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Here’s what I’ve learned in 27 years…

Family is everything. It is so important that no matter what you do or where you go, keep family at the forefront.

In your dealings with all, strive to be the greatest provider of Value – shun the quick profit and maintain integrity. This will bring you much honour, respect and lasting prosperity.

There are so many ways in which we are often expected to govern our lives – some of these ways work and make sense; others do not work and do not make sense. The trick is to find the way that works for you and will enable you to live the greatest life possible.

Opportunities exists now, in this very moment – for the future arrives not years from today, but in each passing second. Perhaps as a source of strength and courage you could ask yourself – “If I look back on this 3, 15 or even 30 years from today, would I regret not doing what I am afraid of doing right now?” If the answer is a “Yes!” – then it is time to take action.

Often the the things that appear the scariest to attempt are the ones that offer the best experiences and breakthroughs. Allow yourself the courage to do these things – i.e. getting on that airplane and going to that unfamiliar destination or something as simple as writing a novel – can change your outlook on life for the better. And the best part of it all, people around you also become inspired with the courage to step outside of their own comfort zone.

Times of difficulties are inevitable in life – though they may vary in form, nurturing a strong sense of faith in God, the universe or whatever it is you believe in – will allow you to maintain a calm and positive outlook. This is very important because when you are calm and collected, you can think in a creative and solution oriented manner.

Always remember, people will treat you in a variety of ways – some good and some not so good. It’s important to know that it is not about you – we all go through ups and downs in life and these influence our daily outlook. Smile and show love to each and every person regardless of how they treat you. Make a not-so-good-day Great and make a good-day, Greater.

Never compare yourself to others.

Fear of failure is not a stopping block – it is a natural part of existence. Yet it can destroy a dream faster than any other thing. Conquer it by admitting that you are afraid, but then proceed immediately with enthusiasm as if it were impossible to fail.

It is never too late to write that book, ask the guy or girl out, start a business, cook something, travel, or to do whatever else you have delayed for so long. The present is all that you have.

No matter how hard your dream gets, keep going!

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Yahaya Baruwa is a 27-year-old Nigerian-Canadian bestselling author and entrepreneur living in Toronto, Canada. His career as an author began at the age of 21 after the publication of his debut novel, Struggles of a Dreamer: The Battle between a Dream and Tradition.

Yahaya is a dynamic individual who is as creative in his writing as in his work as an entrepreneur. Inspired by his early struggles as an unpublished author, he proceeded to establish his own publishing company, Tapestry House Publishing to produce and market his own novel. Since then, Yahaya has touched the lives of many and has gone on to sell thousands of copies of his novel and is now a bestselling author.

Today he is going after his biggest goal yet - he is printing the World’s Largest Published Novel http://kck.st/1L3bbkv - at 8 ft 5 in high, 5 ft 5 in wide (closed) and it will contain approx. 200 pages and have a full-color hard cover - to set a new Guinness World Record.

For more information, please visit strugglesofadreamer.com

Comments (16)

  1. Very well said for someone so young, quite motivating and oh so right! thanks for reminding me about following your dreams Lahaya!

  2. I found this article so helpful that I shared it with all my dear ones. Now I have realized what I was lacking earlier, it was courage to act. Thank you so much, Yahaya.

  3. encouraging words, during a challenging time for me. much love and thank you for sharing and expressing!

  4. Thank you so very much Yahaya B.,

    It is so very true that you can learn from everyone. Also treat every encounter with intentions to give and receive love. Well I skimmed your essay for a brief moment and at first glance thought there is nothing here for me. Well when I came back to it, a few minutes later, to read it in the entirety, the paragraph; Opportunities exists now, in this very moment – for the future arrives not years from today, but in each passing second. Perhaps as a source of strength and courage you could ask yourself – “If I look back on this 3, 15 or even 30 years from today, would I regret not doing what I am afraid of doing right now?” If the answer is a “Yes!” – then it is time to take action. Well I am not going to look back in one month and have any regrets let alone a few years. My future is manifesting in my heart as I write this.

    Again my thanks to you and please know your words are a blessing to all,
    Michael A. Stilinovich

    1. Hello Michael, Thank you for taking the time to read my short piece and for sharing the above feedback with me. I am honoured that you have taken it to heart. I wish you great success in your endeavour in life. Cheers. Lest connect on Facebook.

  5. Just what I needed now. Thinking about starting my own business but afraid of don’t have enough money and the business will not take off. Thank you very much for everything you said.

  6. Fear of failure is not a stopping block – it is a natural part of existence.
    Inspiring words indeed. Thank you Yahama

  7. l’m 22 years old student of B.tech 3rd year.. i always wanted to be a good cricketer from my childhood n play for my country India.. but due to my family problems n oters issues i can’t joined any cricket club ( i came frome remote ruler area ) but i was also good in studies , so my parents only allowed me to do my study and i also can’t do anything thing about my passion and strogest thought and dream of my life.. but at this stage of my life i still dreaming nd strongly thinking about cricket nd wants to be a cricketer.. i can’t focus on my studies n stay motivated, dedicated, consistent …. As you said that it’s never too late to do anything what you want … i wants help from you about my above considered problems. . what i have to do ?? i’m completely lost ????

    1. Hi G.Shankar, Thank you for your heart-felt note here. I respect your passion and desire for cricket and I can get a sense of the conflict you may be experiencing. However, I am not sure that I have the right answer to perfectly match what you are going through (I do not know the whole story.) If you’d allow me to suggest; perhaps the best thing to do is to have an extensive dialogue with your parents – in which you explain your desires for cricket. This could open up the possibility of gaining their support (emphasize to them that you intend to finish school.)

      You are a currently a 3rd student, I am assuming you have one more year to go before you graduate. It is possible to play cricket on a part-time basis while you complete your schooling? This way, with your school done, you can begin to pursue cricket full-time.

      Again this are only my suggestions.

      I pray you are extremely successful in life. Be persistent, always.

      Thank you for sharing.

      -Yahaya B.

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