Let another person drive the car

Most achievers eventually get to their dream land. You may visualize the dream land as a state of fulfilment, a significant level of success or the pinnacle of a career. We reach higher levels of achievement at different stages of life. Some arrive early while others are late for the game. Whatever is the case, I perceive that it feels good to get to the most rewarding part of one’s endeavour. How did I know that? When people begin to experience significant success, command tremendous respect, or enjoy the accolades and praise of others, they usually don’t want it to end. That is when people have the tendency to become selfish, conceited, and insensitive. Most especially, when people possess power, they usually want to hold on to it, not letting it go.

Why do you think politicians continue to seek reelection and corporate executives fight to retain their positions? What is it about people not wanting to pass on the baton to anyone, continuing to sit tight in the driver’s seat? We need to remember that nothing lasts forever. Whether it is a good season or a bad one, time is transient. When we get into positions that matter, we can groom others to continue the work after us. The reason many people’s legacies and work vanish and are forever forgotten is because they held on for too long. They missed their chance to pass on the baton because of selfishness and greed.  
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Here is the point. You do not need to hold onto your current position, opportunity, or authority for too long. This world is sometimes like a board game where one person occupies the space left by another. Some will create space, while others will occupy the space. If you can create new spaces, go ahead, and allow others to step in the shoes you are leaving behind. You can blaze the trail while others trail the blaze. However, most people can only drive the car so far. You don’t need to do it until you run out of ideas and energy, or until you become irrelevant. Let another person take the steering wheel, allowing them to build on your legacy. 

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Actions for the week

1. Think about your current position, level of authority, or success. Is there someone you can train to take over while you move on to greater things?
2. Knowing that life is transient, start developing a plan for the time when you will no longer possess the power, authority, or strength you currently have.
3. Share this message with those in your network.

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A quote to remember
"Seize the day, then let it go." – Marty Rubin

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books
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