In my first and second parts of this three-part article series, I introduced us to what the world holds for us after school. In the first part, I debunked the entitlement mentality that many would-be graduates have, that once they are done with school, then the world owes them a job and all the fine things of life.
In the second part, we had an outlook of the present job market and how to become indispensable and succeed on the job. Thankfully, I have had many people attest to the truth of the principles I have shared; which lends credence to the fact that you’re in safe hands by applying what I share.
In this final part, I will want to engage us on a subject I believe is less talked about. Today, we are bombarded on every side with information on how to become successful. But I reckon that success is not just about achieving some feat of a sort; most importantly, it is about how to keep what you have achieved. It is no news these days when we hear the fall of celebrities in athletics, entertainment, politics, and other fields. I don’t blame any of these men and women on what might have caused their fall. We can all be victim to such falls.
The challenge has never been how to achieve success. As someone said, “Getting to the top is not the issue. Maintaining your position at the top is what matters most.” How do we manage the success we achieve as we come out of school? Success here could mean many things to us all; but whatever it means, how do we keep it and not lose it? Let’s have a few thoughts…
1. Remember your roots
We all have different stories of how we have gotten thus far. For the most people, they were born into very humble families where providing for three square meals was a challenge. But they work themselves up to the highest level they ever dream of. Trust me when I say this; it is very easy to forget your humble beginnings when things begin to work for you. When everyone is hailing you for a good work done in the office, and promotion keeps coming your way, often accompanied with financial rewards, it takes grace to remain focused and not be swayed by your success.
I have always tried to keep my successes in perspective so as not to lose touch with my foundations. The very moment you lose touch with your roots, you will begin to think, “I have arrived.” Sadly, such a time marks the period of a downward spiral for all you’ve achieved. Always keep in mind the background you came from. It is not a way to keep you in your past; rather, it’s a way to keep you grounded. Your successes will only become lasting when they are grounded.
2. Know that the principles don’t change
Principles are principles. They never change. What got you to the top is what will continuously keep you there. If you were humble on your way to the top, what makes you think that pride will keep you there? If morality got you to the top, what makes you think that jumping from one man or woman to the other, just because they come so easily to you by virtue of your success, will keep you at the top?
In a press conference after it became public knowledge that he was involved in extra-marital affairs with other women, here’s what Tiger Woods, one of the world’s most successful athletes said, “I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to PLAY BY DIFFERENT RULES. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me.”
It is so easy to begin to think that once you’re successful, then by the snap of a finger, anything you want will come your way, no matter how. But it is the wrong mindset. The principles have, and will, never change. The only way to keep and even grow your success, therefore, is to observe the principles that got you where you belong. But if you got to the top through false means, then rest assured your time of decline is here.
3. Finally, remember your Creator
I have a reason for bringing this last. It’s the very foundation to sustain success. As funny as it sounds, many of us only know God when we are poor and are desperately in need of something. It is no surprise that many so-called Christians are in the church because they want a particular need met by God. It’s either they want a child, a marriage partner, a job, or business. So whenever these needs are met, they say goodbye to church.
That is a very wrong approach to serving God. God, being our Creator, knows us through and through. He knows you more than you know yourself. He knows the path ahead of you more than all the life plans and goals you have set for yourself. Who would you rather walk with; someone who knows the path you’re on or another who doesn’t? Of course you will want the former. That is who God is to us. He’s not only a Provider. He’s also the Lamp to our feet and the Light to our path. Don’t only be devoted when all hell is breaking loose. You should cling to God even the more when all is well.
I am hopeful that these principles will serve us all well. God bless you as He navigates your way through the unpredictable path of life. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow!
This article was culled from my yet-to-be-published book titled, “The Realities of Life After School.” It is written solely with the would-be graduate in mind by a gentleman who’s had a good taste of the good and challenging side of life. It will be available in your nearest bookshop soon.
