Life's Challenges: My Greatest Teacher

Dive: Scholar - Lifelong Learner
Description: Always learning
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Has read at least 5 educational books AND attended 3 educational programs in one year
Certified On: Sep 14, 2026

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Bitrus Bulus Boje Break Diving Level: Recruit Number of Certified Dives: 4 From: Nigeria In: Nigeria

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

I decided to take on this dive the moment I saw it listed as one of the topics people could write about. It made me pause and reflect on how much I’ve been through and everything I’ve learned over the years. I felt it would be meaningful to share those experiences and lessons with others.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

It took me about a year to complete this dive through 2023. I read the 5 books and took the 3 courses during this time (See below).

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The hardest part was finding enough time and maintaining the dedication required to read and reflect on the materials, and to attend the educational events. Balancing the demands of this life-transforming journey with my academic studies, official responsibilities, and professional training courses was often challenging. However, through proper time management, discipline, and commitment, I was able to remain focused and successfully complete all the books and trainings. However, the training courses for my job were very difficult to complete. Each course was three weeks, full time, every day, except Saturday and Sunday.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The easiest part was the joy I found in reading the books, which kept me motivated to continue with each one. Although I read them separately, there were moments when certain pages and statements spoke directly to me, almost as if the authors understood some of the struggles and challenges I have been trying to overcome in life. Those personal connections made the reading enjoyable, meaningful, and inspiring, and kept me engaged throughout the entire journey

The other easy part was the registration and completion of the three training courses, because they were all part of my job. They were: 1) Advanced Detective Course, 2) Intermediate IEDD Training Course (Improvised Explosive Device Disposal), and 3) Advanced IEDD Training Course. These were all required as part of my police training.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

For someone pursuing the Lifelong Learner Dive at this level, I would advise them to embrace continuous learning, self-reflection, and personal sacrifice.

Read widely, including the very books I read, such as You Have a Brain, The Winning Way, and Attitude Is Everything, with an open and honest mind. They will help encourage you on your journey. Find some courses you can take too, either at work or even on YouTube.

Most importantly, take time to appreciate your journey, learn from your experiences, and believe in your abilities and potential.

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

Few among many other resources that may be helpful to those who wish to pursue this dive include:
1. You Have a Brain by Dr. Ben Carson: The central message is that your brain is a powerful tool, and how you use it—through learning, discipline, good decisions, and character—can significantly shape your future.
2. The Winning Way by Brain Tracy It focused on success, goal-setting, discipline, positive thinking, and taking action.
3. Attitude is Everything by Keith Harrell: Your attitude determines how you respond to life and influences the results you achieve.
4.Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer is a Christian personal-development book about overcoming negative, destructive, and limiting thoughts and replacing them with positive, faith-based thinking.
5. The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell: It is all about how can a leader influence his subordinates without forcing them.

Resource 1: YOU HAVE A BRAIN By Dr. Ben Carson - Your brain is a powerful tool, and how you use it can significantly change your future

Resource 2: THE WINNING WAY by Brian Tracy - “Success comes from clear goals, disciplined action, and a positive mindset.”

Resource 3: Attitude is Everything By Keith Harrell - Your attitude determines how you respond to life and influences the results you achieve.

Resource 4: Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer - Winning the battle in your mind begins with changing the way you think

Resource 5: 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell - How can you build the best leadership qualities.

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

One of the most defining adventures of my life has been the journey of discovering that I have the power to influence the direction of my own future. This is one of the themes of the book, "The Winning Way" by Brian Tracy.

After joining the Nigeria Police, I reached a point where I became deeply concerned about several realities around me, from negative public perceptions of the police to challenges with welfare and professional development. These experiences often left me questioning what I could do differently to change the course of my life. Although I did not have all the answers, I carried a strong conviction within me that my future was in my hands, and that belief became the starting point for a journey of education, self-discovery, resilience, and personal transformation.

I became determined to further my education and obtain a degree that would give me a different perspective and create new opportunities for my future. At the time, the environment around me was not very conducive to pursuing academic studies, but I refused to let that stop me. I eventually decided to return to the northern part of the country, where I gained admission and began studying Cybersecurity.

The journey, however, did not become easier. After completing my second year, I was transferred to another location. The distance from my school, coupled with limited financial resources for transportation and other expenses, made continuing my studies extremely difficult. There were moments when I became discouraged and seriously considered quitting. It felt as though every effort to improve my life was being met with another obstacle.

During those difficult moments, I found encouragement in the books I was reading and in the experiences I was going through. Books such as You Have a Brain by Ben Carson, The Winning Way by Brian Tracy, Attitude Is Everything by Keith Harrell, and Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer reinforced important lessons about discipline, resilience, attitude, faith, and believing in one's abilities. Some of the messages seemed to speak directly to my circumstances and reminded me that difficult seasons do not have to determine the outcome of my life.

With renewed determination and faith in God, I chose not to give up. I continued my studies despite the financial challenges, distance, professional responsibilities, and other demands on my time. It was not an easy journey, but every challenge strengthened my resolve to keep moving forward.

Looking back, I consider this one of the greatest adventures of my life because it taught me that personal transformation requires courage, sacrifice, patience, and perseverance. I learned that the path to a better future may not always be comfortable or straightforward, but with faith, determination, continuous learning, and a willingness to keep going, it is possible to overcome obstacles and become a better version of oneself.

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

The evidence I can share is the way I now handle life's challenges and difficult situations with greater maturity. Over the years, I have developed the habit of looking at every situation from two perspectives. First, I ask myself whether I may have contributed to what happened or whether it is a situation that is beyond my control. Second, regardless of the cause, I ask myself what lesson I can learn from the experience.

This mindset has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I have come to believe that every situation in life happens for a reason and serves a purpose. Some experiences are meant to encourage us, while others are meant to challenge us and bring out the best in us. Rather than focusing solely on the problem, I try to focus on the lesson, the growth, and the opportunity hidden within it.

Today, I face challenges differently from how I did in the past. Instead of becoming discouraged, I see them as opportunities to learn, improve, and become a better version of myself. This perspective has been one of the most valuable lessons life has taught me.

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Yes, because I truly believe there is still a lot I can share with others about how life's challenges and difficult situations have shaped me and taught me valuable lessons. Many of the experiences that seemed difficult at the time helped me develop resilience, discipline, and a better understanding of life. Looking back, I see that every challenge carried a lesson that contributed to my growth. By sharing these experiences, I hope to encourage others to view their own challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and become stronger.

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules, No Excuses, No Regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Bitrus Bulus Boje is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Scholar - Lifelong Learner - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 1234

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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