How impatience and shiny object syndrome quietly destroy progress—and what to do instead.
One of the biggest problems many Nigerians—and I’m guilty of it too—face is the constant urge and desperation to make money now, now.
This desperation and lack of patience make us rush, overlook important details, repeat the same mistakes, and ignore the process.
No patience = No process = No lasting results.
Another major mistake is our lack of focus—what many call Shiny Object Syndrome.
We’re used to sayings like “Ọ̀nà kan ò wọ ọjà” (one road doesn’t lead to the market). As a result, many of us try to juggle too many businesses, side hustles, skills, and opportunities all at once.
There’s nothing wrong with building multiple businesses or income streams. In fact, it’s a wise long-term strategy. The mistake is trying to build everything at the same time.
Focus on one skill, career, or business until it becomes stable, profitable, and manageable. Become known for something. Build systems, processes, and a team that reduce your day-to-day involvement. Then use that strong foundation to build the next thing.
That’s how empires are built—one solid block at a time.
PS: If you rush, you’ll often have to do it twice. If you spread yourself across too many things before any one of them becomes stable, you’ll likely be average at all of them.
PPS: I’m not saying you shouldn’t move fast or diversify. Speed and diversification can work very well in Nigeria. The key is to apply them with wisdom, discipline, and proper timing. Master one thing first, then expand.
