May your life not be defined by a singular event

Often when we consider the possibilities of life, we usually do not factor in big, obvious moments. We know for a fact that we'll have to piece things together in bits and then strategically place ourselves out there for success and visibility but not everyone envisions immediacy in recognition or opportunity.?

At the NGM Conference organized by NGM Platform , one that took place on the 15th of October, 2022, I was awarded a cash prize of #250,000 - a reward that was matched by Dr. Akintoye Akindele, CFA DBA FICA , & Mr. Modupe Kadri FCCA, FCA, M.CIoD and presented to me alongside Engr. Nasir Giwa , Ms. Karimat Toyin Kekere-Ekun , Mr. Shakiru Lawal MBA, MILR, SPHRi, GPHR , Mrs. Kofoworola Olokun-Olawoyin , Mr. Paul Onwuanibe . Why is this? I was recognized for a feat, one I didn't think will garner much interest while I was still in school, a 5.0 CGPA.?

After the event, Dr. Akintoye gave me some advice and this is what this post is about today.?

After the usual rounds of congratulations, he made a prayer - "May your life not be defined by this 5.0 you have." While this seemed a little unusual, I knew exactly where he was coming from. I have always had that fear. He, however, didn't stop there. The series of advice he gave will later ease my fears to a degree.

Let's delve into it;

"You're probably not the smartest in your class or the dumbest but people will refer to your grade. When you do things right, they'll say you're smart. When you make mistakes, they'll doubt the authenticity of your grade. You mustn't look at that. You will make mistakes, and that's totally fine but learn from it. Now that school is over, do not dwell too much on your grade. Keep it aside and gain valuable experiences.

Make every day a 5.0 day. Let it be that you start each day from a zero, with a mindset that you want to learn something. Have an open mind and let your mind explore and tap into the many possibilities that exist."

When you do this, you accumulate useful knowledge and insight over time (this reminded me of the aggregation of marginal gains in James Clear's Atomic Habits).

We are often blinded by the thought of having a particular destination in mind when ultimately, death is the destination. Live your life like you are on a journey to new things, fine exploits, diverse frontiers, interesting discoveries, and monumental feats. You will encounter success, you will have downtime. Nobody talks about their downtime but it's from this you'll learn resilience and doggedness. The cycle of successful ventures and unsuccessful ones is what makes successful people. It is like an undulating plain.?

(May your path be rough.)

These words have recalibrated my thought process and have afforded me the luxury of deep introspection. Moments like this may be fleeting but they are life-changing happenings that will challenge my innovative mind. They open up the portal of self-belief and will help uncover one's abilities. With the right guidance and mentorship, there's still a lot to achieve and I know Allah, in His infinite mercies, will direct my path.

The NGM Conference was an absolute delight. I know I mentioned some amazing people before. Some other equally wonderful people joined us too: Mr. Abdulmajeed Amussah , Mr. Moshood Olajide , Mr. OlaYinka Subair. , Mrs. Humuanni Omotunde Olambiwonnu , Mrs. Olabimpe Afolabi , Mr. Chikezie Nwosu , Hon. Hakeem Fahm ? (ably represented by Mr. Saheed Balogun ), Engr Suleiman-Rotimi Iliasu FNIMechE

Special gratitude to Engr. Nasir Giwa , Sheriff Alaraba , Abdulsalam Akinlusi , and the rest of the conference planning committee.?

If you missed the conference this year, don't miss it next year God willing.