Lift Others As You Climb

Some people think that success is a race which is meant for just a few selected people to win. Some even think that to get to the top, they have to push others out of their way, focus on themselves only, and protect themselves from anyone trying to catch up with them. What they fail to understand is that what they have is a selfish mindset, which can easily trap someone. True success is not about standing alone at the top, but it is about how many people you have also helped to the top. A lot of the most successful people in the world have one simply rule "lift others as you climb." This means that as you progress in life, as you gain power, knowledge and success, you have to use them to help others too.

There is a man who inspired me so much in the place where I lived before. He was into the sales of motor spare parts, and he was making a lot of money in it. He succeeded so much in the business, but that was not all. He picked up some youths within the community where he lived and helped them in the business too. He introduced them to it, mentored them, and even gave them financial support. In his words, he would always say that what shows how successful someone is is by how many people he has helped to become successful too. After a while, some of those youths had already started doing well in the same business and they also started helping others too. It was like a ripple effect in the community.

A day came when he had a very big financial setback. The container carrying his goods crashed and it affected him in ways he did not expect. However, something adorable happened. Those youths that he helped to rise, which some of them were already doing well, heard about his financial crisis. So they came together, contributed the money for one container of goods, and gave to him. He could not believe his eyes. You see, he lifted others when he climbed, so they helped to lift him when he was down.

Imagine climbing alone to the top and then realising that you are alone, what do you think will happen if challenges come? In a family for example, if it is only one person that is making it, every expense will be on his shoulders. But if he helps to raise others, responsibilities will be shared. More so, you will feel safer, knowing that you are not the only pillar of the family. You have to understand that if you refuse to help the people that are below you, they will not support you when you run into trouble. Even if they want to help, they may not have what to help with.

It is worthy to note that when you invest your time, energy, and resources to help others, your own growth will be multiplied and amplified. I have come to understand that you tend to grow more when you help others to grow too. When I was in school, I noticed that when I help teach others a particular topic, my understanding of the topic will be enhanced. When you teach someone how to do something well, you are not losing value, rather you are building an ally. Tomorrow, the same person you taught might become who will help other people. You will be surprised how a lot of destinies are connected to one person. The same person you raise may go ahead to raise other people, and the circle continues in that way.

You do not have to have everything before you are able to raise others. Right from the place you are, in your own little way, and in what you do, you can also help someone else to stand on their feet too. You may be skilled at braiding hairs for example, you can also teach others the same skill. With that, they can fend for themselves and earn money. What builds your legacy is not what you have in your pocket, nor what is in your bank account, but what you have positively impacted on others. This is what you will be remembered for, so make it count.

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