WITH Josephine Oguntoyinbo
In a world that celebrates busyness and constant activity, many women and girls often mistake movement for progress. Being occupied every minute of the day does not automatically mean that you are moving closer to your dreams. True progress is measured not by how busy you appear, but by the goals you achieve and the positive changes you make in your life.
Many young women spend years pursuing activities that seem productive on the surface, only to realise later that they have remained in the same position. Progress is evident when you can look back and see milestones reached, lessons learned and dreams gradually becoming reality.
One of the greatest dangers in life is moving at full speed in the wrong direction. A person may work tirelessly, invest resources and expend energy, yet arrive at a destination that does not align with her purpose. Speed is only valuable when it is taking you towards the right destination.
Every woman and girl needs guidance at different stages of life. Whether pursuing education, building a career, starting a business, or raising a family, there comes a time when direction becomes necessary. Seeking guidance is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of wisdom.
The only person who does not need direction is one who has already reached her destination or has decided to stop moving forward altogether. Growth requires learning, and learning often requires asking questions from those who know the way.
However, caution must be exercised when seeking advice. Not everyone who offers direction is qualified to guide others. Some people are confused about their own lives and may unknowingly lead others astray. Therefore, choosing the right mentors and advisers is essential.
Women and girls should intentionally seek counsel from people whose lives demonstrate the results they desire. If you aspire to excel in business, learn from successful entrepreneurs. If your goal is academic excellence, seek the guidance of accomplished scholars. Those who have travelled the path before you can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
There is a difference between efficiency and effectiveness. Efficiency means doing things correctly, while effectiveness means doing the right things. Many people focus on doing tasks efficiently without first determining whether those tasks are leading them towards their goals.
This lesson is particularly important for young entrepreneurs. The excitement of starting a business can sometimes lead to rushing into decisions without proper planning. Hard work is important, but hard work in the wrong direction can produce frustration instead of success.
That is why mentors, coaches and experienced professionals remain valuable. They help young women identify opportunities, avoid costly errors and channel their efforts into productive ventures that yield meaningful results.
Another important truth is that every woman possesses unique gifts and abilities. No one was created without purpose. If you constantly feel inadequate or out of place in a particular environment, it may be an indication that your talents belong elsewhere.
Every individual is naturally gifted in a specific area. When women discover and develop their strengths, they often perform with confidence and excellence. Success becomes more achievable when talent and purpose align.
Consider a seed planted in fertile soil. It grows naturally because it is in the right environment. But a seed trapped among rocks struggles to flourish. In the same way, women thrive when they discover and occupy the spaces where their gifts can blossom.
For this reason, every girl should take time to identify her strengths before embarking on major life journeys. Understanding your abilities, passions and purpose can save years of frustration and uncertainty.
Beyond human guidance, there is immense value in seeking direction from the Creator. Many people rely solely on their own understanding, yet experience has shown that what appears right at first may eventually lead to disappointment. Seeking divine wisdom provides clarity when human understanding falls short.
Women and girls should never stop asking questions, seeking wisdom and surrounding themselves with the right companions.
Answers exist for the questions that trouble the heart. By choosing the right mentors, embracing your God-given gifts and following the right path, you position yourself for a future filled with purpose, fulfilment and lasting success.