Life = Time

-

 






Life is time. A time that never ends but ‘our time’ will cease. Time can only have meaning when we have a purpose or calling.


I read an article by Clayton M. Christensen, a Harvard professor. His remarkable speech to MBA graduating students includes four points that have helped him live a fulfilled life:


  1. Find a reason. A purpose that creates an urgency to live and gives your life meaning. 
  2. Think long-term. We are obsessed with the short-term instant gratification of life, and we forget what we benefit most from are the drops of water that create balance and stability in our lives. You can save a little now and watch it grow. You can invest your time in your children and spouse so ‘together forever’ is more guaranteed. As a work junkie, I have learned that it doesn’t matter how long I have worked; the friends I have kept, and the love I nurtured are the only things that make life worth it. Working hard is never a guarantee of success. The best way to succeed is to have the right network/relationships that propel you to greatness. 
  3. Create a culture based on values. Define who you are and what you stand for, and stick to it 100% of the time. Have boundaries you never let go of 100% of the time. 
  4. Create a life of impact by impacting others. I wrote a poem about ‘death’, and I believe we don’t die. We are all eternal. Our impact has an indelible mark on those who knew and loved us. And they carry a bit of us with them and pass it down to the next generation.

A good life is time filled with purpose.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Loneliness is a warm bed

-
Image
by Shally A. Walking on my toes, silently, from the bedroom into the kitchen; I cut into the big loaf of bread with the sharpest knife on the cabinet long before you wake. I want no sounds heard; this silence is my power and warm bed. Your food is served- ready to be dipped into when you awake. My mind doesn’t want the bother of words that hold no water, have bad taste and stink like a soiled bed wetter’s mattress. No words, just like it was yesterday. I walk on my toes to the room, lie down beside you and pretend to sleep when I feel your weight move off the bed. You glance at me- idiot, I curse inside. What is left of me but the poundings of anger, neglect and disgrace? Two deaths and promises that fell into the thin air of nothingness. I stood by you when you had nothing, now too much money has stuffed your stomach with pride. Your lies, cheating and insults have shaved all hopes of new beginnings like the drums of bleakness beating in an average Nigerians heart. I have res...
Read more

Book signing of The Dairy of a Desperate Naija Woman (DNW)

-
Image
By Shally A. Me, Bola, and my beautiful mentor Mrs Enahoro :) It’s a known fact that Nigerians don’t read, but as I saw numerous people trooping in and out of Laterna Bookstore for the book-signing of  Bola Essien-Nelson  book, I was a little tempted to  ‘yimu’  and say  ‘oyinbo statistics.’ As this is the second book-signing event I have attended, I didn’t really know what to expect but like the Good Book says,  my expectation was not cut off  ( forget I said didn’t have an expectation o! ). At the book-stand, I scrutinized all her books  wella . Indecisive Shally was wondering which one to buy. I was attracted to the colourful cover-page of her latest DNW book. It had a distinctive Nigerian touch. A middle-aged woman sat on the floor with a hint of sarcasm glittering in her eyes, her  gele  was almost reaching the stars and her dress was made from patches of different Ankara fabrics. Nice tableau, I thought. ...
Read more

Stand...

-
Image
by Shally A. Sometimes scared Sometimes full of faith Sometimes in the air This too shall pass, I hear I must learn to persevere So unsure Striving to stay alive Hoping I’ll survive Stand.  The wave’s splash along My terror screams “ Lord! Open my eyes, guide my lifes' lines” Stand. I had hoped by now Your arm would have saved my drown The tides toss me around Slitting deep, till red fires gush out You whisper, STAND This too shall pass It takes time to build a corporate work of art. It takes time to build a life. And it takes time to develop and grow. So give yourself, your enterprise, and your family the time they deserve and the time they require, persevere- Jim Rohn.
Read more