by Phindile Ndlovu, founder and director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

This year I started with a bang and did an interview with one of the leading news channels. I thought this was going to put me on the map. Well, it did for the first two days. Afterwards, I was old news. People were on to the next trend, posting pictures of the #10yearchallenge.

I felt myself become so disappointed. This did not land me on the map, a situation where my phones were ringing non-stop. No big sponsor came and offered to sponsor our mentorship program. I still found myself approaching and securing meet and greets and coffee meetings.

Have you ever thought you nailed something and found out that in the grander scheme of things you were simply a drop in the ocean? How did you respond? Well in this instance, I went on to hustle and not have what they call “insta-envy”. I was okay with people achieving while I was in the trenches figuring out my next move. But I have not always been this way. I used to watch social media, frustrated with myself. Doubting myself, wondering if I chose the right career path, wearing the right clothes. As an entrepreneur, spending money on clothes was not an option, so I would be depressed because I had no choice. This was my situation and changing it would take my steps back in my career hopes.

How did I learn to be at peace and appreciate my small achievements? I was becoming really depressed and frustrated with myself and the world. If I wanted to be happy, if I wanted to enjoy life’s priceless moments like spending time with family and friends, I had to let all my expectations go. I had to embrace the life I was living. I had to trust the process and have faith that I would succeed eventually.

I started unfollowing people that did not represent the values I had. I followed people who are what I aspire to become. Sure, I have friends that I follow who are different from me and whom we share different interests but those are just my friends. I started viewing social media as a platform of learning. What are people doing to grow their networks, how do they dress, where do they go?

I must admit, I sometimes find myself being a bit envious, but I quickly remind myself that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I am learning what I need to know in order to be where I need to go.

My fellow entrepreneurs, the saying that goes, “Own lane, own pace” is a saying we all should really embrace. Knowing who you are will assist in never looking at someone’s race and feeling that it should be you. Knowing who you are is a journey, walk it. At first it will be uncomfortable, but it will free you from all the unkindness you have towards yourself. I am being freed every day. I am learning who Phindile is, every day.

So, I have decided to approach more sponsors and attach the link to the interview. They still get impressed and want to meet with me. You see? OWN PACE!

Phindile Ndlovu is passionate about Community Development pertaining skills development and education for the youth. She is experienced in driving life changing community development campaigns. Passionate about self-development and leadership, she works and speaks with young people across the Gauteng Province in South Africa, motivating and coordinating her vision and goal setting workshops through her organization, Bhekizenzo Foundation. Her skillset is based on project design, brand awareness and organizational surveys, amongst many others. Phindile has strong, professional media and communications expertise, particularly with event coordination and campaign strategy planning. She has obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies and Sociology at the University of Witswatersand Johannesburg. Learn more.