Pain possesses an extraordinary ability to bring out the best qualities in individuals. The works and writings of Naval Ravikant have been a profound source of inspiration for me, and I proudly consider myself his mentee.

Naval Ravikant is a renowned entrepreneur and investor widely recognised for his contributions to the startup industry. He played a pivotal role in co-founding AngelList, a platform that facilitates fundraising and investor connections for startups. Additionally, he actively engages in angel investing, supporting numerous companies, including X (formerly Twitter), Uber, and over 100 others.

Ravikant’s writings encompass a diverse range of subjects, spanning from philosophy and self-improvement to investment strategies. His personal journey serves as a testament to how his upbringing shaped him into the accomplished individual he is today. The unwavering determination instilled in him by his migrant mother, who relentlessly pursued excellence, fueled his drive to strive for greatness.

It is important to acknowledge that adversity can manifest in various forms. For some, it may be a system that denies women control over their own destinies, resulting in many becoming single parents. Others may face adversity beyond failed marriages, such as job loss or debilitating accidents that leave them physically impaired. It could also be the loss of a loved one or the lack of belief from others.

In the face of such challenges, Ravikant’s story teaches us to never surrender, to fight for the life we desire, and to allow ourselves to experience moments of vulnerability. However, it is crucial to rise above these hardships, utilising the pain as a catalyst for personal growth and positive change.

Despite missing out on typical childhood activities, Ravikant spent countless hours studying and expanding his knowledge in the library. 

Meanwhile, his mother worked multiple jobs to support their family, sacrificing her time and energy. She was also working and schooling while raising himself and his brother, and as a poor immigrant from India to the US, he had to spend most of his time at the library. To truly understand the context, I encourage you to delve deeper into Ravikant’s journey.

Something transformative about experiencing adversity propels the human mind to reach its full potential. Throughout history, we have witnessed individuals who have accomplished positive and negative feats after enduring various forms of imbalance, adversity, or even pain. I have faced my share of hardships, going through a failed marriage. These events compelled me to strive for more incredible things I would have never considered otherwise. 

I pursued my MBA and embarked on the challenging journey of being a single mother; without the support of a community, you’d get back home while abroad. I do not recommend this path, as it is incredibly difficult, but I recommend finding strength in your pain. However, I refused to let these circumstances define or dictate my future. Despite hitting rock bottom, I looked inward and conversed honestly. I reminded myself that I could overcome any obstacle and reclaim my life.

It is worth mentioning that I funded my own MBA, working tirelessly day and night to gather the necessary funds. I did not receive any scholarships or sponsorships from individuals or institutions. I am immensely grateful for the few friends who stood by me, offering their unwavering support and encouragement. However, during that period, it was ultimately up to me, my family, and a handful of loyal friends to witness my determination and perseverance.

Pain has the potential to ignite a fire within us, pushing us to surpass our limits and achieve greatness. Ravikant’s story and my own experiences remind us that we have the strength to rise above any adversity and shape our destinies.

As I reflect on my life, I can’t help but think about the countless times I’ve had to pick myself up after being knocked down. These moments have been tough, but I’ve always chosen to fight back instead of giving up. 

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Barack Obama sometime last year. As a fan of his charismatic nature and political prowess, I couldn’t turn down the invitation to see him speak. 

Sitting in the Mercedes Benz Platz in Berlin, I watched as he spoke with eloquence and confidence. His words made me feel like anything was possible, and as an African, I knew that his message was one that needed to be shared. 

During his speech, Obama talked about his upbringing and how being raised by a single mother shaped him into the person he is today. His story, like that of Naval, is profound. I’ve spoken with friends who have faced similar challenges and how their stories of excellence were only fueled during challenging times in their lives.

So, as we go through life, we will be faced with moments where life knocks us all down. But we must stay resilient to get back up and keep fighting. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be the one inspiring others with my own story of triumph.

Adversity has a way of pushing us beyond our limits and revealing our true potential. It may not always be easy, but it is through these challenging moments that we discover our strength and resilience. So, embrace adversity and let it propel you towards greatness. You can turn any setback into a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

I am pleased to summarise the profound words of the late Steve Jobs, taken from his renowned 2005 speech at Stanford University. According to Jobs, life can sometimes deliver unexpected blows, like being fired from Apple. However, he later realised that this setback was actually a blessing in disguise. 

The weight of success was replaced by the lightness of starting anew, with less certainty about everything. This liberation allowed him to embark on one of the most creative phases of his life. Over the next five years, he founded two companies, Next and Pixar, and also found love with an incredible woman who would eventually become his wife. 

Jobs firmly believes that none of these remarkable events would have unfolded if he hadn’t been let go from Apple. He is convinced that his unwavering passion for his work was the driving force that kept him going. Jobs emphasises that a significant portion of our lives is dedicated to our work, and true satisfaction can only be achieved by pursuing what we consider to be great work. 

The key to accomplishing great work lies in loving what we do. If you haven’t discovered your passion yet, Jobs advises you to keep searching and never settle. Just like matters of the heart, you will instinctively know when you have found it.

Mercy Abang is an award-winning journalist who serves as the co-managing director for a renowned global network of journalists and a publishing platform based in Germany. Presently, she spearheads the team in seeking discretionary grants for the organisation. Additionally, Mercy provides valuable guidance to international corporate entities in the global north, aiding them in effectively allocating their funds to support media organisations and initiatives in the global south that serve public interest. She can be reached on X: @abangmercy.