We have, on one hand, people obsessed with being “the only one”. The only one to graduate in record time. The only millionaire in the village. The only successful rapper etc. When they see others wanting to succeed with them, they become uncomfortable.

On the other hand, we have people obsessed with being “the first one”. The first one to get a job. The first one to buy a car. The first one to publish a book etc. When they see others doing it before them, they become jealous.

Generally, this perpetuates the two disturbing syndromes viz “pull them down” and “keep them down” syndromes.

On a prima facie basis, it looks like competitiveness is our biggest issue. Although it is one of the issues, I would like to argue that it is not the main issue. The main issue is a deeper mental conditioning. Perhaps it has to do with how we grew up.

Scarcity mentality, I believe is the main issue. According to Vusi Thembekwayo, “we believe that for us to eat more, we have to eat faster and someone has to eat less”. We believe that there is not enough for everyone. This, however, is far from the truth. The world we are living in is abundant. You and I can both be excellent. You and I can both be influential. You and I can both be rich. There is enough for everyone.

What do our friends’ achievements mean to us? For example, If your friend gets employment while you are still unemployed, it may mean two things. One, it is possible for someone with your expertise, qualification or characteristics to get a job. Two, you can learn from your friend how to crack the employment code. If four of your friends in a group of five are millionaires, you are most likely to be the next one.

Excellence, happiness, glory, and wealth are abundant. You don’t need someone to be mediocre for you to be excellent. You don’t need someone to be sad for you to be happy. You don’t need someone to be poor for you to be rich.

You and I, can be, excellent, together.
You and I, can be, rich, together.
You and I, can be, happy, together.

In the words of our ruling party, “working together, we can do more”.

#TodayIsToCollaborate