THANK - FULL

Someone once asked me, "SMO, is it necessary to be thankful always?" Perhaps most of you would respond with emphatic Yes. And I will add that thankfulness is a key to survival. Are you saying "Why?" Most of us believe that being a graduate or affluent, we have probably already solved the necessary problems of survival, gone beyond that and are now working to achieve our desires. But let me give you this key phrase, “Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” I believe one of the greatest and perhaps one of the simplest lessons we can learn in life is to be thankful for what we have already received and accomplished.

Years and experiences have brought us thus far, but it is thankfulness that opened windows of opportunities, of blessings, of unique experiences to flow our ways. Believe me, I am a testimony to that.

Don't end this week without thanking one or more people that have made your life worthwhile.

Beyond The Economy

Economic disaster begins with a philosophy of doing less and wanting more. If you want to amend your mistakes, you must begin by amending your philosophy. Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out. Only human beings can reorder their lives any day they choose by refining their philosophy. The key factor that will determine your financial future is not the economy; the key factor is your philosophy.

Don't borrow someone else's plan. Develop your own philosophy and it will lead you to unique places. If you learn to set a good sail, the wind that blows will always take you to the dreams you want, the income you want, and the treasures of mind, purse, and soul you want.

The Buy-in: Leadership

People consciously or unconsciously always ask, "why should I follow you?" Leaders must understand that they themselves go on display before they ever get the chance to display their vision. In other words, people peruse and scrutinise your person and personality before they can buy-in into your dreams. Once followers gain confidence in the leaders, they'll feel confident about the vision.

Seven qualities that attract people to a leader are:
1. Calling
2. Insight
3. Charisma
4. Talent
5. Ability
6. Communication skills and
7. Character

Take stock...do your plus or minus. And ask, "do I possess all, some or any of the qualities mentioned above.

Easy to NEGLECT

People often ask me how I manage to write and post inspirational tips consistently in the past three years on this forum while many people could not. The answer is simple: The things I found to be easy to do, they found to be easy not to do. I found it easy to set the goals that could change my life. They found it easy not to. I found it easy to read the books that could affect my thinking and my ideas. They found that easy not to. I found it easy to attend the classes and the seminars, and to get around other successful people. They said it probably really wouldn't matter. If I had to sum it up, I would say what I found to be easy to do, they found to be easy not to do. Since several years back, I've made up my mind to adopt tenets of contentment while some are still blaming the economy, the government, and company policies, yet they neglected to do the basic, easy things.

In fact, the primary reason most people are not doing as well as they could and should, can be summed up in a single word: NEGLECT.

Thank God for a new day, week...start building your own Rome now.

Leadership vs Opportunism

"My Oga at The Top" a fast selling comical brand in Nigeria since Mr Shem Obafaiye, Lagos Commandant of NSCDC goofed on Channels Television on Tuesday 5th March 2013. A lot of people including myself, have all had fun laughing over it. But let's take a cursory look at the cause and effect of it all.

Art of leadership is a serious business. Some prepare for it while others do not. This is a signal to all especially opportunists that people are listening, watching and taking note of every action of peopl in position of authority. Even when mantle of leadership fall on your lap unexpectantly, you should not hesitate to learn in quest for continuous improvement.

Mind you, with the advent of the Internet, there is a rise in the volume of people who know what they are not used to know. In other words, no hiding place for ill-prepared leaders.

Since you've made up your mind to lead while others follow, be prepared!

Life

It is so important to be living in prime time, rather than watching TV in prime time. On your way to success make certain you grow friendships, not just bank and mutual fund accounts. Life is a collection of memories, not of material things. The Egyptian pharaohs were buried with all their treasures, and were mummified in hopes that they could enjoy their bounty in the next life. But we are only caretakers of possessions. There is a big difference between standard of living and quality of life. Standard of living is based on income earned. Quality of life is the enjoyment of the millions of minutes in between accomplishments. Having money is only one aspect of wealth. To the sick person, wealth is health. To the lonely person, wealth is someone to talk to and share with. To the estranged person, wealth is hearing words of love and forgiveness.

Become a Man of Value

The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become. That is why I wish to pay fair price for every value. If I have to pay for it or earn it, that makes something of me. If I get it for free, that makes nothing of me.

All values must be won by contest, and after they have been won, they must be defended. Don't sell out your virtue and your value for something you think you want. Judas got the money, but he threw it all away and hung himself because he was so unhappy with himself.

Values were meant to be costly. If it doesn't cost much, we probably wouldn't appreciate the value. Count the cost first. Don't pay too big a price for pursuing minor values.