There’s a popular belief that the best time to leave the stage is when the ovation is loudest. So I ask, what about when the ovation that used to be loud is low? Lets talk about it:
Reduced ovation or decimated significance in the workplace or relationship shows only one thing: “You are no longer felt” it means your presence is not as significant anymore and you do not meaningfully contribute to the ongoing conversation.
They can’t see or feel you. It means you are taking space unproductively and wasting resources. This I believe is one of the greatest insults anyone could get because it attacks man’s basic function - to add value.
I wrote many years ago that “it’s better to wear out than to rust out”
The destruction that happens with rusting out far outweighs wearing out. When you wear out, your friction and locomotion benefits and contributes to a system at least. (This comes at a greater cost and I do not advise. It is better to be used up gently like a candle). When you rust out, your idleness serves no purpose.
Whether we wear out, rust out, or get used like a crayon, or a melting candle at night, one thing is sure, we will be OUT one day.
You can determine the way you go out, whether to wear out serving a purpose, rusting out serving no purpose or getting used up and spent meaningfully. You would think that your boss is crazy, that your business is difficult, that your vocation is tough, that your deliverables are as tall as Mount Kilimanjaro. Have you tried doing nothing?
Doing nothing will make your mind lose its luster right before your eyes. Your brilliance will become dull. Your intelligence will shrink, you will slow down and lose your ability to imagine and execute.
Lack of contribution is not a flex, it is self death.
The same way the exercise of our body has some profit, the exercise of our abilities has many benefits too.
This applies to all forms of relationships and jobs.
I strongly believe that as long as I am useful in any relationship, I can retain my spot and expand my influence.
If you are in any relationship and you have nothing to add. That relationship either doesn’t exist or it’s lost already. It’s time to sack yourself.
“What do you bring to the table” is a popular question among the young Nigerian dating population. Most ladies do not like it but it’s valid. Male or female, you cannot be unfruitful in a relationship. You must be uncomfortable doing that. You need no prophet to say that if you do not bring anything to the table, you are useless and it’s a matter of time that you will find yourself outside.
The stake of any relationship is contribution. You must find what to add.
If you stay in a contract you are not adding to, you are entitled.
Entitlement is what makes people stay longer than expected on a stage or office they are not contributing to. The erroneous assumption that you have the right to hold on to power, stake , place , benefit even when you are not delivering is entitlement.
Sometimes the system might not allow you to contribute. You might not have tools to work, or the company might lack direction, ease yourself out on time.
Contribution initiates ownership. If you contribute anything meaningful to a company, cause, or relationship, you are a stakeholder or even a shareholder.
Add value or go home.
You do NOT need a dismissal or silent treatment to know when it’s time to leave. It does not matter how loved you were. Once you stop adding anything and your presence feels like a burden. Leave and find somewhere else to add value.
Finally, contribution refines affection, it warms your place in people’s hearts. That is how to be sticky!
Here’s 3 ways I can help you
1. Get my Book
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2. Pick my Brain
Book a 1-hour intensive clarity session where I structure your gifts, talents, experiences, and skills and turn them into clear product and income ideas by sending an email to iyiolaabiola@gmail.com.
3. Build a strong personal or business brand
Let me shape your brand, teach you how to write with clarity, and confidence, help you communicate with purpose, and tell stories that connect, persuade, and convert across all digital platforms.
Have a great week and breakthrough from within
©Abiola Iyiola, 2026
Picture: Freepik
