Six months is enough time to shift your trajectory if you stop playing average altogether. This isn’t about shortcuts or wishful thinking. It’s about focused action, bold decisions, and moving purposefully while everyone else is scrolling aimlessly, consuming useless content, and partying over the weekends while their counterparts are working on themselves
Here’s how to separate yourself from the crowd. Fast.
1. Learn a Skill That Pays the Bills
In today’s world, skills are currency. Not degrees. Not potential. Skills.
- Pick a high-demand skill—think copywriting, coding, design, or digital marketing.
- Get certified—Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube if you’re determined.
- And if you’re business-minded? Start something. Don’t box yourself in. The world doesn’t reward those who stay small. It rewards builders, creators, and problem-solvers.
“Wale, avoid going too niche early. Scale first. Refine later.” This advice from my mentor stuck.
2. Build a Brand That Speaks Before You Do
We live in a world where you are who Google says you are. So, what comes up when people search for your name?
- Start a blog or a simple personal website. That’s your digital handshake.
- Optimise your LinkedIn. It’s not just a resume—it’s a credibility tool.
- Be seen. Post content. Share your wins. Don’t worry if it feels like no one’s watching—consistency builds trust.
- Connect—DM industry people. Comment on their work. Show up before you need anything.
3. Own Your Time Like a CEO
People tell themselves the biggest lie: “I don’t have time.”
Nah—you have time; you’re just spending it wrong.
- Prioritise what moves the needle. Apply the 80/20 rule religiously.
- Use tools. I recommend Notion and Trello—they help me stay organised and enhance my productivity.
- Cut distractions. Unfollow the noise. You don’t owe every ping your attention.
4. Fix Your Energy
Without energy, all your plans are dead in the water.
5. Learn Like You’re Behind
The most dangerous mindset is thinking you already know enough.
- I lift weights 3–4 times a week, and it’s a game-changer—not just physically but mentally. I’m sharper, calmer, and more grounded.
- Clean meals. Solid sleep. Regular movement. These aren’t “health tips”—they’re business strategies.
- Protect your mental clarity like your life depends on it because it does.
- Read 10 pages a day. At the moment, I’m reading “Building a Second Brain” by Tiago Forte. It’s one of the great books on productivity. That’s 300 pages a month. You’ll outlearn 95% of people with just that habit.
- Podcasts while you drive. Audiobooks in the gym. Feed your brain constantly.
- Stay ahead of trends. Find the edge. Then double down on it.
6. Be the Guy Who Solves Problems
People who complain are replaceable. People who solve are indispensable.
- Look around: what problems aren’t being solved? Where’s the friction? Now, could you fix it?
- Think like an owner, not an employee. Even if you don’t own the business, act like you do.
7. Feedback > Feelings
You can’t improve what you refuse to look at.
- Reflect weekly. Where did you waste time? Where did you win? Could you write it down?
- Ask for feedback: don’t wait for a pat on the back. Ask people who tell you the truth, not just what sounds nice. People who dislike feedback find it challenging to grow.
8. Bet On Yourself
Safe is overrated.
- Pitch the idea. Launch the project. Make the cold call.
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s where the growth is.
- Take risks others are too scared to. That’s where the leverage lives.
9. Network With Intent
The right people will open doors that grind won’t.
- Help people genuinely. I love giving back to my community; it fosters my sense of purpose and helps or strengthens my social connections.
- Surround yourself with people who think bigger. Jim Rohn said it best: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose wisely.
10. Document Everything
You can’t grow what you don’t track.
- Keep a journal. It doesn’t have to be deep—note what worked and what didn’t.
- Review your goals monthly and adjust when needed. Six months from now, your version of reading this should barely recognise the old one.
Conclusion
Everyone wants the shortcut, but very few are willing to do the daily, gritty, unsexy work that creates results. You don’t need motivation—you need clarity, systems, and execution.
Six months. That’s all it takes.
But only if you move differently than 99% of people.
