PositiveMinds | Positive Stories | Edition 054

Many young professionals regularly approach me, telling me that my journey inspires them and asking what they should do to follow a similar path. These exchanges have led me to reflect on the factors that have shaped my own journey, often in unexpected ways. In all modesty, I never set out to achieve anything extraordinary, but I have learned to navigate between life's ups and downs and the opportunities that arise.

Through these experiences, I've developed a personal philosophy of success, which I share here to offer a distinctive perspective. For me, success is made up of 60% circumstances and context, 30% external influences, and only 10% personal power.

60%: Circumstances and context

The circumstances and contexts in which we evolve greatly shape our lives. They are often seen as obstacles, but if we change our perspective, they can become opportunities.

I was born during the great Sahel famine. My family and I survived thanks to food rations provided by the World Food Programme. I had no control over the situation at the time, but it taught me early on that life can be unpredictable and harsh.

After obtaining the Diplôme d'Études Fondamentales (DEF), which certifies completion of lower secondary general education programmes, I was sent to a technical high school in Bamako. Unable to find a host family for me, my parents thought I would have to drop out. Thanks to the kindness of a classmate who convinced his parents to host me, I was able to study. I ended up getting my A-levels with honours and a scholarship. But even with the scholarship, I couldn't travel because I didn't have a birth certificate. Once again, I found myself in a situation beyond my control, but it led me to the National Engineering School in Mali and then to a scholarship to study abroad. These circumstances, difficult and unpredictable as they were, guided my path.

None of these steps were planned. I have often felt that life has imposed its own course on me, but by accepting these moments, I was able to draw lessons and opportunities from them.

30%: External influences

Next are the people we meet along the way. Whether they are mentors, colleagues or friends, their influence plays a crucial role in shaping our path.

When I finished my engineering studies, I had two job offers: one with the Malian civil service and another with a French consulting firm. Neither option appealed to me. That's when I came across an unpaid internship offer with Plan International in Guinea. Following my intuition changed my life. I found myself in Gueckedou, in the middle of the civil war in neighbouring Sierra Leone, in conditions that many would have considered unacceptable. Yet, it was an incredibly formative experience.

Another key moment came when, after a difficult experience with a toxic boss, I decided to resign. Two weeks later, another director at Plan International gave me a second chance. Thanks to his encouragement, I have been able to develop and thrive in my work, steadily rising through the ranks over the years.

External influences may sometimes seem unfair, as in the case of my toxic boss, but they are also what open new doors and push us to grow.

10%: Personal power

Finally, there is the 10% of personal power – our ability to respond to circumstances and external influences. These 10% may not seem like much, but they hold our true transformational power.

I've always kept in mind a Mandingo proverb: "A mere push is enough for the lizard to climb to the top of the tree". I have never waited for life to give me all the cards. A little push, a little encouragement, is enough to get you to the top. When my classmate's family took me in, I promised myself I wouldn't let them down. I worked relentlessly to succeed, and that's how I got my A-levels.

When the director of Plan International gave me a second chance, I promised him that I would learn English. With his support, I was able to take time off to study in Accra, Ghana, where I learnt English. This personal power lies in how we use the encouragement and resources that life offers us, no matter how small, to create something greater.

An invitation to reflect

My experience has taught me that the paths to success are neither linear nor entirely predictable. It's not always the choices we make but how we respond to circumstances and external influences that shape our lives.

To those who are questioning their own journey, I invite you not to underestimate the power of circumstances or the people around you. More importantly, remember that you have 10% personal power—and sometimes that's all you need to change your life.

So, what are you going to do with your 10% today?