Written on 5 August, 2020
Regarding my first letter, Praise asked for more information about ‘clarity’. Clarity of purpose or career, whichever it is, is not a day’s job. You don’t just wake up one day and scream, ‘Eureka! I know what I’m supposed to do with my life!’ We all are humans. Although we have interests, our wants and desires are still influenced by the environment and the media. That is, exposure influences our decisions and also tends to bring out the best in us.
I understand that as humans, our interests can be numerous and ever-changing. As a child, for instance, due to the information you were exposed to, you wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. And as you grew up, you still wanted to do or become something different from whatever you were exposed to. Honestly, I understand how confusing this young adulthood is for all of us. Hence, this post should help you on your way to clarity.
Clarity is a process. Don’t be deceived. We – probably most of us – don’t have it all figured out yet. Just because it seems like someone is excelling in a thing doesn’t mean they have it all figured out. And even if truly they have it all figured out, that shouldn’t give you room for comparison. If there’s anything I’d advise you to do, it’s never to compare yourself to another person. Never compare! That’s the first step to clarity.
Does not comparing translate to being complacent? No, it doesn’t! Don’t be satisfied with your present situation. Be willing to learn. Don’t allow your interest to just die. Water your interest by practising. Acquire that skill. Develop that talent or gift as it were. Download software that’d help you practise more. Go out and learn that hard skill. Register for that online course. To be clear about what you’re supposed to do, ask yourself this question:
WHAT DO I LIKE DOING?
Whatever it is that you do – no matter how little or insignificant it seems – it shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, I didn’t know writing was a thing until I started writing. In my family, I am the odd one. Hilarious! My siblings are quite good at sports and other things. However, I am only good at writing. I felt bad when I was younger. I started asking questions, why was I just skilled at writing? Why not other things? Also, along the way, I realised that I had, and still have, other problems. It’s so ridiculous. I’d share my problems during this challenge, perhaps. Nonetheless, I didn’t take my skill, talent or gift for granted. I still am writing. Therefore, the question you should ask yourself is, what do I enjoy doing? What do I love doing?
DEVELOP YOUR TALENT, GIFT AND SKILL
It’s not enough to know what your talent, gift or skill is. Develop it. The only way to develop it is to practise. Yeah, now that you are just starting, money shouldn’t be your goal. Practise more. Volunteer. Take up an internship. Offer to help your friends do that job. I tell you, nothing beats referrals from people. Or if you were to employ someone for the service you are doing, would you employ yourself? Be honest! Honing your skill is developing yourself and at the same time making yourself known. Your friends or whoever you volunteer or take up an internship with will give you feedback to make you better. If they don’t, ask! And ensure you apply it.
Note, developing yourself isn’t a day’s job. Yeah! It’s more like a-forever-thing. Development is continuous. However, as a young person, keep sharpening your skill. Once you get to a point when you know that you are good and can monetise it, do so – but don’t stop developing.
NOTE YOUR INTERESTS
This is important. ‘Interests’ here are things, causes or people you are wont to learn about or are curious to know. Say, I enjoy video editing. The cause might be for business and the people I do that for might just be comedians. When you know your interests, you tend to wield and enjoy your skill better. Interests give us a sense of direction.
Finding clarity is not a month’s job. It’s not trying out a thing. It’s trying out different things you can, to know what you’re good at. It’s a continuous process. It’s trying out something and failing. It’s failing and starting again, using another approach or trying something else. It’s consistency and resilience. It’s patience and perseverance. It’s you starting now with just the resources available.
Thanks for following. And please, stay safe.