Notes After 22
Man of the year, still got problems.
I turn 23 in a few hours from now; here are some notes, accomplishments and lessons I wanted to share from year 22.
Accomplishments:
Launching Mytherapist.ng: One of my biggest accomplishments this year has been the launch of my startup, Mytherapist.ng. It's a teletherapy app designed specifically for Nigerians, and I'm proud to say that we've already reached a thousand people and provided mental health resources for them. Even more exciting is the fact that we've helped over a hundred people get professional therapy for issues like depression, marital problems, and more. It's truly rewarding to know that our app is making a positive impact in people's lives, and I can't wait to see how much further we can go.
6 Figure Job: Landing a six-figure job that paid over a million naira monthly, is something I'm incredibly proud of. Not only was it a great financial opportunity, but it also allowed me to work on some truly exciting projects with a talented and supportive team. I learned so much from my colleagues during my time there, including valuable skills and knowledge that I know will benefit me in the future. All in all, it was an amazing experience that I'm grateful for and I'm excited to see where my career takes me next.
Mr. Reference: One thing I’m most proud of is realizing I was becoming the go-to person for references in my circle. It's an honor to know that my friends trust me to represent them in important situations like Interviews and contract deals. As I turn 23, I'm excited to see what new accomplishments and opportunities will come our way. But becoming a reliable reference for my circle will always be a standout achievement for me. I'm grateful for their trust and support, and I look forward to continuing to be there for each other as we all grow and achieve great things together.
First International Trip: Last year, I had the chance to travel outside of Nigeria for the first time, and it was such an awesome experience! I visited Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya, and it was eye-opening to be in new places and see different things. I tried Pilau, learned a bit of Swahili, saw amazing sights at the Nairobi National Park, and got to meet so many interesting people.
It's amazing how much you can learn about different cultures and history just by traveling. I feel like this trip really helped me to grow as a person and to appreciate the beauty of diversity. I'm already itching to plan my next adventure and see where my travels will take me next!
Challenges:
Interpersonal relationships: This year has been a bit tough on my social life, and I struggled to keep my relationships with people going as I barely reached out to a lot of people. However, I'm super grateful for the friends and family who stuck by me through thick and thin, and I know I’ll do the same, whatever the situation is. You guys are the real MVPs and have been my support systems, and I couldn't have made it through without your unwavering support.
Lessons:
Many lessons were learned, some through shege, others through regret, here’s a few of em
Building Connections: I really saw the power of helpful connections and how they can help you get ahead in life. I realized that having a strong network of people you can count on can open up so many doors and opportunities. Whether it's through friends, family, or professional contacts, making connections and building relationships is key.
I saw firsthand how people were able to get amazing job offers, business opportunities, and other benefits just by tapping into their networks. It's amazing how much you can achieve with the help of others. I've been focusing on building my own network and making new connections, and I'm excited to see where it will take me in the future!
Filtered Circles: I’ve always known the importance of filtering the right people to have in your circle. This year was a reinforcement learning process for me that not everyone you meet will have your best interests at heart, and some people can even be toxic or bring you down.
It's crucial to be discerning and choose people who are supportive, positive, and share your values. I've learned to pay attention to red flags and trust my gut more when it comes to deciding who to let into my life. Having the right people in my circle has made a big difference in my happiness and success, and I plan to continue being selective in the future.
Mr. Macho: One of the things I'm currently learning is the importance of taking control of my body through exercise.
I believe that a person who wants to rule the world must first learn to rule themselves, and that starts with taking care of their body. Exercise has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of pushing past my limits. I've also learned that taking care of my body has a ripple effect on other areas of my life, such as my work, relationships, and overall sense of confidence. It's a journey that requires dedication and hard work, but I know that the benefits are worth it.
Missed Opportunities: The realization of missed opportunities has been an important lesson for me this past year. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there will always be another chance, but the truth is that opportunities are fleeting and should be seized upon when they arise. Reflecting on missed chances has motivated me to approach each new opportunity with renewed focus and determination.
Whether it's a job opportunity, a chance to travel, or a potential relationship, I've come to understand the value of taking each opportunity seriously and putting in the effort required to make the most of it. While it can be tempting to let opportunities slip by or assume that there will be another chance down the line, I now recognize that this mindset can hold me back from reaching my full potential.
Moving forward, I'm committed to being more proactive in seeking out and seizing opportunities as they arise. Whether it's stepping outside my comfort zone, taking a risk, or simply being more aware of the opportunities around me, I'm determined to make the most of every chance that comes my way.
Goals for the Coming Year:
While I prefer to take life one at a time, here are some goals I hope to have achieved before I turn 24.
100K users?: I'm really excited about the future of my startup, Mytherapist.ng, and one of my biggest goals for us is to reach 100,000 users as we’re currently around a thousand users strong. I really believe that mental health care should be accessible and affordable to everyone, and that's what we're trying to do with our platform. We're constantly working to improve our service and provide high-quality therapy resources for our users. I know it's a big goal, but I'm feeling confident that we can get there with the help of my amazing team and the right strategies. It's not going to be easy, but I'm up for the challenge and excited to see what the future holds for us.
Controlled Social anxiety: One of the things on my mind is my social anxiety this year. It's been tough to deal with in the past, but I really want to work on it and find ways to feel more comfortable in social situations. I'm hoping to learn some new techniques and strategies for managing my distaste for gatherings, and I'm also planning on talking to friends and family for support. I know it's going to be a challenge, but I'm excited to see what progress I can make and how it will help me live my life more fully.
Bae maybe?: A part of me is really hoping to find a girlfriend this year. I've been single for a while, and I'm feeling ready to start a new relationship as things clear up a bit for me.
I'm not in a rush, as I find a lot of comfort in isolation, but it would be really nice to have someone special to share my life with once again. I'm planning on putting myself out there more, trying new activities, and meeting new people. I know it can be tough to find the right person, but I'm feeling optimistic that I'll meet someone who's a good match for me. At the end of the day, I just want to find someone who's kind, caring and treats Amala and Semo as the abominations they are while sharing similar interests with me.
Fingers crossed!
22’s Backbone
Here’s a list of people I’d give shoutouts to for making 22’ worthwhile for me in no particular order:
Susan Afun - the absolute LOML
Aseroma Britney
Ayoola Daniel
Emmanuel Onah
Emmanuel Bankole
Parting Lyrics:
Let's raise our hands, let's sing and dance
I know my lyrics saved you, I know my lyrics saved you
Let's raise our hands and sing and dance
I know my lyrics saved you, I know I helped you break through -
Song title: Man of the Year - Juice Wrld
Congratulations for successfully leveling up.
May 23 bring you far greater things in life
Amala and Semo aren’t abominations 🙄. Happy birthday Oluwaseun and thank you for sharing this beautiful piece 💯