06/01/2021
"JUST BEGIN" - THE SPIRIT OF GETTING ANYTHING DONE.
Just after I received my fee structure from My University for my PhD, totalling N850,000 in 2012, I met my Dad, at Cooperative bank in Kaduna.
I explained to him that I had the admission letter and he smiled.
I told him however, "Baba, there is a problem. They need N850,000."
He held my hands, then slowly but reassuringly, said, *"Just Begin,* my son."
To ensure his point went home, he got into his account and gave me N14,000 in an account that had N20,000.
I was touched.
*I added N16000 and paid N30,000 into the account, and my journey to PhD began.*
Today, having reached the dream, I remember the words of my father.
*Just Begin....*
In everything you do, always remember, *JUST BEGIN.*
*Just begin, no matter how difficult it seems to be.*
It appeared to be difficult, but as time lapsed, I realised dad was right.
At some point before my defence, I gave up.
I still had a solid N300,000 to pay and they wouldn't give me a chance for my final defence.
*Then came a very unlikely help.*
I had supported a gentleman to undertake a project evaluation two times in the year.
I received his call cautiously asking me to meet him.
He was carrying a brown envelop in his hand.
He began, "Aliyu, you will forgive me if you find my action inappropriate. For two consecutive times you have given me a job without asking for a Cent. This is very unusual with many people. I did not know how to approach you, but I am deep with gratitude. Please accept my small gift."
I quickly peered into the envelope and saw they were two bundles, likely in hundreds.
He confirmed that it was N200,000.
I couldn't believe it.
The words of my father,
*"My son, just begin"* came to mind.
*Don't worry how it will end.*
*Just begin.*
If you are building a house, *just begin.*
If you are planning to buy land, *just begin.*
If you want to continue with your education, *just begin.*
If you want to pay dowry, *just begin.*
Nothing is more powerful than that advice.
*We just need to Have Faith and Begin.*
And I have revised this philosophy.
Whenever someone is doing something, I always encourage them to *Have Faith and Just keep trying.*
When things get thick, I always say, *keep walking.*
*No matter how slow Just keep Moving*
*If you Can't Walk then Crawl*
*Just Keep Moving*
When things are intimidating, *Ignore.*
*Persist and keep trying.*
*Don't give up on life just because your challenges appear to be insurmountable.*
*Do not be defeated before you begin.*
Whatever looks like a mountain will soon become an anthill...
*but only if you begin.*
Not long ago, someone asked me, "Aliyu, are we going to manage to build the office we want?"
My answer,
*"Let's just begin."*
*I believe in the power of Faith and Action (Starting) .*
No one Wins a race until they *respond* to the sound of the gun and begin.
*The secret lies in Beginning.*
Overtime, God has seen me through a number of projects because of this philosophy.
I have parcels of land that I acquired by simply paying N50,000...and, overtime, these have multiplied.
*I persuade you this day never to allow yourself to be threatened by the size of your problem.*
*The Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with One Step*
*Begin in a small way to do something about it.*
*How Do You Eat an Elephant ?*
By Eating it *One Bit at a Time*
If it is lack of money do something small to get something for yourself.
*If it is a marital issue, look for a way to solve it.*
In whatsoever you face, *Just Begin.*
Even those with big debts can do something about it.
*Just begin by doing something little and it will shrink each day.*
I was not a millionaire, but sometime ago, I wanted to have a feeling of being one.
I drew a plan of how to hold a million in my account, at least for a few days.
After some months of beginning, I discovered it was possible.
*Three years and half of savings later, I got my first ever million.*
Even though I used it later on investments and expenses, it felt so good.
*Let's all Have Faith and Just Begin*.
*JUST BEGIN !*
*I hope someone here is encouraged by this little piece. If you have, it's not bad to share cos someone else might just need it.*
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