You expect none of these, but somehow you know there is a possibility it could happen, so you do what is second nature to Lagosians; prepare. You move light, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t carry too much cash around or bags that immobilize you. Training your mind to be sharp and focused, regardless of the deafening noise in transit. You work harder than most people, despite that, inconsistencies…

Who wouldn’t trade all those to only worry about the weather? We have a long way to go as a society, yes. But before that time comes, how can we make it better for ourselves? Don’t get me wrong, I am not painting this place as all round good and home as all round bad, but I am only letting you know there is a norm outside the reality you are used to.

And I want you to welcome the idea of that reality. Not just in a better society, but in your life. If you run all the time, it might be really hard to comprehend that it’s okay to walk or even sit. But it is possible. Everything and anything you want is possible if you’re willing to build consistently. Just the way you’ll prepare for a Lagos day.

Yes, a lot of inconsistent things will happen, whether you’re here or there. The only common factor is you. So, how do we navigate this dynamic reality? Habits. I know I have been mentioning it quite a lot, but it’s my new obsession, so bear with me.

Have you wondered why Africans seem to do well outside of Africa? Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t say easy; I said well. You doing well doesn’t mean you have had it easy. Hard work is a habit formed through years of struggle, so even when they’re in an environment where they can get by with the bare minimum, it’s difficult to be lazy.

What am I saying? Whatever you’re going through and however you’re dealing with it, are the habits being formed worth it? Will they improve your life in the long run or keep you complacent? It doesn’t matter where you are or what you have, what matters is how? I won’t say the environment is inconsequential in this but if you go out of your way to always enter the bus with change; you’ll see the peace that comes with avoiding disrespect.

If you notice good things about people and life instead of the bad, you’ll see that you’re less bitter all the time. There will always be inconsistencies. It doesn’t matter if it’s where you live, the weather, food prices, your relationships or even you. It’s how you deal with it and the habits you form that give you stability.

Good things are possible, a better version of yourself and life than what you currently have is possible if you build the habits now regardless of the inconsistencies. It’s like pressing the toothpaste from the middle. Who goes all the way down the tube just to brush their teeth? It’s just a toothpaste habit, but I can’t comprehend why people stress so early in the morning. 

Good habits will always equal a good life. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain and maybe one day your good choices will ripple on others and we can build a better society regardless of the weather.

Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk😂

Song of the moment – Standing Next To You (Remix) – Jung Kook & Usher

Enjoy the rest of your week❤️