On the 30th of September 2022, I went for my last practice run. I had been preparing for the annual half marathon race hosted in Cardiff tagged Waleshalf and finally, the appointed day was close enough for me to taste it.
The night before my run, I felt a bit melancholic and went to bed with my heart feeling quite heavy. Earlier that week, I had contemplated forfeiting my plans to partake in the race as October was supposed to be a busy month for me. I was exhibiting my Baálè collection for the first time at the African Fashion Week in London and a bit of imposter syndrome set it. I strongly doubted my ability to handle both events. However, I wore my big boy pants and showed up that morning ready to put in some work before the race.
2km into my run, it dawned on me that the day’s date had a significance in my life. Just the previous year, I had scored a major win where I successfully managed a project that got a Guinness world record. The official photographer of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bayo Omoboriowo who happens to be a friend of mine, made the current largest photobook in the world. On the exact day the previous year, I was in the same mental place as I was overwhelmed with worry about certain details of the project like approval, presidential presentation and things going according to plan.
Barely two weeks before, I had gone to Abuja for my UK visa application and immediately I was done with my biometrics, I decided to pay a quick visit to the Aso Rock Villa to surprise my friend, Bayo. On seeing me, the first words out of his mouth were “Thank God you’re here. You are the perfect man for this assignment”. Prior to my arrival, there had been several challenges associated with kickstarting the project. What was supposed to be a quick surprise visit transformed into me taking on a huge project with a strict deadline and no known blueprint as we were trying to do what we had never been done.
had booked my return flight to Lagos for the next day but I chose to remain in Abuja to execute the project instead. My days were filled with me scouring all nooks and crannies looking for printers who could print the large sizes needed in record time and strategy meetings with the team of architects. The 10 days I spent working on this project felt longer but we made it happen. We got approval from the management of the Guinness World Records and the President unveiled it at the celebration banquet of the Independence Day anniversary.
Reflecting over this during my run gave me the extra boost I needed. Now, I am armed with the reminder that I can always face my fears and come out victorious. I want to urge you to do the same. It is within your power and you can do it. Like a great philosopher, Zlantan Ibile, once said, “Overthinking no fit solve problem”.
Michael Okunloro | Elevate Your Style 
Congratulations!!!!!!
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Keep on Good work Blood Mi.
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Congrats! You can achieve whatever you set your mind to
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