During my time at Harvard Chambers, I was inspired by the diverse group of individuals I encountered. As a consultant, I assisted people from various backgrounds with their visa applications. This role allowed me to meet many influential individuals, as most travellers belong to a higher socioeconomic class.
I paid attention and became aware of different businesses I had never known about. I took the time to read and gather information on them. I focused on the types of people I interacted with and found motivation in young individuals who had achieved significant success through hard work. Seeing someone my age accomplish so much made me reflect on my own life. I became curious about their motivations, secrets, and drive, especially those who built their success from humble beginnings, without the advantage of a privileged background.
I was attentive. I began to formulate ideas about my personal goals. I committed to not only assist others with their visa applications but also to pursue my own travel experiences and broaden my horizons. I set a deadline for myself to accomplish this and made my first trip to the UK in 2011 with my daughter.
Attentiveness propelled me so much and prepared me so well.
What is attentiveness?
This question is increasingly important in our multimedia-driven society. It’s a question that deserves careful consideration, especially in our fast-paced environment. It’s a question that simply requires us to be vigilant and responsive to the demands of the world around us.
Just like I was 19 years ago when I joined Harvard Chambers, many young adults today find themselves in a similar situation. They are uncertain about which career path to take, how to start, whom to seek advice from, and where to head next. The initial step in any decision is often the most challenging. However, amidst the numerous choices available, being attentive is essential.
As a child or a young adult, how attentive are you to your environment? Your schoolmates, friends, neighbours, church members, relatives, family friends, customers, and so on, may be the answer to your quest.
Have you spent time observing the environment you frequently visit and considered the potential opportunities that might be overlooked? What motivation can you derive from the world around you?
Unfortunately, some young people pay more attention to the negatives instead of the positives. They are more drawn to distractions, false and misleading information, fake lifestyles, and so on. They are distracted by these frivolities which makes them lose attentiveness to the actual things they need.
Being attentive is being focused and staying alert. It is being observant, mindful and watchful.
An attentive person listens more than he speaks. He observes more than he acts. He asks questions more than he responds. He reads situations, takes notes and shows interest in whatever he’s doing. He is ready for whatever happens, whenever it happens, and however it unfolds.
Being attentive is not about passively waiting for events to occur; it is about seizing the opportunity to prepare and pray. Those who are attentive will not be caught off guard. They will not be left behind by the changes in society, nor will they be disappointed by the government or the church. They will have clarity on whom to trust and what actions to take.
The principle of attentiveness emphasizes being fully present in your current situation, as the key factor distinguishing success from failure lies not in the amount of information gathered, but in the focus placed on the details.
✍️Amara Ann Unachukwu
