YOUNG, BROKE AND LAZY?!

I hope this newsletter finds you with a full stomach, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and a bank account that's not begging for mercy. But if you're anything like me – probably living off your parents' prayers and money, your friends' generosity, and your own sheer determination to survive – then this letter is for you.

"Relax, you're still in your 20s." A very familiar concept. And to be honest, I get it. I understand the message this common statement is trying to pass, but I'm careful to oppose it because, in my opinion, it's doing more harm than good to us – the youth, teens, and young adults.

That phrase is meant to advocate for quality physical and mental health, avoid burnout, and allow for relaxation and exploration. However, it's as though we've leaned so much into that aspect that we forget our twenties are a critical time for building, shaping, and laying the foundation for our future.

We no longer want to stress ourselves, we no longer want to do things outside of our comfort zone. Heck, we don't want to grow too! We prefer sleeping in, scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, waiting for opportunities to knock. And then we say, "I just want to relax and take things slow." What exactly are we relaxing for? Why are we relaxing? Have we worked so hard, given our all, and reached a point where we can confidently say, "It's a wrap!"?

Have we truly shown up for ourselves? Maximized our full potential? So, why relax? when we haven't done anything serious? We've romanticized laziness, made it look aesthetically pleasing, like it's something to be proud of. We've gotten to the point where we're complacent, comfortable with the bare minimum, not hungry for more or our becoming. It's disturbing.

Let's take a look at the knowledgeable men and women we look up to. Permit me to mention a few I admire. (Even if you don't permit me, I will still tell you. 😭😂) -Tunde Onakoya, Temilade Salami, Ezinne Zara, etc. I'm sure they wouldn't have accomplished half of what they have now if they were complacent, lazy, or too tired to pursue their passions relentlessly. This should tell us something. We can't become great by not doing, by not putting in the work.

Every time I see Temilade Salami still doing, still grinding, still immersing value upon herself, I'm motivated. And we want to rest? No, not now. Let's try, even if we don't succeed at it. At least, we'll be able to beat our chest and say we tried.

Please, let's not succumb to the popularity of taking it easy. I get it, it's meant to help us soak up the freedom and spontaneity of our youth, but honestly, it's not for everyone. Some of us need a little push to get moving. Especially if you're lazy, because poverty will walk you through the valley of the shadow of sapa and ignorance.😂😭 What your eyes will see, your mouth won't be able to tell if you don't get to work.

I don't know what better way to conclude this letter, honestly. Let's just begin to take our lives very seriously. We can't be living like this! Haaa! ile aye ko ni yen nau.😂 We can't be broke and lazy at the same time, that's a bad combination.

Let's focus on learning valuable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Let's watch value-packed videos, read books, utilize free resources like free online courses, Youtube tutorials and podcasts that can help us to learn new skills and gain knowledge.

Let's make a pact to dig deep and find the tenacity to push through tough times, and the grit to keep going even when it feels like everything is against us.

So when opportunities come knocking, we'll be ready – fully loaded and equipped to seize them.

Woo, till next time! I've started taking my own life very seriously, it would be wise of you to do the same.

With love and serious side eye,

Inioluwa.🤍