CHANGE YOUR THINKING

BASED ON A TRUE LIFE STORY

For over 2 days i suddenly had this crave to eat akara (bean cake). My wife used to make it most Saturdays for the kids and i seldom eat it. Now that i have cravings for it, she wasn't around to make it for me. She and the kids have gone on holidays and i am all alone for the time being (Back to bachelor's life).

Courtesy: NaijaEntrepreneur.Com

Well, I had to look for a decent place where akara is sold so that I can put my cravings to rest. For 2 days I searched, I couldn't find any. Luckily, one morning I got a guard who worked in Julius Berger Yard around my office point me to a place where I could get my akara.

It wasn't long, I located the place. When I got there, it was 7:48am, the young lady who makes the akara was yet to set the fire let alone fry it. I was disappointed. I thought I was going to end this craving today, this morning, now it has to linger. I asked her when it will be ready, she said I could return by 8:30 that she had to make "ogi, akamu" (pap) first. Well, I obliged, cos i was determined to end this craving.

8:35 am I was back at the akara joint, i was amazed to see the huge number of people (customers) waiting on queue to buy akara. With my mouth wide open and eyes looking like a rat slammed with a broom, I wondered, all these people (Civil servants, business men, police officers, Road Safety officers, passers-by) on queue to buy just akara? Surprisingly she had just moulded the first sets of akara balls into the big frying pan. Most unfortuntely, the akaras would never go round to serve the people already on queue waiting for it. In fact, some people had to leave to make it early to their offices ( i know they will come back).

To cut it short, I was so lucky to get my akara since I was amongst the first people to be on queue. Did I enjoy my akara, yes I did with a bowl of quaker oats and 4 slices of bread- a perfect breakfast.

LESSONS:

Now, what does this have to do with changing how you think? Because i have been there. Many people select the kind of business and jobs they would like to go into. Growing up I saw certain business as low and unfit for me- one of the mistakes I made early in life, and mistakes lots of people make today. I know there are many of you who would rather stay at home wasting precious time than frying and selling akara. I know ladies that will prefer to sell and damage their bodies to men, rather than doing something worthwhile. Every successful business started from the ground- somewhere . Why don't you get rid of that stinky thought of yours and start something no matter how small and then watch how you would grow into a millionaire. Don't ever think you're starting small. It's better you start small so you can learn and have less risks to deal with while you grow.

Do you know how many people around your area who crave to eat akara but have know where to buy it? That's a business opportunity. Weeks ago, I was thinking of going into corn roasting business with a difference. Do you know that the society's big men/women likes snacking on roasted corn? (Now don't tamper with my idea, it already has a patent.. lol) then what are you waiting for to start a business? Look around you, there must be something people need that you can provide. Stop thinking, it's too shameful, it too small, it's not the kind of business I want, it won't give me the kind of returns (money) I need. Start first!

There is no shame in any business, it is self-deception to think so. Champions have scars on their body to show for their victories and success. What do you have to show for yours? Nothing! Because you dont want to be shamed, laughed at, ridiculed by friends etc. Dear, you have been thinking the wrong thoughts- and thinking like that will never get your anywhere near riches and success only near poverty and failure. Change today and live your dream no matter how lowly you may have to start.

I have planned out an interview with the Akara Bussiness lady, and when I do, I promise to publish it here so you will see how she started and the progress she has made.

Change your thinking, change your life

You can be better!