Our Mindset

Scarcity Vs Abundance

Good Morning!

I did not realize while writing my last post and up until when I was catching up on corporate news media (just to know what the normies and popular opinion is at) that it was Nigeria’s independence day! I am struggling to think it was some six sense as I am aware that the subconscious plays tricks on you when one is not paying close attention.

So with respect to those who have voluntarily laid down their lives for the undeserved amalgamation of warring tribes popularly called Nigeria, I will proceed with this theme; Discussing the past and present nation with a vision to a future unity.

I mentioned in my previous entry that I seldom associate myself with Nigeria. I only do so as a means of identification, and for international travel through my passport because I have to. I know some readers will wonder about family, culture and such, but I tend to look at those as two separate entities. Let me explain.

One the one hand, we have a country/nation that was foisted on the people, bounded by imaginary geographical lines on a “man-made” map for the benefit of the so called Nigerian elite and traditional rulers in cahoots with our conquerors aka the overlords.

On the other, we have a people, made up of different tribes and cultures.

I do associate myself with the latter as it is rich in numerous variances like its history, art, and some parts of tradition but absolutely not with the former as it is a dubious and failed construct for the benefit of the few and not the many.

Our history has been distorted to fit with popular narratives, so as to subjugate and keep the peasants docile while the education system is used to reinforce old stereotypes and unfounded hypothesis.

The common trope is to allocate blame to the government or the overlords, but that is not my gig. I instead subscribe to the libertarian model of taking responsibility of one’s own actions or deeds (which I know is a very difficult concept in Nigeria, as religion enforces this victim mindset). The point is not to look for who to blame but to grow up, take responsibility, and act to repair the damage that has been done.

In as much as the individual seems little, they possess much more than they are aware of. Once one can muster the courage to make incremental changes in themselves, it would automatically reverberate in our immediate surroundings and cause a ripple effect of change in the wider society.

First it starts with the mindset, which is the toughest part. How does one adjust from a scarcity mindset to an abundant one when the modus operandi is the the former?

There are many answers to this question and I will be tackling them one after the other in various other entries. The solutions vary from minimalist living, acknowledging the difference between your needs and wants, creating win-win situations, to being open minded. There are many others and a quick research online I came across this;

I am not in any way suggesting it will be an easy climb. It is meant to be difficult and that is part of the challenge to attain excellence!

I am positive that many would agree that the educational system is and has been in a state of desolation, but the way out for people is to start with themselves. Once we begin with the self, then we can focus repairing in our institutions.

We have to take individual responsibility of our actions and inactions!

We are not owed anything especially not from fictitious and failing institutions, as we only have ourselves to blame if we don’t buckle up and act like warriors getting ready for battle.

Welcome to the battleground called LIFE!

See you tomorrow!

- Ope