Season 1: Episode 1: Part 1
Spirit of Singularity || Fear of Competition
I think it's very obvious at this point that the root cause of Africa's despondency is our Mindset as a collective. However this is not because we actually believe or understand this, but the fact that we resort to give this response when asked what the real African problem is every single time.
The goal of the “African Mindset” series is to hopefully bring a clearer understanding on what this particular mindset is and how we can break away from it.
The African mindset is centered on a spirit of singularity— at least that is what I would define it as. Our thinking is based solely on how we as individuals can increase our scope of...basically everything...our scope of influence, scope of finances, scope of power etc. This is such a serious issue that when we hear of the rise of a fellow African, be it an invention or a business that has gone global we don't think of it as an incredible accomplishment we instead question and think 'how come?'. We don't think about collective development or collective progression but always how we as individuals can dominate the system and we do everything we can to get there legal or not.
I personally don't blame us. When you've lived and grown in a system that seeks to actively promote only a certain group of people while actively impeding on the progress of another its very hard for you to think outside of yourself and your own growth. But I think the power lies in us rather celebrating and supporting that win and drawing inspiration from it.
Instead of ridiculing we should ask "how I can contribute to this recent development?". Because what you don't realize is because we are such a dependent continent there is always something you can initiate or do. Always!
For example, someone starts a new car manufacturing company. My bet is they are importing over 50 percent of their raw materials, supplies, parts and components to get this done. You see this and you think "okay well that industry has been dominated' but not quite. This person is probably importing the tires, the leather, the steel etc. Thus, instead of thinking there is nothing more to do look at the bigger picture and see how you can contribute to this. You can look at producing the tires that this company can use, the leather etc. because this new initiative, that is car manufacturing, can open up a window of other opportunities for you and the continent that you may not realize from the start. This one idea can set the foundation and open up the system so that some time to come your idea can flourish.
Another product of this African Mindset is the fear of competition. This fear revolves around the established camaraderie Africa is known to have. This false idea of togetherness that we have created for ourselves is very ironic, to be honest. We are together as a community, as neighbors and as friends until it it's time for to us to support each others progress.
It's one thing to hear someone tell you about their idea or vision and copy that for yourself (don't do that, it's shameful) and another to want to open a business in the same industry as a someone you know. No two businesses are the same, especially if they are both original. Your products, their quality, their variations, their source, their packaging, their pricing, and their target consumers will differ in contrast to other brands. We, Africans, allow brands to exist as monopolies when their industries and markets are in no way, shape or form, monopolistic sake of the fact that we do not want to step on their toes or deal with competition or we want to show respect to those who came before us. Whether you are a victim or a perpetrator of this ideology-- you need to change. There is nothing new under the sun and whether you like it or not someone is going to have the same idea as you. Take the competition and work hard to keep your own brand afloat instead of acting entitled. And take that initiative to start up that brand or introduce that idea regardless of the fact that other people do it instead of shrouding from competition.
The final thing I would like to discuss is our fervent ability to be stuck in the past. While I agree that where we are as a continent and who we are as individuals are an almost direct effect of our past, history, and background-- as it is for every other country, continent and person-- I still do not think it is a valid defense. Everyone has a history. And while for some a good past has given rise to a good present and for some a bad past has given rise to a bad present there are just way too many examples of a bad past producing a good present and a good past producing a bad present for people to actually think that their present should have anything or everything to do with their past.
Agreed, we don't choose the family we are born into, how we are raised and by extension the country and continent we are born into, but every other thing from there is in our hands. How we react to the challenges these uncontrollable variables come with will define the kind of lives we live. You didn't get access to the best learning environment growing up? That is extremely unfortunate and you deserved that opportunity (as does everyone) but now what? Instead of complaining about your oppressive and unrewarding past you need to ask yourself now what? What are you going to do to overcome that hurdle and start building and living the life you want?Because every excuse...EVERY EXCUSE... you give in life is valid. But then are you just trying to live your life to prove validity? As is overly said you can blame someone for pushing you down but staying down is your choice.
Life is a gamble because everything stems from our choices. To make a good choice your mind needs to be in the right place and your mindset needs to be in tune with your plans and the world around you. While our mindsets, by default, are a product of our experiences in life we also harness the power and ability to control and develop our mindsets to their maximum beneficial potential to better serve us. As the famous quote goes "Your life is only as good as your mindset". Long term change starts with the mind and I hope you will be inspired to take the initiative toward changing your mindset and creating a better life for yourself.
Happy to share perspective!
Stay Tuned for Part 2 of the African Mindset [centered on our incentive-based system, undue entitlement and more ]
An Insightful Read 💯