It’s in Your Hands
On March 10, 2020, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched an initiative to speed up development and distribution of therapies for COVID-19 in collaboration with Wellcome and Mastercard. This partnership will deploy a seed fund of $125 million earmarked to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will be used to identify potential treatments for COVID-19, accelerate their development and prepare for the manufacture of millions of doses to be distributed and used worldwide. The endeavour is named the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator.
This is not the first time, Bill Gates – one of the richest men in the world is stepping up to help the world tackle its challenges. Through his foundation, Bill has assisted nations to tackle critical problems ranging from global health challenges, like tropical diseases including Malaria, Tuberculosis in Africa and improving the delivery of high-impact health products and services to the world’s poorest communities. The Foundation has been committed to driving the enhancement of global growth & opportunity by creating and scaling market-based innovations to stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth while also investing in educational support for vulnerable children and families. The impact of all these works is felt from Africa to America, Europe to Asia. As at 2018, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had a trust endowment valued at $46.8 billion supporting innovative projects all over the world.
Bill Gates’ life of impact did not start when he became a multi-billionaire, it began when he made a decision to pursue his dream. He took his life in his hands, left school to follow his passion. He founded Microsoft Corporation and has since built it to become one of the biggest companies in the world. Today, his decision to take personal responsibility has not just changed his life; his family, community, country and the world at large, as well as many generations, are enjoying the benefits of his decision.
This is my point; a person that will make a difference and impact others positively must start with taking personal responsibility for the outcomes of his/her life. Taking responsibility for your life simply means to be accountable for your actions and be the driver of your life; avoiding the tendency to blame others for what you do or what happens to you. Like I usually say, you are 100% responsible for the outcomes of your life and here are 3 reasons you should be the driver of your life.
- You Add Value to Yourself
We are the first beneficiary of our lifestyle of personal responsibility. When we take ownership of our lives, we become more organized and productive. We raise our self-esteem, live healthier lives and build better relationships. Like the motivational speaker, writer and consultant Brian Tracy said, “Peak performance begins with your taking complete responsibility for your life and everything that happens to you.” Always, remember that the choices we make eventually make us who we become. Living your dreams and the best life you desire begins with taking responsibility today.
- You Impact Your Community
Taking responsibility for your life also impacts the lives of people around you; Your family, community, nation and generation. Imagine Bill Gates didn’t make the decision to start Microsoft, many of us might not be able to use a personal computer today. Aside from the millions of people benefiting from his philanthropic ventures through donations and grants, our productivity at work or in school and life generally has been greatly affected by the solutions his company has provided. You cannot fathom the exponential impact you will have in this world if you decide to be the driver of your life. Start now.
- You Leave a Legacy for posterity
Think about it. What will you be remembered for when you leave this earth? How are your decisions today going to influence generations after you are long gone? Jim Rohn plainly stated that “all good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” A life that leaves a legacy for others begins with taking responsibility now. I’ll leave you with the words of Benjamin Franklin who said; If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
Remember to stay safe and healthy in this period. Always keep your hands clean, because your life (literally) is in your hands.
You Have Only One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT!
