It could be your first car, house, Job, business, sale, etc
Whatever it is, the first is always memorable and sets a pattern for what is to come.
Firsts also apply to records, first man on the moon, first sail around the world, first aeroplane flights,
There are so many firsts!
Soulja swears he is the first to do anything 😂
One of the most exciting things about the firsts is that they pave the way for others.
It’s almost as if once someone breaks a ‘barrier’, others get a sense of what’s possible.
After some research, I discovered this worldwide phenomenon is called “The Bannister Effect”.
Roger Bannister broke the record of running a mile in 4 minutes back in 1954.
This was thought to be impossible until he did it.
But here’s the kicker, shortly after he did it, others eventually did so too.
The list of those who went on to break the record.
Here are some other examples of the Bannister effect:
Tom Brady in the NFL: His success well into his 40s redefined the perceived age limits for professional football players
Tony Hawk's 900: Landing the first 900 skateboarding trick shattered the belief that it was impossible, leading to other skaters achieving the feat.
3 Trillion Dollar Companies: Apple became the first company to reach the $3 trillion valuation in 2022. A couple of years later, 3 more companies surpassed the $4 trillion mark (Amazon, Meta, Alphabet).
I know what you’re thinking: Oba, what does this have to do with me?
Well, I’m glad you asked. Walk with me!
The bannister effect presents us all with an opportunity.
That opportunity is that there are very few things we attempt to achieve that someone somewhere hasn’t already done.
That is all the proof you need to know that you can replicate and, in time, surpass those results.
This is not an indictment of firsts or discouragement to attempt firsts.
Let’s be honest, not everyone can be first.
However, once the barrier is broken, the opportunity to exceed the first is now available to everyone.
So find the ‘first’ that pertains to the goal or dream you have.
Draw inspiration and motivation from those who have gone ahead of you.
If they did it, you can also.
And even if it's never been done, you can be the 'first'.
Rooting for you always!
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Motivation
This week's motivation is my conversation with Adeola Obaseki, founder of Mohala Grey.
Adeola shares her journey of building a global fashion brand from Nigeria to Canada. It's such a refreshing episode!
THAT'S A WRAP
Let me know your thoughts about today's edition.
Forward this email to someone you think can benefit from today's topic.
Till next Saturday,
OBA
P.S. Find previous newsletter editions on our website and check out the podcast on YouTube.
