Chart Your Own Course

Chidi Chukwudi-Madu
Wake. Write. Win.
Published in
3 min readJun 23, 2024
Photo by Dewang Gupta on Unsplash

Recently, I came across an enlightening video by the esteemed motivational speaker and personal development coach, Jim Rohn. In this video, he discussed the concept of breaking free from the 97%, which resonated deeply with me. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get swept up in societal norms and expectations. We often do things because everyone else is doing them, following paths laid out by others. This usually leads to mediocrity and unfulfilled dreams. But what if we dared to chart our own course, followed through on what we believe, and didn’t fear the unknown?

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History is filled with people who defied the norm and stayed true to their unique paths. Take, for example, Amelia Earhart. Despite numerous challenges and criticisms, she believed in her vision and became the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her journey wasn't easy, but her determination and discipline led her to achieve greatness.

Earhart once said, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” This quote captures the essence of perseverance and self-belief.

Similarly, consider Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Before he revolutionized the tech industry, Jobs faced many setbacks, including being ousted from his own company. However, his belief in his vision and relentless pursuit of innovation led to the creation of products that have changed the world.

The Path Less Traveled

Walking away from the 97% means rejecting easy excuses and popular paths. It takes courage to stand against the tide and create your own destiny. The road less traveled is tough but rewarding.

This philosophy is beautifully captured in Robert Frost’s poem, "The Road Not Taken":

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference."

Choosing your own path means embracing uncertainty and the unconventional. Discipline is crucial. Even when results aren’t immediately visible, consistency and hard work will pay off over time.

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Steps to Break Away from the 97%

  • Believe in Yourself: Trust your instincts and vision, even when others doubt you.
  • Discipline: Success requires a disciplined approach. Set goals, make a plan, and stick to it.
  • Learn from Failures: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities.
  • Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with stories of those who succeeded against the odds.
  • Take Action: The difference between a dream and a goal is action. Start small, but start now.

Jim Rohn’s advice, "Walk away from the 97%," emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and continuous self-improvement. It’s about being true to your own path, no matter how minute or unpopular it may seem. Trust the process, and the results will show.

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

In conclusion, following the path less travelled is challenging but immensely rewarding. By believing in yourself, maintaining discipline, and embracing the journey with all its challenges, you can achieve greatness. Break away from the 97% and connect with the 3% who dare to dream, believe, and achieve greatness.

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Chidi Chukwudi-Madu
Wake. Write. Win.

Queen of Boyz | Nigerian Finance Guru | Public Speaker | Storyteller | Leadership Advocate | Distinguished Toastmaster | Writer | Project Manager