The Sunday Mail
Entrepreneur and life coach Patrick T Huni, in his inspirational book “A Wisdom For Every Age”, shares secrets on how people can be successful throughout their lives.
Some of the core principles of success at every age group explored in the book include leveraging strength, pursuing goals, reflective thinking, reigniting energy, shaping legacy, distilling wisdom, building effective relationships and attitude management.
The chapters explore the various needs of individuals from the very young to those in advanced age groups and then threads them all together. Practical examples are used to stress some points with great effect, with the writer blending personal experiences and those of prominent success stories.
While trying to elaborate on the fact that age is just but a number when it comes to being successful, Huni refers to the story behind the formation of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), with the founder starting the business in his 60s.
The first chapter of the book focuses on the young, individuals below 25 years of age, which he sites as one of the most important phases in life.
This is seen as the formative stage in life which broadly shapes how one’s life is bound to pan out in the future.
Huni points out that a child who is taught to be industrious will likely be productive later on in life as opposed to children who grow up with lazy minds.
“As I was growing up, my parents would arrange that during our four week school holidays, the first two would be spent in our rural home weeding our five hectare plot. My brothers and I were natural book lovers being born to teaching parents; so the carrot was that upon finishing work we would promptly go to the city for the last two weeks to study.
“I have since benefited from such work ethic: If I must accomplish anything that I am convinced about, I spare no effort.”
In this paragraph the author explains how his upbringing shaped the way he approached everything he partakes in even today. It is during these first few years in life where talent is discovered, be it in sport, arts and academics.
The text highlights that career guidance and life-coaching is significant during these formative years in order to groom rather than suppress the various talents that might be within individuals.
Reading this chapter, I began to understand some of the necessary preparatory steps towards the hustle of adulthood.
The author stresses that a solid foundation is key in preparing for a bright future.
In the chapter that deals with the young adult phase, the relentless pursuit of goals is the focal point. Between the ages 21 and 40, most people expect to be working and climbing the corporate ladder, the business minded focusing on growth in their profits.
“The wisdom of this age-group is pursuit and consolidation. Any competitive advantage identified in the first quarter must aggressively be pressed home. If one has proven themselves of some academic excellence, this is the time to push on for a second degree, a Masters Degree and even a Doctorate.”
Various aspects of this stage are explored, with various career moves and changes that are chosen by individuals. Huni goes on to dwell on middle and advanced age in the latter chapters but that is for you to explore on your own avid reader. This book is a good read for everyone since it does not target one particular age group.
The inspirational piece has key guidelines for every stage and situation in life, which makes it ideal for individuals who are still finding themselves.
