SHiINE motivation: Finding your purpose!

Hello greatness!

I trust you are changing (for the best)? I think you might want to hear this...

"The greatest tragedy in a man's life is not death, but living a life without purpose, a life without utilizing his potentials, a life where he just live the days in his life and not the lives in his days! That's the worst that can befall a man.

Like I pointed in one of my posts (though isn't mine), the two best days in your life is the day you were born and the day you found out your life purpose!

How do you achieve this?

It ain't no big deal greatness! Here are some ways of finding your life mission;

1. All good things cometh from above (heaven), the bible says. Try to meditate the reason Mankind was created. The first is to TILL, CONQUER and SUBDUE the earth, in other words, God has installed in you to do all this. Secondly, meditate on the mission to reconcile men to God as Jesus instructed (Go ye and make disciples of ALL nations).

2. Your hobbies are not your hobbies (I was really happy when I heard this). Trust me, those things you do with little preparation and yet much production check well, they are tools you need to fulfill your life's purpose.

3. We have millions of books, audio and video tapes and seminars springing up daily. You might just see a word that will change your perception about who you are. (Thanks to Understanding your potential by Myles Muroe, RISE national youth forum 2010 @Unical, my Pastor and FECA). Invest in investing in yourself!

4. Look for the best environment, friends and organization that will help you.

Hope this little 'open' secrets will take you to another level greatness? Do have a wonderful day as you keep SHIINE'ing'...I love you!

IMAGINE you have a CHANCE! Now you DO!

Going through Etim Edet Etim's answers - of a questionnaire in our just concluded SHIINE Career development/Entrepreneurship program in Calabar - who wants to be a president (which by the way is not a profession) yet hates government, Economics and Office management; of Miriam who wants to study Medicine and Surgery yet despises Chemistry and Physics, I begin to think. What has our educational system turned to, what is happening to our children whom we term 'leaders of tomorrow?" What becomes of our HOPE for a better Nigeria when those whose eyes reflects those HOPES wanders in absolute ignorance?

Yes absolute ignorance, yes foolishly they drown in the river yet clothed ina swimming suitse. What happened? CAREER DEVELOPMENT I did say has really with the eagles flown far away from our educational system. I begin to wonder, "truly our education molds us to be job seekers and not creators, right?


Every kid has this fragile and innocent mind to make decision of which at most times ignorant of the consequences of those decisions made hence needs a little guide...nope! A BIG guide (which of course is YOU and I!) They require constant inspiration, motivation, direction, encouragement and knowledge to not just belief in themselves, make the right choices but to belief in their talenst too irrespective of how less significant it might look or sound.

But why should I continue in the encouragement sermon when it has become a popular and accepted thinking that our kids should become professionals of whatever careers the parents hoped for? In other words, trail the path of security planned by their parents? Why should I talk about inspiration when we have forgotten our moral and patriotic duty to educate to educate these innocent minds roaming the streets or sitting in the class rooms? Why should you continue reading when the government fail to administer counselors in schools (make it compulsory to have at least two in every schools) or in few cases fails to check on those that have already? LOVE! Love for this nation!! Love for those great minds!!! Love for a better Nigeria!!!!

I can still hear the voice of Shedrach (an ss 1 student), "...our counselor beats us when we take our problems to her..." And I ask again, "Are the counselors meant to flog or guide? Will Shedrach and other students alike be able to confront the counselor with their problems?" Are our students meant to be influenced more by the fake characters they watch on home movies? Or shouldn't it be our duty to spread our experience as O' Level graduates?

Imagine how disastrous it would be if we have a president who doesn't like Government. Who despises Economics and Office management. How will such a President lead us to our Canaan land?

Imagine an actor who hated literature in English. How would he/she feel when he finds out that it's the most important subject in his/her career?

Imagine when a student gains an admission into the medical college only for her joy tobhe short lived because she was ignorant of the vital courses (subjects) she would need to be a medical doctor.

Imagine if I was a microbiologist and left writing this piece to you (oh! You didn't know? Check my profile).

This is our fight to save this young great and unique minds. This is our chance to make impacts. This is our chance to be a blessing. This is our chance to become the change we dream of. This is our chance to a new and better Nigeria.

Join us (SHIINE) as we take on the theme: Career development/Entrepreneurship to the senior students in secondary schools. You can help change a life (short run) and Nigeria (long run) by just sending a BOOK (career developments, vision/passion, success stories or academics), Ideas or something you deem necessary and important. Let's keep SHIINE'ing' because lives (including mine) depend on you!

Contact: +2347038170881
Email 1:Kc.ogbuagu@yahoo.com
Email 2: Shiine.academy@yahoo.com
Blog: Shiineacademy.blogspot.com

Bb pin: 26AA8671

SHIINE study; Day 13; Talent has never been enough by John Maxwell (review)

Teamwork multiplies your talent.

Introduction
The author asserts, "if you want to do something really big, then do it as part of a team". Like he made believe, teamwork not only allows a person to do what he couldn't otherwise do; it also has a compounding effect on all possesses - including talent.

Below are truths about teamwork as explained by the author;

1. Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect;
"It's common sense that people working together can do more than an individual working alone. So why are some people reluctant to engage in teamwork? It can be difficult in the beginning. Teams don't usually come together and develop on their own. They require leadership and cooperation. While that may be more work on the front end, the dividends it pays on the back end are tremendous and well worth the effort" author.

2. Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championship;
Like harold S. Geneen said, "the essence of leadership is the ability to inspire others to work together as a team - to stretch for a common objective". When we are part of a team, the author believes we will perform at the highest level.

3. Teamwork is not about you;
Being in a team isn't about just you or anyone in particular. The author advices that, "one secret of successful teamwork is converting individual ego into team confidence, individual sacrifice and synergy".

Great team creates community;
All effective teams create an environment where relationships grow and teammates become connected to one another...when a team shares a strong sense of community, team members can resolve conflicts without dissolving relationships".

5. Adding value to others adds value to you;
The more we work to add value in the team, we also add value to ourselves. But when we go in for our personal gain, it most times turns into a disaster.

TALENT + TEAMWORK = TALENT-PLUS person

1. Buy in to the law of Significance;
It states, "one is too small a number to achieve greatness". If you buy into an idea, then you will embrace the concept of teamwork.

2. Include a team in your dream;
The greater your vision, the more need there is for a good team. Team work gives you the best opportunity to turn your vision in to reality -author.

3.Develop your team;
If you are a leader, you must make it your goal to develop your teammates or players. It begins with having the right people on the team.

4. Give the credit for success to the team;
The author believes that one of the ways of becoming a talent-plus in the area of teamwork is to give as much of the credit as you can to the people on the team.

To-Do

1. How do you think of your talent? Does it just benefit you or is it an instrument used to benefit others? If you think everything is all about you, you will never be a good team player.
2. How strong is the sense of community on a team of which you are currently a part? Have you started taking up responsibilities?
3. How can you add value to others on you team? Think of three people on your team who you believe have high potential and could benefit from talent, skills or experience you have to offer. Write a plan for each outlining how you will help him/her.
4. For the next two weeks, make a commitment to yourself to take no credit for anything that goes right.

Finally, we made it! Yes we did. Talent has never been a enough, it still isn't. The bible says that our talent maketh way for us. But other factors (like treated in the past few days) helps us stay there. I believe in you and we hope on you. Keep SHIINE'ing'....

SHIINE study; Day 12; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (riew)

Responsibility strengthens your talent.

Introduction;
"Nothing adds 'muscles' to talent" said the author. He describes it as a talent lifter and a stamina increaser. Like he said, "responsibility actually strengthens talent and increases the opportunity for long-term success. Below is how it helps;

1. Responsibility provides the foundation of success.
2. Responsibility, handled correctly, leads to more responsibility.
3. Responsibility maximizes ability and opportunity.
4. Responsibility, over time, builds a solid reputation.

TALENT + RESPONSIBILITY = TALENT-PLUS person

1. Start wherever you are:
Each time you make a responsible decision, you become a more responsible person. Even if your track record hasn't been good up to now, you can change - author. He asserted, "you can't start from anyplace other than where you are".

2. Choose your friend wisely:
A lot has been said about this in the previous chapters.
In all, your friends either becomes your stepping stone or your crushing stone.

3. Stop blaming others:
"If you want to be successful and to maximize your talent as a talent-plus person, you need to stop blaming others...don't make excuses. Don't look for others to blame. Just focus on the present and do your best..."Author.

4. Learn responsibility's major lesson:
Recognize that gaining success means practicing self-discipline.
What you start, finish.
Know when others are depending on you.
Don't expect others to step in for you.

5. Make tough decision and stand by them:
Abraham Lincoln said, "you cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today". Making tough decisions, the author reveals makes us better.

6. Live beyond yourself:
The author believes that living by serving others is living beyond one's self.

The author advice, "if you want to be a magnificent story, then realize that you are its author. Everyday you have the chance to write a new page in that story. I want to encourage you to fill those pages with responsibility to others and yourself. If you do, in the end you will not be disappointed.

To-Do

1. How good are you about taking care of the small stuff? They show how you can handle big ones.
2. Seek help from expertise, mentors, worthy friends when you have trouble with these; practicing self-discipline, following through with something you started, when people are depending on you, stepping forward.
3. What decision haven't you made? Why aren't you taking action? Right now, write down the reasons why you haven't. Are they really worth it? Evaluate and step out, make them and stand by it.

Stay tuned as we bring you the last chapter...take responsibility as I await your greatness. Keep SHIINE'ing'..

SHIINE study: Day 11; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell(review)

Relationship influences your talent

Introduction:
Who do you like being with? The author advices, "surround yourself with people who add to your value and encourage you and your talent will go in a positive direction". Like he said, people can trace the success and failures in their lives to their most significant relationships.

He pointed out that;
Some relationships take from us (when a person makes you feel worse about yourself).

Some relationships add to us (we are energized, inspired and lifted up).

Here are five signs of a solid relationship by the author

1. Where there's mutual enjoyment.
2. Where respect is found.
3,Experience are shared.
4. Trust reigns.
5. Reciprocity (it doesn't rest on just one's shoulder).

TALENT + RELATIONSHIP = TALENT-PLUS person

1. Identify the most important people in your life:
You need to identify then first before you can assess how they are influencing your talent.

2. Assess whether they are influencing you in the right direction:
Ask questions like, what does he thinks of me?, what does he thinks of my future?, how does he or she behave towards me in difficult times?, what does he bring out of me?.

3. If your friends aren't friends, then make new friends:
The author remarked, "if the people close to you are dragging you down, then it may be time to make some changes". When you really think about it, the things that matter most in life are relationships we develop.

Life is too long to spend it with people who pull you in the wrong direction. And it's too short not to invest in others. Your relationships will define you. And they will influence your talent - one way or the other. Choose wisely -author.

To-Do;

1. Make a list of the important people in your life. Next to each name, put a plus sign if the person adds to you and a minus sign if that person takes from you. The list will help you make some changes.
2.Pick the relationships that matters most to you and evaluate it. Know if the it's mutualism or imbalance. Try to balance it.
3. Write a thank you note to a pivotal person in your life, expressing your gratitude and explaining what the person has done for you and what it has meant.

Thanks for being my friend...keep SHIINE'ing'...

SHIINE study: Day 10; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review)

Character protects your talent.

Introduction;
"Many people with talent make it into the limelight, but the ones who have neglected to develop strong character rarely stay there long...because people cannot climb beyond the limitations of their character" author. He believes that character protects our gifts, makes a difference in us, build what's inside us and it prevents us from taking shortcuts to life.

Consequently, he enlisted and explained the components of character which includes;

1. Self-discipline
Quoting Henry Parry liddon, he writes, "what we do on some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self discipline". The author defines self discipline as the ability to do what's right even when you don't feel like doing it.

2. Core values
Our core values are the principles we live by everyday. They define what we believe and how we live. "Core values give order and structure to an individual's life and when that inner life is in order, a person can navigate almost anything the world throws at him" author.

3. A sense of identity:
Firmly, the author asserted, "no matter how hard you try, you cannot consistently behave in a way that is in consistent with how you see yourself". He said in the beginning that when it comes to character, we need to have the answers to the question 'who am I?'".

4. Integrity;
Defining integrity as the alignment of values, thoughts, feelings and actions, he further said,"people who possess the consistency that comes with strong integrity can be very compelling, a person becomes focused and character strengthened.

Below are what character communicates;

1. Character communicates consistency
2. Character communicates choice
3. Character communicates influence
4. Character communicates longevity

TALENT + CHARACTER = TALENT-PLUS person

. Don't give up or give in to adversity:
Like Martin Luther King said, "the true content of a man is not what he does in times of comfort and conveniences but in times of challenges and controversy (paraphrased)". The author believes adversity strengthens character. He advises, "don't give up in the midst of a storm. Don't bait out in the middle of conflict. Wait until the trouble is behind you before assessing whether it's time to change courses or stop. Do that and you may have additional opportunities to develop your talent".

2. Do the right thing:
"Naturally doing the right thing doesn't come to us" said the author. He acknowledges the fact that it's never easy to do the right thing when it will cost us or when nobody will know. But he added, "if you do the right thing and keep doing lit, even if it doesn't help you move ahead with your talent in the short term, it will protect you and serve you well in the long term.

3. Take control of your life:
Blaming other factors like finances environment, people or other circumstances have made people more of victims than victors. "The author states, "it's true that in life, we must face many things outside our control. But know this: while your circumstances are beyond your control, your character is always your choice".

We all have God-given talent; develop yours. You have opportunity before you; pursue it. You have a future that is bright, look forward to it. But above all else, you have the potential to become a person of character follows through with it.

To-Do
1. Now, take the time and identify and write down your core values.
2. Identify your level of discipline. Is it acceptable or not? Remember it's necessary to be achieved and then start.
3. Have you been running from adversity lately or for long? This is time to stand with eyes open to face one. It doesn't kill remember! But it strengthens you character.

Like we always say, keep SHIINE'ing'....

SHIINE study; Day 9; Talent is neve enough by John Maxwell (review)

Teachability expands talent.

Introduction;
It always is difficult for talented people to expand their talent because they think they know it all. The author says as he continues, "teachability is not so much about competence and mental capacity as it is about attitude. It's the desire to listen, learn and apply. The hunger to discover and grow. It is the willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn". The author believes that we will expand it we keep expecting and striving to learn.

Here are some truths about teachability we need to know;

1. Nothing is interesting if you are not interested:
Like learnt in the previous chapters (initiative), you can't push someone who doesn't want to move. The author asserted, "teachable people are interested in discovery, discussion.." They are always interested in anything worthwhile.

2. Successful people view learning differently from those who are unsuccessful:
"Teachable people are always open to. New ideas and are willing to learn from anyone who has something to offer" author

3. Learning is meant to be a lifelong pursuit:
"In ignorance we dwell with the lie that learning is an event maybe a university event, but like the author said, "learning is an activity that is not restricted by age..." It's not restricted to a particular place either.

4. Talented people can be toughest to teach:
As said earlier, because they think they know, it becomes difficult. Here the author advice, "one of the paradox of life is that the things that initially make you successful are rarely the thing that keeps you successful. You have to remain open to the things that keep you successful. You have to remain open to new ideas and be willing to learn new skills.
5. Pride is the number one hindrance to teachability:
While envy is the deadly sin that comes from feeling of inferiority, the deadly sin of pride comes from feeling of superiority. Pride closes our mind to new ideas, it closes our minds to feedback, it prevents us from admitting mistakes, it keeps us from making needed changes.

After listing the problems, the author provides us with solution on how to tackle our pride which are; recognize and admit your pride, express gratitude often, laugh at yourself (it helps).

TALENT + TEACHABILITY = TALENT-PLUS person

1. Learn to listen:
The author advices, "as you go through each day, remember that you can't learn if you are always talking...listen to others, remain humble and you will begin to learn things everyday that will help you to expand your talent".

2. Understand the learning process:
Step 1. Act
Step 2. Look for your mistakes and evaluate.
Step 3. Search for a way to do it better.
Step 4. Go back to step 1.

3. Look for and plan teachable moments:
"If you look for opportunities to learn in every situation, you will become a talent-plus person and expand your talent to it's potential, but you can also take another step beyond that by actively seeking out and planning teachable moments, by reading books, visiting inspiring places, attending events that will prompt you to pursue change, listening to lessons and spending time with people who will stretch you and expose you to new experience.

4. Make your teachable moments count:
Because we tend to learn events instead of process, the author suggest that we adapt this method below;
T : indicate you need to spend sometime thinking on that point.
C : indicate something you need to change.
(: A smiley face means you are doing something particularly well.
S : means you need to share that information with information with someone else.

5. Ask yourself, am I really teachably?
You need to soften your attitude and learn humility and remember the words of John Wooden, "everything we know we learn from someone else".

To-Do
1. How would you describe your attitude towards teachability?
2. Start practicing active listening. Ask others for their advice.
3. Seek out, plan and schedule teachable moments for the next year; half year, month week or day.
4. Try and stop two things you don't need, start two you need and keep doing two things you need.

Keep SHIINE'ing'

SHIINE study; Day 7 Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review)

Perseverance sustain talent

Introduction
No matter how talent people are, there is no success without perseverance. The author defines perseverance as finishing what it is you started no matter the odds. Like he asserted, "perseverance is not an issue of talent. It is not an usual of time. It is about finishing".

If you desire to become a talent-plus person, the author advice, "you need to understand somethings about perseverance which is as follows"

1. Perseverance means succeeding because you are determined to, not destined to;
"The greatest achievers don't sit back and wait for success because they think they deserve it. They keep moving and persevering because they are determined to achieve it" author

2. Perseverance recognizes life is not a long race, but many short ones in succession;
The author thinks that, life is a long series of short races, one after another. Each task has its own challenges. Each day is its own event...".

3. Perseverance is needed to release most of life's reward;
Quoting Thomas Edison, the author writes "many of lifes failure are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up". He advices that it is the last step in the race that counts the most, that is where the winners is determined.

4. Perseverance draws sweetness out of adversity;
The author believes that, "giving up when adversity threatens can make a person bitter, persevering through adversity makes one better".

5. Perseverance has a compounding effect on life;
Everyday that we do the right things even when they are stressful, we invest in ourself. It takes relentless perseverance.

6. Perseverance means stopping not because you are tired, but because the task is done;
"If you think about it, perseverance doesn't really come into play until you are tired...only when you are tired do you need perseverance".

4. Perseverance doesn't demand more than we have but all that we have;
The author asserts, "perseverance is an investment, it demands a lot but all it demands are within you!"

Five enemies of perseverance:

Making it clear that perseverance begins with the right attitude, the author remarked, "the desire to perseverance are alone will enough to keep most people going when they are tired or discouraged. Perseverance is a trait that can be cultivated".
1. A lifestyle of giving up.
2. A wrong belief that life should be easy.
3. A wrong belief that success is a destination.
4. A lack of resiliency
5. A lack of vision.

TALENT + PERSEVERANCE = TALENT-PLUS person.

PURPOSE: find one;
If you want to maximize your talent as a talent-plus person, the author advises, "find your purpose". That is the only way you will be able to persevere.

EXCUSES: eliminate them;
In previous chapters, the author asserted, "it's easier for someone to go from failure to success than from excuses to success". If you want to maximize and sustain your talent, don't allow yourself to offer excuses when you don't perform at the best of your ability.

3. Stamina: develop some;
The author believes that all people who achieve and maintain success possess stamina".

To-Do
1. What is your purpose? Find one now!
2. How often do you give excuses? Start now to resist from it intentionally till it becomes a habit.
3. What is your attitude towards life's challenge? Stamina comes from expecting life to be difficult.
4. Create some think time, think what you are willing to give to realize your potential and maximize.

Keep SHIINE'ing'..

SHIINE study: Day6; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review).

Practice sharpens your talent.

Introduction;
Successful people pay their dues and do all that is expected of them plus a little bit more. The author believes that they value practice and develop the discipline to do it. He asserts, "you play at the level at which you practice. Consistently good practice leads to consistently good play".

He went on to explain three things we need to know about practice which I have listed below;

1. Practice enables development;
Standing firm, the author believes that practice is how we grow and develop. He further said that people refine old skills and acquire new ones through practice. Like he advised, "if you desire to improve and develop, then you must practice".

2. Practice leads to discovery;
Obviously, practicing doesn't just sharpens our talent, it helps us discover how far we can go, how wide and efficient our talent can be.

3. Practice demands discipline;
The author like I, believes that habits are developed during practice. "Developing discipline begins with a struggle but once the choice is made and practice becomes a habit, becoming a talent-plus person becomes achievable.

Here are the five pillars of practice as stated and explained by the author;

1. An excellent teacher or coach;
"People who perform at their peak practice effectively and they practice effectively under the leadership of a great teacher...he (teacher) understands his student and knows how to direct them".

2. Your best effort;
Andrew Carnegie declared, "there is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves...". The author discovered, "people don't improve and reach their potential without putting effort".

3. A clear purpose;
Having a clear purpose or direction not only ease your practice, it makes it worthwhile. When you have a purpose of practice and give your best, the author believes you will feel best about yourself.

4. The greatest potential;
"If you don't tap into your talent, it waste away" author. He says that one way you can get the best from yourself is to set high standards for your greatest potential.

5. The right resources;
"Resources are nothing more than tools you need to accomplish your purpose. Every human endeavor requires resources as such kind to practice well, you need to be properly equipped" author.

TALENT + PRACTICE = TALENT-PLUS person;
There is one secret to successful practice that will help you sharpen your talent and I believe it elevates top achievers above everyone else. It's 'a little extra'"- author

1. A little extra effort;
Believing a little extra effort always gives a person an edge, he puts it that, "all accomplishments begins with the willingness to try...the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary is the EXTRA".

2. A little extra time;
Successful people practice harder and practice longer than unsuccessful people do. The author warns that, "giving a little extra time requires more than just perseverance, it requires patience".

3. A little extra help;
No one is an island. Likewise, no one can live with the help of other people. Like the author said boldly and firmly, "anybody who succeeds at anything does so with the help of others".

4. A little extra change;
Rightly, the author asserted, "to sharpen your talent through practice, you need to do more than just be open to change. You need to pursue change - you need to do it a little bit more than other achievers".

In all, he warns that if you don't strive for excellence, then you are soon settling for acceptable which leads to mediocrity and nobody pays for mediocre. Like he said, "to become a talent-plus person, you have to keep practicing with excellence.

To-Do

1. Incorporate the five pillars of practice.
2. Know your level of practice, it helps you to move your practice routine to another level too.
3. How disciplined are you when it comes to practice? Try working on it intentionally.
4. Reinvent your practice, add more routines that will help sharpen your talent more.
5. In all the four areas, try a little more.

As you practice more, always know that i and other great Nigerians depend on you. Keep SHIINE'ing'....

SHIINE study; Day 5; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review)

Preparation position your talent.

Introduction;
Like I often hear, "between you and you goal is a bridge called preparation". The author believes that what happens when you don't prepare is that things you hoped won't happen do happen and they occur with greater frequency than you hope would happen.
Listing and explaining why people fail to prepare, the author asserted, "talent plus preparation often leads to success. Talent minus preparation often leads to disaster". Here are why...

1. They fail to see the value of preparation before action.
"Preparation is a major key to achieving any kind of success. It alone can position your talent to achieve its potential. Quoting co authors, he writes, "lack of preparation is the primary reason for business failure today..."

2. They fail to appreciate the value of discipline.
With the popular definition, the author defines as, "doing what you really don't want to do so that you can do what you really want to do". He believes that even when it becomes frustrating i.e if it (preparation) takes longer than anticipated, we are meant to endure and follow through.

Below are the preparation principles by the author;
1. Preparation allows you to tap into your talent;
With his trip journey, he explains how preparing for the trip helped him harness his writing talent. Like he said, "when am prepared, my talent is positioned for maximum effect".

2. Preparation is a process, not an event;
Warning us all, the author said, "...if daily learning and preparation ever stops, so will our productivity". He believes that anything having to do with people is process-oriented.

3. Preparation precedes opportunity;
In the words of Oprah Winfrey, he wrote " luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity". If you want to take advantage of opportunity, then you must always be prepared. Like Abraham Lincoln knew when he said, "I will prepare and someday, my chance will come".

4. Preparation for tomorrow begins with the right use of today;
"Preparation doesn't begin with what you do, it begins with what you believe. If you believe your success tomorrow depends on what you do today, then you will treat today differently...if you are preparing today, chances are you will be repairing tomorrow" author.

5. Preparation requires continually good perspective;
Having a good perspective doesn't just help to prepare, it motivates to prepare. It prompts you to prepare.

6. Good preparation leads to action;
"No plan is worth the paper it's printed on unless it starts you going" William Dranforth. The author ask, "what value has preparation if it never leads to action?"
Additionally, the author explains, "preparation is not mastery of facts. It does not mean knowing all the answers. It doesn't necessarily mean achieving consensus, it means putting yourself I a position to succeed".

TALENT + PREPARATION = TALENT PLUS person

1. Assessment - am I evaluating correctly?
"Good preparation always begins with assessment. If you don't evaluate correctly where you need to go and what it will take to get there, then you are likely to get into trouble". The author believes that, where you need to go, how far your goal is, conditions to meet your goals, what it will take you to get there are very important in assessing.

2. Alignment - am I lined up correctly?
James Dodson said, "what is the use of climbing the ladder of success only to find out it has been leaning on the wrong building?" The author advise that we need to find someone better than us to help us prepare.

6. Attitude - am I visualizing correctly?
As you are preparing, the author says, "you are preparing your minds too". You have to believe in yourself and what you are doing. You have to be able to see yourself doing it with your mind's eye. If you can't imagine it, you probably will not be able to achieve it - author.

To-Do

1. What process are you currently assessing yourself with? Has it be working?

2. Find a mentor to help check your current alignment.

3. Try using trainer and consultant Dru Scott Beder's 'Grab 15' principle. Try setting fifteen minutes and prepare everyday for that you dream about. With time, you add more minutes!

Keep SHIINE'ing'....I believe in you and in your greatness!

SHIINE study: Day 4; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review)

Focus directs talents

Introduction
Naturally, focus doesn't come to us says the author, yet it's essential for anyone who wants to make the most of his talent. Like he puts it, "having talent without focus is like being an octopus on a roller skates". In all, he says, "talent with focus directs you and has the potential to take you forward".

Below are some facts you need to know about focus by the author;

1. Focus does not come naturally to most people:
Because we live in an environment with a lot of choices and opportunities, pulled to different direction, the author suggest that what will help solve the predicament is focus.

2. Focus increases your energy;
"If you desire to achieve something, you first need to know what your target is...if you lack focus, you will be all over the place...like attempting nothing, will suck the life out of you...and whatever momentum you have going for you will be diminished.
3. Focus lifts you;
The author quotes David Star Jordan, "the world stands aside to let anyone pass who knows when he or she is going". Having a direction according to the author is what makes you stand out.

4. Focus expands your life:
Focusing your attention on a particular thing (idea, work) helps expands more than when little attention is giving to it. Like Mile Kendrick asserted, "what you focus on expands".

5. Focus must be intentionally sustained;
Like focus is not natural, we need to constantly sustain it. Of course, it takes a lot of effort, but the payoff is significant. Only people capable of remaining focused can expand.

TALENT + FOCUS = TALENT PLUS person

1. Be intentional - make every action count;
Have you asked yourself what you really want to do? And have you determined that you will pursue it against the odds, despite the obstacles, and regardless of the circumstances? "People who are undecided about what they want to do or where they want to go cannot tap into their strength at will or their talent" author.

2. Challenge your excuses;
The author advise that even when our excuses are genuine, letting them to get us off the track is not the solution.

3. Don't let yesterday hijack your attention;
Focusing on yesterday can never result in a better tomorrow. "Too many people yearn for the past and get struck in it instead, they should learn from the past and let go of it".

3. Focus on the present;
Like the author advises against focusing on yesterday, he also suggest that focusing on tomorrow isn't the right thing to do either. He advise, "your focus needs to remain in the area where you have some control - today!"

4. Stay focus on results;
"Anytime you concentrate on the difficulty of the work at hand instead of its results or rewards, you are likely to become discouraged".

6. Develop and follow your priorities.

7. Focus on you strength, not your weakness.

8. Delay rewards until the job is done!

To-Do

1. In what area has lack of focus tapped your energy? Try and find out why.

2. Where have you been putting your focus?

3. From the lists of your talents, try focusing on the ones you have more strength in.

Consider making reward anything(car, book, trip etc) you like.

Hope today's church service was awesome...continue SHIINE'ing'....

SHIINE study: Day 3; Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review)

initiative activates talent!

Introduction:
Where are you today? What have you done yet with your talent? Like the popular saying, every journey begins with the first step, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. The author advises that Talent-plus people don't wait for everything to be perfect to move forward, they understand that momentum is their friend. They take initiative.

Below are reason the author thinks we should take initiative.
1. Initiatives is the first step to anywhere you want to go.
2. Initiatives closes the door to fear.
3. Initiatives opens the door to opportunity
Initiatives ease life's difficulties
5. Initiatives is often the difference between success and failure.

Furthermore, he listed and explained reason why not everyone takes initiatives which are;

1. People who lack initiative fail to see the consequences of inaction:
The author believes that whatever we neglect or procrastinate about will end up catching up with us. We he said, those who never take initiative often end up doing nothing.

2. People who lack initiative want someone else to motivate them:
"Successful people don't need a light fuse to motivate them. Their motivation comes from within" author. The author insist that if you want to get ahead, you need to light your own fire.

3. People who lack initiative look for the perfect time to act;
Acknowledging the importance of timing, the author still advises that it's also worthwhile to endeavor in life's risk. Saying that, "for many people, the tragedy isn't that life ends too soon, it's that they wait too long to begin it.

4. People who lack initiative like tomorrow better than today stating clearly that it's not wise to be waiting on tomorrow while the moment is left unchecked, he quoted Simmy Lyons that, "tomorrow is the only day in the year that appeals to a lazy man" he warns, "the idea of tomorrow often hold false promises".

TALENT + INITIATIVE = TALENT-PLUS initiative.

Here are suggestion by the author to help you as you strive to become a talent-plus person in this area.

1. Accept responsibilities of your life:
Starting with the words of the greek philosopher Socrates, the author writes, "to move the world we must first move ourselves". Not denying the fact that responsibilities and initiatives are inseparable, he warns that even when we are faced with all obstacles that we need to show initiative anyway.

2. Examine your reason for not initiating:
What made you quit? Was that the right thing at that moment? In Mencius words, the author writes, "if your deeds are unsuccessful, seek the reason in yourself. When your own person is correct, the whole world will turn to you".

If your reason are excuses (blaming someone or something), you really need to eliminate them. Once done, you can turn your attention to the reasons and how to overcome them.

3. Focus on the benefit of completing the task:
When your eyes is constantly on the glory, you will be willing to pass through the story. Like the author said, "focus on what you will get out of it(task) if you get it done, this will help you jump the hump".

4. Share your goals with a friend who will help you.
"Like we discuss about fire-lifters in the previous chapter, the author suggest that you talk to someone(who of course is a fire-lighter). Accepting the fact that it can be risky, but again said those risks are worth taking. Fire-lighters will help you take initiatives.

5. Break large task down to smaller ones:
Divide it by categories, prioritize it by importance, order it by sequence, assign it by ability and accomplish it by team work.

6. Allocate specific time to tasks you procrastinate:
Scheduling a specific time for something you don't like doing, the author believes will help overcome the difficulty of not starting that thing.

7. Remember preparation includes doing:
In all, the writer stated in Micheal E. Angier words, "ideas are worthless. Intentions have no power. Plans are nothing...unless they are followed with action. Do it now".

To-Do
1. List the reason why you don't display greater initiative. Mark each entry with E(excuse) or R(reason). Try and eliminate E!
2. What causes you to procrastinate?
3. Think about something you strongly desire to do but are currently afraid of.
4. What are you currently neglecting that is preventing your talent from becoming activated? Try using the no 5 of Talent-plus steps!

Remember, you are my HOPE. Trust me, I trust that you are great...start today, tomorrow might be late. Keep SHIINE'ing'...

SHIINE study; Day 2 Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (Book review)

Introduction
"What carries people to the TOP? What makes them take risks, go extra miles and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals? It isn't talent. It's PASSION. Passion is more important than a plan. Passion creates fire" Author

Hitting the nail hard, the author in a few sentences with questions defines the importance of passion in ones' life. Like he said, "they (passionate people) keep going and make most of whatever talent they possess...with their limited talent, they can outcome a passive person who possess greater talent because they act with boundless enthusiasm...they keep going".

He stated and enlighten on what passion can really do they include;

1. Passion is the first step to achievement
Revealing the truth, the author says that it's difficult to achieve when you don't have the desire to do so. When you don't like what you are doing, it really shows no matter how hard you try to pretend it doesn't.

2. Passion increases willpower
Popular saying suggest that where there is a will, there is always a way. According to the author, what we accomplish in life is base less on what we want and more on how much we want it.

3. Passion produces energy
Strongly, the author believes this like he puts it, "when you have passion, you become energized. You don't have to produce perseverance; it's naturally present is you".

4. Passion is the foundation for excellence
"Passion can transform someone from average to excellent". Author

5. Passion is the key to success
With passion especially is human case, the author believes impossible is evictable. He believes that the ones who wins aren't the most talent ones but the ones whose passion speaks with their talents.

6. Passion makes a person contagious
Quoting Eleanor Doan, the author writes, "you can't kindle a fire in any other heart until it's burning within your own". Paraphrasing, the author says that it's passion that inspires people.

TALENT + PASSION = TALENT-PLUS person

1. Prioritize your life according to your passion.
"People who have passion but lacks prioritizes are like individuals who find themselves in a lonely log cabin deep in the woods on a cold snowy night and then light a bunch of small candles and place them all around the room. They don't create enough light to help them seen nor do they produce enough heat to keep them warm...but people who have passion with priorities are like those who stack the wood, light the fire and enjoy the light and heat that it produces" author

The author predicts that priotizing our life can be risky, it requires a major realignment in our works and private life but then he asked, "which is preferably, to live with the pain of risk or the pain of regret"?

2. Protect your passion
The author advises that since there is a tendency for a light to go out, so also is our passion hence we always need to feed it and protect it. In this view, he mentioned the two kind of people; the FIRE-FIGHTERS who are out to destroy your passion and the FIRE-LIGHTERS, they will help you keep your fire hot.

Books, tapes and environments can too become fire-fighters or fire-lighters but it's always our choice but remember we are the product of those choice.

3. Pursue your passion with everything you 've got
Like Rudy Ruettiger observed, "if you really really, believe in your dream, you 'll get there. But you have to have passion and total commitment to makes it happen. When you have passion and commitment, you don't need a complex plan. Your plan is your life is your dream".

The author believe that your passion has the potential to provide you energy far beyond the limitations of your talent. In the end, you will be remembered for your passion. It is what will energize your talent. It's what will empower you to make your mark.

To-Do
1. Make a list of fire-fighters and stop every relationship.
2. Think about key fire-fighters in your life, both past and present and make time to spend time with the present ones.
3. Spend some time identifying the top priorities in your life.
4. Compare the no 3 with your talent from chapter 1 align them.
5. Aim to become a fire-lighters.

Stay tuned for more. Keep SHIINE'ing' friend....

SHIINE study; Day 1 Talent is never enough by John Maxwell (review)

Day 1: Belief lifts your TALENT!

Introduction;
Like strongly believed, every human has talent, thanks to the author who answers a popular question about success, "the first and greatest obstacle to success for most people is their belief in themselves". He declared that when people believe in themselves, they unleash power in themselves and resources around them that almost immediately take them to a higher level.

With an inspiring story (usually his way of writing), he stated the beliefs worth buying into as they would help you become your best which includes;

1. Believe in your potential:
The author believes that to reach our potential, we must first believe in that potential and determine to live way beyond average. Writing in Charles Schwab words, "when a man puts a limit on what he will do, he has put a limit on what he can do". "Your potential is really up to you. It doesn't matter what others think, where you come from or what you might have believed. It's about what lies within you and whether you can bring it out".

2. Belief in yourself:
Believing in potentials is one thing, believing that you are capable of utilizing those potent is another. In the words of the author, "people who believe in themselves gets better jobs and perform better in them than those who don't". Only with belief in ourselves will we be able to reach our potentials.

3. Belief in your mission:
Often I have heard that a purposeless life is a hopeless life. How true is it. What we are doing with our lives especially when it affects people positively at some point is all that matters. Like stated, belief in mission empowers, encourage and enlarges us. He said, "if you keep believing, you will someday find yourself doing what you once considered impossible".

TALENT + BELIEF = TALENT-PLUS Person

1. Belief determines expectation
The author like I do, believes that one becomes on the outside what he believes on the inside. Like he predicted, "in the long run, a belief is more than an idea that a person possess. It's the idea that possess a person...". He believes that failure is inevitable but trying again and again usually presents the expected.

2. Expectation determines action
Clearly the author cited the two kinds of people; those who want to get things done and those who don't want to make mistakes. He trust that the only way to meet and overcome any challenge is to expect to, to making ourselves bigger than the obstacle.

3. Action determines results
"If you want to perform good action, you must have positive expectations. To have a positive expectation, you have to first belief".

Believing brings result in the long run and that's what makes a talent-plus person.

To-Do
1. Write a short description of yourself as you are today.
2. What are your top five talents?
3. List the three activities you are most passionate about.
4. Think about what opportunities may be presenting themselves to you.
5. Take some time to consider what picture emerged based on talent, interest and opportunities.
6. What you just wrote is a description of who you could be.

Now BELIEF.....and keep SHIINE'ing'. Happy new month

SHIINE study; law 18 of the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership

Law of Sacrifice

INTRODUCTION:
"...But the reality is that leadership requires sacrifice. A leader must give up to go up".

REVIEW:
"Why does an individual step forward to lead other people? For every person, the answer is different. A few is to survive. Some do it to make money. Many desire to build a business or organisation. Others do it because they want to change the world...". With these words, the author started, making emphasis on the last category of leaders who he thinks sacrifice more as he used Martin Luther King Jnr as a perfect example.

He warned about the mis-perception of most people towards leadership when he reveals that, "the life of a leader can look glamorous to people on the outside but the reality is that leadership requires sacrifice".

Furthermore, he came up with four truths we need to know especially if we desire to make sacrifices as a leader which are;
1. There is no success without sacrifice.
2. Leaders are often asked to give up more than others.
3. You must keep giving up.
4. The higher your level of leadership, the greater the sacrifice.

He finalised the law of sacrifice with the story of Condelezza Rice (once U.S secretary of states) who constantly gave up to go up. The author says this about her, "She has been consistently willing to give up to go up and I have no doubt that she will make whatever sacrifices are necessary to take the next step. That's what happens when a leader understands and lives by the law of sacrifice".

LESSONS:
1. The desire and will to make sacrifice is the first step.
2. Leaders who think leadership as a destination soon stops sacrificing and stops gaining higher ground.
3. Read 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell...Law 18.

Let's keep SHIINE'ing'....

SHIINE study; law 17 of the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership

Law of priorities

INTRODUCTION:
"There are many things that will catch my eyes, but there are only a few that will catch my heart" (Tim Redmond)...Leaders understand that activity is not necessary accomplishment.

REVIEW:
Clearly, the author made his point that leaders never advance to points where they no longer prioritise regardless of the environment or situation stating three reasons that can trigger the act of not prioritising which are;
"When we are busy, we naturally believe we are achieving, secondly, it requires a leader to think ahead, to know what's important and thirdly, it causes discomfort.

He explained with the three 'Rs' how one can prioritise and it's stated below. The author believes that to be effective, leaders must order their lives according to these three 'R' questions;
1. What is Required? By his explanation, our responsibilities to people we are accountable to is of utmost importance. Asking yourselves questions like "what must be done that only you can do" is very important in prioritising.
2. What gives the greatest Return? He advised that focusing and developing those areas in our life that give the greatest output including giving much time to things that gives much return should be practised by leaders.
3. What brings the greatest Reward? Here the author gives an illustration with himself. He reveals that love for the things he does energies him and keep him passionate - that is the greatest reward for him.

In a nutshell, the author puts it, "successful leaders live according to the law of priority. They recognise that activity is not necessary accomplishment. But the best leaders seem to be able to get the law os priorities to work for them by satisfying multiple priorities with each activity..."

LESSONS:
1. Taking a stand to start prioritising your life activities is the first step.
2. Write out answers to the three R questions and carve out occasionally, specific times to revisit priorities for the area.
3. Read 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by J.C Maxwell...Law 17.

It's time to SHIINE friend...

SHIINE study; Law 16 of the 21 Irrefutable laws of leadership

Law of the Big Mo..

INTRODUCTION
"When you 've got great momentum, you don't want anything to get in its way...momentum is a leader's best friend".

REVIEW:
"Why is momentum a leader's best friend? Many times momentum is the only thing that makes the difference between losing and wining" (the author).

Illustrating with the story of Pixar and Disney, he showed how momentum can make a great positive effect on a leader and the organisation. According to him, losing momentum could be very dangerous as he revealed, "when you have no momentum, even the simplest tasks seem impossible".

He gave out some things about momentum that we need to know and they are;
1. Momentum is the greatest exaggerator.
2. Momentum makes leaders look better than they are.
3. Momentum helps followers perform better than they are.
4. Momentum is easier to steer than to start.
5. Momentum is the most powerful change agent.
6. Momentum is the leader's responsibility.
7. Momentum begins inside the leader.

Supporting my thoughts, he said, "it takes a leader to create momentum". And once created, will be valued by the leader and at that moment, almost anything can be done. That's the power of Big Mo.

LESSONS:
1. Momentum starts within.
2. To motivate the organisation, you have to remove every negative elements.
3. Read 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership by J.C Maxwell...Law 16.

SHIINE friends...

SHIINE study; Law 15 of the 21 Irrefutable laws of leadership.

Law of Victory

INTRODUCTION
"Leaders find a way for the team to win".

REVIEW:
Asking questions like, "What separates the leaders who achieve victory from those who suffers defeat?" "What does it take to make a team win?" The author answered, "It's hard to identify the quality that separates winners from losers. Every leadership situation is different...But I think that victorious leaders have one thing in common; they share an unwillingness to accept defeat".

Having said this, the author believes that the most incredible time for a leader to bring out the best in him (and the worst) is in crisis explaining in details with the story of Winston Churchill.

According to him(the author), there are uncertainties that must be made certain in other for the team to win which he termed 'component of victory'. They are;
UNITY OF VISION.
DIVERSITY OF SKILLS.
LEADERS DEDICATION TO VICTORY AND RAISING PLAYERS TO THEIR POTENTIAL.

He said the best leaders feel compelled to rise to a challenge and do everything in their power to achieve victory and pointed out the views of certain situation by victorious leaders which are;
Leadership is responsible.
Losing is unacceptable.
Passion is unquenchable.
Creativity is essential.
Quitting is unthinkable.
Commitment is unimaginable.
Victory is inevitable.

Concluding, he warned that our level of expectation and how dedicated we are to winning as leaders may determine whether we will succeed or fail and whether our team wins or losses.

LESSONS:
1. Taking responsibility of the team as a leader is the first step to winning with the team.
2. List down the skills necessary to achieve your goals and bring in the right people into the team.
3. Read 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell...Law 15.

Together, let's SHIINE!!!

SHIINE Motivation

What are your goals this week? What are your plans to reach this goals? Many a time, what it takes to lay a great plan is through the knowledge acquired.

Having said this, what do you wish to feed your mind this week friend? Our mind is our engine! What we read, what we see(watch), what we hear(listen) plays an important role in setting those plans.

The greatest discovery of all time is that we can become anything by just changing how we think! But what do your mind(engine) process(think about)?

It's what you give to it. It's what you take in.

This week, I see you living out those fragment of your BIG dreams. I see you taking up responsibilities - you know why? God has made you a conqurer!

Strive to control what you give to your brain. Read educating books, listen to educating tapes, chat with people that brings out the best in you....

....And continue SHIINE'ing'! Have a blessed week....

SHIINE study; Learning never ends!

It downed on him that it wasn’t a dream. He was being kicked out of the building. His well ironed suit, with his starched pink shirt and a tie to march his black shoe made C.K(as he is popularly known) all the girls dream guy. He was tall, ebony and little muscular in nature, almost like the NBA stars just that he wasn’t the sport guy. Oh Yes! C.K wasn’t the type that flirted or partied either. Rumor has it that he had an agreement with the god of intelligent, but it’s just people and their talk. It was simply principles that made C.K what he was until today.

What really happened to C.K” asked this gorgeous lady who I know has had this crush for me. Recovering from the shock that C.K has been sacked from work; I still didn’t know what to say to this lady beside me still asking what has happened to my best friend and colleague. I mean, C.K wasn’t just my best friend or the best employee in ‘REACH THE ZENITH CONSULTING FIRM’; I was a secret student under his mentorship although without his knowledge. He was my mentor!

“What happened, talk to me”, pleaded Ada. “Okay, okay”, I answered trying to ease her from her own curiosity. “C.K has been sacked”! “What? Why? When? How? By who?” was her quick response. “Which do I answer first, calm down” I was beginning to wonder if she was also one of C.K’s secret students.

No doubt, C.K was very intelligent, but he was too absorbed in what he has learnt already that he forgot that there are a lot to learn. He frequently missed seminars and trainings organized by the company. He would always say to me, “o boi! Wey tin I go learn wey I never sabi?”, in my simplicity, I will just smile.

C.K though he knew everything, that he never wanted more, he never humbled himself before knowledge to be mentored or tutored. He was contended with the knowledge he had already, with his old knowledge.

“Ada, he was sacked by the new management who couldn’t stand him any longer for the reason you know already, through an email and a typed letter (hard copy) this morning in this office” I answered still checking if I have omitted anything. I then added, “If this can befall C.K, then we are not a problem. Knowledge is power and I will always yearn to develop mine. I will learn, unlearn and relearn on frequent basis. Hope you will too”? “Of course I will, let me go and summit those files before I will be next on line”! She replied as she walked to her desk……..

SHIINE study; Regret!

I didn’t know it would end up like this-my life torn apart like a piece of rag. Like a bottle smashed into pieces. Is this what they have been fighting for, I mean my parent- oh! Such wonderful people they are. I could remember how they were so caring, they were the best parent in the world- hey, that was some years back and I never adhere to any of their advice, I was such a fool, yes a big one at that. How did I know it would end up like this, of course, if I had known, it wouldn’t have been so…so stupid, but what is the point in knowing the future when you have today to build, to decide? My life has brought me so much grieve, so much pain that I just want to kill myself. Oh! The dreams, the big house, the cash, all are gone. God, God! Are you really there? Are you watching from the throne of yours the believers preached about? But why would you care when I didn’t seek you?

Was I a prodigal son? No! he was even better, at least, he had a father to apologize to but I, I killed mine indirectly- my father, a man whose legacies would live on forever, how I wish you were beside me in this times I need your counsel the most, if you can hear me father, I am so sorry for all the pain, I know you deserved better, forgive me. I know you must be thinking of my mother, the poor old woman, what can she do? Twenty years ago, she was the woman her contemporaries would dream to be, she was not only beautiful but was also very rich but now, calling her a shadow of herself is an understatement because of what I did to her. I heard she is not hitherto a mad woman. Oh! My family, what a pain I am disguised as a son. What have I done?

My story is a long and sad one, but I will try as much as possible to make it short. What I can’t do is to reverse it; it will always be a sad one and believe me, it will. I have tried to forget it, but it seems impossible, I have tried to put an end to my life but I couldn’t. What haven’t I done? God! What anguish have I brought upon myself? Oh! How I cry as I write this, believe me, you wouldn’t want this life of mine even on a platter of gold, this life of regret.

I was born in to a wealthy family and the only child. I could imagine the joy of my parent after I was delivered- at last, God has answered their prayer. They never knew that I was a devil in disguise that I would become their worst nightmare but they didn’t care. They were glad I was there, a bouncing baby boy-a gift to look upon. I know they would have been looking forward to the future – especially my father, “now I have a heir to my wealth”, he must have murmured. 15 years after that memorable day, it has begun- my true self- I became the talk of the neighbors, of the teachers at school. I was the don. With the connections of my parent, I saw myself in the university against my will- now I know they meant good, they wanted me to see my mates who were doing something positive with their lives- but that was the most wonderful thing they had done for me. I met them, yes I met my friends, I met the people who ruined not only their lives but mine also. We were the campus dons, we were the unseen who were very much seen. We became notorious people on campus,

Of course, words reached home of what I was, my parents were embarrassed, they tried, they tried all they can but what can they do, am the only one who can set myself free, I am the only one that can use my powers, I am the only one who can decide my future not them, yes I remember hearing the preachers telling me about self-motivation. But they just wanted to help. They just wanted to invest, to counsel me, they just wanted to do their holy duty as parents but I never allowed them, I didn’t give them a chance even with all the love them gave me. Oh! What have I done?

I can’t… I can’t run away from this pain, I have lavished the gain, I have spent it now, I suffer the debt I owe to this life. Hmmm yes life, you are so not forgiving in nature, you take as you give… what am I doing? Putting the blame on something I know doesn’t matter, we take what we want from life. Life is what we make out of it, it is actually, a servant to you and I. Believe me, I speak out of experience, I have gone through that part. Where was I in my miserable story… am I this stupid? Who would answer this question whereas I write alone in this remote place?

I could remember how we graduated, we were afraid of our lives, looking around like those living in a war zone during the war. We were looking around as if a bullet will hit us, we were insecure. What was the matter? There was a war going on between us and our main rival, it was a dreadful day - some of my ‘brothers’ lost their lives. Today, I ask again, God why didn’t You take my life, at least I wouldn’t be suffering like this? But as my neighbor will always say, “the counsel of thy lord will always stand”.

He had a better idea! He wanted me to write to you, to share my burden with you, to explain what not paying life’s price could cause in the future. To tell you how important having a dream, focus, determination and discipline could also do in someone’s’ life. I was saved on that dreadful day to carry my pain alone…wait a minute! I was saved that day to carry yours too; yes my experience can save you from making a similar mistake.

I am hungry and my eyes are weak. I can’t lift my body any longer and my hands are begriming to get heavier…I am dying! My eyes are growing weaker as I write and I barely see what iii write. Please don’t…don’t end up like I did and do wellllll….do well to advice oth……………………..

SHIINE inspiration: Mountain-moving Questions

Do you know...?

That with God all things are possible?
That you can’t do anything about the length of your life but you can do something about the depth and width?
That you are the success this generation has been waiting for?
That the fullness of God in man is through Christ?
That the lessons learnt during a process is more important than the goal?
That when you learn from your defeat, you have not really lost?
That when one door closes, a better one opens?
That you are not meant to be poor?
That success is a limit?
That success is not by luck or by chance but a result of principles and success steps?
That you can do more than you have always done?
That I love, respect and believe in you?

Have you noticed...?

That when you are doing something great, obstacles pops up?
That great men are people who live for others?
That it is easier to destroy than to build?
That pride brings you up to let you fall?
That once you set your mind to achieve something, you usually accomplish it?
That is doesn’t matter how long but how well?
That only fools and dead men don’t change their minds; fools won’t and dead men can’t?
That the world acknowledges only those that have something to offer?
That connections can disappoint but what you have within is always at your service?
That what people say or do shows who really they are?
That there is nothing that is not in the bible?
That procrastination, indecision, past thinking and lack of vision are the canker worm that has eaten deep in the minds of the youths?

Why don’t you…?

Come closer to God whose joy strengthens you , who has impacted in you greatness and has given you the authority to subdue, conquer and till the earth?
Look deep into yourself and see that you are more than a cheese; that you are an image of God?
Come closer to God’s only begotten son; Jesus who has made you a light to the world, a salt to nations and also promised you the Holy Spirit who will be a comforter?
Start believing that ‘I CAN’T’ is dead and buried and is survived by ‘I CAN’, ‘I WILL’ and ‘I SHALL’?
See the fact that you are what the world has been waiting for and that some persons greatness is attached to yours?
Change your old unproductive ways and turn on a new live that is worth emulating?

Come to think of it…?

You can do better than you have always done?
Poverty kills, but hard work doesn’t?
Since Christ lives in you, you can do all things because He strengthens you?
There is no better person to execute that plan of God except you?
God can’t work except through a man. Can’t that man be you!

Conclusion
You can do anything because; greater is HIM that lives in you than he that is in the world. God believes that you are a success only that you have to acknowledge this truth. Keep SHIINE’ing’!!!

SHIINE discovery: No work! why it is synonymous with Nigerian graduate

Not long was I out of a long discussion which I will term one of the best arguments I have done in a while was I inspired to write about the rate of unemployment which has turned to be the excuses of most Nigerian graduates. My friends weren’t surprised how I stood firm that the graduates are to be blamed mostly; because they think it was my behavior (being a choleric can do a lot of arguments) of course they were wrong. It wasn’t my temperament; it was a burden I had always wanted to lift off!

Writing this doesn’t make me ignorant of the poor education system and poor employment structures (if any) created by the government due to corruption that seems will take ages to be clipped out. But it makes me think more about what the graduates our so-called higher institutions produce yearly or bi-annually can actually do for my beloved country other than grumbling about how they have become job seekers for years.

Ask a street nuisances and he will shout immediately, “work no dey ooh!”, turn to an apprentice and you will get the same response in a better way “no work ooh!”. Look up to a graduate (with even better results) and you will hear him/her say the exact word spoken by someone who has never gone to school but in a more sophisticated way, “been searching thoroughly yet no work”. Due to this painful truth, I decided to discuss on some of the reasons why “no work” has become a cliché in our country.

Dreamless.
Though generally we agree that our educational system was design to serve, to become good employees, good managers and never an entrepreneur, most graduates still don’t mind being servants as long as their bills are paid. Of course we should keep the cultures of our society living by becoming doctors, lawyers, et cetera but check this out, if you had the dream to become the best doctor, the be the first discovery in Nigeria or to be the best of what you are doing now or studied in school, you will have your hand occupied than following in the chorus “no work”.

Dependent.
A great American President who recognized the importance of being independence said, “Ask not what your country will do for you but ask what you can do for your country”. What have you made up your mind to do for your country? If you have an answer to this question, believe me, you wouldn’t have time to look for job.

Ignorant
A wise man revealed, “If you think knowledge is expensive, try ignorance”. The book of Hosea said it all, “my people perish because of lack of knowledge”. What has ignorance cost you? Most Nigerian graduates are really ignorant of how great they are or what great accomplishment they can do. In everyman lies a powerful self and the earlier we are aware of that personality and start developing them, the earlier we start focusing our mind to creating jobs than endlessly looking for one.

Fear
Do you know what will make a man who is able and if trained, capable to create millions of job to end up as the best manager of the year? Do you know what will make a graduates to live the opportunity of becoming the richest student while on campus? Fear! It has killed many jobs and talents than it has saved. Until most Nigerian students start taking calculated risks and not thinking about secured jobs with insurance, the rate of ‘no jobs’ carriers will drastically reduce.

Lazy
Amidst “no jobs”, Nigerian students (not even graduates) including school drop-outs and those who had no opportunity of going to school are very busy creating jobs. Look around, search around, ask around and you will see an opportunity that can pay your bills than sitting around waiting for government which isn’t at their maximum effectiveness to create a job for you.

There are a lot of reasons why we are so dependent on being employed than to be creative, to be innovative and to be original. “No work” has really become a general word in Nigeria and has to some extent lost its meaning. But we can change the course of our destiny. We can change the direction of our life. Will you end up as “no work” or “no time for all this work”? Then become you (a creator)!

I respect, love and believe in you! Keep SHIINE’ing’…Nigeria will be blessed at the brightness of your dawn!!!

SHIINE inspiration; The Men in You and 'I'.

Do you have this two voices that comes up when you want to make a decision? Then read... One says you can The other says you can't I say you can do all you dream of Because truly, you can! The better says you are the best The worse calls you the worst I say you are the best of the best Because truly, you are! The powerful admires the real strength in you The weak says with you there is hope for him I say I have never seen any strength like yours Because truly, I haven't The optimist says there is always a way for you The pessimist says, surely this is the end I say nothing is bigger than you Because truly, there isn't! The good says you can be a better you The bad says there is pleasure in being worse I say I know you live to inspire others Because truly, I believe... We sat waiting for you to decide Because no one can make a choice for you But I just want you to know That every choice you make builds or destroys you!

SHIINE: SHIINE Biz: Nuggets from Success Carriers (part 1)...

SHIINE: SHIINE Biz: Nuggets from Success Carriers (part 1)...: How would you feel when the boy next door whose parent couldn't afford his education twenty years ago employs you because you made a good...

Book review: Law 15 of the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Law of Victory

INTRODUCTION
"Leaders find a way for the team to win".

REVIEW:
Asking questions like, "What separates the leaders who achieve victory from those who suffers defeat?" "What does it take to make a team win?" The author answered, "It's hard to identify the quality that separates winners from losers. Every leadership situation is different...But I think that victorious leaders have one thing in common; they share an unwillingness to accept defeat".

Having said this, the author believes that the most incredible time for a leader to bring out the best in him (and the worst) is in crisis explaining in details with the story of Winston Churchill.

According to him(the author), there are uncertainties that must be made certain in other for the team to win which he termed 'component of victory'. They are;
UNITY OF VISION.
DIVERSITY OF SKILLS.
LEADERS DEDICATION TO VICTORY AND RAISING PLAYERS TO THEIR POTENTIAL.

He said the best leaders feel compelled to rise to a challenge and do everything in their power to achieve victory and pointed out the views of certain situation by victorious leaders which are;
Leadership is responsible.
Losing is unacceptable.
Passion is unquenchable.
Creativity is essential.
Quitting is unthinkable.
Commitment is unimaginable.
Victory is inevitable.

Concluding, he warned that our level of expectation and how dedicated we are to winning as leaders may determine whether we will succeed or fail and whether our team wins or losses.

LESSONS:
1. Taking responsibility of the team as a leader is the first step to winning with the team.
2. List down the skills necessary to achieve your goals and bring in the right people into the team.
3. Read 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell...Law 15.

Together, let's SHIINE!!!

SHIINE quote for the week!

The best way to start dreaming is by dreaming! 
Likewise the best and proven way to realize those dreams is by getting up and realizing those dreams! SHIINE!

SHIINE edutainment: GLO ATMOSPHERE of LAFFTA....Calabar!

It's the February Edition!

LAFF HOUZE/STORY BOARD CONCEPT brings again on Calabar soil another 'mind blowing', 'teeth shining', 'laughing jackass' ATMOSPHERE of LAFFTA with last prophet  and Friends!!!


Date: February 26th
Venue: 520 Kolanut Conference and Event. Center Calabar.
Time: 7pm

Tickets sold @ 1000k before the date and 1500 on the day of event. Why waste time???

...Want to forget your troubles...then come LAUGH it out!!!

For more inquiries
Contact Last Prophet
07030572601, 07056520665
BB pin: 314EA6DB
Web: www.lastprophet.tv

SHIINE Biz: Nuggets from Success Carriers (part 1)

 How would you feel when the boy next door whose parent couldn't afford his education twenty years ago employs you because you made a good result? Yes! The world kinda plays game at times. Of course we expect to be better, brighter and richer because we passed through a formal education, alas! History has proved us wrong as most of the richest entrepreneurs the world has ever know were either dropouts or they never had the opportunity.

Disclaimer: I will never advice that you quit school unless formal education isn't helpful to you any longer. Know your dream and everything it takes to achieve them and get to work!

I decided to 'call' on some of these rich people to give us what they know about each factors that leads to success. Read and enjoy!

1. DREAM/THINK

"I intend to be the richest man in the world" Howard Hughes
"If you can dream it, you can do it" Walt Disney
"Thinking is the hardest work to do, that's why so few people are engaged in it" Henry Ford

2. BELIEVE

"You don't have to be superhuman to do what you believe in" Debbi Fields
"All my life, people have said that I wasn't going to make it" Ted Turner

3. KNOWLEDGE

"The first year, I didn't have much capital so I did everything myself. I had to keep my overhead low by learning everything about running a business from accounting to fixing the gears of my equipment. I really started from the scratch" Li Ka Shing

4. HUNGER/FOCUS

"A good businessman must have nose for business the same way a journalist have nose for news. Once your eyes, ears, nose, heart and brain are trained on business, you sniff business opportunities everywhere" Orji Uzor Kalu
"I had to give it a full go and see what happened" Micheal Dell

5. GET TO WORK

"I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don't sit down and want opportunities to come, get up and make them" Madam C.J Walker

6. RISK

"To win big you sometimes have to take big risks" Bill Gate

7. COMMITMENT

"If I make a commitment to something I will stick to it no matter what" Jenny Craig

8. PERSISTENCY

"Many of life's failure are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up" Thomas Edison

9. AIM HIGHER ALWAYS

"Good is not enough; you have got to be great" Simon Cowell.

10. NO EXCUSE

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone...it is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure" Mary Kay Ash

These success nuggets can really go a long way of shaping your way to greatness. Though I believe to be yourself is a really nice and right thing to do, but learning from the experience of people who have made an irrefutable impact in the world is a be great thing to do. Don't fail your future!!!

Conclusion: I will in subsequent time post the second part revealing the views of success secrets by rich successful graduates.

Keep SHIINE'ing'....

SHIINE inspiration; If John could...you can! part 2

2 days later (after the incident)

We were enjoying a bottle of whiskey in a bar (something we usually do on weekends). We were fet to talk about what happened - though we both knew sooner than later the topic will be brought up. So I decided to start up;
"What happened?" I asked.
John looked at me and gulped down one shot of the drink.
"The truth man, is that most times I iiii don't know if I can do this..."
"Do what?" I intrude still thinking when my friend became a stammerer.
"Do what am doing now - being a project man or even becoming a manager, I seriously don't know" he concluded.
I sat patiently watching my friend as he was drinking more. This was the same John who would want to take on all the projects when we were on campus. This was the same John that wanted nothing than a project manager...

Present...

What happened that night ended well for both John and I (I did like to keep it between us). But same has gotten hold of some of us, to our friends too - low self esteem. At a point, like John, we tend to believe we are no longer capable of doing what we knew we could do before. But I stand to tell you that this belief is not true and has never been true!

If you have been ridiculed or you have been trying and yet no success even when you used to succeed, now is not the time to quit (no time is). The stories of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Edison and a lot more proves that failure isn't failure until you approves it, until you stop trying.

Like I told John, "you can because truthfully, you can!" No one can do it better than you. Whatever it is, never lose that inward strength because every other strength (motivation) are tiny matters compared to it.

I believe in the person you are and in the one you want to become. So IF YOU COULD TURN AROUND, YOU CAN!...keep SHIINE'ing'...

Oops! I need you to know there are a lot of John around us, we need to make them belief in themselves too...

SHIINE inspiration; If John could...you Can! (part 1)

If John had know what was at stake, perhaps it would have affected the outcome of 'that day'. Maybe the result would have been different - better! All he needed was a little motivation from himself - I hear they call it inner-motivation or self inspiration - whichever it was, that was all John needed. He would have done better and he knew it.

I choose to write this even though John refused (I must have had your greatness at heart to defile a friends request!) I think it will do a greater good to educate you with John's ugly experience.

Flash back...4 days ago!

I was watching this foot ball match with John at the company's canteen (drinking a bottle of beer). John's team was already down with two. Just before the half time whistle, John received a call to come up. Believe me, I wouldn't have gone with him if it was my favorite team playing so I accompanied him and in a jiffy, we were on the thirteenth floor (thanks to science).

Waiting in the boardroom was the director of our company, a regional manager and bunch of others department managers. But something was odd! George was there. Yes! George and he was no manager! Everybody hated this guy. He always wanted to be in charge. "This guy is a pin in the butt", john murmured.

I was already giving John a head sign and he smiled. We both knew John was expecting a promotion to become a manager. In fact everybody knew about it and he had already started receiving congratulatory messages.

But the worst had happened! George has been promoted! "What about John?" I yelled (I was a regional manager so had a little power to show around). And here was what shook me.

"John has never lead a project"! Shouted my fellow regional manager. "He only brings up idea but that's not the only thing leaders do" he tried to explain. It then dawn on me that John had never lead a project...(To be continued).

SHIINE quote of the week!

In every way, you CAN!
By all means, you CAN!
In all places, you CAN!
With all the people ever, you CAN...

SHIINE believes you CAN...

SHIINE inspiration: 'it's a WIN-WIN!

In 1885, a young man used every penny he had to travel to Highland, Kansas for his college education @ Highladn college to be rejected because he was black.

For a few years, he tried to establish a homestead. In 1890, he again attempted to enroll in school and was accepted.

He went into arts (though he had a knack for growing things) and excelled greatly...in 1893, he won his first art prize in a world competition and his peoms published in newspapers.

But he left art for agriculture even when he loved art! What would have made him do such a thing when he was already very comfortable (especially as a black)?

George Washington Carver found more success with agriculture for producing more products from pea nuts and helping many poor black farmers...

Simply put, he found more fulfilment and success by thinking beyond himself...all he wanted was to impart people (positively)...

You can change a live today...you can IMPART lives this week...you can change the world with just living your life ONCE for others!!!

SHIINE people!!!