A new Africa, a new mentality

Some of us Africans have developed a mindset that works against us. We think we shouldn’t work hard because the company isn’t ours. We think the government owes us a good livelihood and expect the government to put money into our pockets. We blame everyone but ourselves for our situation. But the blame game has never helped anybody. Everyone knows the problem of the African is not a lack of natural resources; neither is it poverty nor disease. The real problem of the African is a mentality problem.

Entrepreneur and personal development expert, Jonathan, identifies key changes that are badly needed from each one of us to turn our fortunes around.


1.  It's time to work hard, but smart

Do you know why Napoleon Hill didn’t title his bestselling book, “WORK and Grow Rich”, but “THINK and Grow Rich.”? It’s because he knows that hard work without planning and a workable strategy brings no results. If physical hardwork alone paid off, the man who digs manholes in the ground near my house would be the richest man.

Why have we been the most hardworking continent in terms of physical work, but also the least productive continent? It’s because we have always invested our physical energy without the mental. The average African hates to think. No wonder Dr. Mensa Otabil, Ghanaian pastor and entrepreneur once said, “As Africans, thinking wearies us.” Is he right? You bet!

The kind of hard work that pays is a combination of both physical and mental energy- that is called working smart. Let’s resolve this year to not just work hard, but think, plan, strategize, set small and achievable goals and execute them. Thinking stretches your mental capacity. When you think, your results are splendid. When you think, you gradually become results-oriented because the power of a thought can bring you results that physical work may not.

2.  It’s time to seek knowledge and read wide

“Formal education”, Jim Rohn said, “will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Sadly, many of us said good bye to books the day we graduated from school. We consider reading a punishment. The loads of degrees you have stacked in your wardrobe will bring you less than you ever wish for; self-education will bring you a fortune. Commit to reading one good book a month, if you can, a week. You will be amazed the world of difference you will experience.

When you read, the writer shares their world with you. You learn lessons you might never learn from the classroom. Whenever I recommend reading to people, many of them complain about falling asleep whenever they pick up a book. Indeed, I used to feel the same way. But I found a solution - I never read when I was tired. I only read after a good rest or sleep. That way, it’s almost impossible for you to sleep.

3.  It’s time to chase excellence.

Whether you are a student, worker, professional or entrepreneur, you can rise higher by pushing the boundaries. Simply improving on your previous performance or results every time is excellence. Stretch and do the unthinkable. Sadly, many of us have accepted mediocrity as the standard. We work without a workable plan that can be referred to in the future. If we are to take our place as equal powers in world affairs, we've got to commit to excellence now.

When you commit to excellence, you invariably attract similar people; be they customers, associates or clients to yourself. In no time, you associate with the crème de la crème of society. Excellence means not resting on your oars. Set and break your own records. Set higher goals, and commit to achieve them come what may.A new mentality will better our lot in the long run.

NOTE: this is half of a two-part series. Pls continue reading the concluding part here

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About the author

Jonathan is an agribusiness entrepreneur aside being a speaker, writer,and petroleum engineer. As a writer, he’s authored over a hundred articles on personal development, Africa, and social issues. He’s also the host of Nash Radio’s flagship motivational radio talk show, “Motivational Arena”, which airs every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 GMT. You can contact him via his email; jadzokpe@gmail.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/jonathan.adzokpe

photo; newafrica.org

Posted in: accra,africa,change,mentality,new africa