When I made the decision to study for an MBA at the Lagos Business School, I told myself that it was not going to be an easy feat. With this thought in mind, I reminded myself that this was probably going to be one of the toughest endeavors I had undertaken in a while and that this was going to be an experience that would do either of two things; show me how much I had grown or how much more I had to grow.
Full disclosure: my career has taken off in the past three years. I have become tasked with responsibilities at a level that I have aspired to and prepared myself for over the better part of the last decade. I must say that by a potent mix of luck and preparedness, it is all coming together. This is why I think it is important that I am forthright that this journey is undertaken to prepare me for the next phase of career growth I expect will materialize soon.
Which brings me to the thinking behind my piece’s title.
When the program started, I reminded myself that I would have to become even more disciplined with the use of what I consider to be the scarcest and most irreplaceable resource known – time. This meant that hard choices would have to be made about what I committed my time to, and what I would be letting go of in the interim.
In my conscious moments, I operate with the belief that time is finite and since the program began, the choices have become harder than I ever imagined as my work has foisted on me more demands than I thought.
While I have been deliberate about limiting the frequency of my indulgence in nightlife for personal and security reasons, I have curated some hobbies that have been quite beneficial to me. Alas, these hobbies, and the associated social circles, are now being sacrificed on the altar of maintaining a decent performance at work and school.
To a large degree, the program has delivered on the rigor and demands that were promised and I have attempted to keep up. To what extent, I do not know yet.
However, I am now faced with what seems an impossible task – how to make room for more in an already hectic schedule?
To solve this dilemma, I am actively exploring how to balance an increasingly demanding career and a program with the potential to amplify my professional capacity to allow me accelerate the achievement of my career goals.
I do not currently have a foolproof solution. However, if I am certain of nothing else since this program started, I am certain that I will be making hard choice(s) daily on which activities I commit my time to as I make room for what I expect to be an increasingly demanding and hopefully fulfilling program.
I look forward to the next phases of this journey of self-discovery.
#MEMBA12
Learning experiences are invaluable moments in life that shape our understanding and skills. They can be formal, like classroom education, or informal, gained through personal exploration. Reflecting on these experiences helps us grow and adapt, allowing us to make more informed decisions and face challenges with greater confidence. Whether it is honing one’s skills, embracing a new hobby, or navigating life’s complexities, each learning experience enriches our lives.
My learning experiences at a reputable institution such as Lagos Business School has offered me a unique blend of structured knowledge, expert guidance, and a supportive community. My experience, so far, has provided a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. The exposure to high-caliber, best – in – class faculty and resources has been awe – inspiring. LBS fosters critical thinking, research skills, and social connections, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.
No doubt, it has been challenging juggling work with academics. A challenging learning experience is like a crucible for personal growth. It often pushes us out of our comfort zone and demands persistence, resilience, and adaptability. These experiences can take many forms, from tackling complex subjects in school to facing adversity in our personal lives or careers. While they can be daunting, they teach us valuable lessons in problem-solving, perseverance, and self-discovery. Overcoming challenges in learning not only expands our knowledge but also builds character, making us stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the uncertainties of life.
I have learnt in the course of the LBS programme to give priority to things that matter and focus more on areas that add value to me professionally. The journey ahead will not be easy but I am committed and unwavering in my resolve to give my best.
I intend being a better version of myself on a daily basis while deploying everything needed to realize this.