What Will You Be?

What will you be if you don't become who you wanted to be?

This question resonated deeply with me at the tender age of 14, a time when I found myself falling short of my football aspirations without even realizing it. As Steve Jobs famously remarked in his 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, "you can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards."

Despite my tender age, I understood that there was no turning back from the life I envisioned for myself. I pondered the alternative paths that lay ahead, trying to imagine what else I could be if I didn't wholeheartedly pursue my passion. Struggling to envision an alternative, I found myself at a crossroads. While my initial dream was to enlist in the Army—supported wholeheartedly by my father—my mother's apprehension was palpable. However, it wasn't until I discovered my true passion that the path forward became clear.

With unwavering faith in God, a commitment to hard work, and a resilience that refused to falter, I embraced my love for the game and threw myself into its pursuit with fervor. Each step forward felt like a triumph, a testament to my determination to carve out a future aligned with my deepest passions.

REINVENTION

Fast forward to March 2024, eighteen years of age and there I was, immersed in the grind of a factory job, punching in hours from 9 to 9—yeah, not even the traditional 9 to 5. In just four days at the plastic factory, I gleaned a valuable lesson, one that hit me like a ton of bricks from day one: What will you be if you don't become who you wanted to be?

My pursuit of becoming a professional football player remained steadfast, but the dynamics had shifted. No longer was my drive solely fueled by the pure love of the game. Time was ticking, and the weight of expectation began to bear down on me like never before. It was at this juncture that I realized the necessity to reinvent myself. The hunger that initially propelled me forward has brought me this far as I pursue my dream in a foreign country, but to traverse any further, I needed to reinvest in myself.

As I toiled away at the factory, a nagging thought plagued my mind: "An aspiring football player turned factory worker." It was a stark juxtaposition that spurred me into action, compelling me to confront life head-on. Was I falling behind? Was I giving it my all? Had I made the right choices? Though answers eluded me, one thing was clear—I needed to demand more from myself.

I revisited the haunting question that had been gnawing at my consciousness: What will you be if you don't become who you wanted to be?

As I pen these words, my mind drifts back to a memorable episode from the renowned series "Peaky Blinders," specifically Season 2, Episode 5. I believe including the clip below will enrich your comprehension of the subsequent discussion within this article.

My response was stark and sobering—I would either languish in a factory job or resign myself to a mundane nine-to-five existence for the rest of my days.

The emotions that washed over me could be best described as a mix of sadness, pressure, and unwavering motivation.

While many in my age bracket may opt to coast through life, accepting whatever fate tosses their way, that was never my modus operandi. I've always been the architect of my destiny, steering my own course and assuming full responsibility for my existence. It's a double-edged sword—while those on cruise control may enjoy a carefree existence, my path is riddled with anxiety and uncertainty. Yet, it's a path I willingly tread, driven by a burning desire to shape my own future.

As I embarked on a journey of introspection, I couldn't help but reflect on the distinct choices I had made, the unconventional path I had trodden, and the imperative need for a fresh approach to navigate the new phase of my life.

Throughout my existence, I've always veered away from the beaten path, opting for routes less traveled by the majority. From trekking kilometers to training sessions, to fervently praying my way into a football academy at the age of 14, to diverging from the conventional trajectory post-high school to pursue the life of my dreams—I've embraced a path beyond the ordinary. My journey has been propelled by a deep-seated fear of mediocrity, a dread of settling for less, and an unyielding determination to unlock my fullest potential.

The turning point arrived when I resolved to go all in. While diligent efforts had brought me thus far, I recognized the need for heightened commitment. For me, the battle transcended mere physical exertion—it was a spiritual endeavor. I fervently believed that by merging the spiritual with the physical, I could break through limitations and achieve unparalleled feats. Since that pivotal decision, there has been no looking back. While I may not have reached my destination yet, each day brings me closer to realizing my aspirations.

What will I be if I don't become what I wanted to be? Regardless of the outcome, I vow to harbor no regrets. I firmly adhere to the principle that what is worth doing is worth doing well. If I choose to endeavor, I shall do so with unwavering commitment and dedication. Half-measures are not an option—it's all or nothing.