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  • 7 Tips for Home Improvement on a Small Budget

    Embarking on a home improvement project with a small budget can be a very daunting and challenging exercise. What with sky-rocking prices of materials and tools, the challenge becomes even more difficult to undertake. 

    However, this is possible with some planning and creativity. With prudent management and a bit of creativity to ensure that the right materials are in place, it is doable.

    You will be amazed at what can be achieved on a merger budget. Most of the time we are too shy or rather scared to start something, especially when we are low on resources.

    We always think it can be done only when we have saved enough resources. But life as it, never gives you enough from the start. 

    But, rather it allows you to grow with what you have and not what you do not have. Sometimes a little confidence is all it takes to start working on something.

    If you are resolved to undertake the project but are low on resources, here are some tips to help you implement a home improvement project. 

    Planning Ahead

    Before you start any project, create a plan of what you want to achieve with what resources you have available. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid unexpected expenses.

    Planning ahead makes things a little bit easier. It gives you a proper direction of what you want to achieve and how you will go about it.

    With limited resources at your disposal, there is very little room for error, hence the need to create a plan that is solid. 

    A plan that will really guide and help you achieve your objectives with a small budget. However, do not over plan. 

    Many of the time we tend to over plan as a result, nothing gets done in the process as we lose focus and are bogged down with life issues. 

    However, this is not to undermine the importance of planning. It should be the first thing to be done. A good plan surely guarantees a good start.

    Prioritise

    Decide on which home improvements are most important to you and tackle them first. This will help you avoid spending money on unnecessary upgrades.

    Some improvements may not be regarded as a priority. Yes, they may need to be worked on but they could be regarded as non-priority.

    Organise your work in such a way that you first tackle the ones that really need attention and move to the least on your list.

    This way, you will be able to deal with urgent repairs and or improvements effectively. Funds permitting you then start tackling the least urgent ones. 

    Rather than work on everything at the same time, start small with what you can afford. Betters still, target a section at a time.

    Don’t be tempted to work on everything at once bearing in mind that you are on a shoestring budget. Work on what your money will allow for now. Leave those that need more resources for a later stage.

    Do It Yourself

    Doing some of the work yourself can save you a lot of money on labour costs. There are many tutorials and resources online that can help you learn how to do various home improvement tasks.

    For sure DIY can save you lots of money. If you have kids, involve them. Kids just love getting dirty and involving them is also one way of teaching them how to work. 

    Give them tasks that they will be able to do in a fun way. Motivate them by giving them an incentive. Depending on how old they are, you will be amazed by what they can do.

    Personally, I enjoy and love doing things myself. It has actually saved me a lot of money on labour and besides its good exercise.

    When you do things yourself you take time and do them the way you want. Some of these home improvements can actually be done without much difficulty.  

    Shop Around for Materials and Tools

    Compare prices at different home improvement stores or online retailers to find the best deals on materials and tools.

    Before committing to spend on materials, shop around and take note of the prices. Make decisions such as replacing branded materials and tools with non-branded substitutes.

    You will agree with me that branded items are usually more expensive than unbranded ones.  And sometimes, the unbranded items are also of good quality yet less expensive. 

    Shopping around could save you tons of money. Yes, it could be tedious but it’s worth it. It also gives you an idea of how much you will need to spend on materials and tools.

    Use Recycled Materials and or Tools

    Look for ways to repurpose or reuse materials and tools from other projects or items in your home to save money.

    Some materials could be reused or recycled. Look around your home for leftover items from previous projects.

    If you are undertaking a painting exercise for example, am sure the paint brushes and rollers from the previous project could still be reused.

    Things like leftover paint, if you are not changing the colour could be reused. Such items and materials would really go a long way in reducing your overall cost.

    Also, try as much as possible to improvise where you can. Most of the time we do not want to think outside the box. 

    Make Small Changes

    Sometimes small changes can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room. Consider things like painting, updating light fixtures, or adding new accessories.

    Get rid of the old stuff that is not being used. Free up some space and reorganise the room to give it a new look and feel.

    It is the small things that end up making the big things. Change a few things here and there and see if they are what you are looking for. Home improvement does not necessarily have to be a wholesale change. 

    Get Creative

    Look for creative solutions to problems. For example, instead of replacing an outdated bathroom vanity, consider painting it and adding new hardware.

    Being creative can help you find solutions to problems, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being. 

    In the context of home improvement, being creative can involve finding innovative ways to use materials or repurposing items you already have to achieve the look and feel you want for your home without spending a lot of money.

    Conclusion

    By following these few tips, you can embark on a home improvement project on a small budget and still achieve great results.

  • How to Make Yourself Useful

    Nature dictates that we grow. One cannot remain in the same position forever. All growth comes from within. We grow so as to make meaningful contributions to the world.

    We were created not to live in isolation. Whether you are contributing positively or not the fact still remains that you are endowed with unique talents and potential that need to be shared with the world.

    You are part of the big family that is interlinked and interdependent now more than ever before. We now live in a global village where we have more access to either side of the world than before, via the use of technology.

    All humans have a duty and responsibility to use their talents and provide solutions that benefit human kind. You can help change the world and make it a better place to live for all by making your life useful.

    Everything that you do has an effect on the quality of the kind of life you are leading. If you are positive you are most likely contributing positively to your well-being.

    The current state of your well-being largely determines how much your contribution is to the world. Stop thinking that you have nothing to give. No matter what you are going through, the fact that you are still alive means that God is not yet done with you.

    He has given you another opportunity to change the things that you need to change in your life. Stop giving excuses, get up and get ready for your next challenge. Life is about overcoming obstacles and challenges that are thrown at us.

    Make your life worthwhile by being positive and useful. Life was not meant to be lived miserably or unhappy. Get out of your negative frame of mind and begin to do something meaningful with your life.

    Decide What You Want for Your Life

    When you do not have a plan for your life you live an aimless life. You move with the wind. Opportunities will pass you by. Often times you will be forced to take anything that comes your way just to make earns meet.

    However, if you have a plan, you tend to attract and choose the right opportunities that help advance your life to the next level. You make your choices off the fact that they are in tandem with your life’s vision and plan.

    If you have a plan in place you are more likely to live a very happy and fulfilling life. You are more likely to make changes that are influencing the world positively. That is why it is very advisable to quickly formulate your life’s plan early in life.

    This way you live to enjoy the fruits of your labour much much longer. It also helps because this is the time when you have so much energy to pursue your dreams.

    However, if you do have a plan for your life you can devise it right away. The following techniques might be of great help when coming up with your plan.

    • Prayer – prayer moves mountains. Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance over your life. God has the blueprint for your life. He has the manual for your life. He knows what you are capable of doing and what you can achieve. Put him at the centre of your life. Let him be the guiding light over everything you do. The bible says “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” God is never tired of being asked.
    • Find what makes you happy – I believe that we all want to live a happy life. We are most effective when we are happy. Find what makes you happy and do more of it. If you do not derive pleasure from your current job or employment, it is definitely not for you. I guess that your performance is not as effective as it should be. You should seriously evaluate your current job or employment before you make any further decisions that may affect your financial livelihood.
    • Find what you do with less effort – We all have something that we can give easily. Deep down embedded in each and every one of us, is something that flows with very little or no effort. You need to tap into that realm and harness it. It is most likely what your purpose is all about.

    Take Action

    Once you have decided on what you want your life to be like, it is time to take action. It is time to set the train of life into motion. They say “a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” By the way, make sure you write down your life’s plan on paper.

    Break your plan into smaller achievable goals and begin to work on them. Start working towards achieving your goals even when your plan is not as perfect as you want it. It will become more clearer when you start working on it and as you put God at the centre of every aspect of your life.

    God is always faithful when we trust him and involve him in our daily activities. Action is what produces results. To succeed you need to work and work smart. Work is motion in action. Yes, you will encounter failure. Your reaction to failure will determine your willingness to achieve your life’s plan.

    Don’t let failure stop you from achieving your destiny. Do not be discouraged when you fail. Failure is part of personal development. Instead, learn from your failures and mistakes.

    Resolve to do something that helps you move closer to your goals every single day. Remember you are on a journey and every step you make counts. When you do nothing, you delay your own progress.

    When you take action you accelerate your progress. Taking action makes you feel useful. When you are moving towards achieving your personal growth you are also naturally contributing to the world.

    You may not know it, but remember that you will be interacting with nature as you work towards improving your life. Nature is neutral. It will give you back what you give.

    Be Thankful and Helpful

    Practicing gratitude is of paramount importance to humanity. To have a great impact on people you must learn to be thankful and be of help. A little thank you when you have been saved goes a long way to lifting the morale of the person serving.

    Being thankful is a way of showing appreciation for the service being rendered. Being thankful is also a sign of showing gratitude.

    Many studies conducted have shown that gratitude can be a very important source of happiness. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.

    Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

    Being helpful is another way of making your life useful. Helping others is good for your heart, it relieves pain and stress, and motivates you to achieve your own goals.

    Being helpful is not only good for you, but it is also good for the person receiving help. One act of kindness can turn into many acts of reciprocal kindness.

    When you offer to help someone, do it voluntarily and do not expect anything in return. If you do it with expectations you will be disappointed.

    There is always someone that needs help, look around and find someone you can lend a helping hand. Most of us think that help always has to be in monetary terms. Actually, help can be in any acceptable form.

    Helping others is a meaningful form of service, and I believe true joy comes from serving. Alongside offering help, it’s equally important to ask for help when you need it. This allows others to showcase their expertise and gives them the opportunity to grow by supporting you.

    Share What You Have

    They say sharing is caring. Don’t live a lonely life. Be open with people about your knowledge and skills. Let them know that you are always ready to share with them when requested to do so.

    Do not be stingy with what you have. Sharing allows you to create even more closer relationships with other people. Know that what you have is valuable and is needed by many other people.

    The world would not be what it is today if many other people did not share their knowledge, skills, and or possessions with us. Sharing is an act of kindness. The bible encourages us to share, “there are more blessings from giving than receiving.” When we give we create room for more blessings.

    Conclusion

    Being useful does not necessarily mean allowing other people to use you. It means offering what you can when you can and doing so with a happy and willing heart. It means you creating time for other people.

  • The Power of Thought

    “As a man thinketh so is he in his heart.” You are what you think about most of the time. If you can think it then you can be it. 

    There is power in what you think. Don’t let others’ opinions weigh you down. You cannot control what others think of you. You cannot tell people what to think about you. We all have different opinions about people that’s just the way it is.

    Cultivate a positive mindset about yourself and your life. Always speak encouraging and uplifting words about yourself, regardless of the challenges you face.

    In order to build a healthy and positive thinking process; identify your negative thoughts and list them down. Then to each of them identify counter-positive thoughts and write them down.

    Every time you engage in negative thinking immediately replace those thoughts with positive ones. Try this for 21 days and see if it does not become a habit.

    I was recently declared redundant by my employers without any psychological support or counselling. Naturally like any other human being, I was demoralized and had no idea what to do next.

    What has helped me is my positive attitude and thought pattern. I now tell myself that this is an opportunity for me to do what I have always wanted to do since I have a bit more time on my hands. 

    So far, everything is going great, and I have no plans to look for a job right now. I am my own boss, and that feels fantastic!

    “When you begin to think and grow rich you will observe that riches begin with a state of mind, with definiteness of purpose, with little or no hard work. Therefore, you ought to be interested in how to acquire that state of mind which will attract riches” – Excerpt from the book Think and Grow Rich.

    I encourage you to download this life-changing book for free click on the link.

    Watch Your Thoughts

    “Watch your thoughts, they become words, watch your words, they become actions, watch your actions, they become habits, watch your habits, they become character, watch your character; it becomes your destiny” – rightly phrased by Frank Outlaw.

    I will revisited the topic of “The Power of Thought” perhaps it is one of the most important, in my quest for personal development.

    I believe that you are what you are; mainly because of the thoughts you harbour most of the time. Everything we do starts up with thoughts before being translated and transmuted into words and actions.

    Our thoughts are responsible for our actions. If we are to list down actions that are not thought invoked the list would be very short if any as opposed to thought invoked actions.

    Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal. Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

    Thoughts and Behaviour

    With the exception of automatic reactions or repetitive actions, behaviour tends to find its root in the preceding thoughts.

    Everyone is in charge of their own thoughts. Everybody can harbour, reduce or reject their thoughts. When you are governing your thoughts you are building up your own happiness.

    In order to avoid adverse thinking, choose a lifestyle that is guided by universal principles and values such as honesty, justice, responsibility, truthfulness, integrity and respect for others.

    Ultimately your thoughts dictate your behaviour. If you wake up thinking negatively even your attitude will be negative. If your thinking is positive even your attitude is positive.

    “Nature your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think” – Benjamin Disraeli.

    Positive thinking is an excellent option in order to preserve mental health and reach your intended goals. The mind has exactly the same power as the hands not merely to grasp the world but to change it.

    Your thoughts can help change the world. Stop being negative in your thoughts, think positively.

    How to Think Positively

    “Our life is what our thoughts make it” – Marcus Aurelius. Healthy and optimistic thinking helps:-

    • Maintain a balance in social interactions 
    • Increase general personal performance e.g. school & work
    • Helps to block anxiety
    • Increase self-esteem
    • Strengthens the immune system
    • Creates a good mood

    Learn how to think positively –  To reject negative thoughts and replace them with alternative positive options is a good way to a positive thinking lifestyle. Remember positive thinking must be an ongoing permanent style of mental activity.

    Think positively about yourself – Accept your limitations and do something to improve them. Do not forget to underline your values and abilities. Stop and reject negative thoughts about yourself.

    Think positively about the past – The past cannot be changed. The maxim “yesterday is history” holds water in this case. Accept the past even though it may have unpleasant events. Do not blame the past for your current situation. Enjoy the good memories. Never get obsessed with the disagreeable past. Let your past be a learning platform.

    Think positively about your future – Your attitude today has a direct effect and bearing on your future. They say “what you do now echo’s in eternity.” When you think with confidence and hope about tomorrow, you are increasing the probability of a much more successful future.

    Think positively about people – Human beings are not perfect, but there are lots of good things about each one of us. Do not grow suspicious of other people. Trust them and respect them. Make efforts to show affection towards other people. Try and understand their problems. Help them if you can and you will see how your attitude becomes better.

    Conclusion

    The topic “power of thought” is a much deep one. I believe that it is one of the core subjects to improving your personal development and needs a lot of study and understanding.  Thinking positively is the best way to start improving your personal development skills.

  • My Prayer To The World

    Just when we thought the COVID-19 pandemic was under control. The world has just been hit with a second wave and more potent strain of the virus. We are told that the second wave is more contagious and very dangerous than the first one.

    I have already heard about a few people that have died from it. I feel very sad and my thoughts go out to the families that have lost their loved ones. I just want to encourage all of us to take extra precautions and follow the guidelines as directed by our health authorities.

    I would also like to thank our frontline health professionals for the courage, dedication, and effort they are putting in to help alleviate the situation. May the good Lord continue to keep them safe.

    In addition to following the guidelines as per WHO guidelines such as, wearing facial masks; keeping good hygiene by regularly washing your hands, and keeping social distances when in public I encourage you to site psalm 91 on a daily basis:-

    Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
    I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
    Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
    He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
    You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
    nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
    A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
    You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.
    If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
    no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
    For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
    they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
    You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
    “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
    He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
    With long life, I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

    Conclusion

    Please stay safe. Go out only when it is necessary and remember to protect yourself and your loved ones by practising the recommended guidelines. This is no time for politicking but this is the time for the world to show unity of purpose. Together we can eliminate this pandemic. Remember the virus spreads only when you move. Stay safe and God bless.

  • Time to Change Relationships that Need to be Changed

    The year 2019 will be remembered as a year that came with a lot of change. It changed the order of doing things. We were all either affected and or infected by the virus that has continued to ravage the world, the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This change has been forced upon us. We have had to adapt to the new norm of doing things, such as wearing face masks, regular use of hand sanitisers, and taking extra precautions when going out in public. Social gatherings are restricted. But, like in every other challenge some people have thrived and some have, all but complained.

    The lessons taken from the preceding year are very valuable. The experiences of the closing year have taught us that we need to change some relationships going forward. There is need to readjust our lives to conform to the new order of doing things.

    Humans are well known for being social in nature. In Africa, we love large gatherings, be it social, political, spiritual, or whatever, we just love them. However, I don’t see this coming back in the shortest possible time. Surely for as long as the COVID-19 pandemic is around, life will not be as it was before.

    How to Make the Change

    A nice way to make the change, as we begin the new year is to identify your relationships and evaluate them. Clarify your relationships on how you would like them to affect the various aspects of your life. Then take the necessary action that you would expect to improve these relationships. You need to make rational goals.

    For example, the following relationships have a bearing on my life:-

    • Finances/money
    • Family
    • Work
    • Health
    • Friends
    • Spirituality
    • Website

    I will take the relationship with finances/money as an example. Am sure that most of us have a story to tell on this one. If your relationship with finances is not as good as it should be, maybe you are struggling to make earns meet or maybe your current job does not pay as much as you should be getting.

    List down your monthly expenses and compare them with your current income. Now, list down your desired expenditure and compare it with your current income. Your desired expenditure is what you would like to be spending on a monthly basis without stressing.

    Identify and cut down on unnecessary expenditure. Find more ways to improve your earnings to supplement your current paycheck. If your current job is not flexible enough to allow you to do extra work maybe, it is not the right job for you.

    Invest in your skills by getting an education that will help enhance your career and productivity. Read more about how to manage finances/money. Have definite, realistic, and achievable goals that will keep you motivated. Work on your goals every day.

    This year I have set a target to create passive income for myself. It seems hard work for now, but I think it will pay off as this will greatly improve my income and free up time for me. I have identified a few sources that I think are worth trying out. I will be sharing during the course of the year on the progress.

    You may be asking, what if you do not realise your goals within the time frame? Well, you can adjust the time frame, the most important thing is, you have a target you are working towards. You have something to work with.

    One of the reasons why we have a poor relationship with our finances is that we work for money instead of letting money work for us.

    Set Resolutions for the Year

    One way of keeping track of your progress is to have a set of written down resolutions and a habit of reviewing them on a regular basis. This year resolve to improve on your shortcomings. Resolve to improve on those poor relationships that are greatly affecting your life negatively.

    Make resolutions and work towards achieving them. Start with a few that can easily be managed. This will encourage and challenge you to move on to those that will take you much longer and are seemingly difficult to repair or manage.

    The best time for me to make resolutions is usually at the beginning of the calendar year. However, there is no rule, you can actually make them at any time of the year and begin to work on them as you please. But you must make and work them anyway.

    It is a good idea to have resolutions that are precise and measurable. This way, when you are reviewing them, you will be able to determine how much progress has been made and determine if there is need for adjustment. I normally review mine on a quarterly basis.

    Yes, I know that sometimes I lag behind. By, reviewing my resolutions on a regular basis ensures that am reminded of them and can easily get to work on improving those that have remained behind. I find it normal that there are always some that I carry forward into the following year.

    Be Optimistic

    To be optimistic is to be hopeful and confident about the future. Being optimistic is key in ensuring that you achieve the resolutions that you have set. It is an important ingredient to have when we have set targets for ourselves.

    Otherwise, there is no point in setting goals and resolutions that you are not optimistic about achieving. That is why it is important to set goals and resolutions that are fairly reasonable and achievable.

    That nice feeling you get when you have accomplished a task should be repeated more often. It should be what drives you to even greater heights. You must make it your driving force and leverage on it to push you in your quest for personal development and self-growth.

    Being optimistic is a great sign of confidence in what you are doing. It shows that you are in control and are expectant of positive results. Yes, sometimes results may not be as expected. But this should not make you give up.

    Conclusion

    If you want to succeed you must develop a habit of setting resolutions at the beginning of every year. This helps you set the tone and pace and what you are going to achieve during the year. It gives you a sense and purpose to live life.

    “For changes to be of any true value, they’ve got to be lasting and consistent” – Tony Robbins.

  • Inspiring and Empowering Others to Help You

    “For changes to be of any true value, they’ve got to be lasting and consistent.” ~Tony Robins.

    “Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy. Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that disempowers them or one that can literally save their lives” ~ Tony Robins.

    No man is an island. Personal success and development cannot be achieved in isolation. God has abundantly blessed us with people in our lives that we can rightly use to achieve our life’s purpose and goals.

    Each and every person you have come across in your life has a part to play and it is entirely up to you to recognise that and help them to help you move closer to your life’s purpose.

    In this article I discuss three important ways to empower our associates.

    Firstly let me make mention that there are 3 groups of people in our lives;

    • Close relationships – these will include your family, your friends, your spouse, and your children.
    • Your work relationships – these will include your colleagues, workmates including your boss.
    • Others – included in this category are people you come across every day.

    You need to know how to interact with these people in order for them to help you achieve your desired life’s purpose and goals. The key areas I have identified are listed below.

    Appreciation

    There is no single person I have come across in my entire life that does not like or rather feels bad when they are appreciated. Appreciation is perhaps one of the most important aspects of getting people to like you and to inspire them to support and help your cause.

    Develop the habit of expressing gratitude, even for the smallest acts of kindness. A genuinely simple smile and a heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way in lifting the other person’s spirit. The more thankful you are the more people are inclined to support you.

    Always acknowledge the effort, even if what you received isn’t exactly what you requested. Make the other person feel appreciated for their service and assure them that their effort was valued and not wasted.

    Appreciation lifts the self-esteem of human beings. The feeling of appreciation is an intense one and can make or break someone’s self-esteem. Imagine yourself working for a boss who does not seem to appreciate whatever effort you put into your work.

    Imagine the frustration of dedicating countless hours to an assignment, only to feel completely unappreciated.

    Now, contrast this with the feeling of being appreciated, even for your smallest efforts. You’ll find yourself willing to invest extra time because you know your work and presence truly matter.

    Approval

    Remember, everyone is primarily emotional.  Everything that people do, or choose not to do, is largely driven by their deeper emotions.

    Your job is to connect with their higher and more positive emotions so they feel so good about you that they want to help and please you in some way.

    If you are in a supervisory position it will really help you to spend more time with your subordinates inviting their feedback and comments on their work. To achieve this, you must create a trust worthy environment.

    This I believe is one of the best methods to get their work approved as they will understand what is expected of them.

    There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of having your work approved by your manager. It makes you feel a true sense of ownership and pride in what you have accomplished.

    Believe me, having a highly motivated worker can yield results beyond your imagination. The quality of your subordinates can make or break your success.

    If your personal goal is very dependent on other people’s input you need to devise methods that are consistent and gain respect from other people.

    You need to be nice, friendly, and courteous. I encourage you to read more on people management.

    In life, you always have a choice. You can either do everything yourself or you can get others to help you do some of the work. Delegating work is surely key to helping you achieve more with your time.

    Attention

    The third and final aspect of empowering others is attention. Just like every one of us loves attention in one way or the other. Learn to listen with keen interest.

    Pay attention to the details that keep people motivated and work to improve them.

    If you have a difference with say a work colleague. Do not argue with them but reason with them. Listen to their explanation and make sure you understand the reasoning behind it. If you do not agree with them be polite in letting them know that you have a different viewpoint.

    I have experienced this, especially with women. Even when they know that you cannot help them, they just want you to listen to them. All they are looking for is someone who can at least give them an audience.

    The fact that you will give them the attention they need, will greatly improve their self-esteem. If you are married that is lesson number one for you. Give your wife all the attention she needs. Listen to her.

    Conclusion

    Your ability to delegate effectively, which requires that you inspire and empower others to help you willingly, will determine how fast you move ahead. 

    It will determine how much you earn in your job; this will also determine the quality and quantity of your productivity; it will determine your ultimate financial success in life.

    The key to all of this is your ability to empower others. Life was meant to be lived with people.

  • You Have Something to Give

    “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice” ~ Indian Proverb.

    “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” ~ Sir Winston Churchill.

    Each of us is uniquely created with a distinct design. We are all meant to thrive through interdependence.

    No one in this world can truly claim to be completely independent and not in need of others.

    I want to remind and encourage you of how important and relevant you are to humanity. I want you to realize that you have something to contribute to the well-being of the world.

    No matter what your situation or background is, you possess something that is uniquely yours.

    I am deeply concerned about some of the negative questions being raised on a prominent website.

    To make matters worse they are coming from kids as young as 15 years of age. Most of the questions are to do with giving up on life.

    Imagine a 15-year-old who feels overwhelmed by life, ready to give up before truly beginning to live. How sad indeed.

    I often ask myself this question: What if Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, Thomas A. Edison, and many other great inventors and discoverers had given up before making their breakthroughs? How different would the world be today?

    Your gifts and talents may not amount or match the great discoverers and inventors of the past, but it plays a very significant role in the advancement of humanity.

    You have a very significant and important role to play on earth. Myles Monroe says the richest place on earth is the graveyard.

    This is where you discover inventions that never came to be; dreams that were never fulfilled; songs that were never sung; buildings that were never constructed and many other things that the world has been deprived of.

    I pray and hope that you will not be a graveyard statistic but will leave a meaningful and positive legacy that endures.

    Ask not what the world will do for you but, what you will do for the world. Stop thinking from within the box and in fact, remove the box altogether.

    The human race is like a body. The body cannot function properly with a missing part, it may function but with a lot of difficulties.

    Do not be those missing parts. Do not rob the world of your talents and gifts. Do not deprive us of your contribution to humanity. We greatly need them. You are not living by accident or by chance but for a reason and for a greater purpose.

    If you are almost giving up on your life sit down and thank God that you are still alive. Many are struggling to hang on to life yet you have it for free. The fact that you are still alive means that you have something to give.

    There are so many things to thank your creator for and let alone obey his guiding words by dedicating your life to contributing to the wellbeing of humanity.

    No contribution is too small; everything adds up to make a difference. It’s high time you started using your mind constructively.

    You see everything is conceived in the mind. Our minds are the workshops for all that we see.

    Our minds are power engines of our lives. The real secret of power is the consciousness of power.

    The more conscious we become of our unity with this mind, the less conscious we shall become of conditions and limitations, and as we become emancipated or freed from conditions we come into a realization of the unconditional.

    We have become free! We have removed the box. We have evolved.

    The ability to eliminate imperfect conditions depends upon mental action, and mental action depends upon consciousness of power; therefore, the more conscious we become of our unity with the source of all power, the greater will be our power to control and master every condition.

    Conclusion

    Every human being including is as important as the next one and the one before. I want to encourage you not to look down upon yourself.

    You were created to contribute to humanity and your contribution is valuable.

    This all starts with you realizing and appreciating how important you are to the whole world. DO NOT rob us of your gifts and talents.

    Just like you have benefited from the inventors of computers we also want to benefit from you.

  • The Dawn of a Season

    “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending” ~ Carl Bard.

    Take heart and give way to the new season. This is my first article for this New Year since my website was hacked.

    Time flies and waits for no one. Whether you like it or not time will not wait for you.

    We have just been ushered into a new season and it is still the right time to start afresh or build up on the gains achieved from the past season. 

    If you are like me and like to set new goals please go ahead and set them. Set this season as the turning point that will see you grow your weakest areas of your life.

    In order to grow you must obtain what is necessary for your growth but, as you are at all time a complete thought entity, this completeness makes it possible for you to receive only as you give; growth is therefore conditioned on reciprocal action just the same as like attracts like.

    The challenge for you this year is to obtain what is necessary for your growth; to stop those detrimental habits; to build on your business skills; to improve on interpersonal relationships and to grow spiritually.

    The Challenge

    “How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you will become after the game, whether you are a winner or loser” ~ Lou Holtz.

    Think for a moment, what you would be if you were not a husband or wife, father or mother, or brother or sister, if you were not interested in the social, economical, political or religious world.

    What then would you be? Think about what you were last year; how much you achieved; and how much more you did not achieve; do you want to stay in the same position or do you want to climb the ladder of self-improvement or would you rather take a few steps backwards?

    The challenge therefore, for is to find the right combination and balance of tools or rather characteristics for a more fulfilling personality.

    The target should be to find the right ingredient’s necessary for growth. In order to grow you must then, obtain what is essential for growth.

    Your growth then is dependent on what you take in. Remember first that all growth is from within and that you are the source of that growth. Note that you are also the source of your own growth. 

    To ensure that you reach the optimum growth levels for this year you must make sure that you develop the right mental attitude. This will mean a constant renewal of the mind. One must make a deliberate policy to buy and read self-improvement and development books. It also means that you need to focus more on the positive things in life.

    Manage Your Thoughts

    It is very amazing to know that all things in the world began as a thought. Even at creation I believe that, God must have first thought before speaking.

    The saying “as a man thinks so is he in is heart” holds water for me. You always produce what you think. Your outside world is a true reflection of your inside world.

    If you think cheap you come out cheap. If you set your mind on mediocrity you get exactly that and vice versa.

    I can challenge you that nothing in this world has ever been invented without first being conceived as a thought or an idea by someone.

    Noticed that the world has a way of giving us back what we predominantly harbour as thoughts.

    This then makes me realize that one of the most important tool we have as human beings is the mind which is the thinking organ.

    If you can master the thoughts you hold, believe me, you are destined for greatness. In this new season, challenge yourself to begin mastering and managing your mind.

    Be Proactive and not Reactive

    The human nature is that of being reactive. Meaning we always wait for the situation to happen and then react after wards.

    This means that most of the time we are firefighting. That is the difference between successful individuals and those of us that are struggling with life.

    If you want to be ahead you must be proactive and not reactive. I used to be like this and I can confess that this firefighting syndrome has not completely gone away.

    The best way to handle life is to be prepared for every eventuality. To be proactive is to take measures in advance for an event that will occur including the unexpected.

    Like I said this is a new season and with it comes a new tide of everything. The challenge this season is to build on the little gains achieved for being proactive and not reactive. Being reactive is a sign of laziness and no lazy person can be successful.

    Conclusion

    As per tradition for me every New Year is a new season and I always make resolutions and set goals for it.  This is one of the best tools I use to measure my progress towards reaching my personal development goals.

    I hope and trust that you have formulated one for yourself to keep you going.

  • 5 Personal Success Questions

    “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will” ~ Vince Lombardi.

    All normal human beings want to have personal success at whatever they are doing.

    Any normal and ambitious being will pride themselves in whatever endeavours they are pursuing.

    I believe that no one wants to reveal their failures before achieving success.

    Usually, we boast and talk about our failures only after success has been realized or achieved.

    In my quest to achieve my personal intended goals I have asked myself some questions and these I hope will help guide you as well.

    Simple though they may seem, these questions can literally change your life they could help accelerate to achieve your personal success.

    Have I Neglected a Fundamental Skill?

    Before you answer this question ask yourself if you even have the basic skill.

    Regardless of what you do for a living, you cannot succeed if you’re failing to master the basics.

    In every area and aspect of our lives, there are basics. You do not expect a baby to start running before it learns how to sit and walk for example.

    You need to identify the basic requirements for whatever endeavours you are involved with and ensure that you have the basic skill set.

    Many times people set out to do something without the necessary fundamental skill set.

    For example, to succeed in any business you need to gather the needed basic skill set before you even venture out.

    If you want to own and run a home business, say an affiliate marketing program. You will of course need to do market research and understand the niche you are venturing into.

    You must acquire the basic knowledge and apply it in your business for better results and success. The same applies if you are involved with personal development and coaching.

    The lesson here is simply to learn and do the basics of your job. Unless you’re doing that, you can forget about success, because it’s just not going to happen.

    It is better not to reinvent the wheel but improve on the wheel.

    Is There a Bad Habit I Should Stop?

    Great! You’re doing the basics, so now it’s time to look at the stuff that’s getting in your way.

    Look at your daily routine, your weekly activities, your monthly commitments.

    If you’re like most people, you’re probably doing things that aren’t just useless, but counterproductive. You are doing business as usual.

    Stop and check your daily activities and start doing “business unusual.”

    Yes even for me there are a lot of bad habits I am working to improve on that are very detrimental to my progress.

    Things like computer games, web surfing, and more, these I find very destructive to my progress.

    I am slowly learning how to use the web for my growth and not otherwise. Take care with how you use the internet, it can be destructive if not properly used especially social media.

    Whatever it is for you, you’ll experience a significant surge in productivity when you limit (or stop) these behavioural impediments to your success.

    Do I Need to Upgrade My Basic Skills?

    Now it’s time to examine the basic skills required for your job and identify any that need improvement.

    For example, if you’re in sales, maybe you’re good at asking questions and presenting solutions, but tend to hem and haw when it’s time to close the deal. If so, work on your closing skill.

    There are many ways you can use to improve your skillset. The one I use most is reading relevant materials.

    You could pursue further training if you want to have a recognized qualification depending on what your demands are with your current situation.

    Upgrading your basic skill set will definitely give you an edge over your competition. I encourage you to have an open mind and always embrace change.

    If you are a manager be a good listener to your subordinates. Do not feel threatened if you have a member who has more knowledge than you.

    Instead, embrace them and learn from them and use them to get better results.

    Besides, it does not mean that when you are the manager you are the most intelligent no no no neither do you have the monopoly of knowledge.

    What Extra Skill Will Bring Me the Greatest Success?

    It’s time to take a big step in your endeavours. From this perspective, identify a skill or habit that today is totally foreign to you but which, if mastered, could also help propel you to a level of success far beyond your current situation.

    Do not remain stagnant or content with your current skills set. Find a new skill to propel you even further with your personal success.

    For example, suppose you’re a brilliant innovator and have mastered all the basics of engineering. What would happen if you mastered the ability to sell your ideas to someone?

    Similarly, suppose you’re making a decent living in Sales. How much more successful would you become if you mastered business accounting?

    Conclusion

    There are many more questions you can ask yourself that will help propel you to even greater heights if you have to achieve your personal success.

    Make sure that you answer them honestly and always improve on them. It is always better to have a written down life’s mission that should be read on a daily basis and used to monitor your success progress.

  • Keeping Track of Your Achievements

    “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive” ~ Harold Whitman.

    Positive life changes come to those who show dedication and discipline towards their purpose. Making the decision to change your mind is a step in the right direction.

    Every achievement has its own seed in the mind and can only be realized by deliberate planning and execution.

    To get to the level of success that one aspires to, one must focus only on the positive things. It is doing the positive things that move you closer to success.

    The ability to stay motivated is the key ingredient to successfully turning the tables on one’s wheels of fortune and achieving personal growth.

    One of the most interesting contributing factors to maintaining high positive motivation levels is always being able to physically see and acknowledge the progress and achievements you have made.

    I typically take stock of my achievements on a quarterly basis, meticulously breaking them down into weekly and monthly assessments. Some individuals prefer to do this on an annual basis, while others choose a monthly approach to track their progress.

    Keeping track of your achievements is perhaps the best motivating factor of all because the satisfaction gained from a successfully completed project has no limits.

    Keeping Track

    “Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

    Thus being able to keep track of one’s achievements is very important and here are popular ways that are commonly used for this purpose.

    At the beginning of most well-thought-out projects, there is usually a good and reliable strategic plan in place be it marketing, business, or personal development.

    This usually works as a checks and balances formula to ensure that everything stays on track. If it is a long-term project a periodical review is the prudent way of monitoring progress.

    Even when the project is successfully completed it is always prudent to draw up a summary of or things covering the details of the major aspects of the project and its contributions to the final outcome, making sure to quantify as many aspects as possible.

    Creating a folder filled with positive acknowledgments for your job well done is an empowering way to celebrate your achievements. It serves as a tangible reminder of your hard work and success, motivating you to reach even greater heights. Each acknowledgment is a stepping stone on your journey, encouraging you to reflect on your progress and strive for excellence.

    This of course is not only valuable for future endeavors of the individual but also serves as a motivating factor.

    Serving as both testimonials and references, these acknowledgments can also be used to build up an impressive portfolio for the individual from the expertise angle.

    Reflecting on past projects brings a profound sense of fulfillment and inspiration. Each achievement serves as a testament to your dedication and hard work, reminding you of the heights you can reach and the impact you can make. Embrace these moments, for they fuel your journey forward and ignite the passion to pursue even greater accomplishments.

    Absolutely! Embrace the under achievements in your project as valuable learning opportunities. They are stepping stones towards growth and success. Each setback offers insights that can propel you forward.

    Recognizing these moments allows you to refine your approach and build resilience. Remember, it’s not just about the victories, but how you rise from challenges that truly shapes your journey. Use these lessons to fuel your ambition and drive your next steps toward greatness!

    Participating in as many high-profile external activities, company boards, internal committees, representations, and other platforms that create the necessary experience and exposure is also recommended.

    After which keeping a well-documented and monitored chart of the said activities to be used as a tracking element is also helpful in encouraging you to keep a positive mindset.

    These achievements tracking help to further project the extensive capabilities of the individual with the intention of creating an impressive portfolio.

    Knowledge goes hand in hand with achieving success. We must continually learn from what we hear, observe, and experience in our daily lives.

    Surrounding ourselves with a positive and enriching environment is key to accelerating our personal development. By consciously choosing the company we keep and the spaces we inhabit, we empower ourselves to grow and thrive. Embracing positivity not only boosts our confidence but also propels us toward our goals, fostering resilience and determination.

    Therefore, reading empowering books, watching motivational videos, and attending seminars on personal development is the way to go.

    Conclusion

    Amazingly, we already have gathered immense knowledge in our journey of life. Sometimes when we search within ourselves we may find inspirational thoughts from the wealth of our experiences.

    Instead of tucking away this knowledge, why not write about them to inspire others. One might just find it extremely rewarding to put down one’s inspirational thoughts in an ebook.

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