Young men and women are always advised to take notes from their models if they want to succeed in life. This is what Jimi Wanjigi understood from his youth era.
In an interview with NTV’s Wicked Edition show host Dr. King’ori, the seasoned businessman and tycoon revealed that he quit drinking alcohol at the age of 25.
Jimi candidly expressed that the driving motivation behind this decision was so that he could work on himself. He was tired of the party animal life and wished to live a meaningful life.
“Nothing happened. I just wanted to change my lifestyle. I was tired that every weekend, tuko hapa tunakunywa pombe, tunakula nyama…one club after the other,” he said.
The decision proved to be life-changing as Jimi Wanjigi would go on to lose many of his friends. He was no longer the ‘fun person’ in the crew. This is how the billionaire set himself on the road to success.
Having lost most of his peers, Jimi sought to engage resourceful people who would add value to his life.
“I started looking for a different conversation. People who are at a different level. At 25, the people whom I was associating with were beyond 40,” he said.
“The greatest thing was that I learned lessons very fast. You sit around, hear and absorb things from people who have had experience. You get vital life lessons.”
Wanjigi revealed that at age 30, in comparison to his drinking age-mates, he was far ahead in life, with a focused and disciplined life.
Dr. King’ori questioned the political strategist on the concept of youthful achievement.
He asked Jimi to clarify the widely acclaimed belief that, in life, people can only attain success when they are in their prime years (40s and 50s).
“I don’t quite agree with that. I don’t know where age comes in. Age and maturity are two different things,” he said.
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Wanjigi told the viewers that being mature at a young age was all it takes to chart your path to success.
“There are people who make it even by 35, 38. The key thing is maturity; you have to be focused.”
He also gave credit to his mentors who taught him the ropes of life achievement. Dr. King’ori seemingly puzzled asked Wanjigi to clarify how he consistently kept conversations with people who were nearly twice his age.
“You’ve got to be a good listener, be your own self. Be somebody that people feel you are genuinely seeking growth. If they actually feel it, they’ll keep you around,” Jimi Wanjigi responded.
