When “Can Do” Can No Longer Do

Summary

The text emphasizes the importance of perseverance and internal motivation, encapsulated in the Yoruba proverb "Itirayi ni gbogbo nkan," which translates to "The trying is all," and encourages stretching oneself beyond limitations, even when "Can do" attitudes falter.

Abstract

The article reflects on the wisdom of perseverance and effort, drawing from the memoirs of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and the author's own grandmother. It highlights the Yoruba phrase "Itirayi ni gbogbo nkan," meaning "The trying is all," as a mantra for overcoming challenges. The author recounts personal experiences and the influence of familial encouragement, stressing that when external motivations fail, internal drive, or "incouragement," is crucial for progress. The narrative suggests that by daring to try and stretching one's capabilities, individuals can rise above their current state and potentially achieve greatness, akin to humanity's reach to the moon and Mars.

Opinions

The author believes that the phrase "The trying is all" is a powerful motivator in the face of daunting challenges.
Encouragement from others, while helpful, is not always available, making self-motivation or "incouragement" essential for success.
The article posits that effort and persistence are more valuable than initial confidence or a "Can do" attitude when faced with difficult situations.
The author's grandmother's wisdom, akin to Soyinka's mother's, is seen as a guiding principle for personal growth and resilience.
The text suggests that even if one does not reach their highest aspirations, the act of trying ensures progress and prevents stagnation.
The author uses historical examples, such as humanity's space exploration, to illustrate the point that attempting the impossible can lead to significant achievements.
Self-doubt is presented as an obstacle to success, and the author advises readers to doubt their doubts and push beyond their perceived limits.

When “can do” can no longer do and when encouragements are not forthcoming or of no avail, doubt all your doubts and step in with “incouragement.”

“Itirayi ni gbogbo nkan.” — — Wole Soyinka

The above statement in Yoruba language translates to;

“The trying is all.” — — Wole Soyinka

In his memoir, You Must Set Forth At Dawn, Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka attributed the above aphorism to his mother. According to him, his mother, whom he described as Wild Christian used to confront every “gamut of incompatible situations” with the crisp adage quoted above. Professor Wole Soyinka explained that every time he was faced with any daunting and seemingly intractable challenge, those words always float up from within to spur him on. His exploits, both in Nigeria’s political landscape and the world of academia and literature are lasting testaments to the veracity and practicality of that four words quip.

I bought two copies of the book at different times over a decade ago. I read each copy through, once. The second copy is occupying its well-deserved space in my book case. What makes the epigram so beautiful is its Yorubanized language form of the English word “trying”. So, the Yoruba form of the English phrase “The trying is all,” becomes, “Itirayi ni gbogbo nkan.” Native speakers and writers of Yoruba language will immediately recognize and appreciate the crystal clear beauty of the Yoruba rendition especially with the transformation of the English word — “trying” to “itirayi”. (Notice the similarity in the sounding of the words.) The Yoruba language sentence, “Itirayi ni gbogbo nkan” meaning, “the trying is all” is among many others, the most enduring and practical life’s lesson that has stuck with me from the book ever since I first read it.

From my pre-teen to late-teen years, I was brought up by my paternal grandmother. Grandma used to encourage and spur her grandchildren on with a similar proverb though not as succinct as Professor Soyinka’ distilled wit. Similar to Soyinka mother’s wisdom, my grandmother’s philosophy has followed me throughout most of my adult life to this day.

Back then, the meaning of the old woman’s words were not so clear to me. On each of several such frequent encounters, I used to mutter to myself, “Mama, you’ve come with another one of those your unending not-so-easy-to-decipher sayings.” I will not be able to compress it in a fashion similar to Professor Soyinka’s wit above (and I will not attempt to do so). My grandma’s pitty advice, from my native Ososo dialect to English language roughly translates to the following statement. “My son, when you stretch yourself, even if you fail to touch the ceiling, you may likely touch the shelf (mounted on the wall).” Pause for a moment and see the wisdom on this later wit.

I was reflecting on Soyinka’s enduring aphoristic wit when the above refrain from my late grandmother came to my mind. It does come to my mind almost all the time. Though long gone, her words of hope and encouragement always ring in my ears whenever I’m faced with the mundane or most daunting of life’s challenges . In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, I just tell myself, “Remember granny’s words — Just stretch yourself. You may end up winning at the end. Put in more efforts. Try harder. Don’t give up.”

Someone reading this article may ask, “Where then is your “self-confidence? What happened to your “Can-do” spirit?’ My answer is, ‘In the school of life’s “hard knocks”, over and again, the time comes when “Can do” can no longer do. At such times, the only thing that will see you through to the victorious side is sheer persistence, endurance, doggedness, daring to try and stretch yourself further just a little bit more. Stretch.’

So, I commend same to you. Dare to try. Dare to put in the effort. Even if you fail to reach your highest aspirations you will definitely no longer remain at ground zero. You will rise.

Of course, there are always many sources of encouragement and motivation both internal and external. But, do you know that when the external encouragement is not within reach, the internal form of it, what my pastor called “incouragement” is always within your grasp?

“ You’ve heard it before, Just try. In other words, “Put in more efforts.” You really never can tell the heights to which you will one day rise by simply daring, trying, stretching and putting in all your efforts, today. Believe me, you will be pleasantly amazed by the vista awaiting you as you dare, stretch and incourage yourself.

Still doubting me? See. When men aim for the stars, even though they did not reach them, they set their feet on the moon. Even right now, the Mars robotic rover, Opportunity is roving on the planet Mars. All because men tried. Now, over to you… “

Don’t forget this, Doubt your self-doubts. Just stretch yourself. A little bit more.

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt” — William Shakespeare