A Letter To My Child – In Life, Be Patient; And Do Not Compare Yourself To Others

“Do not compare your beginning to someone else’s middle”

My child, I know that your Primary School, Secondary School or College mates have gone in different directions. Some have completed university and are now doctors, engineers, teachers, pilots, lawyers, administrators, and so on. Some are running their second or third degrees; while some haven’t gained admission into tertiary institutions and may never do. Some own companies; and others are directors and shareholders in reputable companies. Some are married and some have children. Some are on the sick bed; and others are dead, don’t forget that too.

My child, you will meet them and feel that they have accomplished their dreams while you feel you’re not close to achieving yours; but also know that you will meet others who are still struggling to survive.

My child, it is natural to have that feeling of jealousy for those mates who seem better off, but please know that people’s paths to success are different in distance. Some might have arrived earlier before you and some after you, but whatever level you find yourself in life, please remember that God gives people different assignments, which will be fulfilled at His own time.

In life, there will be people who graduated at 21, and didn’t get a job until they were 27; and others who graduated late at 25 and they found work immediately. There will be those who never went to university but found their purpose at 18; and others who found a good job straight out of college, but are not fulfilled. There will be people who have children but are single; and others are married but had to wait 10 years to have children. In life there will be people in relationships who love someone else; and others love each other but aren’t living together.

Therefore my child, take heart; in life, everyone has their own time, their own clock. You may look at some and think that they’re ahead of you; you may look at others and feel that they are behind, but they have their own time and clock and so do you. Life is not about competition; remember people may seem to be reading the same book but they are actually reading different chapters.

Be patient, my child. Keep the passion and desire in you burning. There’s no height you cannot attain, believe in yourself, define your goals, recognize distractions and don’t stop striving. At age 25, Dallas investor and owner of USA’s National Basketball Association (NBA) Mark Cuban was a bartender in Dallas. It took till 32 for J.K. Rowling to be published for Harry Potter after being rejected by 12 publishers. It was not until Colonel Harland Sanders was 40 when his Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise became popular after years of failures and misfortunes. In Kenya and Africa are many examples of people who made great achievements despite their humble beginnings.

My child, do not let anyone rush you with their timelines; because as Einstein said, “Not everything that counts can be counted ….. and not everything that’s counted truly counts”. Getting your degree after 25 is still an achievement; not being married at 30 but still happy is beautiful, starting a family after 35 is still wonderful; and buying a house after 40 is still great.

As I pen off my child, true success is to be able to make your life meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling; and to learn how to use that to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others; instead of being intimidated, learn to celebrate the success of others; one day, their success will become part of your success story too.

And when you get to the top of your desire my child, never forget to lend a helping hand to those who are below you; because life is full of uncertainties, the one you pull up today may be the one to hold your hand and prevent you from falling tomorrow.

God has a unique purpose for you, my child. Live and let others be; and may God bless you mightily.