In the shadows of the star-studded night sky, Kwaku consults the wise old man seeking insight into his future. He intends to move to the big city for greener pastures but like many young men from the village, he believes the oracles could bring clarity to his intentions.
The old man squatted, drawing two circles on the ground—one with white chalk and the other with charcoal. He then placed a curled centipede between them, declaring, “If it crawls toward the white circle, you will succeed. If it moves toward the black, you will fail.”
Kwaku leaned forward, barely breathing. The centipede uncurled slowly. Then it began moving – straight toward the black circle.
His heart sank. “So… I am destined to fail?”
But before the old man could answer, Kwaku reached down, scooped up the centipede, and deliberately placed it in the white circle.
The old man raised an eyebrow. “Interesting choice.”
“This was never about the centipede and the circles,” he added. “It was about seeing what you would do when fate seemed to turn against you. Some wait for permission to succeed. Others…” he gestured at the millipede in the white circle, “…take matters into their own hands.“
Kwaku sat straighter, understanding dawning in his eyes.
The old man looked up and smiled. “Go. A brighter future awaits,” he said. “Not because of where the millipede landed, but because you refused to let it decide your fate.”
As Kwaku stood to leave, the sage called after him: “Remember this day, young one. Remember that destiny isn’t what crawls toward you – it’s what you dare to reach for.”
What determines your destiny isn’t external signs, prophecies, or affirmations—it’s action
Here’s why success depends on action, not waiting:
• You are the architect of your destiny. Like Kwaku, those who take charge of their lives don’t wait for signs; they create their own outcomes.
• Waiting breeds stagnation. Hoping for affirmations or declarations to magically transform your life is like waiting for rain in a drought without planting seeds.
• Action trumps prophecy and resolutions. The sage’s lesson is clear: even if the world predicts failure, your will and your effort are what ultimately shape your path.
To make 2025 the year of your success, start here:
1. Define clear goals. Don’t just proclaim resolutions. Break them into actionable steps.
2. Learn a skill or gain knowledge. Success isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation and adaptability.
3. Take consistent action. Even small, incremental steps build momentum. Success favours those who move.
4. Rely on your will, not external forces. Stop waiting for perfect conditions—they’ll never come. Start where you are, with what you have.
Here’s the wisdom to carry into the new year…
“Destiny isn’t written by stars or sages. It’s forged by hands that refuse to stay idle.”
The sage’s lesson for Kwaku is a lesson for us all. The difference between success and failure isn’t the direction of a millipede—it’s the direction of your effort.
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