Do what you can, with what you have, where you are
- Squire Bill Widener of Virginia
There’s a young guy who delivers items for me from Eko Market, Somto.
A friend recommended him as a “rider,” and after using him once, I reached out again a few weeks ago.
When he arrived, I expected the familiar growl of a motorcycle outside my gate.
Instead, he arrived slightly breathless, beads of sweat collecting on his forehead, clutching my package like it was treasure.
Something felt off.
So I watched him walk away after handing over the items… and that’s when I noticed it—
he crossed the road and disappeared back into the crowd.
No motorcycle.
No helmet.
Just a young man navigating Lagos with nothing but his feet and the nearest danfo. This happened twice!
He didn’t tell me he didn’t own a bike.
He didn’t give me a story or an excuse for being late.
And I didn’t ask.
I just understood.
Most people would be upset.
But in that moment, he didn’t annoy me he inspired me.
Here was someone who could have easily said, “I can’t do it.”
Instead, he did what he could with what he had.
Jumped buses.
Braved traffic.
Chased income the way some chase dreams imperfectly but consistently.
Maybe he’s saving up for a motorcycle.
Maybe he’s surviving until something better comes along.
I don’t know.
But I do know this:
I’ll use him again on the days when time isn’t a problem. Because commitment like that deserves respect.
Every day in this city, people wrestle with odds the rest of us don’t see.
And today, a young man who delivered my package on foot reminded me that people are trying to defy their odds and limitations every day and he’s one of them.
Use what you have. Start from where you are. I bet it’s not going to be perfect and it won’t look like the beautiful picture in your head. Yes, I can’t guarantee you would not be laughed at. You’d be ridiculed for starting so rough and humble.
But it’s better to look back tomorrow to see the products you created, the moves you made, the steps you took when it doesn’t make sense than regret not making the moves at all.
Make the move. Movement is essential to progress. It actualizes your potential. Its difficult to convince anyone, even yourself about the potential you didn’t deploy, the capacity you didnt test, the talent you did not use. Actions helps you to evolve into the version of yourself you saw in the mirror.
I wish you the very best in your endeavours. Have a great day and breakthrough from within.
©Abiola Iyiola, 2025
Image Credit: Gemini
