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  • 5 Ways to Incorporate Personal Development into Your Daily Routine

    Personal development and self-improvement are essential for achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. 

    One of the mistakes we make is thinking that when you overcome a few challenges, you have arrived at the destination called personal development. 

    You relax and think you have made it, NO, personal development is an ongoing process that involves improving yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

    It is a continuous and never-ending journey. Your achievements only propel you to aim for greater heights. You should never be satisfied with yesterday’s achievements.

    There is always room for expansion and growth. By making small changes to your daily routine, you can enhance your personal growth and become the best version of yourself.

    Even when you have achieved this there is still more room to advance even further. You should never reach a point when you think that you have made it. You should always think that there is room for doing even better.  

    Learn Something New Every Day

    One of the best ways to incorporate personal development into your daily routine is to commit to learning something new every day. 

    This could be as simple as reading an article on a topic you’re interested in, listening to a podcast, or watching a TED talk. Look there is always something new to learn every day you just have to be on the lookout.

    By expanding your knowledge and skills, you’ll not only improve your personal growth but also increase your confidence and ability to tackle new challenges. The more knowledgeable you are, the more skilled you become.

    Whether it’s a new skill, language, or hobby, challenging yourself to learn something new can enhance your personal development.

    Make it a habit to deliberately set aside sometime each day for learning, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Over time, these small daily efforts will add up to significant personal development.

    Bear in mind that it is the small things that make the big things. Do not aim for the big ones, but your focus must be to complete the small daily tasks. 

    Keep your mind focused on achieving your everyday routines and make sure that you do them well. The more you meet the targets the more you grow your knowledge and ultimately improve your skill set. 

    Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

    Another way to incorporate personal development into your daily routine is to practice mindfulness and gratitude. 

    Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and fully engaged in what you’re doing, without judgment or distraction. 

    This can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase overall well-being. 

    Gratitude involves focusing on the positive aspects of your life and expressing appreciation for them. This can help shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance and improve your overall outlook on life. 

    Try incorporating mindfulness and gratitude practices into your daily routine, such as taking a few minutes each morning to meditate or write in a gratitude journal.

    Practising meditation can help you reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and enhance your emotional well-being.

    Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can have significant benefits.

    Morning Reflection and Planning

    Take a few minutes each morning to reflect on the previous day and plan your goals for the day. This will help you focus on your priorities and keep track of your progress.

    Making plans for the day makes you prepare and concentrate on what you want to achieve for the day. Yes, distractions may come but your mind will be focused on what you have planned.

    The best time to plan for your day is usually in the morning. I usually do it the night before and review it the next morning. 

    In the night before sleeping, I have some time to myself and review the day’s activities before going on to plan for the next day.

    Daily Exercise

    Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also boosts your mood, reduces stress, and helps enhances your cognitive abilities. 

    Incorporate daily exercise into your routine to stay energised and focused throughout the day. Exercising gives your body that extra energy you need to see you through the day.

    There is no best suggested time for doing exercise. My personal preference is in the morning. Some people prefer the afternoon and still, others prefer the evening.

    Whatever, time you think is right and convenient for you, make sure you exercise regularly. If you are not in the habit already start now and just know that the start is usually the difficult part.

    It is also advisable to consult your physician before getting into the habit of exercising especially if you have any underlying medical condition.

    There are many benefits to exercising and I strongly recommend that you develop the habit of working out frequently. 

    Reading

    Reading is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge and improve your vocabulary. Reading books, articles, or even just a few paragraphs each day can help you expand your perspective and enhance your knowledge.

    How does it improve your vocabulary? It introduces you to new words and phrases, which helps to enrich your choice of words. This will enhance your communication skills and help you express yourself more efficiently and effectively.

    Apart from improving your vocabulary and expanding your perspective reading strengthens your memory as it requires you to remember characters, plot lines, and other details, which strengthens your memory and improves your cognitive abilities.

    Reading also exposes you to a variety of ideas, opinions, and perspectives that you may not encounter otherwise. 

    The more reading you do, the more enhanced your critical thinking skills get as reading requires you to analyse and interpret information, which enhances them. 

    And as you may know, critical thinking helps you make better decisions and solve problems more effectively.

    Reading is a big part of learning and learning is a huge component of personal development, you cannot achieve meaningful growth without learning.

    Reading about different experiences and perspectives can help you develop empathy and understanding for others which can help you build stronger relationships. 

    Conclusion

    Ultimately personal development is a personal choice. It is not a destination but a journey and way of life. There is never a period when you will rest and say you have arrived, it is a continuous and never-ending process. 

  • No One Owes You A Living

    The world we inhabit is filled with infinite opportunities. It’s a realm brimming with possibilities, just waiting for you to take that first step. Embrace the adventure that lies ahead and explore all that life has to offer!

    God created the world with you and me in mind. He created human beings to tend and nature the world.

    From the stone age to the modern age, there have been opportunities presented to mankind.

    Opportunities to help advance and explore the many natural resources that are locked up, on this earth.

    Human beings are born free and independent. Even though we are all interdependent no one owes you a living.

    Instead, you owe it to yourself to achieve and advance your goals. If you do not succeed you can not blame it on anyone but yourself.

    No matter what the circumstance or situation is, the blame is squarely on you because you are solely responsible for how you live and what you do with your life.

    God gave you the responsibility to be in charge of your life. What you decide to do with it is entirely up to you.

    The decisions and choices you make in life are your responsibility and yours alone because, at the end of time, you will be held accountable for them.

    Forget about what your parents, siblings, spouse or children did or did not do for you they do not owe you a living. They too, their time to account will come.

    Stop Blaming People for Your Mistakes

    Look, I know that it comes naturally to blame people for your inadequacies; for your failures and yes, sometimes it seems just right, but it is not the right thing to do.

    Blaming people for your failures will not help you. Not at all. Neither will it resolve your challenges. You should know that people are not responsible for your failures.

    You are the one who should take the blame. Stop pointing fingers at others and set down and gain each day that fortune grants.

    Over the years I have come to realise that putting the blame on someone else does not help sort out my current situation. It rather slows down my progress.

    Your success begins the day you stop blaming people for your under-achievements. The day you take responsibility and take life by its scruff is the beginning of your success.

    If only you can stop the blame game and begin to do something with your life. Only then will you begin to see the better side of life.

    There is much more to life than spending time blaming people for what should have happened or did not happen.

    It’s funny how some people are quick to put the blame on others when things are not going right and will forget to give credit to people who have made it possible when things are going right.

    Start Living Your Life

    “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West.

    Learn to live your life by doing what is right and doing what you love most. Life is too short not to be enjoyed.

    Do not postpone what should be done today. If you have to do something just do it for you do not know what tomorrow holds.

    Try as much as possible to live your own life. Do the things that make you happy most of the time. These are the things that easily flow from you.

    Each and every one of us has a duty to live our own lives. Stop living in the shadows of other people. Stop imitating or mimicking other people’s lives and live your own way.

    You were created to be the light of the world and so let the light in you shine. The world is in dire need of many bright shining lights.

    There is more than enough room for you to make an impression on the world no matter what your current situation is.

    You are well equipped with the necessary characteristics and tools of greatness if only you can put your mind and effort to it.

    “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard M. Baruch.

    If God is on your side it doesn’t matter who is on the other side opposing you. When you live your own life the challenges you face are much easier to handle and deal with.

    Be the Solution 

    Rather than complaining about what is wrong, take a different stance and provide the solution yourself. After all, not everything is as bad as they look.

    There is more satisfaction in providing solutions than just being a spectator or complainant. You derive pleasure when you give. Perhaps that is why the Bible says “it is more blessed to give.”

    If you are in a leadership position you will agree with me that it is easier to deal with people who genuinely complain than perpetual complainants.

    The world needs people who are solutions to the many challenges being faced. The only way you can stay relevant is to provide answers and solutions. Be the change you want to see in the world.

    You cannot provide solutions to everything but, do your part. If we all play our part we can help change the world. This world would be a better place for all than it is now.

    I have discovered to not expect anything from anyone in return for my deeds. When I offer help I do it willingly and out of compassion.

    This way I do not get disappointed when there is no favourable return, because I have no control over what the other person will say or do.

    If you offer help and expect anything in return chances are that you will be disappointed when the return is not favourable or it’s not what you expected. It is better to give and expect nothing in return.

    Conclusion

    In as much as we are interdependent, life is lived as individuals and no one owes anyone a living. If you have been thinking that you owe anyone or someone owes you a living, it’s time you got it right and move on. You don’t owe anyone nor does anyone owe you a living.

  • How to Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

    In a world full of distractions and chaos, it’s easy to lose touch with your inner self and forget the simple joys of life. 

    The practice of mindfulness and gratitude can help us reconnect with ourselves, our surroundings, and appreciate the small things in life. 

    Let us explore what mindfulness and gratitude are, their benefits, and how to incorporate these practices into our daily lives, but before that let’s define “Mindfulness and Gratitude.”

    “Mindfulness” is the act of being present in the moment, paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judgment. 

    It’s about focusing on the present and being fully engaged in whatever we are doing, whether it’s walking, eating, or even just breathing. It’s a way to quiet the constant chatter in our minds and bring a sense of calmness and clarity. 

    “Mindfulness – the fact of remembering something/somebody and considering it/them when you do something” – Oxford Dictionary. 

    When we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, which helps us better manage stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions.

    Gratitude, on the other hand, is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives, no matter how small they may be. 

    It’s about recognising and expressing thanks for the people, experiences, and things that bring us joy and happiness. 

    Gratitude helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives and cultivates feelings of happiness, contentment, and overall well-being.

    “Gratitude – the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks” – Oxford Dictionary.

    Both mindfulness and gratitude are practices that can be incorporated into our daily lives. 

    Start Your Day With Gratitude

    Begin your day by acknowledging the things you’re grateful for. It can be something as simple as having a roof over your head, a warm cup of coffee, or the love of your family. 

    Take a moment to reflect on these things and express your gratitude for them. These are things we take for granted that many other people do not have.

    For me, the most important of them all is the gift of life. The fact that am alive today gives me an opportunity and chance to do the right thing the more reason why I am grateful for it.

    How you start your day will largely determine how you go through it. If you start on a grumpy note the whole day will be a grumpy one.

    If you start your day with peace it will most likely turn out to be a much more peaceful day. So mind what you say and watch what you do. 

    Practice Mindful Breathing

    Breathing is one of the most fundamental and automatic things we do. However, by practising mindful breathing, we can use it to calm our minds and be more present in the moment. 

    Find a quiet space, where you can sit comfortably, and focus on your breadth. Pay attention to the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils. Whenever your mind wanders, refocus and bring it back to your breath.

    Mindful breathing can help reduce stress and increases the feeling of calmness and relaxation. 

    Practice Mindful Eating

    We often eat on autopilot, without really paying attention to what we’re eating or how it tastes. Mindful eating involves slowing down, savouring each bite, and paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations of the food. 

    This practice not only helps us appreciate our food but can also helps us develop a healthier relationship with food. 

    Rather than eating on autopilot, mindful eating involves intentionally focusing on the eating experience. It encourages us to slow down and savour each bite, allowing us to fully enjoy and appreciate the food we are consuming.

    Keep a Gratitude Journal

    A gratitude journal is a simple yet effective tool to cultivate feelings of gratitude. Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. 

    These can be big or small things, and they don’t have to be unique every day. The act of writing them down can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and develop a more positive outlook.

    To help enhance this practice carry with you a small notepad everywhere you go. Write down as much as you can. Remember this is for your consumption so you can write, however, you want for as long as you can make sense of it.

    I personally carry one where I write all sorts of things including my writing ideas. It has helped me remember a lot of things that I may have forgotten under normal circumstances.

    Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Activities

    Mindfulness can be practiced in any activity, from washing the dishes to taking a shower. Focus on the sensations and movements of your body, the sounds around you, and the experience of the activity. 

    By bringing mindfulness to our daily activities, we can transform even the most mundane tasks into meaningful experiences.

    Some examples of mindfulness activities include yoga, meditation and tai chi. These practices can help you connect with your body and breath, and can also help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm.

    Whatever activity you choose to undertake make sure you approach it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity to allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience.

    Show Gratitude Towards Others

    Expressing gratitude towards others is a powerful way to cultivate positive relationships and foster a sense of connection. 

    Take the time to thank someone who has helped you, whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague. It can be as simple as sending a text or a handwritten note, letting them know how much you appreciate them.

    People always want to help someone who appreciates the effort they make. It is much easier to help someone who is thankful than one who is not.

    If you sow gratitude you reap gratitude. You do not expect people to show you gratitude if you do not show it yourself.

    Practice Self-compassion

    Self-compassion is the practice of treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially in moments of difficulty, failure, or suffering. 

    It involves extending the same level of care and concern towards oneself as one would, towards a good friend or loved one.

    You may not realise it but sometimes we are hard on ourselves especially when we are faced with challenges. We are continuously blaming ourselves and this only puts more pressure on our well-being.

    Practising self-compassion can relieve the pressure off yourself and give you a much-needed reset. 

    Conclusion

    Mindfulness and gratitude are two practices that can have a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

    I encourage you to develop an attitude of practising the two as they can greatly improve your overall well-being as you pursue your personal development agenda.

  • How to Improve Your Focus and Concentration

    Do you often struggle with staying focused on what you are doing? Does your mind stray when executing a task? Well, I can guarantee that you are not alone. 

    Whether it’s due to distractions or a wandering mind, a lack of focus and concentration can hinder productivity and slow down your momentum. 

    It can be very frustrating when your mind wanders about when you are supposed to be focused and concentrating on finishing a task.  

    Your productivity will definitely be affected when you cannot fully concentrate on the task at hand.

    Focus is an essential skill that can improve every aspect of your live, from productivity to mental health. 

    However, in today’s world, distractions are everywhere, making it harder to maintain focus and optimal concentration.

    Fortunately, there are several effective ways and strategies you can use to improve your focus and concentration that can enhance your overall productivity and boost your ability to stay on your task. 

    Minimise Distractions

    This world we live in today is full of distractions. Some of these are self-made and some are natural and unexpected distractions.

    Whatever they are and coupled with our natural tendencies of not wanting to do what is important, we may end up lagging behind in our tasks because of a lack of serious focus and concentration. 

    One of the best ways to eliminate distractions is to look for the things that you can control and deal with them. 

    Things like mobile phones can either be switched off or put on silent.

    One thing I have learnt about phones is that when you miss a call if it’s important they will call back if not I let it be. You will agree with me that most of the calls we receive are just chit-chat.

    Close all unnecessary tabs on your computer, and find a quiet environment to work in. If you use your computer for studying or doing work turn off those notifications they can be a distraction. 

    All in all, make sure you deal with the things that are within your power and have the potential to cause distraction.

    Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks

    Sometimes you can lose focus and concentration because your task is seemingly too big to handle at once. There is a sense of discouragement if the task at hand seems too huge.

    Trying to focus on a large task for an extended period of time can be overwhelming for some people. However, breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks can make it easier to focus on.

    It also gives you motivation when you tackle and overcome smaller tasks as this encourages you to move on to the next one.

    The smaller the tasks the easier it is to overcome and move over to the next task. Before you know it you would have achieved more.

    There is a feel-good factor when you achieve and overcome tasks and it also reduces the risk of feeling burned out. 

    Prioritise Tasks

    Not all tasks are as important or as urgent as all of them. Yes, the long-term objective is to achieve the overall target but the process has to be managed in such a way that you have control over it.

    Learn to prioritise your tasks. Prioritising your tasks can help you stay focused on the most important ones and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    List your tasks and rank them from 1 to 10 in terms of importance. 10 being the most important. Then sort them and start working on them in that order.

    If it can be delegated please do not waste time on it, delegate and concentrate on the tasks that really need your attention.

    A good way to keep track of your progress is to create lists and tick off the tasks that have been dealt with accordingly.

    Take Breaks

    While it may seem counterintuitive actually, taking breaks can help improve your focus.

    Studies have shown that taking short breaks throughout the day can help prevent burnout and increase productivity. 

    Take breaks of about 5 – 10 minutes to keep your mind refreshed.

    Take a walk around, or do something totally different from what you are currently doing. This will keep you focused and improve your productivity.

    Exercise Regularly

    Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your focus and concentration. 

    Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can help improve cognitive function.

    If you are not in the habit of regular exercise you are depriving your body from this development.

    It also releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day.

    The thing with exercise is that there is no designated time as to when you should do it. Just go with what suits you.

    Get Enough Sleep

    I know there is a lot of debate on how much sleep you should get and that the more you sleep the less time you have to work.

    Yes, granted they may be valid reasons, but scientists also say that sleep is the time when our bodies are recharged and that the lack of it can impair cognitive function, making it harder to focus.

    A lack of sleep can also lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty in concentration. That is why when you are sick or ill the doctors always prescribe bed rest.

    It is also important to strike a balance between having enough sleep and not oversleeping. Bear in mind also that you need to work to put food on your table.

    I personally have a specific time when to sleep and when to wake up but to be honest sometimes this does not go according to schedule.

    Avoid Multitasking if You Can

    I know that multitasking can help speed up your work. But it can also reduce productivity and make it harder to focus on any one task.

    I feel it is better to focus on one or atleast two tasks and do a good job than to have many going on without giving them the best of your attention.

    You are mainly judged by the quality of work you produce and multi-tasking has a tendency to derail you from doing your best because of the many tasks being handled simultaneously.

    Use Tools to Help You Focus

    With the advent of technology, there are many tools and apps available that can help you stay focused and keep your concentration. 

    Experiment with as many tools as you can, find and stick with the ones that work well for you. Otherwise, too many tools can also slow you down. 

    Instead of concentrating on the task at hand, you may find yourself struggling to understand how a certain tool works.

    Conclusion

    Improving your focus is essential for productivity, mental health, and overall well-being. The above list is not exhaustive but rather a good starting point you can add on more as you learn what works for you and what does not.

  • The Benefits of Living in the Now

    Living in the now can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing happiness. 

    This can only be achieved if you are living in the present moment and not in the past. We all have a past and believe me, some of our past is dented. 

    There is no one on this earth that has a perfect past. We all have skeletons in our closets. Even the seemingly holy people are not excluded.

    Regardless of what your past is, living in the now can also have numerous benefits for your mental health and overall well-being. 

    By focusing on the here and now, you can let go of regrets about the past and anxieties about the future. Look, living in the past is bondage. 

    Here are some 2 tips for living in the now and enjoying a more fulfilling life.

    The Benefits of Living in the Now

    “Cease to ask what the morrow will bring forth and set down and gain each day that fortune grants.” 

    Living in the present moment has numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. As mentioned above it can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve our relationships, increase our creativity and productivity, and enhance our overall sense of happiness and fulfilment. 

    When you are fully present and alert, you are able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life, and you are better equipped to handle whatever challenges that, may come your way.

    I know it’s not easy to live in the now, what with the challenges of life and what it brings forth. There is so much that needs our attention and as a result, we tend to overthink and are overburdened with life’s issues.

    However, life was not meant to be stressful but to be enjoyed. The more you worry, the more energy you spend that could be used more productively.

    The Bible says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians. 

    Here are some benefits of living in the present moment:-

    • Reduced Stress and Anxiety – When you focus on the present moment, you are not worrying about the past or the future. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as you are not constantly dwelling on things that are out of your control. Remember that you have control over your mind and in turn, control over your thoughts, so watch what you think because they become your habits. As explained above anxiety often involves worrying about future events or dwelling on past mistakes. By focusing on the present, you can interrupt this cycle of worrying and reduce the amount of time spent ruminating on negative thoughts.
    • Increased Happiness – When you are fully present, you are more likely to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life which can lead to increased happiness and a greater sense of contentment. Look, happiness is what you decide. No one on this earth owes it to you. But instead, you owe it to yourself. You are solely responsible for your happiness. Stop looking for someone or something to make you happy. Decide for yourself that you shall be happy regardless of the situation you find yourself in. The only true happiness is found in Christ Jesus. 
    • Improved Relationships – When you are fully present with others, you are able to connect with them better, on a deeper level and this leads to stronger and more meaningful relationships. Imagine how it feels to be in a relationship with someone whose mind is not present. You are talking and they seem far away from you. That kind of relationship will definitely not last long if there is no drastic change. A good relationship is one with mutual understanding and constant communication.
    • Increased Productivity – When you are fully engaged in the present moment, you are more focused and productive. You can focus better on the task at hand and be more resilient in the face of challenges. This helps to increase your confidence in your ability to cope with difficult situations. The more alert you are the more productive you tend to be and the more engaged your mind becomes in tackling the task at hand.

    How to Make Living in the Now a Habit

    Making living in the now a habit takes practice and patience. One way to start is by setting aside a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment. 

    This can be done through meditation, mindfulness exercises, or simply taking a few deep breaths and tuning into your surroundings. 

    It’s also important to let go of distractions and negative thoughts that may pull you out of the present moment. 

    With time and consistency, living in the now can become a natural and rewarding habit.

    So how can you achieve living in the present moment? Here are some tips:

    • Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This will help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and to focus on the present. In other words, mindfulness is being conscious of your current surroundings; being aware of, or noticing the things around you. It takes being deliberate to practice mindfulness. You need to tune your mind to be alert and consciously take in what is before you. Mindfulness entails having total control of your mind and body. 
    • Focus on Your Senses – Paying attention to your senses can help you to stay grounded in the present. Take a few deep breaths and focus on what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Be sensitive to what your body is telling you. Our bodies are constantly communicating with us based on our surroundings. 
    • Reduce or Avoid Multitasking – If you are struggling with concentration multitasking can make it difficult to stay present. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. 
    • Let go of the Past and Future – You cannot change the past or control the future, so it is important to let go of these things and focus on the present moment. Do whatever needs to be done today so that you may increase your chances of having a better life going forward. Even then,  you are not guaranteed that things will go your way. But doing the right thing gives you a better chance at success. 
    • Practice Gratitude – Gratitude can help you appreciate the present moment and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Take some time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for.  There are so many things to be grateful for. Take a piece of paper and write down every good thing that has happened to you, you will be amazed. I can give you a few things to start with. You are lucky if you are reading this article as not many people have access to the internet. Actually, before anything else you are alive, which is the most important thing that has happened to you the more reason you should give gratitude. The list is endless, include, your family and you will begin to see the bigger picture.

    Conclusion

    There are lots of benefits to living in the present. These are but a drop in the ocean. You must tune your life to start living consciously so you may enjoy the many benefits of life.

  • Addressing the 3 Motivational Killers

    Even though motivation is a key factor when it comes to issues of personal development and self-growth it is not always easy to stay motivated.

    Most successful people, be it, sportsmen/women, movie stars, politicians, businessmen, etc. will tell you that without being motivated by something, they would not have attained greatness.

    “To succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you” ~ Tony Dosset.

    There has to be a motivating factor for you to continuously pursue your life’s purpose. Motivation is one of the single most factor that distinguishes success from failure.

    But we all at some point in our life’s journey get demotivated for various reasons. There is nothing wrong with it, we are human and it’s in our nature.

    The difference is how we handle life’s challenges. How we rise up and get over it. You are not made or unmade by the things that happen to you but by the things that you do.

    Several factors can lower your motivation. Recognising these factors might be the best way to improve your motivation.

    Lack of Self-confidence

    The first one is a lack of self-confidence altogether. Why would you continue to do something if you don’t believe that you can do it?

    If you are a cyclist and have entered into a competition would you go ahead to participate in it if you think you cannot win it?

    For all, I know those who are successful participate in competitions with the aim to win and not to lose. Let’s take two soccer teams for example competing in the world cup final.

    I believe that the team that carries the day is the one with the right mentality and confidence and show that they really want it.

    When you lack self-confidence it is almost impossible to succeed. Confidence enhances your motivation.

    It is true that when you have high levels of confidence so are your motivational levels and the opposite is equally true. A low or no self-confidence generates low or no motivation.

    The greatest enemy to developing a positive high confidence is fear; it can also generate low self-confidence. It is therefore very important that you try as much as possible to avoid lacking self-confidence.

    “Have your heart in your life’s work, and be stout-hearted. Do something, act always, and do it now. Don’t be afraid. Many a man has been defeated by his doubts—lack of confidence. Take your risks —you cannot eliminate them, you cannot escape them. You can diminish them by dominating them” ~ Batten’s Wedge.

    Lack of Focus

    Do you know what it is that you want to achieve, if not, why should you take action; why should you be motivated?

    “Most people have no idea of the giant capacity we can immediately command when we focus all of our resources on mastering a single area of our lives” ~ Tony Robbins.

    You cannot start a journey without a final destination in mind unless you are a tourist even tourist have an itinerary. You cannot start something without knowing exactly what you want to achieve.

    Otherwise, you will find yourself with a lot of goals that are difficult to achieve. You need to concentrate on a narrow path that is manageable to achieve.

    You need to focus on what you want to achieve in your life. Having a clearly written down life’s purpose is the beginning point for focusing.

    When I started my path on self-development I listed down quite a number of goals and began to narrow them down as time passed by.

    You will notice that at the very beginning when we set out, we have a number of goals to be achieved but, as time goes by and as the picture becomes clearer you will be forced to adjust your goals.

    The important thing, however, is to get started with at least a good understanding of what you what to achieve. It will definitely be very blurred and unclear.

    The time and thoughts wasted in aimless effort would accomplish wonders if properly directed with some special object in view.

    The Lack of a Sense of Direction

    Insight enables us to plan to advance and turn our thoughts and attention in the right direction, instead of into channels that can yield no possible return.

    You cannot have a sense of direction without understanding what you want to achieve.

    However, if you know what you want and believe that you can achieve it but have no clue how to get started, you can be very demotivated.

    Have you ever felt that whatever you are doing has no sense of direction? What was your reaction to it? Exactly, you quit and refocused.

    Though when starting out, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you feel you have no direction, being in there may help you create direction.

    Whatever you do in life you must always make sure that you have a sense of direction. It may not be clear to people around you but for as long as you feel it is for you, continue on the same path.

    We have outlined the 3 main motivation killers above. It is now time that we move on and focus our attention on how to address them.

    We will now proceed in the same manner as before until we reach the conclusion.

    Addressing The Lack of Self-Confidence

    “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence” ~ Helen Keller.

    Thoughts of courage, power, confidence, and hope all produce a corresponding state, but the one enemy which must be absolutely destroyed before there is any possibility of letting any light shine is fear.

    Fear is an enemy of success. Remember that fear is a very strong emotion and has the ability to derail anyone who harbours it.

    Here are some suggestions that can help address a lack of self-confidence;-

    • Focusing on what you already have achieved than what you do not have. Appreciate what you have. After all, they say “a bird in hand is better than one in the bush.”
    • Create your own positive mantra that will assist you to boost yourself up.
    • Speak positive things to yourself every day. If no one compliments you on your work why not do it yourself. Tell yourself how well you have done. Find ways of rewarding yourself for your work.
    • Also learn to accept compliments when they come along and enjoy the feedback. Compliments are good but they should not get to your head. Sometimes we have a tendency of overreacting to compliments from other people.
    • Keep reminding yourself of the good things that you have achieved and have gained. We all have done good, at some point. This will surely lift your spirits. I believe that even the worst condemned person on earth has some goodness in them. Remember that we are all created in God’s image and God is love.

    “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.

    Personal development demands that you have confidence in whatever, you are doing for your own success.

    Addressing The Lack of Focus

    One of the best ways to defeat a lack of focus is to set goals for yourself that are reasonable and achievable.

    The very act of goal setting puts a structure around your random thoughts and keeps you focused on them, that’s why it is important to have your goals written down.

    Read them on a daily basis and make sure you can recite them. Goal setting is one of the key areas of personal
    development and self-growth.

    Instead of worrying about the future and what it will bring forth, set down and gain each day that fortune grants. Focus on how you can help change the situation.

    I recently listened to Brian Tracy’s DVD entitled “the miracle of self-discipline” Where he teaches about daily goal setting.

    This DVD is life-changing. Remember that the consciousness that focuses in your brain cells is the same consciousness that focuses in the brain cells of every other individual.

    You need to develop a sense of focus and fine-tune it. It may not be easy for some to develop it in the beginning but with practice, you will improve on it.

    “One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular” ~ Tony Robbins.

    Address The Lack of Sense of Direction

    “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” ~ Henry David Thoreau.

    Addressing this one is tricky especially if you are just starting on your road to success.

    As the Chinese proverb goes “a journey of 3000 miles begins with one step.” It does not say whether it’s a step in the right or wrong direction the most important thing is to take the first step.

    Daunting as it may seem the direction will become clearer as you break down your goals into smaller manageable ones.

    Remember you cannot skip from 1 to 3000 miles. You need to plan on how to reach the next mile and make adjustments as you get to know the terrain better.

    This way you will have a sense of direction and appreciate your journey.

    As they say, Rome was not built in one day. When you have built the right sense of direction you tend to be motivated and feel comfortable with what you are trying to achieve.

    One of the best ways to creating a good sense of direction is writing down what you want to achieve and breaking it down into small achievable goals.

    You may also consider goal setting Technics, click here to learn more on this topic.

    Conclusion

    Motivation plays a key role in personal development and success. We must try by all means to overcome the 3 motivational killers mentioned in this article as they can derail our progress. Remember you can do all things possible in Christ Jesus who strengthens you.

  • How to Live from the Inside Out

    “Things may happen to you, but the only things that matter are the things that happen in you” ~ Eric Butterworth.

    I am not made or unmade by the things that happen to me but by the things that I do, this means that I have learned to live from the inside out.

    The bible says we shall know them by their fruits, very true indeed. What we manifest outside is a result of the fullness of the inside.

    Have you ever wondered how many people care about what other people think of them as compared to the number of people who care for them; what they look like; what school they went to; how society has accepted them and where they work?

    Most of us have actually forgotten or do not even know that we are what we are as a result of what has been planted inside of us. Our own life is like a fruit.

    Do you expect that when you plant say a mango seed you will get an apple tree? Of course not, you can only get the exact type of fruit tree you planted.

    They say all growth comes from within. Human beings, just like plants, grow from the inside out. Our personal growth begins with a seed that is planted and nurtured within us.

    All things being equal, we would all grow and reach the same heights. However, this is not to be so. Even, though all other parameters remain unchanged.

    I have below a few things that you may consider to help you live from the inside out.

    What Do You Feed Your Mind On?

    Before we go and discuss what we feed our minds on, you must know and realize that you have a world within. This world within although, invisible its forces are mighty.

    This inside world of thought and feeling and power; of light and life and beauty is waiting to be discovered and unleashed.

    You are made or unmade by the things you do and not the things that happen to you. In order to better understand and know how to live from the inside out, you need to know that every thought is a cause and every condition is an effect; for this reason, you need to control your thoughts so as to bring forth desirable conditions.

    Yes, there will be challenges along the way, but what world would it be without challenges? The world within is the cause, the world without the effect; to change the effect ,you must change the cause. Change your world within and you will change your world without.

    This brings us to a very important daily act and this is the act of reading and feeding your mind with the right stuff. If you are like me and want to succeed in the area of personal development and self-growth.

    You need to feed your mind with the right material. The mind can only be feed through reading, listening, and watching the right material.

    To help you get started with feeding your mind start reading, say 1 book per month. Just ensure that you have drawn up a reading program and stick to it.

    Studies have shown that nonfictional books are rarely read beyond the first chapter. Please improve on this statistic.

    There are plenty of materials to be read out there. Just look for what suits you and what will help you grow in the area of your interest.

    My personal target is to read 1 book per month on top of reading my daily bible verses and magazines of interest, so far so good. I have also greatly reduced my reading of current affairs as most of it is usually on the negative side.

    I know that this is one of the best ways to keep my mind focused and fed on the right material. The best time for me to read is at night and early in the morning.

    You may also consider reducing the time you spend watching TV. I have noticed that TV is a major source of a lot of negativity. If you are a parent you will agree with me that most of the things your kids do or say are a result of what they see on Television.

    Your Mind Creates Your Reality

    Reality starts in your mind “by thought, the thing you want is brought to you, by action you receive it.” As a man thinketh so is he in his heart. As you think, so your life becomes.

    Changing your attitude and expectations, will sooner or later, change your life accordingly. The biggest player in our daily lives is the mind.

    We live our lives according to what we think. Studies have shown that what we think comes to pass as reality. To live from the inside out, your mind has to be creative.

    Remember that everything that we see that is man-made, was first conceived and created in the mind. I would be right then to say that your mind creates your reality.

    If your mind is full of negative thoughts chances are 9/10 you are living in negativity. If you want to succeed at whatever you are planning to do, you must first change your mind and see yourself as successful.

    Let your mind create your reality. If there is one organ in our bodies that is underutilized it is the brain. To positively live from the inside out you must allow your mind to create the reality for you.

    If you believe in your mind that you will be successful at what you are doing then prepare yourself to receive it.

    All things have their origin in the mind, and appearances are the result of thought. Since they are produced by thought, they can be erased by thought.

    This is how important your mind is. What you think has a direct influence on what surrounds you. It is believed that the mind is capable of attracting that which you harbour in your thoughts.

    Human beings can form things in their thoughts, and by impressing these thoughts upon formless substance, can cause the things being thought-about to be created.

    If you are a Christian you will agree with me that God “thought” before every creation.

    Be Creative and Think Positively

    “To live a creative life we must lose our fear of being wrong” ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce. “The best way to predict the future is to create it” ~ Peter F. Drucker.

    Being creative and positive will surely enhance the quality of life you lead. If you are to successfully live from the inside out, then your mind must be both creative and positive.

    If we take it in the spiritual context man is made in the image and likeness of God. Man is therefore a spiritual being and the spirit possesses the power to think.

    Thinking is, therefore, creative and all form is, the result of the thinking process.

    No sane person can disassociate themselves from thinking. Thinking is the core activity for every living being. It is therefore very important that you harbour and entertain positive thoughts that will manifest into a positive form.

    Remember that creativity is embedded in all humanity. It is entirely up to an individual to tap in and use it constructively. Studies have shown that the mind is always active no matter what you are doing even in sleep.

    I believe that the quality of your creativeness coupled with your reaction and action will determine the level of your achievement.

    Conclusion

    All growth is from within. All living creatures grow from the inside out. I, therefore, challenge you to feed the inner you for perfect growth.

    Yes, you will come across challenges and these will only be a test of what you are made of. Success will not come without growth.

    Prepare yourself to overcome the storm, as after every storm there is calmness.

    The bible says we shall know them by their fruits. Ask yourself what fruit you carry.

  • 8 Ways to Help Maximise Your Potential Part 2

    This is the second article of a two-part series on 8 ways to help maximise your potential.

    A quick reminder of the definition of the word ‘potential’ according to the oxford dictionary “potential is having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.” 

    Personal development and growth is a vehicle that you can use to help maximise your potential.

    We are all built with potential, that is waiting to be unleashed and maximised.

    “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential. .these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence” – Eddie Robinson.

    Let us get straight into it and see what the remaining 4 ways are:-

    Know Yourself

    You will be amazed to learn that many of us do not know ourselves very well. It may sound absurd that am talking about knowing yourself, but it is very important that you know yourself and have total control of your being.

    I believe that self-knowledge is the starting point for realising and maximising your potential. It gives us an insight into understanding our capabilities.

    Knowing yourself will help you understand where your natural strengths lie and how well you can combine them to take advantage of the prevailing opportunities.

    Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson in “play to your strengths” outline five different ways in which we can discover our strengths as shown below:-

    • Listen for Yearnings – normally our yearnings are often triggered when we hear or see someone doing something we would like to do or feel we can do better. You will agree with me that there is something you are yearning to do but do not realise it because you have not paid attention to yourself.
    • Watch Out for Satisfactions – what really satisfies you? When you get a glow of satisfaction from doing something (work-related off course) even though we may not understand why this is most likely one of your strengths.
    • Watch Out for Rapid Learning – a strength is usually characterised by rapid learning. Am very sure that you do have things that you learn more easily and quicker than others. This will usually continue for a long time if not a lifetime.
    • Be Aware of Moments of Excellence – position your mind to be alert to your moments of excellence. I believe that each and every one of us has had a moment of excellence in our lives.
    • Watch out for the Total Performance of Excellence – Over the years I have learned to be a student of myself. Learning is a continuous process and so from time to time, I do a personal re-evaluation. This process has so far proved to be very important and of great use to my personal development and growth.

    Make the Change for New Things

    Don’t get stuck in the survival or maintenance modes of personal development and growth. You need to make the change for new things in order to maximise your potential. 

    We live in an ever-changing world and the only way to keep moving forward is to embrace change. Most of us have a reputation for resisting change.

    I know that change comes with a price but it must be embraced as it usually comes with different opportunities. “Your current conditions do not reflect your ultimate potential” – Anthony Robbins.

    Life demands that we move with time and every day is a new day. It is also important to always be reading and improving your skillset.

    Knowledge is key to success and you should always be willing to learn on a daily basis. There will always be instances when you cannot change some situations due to various factors but you can change your mindset and behaviour.

    The only factor that you have control over is yourself. Many of us fail because we do not want to change our habits and behaviours to accommodate the ever-changing environment.

    Set Your Goals and Stick with Them

    Perhaps the starting point to maximise your potential is goal setting. The importance of goal setting cannot be over-emphasised.

    This is one of the cardinal principles in personal development and growth.

    When you have set your goals it is important that you stick with them and do not be distracted from achieving them.

    Persistence and perseverance will be key in achieving your goals. Stay focused and motivated as you pursue your goals.

    You should set goals that are realistic and achievable. However, you should not limit yourself to set goals that will not challenge your ability.

    You are capable of achieving more than you can imagine. God made you to be a solution to the world and the way I see it now the world needs more solutions than ever before. For more details on goal setting please read click here.

    Take Action

    “Continuous effort! not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking your potential” – Winston Churchill.

    Maximising your potential requires that you take action. A journey of a thousand miles requires that you make the first step in the right direction.

    Regardless of what your plans are for your life just get started. It’s only when you take action that you begin to realise your potential.

    Without taking action you will never realise your full potential and a later on maximise it. Taking action is the fuel to living your dream. It is the catalyst to your success.

    Once you get started on your journey there will be obstacles that you will encounter. These obstacles should not stop you from re-focusing.

    You should make a commitment to achieving your intended life’s purpose. Your success will only be achieved by taking action.

    Do not let procrastination still your success. Do not let failure stop you from achieving your goals.

    Instead, make a commitment to pursuing your goals and live to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

    I know for a fact that everything worthwhile does not come on a silver platter. There is much joy in living your dream without shortcuts.

    I always try to do things right and straight it makes my life much easier and leaves me with a piece of mind. So far so good. I go to sleep with a peaceful mind.

    Yes, I know that am not perfect but I try as much as I can to do things right.

    I have made a commitment to ensure that this blog becomes one of the preferred sites in the areas I have fashioned it to be. This commitment is for life.

    I will continue to write and post articles on this site for as long as I possibly can. I know for a fact that it is helping someone out there and that is the biggest motivation for me.

    This site is one of my biggest contributions to help change the world for the better. The advantage is that I can fully express myself on many subjects via this website.

    Conclusion

    “Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but for what is still possible for you to do” – Pope John XXIII.

    There are many ways that you can use to help maximise your potential, the 8 ways mentioned in both articles are just some of them. I recommend that you develop the habit of reading and have an open mind to learning.

    Remember that personal development and growth is not a competition but a personal journey to be walked by you alone. Bye for now and  as usual “standout tall and be counted.”

  • 8 Ways to Help Maximise Your Potential Part 1

    “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around” ~ Leo Buscaglia.

    We are all blessed and possess skills and abilities that nobody else has quite as we do.

    God made each one of us unique and we all have different roles to play in the world. Just like the body has different parts that make it whole, the world has different components that make it complete. Those components represent you and me.

    We are all gifted with unique talents and gifts, whether this is a talent to show on the world stage, or on a small stage as someone who makes a difference, does not necessarily matter. What is important is for one to play their part and not deprive the world of their talents.

    All these talents and abilities if not expressed are just potential. Since we are all blessed with these unique talents the question is how do we then make the most of our personal potential?

    Let’s start by defining or rather establishing the meaning of the word “potential.” According to the oxford dictionary “potential is having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.” If you have something then you have something to show.

    There is no point in showing something that you do not have because it is not possible. You may not currently know what your talents are until you fully understand and explore your personality.

    If you have to fulfill your dreams it is imperative that you learn how to maximise your potential. The following methods might just be the answer if you have been on the quest to fulfilling your potential.

    Happiness and Goals

    “Look to this day for it is life, the very life of life. In Its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence; The bliss of growth; The glory of action; The splendor of beauty; For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a Vision: But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day!” ~ From the Sanskrit.

    One of the greatest hindrances for failing to maximise our potential is living an unhappy life. You see, happiness is a choice. You choose either to be happy or otherwise.

    I have learned that happiness is an antidote for success. From the time of great philosophers such as Aristotle, happiness has been linked to the achievement of goals.

    That is the more reason why we find so much happiness and pleasure in the work that makes us achieve our goals. Happiness and goal setting cannot be substituted for anything if you have to maximise your potential.

    Living a happy life will surely motivate you to maximise your personal potential. Click here to read more on happiness. There is no success without happiness.

    I think that what drives most of us to succeed is happiness. The joy we get when a goal has been attained. Happiness is, therefore, a very important driver to maximizing one’s potential.

    “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to my fellow-creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again” ~ William Penn.

    Personal development and self-improvement are do-it-yourself activities. However, you look at them, if you have to maximize your potential; you have to learn how to do it yourself.

    I have noticed that most of us would rather not do even the easiest of tasks for fear of failure. Yet, we would rather be credited with someone else’s success. From my working experience, most of us do not want to take responsibility for our actions especially if they are negative ones.

    I believe that to maximize your potential you need to learn and know how to get the basics done. I do not know about you but I enjoy doing most of the things on my own.

    It actually gives me great satisfaction and pleasure when I have accomplished something on my own. I am basically a do-it-yourself person. This does not mean that I do everything, no no, no. I am very much aware of my skillset and know my limitations.

    If you are in a leading position you must learn how to delegate and supervise your subordinates. One of the greatest skills you need to possess as a leader is the skill of delegation and supervision. As a leader, you must learn to give direction and motivation to your followers.

    Create Your Destiny

    “That a man can change himself, improve himself, re-create himself, control his environment, and master his own destiny is the conclusion of every mind who is wide-awake to the power of right thought in constructive action” ~ Larsen. “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not something to be waited for, but rather something to be achieved” ~ William Jennings Bryan.

    Maximising your potential entails creating your own destiny. We live our destiny by the little things that we do every day. Always remember that your destiny is not a destination but rather the journey that you live.

    Philosophers and great thinkers have in the last centuries pondered and puzzled over the extent to which our lives are in our own hands and the extent to which they are pre-ordained.

    There are many thoughts and arguments but the main thought that comes out very clearly and distinct is that we can all set ourselves on the path we want. This has been proven that even in the most limiting societies we still have a free will to try.

    For if you are trying to achieve something then that is your first step to creating your destiny. If you are like me and are learning to maximise your potential then you are living your destiny.

    Improve Yourself

    “Rely on your own strength of body and soul. Take for your star self-reliance, faith, honesty and industry. Don’t take too much advice — keep at the helm and steer your own ship, and remember that the great art of commanding is to take a fair share of the work. Fire above the mark you intend to hit. Energy, invincible determination with the right motive, are the levers that move the world” ~ Noah Porter.

    Even though nature compels us to improve, there are two opposing forces at play; to stay where we are and consolidated what we have gained or to explore what is still possible to achieve and know how far we can go.

    The majority of us would rather not venture with the second force. We would rather take the safe and secure one, yet continue wondering what we might have missed out on.

    We sit on our potential and die with it. Those who take the second risky path go on adventures seeking to maximise what they possess. This though comes at a cost and it is worth paying for.

    Have you ever noticed that the good things in life are not free? If you are not exploring your talents then I can assure you that you have taken the comfort zone. Get out there and explore your talents.

    You might just be the answer the world has been waiting for. I know the most common excuse that most of us have is; I have no money or resources. If you think your idea is good enough, go for it and start living your dream.

    Conclusion

    I will end here for now. Look out for part two in which I conclude with the remaining four ways to maximise your potential.

  • The Importance of Having a Defined Written Down Intended Life’s Purpose

    “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time” – Marion Wright Edelman.

    I cannot emphasise how important it is to know and write down your Intended Life’s Purpose.

    We all have a purpose in life that is why we are here. Our creator designed us to fulfil a certain purpose therefore, it is very important that we get to know what our God-given intended life’s purpose is. To know what your intended life’s purpose is, you need to go back to your manufacturer. You need to seek God’s face and guidance.

    “A person with a clear purpose will make progress on even the roughest road. A person with no purpose will make no progress even on the smoothest road” – Thomas Carlyle.

    There is no way you can know what an appliance was made for before reading the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to use the item. God has given us our blueprint through the Bible.

    If you do not have a written down Intended Life’s Purpose you are most likely travelling the road of confusion where many people are right now.

    “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails” – Proverbs.

    You were created to add value and to be a solution to the world, regardless of how small or big you may think it is. Alas many of us are robbing the world of the solutions we were created to offer be. It does not matter what your age is, you can still contribute to the world by finding your intended life’s purpose.

    There are many benefits when we are living or pursuing our intended life’s purpose some of which are:-

    You, Will, Be More Effective and Efficient

    “There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it” – Napoleon Hill.

    When you have discovered your intended life’s purpose you will be more effective and efficient at doing it and work will flow naturally from within you. As an illustration, let’s use a guitar as example. Now, we all know that a guitar is a musical instrument, instead of using it for playing music say it is used to paddle a canoe.

    Yes, it may work as a paddle, but not as effective. The effort and energy used will be much more, than if it is used for the intended purpose as per the manufacturer’s manual. Equally, the same with us human beings, if you are living a purposeless life you will you are less effective at your work or whatever, endeavour you are engaged in.

    One contributing factor to negativity is not being efficient with what you are doing. Personal development and growth demands that you are more effective and efficient at what you are doing. Effectiveness and efficiency are motivating factors in achieving your intended life’s purpose.

    The Quality of Your Service is Noticeable

    When you are doing what you love and are designed for, most of the time the end product is of very high quality. When you do what you love, you do it with passion and patience.

    I like to give an example of some of the medical personnel in our hospitals. Those that do it as a vocation are usually not the best. They tend to be in a hurry and do it for the money. Where, as those that are called to be medical practitioners are more patient and caring for their patients. They do a better job as caregivers.

    Another example is a time when I was tasked to buy a small table for an exhibition. I approached a carpenter and asked him to make one for me. Of course, I explained to him all the details and measurements. When he brought the table I asked what the price was.

    When he mentioned the price, I was shocked. I politely asked him how much he would be willing to pay for it if he was the buyer. He shocked me again by giving a ridiculously low price because the quality of his product was substandard. He proved to me that he was interested in the end product but the money.

    This experience brought out one thing for me, the carpenter was in the wrong business. When you have your intended life’s purpose correct, the quality and standard of your service or products will be very high and hence will attract good value for money.

    One way to check if you are moving towards your intended life’s purpose especially if you are in the service industry is to put yourself in the shoes of your customers or clients. Believe me, if your work is of high quality and standard it will show.

    People are willing to pay a high price for a quality service or product. You will agree with me that when you walk into an electronics shop and you compare the prices for stereos with established brand names such as Sony, Sharp, and Kenwood with other less established brands.

    The difference will actually tell you the story. Surely you will be much more willing to pay a higher price for the known brands. This is because they have built a good reputation for themselves.

    Joy and Happiness

    “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful” – Herman Cain.

    There is great satisfaction and happiness when you have accomplished what you have set out to achieve. The happiest of people are those that are pursuing their intended life’s purpose. Every small goal that you accomplish moves you towards your greater goal and is the motivation for the next assignment.

    When you are doing what you enjoy and love doing, life is more bearable and enjoyable. Yes, there will be challenges and obstacles that will come your way, but you will overcome them much easier.

    There is no written formula for happiness. For me, the only formula I have found for happiness and joy is in doing that which I love most.

    “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution will ever experience life’s deepest joy; true fulfillment” – Anthony Robbins.

    Conclusion

    “Take up one idea and act on it. Make that one idea your life. Think of it, dream of it, and live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea and leave all other ideas alone. This is the way to success” – Unknown.

    There are more benefits to having a written down intended life’s purpose I have just scratched the surface of it. I would encourage each and every one of us to find what God created us to do. The only way to know your intended life’s purpose is to seek the face of God in prayer.

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