3 key things that helped me grow In life

When I look back at my journey — both socially and professionally — which began roughly nine years ago, I feel a deep sense of gratitude.

Allow me a little bragging right.

I have done remarkably well in the Nigerian gaming industry. I've worked with the top two sports betting companies in the country, and today I'm helping build what could become the third major force.

That didn't happen by accident.

When I reflect on what made the difference, three things stand out.

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1. Relationships

I have always believed that relationships are everything.

The best way to build strong relationships is simple: think more about others than yourself. Give first. Add value first. Then ask.

When I sit at a deal table, my focus is not "How do I win?" It's "How do we both win?"

Too many professionals approach business the wrong way. Someone connects with you on LinkedIn today, and tomorrow, they send a generic sales pitch. No effort to understand who you are. No attempt to build rapport.

What happened to getting to know people first?

Business is long-term. Reputation compounds. Relationships compound. And in Nigeria's gaming industry — like many industries — your name travels faster than your CV.

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2. Patience

I believe deeply in the long game.

I am not interested in getting rich quickly. In my experience, the "get rich quick" mindset often leads to shortcuts. And shortcuts usually cost you your values.

Over the years, I have been presented with opportunities that could have made me wealthy overnight. I walked away.

Not because I lacked ambition — but because I value sustainability more than speed.

Maybe it's because I have always known how to make money. I enjoy the process of building, solving, and growing. Sudden wealth without the journey doesn't excite me.

You can build real wealth by doing the right thing consistently. Patience protects your integrity. It keeps you grounded. It filters out bad behaviour that desperation often invites.

Forget peer pressure. Forget impressing people.

Instead, ask yourself:

When I'm no longer here, what will people say about me?

I want to be remembered as someone who gave more than he received.

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3. Hard Work

The one thing we all truly control is our work ethic.

Time and dedication determine outcomes.

I have never seen anyone build lasting wealth without an extraordinary amount of hard work — combined with smart thinking.

Yes, some people may have better connections. Some may come from wealthier families. Some may have attended better schools.

But disciplined, focused, intelligent, hard work can close almost any gap.

Most people are not unwilling to succeed; they are unwilling to endure the time it takes to succeed.

If you want to be in the top 1%, it should be hard. There are billions of people competing for success. Difficulty is part of the equation.

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Enjoying the Process

In the end, I love building relationships. I value patience. And I work relentlessly.

I believe anything is possible, but it takes time. To stay happy, I've learned to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

How?

I only do what I love. If I'm not happy, I leave. I refuse to live a life where I dislike the process.

I often hear people say, "I'd rather cry in a Mercedes than laugh in a Toyota.” I understand their point of view, but I don't share it.

Money, to me, is an enabler. Nothing more.

You can design a meaningful life at any level, and expand it as you grow.

I've learned to be comfortable in every situation.

Life is long.

Wishing you love, happiness, and good health.

— Adekunle Adeniji