“An unguided gift is like a ship without a captain. It carries the promise of incredible journeys and the threat of drifting aimlessly, all determined by the guidance and intent that fans its unlimited possibilities.” ― Bernard Kelvin Clive
Let me share with you an interesting event I observed when my family used to live in Mamfe-Akropong in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
It was then a small town and almost everyone knew each other in the community. Back then, my mom had a go-to handyman for all our carpentry needs around the house. Kapii Kojo was his name, and he was the neighborhood’s carpentry wizard. Chale, Kapii Kojo could fix just about anything that required carpentry skills, and we all depended on him for various household repairs. It was remarkable how skilled he was, and you could count on him anytime you needed help, whether it was fixing a kitchen cabinet, repairing chairs, or tackling any other broken or worn-out items. He was our go-to guy for all things carpentry, and his talents never ceased to amaze us. He had the Midas touch.
What made Kojo truly fascinating was that, even if you had just a concept in your mind, you could describe it to him or even sketch a simple image, and he would turn it into a stunning reality. It was remarkable to witness his creativity, especially considering that he had very little formal education. He wasn’t just skilled; he was genuinely gifted. Kojo’s talents extended far beyond ordinary carpentry. Occasionally you would find him carving miniature artifacts from the logs lying around. His abilities were extraordinary.
People from our neighborhood and even nearby villages recognized his exceptional talent. He was so good at what he did that they would seek him out for their carpentry needs. Sometimes, he would travel to these nearby villages to assist with their projects because his work was far superior to that of other carpenters.
On the other hand, there was a major drawback to Kojo’s life. He struggled with alcoholism. It was a sad reality that he often found himself in a state of intoxication, especially as the weekend approached. We couldn’t help but wonder why he turned to alcohol, perhaps as a way to relax or cope with the stresses of life. Others said, it could be a curse from the gods, well, we never got to find out. Despite his remarkable talents, excessive drinking took a heavy toll on his health and overall well-being.
The elders in our community tried to talk to him, urging him to quit his drinking habit. They were concerned about how it was affecting both his job and his future. Yet, despite their efforts, Kojo continued to battle with his addiction, and it was clear that it was a significant obstacle in his life.
Kojo’s story got me thinking about how there are likely many gifted and talented individuals in our society who, like him, lack proper guidance.
You see, it’s not enough to just be gifted or skilled; without guidance and personal development, your potential can go untapped. Kojo’s example shows that even if you’re exceptionally talented and the go-to person in your community, neglecting your character and attitude can cost you valuable opportunities and referrals.
As you build your personal brand and reputation, your talent alone won’t guarantee success. You must also invest in self-improvement, cultivate a positive attitude, and groom yourself properly. Without these elements, you might fall short and miss out on many opportunities because you lack the necessary guidance and personal development. Your character and attitude play an important role in determining your long-term success.
Let me end with this! There was this funny meme I saw with a cartoon rhinoceros. Rhinos have those big horns, right? Well, in the meme, this rhino was trying to paint some pictures. But here’s the catch: its own horn was getting in the way, blocking its view while it painted. So, it drew an elephant and other animals, but its horn kept messing up parts of the drawings because it couldn’t see properly.
The meme makes a good point. Sometimes, the challenge we face isn’t because of outside stuff; it’s because of ourselves. We all have skills and creativity inside us, just like that rhino. But sometimes, our character and attitude act like a barrier, stopping us from seeing things clearly and delivering our best work.
Today, take a fresh look at your life. Reevaluate who you are and what might be holding you back from success in your business or losing credibility. You already have the potential to achieve great things, but there’s something obstructing your progress, similar to the rhino in the meme. Your attitude and skills can be shaped by the direction you take, just like the Rhino’s horn in the meme. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to our success or happiness is within us – it may be a behavior or characteristic that we possess. By recognizing and addressing these internal barriers, we can gain a better perspective on life and achieve our goals.
So, consider working harder on yourself, your character, your attitude, and any other area of your life that may be obstructing your success. Seek counsel and advice where necessary. Work on improving yourself, not just your skills but also your character. Strive for personal growth and development. I wish you the very best!
Remember! “An unguided gift is a dangerous parcel”
Here are some take-home points:
- Take Time to Reflect: Don’t speed up through life, take time to pause and reflect. Yes, you may be doing well, but you may be missing some valuable things. Regular self-reflection is like having a compass in life, it allows us to gain a deeper understanding of who we are, what we value, and where we are going. It’s a moment to step back and assess your actions, decisions, and goals.
- Identify your Obstacles: Just as the Rhino’s horn obstructed its view and creative process, internal obstacles can hinder your progress. These obstacles might include negative thought patterns, self-doubt, fear of failure, or an unwillingness to change. What has been holding you back? Assess yourself and begin the journey towards uncovering it. Recognizing these barriers is the first step in overcoming them. You need to know that acknowledging these internal challenges is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and self-awareness.
- Attitude Matters: It’s said that ‘Attitude is everything’, how true is that? it embodies a lot of who we are and what we do. Your attitude and character are essential factors that shape your life. Your attitude not only affects how you perceive challenges and opportunities but also how others perceive you. So, if you have a bad attitude, it’s time to relook at it. On the other hand, a positive attitude, resilience, and a strong character can be the difference between success and failure.
- Seek Guidance: The truth is that no man knows it all and sees it all. We all have blind spots and limitations in our understanding. So seeking advice and counsel from others, whether it’s from mentors, friends, or experts in a field, offers us fresh perspectives and insights. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance when facing challenges.
- Keep Improving: When you think you’ve arrived and never work on yourself again, you will begin to fail. True growth and development are ongoing processes. It’s not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about continually improving your character, skills, and your understanding of the world around you. Commit to a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement. This commitment means being open to change, embracing challenges, and evolving as a person. Let’s learn to make personal growth a lifelong thing, to increase our chances of achieving our best in all aspects of life.
Bernard Kelvin Clive is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for himself as a leading authority on personal branding and digital book publishing in Africa
. To learn more about Bernard and his work, visit www.BKC.name.
