How To Get Ahead When You Fall Behind

December 1994, Boarding School, Lagos, Nigeria

It was the big week of final examinations. I was a young teenager seeking to accomplish my goals under very tough circumstances. Imagine studying for final exams through the night with a battery-operated flashlight, night after night, and for several weeks. Electricity was pure luxury. The value of daylight was priceless. 

But on the night before my big science exam, I was exhausted from back-to-back finals. I knew there was no way I could face this science test without rest. I climbed into my bunk bed to catch a quick nap. I carefully planned to get up a little after midnight to study and prepare.

When I opened my eyes, panic enveloped me. I couldn't believe it. It was morning. "It can't be!" I thought. "This was not the plan!" I cried. 

The time was 7:00 am. I had less than 30 minutes to take a quick shower with a tiny bucket of water, complete my boarding room morning chores of sweeping and mopping the hallway, and then be on my way. I had fallen behind, and a threat of failure was looming. 

With early check-in, final exams usually begin at 9:30 am. I had barely 2 hours to attempt studying for this final. I knew I had to do something fast. 

In a few minutes, I dashed out the door with my backpack and textbooks in hand. I sprinted down the road from the dormitory end of the school campus to the classroom end in record time. At this point, it was clear to me that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to make some strategic choices to help me get ahead. 

Here is what I did to get ahead:

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