The fact that you can conceive something in your mind should
Be proof enough that you have what it takes to make it happen.
That song you wanted to sing, that poem you wanted to write,
that book you wanted to publish, that dream you wanted to
achieve came to you because it knew that somehow you can
bring it to existence.
Just as you would not ask a shoemaker to build a space shuttle,
no idea will ask of you for that which you are not capable of
manifesting.
"If an idea entered your mind, it knew that you had what it takes
to make it happen." We need to keep reminding ourselves regularly
so as to stay inspired!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Four Open Secrets About the Rest of Your Life
Tell a child you have a secret and you have his undivided attention. All of us children - big and little, young and old - love secrets; love to hear them, love to tell them. Today, I am opening the vault and revealing four of the best-kept secrets in the Kingdom of God.
Secret #1 - God has big plans for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 says it best. "I know the plans I have for you: plans for your welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." His plans for us fall into two categories - earthly and heavenly.
Secret #2 - He is not going to tell you what they are.
In His compassion, God makes big plans for us. In His wisdom, He does not tell us what they are. He protects us from knowledge of the future for two reasons.
(1) We could not handle it.
(2) We would mess it up.
Suppose you found out that your brothers were going to fake your death and sell you into slavery, and that you would end up forgotten and forsaken in a foreign prison for years. Who could handle such news? Most of us would grieve over such a future and grow bitter toward our brothers and angry at
God. In the Old Testament book of Genesis, Joseph experiences precisely such a fate.
Suppose the Lord told you that one day you would become the king's second-in-command and live in power and luxury for the rest of your life. Who could handle news like that without becoming distracted? This too is the story of Joseph in Genesis.
Scripture promises the Lord will not put more on us than we can bear. One way He does that is by withholding details about our future. The burdens would rob us of our joy and threaten to destroy us in advance, while the blessings would distract us from our responsibilities of the moment.
Secret #3 - God is working on His plans this very moment.
He is getting you ready for the future and getting the future ready for you. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you. If I go away, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-6). He is getting Heaven ready for us. He is getting us ready for Heaven.
One way God prepares us for future challenges is by giving us difficulties and hardships. He strengthens us the same way a personal trainer builds our muscles: by laying on stress. "It is good for me that I was afflicted," the psalmist said, "that I might learn thy statutes." (Psalm 119:71) That's how
it works.
Secret #4 -- Your job is to be faithful today.
Bloom where you are planted, as the saying goes. The way to be ready for tomorrow's opportunities is to do our job today, no matter how insignificant or routine.
Writing in the Spring 2003 issue of "Columns," the alumni magazine of Louisiana College, Curt Iles pays tribute to science professor Charles Cavanaugh. Early in Curt's sophomore year, he paid Cavanaugh a visit to tell him he planned to drop chemistry.
"Prof," said the 19-year-old, "I thought it was God's will for me to become a science teacher. I enjoyed the biology classes you taught last year. But chemistry is killing me. That little rural high school I attended did not prepare me for this. I failed the test yesterday and I am not going to be able to pass this course. So, I plan to drop chemistry. Maybe God will have something else for me since I can't be a science teacher. I need to find His will."
Suddenly, the professor cut him off. "God's will? God's will? Son, I'll tell you what God's will is for you! Get in there, go to work, and pass chemistry. That's what God's will is for you!" And he stormed out of the office. Curt sat there in shock. Finally, realizing the professor was not returning, he went back to his dormitory. That night, he studied chemistry, and the next day, made a D on the test. At least, it was passing.
"That day," Curt Iles writes, "I decided that nothing was going to stop me from achieving my goal of teaching. I was going to pass this course or die trying." A month later, the chemistry professor said, "Iles, what's happened to you?" He was a student with a purpose.
Before leaving the disciples, Jesus began to prepare them for the future. Peter listened, absorbed all he could, then turned to the apostle John. "Lord," he said, "what about him?" Jesus said, "What is that to you? You follow me." (John 21:22)
God has big plans for you. He is mercifully not going to tell you what they are. At this moment, He is at work getting you ready for them and them ready for you. Your job is to do the work He has put on your plate today and stay inspired!
Secret #1 - God has big plans for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 says it best. "I know the plans I have for you: plans for your welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." His plans for us fall into two categories - earthly and heavenly.
Secret #2 - He is not going to tell you what they are.
In His compassion, God makes big plans for us. In His wisdom, He does not tell us what they are. He protects us from knowledge of the future for two reasons.
(1) We could not handle it.
(2) We would mess it up.
Suppose you found out that your brothers were going to fake your death and sell you into slavery, and that you would end up forgotten and forsaken in a foreign prison for years. Who could handle such news? Most of us would grieve over such a future and grow bitter toward our brothers and angry at
God. In the Old Testament book of Genesis, Joseph experiences precisely such a fate.
Suppose the Lord told you that one day you would become the king's second-in-command and live in power and luxury for the rest of your life. Who could handle news like that without becoming distracted? This too is the story of Joseph in Genesis.
Scripture promises the Lord will not put more on us than we can bear. One way He does that is by withholding details about our future. The burdens would rob us of our joy and threaten to destroy us in advance, while the blessings would distract us from our responsibilities of the moment.
Secret #3 - God is working on His plans this very moment.
He is getting you ready for the future and getting the future ready for you. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you. If I go away, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-6). He is getting Heaven ready for us. He is getting us ready for Heaven.
One way God prepares us for future challenges is by giving us difficulties and hardships. He strengthens us the same way a personal trainer builds our muscles: by laying on stress. "It is good for me that I was afflicted," the psalmist said, "that I might learn thy statutes." (Psalm 119:71) That's how
it works.
Secret #4 -- Your job is to be faithful today.
Bloom where you are planted, as the saying goes. The way to be ready for tomorrow's opportunities is to do our job today, no matter how insignificant or routine.
Writing in the Spring 2003 issue of "Columns," the alumni magazine of Louisiana College, Curt Iles pays tribute to science professor Charles Cavanaugh. Early in Curt's sophomore year, he paid Cavanaugh a visit to tell him he planned to drop chemistry.
"Prof," said the 19-year-old, "I thought it was God's will for me to become a science teacher. I enjoyed the biology classes you taught last year. But chemistry is killing me. That little rural high school I attended did not prepare me for this. I failed the test yesterday and I am not going to be able to pass this course. So, I plan to drop chemistry. Maybe God will have something else for me since I can't be a science teacher. I need to find His will."
Suddenly, the professor cut him off. "God's will? God's will? Son, I'll tell you what God's will is for you! Get in there, go to work, and pass chemistry. That's what God's will is for you!" And he stormed out of the office. Curt sat there in shock. Finally, realizing the professor was not returning, he went back to his dormitory. That night, he studied chemistry, and the next day, made a D on the test. At least, it was passing.
"That day," Curt Iles writes, "I decided that nothing was going to stop me from achieving my goal of teaching. I was going to pass this course or die trying." A month later, the chemistry professor said, "Iles, what's happened to you?" He was a student with a purpose.
Before leaving the disciples, Jesus began to prepare them for the future. Peter listened, absorbed all he could, then turned to the apostle John. "Lord," he said, "what about him?" Jesus said, "What is that to you? You follow me." (John 21:22)
God has big plans for you. He is mercifully not going to tell you what they are. At this moment, He is at work getting you ready for them and them ready for you. Your job is to do the work He has put on your plate today and stay inspired!
Catch the opportunity!
Hi Everyone!
Here is an update on the creative opportunities currently available on
TakingITGlobal - we have a few different contests/collections that you
can
contribute to!
1.
Would you like to see your artwork appear on the official youth website
for
the upcoming AIDS Conference? In August 2008 the next International
AIDS
Conference will be held in Mexico City, Mexico. In the past this
conference
(IAC) has always served as a landmark event for the AIDS Community. The
Mexico YouthForce would like you to submit your artwork on what
HIV/AIDS
means to you and your community. Some artwork will also be displayed
within
the YouthForce Pavilion during the conference itself!
Log in to the website using your TIG username and password and go to
the
'Interact' section to submit!
http://youthaids2008.org/en/
*You can submit new artwork, or artwork you already have in
TakingITGlobal's
Global Gallery. To add existing artwork just choose the individual
piece and
click on 'Edit' - and choose 'Youth Fighting HIV/AIDS through Art' from
the
Collection drop-down.
2.
"AIDS in Focus" is a photography contest sponsored by the Mexico
YouthForce.
The concept behind the contest is simple; we want youth to submit their
photographs on what AIDS means to them and their communities. How does
AIDS
affect you as a young person? As young people between the ages of 15-24
account for more than 40% of new HIV infections it is clear that youth
worldwide must have a voice in the fight against AIDS.
To submit your photographs please join the YouthForce group on Flickr
and
add your photographs to the group:
http://flickr.com/groups/youthforce/
Also, remember to tag your photographs with "AIDS in Focus" as well, so
we
know that they are a part of the contest. We also ask that you write a
short
description about the photograph that includes details about what the
photo
means to you, along with your name, age, and country of residence.
Questions about the contest can be sent to mediamyf (at) gmail.com
The top five photographs selected will be showcased on the Youth Web
site
and in the Youth Pavilion at the XVII International AIDS Conference
taking
place this August in Mexico City (www.aids2008.org). Winners will also
receive a gift pack.
3.
Would you like to see your artwork published? TakingITGlobal will be
publishing a new TIG Magazine featuring submissions from the Youth
Voices
Contest currently running in our Global Gallery! Visit the Global
Gallery to
view past creative TIG publications:
http://www.takingitglobal.org/express/magazine/
You now have until May 22nd to submit your artwork and have the
opportunity
to be selected for publishing! This TIG Magazine will be circulated at
the
upcoming World Youth Congress in Quebec City this August. There are two
contest collections that you may submit to - one is focused on 'Climate
Change' and the other on 'Culture & Identity' - visit the contest page
to
learn more and submit!
http://www.takingitglobal.org/express/gallery/contests/index.html
There are more creative projects currently in development at
TakingITGlobal
that will provide more exciting opportunities for TIG members to
showcase
their creative talents - so stay tuned!
Laura Kenyon
Online Community Manager and Editor
TakingITGlobal
+416 977 9363 ext. 316
laura@takingitglobal.org
www.takingitglobal.org
Here is an update on the creative opportunities currently available on
TakingITGlobal - we have a few different contests/collections that you
can
contribute to!
1.
Would you like to see your artwork appear on the official youth website
for
the upcoming AIDS Conference? In August 2008 the next International
AIDS
Conference will be held in Mexico City, Mexico. In the past this
conference
(IAC) has always served as a landmark event for the AIDS Community. The
Mexico YouthForce would like you to submit your artwork on what
HIV/AIDS
means to you and your community. Some artwork will also be displayed
within
the YouthForce Pavilion during the conference itself!
Log in to the website using your TIG username and password and go to
the
'Interact' section to submit!
http://youthaids2008.org/en/
*You can submit new artwork, or artwork you already have in
TakingITGlobal's
Global Gallery. To add existing artwork just choose the individual
piece and
click on 'Edit' - and choose 'Youth Fighting HIV/AIDS through Art' from
the
Collection drop-down.
2.
"AIDS in Focus" is a photography contest sponsored by the Mexico
YouthForce.
The concept behind the contest is simple; we want youth to submit their
photographs on what AIDS means to them and their communities. How does
AIDS
affect you as a young person? As young people between the ages of 15-24
account for more than 40% of new HIV infections it is clear that youth
worldwide must have a voice in the fight against AIDS.
To submit your photographs please join the YouthForce group on Flickr
and
add your photographs to the group:
http://flickr.com/groups/youthforce/
Also, remember to tag your photographs with "AIDS in Focus" as well, so
we
know that they are a part of the contest. We also ask that you write a
short
description about the photograph that includes details about what the
photo
means to you, along with your name, age, and country of residence.
Questions about the contest can be sent to mediamyf (at) gmail.com
The top five photographs selected will be showcased on the Youth Web
site
and in the Youth Pavilion at the XVII International AIDS Conference
taking
place this August in Mexico City (www.aids2008.org). Winners will also
receive a gift pack.
3.
Would you like to see your artwork published? TakingITGlobal will be
publishing a new TIG Magazine featuring submissions from the Youth
Voices
Contest currently running in our Global Gallery! Visit the Global
Gallery to
view past creative TIG publications:
http://www.takingitglobal.org/express/magazine/
You now have until May 22nd to submit your artwork and have the
opportunity
to be selected for publishing! This TIG Magazine will be circulated at
the
upcoming World Youth Congress in Quebec City this August. There are two
contest collections that you may submit to - one is focused on 'Climate
Change' and the other on 'Culture & Identity' - visit the contest page
to
learn more and submit!
http://www.takingitglobal.org/express/gallery/contests/index.html
There are more creative projects currently in development at
TakingITGlobal
that will provide more exciting opportunities for TIG members to
showcase
their creative talents - so stay tuned!
Laura Kenyon
Online Community Manager and Editor
TakingITGlobal
+416 977 9363 ext. 316
laura@takingitglobal.org
www.takingitglobal.org
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Creating Global Opportunities for people (3)
All said and done in the preceding piece on this topic (you need to read part 1 & 2 if you haven’t). I will be talking about the project we were given at work on “why an average Nigerian does not invest”. Without adding much ado to nothing, the most prevalent of “their” excuse could be linked to lack of information on the opportunities available and the second one was a misconception about investment- “they” all think you need to earn “much” to start investing. They practically got stuck when we wanted to know the definition of “much”. (It still boils down to lack of adequate information)
I’m really sorry if you are in that category but that is just the reality. The full report that was presented to some stakeholders in this country welled up tears in my eyes during presentation. The business development unit was asked to swing into action immediately in proffering a real-time solution to the problem at hand. We came up with an investment club/network model that has started making serious waves amongst Nigerians based on the level of its acceptability. It is the BIGPLUS GLOBAL INVESTMENT CLUB; it creates global opportunities for everyone who is interested in getting into the equity and real estate market. We use the power of numbers to MINIMIZE risk. The concept of the club thrives on the pooling of resources together to tap into the opportunities that abound in one of the fastest growing stock markets in the world. (The Nigerian stock exchange)
Making money in the capital market is a game of wit and intellect and the concept of investment clubbing gives us the platform to really explore this. BGIC is being managed by the BIGPLUS group of companies. We call it a lifetime program because we want to help you watch your little drop of water turn into a mighty ocean. We got a lot of applause for the model because it readily identifies with over 90% of Nigerians. Getting started is with as little as a thousand naira and a maximum of fifty thousand naira. The people in this category are those we are sincerely concerned about at Bigplus Ltd. The sole objective of this club is to grow a social network of young, positive and financially intelligent Nigerians who can become stakeholders in the Nigerian economy and the “Nigeria Project”.
How the model works…………
Medal Amount Months
Copper 1,000 12
Bronze 3,000 12
Silver 5,000 12
Gold 10,000 12
Diamond 20,000 12
Platinum 50,000 12
Medal: Your title in the Club
Amount: Attached to each medal
Tenure: One year
Annual contribution: The amount you would have parted with in a year.
Annual reward: The least amount your investment can generate for you (50% of 11 months contribution)
Gross earnings: This is the sum of the annual contribution and annual reward
Registration fee: This is the first month contribution (non-refundable)
Net earnings: This is the difference between the gross and the registration fee
For example: A person on the silver medal (5000) would have an annual contribution of 60,000.Get a reward of 27,500.Have a gross of 87500 and a net of 82500.This net can be plunged into shares or paid out as cheque during the Annual General meeting.
Getting Started………
All it takes to get started is to purchase a medal (putting your income level into consideration) that you can sustain. A starter pack that contains a club ID is given to you immediately and you become a full BGIC member. This can be done at our corporate head office at plot 24b (3rd floor), Gbemisola house (former Tejumola house), Omole bus stop, Ojodu-Berger. You can also pay into BIGPLUS account:
OCEANIC - 0641101005296
GTB - 243220467110
I sincerely think this network is still the best thing that can happen to anyone who is truly sincere and committed to having financial liberty. Do not hesitate to drop your comments, views and opinion on this before I hop in here. As I pull down the curtains, I want you to remember that decision determines destiny! We can also take control of our tomorrow by the actions we take today. Keep your head up and stay inspired!
I’m really sorry if you are in that category but that is just the reality. The full report that was presented to some stakeholders in this country welled up tears in my eyes during presentation. The business development unit was asked to swing into action immediately in proffering a real-time solution to the problem at hand. We came up with an investment club/network model that has started making serious waves amongst Nigerians based on the level of its acceptability. It is the BIGPLUS GLOBAL INVESTMENT CLUB; it creates global opportunities for everyone who is interested in getting into the equity and real estate market. We use the power of numbers to MINIMIZE risk. The concept of the club thrives on the pooling of resources together to tap into the opportunities that abound in one of the fastest growing stock markets in the world. (The Nigerian stock exchange)
Making money in the capital market is a game of wit and intellect and the concept of investment clubbing gives us the platform to really explore this. BGIC is being managed by the BIGPLUS group of companies. We call it a lifetime program because we want to help you watch your little drop of water turn into a mighty ocean. We got a lot of applause for the model because it readily identifies with over 90% of Nigerians. Getting started is with as little as a thousand naira and a maximum of fifty thousand naira. The people in this category are those we are sincerely concerned about at Bigplus Ltd. The sole objective of this club is to grow a social network of young, positive and financially intelligent Nigerians who can become stakeholders in the Nigerian economy and the “Nigeria Project”.
How the model works…………
Medal Amount Months
Copper 1,000 12
Bronze 3,000 12
Silver 5,000 12
Gold 10,000 12
Diamond 20,000 12
Platinum 50,000 12
Medal: Your title in the Club
Amount: Attached to each medal
Tenure: One year
Annual contribution: The amount you would have parted with in a year.
Annual reward: The least amount your investment can generate for you (50% of 11 months contribution)
Gross earnings: This is the sum of the annual contribution and annual reward
Registration fee: This is the first month contribution (non-refundable)
Net earnings: This is the difference between the gross and the registration fee
For example: A person on the silver medal (5000) would have an annual contribution of 60,000.Get a reward of 27,500.Have a gross of 87500 and a net of 82500.This net can be plunged into shares or paid out as cheque during the Annual General meeting.
Getting Started………
All it takes to get started is to purchase a medal (putting your income level into consideration) that you can sustain. A starter pack that contains a club ID is given to you immediately and you become a full BGIC member. This can be done at our corporate head office at plot 24b (3rd floor), Gbemisola house (former Tejumola house), Omole bus stop, Ojodu-Berger. You can also pay into BIGPLUS account:
OCEANIC - 0641101005296
GTB - 243220467110
I sincerely think this network is still the best thing that can happen to anyone who is truly sincere and committed to having financial liberty. Do not hesitate to drop your comments, views and opinion on this before I hop in here. As I pull down the curtains, I want you to remember that decision determines destiny! We can also take control of our tomorrow by the actions we take today. Keep your head up and stay inspired!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Creating Global Opportunities for people (2)
Phone buzzing……..everyone is eager to know about that “big something” that would be added to their lives soon. I’ll try and “kill” the suspense here if I can. I’m always excited and happy when people around are happy too, I bet that’s why I detest the hydra-headed monster called poverty; poverty inflicts pain on people and it is injurious to man. Poverty is a disease that can really deform a person’s mind, body and soul. It so much bothers me in this part of the world going by the abundant natural, human and material resources God has put in our care. I’m so sorry to disappoint your thought if you think I would be enumerating the problems and challenges we have had as a nation here. You need not be educated or well informed to identify problems and defect in a system! I think I would rather sit at the opposite camp and put on my thinking cap.
I have talked about lack of financial discipline and aptitude as a major cause of poverty, I always marvel on Fridays when I see the “masses” of this “poor country” spend their hard earned money to drink at various bars and street corners. I can authoritatively tell you that the tentacles of poverty spread faster than that of wealth and it also destroys fast! It may interest you to know that these “bar shareholders” do not have any stake in the Nigerian stock market and also the Nigerian economy.
It also bothers me that Opportunities abound in this country more than ever before. It will amaze a lot of Nigerians that the Nigerian stock market is the only market in the world that returns “crazy” figures and returns on stocks. I was analyzing some stocks last week and I discovered that a particular stock had already returned over 1000% in eight months, isn’t that incredulous? Some real estate properties are already returning 120% to owners in three months. Lebanese, Indian and Arabian groups pump resources into this same market right at our “backyard” while we run to their country for “greener pastures”. It is now the case of a meat seller eating bone, a cloth seller wearing rags and the landlord’s son staying under the bridge! It is a sad and pathetic story…….too bad I’m not here to empathize with you but instead to proffer a solution that will make us all smile at the end of the day. Poor people always wait for the “big hit” to start “something big” while their rich counterparts do not despise their days of a humble beginning. The power of choice puts you at an advantage. I’ll be talking about how to start small and some of the measures the company where I work had put in place to make live better for people out there. You’ll be doing yourself a lot of favor if you can stay tuned to this “station”. Till we meet again, I want you to know that there is no alternative to staying inspired.
I have talked about lack of financial discipline and aptitude as a major cause of poverty, I always marvel on Fridays when I see the “masses” of this “poor country” spend their hard earned money to drink at various bars and street corners. I can authoritatively tell you that the tentacles of poverty spread faster than that of wealth and it also destroys fast! It may interest you to know that these “bar shareholders” do not have any stake in the Nigerian stock market and also the Nigerian economy.
It also bothers me that Opportunities abound in this country more than ever before. It will amaze a lot of Nigerians that the Nigerian stock market is the only market in the world that returns “crazy” figures and returns on stocks. I was analyzing some stocks last week and I discovered that a particular stock had already returned over 1000% in eight months, isn’t that incredulous? Some real estate properties are already returning 120% to owners in three months. Lebanese, Indian and Arabian groups pump resources into this same market right at our “backyard” while we run to their country for “greener pastures”. It is now the case of a meat seller eating bone, a cloth seller wearing rags and the landlord’s son staying under the bridge! It is a sad and pathetic story…….too bad I’m not here to empathize with you but instead to proffer a solution that will make us all smile at the end of the day. Poor people always wait for the “big hit” to start “something big” while their rich counterparts do not despise their days of a humble beginning. The power of choice puts you at an advantage. I’ll be talking about how to start small and some of the measures the company where I work had put in place to make live better for people out there. You’ll be doing yourself a lot of favor if you can stay tuned to this “station”. Till we meet again, I want you to know that there is no alternative to staying inspired.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Creating Global Opportunities for people (1)
A wise man once said that the definition of being poor is Passing Over Opportunities Repeatedly. I also belong to that school of thought. I have also observed that the only difference between that man staying in that mansion in Lekki and that man staying in that slum in Ajegunle is information. Opportunities are wrapped up in information.The former has access to some vital information the latter does not have. We can summarily say that the difference between the rich and the poor is information. I’m sure Pareto must have put this widening gap in information into consideration before opening his mouth to say that the world was moving to 30-70 equation; for the uninitiated, 30-70 equation by pareto states that 30% of the world population would be controlling 70% of the world resources while 70% of the world population would also be controlling 30% of the world resources. This young man gave this prediction a long time ago. A lot of opinions sprung up to query the authenticity of this but it is now a rude shock to the entire world that the equation is now 10-90. The rich must keep getting richer because they have all it takes to stay up there!Any man who understands the gravity of the statement “ignorance is a disease” is set to break free from poverty.
It is high time we stopped complaining about what the Government is not doing and begin to focus on the solution to the problems at hand. Poor people focus on the problems while the rich think about the solution because only solution providers are rewarded. Money is the reward for problems solved. I have never seen a man who knows how to complain being rewarded except his natural reward which is “poverty and hunger”. The more we seek to know, the less we pay for ignorance and stupidity. Information is the key, it liberates and sets us free. Stay tuned to this “station” because something BIG is about to be added to your life soon. Until I come around here again, please always endeavor to stay inspired.
It is high time we stopped complaining about what the Government is not doing and begin to focus on the solution to the problems at hand. Poor people focus on the problems while the rich think about the solution because only solution providers are rewarded. Money is the reward for problems solved. I have never seen a man who knows how to complain being rewarded except his natural reward which is “poverty and hunger”. The more we seek to know, the less we pay for ignorance and stupidity. Information is the key, it liberates and sets us free. Stay tuned to this “station” because something BIG is about to be added to your life soon. Until I come around here again, please always endeavor to stay inspired.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Life is a trust (Strictly for the wise)
I’m not going to stop saying to everyones hearing that I’m not a motivational speaker but merely a coach. Coaching on business issues, personal issues and mentoring people to discover that which they “carry ”.I would rather love to be seen as someone who lived and touched lives……maybe someone who was able to affect millions of souls, then move to the great beyond and hear people say “thank God he came around”. The thought of that alone would “help” me rest in peace.
I have discovered in my short stay on this earth that a product that does not know why it was produced would definitely mal-function! A sample of peoples’ opinions on what life means and why they were created makes my heart bleed. Life can never be maximized when there is no sense of purpose.I wake up everyday and look forward to everyday cos i’m living my life at its fullest. You have to Consider the 'you' of today.Forgive me, but I bet it's a pretty dull routine without much excitement, right?
Also, do you have any real plans, or are you just
jogging along, letting life happen to you? I also bet
you're in a job which you tolerate, but certainly has
nothing whatsoever to do with that quirky, brilliant
'you' inside. Start trying to uncover that buried desire - and don't let 'should' and 'ought' get in your way!
You must begin to live consciously like today would be your last day. You must begin to see your life as a trust and your best bet is to invest it wisely. We have all made mistakes in time past that we do not have the power to correct but what are we doing with our today?
Many of us must have heard or read all of this at some point in our lives but how have we being able to utilize it. Well, I just have to sign out at this point and also implore you to let today count for something. Until I “check in” into my room again, always aspire to stay inspired.
I have discovered in my short stay on this earth that a product that does not know why it was produced would definitely mal-function! A sample of peoples’ opinions on what life means and why they were created makes my heart bleed. Life can never be maximized when there is no sense of purpose.I wake up everyday and look forward to everyday cos i’m living my life at its fullest. You have to Consider the 'you' of today.Forgive me, but I bet it's a pretty dull routine without much excitement, right?
Also, do you have any real plans, or are you just
jogging along, letting life happen to you? I also bet
you're in a job which you tolerate, but certainly has
nothing whatsoever to do with that quirky, brilliant
'you' inside. Start trying to uncover that buried desire - and don't let 'should' and 'ought' get in your way!
You must begin to live consciously like today would be your last day. You must begin to see your life as a trust and your best bet is to invest it wisely. We have all made mistakes in time past that we do not have the power to correct but what are we doing with our today?
Many of us must have heard or read all of this at some point in our lives but how have we being able to utilize it. Well, I just have to sign out at this point and also implore you to let today count for something. Until I “check in” into my room again, always aspire to stay inspired.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
As a man thinketh 4
In concluding this piece on positive thinking, I want you to think of a positive attitude as the glue that binds you to your goals.
Without it, your goals fall apart and are usually left in shreds at
your feet. Why? Because pessimism leads to doubt and doubt leads to
fear. Fear leads to you telling yourself there's no point in
trying, that this is not for you. I always tell those who are close to me that I have come to the point where I would rather try 1000 different things and not succeed at any than sit down without trying. The truth is that you can never know how far you can go until you try!
And you're consciously walking away from what you've dreamt of
doing. Even if you try, you still won't make it, because you'll
attract the reality that you fear the most. (Do you know about the Law of
attraction?)
It's impossible to feel blue and feel motivated at the same time.
You have to choose. If you're having a bad day and feel
melancholic, ask yourself "Why I'm choosing to feel this emotion?"
Your emotions are not inevitable circumstances, it's what you
CHOOSE to feel. Unfortunately, most of the time you're doing it
unconsciously because that's the way you're accustomed to react.
Ask yourself what kind of results it is going to lead to if you
keep this emotion. And then think if that's the results you want.
If not, then choose another mood!
A friend of mine wanted to know if I’m able to write all these cos of some motivational books that I read, I just smiled. The truth is that motivation can only push you for a short while inspiration is the secret.Motivation without proper information would only lead to frustration and total depression!Inspiration to me is the spirit of God in motion in us.You need to develop a close walk with your maker if you sincerely want to break free from all sorts of negative emotions.
As I wind up this piece on “as a man thinketh”, please remember that you’re the anchor of your own ship and the architect of your own destiny. Take hold of it and always stay inspired.
Without it, your goals fall apart and are usually left in shreds at
your feet. Why? Because pessimism leads to doubt and doubt leads to
fear. Fear leads to you telling yourself there's no point in
trying, that this is not for you. I always tell those who are close to me that I have come to the point where I would rather try 1000 different things and not succeed at any than sit down without trying. The truth is that you can never know how far you can go until you try!
And you're consciously walking away from what you've dreamt of
doing. Even if you try, you still won't make it, because you'll
attract the reality that you fear the most. (Do you know about the Law of
attraction?)
It's impossible to feel blue and feel motivated at the same time.
You have to choose. If you're having a bad day and feel
melancholic, ask yourself "Why I'm choosing to feel this emotion?"
Your emotions are not inevitable circumstances, it's what you
CHOOSE to feel. Unfortunately, most of the time you're doing it
unconsciously because that's the way you're accustomed to react.
Ask yourself what kind of results it is going to lead to if you
keep this emotion. And then think if that's the results you want.
If not, then choose another mood!
A friend of mine wanted to know if I’m able to write all these cos of some motivational books that I read, I just smiled. The truth is that motivation can only push you for a short while inspiration is the secret.Motivation without proper information would only lead to frustration and total depression!Inspiration to me is the spirit of God in motion in us.You need to develop a close walk with your maker if you sincerely want to break free from all sorts of negative emotions.
As I wind up this piece on “as a man thinketh”, please remember that you’re the anchor of your own ship and the architect of your own destiny. Take hold of it and always stay inspired.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
As a man thinketh 3
One interesting thing about positive thinking is that it is free! We seldom appreciate free things. God intentionally deposited these things on our inside so that we can all have the ability to create our world. Free dreams, free imagination, free vision, free choice, free emotions…….everything is free. The way we think has a great impact not only on our health, but on our energy levels in general. Negative emotions are huge energy drainers. Think about how you've felt after having a fight with your colleague or after having to attend a meeting that you knew would be boring. You've probably felt exhausted.
Now think about your emotions when you've got promoted at work or
when your friend has told you a hilarious joke? You felt great and
excited, right. Positive emotions increase our energy and also help us to accomplish tasks that we might otherwise avoid.
I also observed that people will perceive you the same way you perceive yourself.
Positive thinking helps to change negative self-image that you have
created during the course of your life. When you start loving and
appreciating yourself, others will do the same. It’s free to think right and feel good with yourself.
Positive attitude changes our behavior and instantly attracts
people to us. When we feel happy we usually talk more, make more
eye contact with others, smile and radiate merriment and excitement.
Your positive attitude is contagious and other people become
instantly drawn to you. No one likes to hang around pessimistic and
whining people, but everyone enjoys a company of a person, who
takes life lightly and with a sense of humor. Positive thinking
helps you to become this person and improve your relationships with
others.
My interest in this topic is very high because a lot of Nigerians need to begin to feel right and good for things to change. In my own words, there is nothing like situations and circumstances, Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we react to it. In everything you do, please endeavor to create your own world and stay inspired!
Now think about your emotions when you've got promoted at work or
when your friend has told you a hilarious joke? You felt great and
excited, right. Positive emotions increase our energy and also help us to accomplish tasks that we might otherwise avoid.
I also observed that people will perceive you the same way you perceive yourself.
Positive thinking helps to change negative self-image that you have
created during the course of your life. When you start loving and
appreciating yourself, others will do the same. It’s free to think right and feel good with yourself.
Positive attitude changes our behavior and instantly attracts
people to us. When we feel happy we usually talk more, make more
eye contact with others, smile and radiate merriment and excitement.
Your positive attitude is contagious and other people become
instantly drawn to you. No one likes to hang around pessimistic and
whining people, but everyone enjoys a company of a person, who
takes life lightly and with a sense of humor. Positive thinking
helps you to become this person and improve your relationships with
others.
My interest in this topic is very high because a lot of Nigerians need to begin to feel right and good for things to change. In my own words, there is nothing like situations and circumstances, Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we react to it. In everything you do, please endeavor to create your own world and stay inspired!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
As a man thinketh 2
Everyday we face many stressful situations and solve
Different problems: the list of the stress is endless especially in a city like Lagos where traffic could be crazy, car breaks down (and LASTMA tows it away!). Then at work, projects you must finish by this Friday, the fight you had last night with your spouse or girlfriend, mounting bills you forgot to pay... The list could be endless.
No wonder that we develop negative attitude and stop smiling!
According to a recent study, little children laugh up
to 400 times a day, while we, adults, only 17 times and that's if
we are having a great day! This is mind-blowing! How do we go from
being happy and optimistic to serious, irritated, busy and stressed
out grown-ups, who walk around with a gloomy expression on their
face and are ready to snap any moment?
If we approach life in a more cheerful way, we'll cope better
with stressful situations and be able to solve problems more
efficiently.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Abraham Lincoln
Have you ever heard about the Law of Attraction? What we think
about ourselves and how we perceive world around us creates our
reality. Any little thought, no matter conscious or unconscious,
becomes an intention.
The Law of Attraction by itself is neutral, which means that it
doesn't filter what you ask. If you think about what you want,
you'll get it. Just as if you concentrate on problems, fears and
things you don't want, you'll attract them as well.
If you have a goal that you want to achieve badly, but at the same
time you're concentrating on "not having it", unintentionally you
block your own desire and prevent yourself from getting what you
want. That's why if you want to attract financial abundance,
success, loving relationships, and happiness into your life, it is
important to become conscious of your negative thoughts and develop
more positive attitude.
I’ll like to leave you with this statement before I leave, you can become anything you imagine as long as you can think through it positively. In everything you do, always aspire to stay inspired!
Different problems: the list of the stress is endless especially in a city like Lagos where traffic could be crazy, car breaks down (and LASTMA tows it away!). Then at work, projects you must finish by this Friday, the fight you had last night with your spouse or girlfriend, mounting bills you forgot to pay... The list could be endless.
No wonder that we develop negative attitude and stop smiling!
According to a recent study, little children laugh up
to 400 times a day, while we, adults, only 17 times and that's if
we are having a great day! This is mind-blowing! How do we go from
being happy and optimistic to serious, irritated, busy and stressed
out grown-ups, who walk around with a gloomy expression on their
face and are ready to snap any moment?
If we approach life in a more cheerful way, we'll cope better
with stressful situations and be able to solve problems more
efficiently.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Abraham Lincoln
Have you ever heard about the Law of Attraction? What we think
about ourselves and how we perceive world around us creates our
reality. Any little thought, no matter conscious or unconscious,
becomes an intention.
The Law of Attraction by itself is neutral, which means that it
doesn't filter what you ask. If you think about what you want,
you'll get it. Just as if you concentrate on problems, fears and
things you don't want, you'll attract them as well.
If you have a goal that you want to achieve badly, but at the same
time you're concentrating on "not having it", unintentionally you
block your own desire and prevent yourself from getting what you
want. That's why if you want to attract financial abundance,
success, loving relationships, and happiness into your life, it is
important to become conscious of your negative thoughts and develop
more positive attitude.
I’ll like to leave you with this statement before I leave, you can become anything you imagine as long as you can think through it positively. In everything you do, always aspire to stay inspired!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
On your road to financial freedom
The road to financial freedom is not a tortuous one as many had made it seem. It is particularly tempting to begin to think that lack or unavailability of material resources is the sole cause of “financial kwashiorkor” in this part of the world. That theory could be right to an extent but I sincerely think that financial kwashiorkor is primarily caused by financial illiteracy.
People do not spend more than they earn because they love to go broke but they do because they lack information and financial aptitude!
A comprehensive research into the lifestyle, believe system and spending habits of all poor people gave us the same result. It was really shocking to discover that all those who have “lost” the financial battle have a distraught cash-flow system; they all have one source of income at one end of their cash-flow statement and loads of expenditure items at the other end-they spend more than they earn. These set of people are also very hardworking in an effort to get ahead. The flaw in their thinking is that money will solve all problems and they really try to work harder to make more of it! The truth is that more money will not solve the problem; in fact, it may actually accelerate the problem. Money often makes obvious our tragic human flaws; it puts a spotlight on what we do not know. That is why a person who comes into a sudden windfall of cash- let’s say an inheritance, a pay raise or lottery winnings soon returns to the same financial mess if not worse than the mess they were in before they received the money.
Money only accentuates the cash-flow pattern running in your head. If your pattern is to spend everything you get, an increase in cash will only take you to a deeper financial mess. No wonder millions of educated people pursue their profession successfully but later find themselves struggling financially. They work harder but don’t get ahead. What is obviously missing from their education is not how to make money but how to spend it-what to do with what they earn and how they are able to re-deploy money to work for them.
We can summarily say that the difference between the rich and the poor is the quantity and quality of information at their disposal. It is also a known fact that what you would become in the nearest future is a function of the people you associate yourself with and the type of information you are able to access.
It may also be a rude shock to many Nigerians that the Nigerian Stock Market is still the best in the emerging economies in terms of return. One can easily ask why majority of the people who stay at the “backyard” of this market still grumble; it is simple. Lack of financial aptitude. Someone can say but I don’t earn much, how do I start investing? You can start by forming an investment club with a few of your friends who are like minds or join an existing one so as to stay informed. There is an investment club fully managed by the firm where I work for instance and it encourages people who want to invest with as little as a thousand naira (1000) every month. It is wise to start now, procrastination is by far the deadliest disease in the world. The road to financial freedom can be easier to ply if we make a conscious effort.
Shola Akinyemi is a consultant with BIGPLUS LTD, Lagos.
Email: sholaakinyemi@gmail.com, shola.akinyemi@bigplus-group.com
Websites: www.sholaakinyemi.com, www.bigplus-group.com
People do not spend more than they earn because they love to go broke but they do because they lack information and financial aptitude!
A comprehensive research into the lifestyle, believe system and spending habits of all poor people gave us the same result. It was really shocking to discover that all those who have “lost” the financial battle have a distraught cash-flow system; they all have one source of income at one end of their cash-flow statement and loads of expenditure items at the other end-they spend more than they earn. These set of people are also very hardworking in an effort to get ahead. The flaw in their thinking is that money will solve all problems and they really try to work harder to make more of it! The truth is that more money will not solve the problem; in fact, it may actually accelerate the problem. Money often makes obvious our tragic human flaws; it puts a spotlight on what we do not know. That is why a person who comes into a sudden windfall of cash- let’s say an inheritance, a pay raise or lottery winnings soon returns to the same financial mess if not worse than the mess they were in before they received the money.
Money only accentuates the cash-flow pattern running in your head. If your pattern is to spend everything you get, an increase in cash will only take you to a deeper financial mess. No wonder millions of educated people pursue their profession successfully but later find themselves struggling financially. They work harder but don’t get ahead. What is obviously missing from their education is not how to make money but how to spend it-what to do with what they earn and how they are able to re-deploy money to work for them.
We can summarily say that the difference between the rich and the poor is the quantity and quality of information at their disposal. It is also a known fact that what you would become in the nearest future is a function of the people you associate yourself with and the type of information you are able to access.
It may also be a rude shock to many Nigerians that the Nigerian Stock Market is still the best in the emerging economies in terms of return. One can easily ask why majority of the people who stay at the “backyard” of this market still grumble; it is simple. Lack of financial aptitude. Someone can say but I don’t earn much, how do I start investing? You can start by forming an investment club with a few of your friends who are like minds or join an existing one so as to stay informed. There is an investment club fully managed by the firm where I work for instance and it encourages people who want to invest with as little as a thousand naira (1000) every month. It is wise to start now, procrastination is by far the deadliest disease in the world. The road to financial freedom can be easier to ply if we make a conscious effort.
Shola Akinyemi is a consultant with BIGPLUS LTD, Lagos.
Email: sholaakinyemi@gmail.com, shola.akinyemi@bigplus-group.com
Websites: www.sholaakinyemi.com, www.bigplus-group.com
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