Yesterday, I eavesdropped on a conversation between two women.
They were talking about going to the gym. As they complained about their bulging bellies and bingo-wings, I stole a glance at them and realised to my surprise, that these two women were actually fantastic looking. They both had slender arms, flat stomachs and toned thighs. All the bulges I could see were exactly where they should be, and in perfect order. They were textbook examples of what some people refer to as "Hot Chicks". Yet, there they sat, despairing at how they had let themselves go, and how desperately, they needed to start sweating to burn off all this fat that I definitely couldn't see, in a gym.
At first, I was amused. I thought it was funny how beautiful women could see flaws in their bodies that nobody else could see. Then I thought it was ironic that there were several overweight women who didn't even know what a gym was, let alone have a burning desire to visit one. Eventually though, the real significance of these two women's conversation struck me.
The reason why their bodies were in such great shape was because they were always striving for improvement. It was a state of mind exhibited by all successful people. They never feel they have done enough, so no matter how well they are doing, they want to do more.
Legendary Ghanaian singer, Kojo Antwi was once asked which was his favourite of all his records. He said his favourite tune was always his next one, because once he finishes recording a song, the only thing he hears when he plays it back are the mistakes he made. His millions of fans who love his songs certainly don't hear flaws, but he - the talented musician whose songs are already hits - is only thinking about how he could do things better.
My friends, I want us to examine our own attitudes towards success. Do we feel that it is a destination or a process? Are we expecting that one day, we will look around us and see that we have arrived at this place called success? Or will we always look around us and, regardless of our achievements, ask what more can be done?
Often, we dream of the day we will "make it", but we don't always think of what we will do to remain successful. It's hard work. Ask MC Hammer. Ask Richard Branson. Ask Will Smith. They have all made and lost fortunes in their careers. They will tell you there is no tenure to success. You don't arrive there and rest. You continue to do more and learn more and grow more until you die.
My father taught me that success is the ability to solve problems, and they say "more money, more problems", so no matter how well you are doing, you can't call yourself successful if you stop solving problems.
Those two "hot chicks" were headed for the gym, in spite of the fact that the rest of the world - including me - saw their bodies as flawless. Are you a "hot chick" in your chosen field? Do people think
you have arrived at the top of your game? What do you think? Is this the end for you? Is this all you are capable of?
I certainly hope not, because as a human being, you are either improving or you are dead. So if you're not dead, I'm afraid you can do better. Please get to work.
My name is Kojo Yankson, and as long as there is space I will grow into it.
GOOD MORNING, GHANAFO!
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