Train yourself to be ‘SELF’: Smart, entrepreneurial, a leader, financially independent

Being Smart – The best art is to be smart. Smartness to me, is everything about life and time management. The quality of a lifetime is the quality of its management. Time is a resource that, once spent, can never be regained, and making the most of it truly defines a high-quality life.

Success is not a function of nationality, it is a product of intentionality – It isn’t about where you’re born, but how you choose to navigate life. Intentionality fuels achievement, shaping outcomes through deliberate actions, strategic decisions, and unwavering commitment.

Smartness is about crafting a vision, taking decisive steps, and refusing to let circumstances define limitations. Those who succeed are those who own their journey, continuously refine their skills, and embrace opportunities with clarity and purpose.

Smartness is truly the art of navigating life with efficiency, wisdom, and intentionality. Time and life management shape the trajectory of success, fulfillment, and purpose.

Being smart isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about resourcefulness, adaptability, and making decisions that maximize value. Whether managing an asset, refining a skill, or cultivating the right mindset, how we allocate time and energy determines the quality of our outcomes.

In entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth, the ability to optimize choices, anticipate challenges, and sustain momentum separates those who thrive from those who stagnate.

Being entrepreneurial – Developing an entrepreneurial mindset requires cultivating adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Here are some powerful strategies to build that mindset:

1. Embrace a growth mentality

See challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Learn from failures and setbacks instead of fearing them.

Continuously seek knowledge through books, courses, and mentorship.

2. Think creatively & innovatively

Question the status quo and find ways to improve existing systems.

Develop problem-solving skills by looking for gaps in the market.

Brainstorm new ideas regularly and experiment with different approaches.

3. Take calculated risks

Entrepreneurship thrives on risk-taking, but smart risks yield growth.

Do thorough research and create contingency plans before making big decisions.

Start small and scale as you build confidence.

4. Build Resilience & Mental Toughness

Expect setbacks and challenges, but commit to bouncing back stronger.

Cultivate self-discipline and perseverance.

Surround yourself with positive influences who encourage your vision.

5. Network & Learn from Others

Engage with experienced entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals.

Attend industry conferences, workshops, and online communities.

Find mentors or advisors who can offer valuable insights.

6. Master financial literacy

Understand budgeting, investing, and profit margins.

Learn about business financing options and revenue strategies.

Make informed decisions to ensure long-term financial independence.

7. Develop an action-oriented approach

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, start now with what you have.

Test ideas, iterate, and refine based on real-world feedback.

Take responsibility for shaping your own success.

8. Stay Adaptable & Open to Change

The business world evolves rapidly—stay flexible and willing to pivot.

Adopt new technology and business trends proactively.

Be willing to reinvent yourself and your strategies as needed.

Being a Leader – Going straight to the point, being a leader is the discipline and energy to get something done. The opposite of leadership is lethargy. A leader is an inspired individual who keeps pushing boundaries and setting the pace.

A true leader is indeed someone who is driven, proactive, and constantly pushing boundaries—never settling for the status quo. They inspire others by setting the pace and demonstrating unwavering commitment to progress.

Some key attributes of effective leadership include:

• Vision – Seeing beyond the present and guiding others toward a meaningful goal.
• Resilience – The ability to keep moving forward despite obstacles.
• Influence – Not just giving orders but inspiring action through example.
• Adaptability – Embracing change and navigating uncertainty with confidence.
• Execution – Leadership is not just about ideas but the discipline to get things done.

To be productive is to be proactive.

Proactiveness is the foundation of productivity—it means taking initiative, anticipating challenges, and making things happen rather than waiting for them to unfold.

Some ways to cultivate proactive productivity include:

• Setting clear goals – Define what success looks like and outline actionable steps.
• Prioritising tasks – Focus on high-impact activities instead of getting lost in busywork.
• Thinking ahead – Anticipate challenges and find solutions before they arise.
• Taking ownership – Be responsible for outcomes and continuously improve processes.
• Embracing a growth mindset – Learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances.

 

Being financially independent

Financial independence is about having the freedom to make choices without being constrained by money. It’s achieved through smart financial management, strategic investments, and disciplined habits.

 

Key steps to financial independence:

1. Increase Income Streams: Diversify earnings through entrepreneurship, investments, freelancing, or passive income sources.
2. Budget & Control Expenses: Track spending, eliminate unnecessary costs, and prioritise saving over impulse purchases.
3. Save & Invest Wisely: Build an emergency fund, invest in assets that appreciate over time (stocks, real estate, businesses).
4. Avoid Debt Traps: Minimize high-interest debt and use credit responsibly to maintain financial stability.
5. Plan for Long-Term Wealth: Think beyond immediate gains—retirement planning, insurance, and wealth preservation matter.
6. Develop financial literacy: Constantly educate yourself on money management, market trends, and investment strategies.
7. Leverage opportunities: Identify profitable ventures, seek mentorship, and stay adaptable to economic shifts.

Financial independence isn’t just about wealth—it’s about having control over your time, opportunities, and future.

There is money in energy and energy in money if you can’t make money, try to make energy count.

Energy—whether in the form of effort, creativity, or persistence—is a currency of its own. If one isn’t immediately making money, investing energy wisely can lead to future opportunities, success, and wealth.

Here’s how to make energy count:

Focus on value creation – The more value you provide, the more likely money will follow.

Master your craft – Use your energy to refine your skills and become indispensable.

Leverage momentum – Keep pushing forward; consistent action compounds over time.

Invest in relationships – Building strong networks can open doors to financial opportunities.

Transforming energy into financial success requires a strategic approach to maximising effort, creativity, and persistence.

Here are some key ways to do it:

 

1. Monetise your skills and passion

• Identify high-demand skills you possess and turn them into income streams (e.g., freelancing, consulting, online courses).
• If you’re passionate about something, explore ways to monetize it (e.g., content creation, coaching, or selling products).

2. Leverage the Power of Networking

• Build valuable relationships with people in industries that align with your goals.
• Collaborate with others who complement your skillset, creating opportunities for growth and profitability.

3. Invest Your Time & Energy Wisely

• Focus on high-return activities—spend time on things that create lasting value.
• Avoid distractions that drain energy without leading to productivity or financial gain.

4. Create scalable opportunities

• Instead of trading time for money, invest in scalable projects—like digital products, automated services, and passive income sources (e.g., real estate, stocks, affiliate marketing).
• Think long-term: How can you make money while you sleep?

5. Maximise Resourcefulness & Innovation

• The most successful entrepreneurs adapt and innovate constantly.
• Find unique ways to solve problems, offer services, or market products in ways that stand out.

6. Apply Financial Intelligence

• Manage your finances strategically—budget, save, invest, and diversify income sources.
• Use your energy to create multiple streams of income rather than relying on one.

7. Take action & stay consistent

• Energy without execution leads nowhere—taking consistent action turns potential into profit.
• Success compounds over time—keep pushing forward and refining your approach.

READ ALSO: Leadership: Africa’s missing link to transformation