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Mental Health

  • There is Satisfaction in Doing the Right Thing

    “Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements but in virtuous activities.” ~ Aristotle.

    “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion.” ~ Abraham Lincoln.

    There is a natural rebound of contentment and a profound sense of accomplishment when you consistently choose to do the right thing in each and every situation you encounter.

    You have the power to make the right choices. It might not always be the easiest path, but when we confront reality and take the right action, we build our character.

    Take whatever pains necessary to do what ought to be done because this is the way to living a good, decent and honorable life. With free will, each and every one of us must be responsible for our clear conscience.

    When you accept the challenge to do the morally correct thing, to show compassion, and to stay the course, oftentimes you are rewarded just by having done the right thing.

    Every day we have a fresh opportunity to make good choices that will reward us in the act of doing what is appropriate. You many not be rewarded immediately but be rest assured that you will be.

    Always aim to make good choices in both big and small aspects of your life. Keep in mind that you are shaping your character every day, and your choices play a significant role in that.

    When you consistently strive to do good, you create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Embrace this journey, for it leads to a truly satisfying existence. I believe that in this pursuit, you can find genuine happiness and joy.

    I am not writing to condemn anyone but to encourage you to make a choice of doing the right thing even when it does not suit your current situation.

    This does not mean that I am perfect but I try as much as possible to make the right choices. I have realized that every time I think that I have made the correct choice there is a great sense of satisfaction and general happiness.

    Maybe you are like me who was always in the habit of making wrong decisions and choices, some of them deliberate just to suit me or get me out in a difficult situation.

    Well, there is always a beginning to turn things around. You see, the choices and decisions we make have a direct bearing on your character.

    “We are weaving character every day, and the way to weave the best character is to be kind and to be useful. Think right, act right; it is what we think and do that makes us what we are.” ~ Elbert Hubbard.

    Every one of us holds immense value, and the rewards life offers are indeed something we must strive for. Embracing the journey towards these rewards fosters a profound sense of integrity within us. Let’s harness that drive and pursue our goals with determination!

    You feel humbled, blessed, and glad when you choose right and did such a good job. We feel stronger, more self-reliant, and more dignified when we bravely face what we must do.

    We should take great satisfaction in doing the right things for our family and friends. But the most important thing to keep in mind is to be sure we make wise and wonderful choices for ourselves.

    Life is meant to be enjoyed and sometimes this comes with a little sacrifice. As the saying goes there is no gain without sweat. No gain without pain.

    Your choices and decisions must not only suit your family and friends but must be the correct ones. They must be decisions that have been made in good faith and based on love.

    Together, you and I can help change the world for the better by the choices we make and the decisions we make and follow. Change starts with your mind and is transformed into reality.

    Conclusion

    Be the change you want the world to see and strive to make the right choices and decisions for your life. Making the right and correct decisions can be a source of happiness and refreshing to your mind and soul.

    We should choose to never bend the truth. The choices we make through rigorous discipline expand us, elevate us, and confirm all the good that is our essence.

    “I will follow the right even to the fire but avoiding the fire if possible” ~ Montaigne.  

    When you follow the right to the end, you’ll always feel satisfied and you’ll be in good company.

  • How to Maintain Self-Discipline

    Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to achieve specific goals or to maintain a particular standard of behaviour. 

    It involves making choices and taking actions that support one’s goals, even when it may be easier or more tempting to do something else.

    Self-discipline is often associated with willpower, but it’s more than just the ability to resist temptation. It also involves taking consistent action towards your goals, even when you don’t feel motivated or inspired.

    The benefits of being Self-disciplined are immeasurable and can help you develop good habits, overcome procrastination, and improve your productivity.

    It can also help you stay focused on your goals and make progress towards achieving them, even when faced with challenges or obstacles.

    I believe that self-discipline is key to all aspects of our lives. Without it, there can be no meaningful success in personal development. Overall, self-discipline is an essential skill for achieving long-term success and personal growth.

    However, just as with every good thing, developing and maintaining self-discipline can be a very challenging task. There is never a time when one can safely say that they have mastered self-discipline.

    We keep trying and pushing ourselves every single day for the betterment of our lives, here are some tips that may help:

    Set Clear Goals

    Goals are what differentiate successful people from those that are struggling to make it. Without goals, one just wonders through life. With goals, you shoot through life like an arrow.

    Identify what you want to achieve and why. Write down your goals and create a plan of action to achieve them. Having a clear direction can help you stay focused and motivated.

    Make sure you set goals that are clear, measurable and achievable. There is no point in setting targets that you will not achieve. It is a waste of time and resources.

    Your targets should be in line with your life’s purpose and objectives. They should not depart from your strengths otherwise you may find it difficult to pursue them especially when things become challenging.

    Create a Routine

    Establish daily, weekly and monthly routines that include time for work, exercise, relaxation, and other activities that are important to you. Stick to your routine as much as possible to develop habits that support your goals.

    Having a routine in place will save you lots of time and help improve your daily habits. I know that sometimes routines can be monotonous. Make them interesting to keep you motivated.

    Draw a list of things that you want to accomplish on a daily basis if possible dedicate time to each so that you know exactly at what time you will be doing something.

    At first, of course, you will struggle with your routines, but with time and persistence, you will be able to undertake them with relative ease. Believe me, sometimes it may feel like they are an inconvenience but do them anyway.

    Eliminate Distractions

    Life has many distractions, identify and eliminate the things that distract you from your goals. For example, if social media is a distraction and it can be a big one for sure, limit your time on it or delete the app from your phone.

    Or if indeed the phone is your distraction limit the time you have access to it. Switch it off or put it on silent, only attend to it at specific times.

    There is a rule that if you miss a call the person will call again or they will send you a message if it’s important. Believe me, the amount of time people spend on phones, especially on social media is way too much.

    Practice Good Self-care

    Self-care involves taking deliberate actions to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care is basically your overall health.

    Take care of your physical and emotional health. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and practice stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.

    The following may help with practising good self-care:-

    Physical Well-being – Take care of your body by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, and engaging in regular exercise.

    Emotional Needs – Pay attention to your emotions and take steps to manage stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. This might include practising mindfulness, journaling, or seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

    Social Connections – Connect with others and build supportive relationships. This might involve spending time with friends or family, joining a community group or club, or volunteering.

    Mental Activities – Engage in activities that stimulate your mind and promote personal growth, such as reading, learning a new skill, or pursuing a hobby.

    The world today is full of educational materials that you can find online. Today there should be no excuse for lacking knowledge. 

    Spirituality – Take time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. This might include practising meditation, attending religious or spiritual services, or spending time in nature.

    Self-care is individual, so what works for me may not necessarily work for you. It is, therefore, important to experiment with different activities and find what works best for you. 

    You must practice self-care, regularly rather than something done only occasionally or in response to a crisis. Remember your health is your wealth. 

    Hold Yourself Accountable

    You need to be accountable for your actions. Set up a system of accountability that works for you. Find ways that will help you to keep tracking your progress, such as sharing your goals with a trusted friend, or working with a coach or mentor.

    This way you will know that at any given time you will have to be answerable to someone. Always give an honest opinion about your progress when doing a review.

    There is a tendency to be economical with the truth when we are doing a personal review. Be as truthful as you can with your self assessment.

    Celebrate Your Successes

    Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This will help you stay motivated and build momentum towards your goals.

    It’s the small things that make up the big things. You will not just jump from nowhere to succeed. If it was that simple every one of us would be successful.

    If you succeed in a small way then you can succeed in a double way. You keep building on your previous success to achieve your goals. 

    Conclusion

    Remember that self-discipline is a skill that can be developed over time. Start small and be patient with yourself as you work towards your goals. Develop a never give up mentality if you have to achieve your goals.

  • Your Attitude and Self Application Determines Your Success

    We all want to be successful. Don’t we? If you are an ambitious person, am confident that you are determined to achieve your success; that you are working round the clock to achieving your success.

    But being successful is not an easy fit. Because if it was, everyone one of us would have achieved our success.

    The world would have been a totally different place than it is today. It would have been teeming with successful people. I can only imagine what it would have been like.

    There are so many theories and formulas on how to become successful. Well,  I have not found an answer that is a one-size-fits-all.

    However, reading and researching on the subject has helped me realise that there is no short cut and substitute for hard work and self-application.

    Yes, you may have the desire; and that is very important; you may have the best tools at your disposal, but without the correct mental attitude and without taking action.

    Believe me, you will not achieve your success. Why? Because you will not have taken action. It is taking action that is very important.

    To achieve your success, you need to have the right mental attitude; you need to apply yourself because along the way you will be met with temporal setbacks.

    Things will not always go according to your expectations or plans. You will fall down and your attitude towards these temporal failures will largely determine how well you will achieve your success.

    Your tenacity and willingness to learn from your mistakes; to know when to make adjustments; to take corrective measures where necessary will surely give you an advantage as you pursue your success. You will learn that to achieve success you will need to be a good leader of yourself. One who knows when to make drastic changes.

    If you don’t apply your self you are certainly headed for failure. Sometimes, when we are faced with challenges, we always look for the easy way out.

    There are times I have felt like am dreaming and hope that when I wake up, boom the problems would have disappeared.

    But guess what, if you do not attend to the challenges you encounter they are surely doing more damage and will surface back to haunt you.

    I know for sure, that some challenges we face can be difficult to handle, but that does not mean you should turn a blind eye to them. Wake up from your slumber and face them head-on.

    Keep Your Faith and Hopes Alive

    The bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When feeling frustrated because of your inability to achieve your goals, there is no need to lose faith and hope. Never lose your faith and hope when faced with frustrations.

    Frustrations are a part of life. They are part of the learning process. It is very important to continue persisting and keep your faith and hopes alive. Focus on the bigger picture.

    Develop a mental attitude that will motivate you to achieve your goals.

    The frustrations and challenges we go through are merely a way of building us up.

    They help prepare us to handle even bigger responsibilities. You should know that being successful comes with responsibilities.

    The more successful you are, the more responsibilities you carry on your shoulders.

    Keep in mind the joy, feeling and benefits that accrue with accomplishing your success.

    I know that it is not easy to keep focused when things are not going your way. But this is the time when we should exercise our faith and hope in God Almighty.

    The Bible encourages us to put our plans in God’s hands. Believe me, he is faithful to those who are faithful to him.

    One of the biggest mistakes people make is having faith without works. Yes, it is good to have faith, but the bible says that “faith without works is dead.” Faith alone cannot save you.

    You need to take action on your faith to produce results. To achieve your success you need to take action on your faith.

    How then do you develop this faith? Well, the bible says “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” The preceding statement is very loud and clear. You cannot develop faith without hearing about it.

    Now, with so many tools at our disposal, we have no excuse to not have heard about the word of God.

    The Bible is a source of inspiration for me. I encourage you to develop a habit of spending time reading and practicing the word of God.

    Do Not be Afraid of Your Failures

    “Failure is blindness to the strategic element in events; success is readiness for instant action when the opportune moment arrives” so says Newell D. Hillis. “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go” – William Feather.

    If you want to be successful you should not be afraid of failing. Failure is synonymous with success.

    Those who have succeeded have failed before. The more you fail the greater the chance of success. Well, you may not agree with all these statements.

    But the truth of the matter is you will never succeed without failure. So you might as well get used to the fact that being afraid will only prolong or indeed deter you from your success. Get over with being afraid of the unknown.

    It is time for you to put your plans to action; to begin to realise those dreams. The more you act on your plans the more fearless you become.

    Sometimes I feel fear is just a state of mind or rather laziness. Yes, laziness. I believe that it is better to die trying than not to try at all. “I failed my way to success” – Thomas Edison.

    Conclusion

    How far you go in life is largely determined by how far you are willing to go. In other words, you determine the level of your success by the actions you take.

    I found this article on how to increase your success chances very helpful check it out. Unit next time remember that “your action and self-application determines your success.”

  • My Thoughts on the Virus that has Ravaged the World – COVID 19

    Today the world is fighting an invisible enemy. An enemy that has the capacity to inflict serious scars on the population of the world within a short period of time, a virus called COVID 19.

    This virus is almost bringing the world to a halt. There is very little human traffic across the globe, especially in hard-hit areas like the USA and Europe.

    As most countries have implemented stringent measures to help mitigate the spread of the deadly COVID 19 virus,  some countries around the world are in lockdown.

    The challenge being faced by most governments is enforcing the lockdown measures. We are not used to lockdowns because of diseases.

    My thoughts, however, go out to the families that have been directly infected and affected by the pandemic.

    It is my prayer and hope, that God will strengthen you and give you comfort at this very trying moment.

    I know it’s not an easy period and I never thought I would live to see and experience such uncertainty in the future of the world.

    I have been reading on social media about the many conspiracy theories about the virus and its origins.

    My take, for now, is that the current conspiracy theories being thrown around are not helping matters.

    Pointing accusing fingers on who caused it and how it came to be in existence is a waste of time and is actually giving more ammunition to the enemy.

    Our common goal, for now, should be coming together and fight this invisible but deadly enemy that is capable of wiping out the entire population.

    I believe that we should be channeling our energies, efforts, and ideas on how best we can help stop and prevent the further spread of the COVID 19 virus.

    What Are Some of the Symptoms

    According to the World Health Organisation, the COVID 19 virus has more devastating effects on people who have an underlying medical condition and those who are over the age of 60 years.

    • fever; tiredness; dry cough.
    • shortness of breath; aches and pains; sore throat and very few people will report diarrhea, nausea, or a runny nose.

    Do not hesitate to self isolate and seek medical help if you present yourself with the above-mentioned symptoms. Seeking early treatment is key to saving your life.

    How to Stay Safe

    In addition to the following recommended preventive measures:

    • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
    • Maintain at least a 2-metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
    • Avoid touching your face.
    • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
    • Stay home if you feel unwell.
    • Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
    • Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

    He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

    I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

    For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

    You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

    A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.

    Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.

    For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

    You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.

    When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

    Conclusion

    We have been told that the best way to stop the virus from spreading further is to stay at home and maintain high levels of personal hygiene.

    The virus does not move on its own. If you move you increase the risk of contracting it and passing it on to other people.

    This calls for concerted efforts across  the whole world. Its time for countries to unite with a purpose and that begins with you and I.

    It’s time for those charged with leadership positions to show leadership. Let’s put aside our ethnic, cultural, economic, racial, tribal, and political differences and unite with one common go.

    That go is to eradicate the deadly COVID 19 virus. Lets all standout and be counted in this fight.

  • How to Change the Narrative for Your Life

    Life is a continuous growth process. From the moment we are born the growth process begins. It is a never ending process. It is a process that we learn on the go. 

    To change your life’s narrative you need to do things differently. Sometimes you need a radical change. You cannot change your narrative if you keep doing the same things. 

    If you are pursuing personal growth, your narrative will definitely change. You cannot expect to remain the same if you are actively pursuing your goals. 

    You cannot expect to get different results with the same habits. Change your habits and you will experience a changed life. Changing your habits does not necessarily guarantee you success. But it gives you a better chance.

    Change does not just happen. It takes effort and sacrifice. It takes time to see tangible and meaningful results. Some change is slow and some change is rapid.

    If you want to experience and enjoy a successful life you need to forgo certain pleasures and get cracking. Get down and start doing something that will help improve your general welfare. Do something every day that helps your advancement.

    The good news is that we all have the capacity to change and do great things with our lives. The choice lies within your grasp. You are the driver of your life.

    No one but you are responsible for your life. You have the sole responsibility to do whatever it takes for your life to succeed.

    Maintain Discipline

    Discipline is perhaps the cardinal factor in changing habits and lives. Without it there can never be any meaningful change. Those who suçeed are those who are very disciplined and consistent.

    Without discipline one is bound to be living and moving with the wind. It takes discipline to focus and maintain good progress. Without which there can be no meaningful progress.

    Being disciplined means doing that which should be done even when the conditions are adverse. It means working extra hard when you should be relaxing. It means waking up early when you should be enjoying your bed.

    I know that we all have some semblance of discipline. The level of your discipline will determine the quality of your life. The more disciplined you are, the better the quality of your life.

    It takes discipline and consistent hard smart work to improve your life. If you are not disciplined you will not make good progress.

    In everything that we intend to achieve there should be some level of discipline. Without it nothing much can be achieved. The more success you want, the more you should give yourself in terms of hard work.

    Learn from Your Past

    We all have a past. Some good, some not so good. You are the sum total of the decisions and experiences of your past.

    Whatever your past is, it should not bog you down because you cannot change it. It is done and dusted. It is but a memory.

    No matter how bad your past has been you have the chance to change what your future will look like. The ball is in your court. 

    Look at your past with a view to learn from it. Take as many lessons as you can from the wrongs you have done previously. There is no better teacher than experience. They say once beaten twice shy. Do not make the same mistakes twice.

    Life is a continuous learning process and there is never a time when one graduates from it. If you have graduated then you are dead. We are all students of our own lives. You must try to be a better student of your life as this is the only way to know what works and does not work for you.

    The lessons you take from your past will always be valuable going forward. They may just be what you need to succeed. You are here because of your past decisions and choices. So what you do now has a bearing on your future.

    If you make wrong decisions and choices you will leave to endure the consequences in the future.

    Take One Day at a Time

    Everyday is unique and packed with different challenges that need to be overcome. Embrace the chaĺlenges and take joy in overcoming them. Life is such that you cannot skip a day.

    Everyday has to be lived and lived to the fullest. In as much as we look to the future we never get there by skipping days. We live one day at a time. One hour, one minute and one breadth at a time.

    Every minute lived takes you closer to your destiny. It is the small things you achieve on a daily basis that lead to future success. The small things are what makes up the big things.

    If you let today pass you by, you will have lost valuable time. Time lost is never recovered. Time waits for no one. Time is one of the most valuable resource. How you use it determines how successful you wìll be. 

    Living one day at a time means making sure that you accomplish that which the day has to offer. Don’t go to bed without making sure that you have fully utilised the day weĺl. 

    Make sure you plan your day in such a way that it helps you to advance towards your goals. Take hold of the opportunities that it brings forth.

    Do not Leave Things to Chance

    Be in control of your life. Do not leave things to chance. Do not leave things hanging. Do everything to the end. Do not start something and stop in the middle.

    Learn to close deals if you are in business. Always make sure you conclude your tasks on a daily basis. This is the only way you can be sure that you are in control of your life.

    Finishing your tasks is the only way you can be sure that you have done your part and the rest is up to the powers that be. It also gives you a peace of mind knowing that you haven’t left anything hanging.

    Conclusion

    You have the opportunity to change your narrative now by doing what is right and making the right decisions and choices.

    You do not have to continue on your current trajectory. Make the decision to do that which your heart desires. It may seem impossible to change now but everything is made possible through Christ Jesus.

  • Why Consistency is Important to Maintain in Your Life

    One of the many things that differentiate people who are successful and the average person is consistency.

    Those who are focused are very consistent with what they do. They do not relent but they keep pushing. Even when things are not going their way, they just soldier on.

    They keep doing what gives them better results on a regular basis as compared to the non-achievers. The non-achievers easily give

    If you want to achieve exceptional results you have to consistently put in the hard work and be smart with what you are doing.

    Hard work only will not achieve your goals, but working smart will surely make a big difference. Consistency gives you a better chance of achieving your goals.

    The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to succeed at what you are doing. It’s more like practice makes room for improvement.

    Simply put, consistency is key in achieving your lives objectives. Without which, it is very difficult to do more and achieve great results.

    However, developing a habit of consistency is not easy. It takes a lot of time, patience, persistence, perseverance and practice.

    Like with many habits, the start is always challenging but once you have gotten over the first hurdles, the going gets easier and the benefits are numerous.

    It Sets You Apart

    Consistency sets you apart. It distinguishes you from the rest. It draws a line that separates you and puts you where you belong.

    The more consistent you are, the more distinguished you become. You see, God rewards those who work hard and are consistent with his word.

    You can compare this with the many big successful corporations like Apple and Microsoft.

    These are big corporations that have been consistently producing high-quality end-user products that meet their customer’s expectations.

    I think that what has really made them more popular is the consistency that has helped them build a good reputation.

    Of course, there are many other factors to success but I think that consistency plays a very huge role.

    Equally, we as human beings are judged based on our character, which is formed primarily by the things we constantly exhibit.

    It Helps Build Your Character

    Your character defines the person you are. Everything you do or say is more or less connected to your character.

    Like I said previously your character is the summation of the small little things that you do consistently every day.

    “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” – Lao Tzu.

    If you want to be of good character you have to consistently make sure you are building upon the good things that you do.

    Sooner rather than later you will have built a reasonably good character that will enable you to achieve what your goals are in life.

    Consistency Helps Build Momentum

    You can see vividly how important consistency is in the world of sports. The more you get positive results the more willing you are to put in the work to get the results.

    This in the long run helps to build the much-needed momentum to push you through the finishing line.

    Sports trophies are won by teams that have a consistently good momentum of a winning streak. Without consistency, you will be running around with up-down results and end up missing your goals.

    Even in life generally, you need good momentum to see you through the hurdles and bustles of life.

    It Helps Develop Discipline

    Consistency helps you develop self-discipline and self-control. The more you get yourself to do something on a regular basis the more discipline you develop.

    Look, the things that make us successful are not the easiest to do and many of the times we are tempted to deviate from them but you still do them anyway because you have a goal to achieve.

    You will know that it takes a lot of discipline and self-control to be on a diet of you have to lose weight.

    The temptation to want to eat junk food is just too high. But, you have to make sure you resist it and just eat the right food because your target is to lose weight and live a healthy life.

    The same with exercising, there are times when I just feel like not waking up for my morning run and yes, sometimes I miss.

    As you may know, discipline is key to achieving your goals, without being disciplined you are guaranteed to fail.

    It takes a lot of self-control and discipline to maintain consistency.

    You Create Accountability

    If you are struggling with self-accountability develop a habit of consistency. The level of your results will determine the levels of your consistency.

    When you are consistent you become accountable and more reliable. When you are accountable you become more productive and mindful with your time.

    As you may be aware time is the only commodity that is irreplaceable once lost it cannot be replaced.

    Accountability is one of the requisites needed to achieve greater success and greater personal development.

    If you are not accountable to someone or indeed yourself, most likely you are not seriously pursuing your dreams, you are just flowing with the wind.

    Helps to Build Trust

    When you are true to your words and deeds you create a sense of trust with the people around you.

    In life, you are more comfortable working or dealing with people who are trustworthy. It is very difficult to be trusted if you do not exhibit signs of it.

    People will judge you by the actions that you exude constantly. The more consistent you are with the good habits the more trustworthy you become.

    I believe that trust is an important factor in life. You must strive to be trustworthy at whatever you are doing.

    Conclusion

    When you are consistently working towards your goals, you feel more motivated to push even harder to overcome your limitations. Clearly, consistency is a necessary tool for achieving your goals.

  • 4 Reasons Why You Should Get Busy Living and not Busy Dying

    If you are not busy with your life, then you are not making progress. Those who are engaged in pursuing their dreams are always busy and focused.

    But also being busy does not necessarily mean you are being progressive. What you want in life is being busy for the right reasons and doing, the right things.

    Getting busy living means being focused on achieving your goals. Doing everything in your power to ensure that you achieve your life’s purpose.

    Taking action and putting things in place that will help you achieve your goals to the fullest is what it means to get busy living.

    Getting busy living is a personal decision. No one will make the decision for you. It is entirely up to you to make the choice either to get busy living or get busy dying.

    Why do I say get busy dying, well if you are not busy living then off course you are busy dying.

    Don’t dwell so much on the negatives, otherwise, you will be discouraged. Instead, concentrate on the positive things on matter how small they are, to help you stay focused and motivated.

    There are many things you do every day that are positive and worth dwelling on. If your current conditions do not allow you to express yourself create a more conducive environment for yourself, to thrive in and succeed. 

    Here are some reasons why getting busy living is preferable to getting busy dying.

    Life is too Short

    Time is a limited and scarce resource, and none of us knows how much we have. Getting busy living entails making the most of the time we have, pursuing our passions, and creating meaningful experiences.

    Remember life is all about experiences. The better the experiences the better the life we lead.

    The best we can do is to try and utilise and make good of the time we have on our hands. Life is too short, so savour every moment you have.

    Do the things that need to be done in the time that you have. Otherwise, you may live to regret not having done them. Make every effort and do not let chance pass you by.

    Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way to do the right thing—knowing that humanity is all about service.

    Always go the extra mile and not just what is required of you. Doing extra will also improve your reliability and in business increases your value.

    People always want to be associated with people who are reliable. They want to work with someone they can rely on. They want to be associated with some they can trust.

    Make the decision to live a happy life and remind yourself every day about it. This will help you stay focused on being happy.

    Yes, negative things will come your way, but your mind will be more focused on the positives. There is something about making decisions. It makes you feel responsible for the outcome.

    Personal Growth

    When we get busy living, we challenge ourselves to learn and grow. We push ourselves out of our comfort zones and develop new skills and habits, that lead to personal growth and self-improvement.

    The main benefit of pursuing your goals is personal growth. You will experience personal growth when you are focused on achieving your life’s purpose and not when you are busy dying.

    This personal growth can be incredibly rewarding. It opens up many facets of your life. Personal growth is what you as a human being should aim for. It should be your deliberate personal policy.

    However, personal development does not come easy. It needs your full attention and endurance for it to be achieved and even then it is a continuous process.

    There is never a stop to personal development and self-improvement. Every achievement propels you to pursue even more and greater goals. The more you achieve the more you want to achieve.

    Every attempt you make to pursue your goals is a contribution to your personal growth. Every achievement is a motivation for the next challenge.

    So it doesn’t matter if you fail on your first attempt. At least you will have learnt what not to do or what needs improvement.

    The thing is to never give up but to continue to rise and keep trying until you succeed. Remember there is no success without failure and it does not come on a silver platter.

    Connections or Relationships

    When we get busy living, we have more opportunities to connect with others who share our interests and passions. 

    Building meaningful relationships can bring joy, support, and fulfilment to your life. Relationships are key to the survival of humanity as a whole.

    We are a social species. Humanity thrives better on good relationships. The more meaningful connections you create the easier it becomes to pursue your dreams.

    You will realise that most of the things you do come down to enhancing or creating new connections. The more connections you have the better the chances of success.

    We thrive more especially when we have a good support system or network looking after our back. 

    If you have good strong relationships your mind is more at peace. A peaceful mind allows you to explore your talents to the max.

    It allows you to show the world what you are made of, more freely without holding back. Look, when you know that people have your best interests at heart, believe me, not even the sky is the limit. You will soar like an eagle.

    Fulfilment

    “The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfilment of its destiny.” –  Colin Powell

    Pursuing your goals and passions can bring a sense of purpose and fulfilment to your life. When we are engaged in activities that we enjoy and are passionate about, we feel more alive and fulfilled.

    When we are fulfilled we contribute more to humankind. We become the solution to the world. The feeling of fulfilment cannot be replaced with anything. It is just on another level.

    Conclusion

    Overall, getting busy living means taking action and pursuing a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. It can help us make the most of our time, grow as individuals, connect with others, and find purpose and fulfilment in our lives.

    It’s a reminder to live our lives to the fullest and not let fear, regret, or complacency hold us back. 

  • Why it is Important to Have a Sense of Purpose

    Having a sense of purpose is incredibly important for several reasons. Before we go into the importance of having a sense of purpose, let’s start by understanding what exactly it means to have a sense of purpose.

    A sense of purpose refers to the feeling that one’s life has meaning, direction, and significance. It involves having a clear understanding of what one wants to achieve or contribute to the world and a commitment to working towards those goals. 

    Sense of purpose can be driven by personal values, passions, or a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

    When you have a clear purpose, you know what you want to achieve and can focus your energies and efforts towards those goals.

    You have a much clearer path to follow, than when you do not have a life’s purpose.

    I encourage you to find your purpose early in your life as this gives you a heads start. It makes you align the rest of your long life with what you want to achieve. 

    However, if you are advanced in age it does not matter you can still find your purpose and enjoy the rest of your life doing the things you love.

    Having a sense of purpose can help you stay motivated and committed, even in the face of obstacles and challenges.

    It Gives Meaning, Direction and Fulfilment

    It provides a sense of direction and focus in one’s life and can serve as a source of motivation and fulfilment. Having a sense of purpose can also add meaning to your life.

    When you have a purpose, you feel like you are working towards something that matters to you and to the world. You have a sense of direction for your life.

    This can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that can improve your overall well-being.

    You will live a more meaningful and fulfilled life when you have a sense of purpose. You will know exactly what you want to achieve with your life and be in more control of it.

    You tend to do things that have a general inclination towards helping you achieve your life’s purpose and objectives.

    Having a sense of purpose often involves goals that are aligned with your values. When you are working towards something that is important to you on a personal level, it can provide a sense of fulfilment that comes from living in alignment with your values and goals.

    Creating a sense of purpose often involves working towards something that has a positive impact on the world or on others. 

    When you feel like you are making a difference, it can provide a sense of fulfilment that comes from contributing to something larger than yourself.

    It Helps You Make Better Decisions

    Having a sense of purpose can help you make better decisions by providing a framework for evaluating different options and choices. When you know what your purpose is, you can ask yourself whether a particular decision or action is in alignment with that purpose. 

    This can help you prioritize your time and resources, and make decisions that are more likely to lead you towards your goals.

    For example, if your purpose is to make a positive impact on the environment, you may be more likely to choose a career in environmental advocacy or to volunteer for an organization that works to protect natural resources. 

    Similarly, if your purpose is to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, you may be more likely to prioritize exercise and healthy eating when making decisions about how to spend your time and resources.

    Having a sense of purpose can also help you make decisions by providing a sense of clarity and focus. With knowledge of your purpose, you can evaluate different options based on how well they align with your goals and values. 

    This can help you make better choices more quickly and confidently, without getting bogged down in indecision or second-guessing.

    It is a Source of Motivation

    When you know what you want, you are naturally motivated to do everything you can to achieve your goals. You will be more motivated even when things are not going the way you want them to.

    Because of your intent on achieving your targets, temporal setbacks will not stand in the way of your success. You will have that extra motivation and energy to pursue your goals.

    You will be motivated because you have meaningful goals to pursue. These goals are often aligned with your values and are important to you on a personal level. 

    This can make them more motivating than goals that are imposed by external sources. That is why your life’s purpose should be your own and not something imposed.

    Working towards a purpose can provide a sense of progress and accomplishment. As you make progress towards your goals, you can see the impact you are making and the progress you are achieving. 

    This can be highly motivating, especially when the goals are challenging or long-term. When you are challenged, you tend to bring out the best in you. 

    A sense of purpose often involves an emotional connection to the goal or cause. When you feel emotionally invested in what you are doing, it can provide a powerful motivation to keep going.

    Something at the back of your mind keeps urging you to keep going and not to give up. Believe me, at the end of it all you will have something to show for your hard work.

    Having a sense of purpose can tap into intrinsic motivation, which is motivation that comes from within. 

    When you are working towards something that is important to you, you may be more motivated to do it because it feels satisfying and fulfilling in itself.

    Conclusion

    Overall, having a sense of purpose can give meaning and fulfilment by providing a sense of direction, connecting you to your values, giving you a sense of accomplishment, and allowing you to make a positive impact on the world. 

    These few factors can contribute immensely to a greater sense of well-being and happiness. What you want in life is to live a happy and fulfilling life.

  • Your Imagination is a Preview of Things to Come

    Your imagination can be a preview of things to come because imagination is a powerful tool that allows you to create mental images of possible future scenarios. 

    When you imagine something, you are essentially picturing it in your mind, and that mental image can influence your thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present moment.

    By using your imagination to visualise and focus on what you want to achieve or create, you are essentially setting the stage for those things to manifest in your life.

    For example, if you imagine yourself achieving a particular goal, such as running and winning a marathon, you are creating a mental blueprint or preview of what that accomplishment might look and feel like. 

    This mental preview can motivate you to take action towards your goal, such as training regularly and eating a healthy diet. 

    It can also help you overcome obstacles and challenges along the way because you have already mentally rehearsed what it will be like to achieve your goal.

    Furthermore, your imagination can also help you come up with new ideas and innovative solutions to problems. 

    By visualising different possibilities and scenarios, you can gain new insights and perspectives that can lead to creative breakthroughs and new opportunities.

    Keep Your Vision Alive

    Allow yourself some time each day to daydream and let your mind wander. This is one of the ways you can keep your dream alive.

    Using your imagination gives you the motivation to keep doing what you need to do for you to achieve your goals. 

    The beauty of daydreaming is that you are the only one who has privileged access to your thoughts. 

    By frequently daydreaming you are helping to stimulate your imagination. Unless to reveal it to some else no one has access to your imagination apart from you.

    Visualise Your Goals

    Visualisation is a powerful tool and concept that can help you achieve your goals by keeping you focused, motivated, and inspired. 

    Use your imagination to create vivid mental pictures of your goals and aspirations. Visualising your goals can be a powerful way to keep them at the forefront of your mind and staying motivated to achieve them. 

    To help you practice and appreciate the visualisation concept make sure that you set clear goals.

    Take some time to write down your goals in detail, including what you want to achieve, how you will know when you’ve achieved them, and how you will feel when you’ve accomplished them. 

    The following techniques can also help in implementing the visualisation concept:-

    • Create a Mental Image – Close your eyes and create a mental image of yourself achieving your goals. Imagine what it looks; what it feels like; and what it sounds like, and try to make the image as vivid and as detailed as possible.
    • Use Visual Aids – In addition to the above, use pictures, diagrams, or other visual aids to help you visualise your goals more effectively. For example, if your goal is to travel to a specific destination, create a vision board with pictures of that destination to help bring your goal to life.
    • Use Positive Affirmations – Use positive affirmations to help reinforce your visualisation. Repeat phrases to yourself such as “I am successful,” “I am achieving my goals,” and “I am making progress every day.” You are the only one authorised to use the “I” in reference to yourself.
    • Practice Regularly –  Visualisation is a skill that can be developed with practice. Set aside sometime each day to visualise your goals, ideally in a quiet and undistracted environment.

    Engage in Creative Activities

    Participate in creative activities, such as writing, drawing, or playing music. This can help stimulate your imagination and allow you to express yourself creatively.

    When you are fully engaged in doing something your mind tends to bring out the best in you. There are many activities you can undertake to stimulate your creative side.

    Writing – Writing in a journal is a great way to express yourself creatively. You can write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, or use it to explore new ideas and perspectives.

    Perhaps writing is the greatest way to express yourself. When you write something it comes from your heart. 

    Look for classes in your area that teach creative activities like writing, painting, or pottery. This can be a great way to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

    Drawing or Painting –  If you enjoy visual arts, try drawing or painting. You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy the process and express yourself creatively.

    Play a musical Instrument –  If you enjoy music, try playing an instrument. You can take lessons or teach yourself using online resources.

    Tryout Something New – Break the routine, if you’ve never tried a creative activity before, now is the time to start. You can try something simple, like colouring, or something more challenging. 

    Reading and Watching Creative Material

    Engage in creative stories through books, movies, or TV shows. This can help inspire your imagination and expose you to new ideas and perspectives.

    Reading opens and exposes you to other people’s ideas. As a result, you begin to get a new perspective on your current situation.

    There is no substitute for taking the time to learn. The only way you can improve your mindset is by learning. So open up your mind to learning.

    Practice Mindfulness

    Mindfulness – “the fact of remembering and considering when to do” – Oxford Dictionary. 

    Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction.

    It involves intentionally paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings in a non-judgmental way.

    This helps you become more aware of your automatic reactions and behaviours and allows you to respond in a more conscious and intentional way. In other words, being mindful is being conscious. 

    Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation practices but has since been adapted into a secular practice that can be applied in daily life.

    By being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and surroundings, you can better tune into your imagination and allow it to guide you.

    Mindfulness practices can include breathing exercises, body scans, meditation, and other techniques designed to cultivate awareness and presence. 

    Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress, improving focus and concentration, increasing emotional regulation, and enhancing overall well-being.

    Mindfulness is a powerful tool for cultivating greater awareness and presence in our daily lives, which can help us better manage our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and live more fully in the present moment.

    Conclusion

    Your imagination allows you to mentally preview possible future scenarios, which can influence your thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present moment and help you achieve your goals and create new opportunities.

  • 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. 

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