We all have defining moments, those moments that determine the course of our lives. One of such for me was when I decided to relocate to Lagos from Abuja. (You can find the story in posts 14022024 and 21022024, if you missed it).
Another was during my final JAMB Exam (now called UTME or so). I had taken the exam twice and chose Economics as my first choice both times, because I loved the subject, the forces of demand and supply, equilibrium and how market forces shape prices (all the types of elasticities) have always been of interest to me.
My father who could have wielded great influence in my choice of course of study had passed away. His desire was for me to study medicine, but by the time I got into senior classes, I knew medicine wasn’t for me, because I found Physics, Chemistry and Biology difficult and uninteresting.
Anyway, after his demise, I was all for Economics and wrote JAMB exams twice, scoring below the cutoff marks both times. The first was wide off the cut-off mark while the second was painfully close (a story for another day).
One day, my father’s physician called me to ask what I wanted to study, and I told him Economics. He asked if I wanted to become a teacher (which wasn’t the case), so, he suggested that I consider Accounting.
The required subjects for Accounting were my favorites, maths, economics and geography, so that did it for me, I chose Accounting as my first choice in OAU, Ile-Ife. Again, that moment shaped my life.
I read and prepared like I wanted to be the best JAMB candidate for that year. I went in super confident and scored 240 in the exam. I think it was generally tough that year, as the best student scored about 268 or so (this was in 1995 by the way). My name was on the merit list for Accounting at OAU (no. 15 on the list). So there was no need to seek any further help, as I secured my admission without stress.
Today, I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the profession has greatly impacted my career progress.
Two lessons for me, first is, there are always defining moments and we need to be sensitive to recognise and seize them. Secondly, you may be headed towards the wrong direction, and keep encountering difficulties, but the moment you change to the right path, things will begin to fall in places.
Moral of this story, do not miss your defining moments and if things aren’t working, maybe there is something you are not doing right yet.
For some of us, we live by certain rules and sometimes expect others to be bound by the same rules. We often encounter resistance when we come across those who are totally different from us.
For me, I am particular about how I want my space to look (OCD, they call it). I didn’t even realise this until a former colleague mentioned it. My wife bore the brunt until she got to understand who I am. My son is also growing to understand why I act the way I do. I have had to temper my expectations because I have realised that we all have different makeup.
This is not an excuse as to why you should not become a better version of yourself, you need to keep improving and evolving.
Do not hastily judge those who are different from you, because they do not fit into your ideal picture. Remember that we are wired differently, rather, seek to understand them.
Mine is as bad as stepping into a room and immediately spotting the tables, frames or chairs that are not well aligned, and even bulbs that need replacement. My colleagues laughed at me one day, while in a meeting I pointed out that the President’s frame was slanted (smiles).
Somehow this also reflects in my professional life, I have been labelled as the one who will always likely spot something wrong in a memo. While I try to be less critical and more understanding, I have learnt to take advantage of this strength (even though it is considered a disorder) in my career and personal life.
So, whatever it is that you consider a weakness can actually be turned to a strength if you know how to use it well.
adewumioni 