’If You Don’t Like Your World Outside, Then Change Your Thinking Inside’’ Della Menechella

It has taken me a long time to actually get to sit down and put pen to paper; but after a good meal, really wonderful day and most importantly the company of a dear friend – I was motivated. More so, I read an uplifting and mind searching piece by Della Menechella.

Only yesterday, we had a public holiday to celebrate Nigeria’s independence day and I viewed the television channels and listened to the radio stations and all I picked out were complaints for most part and words of encouragements from a few.

People are concerned, especially the young professionals, despite the abundance of human resources, crude oil and relative peace and stability, why are we still here? Almost everything seems to be going wrong. At least; that’s what everyone is saying.

What I can pick from all the lines and words of frustrations cum condemnation at the state of the nation is that Nigerians are not convinced that this 48 years’ old country of ours can help them, their children and generations unborn realize their dreams.

The epileptic power sector, decaying infrastructure, moribund educational system, corrupt political terrain, a health system that can boast of being the worst around, and the list goes on and on. Just mention anything that sounds bad and wrong.

Funny enough, I see things the other way and that is why I am writing this piece. I implore young professionals who still have the energy in their loins and passion for great things to change the way they think. Nigeria’s conditions will never improve if we do not change our thinking.

From now on, we must look for the strengths in our unity - the positive outlooks and the areas of growth and improvement. What went well? What can we contribute? How can we help this country? How can we positively influence the people around us? We will put in our best in our work. Professionally and ethically, I will strive to rise to the top; and stay up there. I will support good initiatives – government driven or privately driven. I will criticize objectively. I will pay my tax. Obey the rules of the land. I will help my country back to its feet. I will do my best and be the best.

As a young professional, this is my resolve. I dare you to share this resolve and see the change in a year’s time.

As Albert Einstein said, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when the problems were created.” Only when we change our thoughts about a situation will our behavior and results change.