(Personal Philosophy paper – originally written/e-published on 2nd March 2003 by Tayo Solagbade – Founder SDAc)

As can be seen from the above, this was written over nine years ago. I remain as committed to the ideals outlined below, as I was back in 2003. To me, that’s an indication that I’m on the right path.

The personal growth and fulfillment I have benefitted as result has been invaluable. Every person who wishes to achieve his/her full potential as a human being, will find it useful to prepare a personal philisophy statement of this kind.

And that’s why,. at the end, I ask : Why do YOU do what you do?

Those who accept the need to seek assistance from successful persons, and/or be religious in order to achieve success, in my opinion sometimes tend to assume that’s ALL they need to do. Which is why they neglect to do the most crucial thing necessary to achieve the success they so fervently desire. They fail to take personal action !

Too many people think all they need to do is DESIRE success and express that desire to anyone they believe can help them, who will then help them! Maybe it happens that way at times, but it won’t be often!

My objective is to show people how they can apply tested and proven SD principles to achieve their personal goals in life.

I hope to help them realize they can do more for themselves than they currently believe. All it takes is for them to STOP being fatalistic and LEARN to accept life’s challenges as pre-requisite for achievement of their set goals.

I have chosen this approach because I found that methods employed by many others to effect socio-cultural change in Nigeria/Africa have not really worked well.

I have chosen NOT to be a Social Critic or commentator because even after criticizing or commenting, one will suggest alternatives, which then have to be implemented by others (or with the cooperation of others).

The problem with that method is that any resultant plans could be easily frustrated via bureaucratic processes, and other extraneous influences prevalent in our developing societies etc.

I have chosen to be a Social Change Agent who advocates, and propagates, Self-Development Education (SDE). I strongly believe SDE can stimulate people to take PERSONAL ACTION to create changes that enable them achieve their personal goals consistently and repeatedly.

Spontaneous Coaching™ Makes It Possible

The technique I use (Spontaneous Coaching™) ensures that I can carry on – day and night – preaching SDE wherever I go, with or without the cooperation of decision makers or “authorities”.

How?

Through influencing others by my actions and also by sharing my thoughts, ideas, failures and successes (some people wrongly interprete this as an attempt to boast or show off).

I developed this concept myself, and have used it successfully for over 10 years. I have testimonials from many individuals confirming how I helped them greatly, using this method.

People with mental attitudes that enable them take control of what happens to them daily, are unlikely to be seriously (if at all) affected by vagaries of their country’s socio-economic circumstances.

They are more likely to make the best of them, rather than fall apart.

It is my conviction that knowing how to ADAPT to inevitable changes that could make your survival skills obsolete, is of crucial importance(SDE will equip anyone with the requisite preparation to do the foregoing).

The Solution To Unemployment

For example, graduates unemployment statistics would drop if they acquired income-generating skills while still in university! SDE if started early, will get young Nigerians/Africans thinking about ALTERNATIVES to traditional employment much earlier on in their lives.

The Self-Development Academy for instance aims to expose them to low startup capital vocations they could venture into, and even facilitate “entry” for those of them who indicate interest.

The foregoing is one of my motivations for being a Muiltpreneur. To succeed more frequently, one needs a multiple-career strategy.

Acquisition of a variety of skills to generate income and capture opportunities in today’s fast-changing marketplace will boost one’s chances of achieving prosperity and fulfillment independent of economic fluctuations.

This concept has been used in developed societies since the early 90s. My article titled “How To Be A Jack Of Many Trades™, And Why It Can Make You Succeed More Often” elaborates on how anyone with the necessary interest and motivation can successfully adopt it for use wherever s/he is.

I should add though, that it can be more difficult in some societies than others. And you’ll be tested the limits of your endurance in places where merit may not readily be recognized.

As explained in Tom Gorman’s book on “Multipreneuring”, one can develop multiple sources of income and pursue multiple careers( in paid, or self-employment).

A key suggestion made in the book, is for the individual to continually acquire new learning, and also take advantage of opportunities that appear in the market place as they become apparent.

I successfully employed this technique while in paid employment for seven(7) years, and earned significantly rapid career advancement ahead of people with higher qualifications, and years on the job.

My earlier mentioned article on Multipreneuring gives details. This is what I want to share with other young (and not so young) people in Nigeria/Africa – and beyond. They can also achieve similar successes by diligently practicing Self-Development . All that is required is adoption of the required mental attitude.

Sadly, many people are instantly biased against anyone who ventures into multiple vocations. They belong to the “traditional school”, which insists a person must specialize. Such sentiments betray a scary lack of exposure to 21st century trends in skills acquisition now crucial for successful as opposed to existential living.

Success Through Versatility

Robert Kiyosaki advocates becoming a generalist first, before specializing. Herman Holtz, the late legendary Consultant’s Consultant, acknowledged that certain individuals can find success through their versatility(learn more about his interesting revelations in my article on Multipreneuring).

I have frequently suffered discrimination because I “wear many hats”. In my former workplace, it initially earned me criticisms, but later got me recognition and career advancement opportunities because my versatility became an asset to every team I worked in! Since I became an entrepreneur, the story has been the same.

Some people erroneously think that their “schooling” will be adequate to cater for them through life. Technology has made that a thing of the past.

Today, without diligent practice of Self-Education, one stands a chance of becoming suddenly obsolete or extinct – virtually overnight!

In summary, my message is that through SDE, ANYONE can be empowered to become the best s/he can possibly be in life. Maybe I won’t change the world. But for those few people who will appreciate it, I certainly intend to try!

What about YOU? Why do you do what you do?