On social media, we’re bombarded with snapshots of people’s best moments, creating a distorted perception that everyone’s life is going perfectly. This phenomenon, fueled by relative deprivation and social media envy, can make our own realities seem far less than they actually are.
In life, people typically showcase the 25% of their experiences that are positive, leaving the remaining 75%, which may be ordinary or challenging, in the shadows. Rarely do we glimpse the struggles behind the perfectly curated posts. It’s a cycle that perpetuates a facade of unblemished lives.
If you find yourself silently grappling with challenges, you’re not alone. Today, I want to reach out to those who may not publicly like or comment on most posts but might send a quiet DM, seeking genuine advice. If your goal is to earn enough to support your family this year, here are some down-to-earth tips:
1. You don’t need anybody’s approval for the kind of business you want to do. Many businesses that people look down on make more sense than being idle. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Make sure you don’t compromise your family and your values. I believe having faith and values is important. What’s the value of gaining this world and losing our souls? “The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on.” – Anonymous
3. Once you find what you can do, don’t try it to see, give it your best shot like it’s your only way out. Don’t “denge pose” for your destiny. “Unless you commit, unless you start, there’s a chance of failure.” – Haile Gebrselassie
4. Be deaf to insults and mockery. People will first laugh at you before they laugh with you. Your results will cancel their insults. “First, they ignore you. Then, they laugh at you. Then, they fight you. Then, you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi
5. Read voraciously. Kill idle time with knowledge. When you stop being idle, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge to draw from. Don’t become a librarian, read yourself to sleep, but make sure you find activities that add value to do, even if you do them for free. “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” – Brian Herbert
6. Find a mentor. Mentors cost commitment and time, not cash. A good mentor is ahead of you, can share with you and hold you accountable to your commitments. “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
Remember, these are just musings from someone who, despite overseeing a few businesses, remains a humble Agbo seller with an engineering background lol. I encourage you to take practical steps and seek divine guidance in your journey. Social media may showcase the highlights, but the real work is done behind the scenes. Wishing you strength and success on your path.
