Why True Success Demands a Rival

?? Opposition—it's a word that often carries a negative connotation, but what if I told you that it's a necessary ingredient for success? Whether you’re taking on a community project, pursuing a career goal, or even striving for personal growth, the obstacles you face are more than just hurdles; they are essential to your journey. Without them, how would you ever know the true strength of your resolve?

Take a moment to think about it. Imagine an Olympic race with no competitors—just you, running alone. ?? Who decides if you deserve the gold medal? Without opposition, there’s no challenge, no sense of achievement. The same principle applies to life. Without a rival, the victory feels hollow.

Let’s dive into a story from Nehemiah 2:10, where opposition rears its head before the first brick is laid. Nehemiah hadn’t even started building the wall; he was still presenting letters to governors for resources. But when Sanballat and Tobiah heard of his plans, they were “grieved exceedingly”—as if someone had died.

They only heard, with emphasis on heard

Pause.. forget all I just said now; share with me in the comments why you think people from a neighbouring country were grieved when they heard a salve was returning to build the walls of a country nearby

?? Now, think about your own life. Imagine setting a goal—whether it’s a career move, a personal development plan, or even a fitness target. The moment you commit, it’s as if your “old self” becomes Sanballat and Tobiah, grieving the loss of comfort and routine. Your past habits, fears, and doubts suddenly feel like massive obstacles. And just like an Olympic race with no competitors, there’s no real victory without facing and overcoming these challenges.

Let’s pause and think again. It’s easy to think of opposition as external—a person or force trying to hold us back. But what if your most challenging opponent is your “old self,” clinging to comfort and resisting change?

Let me share my worst opposition with you—Consistency. I’ve always been someone brimming with ideas, constantly envisioning new projects and goals. I can spend hours meticulously mapping out every step, breaking down tasks, and setting detailed goals that align perfectly with my vision. When it’s time to implement, I usually start off strong. 

But then life happens. Maybe I worked too late the night before, or I decided to sleep in for a few extra minutes. I tell myself, “It’s just one day; you can still catch up.” But one skipped day turns into two, and suddenly, I’m struggling to keep up with my goals. 

And here’s the thing—when you fail to keep your word to yourself, guess what? You’re the only one who knows, and it chips away at your confidence. If you are not confident... this could be a brainer, you have consistently failed yourself over a long period of time, so you don't believe you can do it        

I’m still hacking my way through this battle with consistency. One strategy I’m using is naming this a 13-week newsletter series. By committing to this timeframe, I’m forcing myself to show up every week for 13 weeks straight. Some Saturdays are tough—like today—but if you’re reading this, it means I won this Saturday.

?? Opposition, whether external or internal, is what gives our goals meaning. Without it, success feels hollow. Consider this: what’s the point of winning a race if you’re the only one running? The true satisfaction comes from overcoming the hurdles, from proving to yourself and others that you have what it takes to succeed.

?? Back to Nehemiah 2:10, Nehemiah hadn’t even begun his mission; he was merely presenting the letters from the king to the governors to secure resources. Yet, when Sanballat and Tobiah heard about his plans, they were grieved exceedingly. Not just grieved—exceedingly grieved.

The dictionary defines "grieved" as feeling or expressing deep sadness, often associated with death. Imagine that for a moment. Their sorrow was so intense, it was as if someone had died. And what caused this grief? It wasn’t personal—they hadn’t even met Nehemiah. Their extreme sorrow wasn’t about who he was; it was about what he represented.

This wasn’t ordinary grief. It was an overwhelming, all-consuming grief—a grief that arose from the mere thought that someone was coming to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. Nehemiah’s presence alone threatened their sense of control, their status quo, and that was enough to spark this profound reaction.

?? Nehemiah’s story teaches us that opposition is not just inevitable—it’s essential. When we start a project, whether it’s for our community, our nation, or ourselves, resistance will come. And it’s not just because of what we’re doing; it’s because of the change you represent. But here’s the twist—sometimes, the resistance is within. The part of you that’s comfortable with the status quo, that fears the unknown, becomes your greatest adversary.

Dear program managers,

When you begin a new chapter—whether it’s a community initiative or a personal goal—expect opposition. Not everyone will understand your intentions, and that includes the “old you.” I have seen people who do not even believe that their project would impact their focus community. But this opposition is necessary. It’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

?? Remember, to engage with yourself—to align your new goals with your core values, to challenge your doubts and fears. I’ve heard stories of people trying to bring water to a community in need only to be chased away. Similarly, your “old self” might try to chase away new habits or ideas, fearing the change they bring.

So, what do we do? We embrace the opposition. Whether it’s an external force or an internal struggle, it’s part of the process. Your success isn’t just about achieving the goal; it’s about overcoming the challenges that come with it.

?? Reflective Questions:

• What internal or external opposition have you faced in pursuing your goals?
• How can you turn that opposition into a source of strength and motivation?
• Are there ways you can better engage with both your external environment and your internal mindset to achieve success?

Let’s build like Nehemiah—recognizing that opposition, whether from others or from within, is not just a barrier but a stepping stone to greater success.

Best regards,

Chioma