For as long as I can remember, I have been searching for a sense of self, and I’ve reached a breakthrough.

It wasn’t always easy, though. From being someone who had it all to becoming someone who wanted it all, I’ve experienced my fair share of emotions ranging from love to lust, pain to joy, and even suffering.


I miss the days when I had a smile on my face, when I wasn’t so caught up in the small things, and when I wasn’t so adamant about handling everything alone. I buried myself in the depths of despair, asking, “What happened to me?” When did I start believing I wasn’t worth it? When did I begin questioning my purpose on earth? Wondering who I should be, why happiness was out of reach?


I wished to go back in time and fix it all, but I realized something important: the damage my mind caused is what brought me here. I’ve broken myself repeatedly, tearing down the walls of my mentality and rebuilding them to adapt to each new environment. Many call this change, but I see it differently—I call it survival instinct.


Life, to me, is like a vast library. Each book represents an individual’s journey, their struggles, triumphs, and emotions. We are all the main characters of our stories, and at the end of the day, we must ask ourselves one simple question:


“Is this book of mine worth the read?”


Many believe positivity is the best way to motivate someone. It’s an encouraging sentiment, but I have come to believe that negativity often does it better. When used correctly, negativity can be a driving force, pushing us to achieve more than we ever thought possible. Let me explain.


Think about the last time you felt envious or angry. Maybe you saw a friend celebrating a promotion, buying a new car, or achieving a goal you’ve been striving for. You smiled and said, “I’m happy for you,” but deep down, you felt something else, An ache in your chest, a sharp pang of jealousy.


We’ve all been there. Society tells us to suppress those feelings, to stay positive, and to never compare ourselves to others. But what if those feelings were a gift? What if they were your mind’s way of showing you that you’re not satisfied with where you are?


Negativity acts like a mirror. It reflects the areas of your life where you’re unhappy, where you feel unfulfilled. It’s not about hating the person who has what you want, It’s about acknowledging that you, too, deserve more. Envy and frustration are signals that your inner self knows you’re capable of achieving greater things.


Now, I’m not saying we should wallow in negative emotions or let them consume us. What I’m saying is that we can use them as fuel. Let me give you a real-life example.


Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, famously used negativity as motivation. Early in his career, he was cut from his high school basketball team. That rejection could have broken him, but instead, it ignited a fire within him. Jordan didn’t just want to prove his coach wrong, He wanted to prove to himself that he could rise above the setback. His anger, frustration, and even humiliation became the driving forces behind his relentless work ethic.


Oprah Winfrey, who faced repeated rejections and criticisms early in her career. Told she was unfit for television, she could have let the negativity defeat her. Instead, she used it as a challenge, pushing herself to become the media mogul she is today.


These examples show that negativity, when directed properly, can transform into a powerful tool for growth. It’s not about letting the anger fester; it’s about channeling it into action.


We live in a culture that glorifies positivity. “Stay positive,” we’re told. “Don’t compare yourself to others.” But these well-meaning phrases can sometimes do more harm than good.


When you suppress negative emotions, you ignore the very signals that can guide you toward change. Imagine drowning in envy as you watch a colleague succeed in a field you’re passionate about. Instead of pushing those feelings aside, why not let them inspire you? Ask yourself:


- What steps did they take to get where they are?

- What am I not doing that I could be?

- How can I outwork, outsmart, or outshine them?


Negativity is often viewed as a weakness, but in truth, it’s a sign of strength. It shows that you care, that you’re passionate, and that you’re willing to fight for more.


Take the story of a young woman, *Amaka*, who grew up in a small town in Nigeria. Amaka dreamed of becoming a writer, but she constantly faced criticism from her family and community. “Writers don’t make money,” they told her. “Find a real job.”
At first, those words crushed her. She felt unworthy, doubting her abilities and questioning her dreams. But as time passed, she realized something: their negativity wasn’t just an attack, It was a challenge. She used their doubts as motivation, pouring her energy into improving her craft. Today, Amaka is a published author, proving that even the harshest criticism can become a stepping stone to success.


Similarly, think about the countless entrepreneurs who started businesses because they were dissatisfied with their lives. Negativity a sense of frustration, discontent, or even desperation pushed them to take risks and create something better.


It’s important to clarify that negativity alone isn’t enough. You can’t thrive on anger, envy, or frustration without a clear plan and a vision for the future. The key is balance.
Positivity provides hope, but negativity provides urgency. Positivity tells you that your dreams are possible, but negativity reminds you that time is fleeting and competition is fierce. When you combine the two, you create a mindset that is both optimistic and driven.


Practical Steps to Harness Negativity


1. **Acknowledge Your Feelings**

Don’t shy away from envy, anger, or frustration. Recognize them for what they are: signals that something in your life needs to change.


2. **Identify the Root Cause**

Ask yourself: Why do I feel this way? Is it because I’m not putting in enough effort? Am I stuck in a situation that no longer serves me?


3. **Set Clear Goals**

Use your negative emotions as a compass. If envy points you toward a colleague’s promotion, set a goal to improve your skills or take on challenging projects.


4. **Take Action**

Negativity without action leads to bitterness. Channel your emotions into tangible steps. Apply for that dream job, enroll in a course, or wake up earlier to work on your side hustle.


5. **Learn from Failure**

Negativity often stems from setbacks. Instead of dwelling on them, analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to do better next time.


As I reflect on my journey, I realize that negativity has been one of my greatest teachers. It forced me to confront my fears, to challenge my limitations, and to strive for more. It taught me that breaking myself and rebuilding isn’t failure, It’s evolution.


Life is a library, and we are the authors of our stories. Negativity doesn’t have to be the villain; it can be the plot twist that turns your tale into a masterpiece. So the next time you feel envy, anger, or frustration, don’t suppress it. Instead, let it fuel you.
At the end of the day, the question remains:


“Is this book of mine worth the read?”


The answer lies in how you choose to channel your emotions. Will you let negativity hold you back, or will you use it to propel yourself forward?


The choice is yours.