It’s time for wealth

I haven’t made a single New Year’s resolution. Not one. It seems pointless to make promises to yourself that you know you are unlikely to keep. However, we still need to grow, to challenge ourselves, to improve. So, what do we need? I think that it’s less of a promise and more of a plan that’s required to move you from where you are to where you want to be.

By their nature, plans are detailed and meticulous, carefully thought through and evaluated to see how likely they are to succeed. Resolutions are more like wishes – a hope that you will magically transform into your dream self, without the sustained effort that’s almost certainly needed. So, for the last few years I’ve planned, rather than made resolutions, and I haven’t found it necessary to wait until December 31st rolls around.

As a result, some aspects of my life are on track, as steady implementation of plans has evolved into habits, based on positive lifestyle choices. For example, my diet is healthy – fresh, tropical fruits for breakfast, salad with homemade dressing for lunch and vegetables with seafood for dinner. Forty-five minutes in the gym most mornings keeps me lean and full of energy; plus, I sleep peacefully at night. Staying away from personal conflict and forgiving others (and myself) keeps my mind clear and my spirit serene. Choosing not to worry about things I cannot change, helps me to focus on the things I can – especially myself.

What’s left? Well, wealth is the one area in which I feel that I have underachieved. Now, it’s important to put this into perspective, because, based on what I’ve already achieved, my lifestyle puts me in the top 5% of people worldwide – and I’m immensely grateful. However, I know that I can do so much more and I would like to find out what my true limits are. Another goal I have is to help more people – to affect more lives and help to solve some of the problems in my country. Interestingly, being wealthy will allow me to do more of those things.

My life feels like this amazingly beautiful, powerful sports car that I’ve been using to cruise around town, with the occasional spin on the highway out to the countryside. I feel like it’s time to take the car to a proper racetrack, where there are no speed limits, and see how fast this baby can really go. It’s time to test God’s promise that a truly limitless life is possible for anyone who has the faith to take Him at His word.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have some big, scary dreams that I’ve been holding back for a while, simply because I’m afraid to fail. Now, all of that baggage has gone out the window and I’m free to soar, as high as my belief will take me.

My advice to you, whatever your current level of success, is that if you want more, you will have to free yourself of whatever burdens you are carrying, so you can start moving towards your ultimate goals. Remember to hold the image of what you want, clearly in your mind, as if you already possess it. As you move towards it, it will move towards you. This has always worked for me, as far as I’ve allowed it to; but now I am finding the courage to try it on the bigger, scarier goals.

I’m excited to see how it all unfolds.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” ~ Christopher Reeve

14 thoughts on “It’s time for wealth”

  1. (I was about to ask if you don’t eat carbs, but I won’t.)

    At a certain point a person should ask themselves what they want out of life. I have determined to be among the few who do.

    If we don’t decide what we want we’ll have to stay with what we get. I can assure you that this path is fraught with opposition. I know so experientially.

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    1. Hi IK,
      I’ve been there myself, forgetting to focus on goals and just drifting with the tide – not that I’m being idle, I’m working hard but not in a precise direction. And, no, I don’t eat carbs habitually – especially empty carbs like bread, rice, sugar, etc. When I eat out, I can feel free to grab a few slices of plantain or fries because those occasions are so rare.

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  2. Never been much of a resolutions guy either. My father always said the future belongs to those who plan and execute diligently. This has been a guiding philosophy for me. Best of luck with your plans Michael. As usual, nice read.

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    2. Sorry just seeing this. Been in Abuja for about a month. I actually hope to be in Lagos sometime this quarter. I’ll definitely look you up. Cheers.

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  3. What lovely thoughts to take into the new year. May you achieve those wishes you hold most dear. In addition may you be blessed with continued good health, good companionship and the most valuable capacity to know and express yourself. Love and bless mi son

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  4. Hi Michael,
    Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. This post connected the dots for me. And I am determined to soar even though the recent turn of events is suggesting that I slow down.
    You helped me reposition my mind
    Jah bless

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  5. Hi Michael, upon reading this piece, it so feels like it was directed to me. Like IK said and you concured; you could be working hard but in no precise direction and clearlt not working towards achieving your life goals(that’s if you’ve defined one). Key learning point for me is the distinction between resolutions and plans. I have resolved to be planner and an executer like Eche said “the world belongs to them”. amazing article in must say Michael..

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    1. Hi Daniel, I’m glad this resonated with you. Remember to keep an image of whatever you want to be, do or have, clearly in your mind, being thankful, as if you have already achieved it. If you do, you will surely do it.

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  6. Hi Michael,

    Nice piece, as always; and so on point.

    Yes, we have to be bold, and go after what we really want. And break free from whatever has been holding us back.

    Just like you, Michael, I’m on that journey, too, this year.

    May we find that which we DESIRE!

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  7. Hi Michael, this was quite a refreshing read. I don’t believe in resulotions either, because it sets people to double down in procrastination. I believe in “Just Do It”. Starting right now no matter how steep the obstacle course may seem. Wealth to help others has been steadily on my mind this past year. I can do all the charity I want for immediate gratification, but helping someone learn to fish for the future, that requires a plan, dedication, and wealth. So, I’ve shifted my focus to first be more present with others by taking a long break from social media and secondly, plan to acquire wealth (ie. education, finance, self reflection, health, economical and social awareness) to help our future generation.

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