From Scraps to Riches: My Journey to a New Normal

Let’s just put it out there: I became rich. Now, don’t ask me to pinpoint the exact moment it happened. My journey started at the tender age of 9, and by 20, I had gained a solid grasp on money, leverage, and the art of the hustle. The rest, as they say, is history. And no, there were no shady deals involved – just pure, unadulterated hard work. From the outside, my story might seem wrapped in mystery, but the truth is far simpler.

Why am I sharing this? Because I believe in the power of a ‘new normal’, and I want to inspire you to discover yours.

Growing up, ‘lack’ was my middle name. While my peers enjoyed comforts and luxuries, I was left coveting crumbs – quite literally. I was the archetypal super people pleaser, yet ironically, the people weren’t pleased. That was until I hit a turning point and realized I needed to rewrite my narrative.

My transformation began with my mental health – the biggest hurdle in my daily life, let alone in pursuing my dreams. Next came a focus on physical health, and finally, I landed a decent job. This allowed me to save enough to launch my own business during what could arguably be called the riskiest time in recent history – the period I like to call ‘The Pandmia’. (Yes, a little drama for effect!)

Throughout this journey, I noticed a pattern: every significant risk I took paid off, in one way or another. So, I embraced risk-taking, albeit in a well-planned and calculated manner. Almost overnight, I found myself acclimatizing to a life I had only dreamed of. But let’s be clear, this ‘new normal’ didn’t magically solve all my problems. For instance, I realized I wasn’t even used to eating three times a day. My body was so unaccustomed to regular meals that I felt like I was force-feeding myself!

Adjusting to this new lifestyle had its quirks. I had to learn to say ‘no’ more often as my time became increasingly precious. I had to get used to the idea of peace – a foreign concept after years of living in survival mode, plagued by various anxieties. Even taking afternoon naps was a challenge! Believe it or not, pre-wealth Chu had never indulged in such luxuries. The hustle was real, and so was the grind!

This journey to a new normal was challenging, even though it was exactly what I had fought for all these years – aided, of course, by the spirit of my Igbo billionaire ancestors.

I share my story to inspire you to redefine what ‘normal’ looks like for you, while acknowledging that this new state comes with its own unique challenges – challenges that are felt, not seen. If this dramatic shift could happen for me, it can happen for you too. Remember, it’s about working smarter, not harder. We live in a world of illusions, but the key is not to lose yourself in it.

So, I pose the question: What’s your new normal?

With pure love and a sprinkle of newfound wisdom,

Chu

Photo by Morgan Housel on Unsplash