The Making of an Overcomer: Lessons in Resilience, Integrity, and Purpose
Dive:Break Diver - Overcomer Description: Has successfully overcome major life difficulties Level: Level 1 Level Requirements: Has successfully overcome 1 major life difficulty Certified On:
May 11, 2025
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).
1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?
Having reflected on the circumstances that led me to join the Nigeria Police, I decided to pursue this dive the moment I encountered "Overcomer" as a dive. It connected deeply with my personal journey, as I realized that many of the tough decisions I had made throughout my career were acts of faith, without knowing what the outcomes would be. Choosing this dive was a way to acknowledge the years of courage, discipline, resilience, and dedication that helped me navigate numerous challenges and temptations that have overwhelmed many 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?
The journey to accomplishing this dive took several years of consistent effort and growth. It required time because overcoming deep and complex challenges — especially those that test one’s character, emotional strength, and decision-making under pressure — is a gradual process. Each experience, success, and failure along the way contributed to building the resilience and wisdom necessary to reach this point. True transformation demanded patience, perseverance, and a long-term commitment to personal and professional growth.
3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?
The hardest part of achieving this dive level was standing firm in my integrity and preserving my reputation when faced with challenges and temptations that often demanded compromise. In moments when giving in seemed easier and more convenient, I chose to uphold the values that define me. Each of those tough decisions tested my strength, but they also shaped the foundation of the success and respect I now enjoy.
4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?
What made achieving this dive level easier, to some extent, was the strong foundation of my Christian faith. The Bible has always been my compass, offering guidance and strength through the inspiration of God’s Word. Over the years, consistently making value-driven decisions built a resilience within me. So when similar challenges and temptations came, I faced them with greater confidence and clarity, knowing I was not walking the journey alone
5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?
To anyone pursuing this dive at this level, here’s my advice: Believe in yourself. You already have within you what it takes to overcome the challenges life throws your way. There will be moments that test your strength, your values, and your resolve — but don’t let those moments define you. Instead, let them refine you.
Be honest with yourself. Take time to reflect, grow, and recognize the battles you've already won. You don’t need to prove yourself to the world with words — your consistency, integrity, and quiet victories will speak louder than anything else. Walk this path with confidence and humility, knowing that every obstacle you overcome brings you one step closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
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.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, one of the key resources that has consistently guided me on this journey is my Christian background. The Word of God has encouraged me to stay committed to the path of truth, even in the face of pressure and difficult circumstances. For anyone pursuing this dive at this level, I recommend identifying your life’s purpose early on and dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to it.
In addition to spiritual grounding, I strongly recommend reading motivational books by people who have succeeded in life. For me, authors like Brian Tracy have been incredibly impactful — his books helped shape my mindset, sharpen my focus, and reminded me that success is built on discipline, resilience, and continuous personal growth. These kinds of resources not only inspire, but also equip you with practical tools for overcoming life’s challenges.
Resource 2: No Excuses by Brian Tracy - Brian Tracy teaches that self-discipline is the key to success in every area of life.
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7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).
As a police officer in Nigeria, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the negative public perception of the police. There’s a deep-rooted stigma attached to the force, largely because of systemic corruption. Many Nigerians believe every police officer is corrupt — not necessarily because of personal experience, but because of what has become a widely accepted narrative in our society.
One of the most criticized practices is the extortion that takes place on highways during routine checks. Instead of conducting legitimate stop-and-search operations, some officers use the opportunity to extort money from motorists, further reinforcing public distrust.
After graduating from the Police Training School, I was posted to a Divisional Police Headquarters and, as is customary, assigned to a patrol team. It wasn’t long before I realized that my team was involved in such extortion — a practice considered “normal” by many officers. At the end of each shift, the money collected would be shared based on rank and seniority.
During my first and second day, I reluctantly accepted my share but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I hid it under my mattress, burdened by guilt. On the third day, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life — I refused to collect the money. My team was surprised. They told me, “That’s how we all started. You’ll eventually come around.”
One hot afternoon, while we were stationed at a checkpoint under the scorching sun, a motorist stopped by, parked his car, and walked over to us. He handed our team leader, an Inspector, the sum of two thousand naira — willingly, without being asked. The Inspector turned to the team and said the money would be given to me, saying, “Since he doesn’t share in the rest, he should take this one.” He added that it wasn’t a bribe since the driver gave it voluntarily. I accepted it, though with hesitation.
After that month, I went to the officer in charge of our duty postings and requested to be reassigned from patrol to guard duty at the Divisional Police Officer’s (DPO) residence. He was shocked and asked why I was rejecting patrol — a post many officers usually lobby for. I simply told him I wasn’t comfortable on road patrol.
Unbeknownst to me, my team leader had informed the DPO about my refusal to partake in extortion or share in the money. The DPO was deeply impressed and, recognizing my integrity, appointed me as the Divisional Finance Clerk, saying he believed I would be a sincere and trustworthy officer.
8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?
I firmly believe that the story I shared above serves as a strong testament to my adherence to the criteria required for this dive at this level. It demonstrates my commitment to integrity, resilience, and making difficult yet principled decisions, even in the face of pressure and temptation. My actions speak louder than words, and they reflect my ability to stay true to my values, even when it would have been easier to follow the status quo.
9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?
I will be pursuing the next level in this journey, as it will allow me to share additional stories similar to the one I started when I first joined the force. As I progressed in rank, the challenges and temptations I faced became more complex, yet overcoming them has led to my elevation to a higher level of responsibility. This progression is a direct result of my discipline, resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
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: Break Diver - Overcomer - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!
Certificate number:
607
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!
