WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?

The orthodox definition of success is attainment of fame, wealth or power. A successful person is usually one with a large bank account, famous or powerful. As children, we hand pick these iconic successful persons in our societies and carve our dreams in the direction of attaining a status equal to or higher than those of these moguls we idolized. Our society taught us that once we did not have an exorbitant bank account, then we missed the achievement mark. In order to give you an understanding of what I am talking about, I will define wealth as commonly stated; it is a state of having much money. If success as society defines is dependent on the notes saved in the bank; what then is the baseline and limit of success. Aren’t numbers infinite? When does the pursuit end? When will enough be enough? Look around you and take a look at all the people in this mad race for success. When you get down to the real deal, are their lives that enviable? Are they really happy? The sad definition society has placed on success is ruining the lives of many people. It is breeding this dangerous ruthlessness which destroys everything in its way. Today’s success is based on a relativity theory. It is based on this numerical comparison of possessions; as such the competition is more of an egoistic match for addition than a purpose driven journey towards a positive contribution to society. The messy success we chase today seeks to covet; it is envious, dubious, deceitful and actually restless. It is an era of do anything possible for the next buck. Though the numbers increase, we move on to a stage where we need more numbers to catch up with our competitors. At the end of the day, what was the essence of this pursuit? Was ones whole life to resolve around increasing numbers in a bank? When you leave this world, what would one say was your contribution?

In a time when everyone appears soulless, we must redefine success. The future belongs to those who will go out of their way to give the next generation a reason to hope. Record this in your mind today, any success one gets at the cost of one’s self respect, integrity and principle is not success. What will profit you to gain this world at the expense of your soul? To be genuinely successful, strive not to be the first, strive to be the best you can be. There is a big difference; I will show you. I always wanted to spend my whole life studying. I even aspired to attain Nobel Prize. I competed with my peers for positions, prizes and honors. At some point I found myself in this uncomfortable position. I had worked hard. I had the great scores and all that, but it was getting me nowhere. At the end of the day, it just looked like another piece of paper that will get lost in time. At this critical point, several questions came to my mind. I asked myself what the certificates I had achieved and wanted to achieve meant to me. Were they anything more than labels, tittles and papers? Were all the schools to shut on me today, will I still keep learning? What was all this learning for? As a kid raised in Cameroon, I realized we get locked into this competition for trophies and tittles, but at the end of the day nothing of what we attain has any substance or value. All the degrees and titles we seem to be fighting for adds nothing to who we are or our nation. Why should a country with so many well educated people still be where it is? Are we striving to be first or to be best? First is a title, but best is an attitude. If the government won’t hire the youths of Cameroon; does that mean we won’t offer service of any kind to our nation. I would know that, I went through the tough process of unsuccessfully trying to attain a job. Nepotism, tribalism and corruption pursue the first and not the best. For a while I hated and criticized the government as many do; until I realized if I like several others do nothing but complain; nothing will change.

I have come to redefine success as that state one attains where they receive a remarkable ability to be more generous and loving towards their fellow man. Will genuine success increase your wealth? Yes it will. When the wealth you have is working for you and not you working for it, then you have succeeded. When you go to bed everyday knowing you did your best, you have succeeded. We have to learn to integrate into a functional world, but still be sensible enough to preserve our individuality. We have to define a singular success that brings us smiles and blissful rest at dusk. A matured and sensible success is one that not only enhances the good in us, but pushes us to desire genuine growth in others. A genuine success is void of envy, covetousness, insomnia, restlessness, discontent, unhappiness and unscrupulousness. Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents were used in a way that served others. You do not need to be part of a big process or thing in order to succeed, the smallest thing done out of honesty can get you there.

“Society today focuses so much on fitting into modern trends and being a part of a superior group or organization, that they forget how to be an individual. They forget how to set their own trends and create their own organizations. They forget that a superior being in one corporate organization, firm, or social club is far less substantial then being a genuine and original person of superiority to the entire world... And what some don't understand is that the simplest thing can alter the outcome of situations that can affect the entire world... A smile is contagious. Laughter strengthens the heart. Compassion saves lives. And patience can be the defining factor in making good decisions. The mind is a beautiful and powerful thing. Frame its painting and display it for the world to see and strain its muscles until they give out. You only have one life to live. Live it to the fullest. Fear nothing, embrace challenge, and hold no regrets." By Tyler Tureno

If achievement should ever be graded based on numbers, it should be on how many lives we touched and not the numbers we got sitting in a bank.

“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.”
― Bessie Anderson Stanley

Redefine success. Write down you own success and start the journey to attaining it. Live in the success of truth.

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DARE TO BE

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LET'S GROW AND PROJECT AFRICA

Let’s fight for Africa and preserve the uniqueness or our heritage and culture. Other continents are known for what makes them unique. Let Africa be known for its uniqueness and not for being a culture copycat.

Taking a look at all the countries in Africa, it is evident that Africa is blessed with natural resources, great minds and hardworking people. However, some African’s are still under the illusion of greener pastures out of Africa and it would not be strange to see a master’s degree holder working as a security guard in Dubai.

Let’s continue to be true to ourselves and let people love us for who we really are.

Now a day, some indigenes of Africa go to eat at restaurants and have no idea of the food they just ordered because the names do not sound familiar. Let us continue to call fried potato by its name instead of confusing people with names such as French fries. Better still; let’s call it Cameroon fries, Ghanaian fries, Kenyan fries or African fries because it was fried in Africa and not in France.

Looking at creativity, we have great musicians, actors, actresses, painters, designers….. but we as Africans sometimes fail to promote our own. Some of us are fond of praising foreign artist and insulting African artist.

Taking a look at immigration, we have some Africans who have given up on life, because they were denied a visa to go to Europe, USA, Canada or Australia. It is also sad to see youths die in the sea or do funny things to get a green card, or enter a foreign land.  Success is found in us, and not necessarily in a country.  Furthermore, there is a massive exodus of youths out of Africa to other countries that took time to develop themselves such as India, China and Dubai. If we take time to invest in develop our continent, we would also attract youths from other countries as well.

 Let Africans at home and abroad invest in Africa even if they do not live to see the fruits of their labor, for the great nations we see today were not built in a day. Let us also promote our own and believe in ourselves.

We should have love for our continent, copy what will bring development to our continent while upholding its moral values and diversified culture for that is what makes us unique and proud as Africans. God bless Africa.

By Nahbila Venessa

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PAIN (Why do we suffer?)

What is pain? Why do we go through pain? For many years, I like many others have asked myself this question. Is pain our punishment? Is pain aimed at making us miserable? Does pain make us bad? Do we deserve pain? What is pain? Why should we feel pain? As I have pondered over the years, I have learned a lot from pain itself.

The author of the Countess of Sedgwick states that "What is the purpose of suffering, if not to enable us realize the suffering in others." I will help guide you to answering the above questions. Why will a kid who has the world handed to him on a golden platter find it difficult holding a job or business while a struggling kid from the slums build a multi-million dollar business from scratch? Why will citizens born in the United States complain of the economy so much and some immigrant from Sudan goes there and becomes rich? Why has it been noticed in our school that the rich kids are often average to dull while the poor ones are bright? Why are the most devoted workers those who went through hundred of interviews till one person gave them a chance? Why are the best stories written by people with sad stories? Why does the greatest talent sprout out of the mud? Look around you and ask these questions. The answers to all the above questions boil down to pain. There are two things pain can do to you;

-Pain could scar and leave you bitter for life or

-Pain could motivate you towards change. Pain births a desire for change.

Where it hurts most, is where your dreams and goals will be birthed. The failures and setbacks in our lives present us with opportunities to learn, to change and to terminate certain relationships. Life is a battle and like every other; when we lose, we retreat and strategize. Our ability to feel pain and realize pain in others, gives us our humanity. Any area of your life that is hurting is telling you there are lessons and wisdom to be gained. Our pain will grant us wisdom, growth, challenge and improve us, if we realize the lesson to be learned. Are you in debt, poverty, out of school, on the verge of giving up or even contemplating suicide; don’t. You are where you are for a reason, you dream and goal is where you are at the moment. My joblessness as a young graduate birthed my dream to be an employer and to encourage Cameroonians like myself to do same. My personal setbacks in life have birthed stories, poetry and motivation. Pain is never easy…We all hurt at certain points in our life. I do not know your pain, but one thing I know is; because time keeps passing, so will your pain. What will your pain do to you? Will it make you a bitter person or will it make you a better person? Will it make you a fighter or will it make you a quitter? Will it make or will it mar you? Will it birth your dreams or will it kill your dreams?

 

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YOUNG CAMEROONIANS: CHANGE BEGINS WITH YOU

This article is written based on the contribution of a reader to my blog…I couldn’t help but share it…In his own words;

“Young Cameroonians and even millennia plus young adults need to create a mindset that stimulates growth. Most university and professional graduates hope to seek employment in the civil service or scanty industrial landscape of the country. That alone should be enough to make every job seeker to know the situation of the job market.
Points to take note;

1 Cameroon is bilingual;
This is very important for English speaking Cameroonians. Majority of industries and international organization are found in the eight regions comprising francophone Cameroon. You must be fluent in both languages if you must stand out from the crowd.
2 Give back to the Community;
It’s not only thinking of gaining a job from the government. Yes, there's no doubt that the economic conditions and living standards are very low. However, Cameroonians must think of giving back to the society. Donate to Charity, volunteer and work without pay and build an experience. Learn other skills side-by-side education, and strive to do a part-time job while in school.
3 Revisit your Habits;
It’s not doubt, alcohol is the number one killer of youth potential in Cameroon. Entrepreneurial minds cannot blossom with alcohol infested brains. If young stars dream of a bright future, then we must limit drastically, if not abstain from alcohol consumption.
4 Reading and continuous learning
We must embrace education as the only way out of darkness, and into the glorious light. Reading will teach us new ideas, new habits, and secrets to break through from our present condition. Since politics has failed though the opposition, we must now take individual and small group approaches to change our immediate condition. Such small changes will only give birth to a new nation where development will expand from many directions making the whole landscape a favorable place to be.

 By Lutherking Ngolle E.

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