Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
I made the post below 5 years ago. There was no Amazon Bestselling Author then. There was no VC of OPEN then. There were no International Speaking Engagements then.
There was only my Interior Design business and my bead-making business. Still, the message is valid.
This post was written around the time I got diagnosed with Early Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2016 and my life changed forever. You’re about to read from Edirin 2.0. Take note, you are currently experiencing Edirin 5.0.
Here’s the post from 5 years ago:
I’ve got new friends and I’ve also got old friends here. So I’m going to tell the truth as it really is because there are people here who also know what I’m about to say.
I wasn’t born “privileged”. I spent a part of my life in my father’s village with my mum and my sisters. She never made us feel poor or go to bed hungry. She did whatever it took to make sure of that, including working in farms.
I didn’t go to posh private secondary schools or Universities. I attended Federal Government College Warri where my school fees was 1,000 naira per term, and University of Benin where my school fees was 9,700 naira per session.
I didn’t study Medicine or Law or Accounting (or any other posh-sounding course). I didn’t pass the cut-of for Medicine in Post-Ume and got sent to study Fisheries.
It was horrible studying a course I didn’t even like, but that didn’t stop me from being the best. I didn’t make a first class, but I was the best graduating student in my department.
I have more professional certifications than an experienced worker (HSE 1,2,3, PMP, ISMI, VIMP, Diploma in Business and Entrepreneurship, Certificate in Financial Planning, NEBOSH IGC….you name it); but 500 job applications later, only 1 interview and I still didn’t get the job.
I have tried and failed at more than a dozen businesses (Professional Make-up artist, Sales of Personal Care Products, Mary Kay Cosmetics, 2 different Network Marketing Companies, Modeling, Writing, Blogging, Importation and sales of Ready-made jewelry, Sales of Clothes and shoes, Sales girl, you name it).
I have failed more times than I can remember. I have gone through periods of frustration and depression. I suffered low-self esteem for years. I have seen many betrayals, been in less-than-helpful relationships. I have been disgraced, laughed at, scorned, ridiculed and told nothing good can ever come out of me.
BUT ALL THESE ARE THE REASONS WHY I SUCCEED TODAY. Plus I have God and a mother who has never stopped believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
You see, your present situation is a result of your past choices and experiences; but your future will be created by the choices you make today.
Never let someone’s opinion of you, or the current situation you find yourself, determine your future. You alone can create the future you desire.
Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality. Don’t let someone who is living a nightmare tell you that you can’t live your dreams. If you listen to someone’s negative opinions, you’re buying into their lifestyle.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE AS LONG AS YOU KEEP BELIEVING IT AND WORKING FOR IT!! You’re a star. Now go out there and be awesome!
