I’ve been accused of being arrogant several times – especially during my startup years. Some "critics" actually said MY arrogance was why I struggled in business back then. They told me to "humble" myself, so I could be "elevated". I laughed at such suggestions back then. And I still do today. Here’s why…

As a student of authentic success achievement, I have ALWAYS known that success achievement has little to do with such misguided sentiments!

Indeed, based on extensive reflection, I have come to realize people often said these things to me, because they were NOT comfortable with the self-assured manner I spoke about my intentions and achievements.

Here’s the answer I always gave (and still give!) to those who accused me in this manner – whether to my face, or behind my back: 

"I do not interprete speaking/acting self-confidently, the way I do, as arrogance. I speak/act that way because I KNOW who I am, and what I can do – if given a FAIR and IMPARTIAL opportunity, or what is called a LEVEL playing field, where there is no cheating (i.e. "Ojoro" or "Magomago"), or bad belle, or booby traps!"

Back when I was a high performing employee in Guinness, I routinely and repeatedly set numerous personal and work related goals, which I fearlessly told others about.

And in virtually all cases, though sometimes after repeated failures, I achieved ALL OF THEM.

How come? 

Well, it was mainly because I worked in an environment that was relatively (though not totally) devoid of devious manipulation by those with ulterior motives.

Back then, any biased, envious people, who thought I was "arrogant”, did not have the means or resources to throw logs in my paths.

Neither could they set booby traps that could have created an unfair and impartial atmosphere, which could have limited my ability to achieve.

And that was why the head of the Guinness brewery I worked in, who had known me for less than 12 months, came to believe so greatly in me.

So much so, that he made very positive & flattering comments verbally, and on paper about me during send-forth ceremonies, after I quit my job to go into business for myself.

Among others things, he wrote that he honestly believed I was "…one of those who will succeed at anything he does".

He also wrote that he did not need to wish me good luck because he believed I could create my own luck!"

Wow. I’m sure you will agree that he must have seen me achieve some impressive results, in spite of obstacles I faced, to make him so SURE about me!

Consider this: Mohammed Ali was not arrogant. He was self-confident about his abilities, and was NOT shy to say so to anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

Ali was not into the business of massaging egos! He always spoke his mind and without apology to anyone.

For this reason, the press nicknamed him the "Louisville lip".

But guess what?

Americans did not punish him for being himself.

Instead, they challenged him to PROVE himself, and provided a fair and impartial opportunity for him to do so. Today, he is a living legend, known and loved by many, the world over.

Every time I think of Nigeria’s Bash Ali, who has earned himself international laurels in boxing at an age when others have retired, I wonder what Nigerians are waiting to see before they can celebrate him.

On one occasion, when he appeared on TV, some individual phoned in to tell Bash Ali that he was "too arrogant; needed to humble himself; and should "give his life to Christ" etc.

I could not help asking:” What on earth was THAT about?!"

In Nigeria today, one has to endure exposure to all that negativity in order to still achieve one’s goals.

Nigeria is a country where all manner of "will-thwarting" wonders occur. As such you can only begin to imagine how daunting a challenge it is to live in it and try to excel without cutting corners!

ONLY my indomitable will, and hunger to achieve, helped me survive so many attempts made to "pull-me-down" over the decade I was based in Nigeria, as a self-employed professional.

I have had relatives set me up, and then withdraw from an agreed arrangement when they knew I was most vulnerable.

I have even had a client use my name (without my knowledge) in a manner that cast me in a negative light on the Internet.

It took me over 2 weeks to get him to remove the offending document after I discovered this abuse by accident, while surfing the net.

Yet, in spite of all the above, I have today established myself as a reliable service provider in my areas of entrepreneurial focus – and it shows in my constantly growing client base – and increasing client profiles!

I should add that my success has grown even faster in the last 17 months, following my decision to relocate to Benin Republic.

The irony of it all is however the fact that over 90% of my buyers/clients today are persons based in Nigeria, who readily send payment to me, without knowing me in person, or meeting me in the flesh!

In essence, my supposed "arrogance" has not stopped those who truly need the SOLUTIONS I offer from hiring, and paying me handsomely!

NB: This article is based on Tayo K. Solagbade’s original write-up which was first published online on 16 February 2010 via his 9 year old former primary domain name – www.spontaneousdevelopment.com.