AN EWONDO PROVERB FOR SUCCESS

Ever feel like your social media feed and personal conversations are filled with talk about goals but little action? A wise Ewondo proverb offers a powerful reminder: “Nkole ayeban a siköa eyanga” – A chattering bird builds no nest. Sharing ideas and sparking inspiration are important parts of the journey. But without action, those dreams remain just that – dreams.
So, how do we turn the chatter into concrete progress? Here are some tips inspired by the proverb:

Start Where You Are

Pick one goal that resonates with you. Identify the smallest possible action you can take towards it. It could be researching resources, outlining a plan, or simply scheduling dedicated time to work on your vision. Remember, even the mightiest oak started as a tiny acorn.

Consistency is Key

Building your dream is a marathon, not a sprint. Forget the pressure of overnight success. Focus on consistent, daily efforts. Maybe it’s 30 minutes of dedicated work each day or a commitment to learn one new skill a week. These small steps will consistently propel you forward more effectively than sporadic bursts of activity.

Celebrate the Milestones

The road to success can be long. Don’t wait for the “big win” to celebrate. Give yourself a pat on the back for completing each task, overcoming challenges, and showing up every day. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small, to stay motivated and keep the momentum going.


What are you waiting for? Stop just talking about your goals. Silence the chatter inside you, take that first step, and start building your nest.

[1] Ewondo or Yaunde are rain-forest agro-fishery and Kolo-speaking people of the larger Beti-Pahuin ethnic group of Bantu origin residing predominantly at Yaounde, the Capital city of Cameroon. Though they separate themselves into several individual clans, they all share a common origin, history and culture.