The first time Hercules faced Hydra, he despaired after discovering that every time he cut off one of its heads, two more grew back in its place. The more he attacked the beast, the stronger it became. At that moment, Hercules feared he might never defeat it.
I came across this story while reading Ikigai, where I encountered the word Antifragility, a concept proposed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
Taleb describes antifragility as things that gain from disorder. In simpler terms, it reflects the popular saying: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
To explain the idea further, Taleb says the word fragile refers to people, systems, organisations, or things that weaken when exposed to stress, pressure, or harm.
On the other hand, words like robust and resilient describe things that can resist damage without breaking down. But antifragility goes a step further.
Something that is antifragile does not merely survive shocks; it actually improves because of them.
That was why Taleb needed a completely different word.
The question then becomes: how can we build antifragility into our lives, businesses, careers, homes, and relationships?
I do not have all the answers, but I picked up a few powerful ideas from Ikigai that are worth considering.
1. Create More Options
Instead of depending on only one salary or source of income, find ways to create alternatives. Monetise your hobbies, build side businesses, learn profitable skills, or explore investments.
I know a man in Nigeria called Chigozie. He works in a reputable organisation, but he is also a fantastic MC and owns a successful wine shop. If his office job disappeared tomorrow, chances are he would still survive comfortably because he created options for himself.
This principle also applies beyond money. Depending entirely on one friendship, one connection, or one opportunity can make you fragile.
2. Be Conservative in Some Areas and Take Small Risks in Others
Imagine you have ₦100,000 saved and want to grow it wisely. One strategy could be to place ₦90,000 in a relatively safe investment like a mutual fund while using the remaining ₦10,000 to experiment with smaller risky opportunities.
For example, you could spread that ₦10,000 across ten small ventures or ideas. Some may fail, but one successful opportunity could produce returns that outweigh the losses.
The idea is simple: protect your foundation while still giving yourself opportunities for unexpected growth.
3. Remove the Things That Make You Fragile
There are habits, addictions, environments, and even relationships that weaken us consistently.
Part of becoming antifragile is identifying and eliminating the things that reduce our strength, clarity, discipline, and growth.
The book shares several examples, but deep down, most of us already know the specific things making our lives fragile.
If we are honest enough to confront and remove them, we may discover that difficult seasons can actually make us stronger instead of destroying us.
That, perhaps, is the real meaning of antifragility.
If you keep in mind that what does not kill you can make you stronger, then you may begin to see adversity differently.
It is possible to become antifragile.
But it requires intention, discipline, wise decisions, and the willingness to grow through discomfort instead of collapsing under it.
I strongly recommend reading Ikigai. It is an excellent book for anyone interested in improving their wellbeing, mindset, and approach to life, especially if you are willing to apply its lessons.
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