builds character,” one girl quizzed with a face that suggested they had been having this conversation for a while. A grin immediately arrested my face and would continue to hold me hostage even as we drove home.
As we progress through life, challenges unselectively hit us from all angles and uncertainties seem to be the only constants. Many times, we’re pushed against the wall and situations demand that we respond impulsively. Worst case scenario, we become the people we loathed when we were kids without even realizing it. We forget to or dread to continue asking ourselves some of life’s important questions and base every action or decision on a non-existent code of conduct. Probably one that our parents or guardians worked so hard to instill in us but was relegated by the challenges of the times.
Before the jury comes out, I’m not championing a discussion on morals. As a man aware of his own faults, I wouldn’t dare. Besides, no one needs it as it’s pretty much common knowledge. It’s about what positions us to consistently and sustainably create as well as exchange value. Imagine what kind of world we would live in if we all, for example, constantly asked ourselves the question posed by that young girl throughout life’s different stages.
Some of those questions, values or mental attitudes that can universally help us carve the identities we desire, or to take more charge of our lives in a world that constantly serves up uncertainties; can be picked from the discussion I had with the students.
Key drivers of DESTINY
“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.”
Napoleon Hill, Author of Think and Grow Rich
Destiny can be defined as the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future. Instead of trying to control events or circumstances in view of attaining sustainable levels of success, I’d argue we best control our future by paying more attention to the following:
D for Diligence
Show me a person who’s careful and persistent in work and I’ll show you a successful person, regardless of their field. It’s a universal law. By always bringing your A-game, you automatically position yourself to become the most reliable provider of a given service or product. They’ll have no choice but to come to you.
I’m fascinated by Nusret Gokce, popularly known as Salt Bae. A Turkish butcher, chef and food entertainer who became an internet sensation in 2007. He now owns a chain of luxury steak houses across the world and serves the biggest celebrities you can think of. Estimated to be now worth millions, from a young age, Nusret started as butcher and primarily remains a butcher.
It doesn’t matter how unheralded your gift or line of work may be. If you consistently and persistently give it your all, it’ll always bear fruit.
E for Excellence
This is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good at something. Whereas diligence is primarily showing up, excellence is showing up well. Plan to have no days off in your affairs. If your role is arranging furniture in the classroom or office, make sure you arrange it in the most acceptable way.
When it comes to conversations about promotions and elevations, you won’t have to speak for yourself, your work will do.
S for Self-worth
Constantly back yourself to deserve the best. A great sense of your value as a human being translates to high self-esteem which gives dignity. When you see yourself worthy of receiving good things regardless of the mistakes you may have made, you get recharged to pursue the highest honors without hesitation.
Refuse to be bound to your past failures and never let anyone talk you into making compromises because you also deserve the best out of life, just like everybody else.
T for Tenderness
In recent times, it almost seems as if aggression and manipulation is what gives us power and makes us successful. While others have ‘climbed to the top’ by stepping on other people, I can imagine their emptiness when they reached those levels.
Kindness and gentleness must never be mistaken for weakness because that’s what makes us human. It’s how we belong. Popular actor and comedian, Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see it’s not the answer.”
I for Interest
The world around us is constantly changing, we must remain curious if we’re to adapt to the times and be relevant. Take nothing for granted and just like babies, always ask endless questions. When we do, we are guaranteed to innovate and improve our way of doing things which creates more value and inevitably more success.
N for Nobility
Similar to how tenderness helps us to belong, nobility does this by helping build trust and long-lasting relationships with partners and collaborators. Fine personal qualities or high moral principles of honor, honesty, decency and integrity increase the wealth of our characters just as money increases financial wealth.
Make your word mean something and respect all people.
Y for Youthfulness
In pursuit of a better version of yourself, remember the gift that’s today. Value and enjoy your youth, but responsibly. Don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure. Live for now but plan for tomorrow.
Conclusion
The next time you think about destiny, remember the sum of its acronyms. Be diligent in what you do to produce excellence as a way of living. Have self-worth and be tender towards others. Develop an interest in what’s going on around you and choose to become an active citizen. Be of noble character and finally value and enjoy your youth responsibly.