What 2017 has taught me

Exactly two weeks from now, we would have replaced our 2017 stickers with shiny 2018 ones. These stickers straight from the desks of pastors will have catchy new watchwords.

For me, January 1st is just another day like every other day. There is nothing special about it. The New Year doesn't have magical powers. It is just another 24 hours.

Yet, we need to number our days in life to see how far we have come. The next set of 365 days will soon be upon us. While we are in a rush to do away with 2017, let's ask ourselves what we have learnt this year.

2017 has taught me a few things and here are some of them;

Life only gets harder

There are no days off. You have to work hard to get to the top and when you get to the top, you have to work even harder. Life is only easy for lazy people. Life is hard and fast to those who are successful and want to be successful. If you can't put in the hours, you won't see the reward.

Do more things that scare you

You only have a limited amount of time on this earth. Instead of living in fear and in a safe zone, do more things that scare you. If you are afraid of travelling, get on a plane and go to many cities. If you are afraid of public speaking, stand up on a table in your office and open your mouth. Defeat the things that scare you except if you are terrified of SARS operatives. You have every right to run when you see them.

Shoot your shot with as many people as possible

Love is now a lottery business. You never know who is going to be the love of your life. The days of shooting one shot are gone. The more, the merrier. Shoot your shot at many people, even if your strike rate is like Lukaku, one of your shots would be successful.

Save for a rainy day

No one knows when the winds of life will come knocking your house down. Be ready for a rainy day and in a country like Nigeria there are many rainy days. Also, have more than one source of income. Even the Bible says "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land."

Mind your business

Nigerians need to hear more about this. If something is not affecting you personally, your loved ones or your finances then it is none of your business. Many of us are focused on things that don't concern us. Focus on what affects you directly and leave what doesn't concern you alone.