In Leap Of Faith, Madariola provides compass for lifestyle transition

Leap of Faith by Oluwabusayo Madariola is a book that delves extensively on the Nigerian mindset. It critically examines mental block and dissects the impact of cultural norms on people’s way of life.

It is a book filled with life’s lessons and experiences and conceived to serve as a compass for those willing to take decisive leap of faith into the unknown.

Madariola, an unassuming writer, opens her heart to the reader and shares her worries, challenges and trials as she journeys through the road less traveled.

The book has six chapters and 119 pages. The first chapter examines cultural practices, its influence on Nigerians and people’s stereotypes.

The second chapter details the author’s experience and her life changing decision to embrace entrepreneurship. The remaining chapters deal with paradigm shift in approach to life and business, value proposition, mentorship and the God factor.

In detailing her own journey to self discovery, finding out what she loves to do best and turning it into profitable business, the author gives her readers an insight into how stereotyped mindset and cultural practices trap many into being afraid to leave their comfort zones.

In her examination of cultural norms and beliefs, the author interrogates widely held beliefs such as, the second class role some cultures accord women as well as the premium placed on male children.

While examining stereotypes, the book assesses societal expectations and conformity to those beliefs, the author feels culture does not give room to think and question its tenets.

She says: “We all grew up having these cultural beliefs and practices firmly and unconsciously rooted in our hearts, ingrained into the very fibre of our souls and these have largely served as a mental compass guarding our interactions, relationship and choices.”

According to her, due to fear of failure and the unknown, disrespect, gossip, lack of government support and of social security, most people tend to hold on to jobs that do not give them fulfillment and a sense of purpose. She says many people cling to such jobs due to heavy responsibilities and survival. “When you do not want to go hungry and fear what the future holds, you do not begin to talk about purpose and fulfillment, you begin to think in terms of survival.”

The author identifies something she calls actor’s pride, which goes with playing to the gallery and acting ostentatiously while actually suffering silently. She, however, warns about continuing staying in this lifestyle saying when you are not fulfilled, it can deplete your essences as a person and lower your self-esteem.

She believes that when this trend continues, the individual gets to a point in which all s/he has left is resignation and excuses for staying in that environment.

While pointing out that people’s escape route is to resign to fate and apportioning responsibility to the transcendental, the book warns that staying in a place where you are being tolerated because it is a comfort zone will lead to the individual losing steam, and vitality, and the quality and standard of life will begin to dwindle.

The book posits that what the time calls for is walking away from the things that no longer works. To switch lifestyle or transition from paid to self-employment; the author feels the individual must be clear about the reasons.

According to her, starting an entrepreneurial venture is a leap of faith, “you most likely will not be sure of how you will arrive at your destination until you begin to act towards the journey of building on your dreams.”

To activate self-actualisation, the author urges individuals to take up the apprenticeship of new skills and activities, which will add something new to them.