Yes, we all have dreams we want to achieve, yet many of us lack the means to begin.
The truth is reality can be hard to face. But here’s the formula: "Means are created by action, not excuses." You don’t need money alone to start—you need determination and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes, it's about offering value to others for free as a way to build relationships and open doors. I remember walking across Commercial Avenue in Bamenda, offering to write project proposals for free. I had no money, but I had time and determination. One day, someone saw my work and was impressed. That one opportunity set everything in motion. I remember meeting Akaba James at the British Council Library who showed me how to type on a desktop for the first time and from there many things changed for me. The support you need often starts with "you."
The Practical Path Forward
When you think you have nothing, ask yourself: have you tried volunteering to gain a skill that can earn you money? Have you approached the seamstress next door to learn a trade? Have you learned to cook and started selling food by the roadside? Too often, people sit back with “big books” and “big grammar,” mentality refusing to take practical steps. Success comes from action. I remember teaching Physics and Maths to neighbour kids for just 100 francs an hour. Some people rejected me, but others accepted, and by the end of the month, I had earned 10,000 francs. That wasn’t much, but it was a foundation. Even if you’re earning 2,000 francs, save it in a Njangi or a community savings group. Over time, these small beginnings add up. The reality is, that you cannot make money without offering value, and value comes from action and sacrifice. Small efforts, when consistent, lead to growth. It’s not the business idea that stops us—it’s our unwillingness to do what it takes to generate the capital to begin.
The reality is simple: no pain, no gain. If you can’t start small or take initiative, even 100 million francs won’t change your life. The key is to take action, offer value, and build relationships that create opportunities. In Africa, too many focus solely on formal jobs, forgetting the power of innovation and hard work. Success requires sacrifice, humility, and consistency. So, stop waiting for perfect conditions. Roll up your sleeves, start small, and keep moving forward. Real change begins with the first step—no matter how small.
Mindset Change School by Dr. Richard Munang
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