When I grow up, I will become rich!

As a child, I dreamt of becoming a prosperous man and living in a ranch house with a large compound. I imagined having ostriches, peacocks, antelope, rabbits, and other beautiful animals as pets in my garden. I’m sure you had similar dreams too.

For some reason, many of us believed that adulthood automatically brings success, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all our childhood dreams and fantasies.

Today, I am a man, but I have no house, no car, no ostriches, no peacocks, and certainly no fulfillment of my childhood dreams or fantasies. I have painfully come to the realization that success and prosperity have nothing to do with age. In fact, more young people are becoming wealthier than the older generation. Wealth, success, and prosperity are the result of various factors, such as being in a productive company, seizing opportunities, practicing prudent management and planning, having grace, and most importantly, being able to discern times and chances.

Today, I am convinced without a doubt that “We don’t grow rich,” we simply grow old and eventually die.

Keep in mind that regardless of your age today, there is someone your age who is a billionaire, either through inheritance, good fortune, or hard work and creativity.

But no one is too young to become richer or too old to become poorer. If you care to know, there are more poor elderly people out there than young ones.

I also want to remind you that if you keep missing opportunities, making wrong decisions and plans, and ultimately wasting time, you will soon grow old and not richer.

You will grow old and die poorer than the generation before you.

Be intentional about prosperity and deliberate about your future. If you are still dreaming, wake up!

By: Samuel Nii Okai – Armah