“Be so busy when you are young because that is the only time you get to learn, try, and fail.” – Fatoumata Doro
When Fatoumata Doro, a remarkable entrepreneur and leader, shared this advice during a recent interview, it struck a chord. Many young people, especially women, hesitate to take risks because of fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of making mistakes. But the truth is, youth is the best time to experiment, explore, and grow.
Why Youth is the Best Time to Be Busy
- Brain Plasticity and Learning Speed
Studies show that young adults between 18 and 35 years old learn new skills 30% faster than older adults because of higher brain plasticity. This is the time to acquire as many skills as possible—whether it’s coding, digital marketing, public speaking, or entrepreneurship. - Lower Risk, Higher Rewards
According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 52% of successful entrepreneurs started their first ventures before the age of 30. Even if you fail early, you have time to bounce back, learn, and try again. - Energy and Adaptability
Youth comes with energy and fewer family or financial obligations. You can take internships, volunteer, travel, or work long hours to build experience without the heavy responsibilities that come later in life. - Networking Opportunities
Research shows that 70% of career opportunities come from networking. Being busy—attending events, joining online communities, and collaborating on projects—helps you meet mentors, partners, and investors who can change your life.
The Power of Failing Early
Failure is often seen as a setback, but in reality, it’s a stepping stone. Sara Blakely, the billionaire founder of Spanx, failed multiple times in her 20s before building her empire. Fatoumata Doro’s advice reminds us that the earlier we fail, the faster we learn what works.
A Harvard Business Review study found that entrepreneurs who failed early were 20% more likely to succeed in their second or third ventures compared to those who never tried at all.
How Young Women Can Apply This Advice
✔ Start Something Small: Launch a side hustle, write a blog, or volunteer for leadership roles.
✔ Learn Continuously: Take online courses; platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and African-focused platforms like ALX offer affordable training.
✔ Embrace Failure: Document your lessons and share them—your story can inspire others.
✔ Build Your Network: Attend women-focused business events, join LinkedIn groups, and seek mentors.
Final Thoughts
Fatoumata Doro’s words are a challenge to every young woman: be bold, be busy, and don’t be afraid to fail. The experiences you gain now will shape the woman you become in 5, 10, or 20 years. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning, trying, and failing forward—today.
