Earlier this month, the Authors’ Forum, a monthly inspirational event that I organize, launched the book ‘SEEDS OF AMBITION’ by Alice Nkore, a friend of mine who comes from Rukungiri, in the Western part of Uganda. She shares several experiences in the book that are so touching, but there is one that touched me most. It concerns how her ability to walk earned her a job in the USA. 

Alice had gone to the USA to do a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Dallas, Texas. While there, she realised she needed to get a job and earn if she was to survive. So she went for a job interview but the nature of that job dictated that to do it one needed a car. So the interviewer asked her "Do you own a car?” She replied "No. But I can walk. I grew up walking to school, to the well and to fetch firewood. Deep in Uganda, in the place called Rukungiri where I come from people walk. For us it’s normal. Even this morning I walked for thirty minutes to come for this interview and I arrived here before all of you.” With no more questions she was given the job.

Did you know walking could earn you a job? I know there are many graduates in East Africa today who can hardly walk for half a kilometer. We have many adults who do not know how to do basic chores such as cooking or washing clothes. We have a generation in African that wants to earn and to eat but is not willing to work, especially when it comes to assignments that require physical energy.

Well, the truth is there are not many successful people in the world who shun work that involves their physical bodies. You might see someone owning a bank or a bus company, but don’t be surprised to discover that at one time they did a manual job. And even when those people are already successful, it is easy for them to continue working hard.

I admire Alice’s ambition, her stamina, her courage to get what she wants at any cost. She was not ashamed of admitting that she could walk long distances and when she was given the job she did not disappoint the employers. That’s where inspiration comes in. Alice was motivated enough. Without being motivation there are many things necessary for success that we cannot do. Are you inspired enough to walk to success? 

If your work demands that you stay awake for more hours than usual are you ready? If your business calls for travelling a lot are you up to the task? If your career involves a lot of talking and marketing, do you have the stamina? If you are not inspired and motivated to work hard never expect to achieve much in this world.

Bake is the Managing Director of World Inspiration & Founder of the Authors' Forum in Uganda