Don’t Count the Cost of forward progress.

Embracing Opportunities and Thinking Big

Roland Sankara
3 min readDec 8, 2023
Photo by AbsolutVision on Unsplash

In the journey towards a fulfilling and successful life, cultivating a mindset that seizes opportunities, thinks big, and considers the costs of not moving forward is paramount. This exploration draws inspiration from the timeless wisdom of “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason and the impactful words of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, offering profound lessons on personal and financial growth.

Reflections from The Richest Man in Babylon

“The Richest Man in Babylon” is a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon, each imparting invaluable lessons on wealth-building and financial wisdom. Central to its teachings is the theme of seizing opportunities for growth and prosperity.

One of the fundamental principles is the emphasis on seizing opportunities for investment and wealth creation. The parables illustrate that hesitating or missing chances may result in the cost of lost potential. By actively embracing opportunities, individuals position themselves for financial success and personal fulfillment.

Sound financial management is another key theme, with a focus on making money work for you through wise investments. The book advocates for the proactive pursuit of opportunities that allow money to grow over time, reinforcing the idea that the cost of thinking small in the realm of finance may lead to missed opportunities for wealth accumulation.

Additionally, “The Richest Man in Babylon” stresses the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt and promptly repaying debts. Failing to embrace opportunities for managing and eliminating debt can result in ongoing financial costs in the form of interest payments, underscoring the importance of strategic financial decision-making.

Thinking Big Costs you nothing, thinking small will cost you everything- Kagame.

President Kagame’s Insight:

President Kagame’s statement, “Thinking big costs you nothing, thinking small will cost you everything,” aligns seamlessly with the principles of “The Richest Man in Babylon.” Kagame’s words offer a broader perspective on embracing opportunities beyond the financial realm.

“Thinking big” signifies an ambitious mindset that envisions significant achievements. This approach involves innovation, creativity, and a willingness to explore new possibilities, mirroring the principles of seizing opportunities and making money work for you.

President Kagame’s insight also underscores the importance of investing in personal and professional development. “Thinking big” implies actively seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve oneself. This aligns with the lesson from Babylon that advocates for acquiring knowledge and education on financial matters to avoid the cost of missed opportunities and potential financial mistakes.

Okay, what have we learned…

Incorporating the principles from “The Richest Man in Babylon” and President Kagame’s wisdom creates a comprehensive guide for a life of purpose, prosperity, and resilience.

Seizing opportunities, making wise investments, and thinking big collectively form a mindset that not only calculates the cost of not moving forward but actively pursues a path toward success and fulfillment.

By weaving these insights together, we can navigate challenges, embrace growth, and create a life rich in both financial and personal achievements.

Reference

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Roland Sankara

Fullstack Web Developer | Technical Writer | Passionate about tech mentorship