I’ll never forget my childhood friend, Tatenda. He’s been my partner in crime since we were kids, and his ambition has always inspired me. Growing up, he’d often say, "Bro dee, let me tell you something – when I grow up, I want to make a fortune beyond anyone’s wildest dreams!” His determination was infectious, and I admired his confidence.

As we grew older, Tatenda’s resolve only strengthened. One day, he told me he was ready to turn his childhood dream into a reality. But what struck me was his approach – he believed he didn’t need education or training to succeed. In his words, “All I need to do is hustle, bro!” I was taken aback. What kind of hustle could he possibly do without any knowledge or skills? He just smiled and said, “Trust me, bro.”

I’ve realized that Tatenda’s mindset is not unique. Many young people today are eager to achieve success, but they often lack a clear plan or strategy. They’re driven by a desire for wealth and status, without considering the importance of hard work, dedication, and integrity.

This experience prompted me to dig deeper. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, researching and learning about the essential elements required for success. And what I found was profound – knowledge, skills, network, resources, and reputation are the building blocks of achievement. But here’s the thing - they need to be acquired in the right order.

Unfortunately, our society often prioritizes wealth over wisdom. We celebrate those who’ve made it big, without questioning how they got there. This mentality can be damaging, as it undermines the value of hard work, education, and good character.

That’s why I want to share my insights with you. If you’re eager to succeed, but unsure where to start, then this is for you. It’s time to rethink our approach to achievement and focus on building a strong foundation. So, let’s get started.

If you’re like my friend Tatenda, eager to make a name for yourself and earn a good living, let me tell you something – knowledge is key. It’s the foundation upon which all success is built. Whatever path you choose, whether it’s entrepreneurship, a 9-to-5 job, or something entirely different, knowledge is essential.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – “But how do I acquire this knowledge?” Well, the good news is that it’s easier than ever before. With just a few clicks, you can access a wealth of information online. You can buy data, download e-books, and watch tutorials on YouTube. The possibilities are endless.

But here’s the thing – many of us are already spending money on data, but we’re using it for entertainment purposes, like watching videos on celebrity gossip or social issues. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to unwind and have some fun. But let’s be real, if you can spend money on data for entertainment, you can certainly spend it on acquiring knowledge that will improve your life and career.

I remember when I was pursuing my degree in Film and Theatre Arts, people would often ask me, “What’s the point of that degree? What can you do with it?” It was frustrating, to say the least. But I knew that I was investing in myself, acquiring the knowledge and skills I needed to succeed in my chosen field. And that’s exactly what I want to emphasize – the importance of knowledge and skills in achieving your goals.

Which brings me to my next point – skills. To me, skills are the tangible outcome of applying knowledge. In other words, knowledge is the foundation, and skills are the practical expression of that knowledge. You can’t have skills without first acquiring knowledge. At least, that’s how I see it.

I’m aware that not everyone might agree with me on this. We live in a world where celebrities and influential people can make money and shape public opinion with ease. But I believe that our beliefs should be grounded in evidence, not just because someone famous says so. We should rely on our own experiences, observations, and senses to inform our understanding of the world.

When we learn something new (acquire knowledge) and then apply that knowledge (develop skills), we empower ourselves to achieve our goals. It’s a powerful combination that can help us get what we want out of life.

l had a conversation with my friend Tatenda about the importance of building a strong foundation for success. I told him that once you have acquired knowledge and developed skills, you start to build a network of connections. It’s about who you know and who knows you. When you have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, you start to attract people who share your passions and values.

These connections can be incredibly powerful. They can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable advice and guidance, and help you stay motivated and focused. As I always say, “I want to prevail regardless of life’s challenges.” And I’m sure you do too. But to do so, you need a strong network of support.

Now, some people might think that building a network is just about collecting business cards or connecting with people on social media. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about building meaningful relationships with people who share your values and passions. And it’s about being able to offer value to others, whether that’s through your skills, knowledge, or experience.

As my director, Mr. Chitsiga, once said, “Being good and being lucky go hand in hand.” By “being good,” he meant having a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. And by “being lucky,” he meant having a strong network of connections that can help you achieve your goals.

Now, here’s the thing. Once you have acquired knowledge, developed skills, and built a strong network, you start to attract resources. You start to earn a good income, and you have the financial freedom to pursue your passions.

But here’s the question. Why bother with all of this? Why not just take shortcuts and try to achieve success without putting in the hard work? The answer is reputation. When you build a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and network, you start to build a good reputation. And a good reputation is priceless.

As the saying goes, “A good reputation is better than fortune.” And I would add that a good reputation can also create fortune. When you have a strong reputation, you attract opportunities, you build trust with others, and you achieve success that is sustainable and meaningful.

So, remember that true prosperity is not just about what you have, but about what you know and what you can do. As we say in my community, “The blanket is yours, you choose what you can do with it.” So, choose to build a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and network. Choose to attract resources and build a good reputation. And always remember to be nice and amazing.