Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.
Psalms 90:12
Every October, two things happen in Nigeria. One is the celebration of the nation’s independence from the British Empire closely followed by the birthday of a genius.
Just in case you don't know, October 2nd is my birthday(whenever you are reading this, you can still send my gift).
Over the course of my stint on Earth so far, there are a few lessons I have garnered that have shaped and still shaping me. For the love of you, I will be sharing these lessons in two parts.
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As I stared into the notepad pondering what to write, it is not every day that one celebrates a birthday, even though some people may argue each day is a new birth, you and I know that is largely not the case.
That being said, I still ponder how far my life has been—the ups, the betweens and all that comes with living and existing in an ever-changing world.
If you had asked me a couple of years ago, I probably would have written a thousand words to celebrate my new age.
Right now, it is a bit of a drag to pen down my actual thoughts. Do we call that maturity, lack of words or merely adulthood getting the most of me?
Regardless of what I say or don’t say. The very new year brings with it a new wave of purpose determination or maybe resentment,emt depending on what part of the pendulum is swung at you.
To celebrate my big thirty last year, I had intended to go big and all out. I mean, I had my very first birthday photoshoot and even attempted to release a book.
Well, looking back now, was it even worth worrying about?
Don't get me wrong, I am a big admirer of birthdays. I understand the gravity and appreciate the importance of marking another milestone on Earth. Sometimes, we go big while other times it is okay to just exist and keep a low profile.
Over my three decades on the Earth( it is safe to write over three decades, if it is easy do am na)I have learnt a couple of things and I’m still learning a whole lot of things.
I wish I was in a better place writing this, I wish I had achieved all the great dreams I had as a little lad. Right here I am officially leaving my twenties for good and it seems like I am more confused now than when I entered the league.
However, just as these thoughts were starting to settle down and take root, I was quickly reminded of how lucky and blessed I had been these past years.
Could I have been in a better place? Just as I could also have been in a worse place too. The older one gets, wisdom becomes more needed than strength. You begin to appreciate the moments you have and not wish for the moments lost or that which is still to come.
In the end, what is age or life? Only but a number. Nothing more, nothing less. The whole entirety of the human race is encapsulated in a simple dash. A before and an after that is sandwiched in a now.
For a lot of people, we focus on the before and even on the after and we spend little considering the now. You now are more powerful than any tomorrow or even yesterday you have ever known.
Your yesterday may not be suitable or may even be fantastic, but guess what, it is no guarantee that tomorrow will be good or bad. However, what you do now has more power to erase or influence the tomorrow.
With that said, in this new phase of my life, I have chosen to focus on the now. Embracing the journey that has been. I am celebrating the wins and the lessons as well as forging the weapon needed to actualize tomorrow.
Dear 20-something or even 30-something, if you will permit me, here is the first part of 31 unwitting life lessons I have picked up along the way. It is my birthday gift to you this season, my one desire is that you share it with others and subscribe to The Genius Notes.
Don't ever waste Time. Do something every day that pushes you towards the fulfilment of your destiny. Anything that doesn't add value to you shouldn’t occupy your time.
People are your greatest asset. Your destiny is too glorious to let it slip away because you’re looking down on someone. Don’t look down on anyone; they are positioned to ensure you get to the top. Treat them with respect and keep moving towards your destiny.
It is wise to follow due process. Don't let the pressures and cares of this world push you to jump your process. Anyone who stumbles upon greatness without preparation would fizzle out soon.
People come in different sizes and intent. Know where they fall and accord them their due respect. Know who is a mentor and who is a friend. How you treat them will influence what you gain from them.
Accepting one’s fault is not a weakness but a strength. Humans possess the tendency to always want to be right and the moment you point out their faults they flare up. Always remember that you're fallible and it takes humility to accept your faults.
Who you talk with is crucial. Be quick to identify who you are talking with. Don’t prolong such conversations. Terminate them before they ruin your glorious destiny. Another way to do this is by keeping your mouth shut. If you stay silent, conversations go stale.
Not all routes are fine for you. Knowing the right route enables you to get to your destination faster. Be sensitive and know which route to follow.
Let go of excess load. The worst thing that can happen on your journey to fulfilment is carrying baggage that should have been dropped. Not only does excess baggage weigh you down, but it also slows your progress.
Look more within you. All you need to get started is currently within your reach. It might not be enough to get you to the end, but it is enough for you to start. Value what you currently have and use it wisely.
Narrow your focus. Your assignment in life is not to do everything but to do something. This isn't to limit you but rather to enhance your productivity. No one gets known or fulfilled by doing everything.
Procrastination will rob you. Tomorrow never comes to a man who says I will do it tomorrow. The moment you start this circle of pushing things to tomorrow, you get things done.
Humility is still a virtue. Humans by nature are egoistic. Nothing limits your progress like pride. The pride they say goes before a fall. Everything you have was gotten, don't be proud. Humble yourself and be grateful.
Learn to walk your talk. Fulfilling destiny goes beyond talking. Always back your talk with adequate actions. You probably have heard "actions speak louder than words". Beloved! Do you just talk about your dreams or do you take action?
Envy is a cancer to avoid. The fastest way to lose track of where you're going is to focus on what other people are doing. Comparing and envying others is bad for your journey. There are always going to be people who are better or ahead of you on this journey.
It is too late to be lazy. Lazy people don't fulfil their destiny. No matter how beautiful the future is if you don't work towards it, don't expect magic. You sleep and sleep and become poorer and poorer. Soon you will have nothing. It will be as if a thief came and stole everything you owned.
No one honours a known copycat. God made you unique and special. It would be wrong to try to copy someone else. You can learn from others, and get inspired by others but don’t try to be like others.
Life is evolving and so are the lessons we pick along the way. If there is one thing you should take from this article it should be a reminder to focus on living in the moment while you still have breath in your lungs.
Until I write to you again, never cease to be a genius!
James Iroro
The Genius Note
ps: It is still my birthday season. Do well to send my gift across. Connect with me on here
I hope you learned a thing or two from this letter.
I recommend you check out my latest book. In this guide, I shared eight core pillars you need to pay attention to if you desire to experience a different level in your life.
If done correctly, you set the pillar for a transformative life. Get your copy here.
Magic awaits you on the other side.
James Iroro
Inkgenius Consult
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Happy Birthday Sir!