“Alein ma zlit akulo yorgo colol lâ mi te vut agu ma ned’a.”
(Marba Proverb, Chad)
« The bird that rises early eats ripe fruit. »
Happiness belongs to those who rise early.
When the author was in elementary school, he used pen, inkwell, and blotting paper. Each fresh page was a chance to improve, but writing required care and discipline. That same excitement can inspire us today as we face a new year.
You may wonder: How can I succeed more this year? The answer is timeless: rise early and act diligently. Just as birds in Chad’s Sahel rush to grab rare ripe fruit, those who act promptly secure life’s best opportunities. Latecomers are left with scraps. The lesson is simple: happiness and success favor the disciplined and diligent.
The Bible echoes this wisdom:
“Do not love sleep too much, or you will become poor. Keep your eyes open, and you will have plenty to eat” (Proverbs 20:13, The Sower Bible).
Discipline is the key. It helps us resist distractions—games, social media, late-night TV—and get up early, even when the bed feels irresistible. Discipline may feel like a bitter pill, but it works. As a Chinese proverb reminds us: “Happiness is always at the end of hard effort.”
Here’s a simple plan to succeed:
-Decide exactly what you want.
-Write it down.
-Set a deadline.
-List everything that can help you achieve it.
-Prioritize and organize your plan.
-Start immediately.
-Take daily steps toward your goal.
I add the following three steps:
-Begin each day with Bible meditation and prayer—true success comes from God.
-Maintain a living relationship with the Lord. If you stumble, ask forgiveness and continue faithfully.
-Share your goals with two trusted friends and ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable.
As Robert Kiyosaki says: “Don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want now.”
Keep your eyes on God and your long-term goals. Resist fleeting pleasures, rise early, and reap life’s ripe fruit. Apply these principles consistently, and you will make a difference this year. And when your efforts bear fruit, share your success!
Moussa Bongoyok
(c) 2026
