In 2020 we watched our freedom and sense of independence be wiped away from us due to COVID. Two years later, it seems like the dust is somewhat starting to settle as people struggle to regain some sense of normalcy and return to what we hope will be a normal life. Khari Sekou is an author who is helping people push through the pain and tough times by becoming more positive, with his new self-help book, “111 Timeless Truths.”
Why do you think your self-help book, “111 Timeless Truths” could be helpful during these trying times?
Many people have stressful lives and no emotional awareness or control. My book provides inspiration, motivation, and gems of truth that can help people in these difficult times. In modern society, most of our attention and focus is on developing externally (physically, relationships, careers, financially, etc.) but we don’t learn to manage our inner worlds. Because our inner worlds are often neglected and our past traumas and painful experiences haven’t been resolved, we can easily have a breakdown/meltdown. This you see presently with the many acts of violence, addictions, conflicts, crimes, etc. My book can provide a positive perspective and some direction to help navigate the storms.
What was the inspiration behind the book? Were you going through anything that served as a muse or source of material for it?
I had my own “breakdown” that led to my breakthrough. In 2007 my father transitioned from Earth, I had severe depression, I gained over 100 pounds, my real estate business went belly up, my girlfriend left me, I was in a car accident that left me physically deformed, my houses were foreclosed on, my car was repossessed, and I had to file bankruptcy. I felt like life was just being mean to me. But these difficulties led me to immerse myself in positivity just to get through the days. I listened to a lot of motivational speakers and read several books to try to turn my situation around. I read Og Mandino’s, “The Greatest Salesman in the World”, which helped me tremendously. The book is based on 10 scrolls that contain pearls of wisdom. Although it’s a small book, it takes 10 months to read it because you read one scroll per month – 3 times a day for 30 days, then you move to the next scroll. One of my favorite scrolls, “The Scroll Marked #3″, has a powerful quote that I will remember for the rest of my life. It says,” I was not delivered unto this world in defeat…nor does failure coarse through my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd…I am a Lion, and I refuse to talk, walk, or sleep with the sheep. I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. Let them join the sheep. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny. I will persist until I succeed. I will persist. I will win”.
I continued listening to and reading as many wise words as I could find. Then I started writing my own. “111 Timeless Truths” are the wise words I wrote to myself to help me get through my own storm. They were compiled and put into the book.
What’s some valuable advice you were given during the earlier stages of your career that you’ve applied to your journey?
My father was my first mentor, and he had a major impact on my life. He was an entrepreneur and a management consultant but was also retired military. He had a wealth of knowledge about life and business that he shared directly and indirectly. He taught me about integrity and honor, keeping my word, and being a stand-up man. These qualities are a great benefit in the business world where you have so many people that lack them. Because of his mentorship, I have been able to build a solid reputation. My clients and customers know that I’m going to live up to high standards, so they trust me with their business. He was also a living example of a melanated man running a successful company. Because of this example, I always wanted to run my own business and I believed I could do it.
What do you hope readers take away after reading your book?
I hope my book and my story are a source of inspiration and motivation to the readers. By seeing me rise above my circumstances, they can believe they can do the same.
What three tips can you give to our readers who are trying to improve their lives and live more positively?
First I would say to believe in you and that it is possible to rise above your circumstances. You may and likely will have to change your associates and your environment to make positive changes. Everyone isn’t going with you to the top currently. Then I would say to ask yourself what you truly want out of life. Tomorrow is not promised so you might as well go after what you really want today. Make sure they are worthy goals and that they are “practical” in the sense that it’s humanly possible. Once you have that clarity, work towards those goals. It will require hard work, dedication, discipline, consistency, faith, and patience but you can do it if you sincerely commit to victory. Be prepared to “fail until you prevail”. Don’t stop until you succeed.
If you want to learn more about Khari, visit 111timelesstruths.com for more info on the book and instructions on how to get your free copy of the motivational album, “Invincible Warrior” by Terry Milla. His social media links are on the site also.
All Images Courtesy of Author Khari Sekou
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