The Danger of Idleness continued

Perhaps, you were not born with a silver spoon in the mouth – you were born into a poor background - where you are faced with many discouraging realities, enormous problems and overwhelming challenges, or may be, you were born into a wealthy background, but one characterized by challenges such as broken homes and marriages, crumbling sources of financial resources and certain other general insecurities. The question is this; what are you doing to change this situation? Do you, like the major character in the above story, fold your hands and do nothing necessary to change it or like the fishermen, you swing into action to change the situation for the better?When some people find themselves in a challenging situation or background, they think to themselves “I can’t change anything. There is nothing I can do about it” and then they resign to fate and self-pity. But let us be honest;do you think you can do something to change that situation by resigning to fate and self-pity either? Of course not! No you can’t. You are rather prolonging the incubation period of such challenges when you do nothing. In fact, the best way to double a problem is to turn your back on it. By the time itis fully hatched to maturity, you will, then, discover that you have more challenges or problems to contend with, than you thought you have ever had. Yes, “it is easy to dodge our responsibilities but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities” (Sir Josiah Stamp). Rise above despair take the necessary action(s). According to a Chinese proverb “it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. So act now because the challenges you do not stop or tackle today will stop or tackle you tomorrow. When you take actions or do something decisively about them; to face your fears and tackle your challenges or problems head on, you will discover that the benefits of strong, decisive early actions, regardless of the sacrifice(s) involved or the cost(s) to your comfort and convenience considerably outweighs the cost of doing nothing.

This book seeks to achieve two-fold objectives: to challenge you to come out of your shell and comfort zone and do something about your undesirable situation(s) today.Though, it may not be easy; though it may be difficult because it may involve some sacrifices, it is possible.You can do something but you know your capability to do it only when you try. If you make up your mind to take whatever action(s) necessary against your challenges, not only will you have conquered such challenges, but you will live happily, successfully and prosperously ever after.

The second objective is to challenge nations to rise above despair, lamentation, complacency and indecision and take their destiny in their hands. The challenges are legion but with efforts directed towards pragmatic actions, there is a high possibility of attaining their dream of getting to the promise land.

(culled from The Danger of Idleness and the Cost of Doing Nothing” unpublished book by Ogiri John Ogiri)