"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire."- Arnold H. Glasow
Let me share a little story.
I once attended a business seminar where I and over 50 individuals where supposed to learn the art of being successful and then maybe go on to apply it to become successful.
The hall was reasonably full and when I got the unsolicited SMS inviting me for a "life transforming business seminar," I just figured my guardian angel was somewhere pulling the strings of success my way.
After thinking about it for what was less than a minute, I got dressed and off to being successful.
On getting to the venue, i saw dozens of young people standing outside chatting excitedly with themselves and also sharing friendly banters, but i could tell, they were excited as I was about this "life transforming business seminar."
38minutes later, (27 minutes after the expected start time) we were ushered into the poorly designed hall and I just knew right there I was about to be thought how to stay poor for forever.
I took my seat as everyone else and we waited. Minutes later, a lady came to address us and from her poor English, I guessed a school dropout or one of those who went to school but never allowed the school spirit to go through her.
I didn't pay too much attention to whatever it was she was saying because by then, I started taking a liking or dislike to the environment I found myself. It was becoming less life transforming.
The caliber of people who formed the organizing team were looking like the Egypt I was hoping to escape from.
After her heart-breaking speech, she asked that we all stood up to welcome the "leader" while clapping. I didn't stand up; I refused to stand up because, it didn't sound life transforming.
Of course everyone else stood up save for myself and another lady at the far end of the room. Everyone stood up for the "leader".
Encore.
And in walked in a not too impressively dressed young man who I could clearly see was struggling to make ends meet from his outfit and then his shoes. His shoes looked beaten and unkempt.
I couldn't believe I was there...How could I have been so stupid to be dragged to this kind of a 'life transforming business seminar'?
When the guy noticed I wasn't standing, he was upset and asked that I stand up or leave. I knew I wasn't going to stand up for him so I walked out while smiling and everyone else looked at me like a fool.
I didn't turn back neither did I regret doing that.
Why didn't I stand up?
It is simple.
HOW AND WHY SHOULD I BE MENTORED BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT ON FIRE?
How can someone who looked so struggled up teach me how to improve my life?
How can I expect to learn a life transforming business lesson from someone who shoes I would never be caught wearing?
How can i expect to learn when I wasn't even feeling motivated by being in the midst of these individuals?
How can a bunch of poorly educated people (in and out) help me appreciate value?
How can someone who wants to transform my life with his teachings come late to his class?
Why do I have to be forced to acknowledge him because he wants to feel entitled?
Why did he feel he should be addressed as a "leader" when he doesn't even look it?
I can go on and on and trust me, if it was you, you wouldn't stand up.
Fast forward months later, I got news that the "leader" and his team were arrested for defrauding some people through MMM. Yes, it was MMM that was being preached and because the guy in question could talk to people to partake in a ponzi scheme, he quickly titled himself.
The MMM wave swept across the Nigerian Nation leaving many heart broken and financially dead.
In our world today, there are lots of people who cannot ignite themselves and they seek to ignite someone else. It takes fire to set something ablaze, without the heat in you, you will not be able to do much for yourself or others.
Making real impact is hard. Anyone can make impact, but you need to look closely to see the depth and level of impact being made. The fact that you work hard is no guarantee for spontaneous success.
You may have what it takes, but you need to set yourself on fire. Without the fire in you, you will not be able to help others set themselves on fire.