By Tobiloba Ahmed
Sir: As I look at the possibilities of hope, it reminds me that failure is not the final destination in the realisation of our dreams and aspirations. Life is full of numerous ups and downs, highs and lows, rearing its ugly head at us.
Usually, at different transitions of our lives, tests and trials will always present themselves at us. For some, it could be slow career progression, or not being able to realise a political ambition just to mention but a few.
Life is not a straight journey. If you can activate the relentless power of the internal compass of hope, the possibilities it will bring will be great. Oftentimes, we give up so easily in the face of challenges, and when things we hope for seem not to be actualised, the way we expected them to be we throw in the towel.
Where you are today is not the end of your story, and it is not your final destination. Failure is part of life; no one ever succeeds in life without experiencing failure at different stages of life. In fact, failures are stepping stones to the actual realisation of our dreams and possibilities.
Having hope that our story is not over until we realise it is a powerful defence against discouragement, doubt, fear, and unbelief. This reminds me of the story of one of the most prominent Presidents of the United States of America, who was audacious and overcame failure.
Abraham Lincoln’s story is a story of tenacity and persistence. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, into a poor farming family. His early life was marked by hardship, limited access to formal education, and constant struggle. Despite these challenges, Lincoln developed a strong love for reading and self-education, which shaped his character and intellectual growth. From a young age, he learned the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance.
Lincoln experienced numerous failures before achieving success. In 1831, his first business venture failed, leaving him in debt and disappointment. In 1832, he suffered his first political defeat when he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature. Rather than quit or allow these setbacks to discourage him, Lincoln studied law, improved himself, and continued to pursue public service. He faced emotional hardship in 1835 following the death of a close friend, yet he recovered and moved forward with renewed determination.
Throughout his political career, Lincoln encountered repeated defeats. He lost several important elections and nominations, including attempts to become Speaker of the Illinois House, a member of the U.S. Congress, and a U.S. Senator between 1838 and 1858. However, each failure strengthened his resolve and refined his leadership skills. His participation in the Lincoln–Douglas debates in 1858, although unsuccessful in securing a Senate seat, brought him national recognition and established him as a powerful voice against slavery and injustice.
Lincoln’s persistence eventually paid off when he was elected President of the United States on November 6, 1860, and inaugurated on March 4, 1861. His rise to the Presidency after years of repeated failure demonstrated his resilience, patience, and unwavering belief in his purpose. As President, he led the nation through the difficult period of the American Civil War and worked toward preserving the Union and ending slavery.
Lincoln did it. Thomas Edison did it. No matter the number of times you fail, always remember that failure is not your final destination. It is not over until you become what you hope for.
Always remember: hope is the picture of tomorrow’s imagination, brought into the possibilities of today. Don’t give up; you will get there.
Tobiloba Ahmed wrote from Lagos.
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