Importance of passion, focus
MOTIVATIONAL writing has been around for some time now, appearing in many of its subforms.
While the bulk of motivational writing has focused on teaching different people how to navigate life, there are some books that have looked at some ills in society and given corrective advice.
As for Gabriel Manyeruke’s “Becoming a Personality-Driven Human Being: Unveiling the Best of Yourself ”, the major thrust is directing positive energy towards the transformation of the young generation.
The book takes note of challenges in life that can hamper happiness and progression. It proffers principles that can inspire an individual to rise and participate in making the world a better place for everyone.
One of the strengths of the book lies in the author’s ability to make readers realise that all humans have potential to do well.
“You have the power to uplift and to let down yourself, to either make yourself happy or depressed. Everyone is equally endowed with power to change negative situations into positive ones. But, the most common way people give up on their power is by thinking that they do not have any.” (p38) The12-chapter book explores several deficiencies that make people falter in life.
The author emphasises the need to plan one’s life, in addition to having focus, for one to emerge successful. Perseverance is a virtue the author takes seriously. Manyeruke also explores the power of association, where one must connect with people of influence.
“You need to use the innate power at your disposal to connect with people who have the power to change your life.” (p39)
Having a positive mindset and being able to accept criticism are qualities the author extols. He considers them beneficial to human life.
Living a purpose-driven life is what the author advocates. This is a must for teenagers. Without a “plan”, every action taken is futile; every attempt is a mere shot in the dark Manyeruke is a 29-year-old Geography teacher, who trained at Mutare Teachers’ College in Manicaland, before enrolling with Bindura University of Science Education for a Bachelor of Science Education Honours degree in Geography and Environmental Management.
“I chose motivational writing because of my social and professional background. I grew up in the village and in a blended family. I attended resourceless primary and secondary schools. My parents struggled to pay fees and quite often I was sent home from school to collect fees that my father could not timeously provide. Despite all the odds that were stacked against me, I worked with perseverance and eventually succeeded in my academics,” said Manyeruke.
He owes his academic achievements to well-wishers, who financially supported him unwaveringly.
“I have learned a lot from the school of hard knocks. My life is full of great testimonies of how God uplifted me from a poverty-stricken life to where I am today. I may not have material achievements that many can appreciate but, as someone who is emerging from the deepest valley of struggles, I am grateful with the progress that I am making as I chase my big dreams,” he said. He has co-authored an Advanced Level textbook that is going through publication and approval by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Manyeruke — who says his inspiration comes from the Holy scriptures and prolific motivational writers such Milton Kamwendo, Arthur Marara, Les Brown and TD Jakes — added that his desire is to encourage others to strive for the best and remain committed to a life of purpose.
“My message mainly targets young people who might be hopeless because of challenges of life, and those that are meandering in a maze of mediocrity. I want to make them cognisant of the fact that, with God, proper planning, hard work and a positive mindset, nothing is impossible to achieve.” The author grew up reading novels and newspapers. “I believe success and greatness are never a fluke in life but something predetermined. You have to plan your life and act fearlessly with great determination. Aim for the moon. If you miss, you will land among the stars,” said Manyeruke.