From my earliest days in secondary school, I’ve always been driven by an intense desire to be ahead of the curve and ahead of the pack. This wasn’t just a random dream but a calling that demanded solid action and discipline. I wasn’t satisfied with simply going through the motions of life. I wanted more — more growth, more learning, more impact. This required me to develop rituals that would shape who I was and who I was becoming.
These rituals have been the pillars of my success, and today, I want to share them with you. These are not just routines; they are life-changing practices that have helped me rise, even in the face of challenges. Each reflects my belief and trust in hard work, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The key rituals are below:
- The Ritual of Denial: When Others Sleep, I Build
One of the earliest lessons I learned was the power of denial. Success requires sacrifice, and I quickly understood that to achieve what others couldn’t, I had to do what others wouldn’t. Reread the last line!
So, while many were fast asleep, I was consciously wide awake, deeply immersed in study, reflection, and planning – even without resources available. Those late nights, when the world was quiet, became my sanctuary of growth.
I saw the night as an opportunity — an uninterrupted period where I could meditate on building my future. This wasn’t just about staying up late; it was about choosing growth over comfort. I knew every extra hour spent studying, learning, or strategizing was an investment in my future.
This is a tangible exercise that helps build resilience, focus, and discipline. It’s the denial of short-term pleasures for long-term gains. And it works. It is still working!
- The Ritual of Praying and Meditating on the Success of Others
In a world that often celebrates competition more than humanity, I found myself drawn to a different path — a sacred ritual that begins with quiet reflection and ends with a heart full of positivity: praying and meditating on the accomplishments of others.
It started in the pages of books.
Night after night, I would sit with the stories of men who rose from nothing — men who came from dust, obscurity, rejection, and failure yet somehow carved their names into history. I read biography after biography, not just as a student of progress but as a believer in the human spirit.
I traced and analysed the steps of men, not to compare my journey to theirs, but to be reminded that greatness often grows from the soil of struggle and the spirit of relentlessness.
I remember reading about men who were once homeless but later built empires. Men whose voices were once ignored are now speaking to and for nations — men who were once mocked, now templating resilience and brilliance for generations. As I read, I didn’t just admire their victories — I reinforced my faith in a better tomorrow. I meditated on their discipline, pain, turning points, and triumphs.
With every page, I felt my heart expand. I learned that honouring the success of others doesn’t diminish my potential – it amplifies it. Their lives became mirrors, showing me what’s possible when you dare to dream, refuse to quit, and rise – not to outshine others but to light the way.
When I see someone succeed, I feel called forward. I pause. I pray. I bless their journey. I let their victory become fuel for my vision.
Because I know that if the soil of struggle could birth such beauty in them, I have the potential to do the same and more! I know my life would carry the fragrance of every life I once honoured, every prayer I once whispered, and every success I once celebrated like my own.
- The Ritual of Academic Excellence: A Foundation of Success
I’ve always believed that formal education is deeply tied to society’s framework for success. This wasn’t just about passing exams or getting good grades but about fully equipping myself for my envisioned future. I would read like my life depended on it — because, in many ways, it did. School is not a scam!
Books became my closest companions and articles my daily fuel. Whether it was a textbook, a downloaded research paper, or an inspirational biography, I consumed knowledge with a deep sense of urgency. I was propelled by a belief that the more I learned, the better equipped I would be to face the world’s challenges.
Success in academics wasn’t just about intelligence; it was about hunger. It was about showing up daily with the mindset that I would do whatever it took to grow intellectually. Every test, every exam, and every late-night study session was a stepping stone towards the future I was building. Believe me, beyond classroom tests and exams, academic intellectualism has the power to extend its influence into other areas of life – such as business, relationships, and family – because the human mind is inherently dynamic and adaptable in its functions. - The Ritual of Leadership: Growing by Empowering Others
Leadership has always been more than a position for me — it’s been a way of life. I would consciously seek out people to train, mentor, and build. There’s an indescribable sense of fulfillment that comes from empowering others. Watching someone you’ve trained flourish in their journey is so beautiful.
Teaching others what I know not only helped them grow but also helped me grow. In every lesson I taught, I learned something new about myself. In every person I mentored, I saw a reflection of my journey, struggles, and growth.
Leadership, to me, isn’t about being in charge — it’s about being of service. It’s about spotting the potential in others, believing in their capabilities, and guiding them toward their success. In the end, I feel most successful and alive when I’m helping others rise.
Conclusion
These rituals have defined my path and shaped the person I am today. They are the reasons I’ve navigated life with purpose and clarity. But more than that, they are a reminder that success isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. A journey built on sacrifice, discipline, and the deep-rooted belief that we can all rise if we’re willing to put in the work.
As you read this, I encourage you to think about replicating some of these rituals. Also, think about the rituals currently characterising your life. What are the practices that define your life? What steps are you taking each day to ensure you’re building your desired future? Success doesn’t just happen; it’s a series of conscious choices, day after day. I will never get rid of these rituals.
Success does not wait for you. It’s within you – waiting to be unleashed.