"Dream is not the thing you see in sleep but is that thing that doesn't let you sleep." - APJ Abdul Kalam.
I know at one point or the other in your life you must have had that thrill, that inner joy and satisfaction that comes with being able to achieve a set goal or being in the course of achieving your goals, your dreams and ambitions.
Just last week I was with a friend, we had what seemed like a heart to heart talk. Those are moments I really enjoy. We reminisced on our journey so far, the success stories, the hard times, the times we escaped failure by the whiskers, and the those moments we've come in contact with failures and the things that helped us get back on our feet and to continue pushing. It's been so much of a journey so far. The journey to becoming a medical doctor has not been an easy one but one of the things that keeps me going when every other thing is low is that inner encouragement, the inner satisfaction that I tell myself "Steve you always wanted this, now you have it, and you know you can do this and you're gonna be fine at the end of the day".
I must say it's a kind of nostalgic feeling I'm having writing on this week's prompt on Hive Naija because it brings back memories of my childhood and reminds me of the impact a decision or should I say a motivation can have on ones entire life.
I can still remember very well I just entered junior high then, what we call JSS 1 in this part of the world . That was when I came in contact with this book titled think big by Ben Carson. I later went on to read his first book titled Gifted hands and other of his books like the big picture, take the risk, etc.
Ben Carson not only went on to become a career figure for me to emulate, but he become the first person I accepted as my mentor. I not only wanted to become a medical doctor but also neurosurgeon just like Ben Carson 🤔. This decision helped me to focus on my academics as he describes that becoming what he is only possible when you have a 100 percent focus on your books. Not so long I became one of the best if not the best in the class 😂
And in this part of the world even teachers will encourage you to study medicine when they discover you're smart and hard-working. That's exactly what happened, I finished from sec school, applied to universities and colleges, after some years I got accepted and as you know so far my life have been about studies, clinical postings and patient care 😅
It's been six going to seven solid years of medical training, steady on the grind 😭 😁
And someone will wonder why I said it's a nostalgic feeling writing on this prompt ? Well I know alot of my friends and colleagues who had similar motivation as mine.
I've come to realize that in all it's good that one should explore, it's very necessary to allow the young child chose his dream. Pls don't dream for the child. In our days alot of parents start grooming their children to be alot of other things other than the child's passion. I think we should rather watch out for the child and help him or her develop their strengths, talents or physical ability rather than forcing them become something you think will be more befiting or pays more.
A few of my course mates and classmates have dropped along the way. Most of them give reasons like "this is not what I want for myself" or "I can't catch myself doing this forever".
There were times when I catch myself saying if not for Ben Carson my life will be more easy and peaceful maybe 😂😂.
This post shouldn't be a discouragement to anyone wanting to pursue a medical degree or something relating. It's actually fun and enjoyable.. although it's tasking, anyone with passion will thrive easily.
Currently, I enjoy what I do because it's what I wanted, although motivated by a public figure, I had to make the dream mine. I'm not trying to be another great neurosurgeon as Ben Carson anymore, I have interest in facial reconstruction and dentistry so I intend to venture into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery because in this part of our world we see alot of people with oral surgery needs but they either lack the resources to finance their treatment or doctors to carry out such treatments are not readily available.
Schooling is one aspect of my life. There are other things I enjoy doing like traveling, nature walks, public speaking, attending capacity building summits, seminars and Leadership conferences. And I find a way to incorporate them into my daily life. Like right now as I right this post I'm on a journey to a conference in a state in the Eastern part of Nigeria.
So in conclusion, motivations are really important, they have helped shaped many lives and alot of people are what they are today because they got motivated. Let's endeavour to take it one step at a time and ensure to motivate our selves or other people around us in realtion to our dreams and the passion of that individual respectively. That way we won't regret taking that path and the energy to continue moving will never be lacking.
Thank you for reading through ❤️
I'm Stevewealth. I hope you got value for your time.