DARE TO BE DIFFERENT IN A FAMILIAR WORLD

 Every person is unique. But we easily forget this and try to blend. No one can be blamed for this since we are social creatures. Iam not trying to say that we should defy society but it is critical to note that being different is also important. I spend a lot of time trying to mentor youths especially university students to become agents of positive transformation. In this journey I have seen so many youths that fear to stand out. That is why students have only decided to defend their contribution to society basing on their academic transcripts. Do not get me wrong. Academic transcripts are okay but placing all our faith in the marks awarded by human lecturers is missing the point.The other issue we need to note is that information is becoming obsolete at a very fast pace. So any student should never be comfortable with what they studied. 

How come some of the leading entrepreneurs either dropped out of university or never stepped into university? It is said that most of the leading entrepreneurs in Kikuubo, which is Kampala's Central Business District never stepped into university but they are making a meaningful contribution to Uganda's economy. I am not saying that acquiring a degree is bad but I am trying to analyze the impact of deciding to be different can enable us todo great things in life. Many graduates have feared to start innovative ventures simply because they fear to be criticized. This explains why Brian Tracy in his book The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success noted that fear and doubt are the two greatest enemies of success. When one is trying a venture he or she will listen to the lies in his mind that who are you to start that? Some youths have wasted their money on unplanned ventures simply because their friends influenced them. This is especially common at universities where the peer pressure and group influence are highly dominant.

When one reads a book called Think and Grow Rich : A Black Choice by Dr. Dennis Kimbro he or she is able to appreciate the importance of courage in shaping our life destinies. A case in point was Dr. Ben Carson who was born in a poor family and was always the last in class. However this did not stop him from becoming a neurosurgeon who separated the Siamese twins . That was not a mean feat for a young medical doctor who had a disadvantaged past. Lots of times we have allowed our past to define us yet God has big plans for us. By reading about famous men like Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for 27 years and ended up leading South Africa inspires us to know that everything is possible with determination and faith.

As a financial literacy trainer God has given me a platform to raise peoples' hopes regarding their finances. We are all on a journey to realizing our financial goals. Is the process easy and simple? The answer is no. However the determination to reach the next level is what should define us. Those simple steps such as reading a book on personal finance are powerful steps in altering our financial landscapes. It does not take a village to change the financial destiny of a community. Rather it takes one determined individual who has resolved to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

HOW TO BE DIFFERENT IN A FAMILIAR WORLD 

1.Have a clear vision

2.Set clear and compelling goals

3.Have a positive attitude

4.Surround yourselves with successful people

5.Manage your time well 

6. Master self discipline

7. Learn from past mistakes

8.Implement your goals.

In most cases great revolutions are started by the minority. Check history and find out people who have left a mark in the world, the simply decided to be different. Will it be easy? The answer is no. We shall get various opinions from society but at the end of the day we should b driven by our vision.

Phillip Kiryowa 

Personal Finance Coach

Advanced Empowerment Link

+256752615916(For consultations)

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