Be a DRIVER

Have you ever paused to consider what truly guides your life's journey?

What invisible hand rests upon the steering wheel, directing your course through the winding roads and unexpected detours?

It’s a question that has echoed through generations, whispered in hushed tones in moments of reflection.

For me, the answer is surprisingly simple, yet profoundly resonant.

I am a DRIVER.

Yes, you read that correctly. I am a DRIVER, navigating the complexities of my existence with a set of fundamental principles, a personal compass, if you will.

These weren't handed down in a textbook or preached from a lectern. They were quietly, powerfully, imparted to me by my mentor, a man whose life, even in retrospect, seems to have been remarkably well-driven.

My mentor was a man of insatiable curiosity, a voracious reader, and a dedicated writer, often lost in the world of words for hours on end.

Growing up, I watched him, almost with envy, as he seemed to effortlessly balance the demands of a demanding career, the joys of mentoring and guiding young minds, he was, in his time, shaping the next generation of engineers and perhaps most importantly, a deep and unwavering commitment to philanthropic work, to giving back to the world in meaningful ways.

At eighteen, stepping out into the vast unknown of adulthood, it felt daunting, perhaps even a little harsh. But today, looking back across the miles travelled, the lessons learned, the victories and the stumbles, I understand with profound clarity what it all meant.

Recently, I unearthed a collection of his papers, pages filled with his characteristic handwriting. And there, amidst the yellowed pages, lay the very blueprint, the detailed map, of what it meant to be a DRIVER, a philosophy of life he had patiently laid out for me, brick by metaphorical brick. Let me share these foundational principles with you, for I believe they hold a universal wisdom, applicable to any soul navigating the intricate roads of life.

D – DISCIPLINE.

He believed, and I now know to be unequivocally true, that discipline is not merely about rigid schedules or restrictive routines. It is, rather, the singular, indispensable ingredient in the recipe for lasting success, the quiet force that anchors you steadfastly to your goals, even when the winds of doubt and distraction howl fiercely.

If you possess a true passion, something that ignites your soul and sets your heart alight, then discipline is not a chore, but an act of devotion. It is the daily, sometimes minute-by-minute, commitment to nurturing that passion, chasing it with unwavering focus until it transcends mere interest and becomes, in essence, a guiding principle, a personal religion of action and dedication.

R – RESPECT.

“Respect others, at any cost,” he would often say, his voice firm yet gentle. “But,” he would invariably add, “know that this respect can never, ever, come at the expense of your own dignity.” This was a nuanced lesson, one that took years to fully absorb.

Respect, he believed, is not demanded through force or entitlement, it is commanded through action, earned through consistent integrity, and solidified through unwavering hard work and deeply held conviction.

It is these qualities, he stressed, that truly pave the way, that open doors and forge lasting connections, far more powerfully than any title or demand ever could

I – INTELLIGENCE.

He often used the metaphor of a river when speaking of knowledge. “Knowledge,” he’d say, “is like a vast, flowing river. Take a sip from every river you encounter, if possible.” His point was beautifully simple, yet profoundly wise, no single person possesses the totality of knowledge.

Everyone, regardless of their perceived status or expertise, knows something, however small or seemingly insignificant, that you might not. True intelligence, therefore, is not about claiming to know everything, but about embracing the humility to learn from everyone.

It is a quality that perpetually grows, expands, and refines itself through continuous learning and open-mindedness. And as true intelligence blossoms, he believed, it should, in turn, cultivate a deeper sense of humility within you, a quiet acknowledgement of the vastness of what remains unknown.

V – VALUED.

To feel valued in life, he explained, is to experience a profound sense of being appreciated, of being seen as important and respected by those around you. But it transcends mere external validation.

It also encompasses an internal sense of purpose, a deep-seated conviction that your life holds intrinsic worth. This feeling of being valued, both inwardly and outwardly, arises not from grand pronouncements or fleeting praise, but from the tangible contributions you make to the world, from the skills you cultivate and share, from the depth and authenticity of your relationships, and from the very essence of your personal qualities your integrity, your kindness, your unwavering spirit. It is in these quiet acts of contribution and connection that true value is found and felt.

E – EFFERVESCENT.

For my mentor, possessing a vivacious, enthusiastic spirit was paramount. He cherished the ability to approach life with zest, with a contagious energy that lifted those around him. But he was also deeply attuned to the concept of true elegance and grace, qualities he insisted were never about superficial adornment or expensive clothing.

True elegance, he believed, was about the quiet power of your presence, the capacity to inspire and encourage others simply by being authentically, wholeheartedly yourself. It was about radiating an inner light that illuminated not just your own path, but also the paths of those fortunate enough to cross your way.

R – RESPONSIBLE.

He had a favourite quote, etched into his mind and often spoken aloud, a guiding mantra for his own life and, ultimately, for mine “The only person truly responsible for your life…is YOU!”

This was not a harsh decree, but an empowering truth. Walk through life, he urged, with unwavering confidence, owning your choices, embracing your journey, and accepting full responsibility for both the triumphs and the tribulations that inevitably come your way.

It is a profound disservice to yourself, he cautioned, to assume that others will magically shape your destiny, to believe that your successes or failures are solely dictated by external forces. Your life, in its entirety, is your own creation, your own responsibility to shape, to navigate, and to ultimately, to drive.

And so, as I reflect upon these principles, these quiet yet powerful words unearthed from a dusty cupboard, I realise the enduring wisdom they hold.

They are not merely words on a page, they are a roadmap for a life well-driven, a guide to navigating the complexities of existence with purpose, integrity, and an unwavering sense of self-direction.

Perhaps, in reading them, you too might find a principle or two to add to your own driving philosophy, to help you take the wheel of your own life and steer it with greater intention, towards a destination uniquely and beautifully yours.