Hilda Effiong Bassey, a twenty-seven-year-old Nigerian chef set out to break the Guinness World Records for “Longest Cooking Marathon for an Individual” on Thursday, 11th May 2023 at the Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State – Nigeria. After beating Indian Chef, Lata Tondon’s Record of eighty-seven hours, forty-five minutes (87 hours, 45 minutes), Hilda went ahead to set a new record of a hundred hours of cooking time (100 hours). Even though she completed the challenge on Monday, 15th May 2023, the Guinness World Records is yet to confirm this as a record.
We often encounter remarkable individuals who exemplify qualities that inspire and motivate us. Hilda’s pursuit of breaking the #GuinnessWorldRecords for “Longest Cooking Marathon for an Individual” is one such example. Her journey not only serves as a testament to her personal achievements but also offers valuable lessons that can be applied to our professional and personal lives. Here are seven key lessons from Hilda Baci’s remarkable achievement.
- Resilience:
Hilda Baci’s journey showcases the power of resilience. As at Sunday, 14th May 2023, Hilda had cooked over a hundred and ten meals (110) and served over two thousand and ninety-five (2,795) people according to “Citizen Digital” an online news site. Having cooked for several hours, Hilda was seen in circulating videos, seemingly exhausted and receiving body massages during her break. Despite facing these challenges, she persevered with unwavering determination and has achieved her goal of breaking the “Guinness World Record for Longest Cooking Time for an Individual”. In the face of adversity, resilience reminds us that setbacks are steppingstones to success, and every failure is an opportunity for growth. This is one key lesson we can learn from Hilda Baci’s achievement.
2. Determination:
Determination is the driving force behind accomplishing extraordinary feats. Hilda Baci’s relentless pursuit of breaking the Guinness World Record serves as a reminder that with a strong sense of determination, we can overcome obstacles, push our boundaries, and achieve what may seem impossible. It teaches us that success often requires unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to our goals.
- Hard Work:
Hilda Baci’s record-breaking attempt required immense hard work and dedication. Her achievement reminds us that there are no shortcuts to success. Putting in the necessary effort, going the extra mile, and staying committed to continuous improvement are crucial ingredients for achieving our goals. One admirable fact about Hilda’s work ethic is that she reportedly did not compromise on the quality of her food, even after cooking for so many hours and appearing exhausted. It is important to remember that hard work is the foundation upon which greatness is built.
- Teamwork:
While Hilda Baci pursued her individual record, the support and collaboration she received from her team, were instrumental in her success. In circulating videos, her team mates were seen prepping some of the meals to make cooking easier for Hilda. In another video where Hilda seemed exhausted, one of her Chefs was seen encouraging her and asking her to jump to keep active. Teamwork allows individuals to pool their diverse talents, skills, and resources towards achieving a common objective. At the workplace, fostering a culture of teamwork can lead to enhanced collaboration, innovation, and overall organizational success.
- Support:
Behind every great achievement lies a network of support. Hilda’s journey underscores the importance of having a strong support system. Whether it is friends, family, mentors, or colleagues, having individuals who believe in us and provide guidance and encouragement can make a significant difference. The support she received from her team, Nigerians and the entire world was very instrumental to her success. Nigerian Celebrities who visited Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State – Nigeria, to cheer on and support Hilda included “Tiwa Savage”, “Teni”, “Sydney Talker”, “Spyro”, “Charles Okocha”, “Banky W” etc. Some supporters even stayed overnight just to cheer her on.
Tiwa Savage shows her support to Hilda Baci pic.twitter.com/ZiiMzdpp5Z
— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) May 14, 2023
- Preparation:
Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt required meticulous preparation. From physical training to mental conditioning, her commitment to thorough preparation demonstrates the significance of being well-prepared for any endeavor.
Being prepared equips us to handle challenges, make informed decisions, and seize opportunities effectively. It is the key to achieving excellence and delivering impactful results. One way Hilda diligently prepared for the challenge was by undergoing personal training with fitness expert and former #BigBrotherNaija reality star, Kemen.
- Aspiration for the Next Level:
Hilda Baci’s achievement is a testament to her aspiration for the next level. Her pursuit of setting a world record showcases the importance of setting ambitious goals and continuously striving for personal and professional growth. We can take inspiration from her example and constantly seek opportunities to enhance our skills, expand our knowledge, and make a lasting impact in the world.
Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt provides us with a wealth of valuable lessons that transcend beyond her personal journey. Her resilience, determination, hard work, teamwork, support, preparation, and aspiration for the next level serves as a beacon of inspiration. By applying these lessons to our own lives and professional endeavors, we can unlock our full potential, achieve remarkable success, and make a positive impact in our organizations, communities and on a global stage.