Decisions.

 After some reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that the difference between the rich and the poor boils down to two key factors which are Decisions, and Priorities. To illustrate this, let me share a personal experience:

Last week, as I traveled by road to Oron, Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria for a research assignment, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. My two phones were on the brink of running out of power due to the online research and writing tasks I needed to complete before the day’s end. Being in public transport, my only lifeline was my power bank — which, unfortunately, could barely charge both devices to a functional level before draining. To complicate matters, this was my first visit to the area, and I couldn’t guarantee immediate access to electricity at my destination therefore, Planning for the unforeseen was essential.

Faced with this challenge, I made a deliberate decision. I plugged in one phone, shifted all work-related activities to it, and left the other phone, with its remaining 21% battery availability exclusively for calls, emails, and emergencies. Adjusting my workflow was not easy, but I managed. By the time I arrived in Oron, I had completed 88% of my tasks. However, upon reaching the hotel, I discovered the generator was under maintenance and the primary power supply was unavailable.

Fortunately, the backup power source was restored after an hour and thirty minutes. Thanks to my earlier prioritization and my power bank, I completed the remaining tasks and even attended a 30-minute Zoom meeting before full electricity was available.

This simple scenario underscores a critical point which is the ability to prioritize effectively is a game changer. The rich remain rich because they are unsentimental and pragmatic when it comes to decisions and priorities. They rely on insights, intuition, and experience to ensure continuous progress and survival. In contrast, the poor often take a more emotionally driven approach, leaning on hope and sentimentality, which can lead to an endless cycle of struggle.

Success isn’t just about resources; it’s about how you use them. Decisions and priorities — the silent architects of outcomes — shape our lives far more than we often realize.