From Community Leader to My Own Champion

I've always been the guy who shows up, leading initiatives at the Joseph Okunmuyide and Friends Foundation, mobilizing volunteers for our community, and tackling tough conversations head-on. Fighting for a cause and lifting others is ingrained in me. However, when it comes to my own aspirations and taking personal risks, I often hesitate. The fear of failure has held me back more than I'd like to admit.

Today, I'm sharing my journey of confronting this struggle. While I readily risk everything for others, pursuing my own dreams fills me with terror. Inspired by the wisdom of Myles Munroe, Evan Sanders, and Paul Graham, I'm learning to prioritize my growth, embrace challenges, and step into my own potential. This is my story, and this is where I'm headed. Lately, fueled by the sounds of Travis Greene, I've been pushing myself to tackle difficult tasks for an extra two hours after my demanding workdays.

Action is no stranger to me. As a volunteer leader, I've successfully organized projects and motivated teams to achieve significant impact, thriving in high-stakes situations where others depend on me. Yet, when I consider my own path perhaps launching a new venture, pursuing a significant personal goal, or sharing my voice more confidently online fear takes hold. What if I falter? What if I'm judged?

Myles Munroe's powerful words, “You weren’t born to fit in; you were born to fulfill a purpose,” resonate deeply. I've dedicated considerable time to fulfilling purposes for others community projects and youth empowerment often neglecting my own. Munroe believed our greatest potential lies within us, waiting to be unleashed. For me, this has meant prioritizing service to others over my personal dreams. But what if my purpose also involves stepping into my own spotlight, even if it feels daunting?

There's a unique satisfaction in selflessness. When leading a foundation event or advocating for someone else, I act without hesitation, embracing challenges and late nights because the focus isn't on me, but on the mission. Evan Sanders of The Better Man Project aptly states, “We’re often braver for others because we don’t have to face our own stakes.” This perfectly describes my experience. I'll fiercely support my team, but when it comes to my own ambitions, like starting a personal project, I tend to hesitate.

Sanders further challenges this, saying, “You can’t grow if you keep hiding behind the mask of helping others.” This hits home. I've used service as a shield, a noble but safe space. True growth, he argues, comes from venturing out for oneself. I've been excessively selfless, and now I'm grappling with the true meaning of healthy self-interest.

So, how do I shift this pattern? How can I continue serving others while also prioritizing my own growth? Paul Graham’s insights on determination have become my guide. He writes, “The people who do great things don’t avoid hard stuff, they run toward it.” In “The Anatomy of Determination,” he posits that success isn't solely about talent but about choosing difficult paths and persevering.

This was a revelation for me. I possess the drive to push through for others, organizing and leading effectively. But for myself, I've often avoided the tough challenges. Graham’s startup analogy resonates: you need capable people, a clear need, and unwavering focus. I have the people (my community) and the need (my vision to inspire and innovate), but the focus on my own aspirations has wavered. The hard part is taking that initial step, whether it's expanding the foundation, launching a personal platform, or pursuing a long-held idea. Graham emphasizes that determination is key, and I realize I have it for others; now, it’s time to direct it inward.

My key takeaway is the importance of a healthy kind of selfishness. I need to be self-focused, not to be greedy, but to cultivate my own growth. Munroe taught me that my purpose resides within me, not solely in my actions for others. Sanders highlighted how hiding behind service limits my potential. And Graham has convinced me that embracing challenging endeavors, like putting myself out there, is worthwhile.

Therefore, I'm making a commitment. I'm outlining plans, perhaps a new business initiative, a vlog to document my journey, or a bold step I've been hesitant to name. My hands tremble as I write this, but if I can lead for others, I can certainly lead myself. I will always champion my community, but I'm now adding Joseph Okunmuyide to the list of individuals I'm willing to take risks for.

This is just the beginning. I'm venturing into the unknown, and I invite you to join me. What's one challenging thing you've been avoiding for yourself? Reply or fill out this form and let me know https://forms.gle/7X6f2JQ7yNioz4bn8 , I'll be your biggest supporter. Let's embark on this journey together.

I’ll keep you updated as I draw upon Munroe’s sense of purpose, Sanders’ courage, and Graham’s resilience. If I can confront my fears, so can you.

With boldness (and a touch of nervousness),

Olajide