The Day i stopped blaming the government

Table of Contents

Have you ever found yourself sitting with friends, talking about how difficult life in Sierra Leone has become?

Maybe you've heard statements like:

• "If the government created more jobs, life would be easier."
• "Nothing will change until new leaders come."
• "There are no opportunities in this country."

These conversations are common. It's easy to believe that our future depends entirely on decisions made by people in power. When things don't go as planned, blaming the government can feel like the obvious response.

But one realization can change everything:

Waiting for someone else to fix your life often delays the moment you begin improving it yourself.

That doesn't mean governments don't matter. They absolutely do. Good leadership can create jobs, improve education, strengthen healthcare, and build a better economy.

However, while we hope for those improvements, we still have a choice. We can either spend our time waiting or start building the future we want with the opportunities available today.

The Truth Many Young People Need to Hear

Sierra Leone faces real challenges. Youth unemployment remains high, the cost of living continues to rise, and many graduates struggle to find work.

These problems are real.

But they're not the end of the story.

Across Africa and around the world, countless people have changed their lives despite living in difficult environments. Some started businesses with very little money. Others learned valuable digital skills online, secured remote jobs, won scholarships, or became freelancers serving clients around the world.

They didn't wait for perfect conditions.

They started with what they had.

Stop Waiting for Permission

Many people believe success begins when someone gives them an opportunity.

A company hires them.

A politician helps them.

A relative sends money from abroad.

Sometimes those things happen.

Sometimes they don't.

One thing that always remains within your control is your willingness to learn.

Today, anyone with a smartphone and internet access can begin learning skills such as:

• Digital marketing
• Graphic design
• Video editing
• Programming
• Content writing
• Social media management
• Artificial intelligence tools
• Online business

Knowledge has never been more accessible.

The biggest obstacle isn't access anymore.

It's consistency.

Replace Complaints with Skills

Complaining may feel satisfying, but it rarely changes your situation.

Learning a valuable skill does.

Imagine two friends.

One spends every evening discussing politics and complaining about the economy.

The other spends those same evenings learning graphic design or video editing.

After six months, who is more likely to earn income online?

Who has something valuable to offer employers?

Who feels more confident?

Skills create opportunities.

Complaints create frustration.

Whenever you feel like complaining, ask yourself one simple question:

"What can I control today?"

Maybe the answer is:

• Read one chapter.
• Watch one tutorial.
• Apply for one job.
• Improve one project.
• Learn one new skill.

Small actions repeated consistently produce remarkable results.

Build Something Small

Many people believe success requires a huge investment.

That's not always true.

Some successful entrepreneurs started by selling products through WhatsApp.

Others launched blogs.

Some created YouTube channels.

Others offered simple services within their communities.

Every successful business began with zero customers.

Every expert started as a beginner.

Don't underestimate small beginnings.

Your first customer.

Your first article.

Your first freelance project.

Your first online payment.

Each small win builds confidence.

Confidence creates momentum.

Momentum changes lives.

Choose Your Circle Carefully

The people around you influence how you think.

If your friends constantly believe success is impossible, eventually you may begin believing it too.

Surround yourself with people who:

• Encourage learning.
• Share useful ideas.
• Celebrate progress.
• Hold themselves accountable.
• Inspire action.

You don't have to abandon old friendships.

Simply become intentional about the conversations and information you allow into your life.

Even your social media feed matters.

Follow people who educate, motivate, and teach practical skills instead of those who spread endless negativity.

Your mindset is shaped by what you consume every day.

Accept Reality Without Losing Hope

Being hopeful doesn't mean pretending problems don't exist.

It means believing you can still improve your situation despite those problems.

Hope says:

"Life is difficult, but I can still make progress."

That belief encourages action.

Action creates improvement.

Improvement builds confidence.

Confidence opens new opportunities.

What Progress Can Look Like

Real success doesn't happen overnight.

Here's a more realistic picture.

After One Month

• Better daily habits
• More knowledge
• Increased motivation

After Three Months

• Stronger skills
• Better confidence
• A growing portfolio

After Six to Twelve Months

• Freelance opportunities
• Better job prospects
• Additional income
• Greater independence

Everyone moves at a different pace.

The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean the government isn't responsible?

No.

Governments have an important responsibility to create opportunities and improve the lives of citizens.

This article simply encourages you not to place your entire future on hold while waiting for change.

What if I can't afford expensive courses?

Many excellent learning resources are completely free.

YouTube, blogs, online communities, and free courses provide enough knowledge to begin developing valuable skills.

Which skills are most valuable today?

Some of the most in-demand skills include digital marketing, programming, graphic design, content writing, video editing, AI literacy, communication, and problem-solving.

What if I fail?

Failure isn't the opposite of success.

It's part of the journey.

Every successful entrepreneur, creator, or professional has experienced setbacks before achieving success.

Can young people really succeed in Sierra Leone?

Absolutely.

Many young Sierra Leoneans have built businesses, found remote work, earned scholarships, and created opportunities for themselves.

Success may look different for everyone, but it is possible for those willing to learn, adapt, and remain consistent.

Final Thoughts

Blaming the government may explain some of our challenges, but it doesn't solve them.

The moment you take responsibility for the parts of your life you can control is the moment real progress begins.

No, the road won't always be easy.

No, success won't happen overnight.

But every skill you learn, every book you read, every application you send, and every small project you complete moves you closer to the future you want.

Don't wait for perfect conditions.

Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Keep learning.

Keep building.

Your future won't be determined only by the circumstances around you.

It will also be shaped by the decisions you make every single day.

So ask yourself this:

What is one action you can take today that your future self will thank you for?

Start there. One small step today can become the beginning of a completely different tomorrow.