By Sharon Emephia
It has become almost a cliché to tell people who are struggling to find their footing on the journey to success and greatness: “Change your circle.”
Seriously? How?
A person who is still struggling financially or an upcoming person who is still building capacity may not simply walk into high-net-worth circles and expect to be accepted.
Why?
Because valuable circles are often protected.
A billionaire will not ordinarily open his or her inner circle to just anyone because that person desires access. There has to be something that makes you worthy of the access, such as value, capacity, character, expertise, influence or a meaningful contribution.
So, rather than telling struggling people to desperately “change their circle,” perhaps we should encourage them to change themselves first.
Develop capacity.
Build relevant skills.
Strengthen your character.
Discover and sharpen your gifts.
Become excellent at something.
Build a life that has substance.
You don’t have to play games to gain access to wealthy or influential people. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have, or even borrow money, simply to register at expensive gyms, clubs or facilities because you believe that is where wealthy people gather.
Access is not the same as acceptance because the truly wealthy and influential can often recognise desperation from a distance. Simply appearing in their spaces does not automatically make you part of their circle. Value does.
The goal, therefore, should not be to desperately chase the contacts of the wealthy. The goal should be to become the kind of person whose value naturally attracts great people.
The Bible says:
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)
Notice that Scripture does not say, “Seest thou a man who knows many rich people.” You may even know many rich people, but they do not know you when it comes down to it.
It says a man diligent in his business.
Build the business.
Build the skill.
Build the character.
Build the capacity.
Build the credibility.
Then let your work announce you.
There is also a powerful biblical picture of this:
“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
Isaiah 60:3 (KJV)
Did you notice that?
Kings come to the brightness of your rising.
You don’t necessarily have to force your way into their circles.
Sometimes, your growth, excellence, integrity and impact become the invitation.
There is an African proverb that says:
“When a child washes his hands clean, he eats with kings.”
The lesson is simple: prepare yourself for the table you desire. Don’t spend all your energy trying to enter somebody else’s circle. Build a value that makes the circle recognise you.
As we step into another calendar week, be intentional about continuous self-development. Invest in yourself. Build capacity. Sharpen your gifts. Develop your character. Become better at what God has placed in your hands.
Your assignment is not to chase greatness.
Your assignment is to prepare yourself for it.
And as you rise, may kings and great people recognise the brightness of your rising.
Stay Inspired
I’m rooting for you. ❤️