As a rule, I am intentional about my actions, as much as humanly possible. These days, I am even more mindful of the environment I find myself in. Everywhere I turn to, it seems I cannot stop hearing comments about the ‘government is irresponsible, they did not plan for the future’, ‘our employers are wicked, they should know to increase our salary’, ‘my rent has increased, how will I cope?’ ‘school fess has increased o’, ‘my customers are no longer buying’, and the list of complaints go on and on.

I can relate. I mean, who wants to be buying fuel at the new rate of N145 and burning 25 liters every night? Or staying in traffic for hours? Or come home to a notice for rent from ‘Baba Landlord’ or the kids being kicked out of school for not paying fees owed? It’s a tough world we live in, more so now, than any other time. But I am tired of the complaints, are you?

I am tired of being in a situation, where I have no control, no power, no influence; a position where I cannot take charge and make things work out in my favour. It is no longer news that the economy of the nation is slow, and yet, I put it to you that some people are on ‘cruise control’ while others are making money by cashing in on the opportunities presented by these tough times. The real question then is, are you prepared for such a time as this? Do you know how to get through these tough times or seize the opportunity?

Are you trying the same things you have done and still getting the same results? Is something wrong with the method or your application? Are you stuck in old ways of thinking, hoping that ‘this time, it will work out for you’? Is your belief system holding you to ransom and preventing you from taking real actionable steps to overcome the perils of our world today?

When is a good time to try something different, a new approach, a new way of doing things? When do you need a helping hand? At rock bottom or just before? When do you decide that enough is enough with your finances?