By Bernard KELVIN CLIVE
“Your moments of glory can fade without a trace if those seasons are not leveraged effectively.”
Your prime days won’t last a lifetime —time flies.
Today, I want to share the importance of maximizing your prime time or peak seasons. I recall a moment in 2024, during a boxing match between Jake Paul, who was 27, and Mike Tyson, who was 58. While the fight might have been a spectacle for some, the mismatch was glaring.
Tyson, a legend in boxing, was in his unparalleled prime. In his heyday, it was nearly impossible to knock him out or beat him in the ring; only a handful managed to do so. His dominance was undeniable. However, at 58, despite his zeal and passion, Tyson was no longer in his prime.
This got me thinking about how, in every field, we strive to stay relevant and at the top of our game. There is always a peak season—a period when we’re at our absolute best regarding skill, success, or influence. This could last a year, five years, or even a decade, but it’s crucial to recognize and maximize it.
During this time, businesses grow, brands shine, and personal achievements reach their zenith. However, if we fail to seize the opportunities during these prime days, we may look back with regret. This is why you see athletes like Ronaldo and Messi giving their all during their peak years, or authors and innovators pushing themselves to do more at the height of their careers.
The key lesson is not to stop after achieving one or two victories, writing one or two books, or building fleeting fame. Those moments of glory can fade if not leveraged effectively.
As personal brands or businesses, we must ask ourselves:
- What are we doing with our prime days?
- Are we giving our best while the spotlight is on us?
- How can we build a legacy that outlasts our peak seasons?
Your prime season is a gift. Make it count.
Maximizing lessons and actions in your prime days
No one stays in their prime forever. Life’s seasons are designed with purpose, and your prime days serve as the foundation for what comes next. The challenge is not to let the success of these moments deceive you into thinking they’ll last forever or define your entire journey. Instead, you must approach your peak with intentionality, humility, and strategy.
Lessons to learn in your prime
- Stay humble and grounded
Success has a way of inflating egos. Recognize that your prime is a season, not a lifetime. Use this time to remain teachable, understanding that growth continues beyond your peak.
- Invest in sustainability
Your prime offers an opportunity to build a legacy. Whether it’s through relationships, skills, or assets, focus on creating structures that outlast your peak years.
- Appreciate the journey
Don’t rush through your prime solely chasing outcomes. Learn to value the process and the lessons it brings. These experiences will shape you for the seasons ahead.
Key actions to take in your prime
- Do more of what got you there
Whatever brought you success—practice, consistency, creativity—double down on it. If you’re an athlete like Usain Bolt, run more races. If you’re a writer, write more books.
- Maximize opportunities
Like Messi scoring goals and Ronaldo seizing every match, use every chance to excel in your field. This is the time to stretch your limits and achieve as much as possible.
- Keep creating
Let nothing stop you. Keep your creative juices flowing and channel your energy into meaningful projects. For me, this has meant writing more books. I remember a conversation with a top business leader who marveled at my 50-plus books, joking that with that many, he would’ve been a millionaire. That moment reinforced the importance of embracing my prime and continuing to write relentlessly.
- Build beyond the present
Think of your prime as a launchpad, not the destination. Set yourself up for the next step by expanding your reach, mentoring others, or exploring new ventures. For example, Albert Opoku of Happa Space says that during his prime, he will be mentoring and creating startups in addition to writing.
Make the Most of Your Prime
Your prime days are a gift—filled with potential and opportunity. Use this time to do the most, build the strongest foundations, and create a legacy that endures long after the spotlight fades. There will be a next chapter, but how you maximize this season will determine its richness.
Maximize your prime and prepare for life beyond
Your prime is a unique season of energy, capacity, and growth. It’s the time to capitalize on your strengths, build your legacy, and lay a foundation for the seasons to come. But what happens after the applause fades, and someone else takes center stage? How you prepare for those quieter days determines whether you continue to thrive or grind to a halt.
Steps to take during your prime
- Maximize your capacity
While you have the energy and drive, do all you can. Young people, especially, have a unique opportunity to grow, build, and expand. This is your time to push limits and achieve the impossible—whether that’s launching businesses, writing books, mastering your craft, or excelling in your field.
- Think beyond the spotlight
While in your prime, consider your “off-season.” Plan for the days when your fame diminishes and others take the stage. This is not a defeat—it’s a transition. Your prime is a season to prepare for life after the limelight.
Key areas to focus on
- Finances
Use your prime to save and invest. Create multiple streams of income that will sustain you during quieter seasons. Whether it’s real estate, business ventures, or other investments, ensure you’re financially secure for the long term.
- Health
Don’t neglect your health while pursuing success. Establish habits that will keep you strong in your later years. Exercise, eat well, and rest—you’ll thank yourself for this foundation in your off-seasons.
- Skills and legacy
Develop skills and pursue ventures that will remain relevant beyond your prime. Take inspiration from David Beckham, who transitioned from football to agriculture and business. If you plan wisely, your off-season can be as impactful and fulfilling as your prime.
Life beyond your prime
The truth is, your prime is not forever—it’s a season. But it’s a season for:
– Learning: Gain insights and experience that will guide you in your next chapter.
– Growth: Expand your capabilities and build connections that outlast your prime.
– Impact: Leave a mark through your work, influence, and contributions.
– Investment: Lay the groundwork for financial stability, health, and a lasting legacy.
When managed well, your prime becomes a springboard for relevance and fulfillment in the future.
Concluding thoughts
Your prime is not the end—it’s an important chapter in a longer story. Prepare for the quiet seasons by maximizing your energy and opportunities now. The best days of your life are not confined to your prime; they extend into the legacy you leave for future generations.
Make the most of your prime. Plan for the future. The best is truly yours.
Let me hear from you regarding your branding and book publishing needs.
Bernard Kelvin Clive is a leading authority on personal branding and digital book publishing in Africa. With over a decade of experience in digital publishing, he has been a trusted consultant for entrepreneurs, pastors, and individuals looking to build their brands and write their books. An Amazon best-selling author with over 50 published, and his expertise has earned him recognition as a sought-after speaker and corporate trainer.
Bernard’s approach to presenting complex ideas is unmatched, as he simplifies them and presents them in clear, actionable steps for his audiences.
His branding books ‘The Art of Personal Branding’ and ‘Rebrand: The Ultimate Guide to Personal and Corporate Branding and Rebranding” has been list among the best personal branding books of all time by BookAuthority.org
Bernard is also the host of the highly-ranked Career & Business Podcast, where he shares his insights on branding and life. As a brand strategist at BKC Consulting, he runs the monthly Branding & Publishing Masterclass, helping individuals take their personal and professional brands to new heights. To learn more about Bernard and his work, visit www.BKC.name. WhatsApp: +233244961121
