insakanet

Blog

  • The 7 Principles for Successful Self-Improvement

    Life is full of challenges, many of which are beyond our control. But, when it comes to personal behaviour, and how we react to situations we have no excuses and this is where self-improvement and personal growth come into play.

    I know that Self-improvement is one of the most important of all human virtues. If there is something that should be undertaken by everyone it is “personal development.” Self-improvement is the “advancement of one’s knowledge, status, or character by one’s own efforts.”

    It takes one’s willingness and one’s own efforts to reach self-actualisation. No one can be successful or reach greater heights, without first improving themselves. That’s how important the subject of self-improvement is to our lives.

    If you keep doing the same things you will continue getting the same results. If you want to improve and grow, you must change what you do and do it differently, the choice is entirely yours.

    “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily agenda.”  – John C. Maxwell.

    Very true, if you want to change your life and start living a better life you need to change the way you do things. You need to make self-improvement and personal growth the primary focus for your life.

    Learning how to make self-improvement a priority and primary focus for your life, will help you move forward with confidence and strength toward your goals.

    It will ease the pressures of life. You will enjoy your life’s journey even more.

    In my many years of consciously practising self-improvement, I have summed up the many principles into 7 that have been very beneficial to me.

    Know Your Purpose

    The number one principle is knowing your purpose. What is your God-given purpose on earth? What is it that you were designed to give the world?

    Look, you like it or not, you have a purpose why you are on earth. It is, therefore, your responsibility to know and discover what your purpose is in life.

    Are you wandering through life with little or no direction, hoping that you’ll find happiness, health and prosperity? Find your life’s purpose and write down your mission statement and you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your success every time.

    Knowing your purpose in life makes you live your life with integrity. It helps you make the right choices and decisions knowing that they will help you achieve your goals.

    When you know your purpose you will stick to your lane. Yes, you will be faced with challenges, but they will only serve to make you a better person.

    “There’s no greater gift than to honour your life’s calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.”  – Oprah Winfrey.

    Knowing your life’s purpose helps you find your true passion and this becomes an important factor for you to achieve something extraordinary.

    Whether it is a dream you have had from childhood or a newly found way of life, the passion will drive you to reach your goals.

    Your life’s purpose is the compass for your life. There is no wrong purpose if it’s what you were created for it is the right one. God created each one of us to contribute positively to the improvement of the world.

    Know Your Values

    What do you value most? Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development and learning.

    As you set your goals, check your goals against your values. If the goal doesn’t align with any of your top five values, you may want to reconsider it or revise it.

    Look we all have values. Values “are the principles that give our lives meaning and allow us to persevere through adversity.”

    We live our lives according to our values. The values you hold determines the quality of life you lead.

    Know Your Needs

    My number 3 principle is knowing your needs. What are your needs? Needs are the things that are necessary for making your life easy, without which life would be impossible for you.

    Unmet needs can keep you from living authentically. Take care of yourself. Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? Make sure you address these needs before anything else.

    There are so many people who live their lives without realizing their dreams and most of them end up being stressed or even depressed for that matter. List your top four needs and get them met before it’s too late!

    Knowing and meeting your needs is a fundamental human right. It is your responsibility to ensure that you know your basic needs.

    Life is much easier to navigate through when you know your needs. Generally, your lives revolve around your needs.

    Once your basic needs are identified and are met with satisfaction, life opens up more opportunities for self-improvement; opportunities to grow beyond just your needs.

    You focus on how best you can contribute to humanity without worrying about yourself.

    Know Your Passions

    You know who you are and what you truly enjoy in life. Obstacles like doubt and lack of enthusiasm will only hinder you, but will not derail your chance to become the person you ought to be.

    Express yourself and honour the people who have inspired you to become the very person you wanted to be.

    Embracing your passions brings back some simplicity in your life that can lead to new freedoms in your everyday life.

    There are many benefits that come with knowing your passions. When you are fully aware of your passions you live an authentic life free from the pressures of other people.

    You follow what your soul is telling you. You become the original you, that you were designed to be. Knowing your passions brings greater self-awareness and confidence which in turn improves your productivity levels.

    Often times when we follow our passions we make a career of out of them. We get paid doing what we love.

    There is a difference between an artist whose main driver is making money and one whose main purpose is appreciating and enjoying their work.

    Live From the Inside Out

    Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind.

    For most of us city slickers, it’s hard to even find the peace and quiet we want even in our own homes. In my case, I often just sit and play some classical music. There’s sound, yes, but music does soothe the soul.

    They say all growth comes from within. What we are outside is a reflection of what we are inside. When we live from the inside out, we live from a sense of our own worthiness.

    Honour Your Strengths

    What are your positive traits? What special talents do you have? List five, if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help identify them.

    Are you imaginative, witty, and good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you share what you know with others.

    “Make the best use of what is in your power and take the rest as it happens.” – Epictetus.

    When you work from your strengths you work with confidence and with less effort.

    Being of Service to Others

    When you live authentically, you may find that you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, you give back in service what you came to share with others; your spirit; your essence.

    The rewards for sharing your gift with those close to you is indeed worthwhile, much more if it were to be the eyes of a stranger who can appreciate what you have done to them.

    Being of service is really a joy because that is what humanity was designed for.

    Conclusion

    Self-improvement is indeed one type of work that is worth it. It shouldn’t always be within the confines of an office building, or maybe in the four corners of your own room.

    The difference lies within ourselves and how much we want to change for the better. Self-improvement is a personal choice and decision.

  • How to Do More With Your Life Than Just Give Up

    This story was inspired by Mandy Harvey. I watched Mandy on America’s Got Talent a television program that searches and gives an opportunity to people to showcase their talent.

    She was a contestant in the music category and got a golden buzzer for her outstanding performance during the auditions. Although Mandy did not go on to win the competition she is a successful songwriter, singer, and motivational speaker.

    I find her life’s journey very inspiring and motivating. She lost her sense of hearing due to illness at the age of eighteen and, she almost gave up on her life.

    I can only imagine what she went through at the news of losing her hearing and that science and doctors cannot help recover her lost sense of hearing.

    But after some time and with hard work she discovered that she could actually continue singing, by using muscle memory and trusting her pitch and feeling the vibrations of the beat and temple through her feet. This is amazing.

    Today Mandy is a success in the music industry and inspires people not only with her music but also with her life’s story to never give up.

    Life can be tough and it is not easy to live especially when such “calamity” as Mandy’s be fore’s on you. Imagine the pain and the disillusionment the whole family went through when they learned that their daughter had become deaf.

    The thought that she will never hear their voices again is not nice at all. That the mode of communication with her would be changed forever.

    To me, Mandy’s life story is one of faith and courage. Look, to go up on stage and sing in front of so many people, without hearing your own voice but just trusting your pitch, takes a lot of faith and courage.

    There are very few people who can do that. Most of us are scared to even just stand in front of a small group of people and speak.

    It is a lesson to all of us who take life for granted and just want to give up when we encounter a few setbacks.

    Stop giving excuses and start making something worthwhile with your life. Yes, life will always throw things at you. But, I believe that everything that happens to us happens for a reason. There is always good that comes out of what is seeming a bad thing.

    Have a Never Give Up Mentality

    One would have understood if Mandy had given up on her life. At least she would have had an excuse for it, and a good one for that matter.

    But she did not, she decided to make use of her life and be a blessing to the world. Now instead of just singing and writing songs she also inspires and motivates people with her story.

    Who knows, she probably would not have been successful without going through what she went through.

    She realised that in order for her to be happy in life she must continue doing more of what makes her happy and that is singing.  Hence her doing everything in her power to achieve her dream.

    Do you realise that if she had not done anything about it, she might probably have been complaining all her life about her situation.

    She would have been another statistic, but instead, she is not, she is flying high like an eagle with what she is doing. Thank God for her life. She is such a blessing.

    You see to be more you need to have more and never give up on your dreams. To achieve greatness you need to do things differently. You need to change the way you do things and adopt methods that will bring out the best in you.

    If you sleep at 8:00 pm and wake up at 07:00 am you may need to adjust. Successful people spend most of their time working hard and not sleeping.

    When you are faced with adversity, look for the good in it. There is always something that you can get from your troubles.

    Most of the time when we are faced with challenges it means that God wants to move us to the next level. He is preparing us to handle what is coming our way. But it will never come until you are ready for it and usually it is something much more than our current situation.

    If you keep your trust in God, he always makes a way where there seems to be no way. When one door is shut God opens up many more doors. Mandy’s hearing door was shut but God opened up other doors to help her continue with her music.

    Be Prepared For What is Coming

    Like I said before when adversity comes it is usually a sign that good things are yet to follow. Because after the storm there is calmness. You must always be prepared to take on the next challenge. Be ready when the heavens have opened up for you.

    Look, don’t just sit and give excuses that you cannot do anything because you have no opportunities. Do not live life by chance or by luck. Luck finds those who are prepared and are ready. In our country, we have a tendency of complaining about how successful foreigners are than the local majority.

    We must actually be ashamed of ourselves. We have people who came in as refugees and now they are doing well in business yet we complain that there are no opportunities.

    This is a person who came with nothing and now he has a successful business in your own back yard and you say there are no opportunities, come on guys, we can do better than that.

    If you have dreams and do not take action they will always be but dreams. Those who succeed are those who put their dreams into action.

    Preparation can take many forms and it is usually not easy. Take sportsmen and women, for example, the time and sacrifice they take in preparation is something I really admire.

    How can you attract opportunities if you are not prepared for them? You attract opportunities by the things that you do every day.

    Sometimes opportunities come in disguise. They come in the most unexpected manner. But you need to be prepared when they come around otherwise you will miss them and call yourself cursed or something like “I have bad luck.” No, man you were just not ready.

    If it’s a job you are looking for get the necessary qualifications, and go out there and knock on every door for the opportunities. Don’t just sit at home expecting that a job will come on a silver platter, do something about it, anything that will keep you busy.

    In everything that we do, preparation is key to success. If you want to achieve anything meaningful with your life, you need to continuously upgrade your skills set. Believe me, opportunities are always there to be pursued. I have personally missed out on many good opportunities because of not being fully prepared for them.

    And equally I have embraced many opportunities when am prepared for them.

    Conclusion

    You have more to offer and give than what you are currently doing. If you are going through a rough period in your life fight until you make things right simply do not give up.

    The fact that you have seen the break of dawn means you still have a chance to fight and win. Trust God in everything you do and he will surely come through for you.

  • You Have the Potential to Achieve Your Goals

    We all have the potential to achieve our goals. Those who become successful are those who try. Those who dare to try have the most chance to succeed.

    The potential to succeed is naturally inbuilt in all human beings.

    But unless you unlock it, it will always remain potential. God gave us the ability and the necessary tools to achieve our dreams. If only we can learn to use them positively.

    If you can think it then you can be it. Success begins with your mind and a change in your attitude. If you can change the way you think, the way you perceive things, and the way you look at things, then you can achieve your goals.

    Personal development and self-improvement demand that you do the things consistently, that help you grow. They say all growth is from the inside. You have the seed of growth in you.

    If only you can nurture the seed, it will blossom and bear good fruit in due course. If you do not try you will never know what you can achieve, you will never know what good fruit is in you. The bible says “we shall know them by their fruit.”

    Yes, there will be challenges that will need to be overcome, that is just part of the process. It is part of the growth process.

    Do not fear being challenged. Challenges make you grow even stronger. They prepare you for what’s coming ahead.

    Challenges are a stepping stone to success. When you are faced with challenges don’t take the easy route out but face them head-on.

    If you take shortcuts you may live to regret it. You do not start climbing a tree from the top, you start from the bottom going up.

    Those who jump the process have short-lived success and within a few years or even months, they are back at the bottom. You see, nature allows us to experience failure so that we can learn from it.

    “The key to unlocking my potential is within me. It is the power of my thought, my vision, and my commitment!”

    Appreciate and Understand the Process

    Nature has a way of providing checks and balances. Nature also rewards you according to what you give it. If you give it negativity it gives you back negativity.

    If your goal is to make money you need to pay the price for that money and this does not come easy. Let me just say for you to achieve great things you need to pay a great price.

    If someone is telling you that success comes easy they are cheating. If it was easy we would all have been successful. But that’s not the case.

    Just like a student, if you want to graduate with good grades you need to work and study hard. That is what nature gives you. You are fairly rewarded for your input.

    It is the process that has to be followed. You cannot just have good grades without putting in the time and effort to study. You have to go through the mill.

    Those who skip or temper with the process will always pay heavily after some time. They may appear to be successful but this is only temporal. What goes around always comes around. Easy gain easy goes.

    Develop the Discipline

    It takes dedication and discipline to achieve your goals. Perhaps this is the single most important principle for success.

    If you look around those that have achieved above average, they are all very disciplined with what they do. Their work ethics are way above many of us.

    If you are focused and disciplined, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals. It takes a lot of discipline to succeed and this is what lacks in many of us. The discipline to stay the course.

    However, the good news is that discipline is a habit and all habits can be learned and unlearned. To achieve your goals you need to develop good habits.

    Those that will help propel you towards your destiny. Habits that add value to your well-being and personal growth.

    One of the ways I use to develop a habit is to do the same thing for a number of days, continuously, say 21 days.

    The beginning is always hard but after a few attempts, it flows naturally. Note that you will not always get over it as your body will always be fighting you most of the time.

    Yes sometimes, the body will not want to do certain things but if it’s important you just have to do it and get it out of your way. If it has to be done, do it regardless of how you are feeling.

    Discipline should be sought at all costs. It is perhaps your passport to achieving whatever you set your mind on. There can never be success without discipline and there is no substitute for it.

    Take Decisive Action

    How far you go in life is largely determined by how far you are willing to go. There is no limit to reaching your destiny.

    The more you push yourself the more chances you have of achieving more.

    The kind of action you decide to take on will surely have a bearing on the final results that will follow.

    If you decide to take a laissez-faire attitude you will definitely get laissez-faire results. If you take positive decisive action you will get results that reflect your actions.

    Like I said before, nature is neutral. You get what you give it. The decision lies entirely and squarely in your hands.

    If you want to do something, start taking action now, don’t wait for the perfect time because it will not come. Don’t wait any longer otherwise, you will miss the opportunity train.

    They say God helps those who help themselves. True or not, opportunities find those who are actively looking for them. If you are looking for a job, do something about it.

    You cannot just sit down and expect a job to find you, NO. You need to go out there and find it. Even in a depressed economy like ours jobs are available if only you can persist with your search.

    Definitely, a breakthrough will come your way. The more you look the greater the chances of you landing one.

    Here is an idea, if you cannot find your desired job that goes with your qualifications: look for something lower than what you are looking for as an entry point. Continue searching for your desired job.

    I have found that it is much easier to switch jobs when you already have one. People are always looking for someone experienced.

    Conclusion

    Never underestimate the potential and power of the human spirit. We all have the gift of unlimited Potential. It is our duty to ensure that we unlock this gift for the benefit of the human species.

  • Why It Is Important to Do What You Love for a Living

    Work is important for both physical and mental expression. We work so that we can earn a living. The kind of work we do is what puts food on the diner table.

    Without work, we do not expect to get a paycheck. The kind of work you do should be an expression of yourself.

    Human beings were created for work. It doesn’t matter whether you are self-employed or are employed by someone else, the fact is, you do what you are doing because you love it or because you have to earn that much-needed paycheck.

    The kind of job you do can be a great source of happiness and or sadness. If your current job does not satisfy your desires or let’s just say does not motivate you, consider doing something else.

    If you do not take pride in what you do, for a living, I suggest that you leave it, you are in the wrong field. Find something that you are happy with or that makes you happy. Something that you will do with all your heart.

    Your job should be enjoyable. After all, you spend most of your time working. You must always be looking forward to getting up early in the morning and going for work.

    Nine out of ten a person who is motivated by what he does achieves more with his job than one who just looks forward to a paycheck.

    Look, I know that at the end of the day we are all expecting a paycheck. But the difference is how effective and efficient you are that will prime you for advancement.

    If you want to make a significant contribution to humanity you must be able to give more of yourself.

    To easily give more, you must be in a position to enjoy the process.

    You Get What You Give

    Life gives you back what you give it. You cannot expect to get oranges out of a guava tree. Neither can you expect to get guavas out of an apple tree.

    You give life mediocrity, you get exactly that out of it. You give it your best, expect to get the best out of it. If you want to get happiness, give it happiness.

    Your productivity is highly increased when you do what you love. You are more at peace and more confident when you stick with your lane.

    It is easy to express yourself when you’re at peace. When you are not struggling. When your mind is focused.

    I love writing. I tell my stories through this blog. Most of the content on this site is a result of my personal experience.

    I currently do not have any formal qualifications in personal development and self-improvement. Everything I write is a result of the passion and love I have for personal development.

    If you want to get maximum rewards for your efforts you need to put in extra. It is much easier and better to achieve your goals by doing what you love.

    You are Full of Confidence

    Believe me, when you love your work, you ooze with confidence. It shows even in the quality of your end product.

    Confidence ignites an increase in productivity. When you are confident with yourself you are more likely to enjoy happiness. Which is fundamental to living a better life. Which I also think is what we all want to achieve a better life for ourselves and our immediate families.

    Those who are confident are even more motivated to conquer the world. They are never satisfied with their latest achievements. They have the zeal and energy to go even further.

    Confidence is also a source of motivation that is needed to keep you going. Even when you fail the first time you will rise up and move forward because you simply love what you do. You refuse to accept failure.

    If you are an employer you will agree with me that your most productive employees are those who are confident and love their work.

    The more you achieve your targets, the more confident and motivated you become. There is a feeling of joy every time you achieve something. I always experience a sense of satisfaction every time I hit the publish button.

    Just the experience of that joy can be a major boost of energy and motivation for you to do more with your life.

    Learning is Easy

    When you love something you will do everything in your power to get it. When you get it you will be more careful in ensuring that you keep it for the longest period possible.

    You will be motivated to acquire new skills that will help improve your output.

    In this case, learning will not be so much of a challenge for you. You will be more focused knowing that you are acquiring useful knowledge and skills that will naturally pay off in the long run.

    Failure is Easily Overcome

    One of the biggest reasons why we do not succeed is being overwhelmed with failure. We fail because we allow failure to breed fear.

    This fear is even worse if the process of achieving success is not aligned with our natural talents and calling.

    However, when we align this process with what flows naturally from within, failure is not an option but a stepping stone.

    There is a natural tendency to repel failure when we are in “our zone.” There is always a way of overcoming failure by persistently pursuing our calling.

    Failure is easily overcome when you are busy loving to push for results.

    It Makes Life Easy

    Life, as it is, is already complicated. There is already so much stress on us as individuals. There are so many things that need to be done in a very short period of time.

    There are so many things that need our attention every day. Because of the nature of what life has become now, we ought to reduce the pressure on ourselves by enjoying our work.

    This can only be achieved by finding our God-given calling and talents that we can utilise to the fullest to achieve our life’s purposes.

    Conclusion

    The importance of doing what you love for a living cannot be overemphasised. Life is much more bearable and easier to handle when your living is mainly derived from doing what you love.

  • Essential Marketing Advice for Senior Business Owners

    If you’re an adult over the age of 50, you’ve likely felt the itch to challenge yourself and conquer new horizons.

    For many, entrepreneurship is the perfect way to do this – and seniors certainly have the time and resources to devote to this strenuous undertaking.

    However, to make it to the top, you’ll need more than just a big idea and a passionate heart.

    Yep, we’re talking about online marketing, which is a fast-growing field. And with complicated terms, constantly changing guidelines, and over-saturated audiences, it can feel daunting to take on the world of marketing.

    In this article, I share essential advice every senior needs, to skyrocket their marketing efforts and see a difference in their bottom line. Let’s get into it.

    Start Simple

    You don’t need a pricey marketing agency to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals! All you need to do is start simple and take it step by step.

    Before you begin the real work, you’ll need to do lots of market research to determine your future strategies. Some questions to ask yourself may include the following:

    ● What does your demographic look like?

    ● What products or services would they be interested in?

    ● Is there a gap in the specific industry that your product or service would fill?

    ● What price point would appeal to your audience?

    From here, you’ll be able to identify a target market and what particulars would make your business stand out in their eyes.

    Other elements of your marketing plan will include fundraising, social media, and traditional advertising like print media and flyer marketing.

    Get Organised

    Next, it’s time to get your affairs in order. You need a long-term goals to work towards and concrete strategies to help you work towards achieving them.

    The best way to figure out your goals is to sit down for a brainstorming session! Consider what you wish to prioritize – growth, ROI, profits, or brand awareness. And then work backward with smaller marketing strategies to help you achieve your dreams.

    Set Up a Website

    In today’s tech fuelled world, the first thing a potential customer will do is check out your business website.

    Thus, your website must look great with eye-catching graphics and consistent visual identity across your marketing efforts and social channels.

    This is the best way to earn digital legitimacy! Another tip is to ensure your site is mobile-friendly and search engine optimized.

    All your business information should be up on the site, including an ‘about us’ section, a shop page, and a blog, in addition to information about brick and mortar stores.

    Leverage Social Media

    Do you know what goes hand in hand with an appealing website? The power of social media! Many seniors tend to dismiss social media as a secondary marketing strategy.

    We would argue that social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok are essential and primary. For example, your services could go viral, generating a ton of traffic.

    At the very least, your social presence will generate steady organic traffic and help you stay current with things.

    Let’s take the example of Instagram. So many brands, set up shop on this platform due to its business-friendly UI and promotion opportunities built into the app.

    Having a business on Instagram will also showcase your company values while building a solid and loyal community.

    To stay on top of the game, ensure that your Instagram posts are share-worthy and eye-catching.

    The easiest way to do this is by using an Instagram post generator like Adobe Spark Post that does the work for you.

    All you need to do is choose a template and customize elements like font, color, text, and add in your graphics and photos.

    Offer Freebies

    So convinced about your product that you know people would love it if they could just try it? Well, it’s time to put that theory to the test! Identify members of your audience or influencers to send free products to.

    This is an effective marketing strategy because if people love something, they’re willing to go out of their way to share it! And don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, which can propel your business to new heights.

    Coupons like buying one get one for free or a certain percentage off the next purchase are also highly effective ways to get loyal customers coming back for more.

    Basically what you want is customers that are loyal and return to purchase from your business.

    Cross-Collaboration

    Hitch your wagon to a star, and watch the magic unfold. Cross-promotion and collaboration with other businesses in your industry is a surefire way to get new customers while building healthy business relationships.

    Your business will benefit from exposure to an already converted and loyal customer base, while your partner’s business will benefit from exposure to your clientele!

    It’s a win-win situation and works wonders for getting that bottom line up.

    Luckily, seniors have a whole host of business contacts built up from years of experience. Be sure to leverage your network, and you’ll be golden!

    Marketing is essential for every business owner, but it can be a survival strategy for a new entrepreneur.

    Getting the word out about your new venture can be challenging – it is likely your audience won’t pick up on the merits of your idea as quickly as you’d hoped.

    To add to that, marketing is constantly changing. Guerrilla marketing was once at its peak, and today, we’re all about digital marketing.

    To retain your competitive edge, you will need to evolve with the market. So take it slow, keep it current, and work your way to the top of the (marketing) ladder.

    Conclusion

    Marketing if well executed could bring more benefits to your business than you ever imagined. A well-marketed business will continuously make you lots of income for years to come.

  • The 7 Free Website Improvement Tools For Web Development

    When it comes to website ranking and attracting traffic we all know that content is king. Nothing can substitute good quality content.

    Whatever method you decide to use to attract traffic the creation of good quality content must be on top of your list.

    There are many methods out there that can be employed, and as usual, some of them come at a huge cost and I guess there is no guarantee that you will get the desired results.

    If you can afford to hire someone to help you well and good but if you are on a small budget like me, not all is gloomy.

    There are as many free effective methods as there are paid ones; you just have to find the right mix. A good website is one that has a mix of good content and is user friendly.

    Studies show that a website that loads quicker has a higher chance of retaining traffic and google also considers faster-performing sites when doing web ranking.

    Here are the tools I use for my website:-

    WordPress

    WordPress is a Content Management System and a good one for that matter. With WordPress, you can create all sorts of websites including responsive high-performance mobile-friendly sites.

    I have been using WordPress to build websites for more than 10 years. It’s free and is widely used.

    WordPress accounts for 43% of websites on the internet and most hosting service providers have developed dedicated WordPress services.

    It is a user-friendly CMS with a very large and supportive community. You get to access over 55,000 free plugins for almost anything to help customise your site.

    The beauty with WordPress is that you do not need to have any coding knowledge to build a reasonably fair looking website.

    LiteSpeed Cache

    LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress is an all-in-one site acceleration plugin, featuring an exclusive server-level cache and a collection of optimisation features.

    LiteSpeed Cache includes additional optimization features, such as Database Optimization, Minification and Combination of CSS and JS files, HTTP/2 Push, CDN Support, Browser Cache, Object Cache, Lazy Load for Images, and Image Optimization!

    To get full benefits on installation and how best to use the plugin read the beginners guide and follow the instructions thereon.

    On this site, I use LiteSpeed Cache and so far so good. The results have been impressive. And yes this is also another free tool.

    Rank Math SEO

    Rank Math helps you get ranked higher by making your website SEO-friendly and your content worthy of featured Position.

    Rank Math SEO is a search engine optimisation plugin. It is loaded with so many easy to use tools.

    The constant process of optimizing your posts can sometimes take more time than actually writing the content.

    If you always feel that you can do more on the SEO front for your website but don’t have the time, then Rank Math SEO is what you’re looking for.

    With tools such as Analytics, Content AI, Image SEO, Link Counter, Instant Indexing, SEO Analysis, Sitemap and many free features, surely this is a must-have plugin.

    Cloudflare

    Cloudflare takes your WordPress site performance to another level. Cloudflare is a global network designed to make everything you connect to the Internet secure, private, fast, and reliable.

    Cloudflare can be used with LiteSpeed Cache. Simply follow the instruction on how to configure LiteSpeed Cache with Cloudflare.

    I am content with the free service that has tremendously improved my site speed and overall performance, thanks to the CDN and fast easy to use DNS.

    Jetpack

    This is a plugin that enhances site security and improves performance among many other things.

    Jetpack is loaded with some very useful tools for sharing articles onto your social media platform which can be used to grow your website traffic.

    If you scroll to the bottom of this site you will find the share button by Jetpack. You find essential features like brute force protection and downtime/uptime monitoring tools incorporated in the plugin.

    This plugin is loaded with too many features. It is there important to take a keen interest in some of the features. I personally have not used the SEO features on this plugin instead use Rank Math SEO for site optimisation.

    PageSpeed Insights

    PageSpeed Insights uses lighthouse technologies and metrics that determine the performance of your website on both mobile and desktop devices and provides suggestions for improvement.

    Well, you need some technical knowledge to resolve some issues but by and large, you get to know what the issues are.

    It is one of the top recommended tools to use as it is a product of Google. The reports are so detailed.

    The audits carried out are separated into 3 sections including:-

    • Opportunities provide suggestions on how to improve the page’s performance metrics. Each suggestion in this section estimates how much faster the page will load if the improvement is implemented.
    • Diagnostics provide additional information about how a page adheres to best practices for web development.
    • Passed Audits indicates the audits that have been passed by the page.

    Your aim is to have a score of 90-100. This is a good score to achieve. The higher your score the better the performance of your site.

    As can be seen with my website it has been consistently testing above 90 for the last month after tuning it up.

    GTmetrix

    GTmetrix is another free measuring tool. There is both a paid and free subscription. As can be seen, my website is performing well above average in terms of loading speed.

    I am currently on the free plan. The slight advantage that this service has is that you can use it to monitor your website uptime.

    I have configured my site in such a way that I get an email when certain parameters are met.

    GTmetrix’s Report Page neatly summarizes your page performance based on key indicators of page load speed.

    Conclusion

    I don’t believe that there is a one size fits all when it comes to website Search Engine Optimisation. The best way to improve your website is to strike a balance between SEO and writing content for humans.

    In as much as you need to optimise your site, you must bear in mind that you are creating content that adds value to humans and not computers.

  • How to Take Advantage of the Opportunities Around You

    One of the biggest excuses people give for living a life of poverty is a lack of opportunities. This is perhaps the biggest excuse you can come across.

    People always have an excuse for not doing what they are supposed to be doing and complain about the negative effects on their lives.

    Granted yes, there might be very limited opportunities being offered by governments across the globe, but how come others have more than enough on their plate?

    How come other people are more successful than others? Yet they are in the same environment?

    Every day carries with it abundant opportunities. The onus is on you to open your eyes and seize the moment.

    I can guarantee you that those who complain about limited opportunities 90% are not doing anything about it. They are just seated waiting for chance to find them.

    This is a typical mentality for people who are generally not applying themselves but want to live a life of abundance without putting in the effort.

    When you are idle and waiting for something to come through it never does. Even when it comes through you will barely recognise it. It will pass you by.

    Every day you wake up you have an opportunity to change your life. You have the chance to do the things that will help change your status core.

    If you have the breadth of life in you then you have a chance at making your life better than it is now. The choice is in your hands.

    How Do You Create Opportunities?

    I love business-minded people because they create opportunities for employment. They also create many opportunities for themselves to succeed.

    Opportunities can be created by anyone. In fact, every day we are faced with many opportunities.

    You can create your own opportunities by taking action. If you want to achieve something, start working on it. Once you start you increase the chances of creating more opportunities.

    Your first action will open several other doors for you. Yes, it might not be what you want but it is an opportunity anyway.

    It might be worth exploring and may just lead to your destination. There will be many paths you will take before your final destination.

    You could be working in an environment that you are not happy with. Well, you just may never know God is preparing you for greater things to come.

    Your job is to ensure that you make the best out of every opportunity you have been given. Give it your best and keep your eyes open for better things to come.

    Have you ever wondered why we go to school? Think about it,  it is not just to get a skill or an education, school creates endless opportunities for our lives.

    If you have an education, stop complaining about there being no opportunities for work. If you cannot find employment, create it for yourself.

    If you do not have a formal education you still have your God-given talents, use them to create opportunities for yourself.

    It’s not what you do once in a while that shapes your life, it’s what you do wholeheartedly and consistently. It is the small thing you do every day that when added together they matter.

    Be Prepared for Anything

    As mentioned before, opportunities will always come and many of them for that matter. They will always present themselves in different ways.

    Most of the time they come when least expected and disguised. They come with negative circumstances. That is why it is always important to reflect deeply when faced with a challenge.

    What you do not want in life is to miss out when presented with a lucky chance. There is nothing more painful than a missed opportunity.

    If you have to learn a new skill needed for your next step just do it. It could be the missing link between success and failure.

    Look, as you are preparing there is a sense of expectation that you develop, and according to the laws of success, expectations tend to come true.

    Nature is such that when you are expectant the certainty of your expectation coming to pass is high. How and when it happens is a topic for another day.

    When you are prepared for something you will grab the opportunity with both hands because you are ready for it. When you are prepared, you have a better chance of succeeding when the right moment comes along.

    Focus on Improving Your Skills

    How well you do something is highly determined by the level of your skillset. If you have to take advantage and ensure that you succeed, you need to improve your skillset.

    The more skilled you are the more accomplished you are in a particular field. Take medical doctors for example, the more they practice and study the better they become.

    It is therefore very important to note that if you want to achieve more you need a good set of skills at your disposal.

    Developing a good set of skills creates an opportunity for you to earn more income than the average person.

    People are willing to pay top dollar for quality work. The quality of your work will show the level of your skills.

    Acquiring a good set of skills does not come cheap. It comes at a huge cost and a lot of time spent horning them.

    However, these days, you do not necessarily need to enroll in a full school. There are many part-time and online schools you could utilise.

    With the internet, there are even more than enough reading materials out there. You just have to create time for them.

    You could also collaborate with experienced people that could help mentor you. Mentorship is a very important aspect of life that is often overlooked.

    A mentor does not necessarily have to be someone you know and does not necessarily have to be alive.

    Take Action

    Opportunities are missed due to a lack of taking action. You could be presented with the best ever opportunity but if you do not act on it, it will pass you by.

    The action you take will determine the direction your life will take. If you choose to stay put, your progress will also stay put.

    If you choose to act on the presented opportunity your progress will definitely be determined by how far you are willing to go.

    Without action, there can never be any meaningful personal progress. It is action, persistence, and determination that will eventually determine the level of your progress.

    What influences your process is the action you take when faced with the various opportunities presented to you.

    I know for sure that sometimes we feel like not doing anything. But delayed action could lead to delayed results or missing an opportunity altogether, which obviously leads to stagnation.

    Conclusion

    If you want to succeed you need to develop an attitude of taking action on the current opportunities in your hands. The more action you take the more you increase the chances of succeeding. Don’t stop at what you have you could have much more than you can imagine.

    Always “standout tall and be counted.”

  • Stop Taking Life for Granted

    Life is precious. God has blessed us with life so that we may achieve and enjoy the talents he has given us. So that we may play a part in helping humanity.

    The fact that you woke up this morning simply means that you still have a lot to accomplish. God has given you another chance at life. Everyone who has the breath of life has a chance to make it in life.

    Stop complaining and stop taking your life for granted. Do what has to be done now otherwise you may live to regret it. Do not postpone what has to be done.

    Things can change in an instant. If you keep postponing your ideas to a later date you may not just be there. Who knows when your time on earth will be up?

    The best time to implement your ideas and goals is now. It does not matter how old or how young you are, now is the best time. For as long as you have the breath of life you have a chance to succeed.

    If you keep pushing your ideas forward you are taking your life for granted thinking that you are in control of your time. Only God almighty knows how much your time is on earth.

    Look, time is the only commodity I know that cannot be quantified on a living person. Why? simply because no one knows when they are going to die.

    It is also a commodity that is not renewable. Time always moves forward and does not wait for anybody.

    We have no absolute control over how long we will live on this earth. Hence we are all visitors and no one is entitled to have more life than the other. No one individual is superior to the other.

    Be Grateful

    Gratitude is a way of acknowledging and appreciating the gift of life. Whether you like it or not, life is a gift.

    Learn to be grateful and you will definitely learn how to not take life for granted.

    Especially now with the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic. It is just right that we are grateful for being alive.

    It is time, now more than ever to be grateful and live at peace with one another. Life has taught me to be more appreciative even with the small things.

    Complaining does not solve problems, hatred does not help either. But being thankful and cheerful is probably the best medicine for your soul.

    You lose nothing by being polite and accommodating to other people. The bible says “do unto others what you would want them to do unto you.”

    If you want peace, give people peace. If you want happiness, give people happiness. Nature gives you back what you give it.

    You will agree with me that the COVID-19 era has made humanity realise that there is a very thin line between life and death. The rate at which we have lost people to the pandemic is very scary.

    Worse still it continues to be even more scary as the pandemic seems to have come to stay. This is definitely a good reason to be thankful for being alive and not take life for granted.

    Sharing Is Caring

    “Money will not last. Fame will not last. But how you touch others’ lives will always stay behind!”

    They say sharing is caring. Don’t we all love to see a happy face?

    If you have lived long enough like me, you will definitely understand that we all need each other in one way or the other.

    Our lives are intertwined. You may not realise it but we are all one big family. Red, yellow, black, and blue we are all one family.

    I believe in sharing what we have. Sharing is the only sure way of creating personal security. Especially amongst family members.

    In this part of the world where I come from living in an extended family is what we grew up with and it’s normal.

    Sharing does not always have to be in monetary form. It could just be your time or anything that could add value to some else.

    They say one good deed deserves another. You never know what life has to offer to the next person.

    Don’t think because you are financially poor that you cannot share.

    You were created to contribute positively to the growth of humanity. It is your duty to share what you have.

    Help those in Need

    “The greatest happiness in the world is in helping the people you don’t know and seeing them happy.” 

    In addition to sharing, there will always be someone in need. Again I will say that help does not necessarily have to be in monetary terms.

    We all need help in one way or the other. No one can claim to be self-sufficient.

    Life demands that we help one another. We are encouraged to be our brother’s keeper according to the bible.

    Being a brother’s keeper entails looking out for your brother, which means you cannot run away from rendering help.

    There is also something I have learned about helping. It just gives me joy to be of help. It also ensures that I remain relevant in people’s lives.

    The more help you render the more relevant you become. You see, help can be in any form and not necessarily giving out money.

    Many of us have a wrong notion of giving help. We always think it is all about money. Yes l, I know that many people are in need of financial help.

    Enjoy Every Moment of Your Life

    Life is too short to be lived with worries. If you want to be happy, give happiness.

    Happiness is a decision and it’s entirely your choice. You choose what you want. You decide either to be happy or sad and not in the middle.

    Those who live a happy life are more likely to succeed at what they do. Look, nature is neutral, you get what you give it. If you give joy you reap joy.

    You can not expect different results from what you are giving. How do you expect to reap what you did not sow?

    Enjoy every moment of your life while it lasts. Do everything possible to ensure that you live a joyous life.

    You do not want to regret the things you should have done when you had the opportunity.

    I know that not all days are the same and that we do not have control over the universe.

    But we have control over our own thoughts and deeds. God will hold each and every one of us accountable for our deeds.

    Always ask God to help you deal with the things you can change and accept those that you have no control over.

    The decisions you make early in the morning have a great influence on how your day pans out.

    Conclusion

    There is definitely a thin line between life and death as has been experienced in the previous months when the COVID 19 was at its highest. We still have no idea what the future holds and no one has control over our lives except God.

  • Never Allow Failure To Define Your Life

    One of the biggest problems we have that inhibit our progress is that we allow failure to define us. We give up at the very first encounter with failure.

    What you allow to define you ultimately shapes your life. If you allow failure to define your life then boom you are doomed to be a failure.

    Failure does not in any way define our future nor does it stop you from achieving your goals unless you allow it.

    Failure is a stepping stone to your success. In fact, the fear of failure is what drives us to do the right things.

    I feel that without encountering failure, life would not be enjoyable. It would be boring. Experiencing it allows you to dig deep.

    It’s an indicator if you like,  that simply helps to point us in the right direction. That is why it is very important to take note and learn from failure.

    When you fail you simply have discovered one way that should be avoided on your journey to personal improvement and success.

    If you want to achieve greatness you should be prepared to face temporal setbacks. That’s just the way life is.

    No one who has succeeded has done it without encountering temporal setbacks. There will always be challenges along the way.

    Even the most successful people will tell you that they failed before. The only difference is they get up when they fall. They never allow temporal setbacks to stop them from achieving their goals.

    Your duty is to ensure that you learn how to navigate through failure and come out unscathed.

    Yes, sometimes you will be pushed to your limits. Just know that after the storm the sea is calm. You will bounce back and make sure you are ready for it.

    What you may be going through now is an indication of great things to come. Just be focused and stick with your plan. Continue preparing yourself no matter how long it takes.

    Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

    Every one of us has a “comfort zone.” This is a place where we feel safe, a place where we think all is well or rather pretend that life is all good.

    But this is also a place where most of us like hiding when faced with challenges.

    Sometimes we just look or hide in our comfort zone to avoid facing reality. But guess what, if you do nothing the problem still remains an attended to.

    However, the so-called comfort zone has had some very detrimental effects on my progress as an individual.

    That is why I do not call it a comfort zone anymore but a self-destructive zone. Because honestly how do you become comfortable with zero progress?

    Over the years I have come to learn that the so-called comfort zone does not make you grow. It actually stifles your growth.

    People who are continuously improving are those who are continuously taking the risk of diving into the deep waters of life. It takes a lot of courage to do this.

    If you want to achieve more, take more calculated risks and act on them. Many of us are not moving forward because we are not prepared to make the first move, especially on unfamiliar grounds.

    We would rather remain in our so-called zones and continue grumbling about how unfair life is; about what has not happened in our lives and all the negative things going on around us.

    Life is a Journey

    I believe that we are all visitors to this place we call home. We are on an unknown journey whose destination no one really knows.

    The fortunate thing is that God is our travel agent. He has already prepared our itinerary if only we could align with it.

    The bible encourages us to believe in God and trust him with our lives. I know for sure that without God on my side my life would have been different.

    It would have been a messed-up life. Who knows what I could have ended up to be.

    Look, it is not what I would like it to be. But I thank God that I am on the right path of my life. I am making improvements and moving towards my destiny.

    The most important thing is that I live to enjoy every day of my life. I am happy with what I am.

    I think we must all learn to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself. We must stop complaining and start with what we have. Do not wait, for the right moment, starts now.

    Life was meant to be enjoyed. We were all created to give something back.

    Live in the Now

    When we were growing up we did so many things with my friends. I have both good and bad memories of my childhood.

    However, many of the things we did were just child play. Those things have remained but a memory in my life.

    They are in the past and cannot be changed. However, I have learned a great deal from my past experiences.

    This has helped me to grow up and realise that there is more to life than just play.

    You could be one that is struggling to move on and cannot let go of your past.

    Well, you are making a big mistake by hanging on to the past. The past cannot be changed.

    If you made mistakes they cannot be changed. But guess what just maybe you can make amends for them. If you cannot, just let go and move on.

    You need to let go and realise that there is more to come in the future. You have a lot more waiting for you than what you have had in the past. Look, every one of us has made mistakes before.

    Learn to deal with your present as you have a better chance of doing the right things now,  than dwelling on the past that cannot be changed.

    They say do not cry over spilt milk. True because crying will not help you get more milk. Neither will complaining or blaming anyone change your current situation.

    Instead, do something positive that will help change the status quo. Stop the blame game and change the way you think.

    Express Yourself Confidently

    Every one of us has a right to express themselves. Everything we do or say is an expression of ourselves.

    We are either expressing our thoughts or expressing our emotions most of the time.

    You are made or unmade by the things you say or do and not by the things that happen to you.

    You have the power and capacity to express yourself positively regardless of your current situation. Always remember that you are in control of yourself.

    What you say or do has a lasting impression on your character. You are defined by the expressions you portray to the outside world.

    Your life is simply a sum total of your thoughts and the expressions thereof. That is why it is important to guard your mind and your thoughts.

    Conclusion

    Failure must not be allowed to be a defining factor in your life. Do not accept it but rather use it as a springboard for your success.

    Cheers and have a wonderful festive season. Remember Jesus is the reason for celebrating Christmas.

  • How to Stay Relevant in an Ever Changing World

    We live in a world that is fast-moving. A world that never waits for anyone. Things can change in a flash of a moment. People are busy working to achieve their goals.

    Everyone is preoccupied with making or earning a living. As a result of trying to keep up with life, many people do not have patience. They do not have the luxury of time.

    Many people have also resorted to engaging in wrong quick-fix solutions. Just so that they can keep up. Still, many people are left behind because they cannot keep up with the pace at which the world is moving.

    You must realise that all good things take time to achieve and materialise. There is a reason why you do not start climbing a tree from the top.

    You need to learn and experience the steps from the bottom up. That way you will be able to hold on to the top when the opportunity presents itself. It also makes you appreciate how to handle challenges as you climb the ladder.

    How well you handle the obstacles of life will determine how long you will stay at the top when opportunity accords you the chance.

    It will also determine the pace at which you will meet with success. Every step you take in pursuit of your goals is a step of faith into personal development and self-improvement.

    Improve Your Skills

    To remain relevant and true to your cause you need to improve your skills. Look, you can only get what you give. The more you give the more you get.

    However, you will agree with me that if you can improve your delivery mode (i.e your skillset) you will get more rewards for your input. If you remain stagnant with your skills you will be left behind. You will be declared obsolete.

    Nowadays skills improvement does not necessarily mean going back to conventional schooling. The internet has made things a little bit more accessible and affordable.

    There is absolutely no excuse for not improving your skillset especially if you have access to the internet. The higher the level of your skills the easier you will take on opportunities as they come.

    Have an Open Mind

    Be open-minded and pay attention to what is around you. If you are in business make sure you read those business magazines that will keep you abreast.

    Having an open mind will also allow you to make changes that are beneficial to what is trending. An open mind could be the difference between closing down a deal and losing a client.

    Do not hesitate to change your way of doing things when you are facing difficulties. Sometimes a little change is all it takes to achieve more. Do not be afraid to try out new things either.

    Be Patient With Yourself

    Sometimes we push ourselves to the very limit and this can be dangerous for our health. When things are not going your way, learn to exercise some patience. Take a break, clear your mind and come back refreshed.

    They say good things take time. Remember that you are not in competition with anyone. It is better to be late than never. You are responsible for your own life.

    Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we are not patient enough and want everything to come all at the same time.

    Well, you will not have everything you want. Some of the things you want could actually be harmful for you. First, learn to manage the little you have before embarking on more.

    Never Give Up

    When you set out to pursue your dreams, things will not always go according to your plan. There will be moments when you will be faced with challenges.

    Adopt a never-give-up mentality. If you want to go far you will need to overcome many challenges. If you give up on the first challenge you will never know what you could have achieved and accomplished.

    Those who succeed are those who try and never gave up when faced with challenges. Difficulties are part of life.

    I think that life would have been boring with them. In fact, challenges help to make us stronger and see things from a different perspective.

    When you fall, rise up and keep going. Refuse to accept failure but learn from it. Failure is part of the process of moving forward.

    Take Care of Your Health

    Your health is one of your greatest assets. Please try and do your best to maintain good health. It is no use working so hard and not live to see the fruits of your labour due to poor health.

    We now live in the age of COVID 19 please ensure you maintain the basic health requirements as prescribed by the World Health Organisation. They say if you are not infected you are affected.

    I also encourage you to get vaccinated if you have not yet done so. Forget the myths and conspiracies just get vaccinated and move on.

    There are more advantages than disadvantages to being vaccinated. I believe that together we can help reduce the infection rates and save lives.

    You may be struggling with other ailments right now, please follow the doctor’s advice and never give up the fight. Look, the fact that you are alive means you are still useful.

    Everyone who is alive has a chance of making it regardless of their condition.

    Develop a Reading Culture

    Knowledge is power. One of the possessions that will never be taken away from you is knowledge. All these material possessions that may be acquired will remain behind.

    However, the knowledge you acquire will go down with you. No one will take it away from you. You will be buried with it. The beauty with knowledge is that even if you teach someone, they will never take it away from you.

    Reading is also a good way of improving your skills. You can learn so many things just by reading. The good thing with your mind is that it does not get full.

    The more you read the more knowledgeable you become and as we all know that, knowledge is key to success. Create a deliberate habit of setting some time to read on a regular basis.

    Create Meaningful Relationships

    No man is an island. To survive and make meaningful contributions to the world you need to maintain good relationships.

    It gives you peace of mind when you know that you are supported by the people close to you. This helps you to focus on the task at hand.

    In creating relationships make sure that you also utilise your social networks. These are equally important. I have found employment through my social networks.

    Be Dependable

    We all love to have someone dependable in our lives. Be it at work, at home, or at social gatherings we want to have a person who is dependable. That someone who we can always count on.

    To stay relevant make sure that you create a sense of dependability. Be the go-to person by going the extra mile. Always try and do more than is expected of you. Give it your best and let others know that you are always available when needed.

    Being dependable can also open up many opportunities and it does not take a lot of effort to be one. Learn to help without expecting anything in return.

    If you are expectant you might just be disappointed when you do not get back the favour because you are not in control of the other person’s decisions.

    However, life has a way of rewarding you for your good deeds. It may not be immediate and may not necessarily be you that will directly benefit. Always bear in mind that what you do now echoes in eternity.

    Conclusion

    There are so many changes taking place in the world today that it is almost impossible to keep up if you do not make a deliberate policy to pay attention. Make sure you are always alert and make yourself relevant to every situation.

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by