What I’ve Learned In One Minute…

Hi friend,

It makes me wonder sometimes, when is the right age to start taking things seriously? And could that age be… too late? Growing up, the only thing I was told to take seriously was my grades. That was it. Stay in your lane. Stay respectful. Be kind. Get good marks. Keep it moving. I think a lot of people who grew up in similar African households will relate to that. You’re raised to do well, but not necessarily to think deeply about what doing well actually means.

If I was told to take other things seriously — not to stress, but to value things like independence, self-worth, strength — I think I would’ve approached life differently. I’ve always taken my dreams seriously. I’ve always wanted to stand on my own feet. But it never felt like something I should take seriously at that age.

So when is the right age?

Because we all know there’ll always be someone younger than you who achieves more, and someone older who doesn’t.

The more I grow, the more I realise that taking things seriously needs to happen earlier than we think — not in a way that steals youth, but in a way that protects purpose. I don’t mean burdening yourself with every responsibility. I mean being intentional about your direction. If someone says they want to own a home, start a business, travel the world — we should be encouraging that. Not waiting until they’re 25, with a degree and a job, to finally start taking their dreams seriously.

These are things I wish I’d taken more seriously sooner:

• my physical health,
• my mental health,
• my relationship with God,
• and my ability to speak up, respectfully, with family.

Notice how none of these are material things. Because when “taking life seriously” becomes about success, money, or image, it twists your perspective. You end up chasing achievement instead of becoming yourself.

When I was younger, people used to call me “mature for my age.” But that label came with boundaries. It meant excelling at the right things — grades, staying out of trouble, sharing the safe opinions — not exploring who I was or what I valued. We tell kids they’re too young to try and find themselves. Too young to explore what matters. But that’s where we lose them — because if you don’t know what you care about, you’ll spend your life copying those who seem to.

Taking things seriously isn’t about growing up too fast. It’s about paying attention to what makes you feel alive before the world tells you what’s worth living for.

If you’re wondering whether it’s too soon to start, it probably isn’t. And if you’re wondering whether it’s too late, it’s not. The best time to chase anything important is today.

TL;DR

We’re told to take school seriously, but not ourselves. Taking life seriously isn’t about stress, it’s about direction. If you’re questioning your timing, trust that the right time is now.

Wins & Lessons

Win: I’ve started using the StairMaster after workouts, it’s been a fun way to spice up my cardio and push myself differently.

Lesson: I learned about Hunter’s Chicken at work, it’s this British pub classic made with grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a smoky barbecue sauce. Never knew and bacon was a thing really.

QUESTION FOR YOUR THOUGHTS (QFYT)

What would change in your life if you started taking your goals, and yourself, seriously today?

In a bit,

Motheo

PS. I’ve been working on something special — a retrospective-based study timetable designed to help you focus on what you actually need to revise, not just what’s on your list. I’ll be giving exclusive early access to newsletter readers before it goes public. Keep an eye out in the coming issues.