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...<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\nHere'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:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
\"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!\"<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Back when I was a high performing employee in Guinness<\/a>, I routinely and repeatedly set numerous personal and work related goals, which I fearlessly told others about. <\/h3>\n
And in virtually all cases, though sometimes after repeated failures, I achieved ALL OF THEM.<\/p>\n
How come?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n
Back then, any biased, envious people, who thought I was \"arrogant\u201d, did not have the means or resources to throw logs in my paths. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Neither could they set booby traps that could have created an unfair and impartial atmosphere, which could have limited my ability to achieve.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nSo 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.<\/p>\n
Among others things, he wrote that he honestly believed I was \"...one of those who will succeed at anything he does\". <\/p>\n
He also wrote that he did not need to wish me good luck because he believed I could create my own luck!\" <\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Consider this:\u00a0<\/strong>Mohammed Ali was not arrogant. He was self-confident about his abilities, and was NOT shy to say so to anyone, anywhere, at anytime.<\/h3>\n
Ali was not into the business of massaging egos! He always spoke his mind and without apology to anyone. <\/em><\/p>\n
For this reason, the press nicknamed him the \"Louisville lip\". <\/p>\n
But guess what? <\/p>\n
Americans did not punish him for being himself.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n
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. <\/h3>\n
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. <\/p>\n
I could not help asking:\u201d What on earth was THAT about?!\"<\/em><\/p>\n
In Nigeria today, one has to endure exposure to all that negativity in order to still achieve one's goals.<\/p>\n
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! <\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
I have had relatives set me up, and then withdraw from an agreed arrangement when they knew I was most vulnerable.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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!<\/em><\/p>\n
I should add that my success has grown even faster in the last 17 months, following my decision to relocate to Benin Republic<\/a>. <\/p>\n
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! <\/p>\n
In essence, my supposed \"arrogance\" has not stopped those who truly need the SOLUTIONS I offer from hiring, and paying me handsomely!<\/h3>\n