Between
Facebook and YouTube, I really can't tell which has got the better part of my
attention. As an internet citizen, I have a compound on Facebook, while as an
addict of knowledge, YouTube subscription reflects heavily on my budget. I have
lots of favorite clips on YouTube ranging from documentaries, interviews, Ted
talks, stand-up comedy, sermons and tutorials.
Sometime
last year I stumbled on a clip on YouTube where Daddy Freeze interviewed Timaya
in his mansion. It lasted for about two hours, and I stayed up all night to savor
every bit of it. Weird, right? Not at all.
Timaya
told a story about hi short trip from Abuja to Lagos. Upon his arrival at the
airport, he met unusual heavy security presence. After his inquiry, he was told
that the security operatives were the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC). They had come to arrest former governor; Fayose
of Ekiti state. While he sorted himself out, Fayose arrived at the airport and
was immediately whisked away by the security men.
The
arrival lounge was quiet. No one hailed or praised the former governor as
usual. People only stood, watched and pointed. As Fayose and him made eye
contact and slightly waved at each other, Timaya said he realized that this is
the same man that his arrival on a place like this some months ago would have attracted
crowd jostling to see him or welcome him because he was in power. Since he was
no longer in power, people whom he thought really loved him have deserted him. As
far as they are concerned, he was no longer relevant. The praise singers could
no longer find their voices!
He had gone to visit
his sister who had just been delivered of a child in one of the hospitals
around Mafoloku, Lagos state. As soon as he set foot at the hospital, words
quickly spread that he is in town. Not long after, the hospital was nearly shut
down by the crowd that rushed in to see him. He was flattered by the
overwhelming reception that he received at the hospital. After he managed to
leave the hospital and find his way home, he got a call from his mother who was
still at the hospital with her daughter.
"Timaya,” she
began, “This people wey gather there, you think say them like you?" She
asked her son.
"But mama na my
fans na."
"Same people wey
dey hail you, na them go laugh you. Don't put it in your mind.
Work very hard. Just
dey go your own because the day wey them no go see you again, they won't talk
to you. Them forget about you. Them no go hail you."
Some days ago, global
media went agog with the news of what has been termed the greatest comeback in
sports history. Tiger Woods had won The Masters (his 15th major title) after
missing in action for 11 years. Same Tiger Woods that 11 years ago had been
dragged around by the media on his cases of infidelity in marriage which led to
divorce, and consequently a slash on his net worth and performance in sports.
Different people had
used Woods as a case study for their "From grace to grass" homily. If
you wanted a good contemporary example of how "charisma will take you up, but character will bring you
down", Woods was the flagship. He
paid dearly for his mistakes. Not many thought that he would bounce back.
11 YEARS LATER…Woods' story has changed.
People are singing his praises. We're beginning to find motivation in his
situation. I don't mean to say everyone celebrating Tiger Woods now is a hypocrite.
I only mean to say life is tough. Never swell on the compliment or condemnation
of people. Like the adage, success has many friends but failure is an orphan. So
wisdom demands you don't attach too much to criticism or celebration. Always give
your best. The constant in this life are you, God and your decision. Everyone
else is a dependent or independent variable.
Set your priorities
right and duly put things in the right perspective. When people praise you,
appreciate them, but don't be a fool to think they've got your back forever.
Also when they jeer at you, don't take it personal. Such is life. Learn from
your fall and bounce back again as quickly as possible. Some people only have
permanent interests. It is not dependent on you or what you are to them. Once they
no longer get what they expect to receive from you, they move on.
No mentally balanced
athlete will stop at the middle of a race to yell back at critiques, or return pleasant
greetings of his fans, family and friends. Focus on your game and goal. Keep
your eyes on the prize and don't lose sight of the finish line.
People will always be
people. Don’t try to impress everyone.
…fathers will use you
as an example to teach their sons.
…mothers will mention
you in late night gist with their daughters.
…mentors will use you
as a case study for their protégés.
…consultants will
sketch your history on the board for their clients.
…pastors will feature
you in their Sunday school manual.
…public speakers will
host events and presentations by your inspiration.
…bloggers will be
grateful for your traffic.
Do what is right. Not
what you like.
Culled from Facebook
Edited by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren
Edited by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren
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