Founder of the RNAQ Foundation, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, has urged young people to focus on building themselves through discipline and patience before seeking to impact others.

Speaking at the 2026 International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Friday, March 13, he said meaningful success begins with personal development.

“And so to be able to impact people of your generation and generations yet unborn, you must do one thing, you must build yourself first,” he told participants.

According to him, individuals who have not overcome their own struggles may find it difficult to help others.

“If you find yourself in bondage, you cannot rescue people. You have to rescue yourself first. After rescuing yourself, then you can rescue other people,” he explained.

Mr Quaye said many young people often look for complex formulas for success, but the principle is simple.

“I’ll put it in only two words because I don’t want you to ever forget this. The answer is discipline and time,” he said.

He emphasised that discipline must reflect in everyday choices, including financial decisions and personal commitments.

“When I say I will do something, I will do it no matter what. If I say I will not do something, I am not going to do it,” he stated.

Mr Quaye noted that the temptation to increase spending as income grows often prevents many people from building sustainable wealth.

“There would always be the temptation for you to spend more. That is the truth. That is how money behaves,” he said.

He argued that the unwillingness to endure the discomfort that comes with discipline and patience is one of the main reasons many people fail to achieve financial success.

“That is why 99% of humans on Earth are not successful because of the pain of being disciplined and the pain of giving things time,” he added.

Drawing from his own experience, Mr Quaye revealed that he has maintained strict discipline in managing his finances, explaining that he continues to spend less than a fifth of his income.

“As I speak with you, I am still spending below 20% of my income,” he said.

He explained that as wealth grows, disciplined spending habits become even more beneficial.

“When I started, I was almost around the 20% borderline. But as my wealth becomes bigger and bigger, when I take even two per cent of my wealth now, I can’t even spend it,” he added.

Mr Quaye encouraged young people to prioritise self-development, patience and discipline as they work toward building successful lives and empowering others.