I came back from Italy a few days ago. It was the third country I visited in January 2018. I know, it is only the second week in January, but my travel life is really looking up this year and for that, I am grateful and that also means more stories and business lessons for the column.
Italy taught me so many business lessons; from my very first day at the airport, till my last day; there was so much to learn. I look forward to sharing them with you in the next couple of weeks.
Rome has been on my travel bucket list for the longest time and since I had four days to explore Italy, I decided to make the most of the trip. I explored the capital of Italy, Rome and saw all the major attractions like The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps and many more.
I also walked from my strategically located hotel for 15 minutes to visit The Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica and no, I didn’t see the Pope, hopefully on my next visit. I also did a day trip to Tuscany to explore Florence and Pisa. Those are great stories for another day.
As Rome has been described as a walking museum, with so much beauty and history everywhere you turn, I naturally decided to walk pretty much everywhere.I walked so much on the first day I thought my legs were going to just fall off from my body. I was in so much pain, yet I did it all over again the next day and the day after.
The more I endured the pain and walked a little further, the more beauty I saw. This got me really thinking about life and business.We set goals and are excited to see the results. However, at the slightest sign of discomfort or disappointment, we want to give up. Why do we get so tired after the first or few attempts and want to give up? Is the goal not important enough?
If you ask anyone who goes for a run or goes to the gym the first time they know too well the pain they feel after the run or exercise the next morning and I can bet my last cent, they want to give up. And many do give up. Sadly, those who give up will never get to know it gets easier or better with more practice. You get to see the results too.
So I have come back to Accra, determined to “walk” as much as I can, because it is good pain and after a while there will be no pain. It will get better. Things will get better. I know too well, the power of consistency.
My advise; please don’t give up too soon this year or the one after. Whatever idea or business you’ve started, keep at it, regardless of the pain or discomfort. You know what they say, sometimes, ease is the enemy of progress.Keep moving.
