By Adediran Peter Adesina

Let me be honest:
When I accepted a logistics job in Ilorin, I had no clue how to drive.

Yes, you read that right.

I had zero driving experience — not even a learner’s permit.
But when my new employer asked, “Can you drive?”
I said, “Yes.”

Crazy? Maybe.

But I believed something deeper than fear:
My mindset could take me further than my current skill ever could.

Day One: Fear in the Driver’s Seat

The first day was rough.

I stalled the car. I fumbled with the gear. I could feel the stares of people around me, probably wondering what I was doing on the road.

My hands were shaky. My confidence? Non-existent.

Part of me wanted to turn around, apologize, and admit I had no business behind the wheel.

But another part of me — the part that believed in growth through discomfort — said, “Keep going.”

Day Two: Still Struggling, But Still Showing Up

I was still nervous. Still unskilled. But I was already better than the day before. Every hour on the road became a lesson.
Every mistake became part of the process. And every small win — a clean reverse, a smooth turn, a successful delivery — gave me the fuel to keep going. Day by day, I grew.

A Turning Point

Soon, something amazing happened:

I wasn’t just driving — I was navigating with confidence. The vehicle no longer scared me. It respected me.
I had learned to listen to the engine, predict traffic, and stay calm under pressure.

My employer? Never suspected a thing. (Well… until now.)

The Bigger Lesson

Learning to drive on the job wasn’t just about driving.
It taught me something bigger:

I may not always start with the skill, but I’ll always have the mindset to learn, adapt, and growThat mindset has helped me in every area of life — not just behind the wheel, but in every challenge I’ve faced since.

 Final Thoughts

We often think we need to be fully ready before we begin.
We wait until we feel “qualified” before taking action.

But the truth is:

You don’t need confidence to start — starting is what builds confidence.

So if you're holding back from saying yes to an opportunity because you don't feel "ready" yet...

Say yes anyway.

Show up. Learn fast. Grow even faster.

Because the mindset to begin — even when you're clueless — is the first step toward becoming truly confident.