The burning wish or desire to be able to invest in any good business of your choice or to do anything you desire with money without having to face financial constraints is called financial freedom.

There is no doubt that everyone who is pregnant with a big vision wishes to have funds readily available to achieve his or her set goals.

Countries all over the world venture into capital projects, business owners source for funds to expand their businesses, individuals also source for funds to start small-scale businesses, while some persons dream of investing in real estate or acquiring landed property, etc.

Financial freedom does not occur by only wishing it, unless you have an inheritance from a rich Dad or Mum otherwise you will have to work it out. Remember, “If wishes were to be Horses, beggars would ride.”

Continue reading as I share my detailed guide on how to increase cash flow and enjoy financial freedom.

Meaning of financial freedom

Financial freedom can be described as having enough cash at hand or in the bank to afford any kind of lifestyle one wants for oneself. It can also be called financial security which refers to a state in which someone has plenty of cash to meet one’s basic needs such as clothing, shelter, healthcare, travel, and still be able to save for future projects without restraints.

The truth is that some people have dreams or visions and the possibility of pulling through depends largely on the availability of funds.

The availability of cash is answerable to the principles of financial freedom. These principles are no respecter of any race, they favor no particular kind of people and have absolutely nothing to do with religious beliefs as they are ONLY answerable to anyone who applies them.

Before we go into all of that, it is important we look at the importance of financial freedom.

Importance of financial freedom

• Financial freedom keeps one away from debt or borrowing.
• It helps you to pay yourself first.
• It fuels business expansion.
• Financial freedom pays attention to the future.
• Provision for self and family.
• Financial freedom reduces stress and depression.
• It makes investment possible.
• Explore the world through travels.
• And also provides protection.

So, having looked at the importance of financial freedom, we will now go into our discussion proper by sharing the principles of financial freedom.

The principles of financial freedom

1. Imbibe the savings culture

One major problem many people are facing today is the inability to save for rainy days. It is quite pitiable that some don’t save for the future, they are of the belief that tomorrow will take care of itself and before you understand what is happening to you, old age or retirement is around the corner.

A savings habit means to have oneself disciplined towards saving money regularly for future investment. Whether you have a project in mind or not, it is very important you save a little of your earnings for you never know what tomorrow holds.

Tips to help you cultivate savings habit

• Have a set target or goal.
• Start that savings NOW.
• Spend less than you earn.
• Concentrate on your needs, wants can come later.
• Don’t be in a spending competition with anyone.
• Don’t buy things that you don’t really need.

2. Have multiple streams of income

In order to increase your cash flow and enjoy financial security, investing in multiple businesses is one sure way to experience financial stability. In this way, you have your two eyes closed and your money will run errands for you.

Multiple streams of income imply that you have income from several sources you have invested your hard-earned money into.

As the world is advancing technologically, Robots are been created that do most jobs humans do and these Robots are faster and achieve more in the shortest possible time. As a result of this invention, many have been laid off from their duties. But, when you have multiple streams of income, you will always have something to fall back on if you fall victim to retrenchment.

Increase your financial security by creating more side hustles for yourself. You can invest in real estate or any profitable business venture with good ROI.

3. Control your spending habit

One of the basic principles that guarantee financial freedom is one’s ability to limit unnecessary spending. And so many factors could be responsible and they are ;

• Lack of plan

To control your spending habits, you must have a target that you want to reach. This vision will automatically checkmate your spending habits especially if you are planning to own a company in the future.

• Avoid temptation

Some persons fall prey to any little thing they see at the market even when that item is not needed at that moment.

To avoid this buying temptation, always make a list of what you need in order of their “Importance” in your scale of preference as recommended by Economists.

• In-ability to separate NEEDS from WANTS

This is where so many people get it wrong. The day you separate your needs from your wants, you will stop spending carelessly and grow your cash flow.

A need refers to something one needs to survive such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.

While want is something people desire to have. Examples, expensive cars, designer clothing, classy shoes – simply put, luxury.

4. Secure insurance cover

It is wise to get insurance coverage for your life, business, and property in case of any eventuality. If you are not ready to lose what you have labored to gather over the years within a twinkling of an eye, seek this protection today.

Insurance refers to a contract in which an individual/company PAYS a premium to an insurance firm in exchange for financial protection or reimbursement of losses resulting from a covered event.

There are different insurance policies available depending on the type of business that you are doing.

Conclusion

Remember that financial freedom answers to many principles, but this paper covers just four out of many. The principles apply both to the high and low classes. For the former, you need these basic principles to sustain what you have and for the latter, the financial principles serve as a guide to achieving your goals and aspirations.

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Sometimes when you attend a public function, that voice reminds you that you should be mindful of what you do in this place because these people here are NOT your CLASS. It goes further to explain to you the class of people in attendance, the type of luxurious cars they came in, and how gorgeous they are dressed, then, your heart begins to pound and wishing the occasion will just empty its contents in 10 minutes so that everyone will disperse. If this is how you feel or think, you have low self-esteem and this article is definitely for you.

People with this kind of mental problem find it hard to take the first step. They never move until someone gives them a push and that is what this article is set to do.

I had a friend who was qualified for a certain job position in a company but refused to apply for it.

Reason – He doesn’t think the position is meant for someone like him.

Wow!

I told him point blank that there is no difference between him and those people already in the company and I also cited other instances that made him realize his self-worth. His life changed after he took certain steps. In this article, I’ll be sharing those simple steps he applied to overcome low self-esteem, but before we get to that, let’s understand what low self-esteem is all about.

Meaning Of Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can be referred to as how one thinks about oneself. The way you think or feel about yourself could be high or low depending on your mentality.

It is a state of taking oneself for granted or underrating oneself. A state of not believing in oneself no matter how good one is. A state of scoring oneself low in everything. A state of allowing others to take credit for what one has done. A state of being afraid to lead people.

Causes Of Low Self-Esteem

• Harsh criticism from authority figures such as employers, senior colleagues, parents, or teachers.
• Racial discrimination
• Physical disability
• Serious health challenge
• Poverty
• Religion belief
• Economic status
• Academic qualifications

How To Overcome Low Self-Esteem: 5 Simple Steps

1. Self-Value

One of the ways to overcome low self-esteem is by dealing with self-condemnation and being conscious of self-value. This involves a whole lot of mental work. Research shows that most of the things that happen around us are first processed in our minds. Low self-esteem is a psychological problem.

To deal with it, one has to start from the root cause which is the mind. The power of the mind should not be underestimated because what goes through our minds influences our actions.

To conquer this common enemy of the mind, the mindset needs to be worked on by changing the things we process in it and the way we believe in what we do. We should think positively of ourselves, and value the things we do say irrespective of people’s different opinions.

2. Boost your Self-Confidence

• To overcome low self-esteem, one needs to build his/her self-confidence. One of the best ways to boost confidence is to believe in oneself and not allow people’s opinions about one to lower one’s morale.
• Attending motivational seminars and reading other people’s success stories can also boost one’s self-confidence.
• Making friends can also help to boost self-confidence. It is observed that most introverts are likely to experience low self-esteem.
• It is also important to make your voice heard when you are in a public gathering no matter how weird you think your opinion may sound.
• Focus on the things you are good at.
• Failure is not a death sentence.
• Love yourself.
• Believe in yourself.
• Don’t entertain fear.
• Don’t keep to yourself always.
• Learn to say positive things about yourself.
• Think positive.
• Socialize
• Don’t avoid public gatherings.

3. Seek professional advice

Low self-esteem is a mental or psychological problem that can cause stress or depression if not checked. If someone is struggling with childhood trauma for instance, there is the possibility that the person did not get a tap on the back when he did something that required commendation or is often criticized by his/her teacher for not understanding a particular subject.

Some parents are good at comparing their children with others especially when it has to do with achievements or they perform poorly at school. These are the root causes of low self-esteem. At this very stage, the help of a professional is required.

Also read:

• What are the Biggest Enemies of Succes and How to Conquer Them
• How to Make That Vision a Reality
• How to Build a Sellable Personality

4. Let the past pass

Another way to handle low self-esteem is by allowing the past to go behind so that the future can come forward. This can be achieved through forgiveness and laying to rest every wrong done to you in the past. The past builds a wall of limitations around your goals and aspirations, then, moving forward becomes a problem.

You may have heard someone say, “Forget that young man, he’s not good at anything.” Don’t be deterred by that, see it as a wake-up call to sit up. We should have control of our minds so it does not harbor things that are capable of destroying our self-confidence. If people’s opinions cannot boost your self-esteem, don’t allow your mind to nurture it.

5. Be proud of yourself

It is not pride to think highly of oneself. If you have low self-esteem, one important way to overcome it is to be happy with yourself. This can only happen when you remember that you are as important as the richest man on planet Earth. Fill your thoughts with beautiful things. For example, research shows that a male human produces on average, about 100 million sperms… these sperms move by wriggling their tails.  They “struggle” to fertilize JUST ONE egg. Any sperm that succeeds to enter the cytoplasm of the Ovum fertilizes the egg that forms the baby while the others die after a while. This was your first victory in life. You have to wake up with this consciousness every moment of your life and it makes you feel important. No human should make you less important by their negative impression of you. You did not fall from the sky, you were given birth to by a woman. And every man on earth got a purpose.

Conclusion

The effects of low self-esteem can cause long-term damage in the life of a person ranging from inability to accomplish set targets, decision making, associating with people, stress, anxiety, depression, etc. It is expected, therefore, that this material will help to overcome low self-esteem through the five steps outlined and discussed above. Finally, work on your mind and have control over it.

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Addiction as we know is a dangerous habit people cultivate over time. It starts by cultivating a certain habit and with time, it becomes a person’s part of existence. The chances of returning from this journey are minimal as many end up in rehabilitation centers and not all regain their sanity.

Meaning of addiction

Addiction is a condition in which a person is consistently indulging in a habit that can adversely affect their behavior but is unable to stop. This could be by way of using a substance or simply engaging in a certain type of lifestyle.

Individuals who are addicted to substances indulge in a manner for which the rewarding negative effects do provide a compelling incentive to continuously repeat the act not minding the recurring bad effects or circumstances.

As stated earlier, addiction does involve the use of dangerous substances that are harmful and detrimental to one’s health. Such substances may include; nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, etc.

One dangerous thing about addiction is that individuals who are addicted mostly are aware of the implications, but the ability to stop is what they lack even when they are willing to drop such a habit.

It is worthy of note that people suffering from addiction can also recover from it through improved physical and psychological means. However, others need special assistance to conquer this self-inflicted experience and it is through clinical-based recovery – rehabilitation.

Types of Addiction

1. Behavioral addiction: This involves the act of compulsive behavior, for example, gambling, sex, internet, shopping, video game, etc.
2. Chemical addiction: This involves the use of substances, for example, alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, opioids, and depressants.

If you are suffering from any form of addiction but seeking a way out, this material will be of help. So keep reading.

Dangers of addiction

• It can lead to loss of memory
• Causes cancer
• Damages kidney
• Leads to death
• An increase in anxiety is not avoidable
• Tranquilizers can cause damage to one’s veins and arteries
• Addictive persons are prone to depression

Signs of Addiction

If someone you know starts showing any of the underlisted signs or behavior, then you must consider taking stringent measures to stop them before it gets drastic;

• Change in personality and behavior
• Continuous taking of drugs not needed for health problems.
• Change and tremor
• Slurred speech
• Unusual need for money
• Lack of concern for personal hygiene
• Bloodshoot eyes
• Carefree attitude
• Unusual sleep pattern (Sleep too little or too much)
• Loss of interest in what they normally love doing

How To Avoid and Control Addiction

1. Avoid peer pressure

One of the ways to avoid and control addiction is by keeping a healthy friendship, “Evil communication corrupts good manners.”  Try as much as possible to keep away from a peer group that pressures you to take un-healthy substances like Tramadol or Nicotine. When you surround yourself with people who are addicted, you will get initiated sooner or later.

Choosing your friends wisely can help to get you out of this trouble.

Also read:

• How to Avoid and Control Depression
• How to be a Good Public Speaker
• What are the Biggest Enemies of Success and How to Conquer Them

2. Try to manage depression

People who are suffering from depression easily fall prey to hard drugs and substances to forget their agony. Depression is a serious mental disorder that negatively affects how an individual reasons and sees the world around him. Loss of loved one, job, racial or social discrimination can lead to depression and change someone’s world-view.

For example, if someone losses a loved one, the person if not monitored can fall into depression, then resorts to taking alcohol or illicit drugs as a way of escape from trauma.

It is believed that everyone is a victim of depression, but the ability to manage it can go a long way in keeping you from addiction of any kind.

Another helpful tip is to have big dreams and aspirations. This beautiful future in sight will make you keep away from anything that will not allow you to realize set goals and visions.

3. Observe environmental influence

If the environment that you live in is infested with people who are addicted to dangerous substances and you don’t want to be part of it, relocate.

Environment can also affect a person’s life either positively or negatively. Charles Darwin in his work called The Origin of Species, says that two factors necessitate human behavior and these are nurture and nature. In other words, heredity and environment. Heredity represents those traits one is born with, such as the shape of the nose, complexion, height, behavior, etc while environment has to do with outside influence and this comes from social groups such as classmates, colleagues, age groups, etc.

Study your environment, if it will influence you negatively, change same for the sake of your mental health.

4. Outline the consequences of addiction

If you can do yourself the favor, list the consequences of hard drugs and get them committed to your heart as you remember them on daily basis. The fear of tarnishing your image or your family’s reputation will keep you out of hard substances.

The problem with addiction is that from the beginning people don’t know the consequences until they are fully drowned. The effects are known after lots of damage has been done and at this point, the victim will not see any reason to quit because he has been psychologically affected.

The earlier you know the consequences of drug abuse, the better for you.

5. Share it with someone

One effective way of controlling addiction is by letting someone know what you are battling with. It is believed that a problem shared is half solved. Don’t be afraid of stigmatization or criticism from anyone, your aim is to seek a solution to your problem.

6. Avoid what lures you  into addiction

If you are addicted to masturbation, for instance, it is advisable you avoid pornographic sites or anything that triggers your urge for sex.

The same goes for other hard substances such as Nicotine and Cocaine. Try as much as possible to avoid anything capable of reminding you of your past life. Even if it has to do with friends who are addicted to any substance whatsoever, avoid and replace them with those who can help you to stay away from addiction.

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Whenever a matter like this is mentioned, some persons try to exonerate themselves by thinking that sacrificial giving is a duty for the wealthy alone. No, it is not true. Everyone is called to give.

We must note that the act of giving is a personal thing. It should not be done under pressure or compulsion. It is purely a thing of the heart based on self-conviction. Sacrificial giving has to be made unconditionally without any expectation from the giver.

John Bunyan says, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

That is why it is called sacrifice, you offer it and turn your back.

Imagine helping a beggar on the streets. What possibly can he or she give you in return for the assistance you provided or can you expect anything from this helpless fellow?

Remember, we don’t really need to trouble our hearts with whom to give. There are reports or statistics every day on the Internet, in Newspapers, etc that point the direction people need assistance all over the world. Just look around, you will see a hungry or homeless person or a child who is out of school, orphanage homes, etc.

Researchers tell us that this simple act of kindness to the needy is capable of giving the donor profound mental health. When you concentrate on putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged through charitable donations, community service, and volunteerism, this free service to humanity, research says eases STRESS and can control DEPRESSION.

Everyone can give. Not only the wealthy.

So, this article will focus on sacrificial giving and its benefits – what we stand to gain because there is a reward for everything under the heavens whether good or bad. If we don’t receive it directly, our children will. I have had cases where people say,

“Because of what your father did for me when he was alive, I will help you.” But if your father did him wrong when he was alive, you definitely will get no help from the person.

What is Sacrificial Giving?

Giving beyond your means. Simple!

However, it is that gift that costs you something. It is a gift that has VALUE and LOVE attached to it.

Mother Teresa says, “Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.”

Sacrificial giving is beyond the normal prophetic seed or church offerings but, the kind that is so dear to you. In fact when I give my church offering I expect something in return – God’s favor, but, you cannot give arm and expect from the receiver because he/she does not have. Sacrificial giving is powered by love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” – John  3:16.
Believe me, it must have pained Him because He gave His ONLY but, He was happy that it was done.

Ben Carson asserts, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” 

Sacrificial giving comes with pain.

Follow me to the book of 1Kings 17:10 – 13, “So he (Elijah) arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel that I may drink.” “And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” “And she said, as the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, ONLY a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son that we may eat it and die.”

A hopeless situation.

Just put yourself in the position of that poor widow. Someone who should be provided for because she had no husband and with a son to feed. Their only hope that moment was that ONE plate of food. But, she sacrificially gave it away in order to save a life.

“We make a living by what we have, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winson Churchill.

Also read: How o Make that Vision a Reality: 4 Ways to Actualize your Vision

Facts About Sacrificial Giving

• It is borne out of love.
• It is made on the altar of self-conviction.
• It involves something that is difficult to let go.
• It is a sacrifice that is made with no strings attached.
• It is a sacrifice that cannot be repaid by the receiver.

Benefits of Sacrificial Giving

1. Sacrificial giving is therapeutic

If it is in you to give, you will not find it difficult even when you have little. What actually prevents people from giving is the mentality that what they have is not enough, but a giving heart believes there is always something to give. It most not always be money. You can give your talent, time, idea, etc.

There is this relief that comes to your mind when you help someone in need to come out of his/her present challenge. This relief is called inner peace and it is medicinal to mental health.

For instance, if someone is suffering depression, perhaps contemplating suicide as often the case, venturing into philanthropic activity such as volunteerism can actually help to control stress and depressed mind. What volunteerism does is that it helps to refocus your mind, then little or no attention is paid to that problem that confronts you as an individual.

2. It Triggers Favor From God and Man

Sacrificial giving in Christendom is a spiritual sowing of seed. At the right time, you will reap what you sow. “Do not be deceived for God is not mocked, for whatever a person sows, the same shall he reap also.” – Galatians 6:7

When you are generous to people around you, God will cause men to be generous to you also.

You cannot lack that which you give out.

If you are the kind of person who pays no attention to the wailing of the needy, I think this might scare you as it does to me.

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be heard.” – Proverbs 21:13

It is the same measure you give to others that will be used for you. “Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

So, giving to the needy is not a waste of resources, because he who sows sacrificially will also be rewarded by the Lord.

Just remember the Law of seed and harvest time.

Sacrificial giving comes with blessings from God and man.

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You have heard people or friends say to you that in the next five to ten years, they will become this and that or achieve so many things – sometimes they are specific. But later in life when you eventually see these friends, the only noticeable change around them is age – no achievement. The dreams and visions they once shared with you are no longer in their agenda.

You may have come across an article like this before, remember there is always room to update your reservoir of knowledge for “Knowledge” they say ” is power.” Read this article to the end as I guarantee you new ideas that can give your dreams and visions a positive direction.

Come with me

This piece of writing will dwell on four ways on how to make your vision a reality. This list is in-exhaustible.

What is Vision?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Vision as; a: something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy. Especially: a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation. b: a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination. c: a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial. In other words, a vision conveys a revelation, though immaterial but so real that we can feel it in the supernatural.

How To Make That Vision A Reality

1. The Direction Of Your Mind

So much has been said about our minds and how they determine what happens around us as humans. What becomes of a person, whether good or bad is determined by the mind. Jesse Duplantis says, “Thought determines a person, inflames action, awakens feelings and commands attention.” So, if that vision or dream must come to reality, channel your thoughts towards achieving them. Our minds have the capacity and drive to give our lives a particular direction or place you in a particular position. James Allen says, “You are today where your thoughts have brought you and you will be tomorrow where your thoughts will take you.” Never take your thoughts for granted for they hold the light to where you are going.

So, if those visions and dreams must come to reality, then, fill your thoughts with them. When you think about your vision, you behave it without knowing.

Let Me share this personal experience with you.

Somewhere in Abuja Nigeria, Karu village to be very exact. There I was one cool evening with my friends. Then drove in this gentleman. When he got out from the vehicle, some bodyguards followed him and others stationed around their vehicles. Upon enquiry I was told that he was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Trust me, I have been a positive thinker from day one. I went somewhere and began to think and imagine that if I worked with this kind of a wealthy man, my life would be better than what it was when I saw him. I so painted the picture in my head and impregnated my mind with that thought. Believe me, one beautiful day, I was called to go do some work in his house. That was how I started working and living in that man’s house.

It happened real.

If your mind can conceive it, you will become it. So I urge you today to channel your thoughts towards achieving your visions and dreams. If your vision is to be a medical doctor, see yourself in a Lab Coat at the Clinic attending to patients. That is how these things work. It will only take time, but one day, it will come to reality.

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you and you will be tomorrow where your thoughts will take you.” – James Allen

2. Keep Your Vision Highly Confidential

Sometimes in life, you have got to keep that which matters to you a secret – top secret. You never know who is wishing you well. Listen, enemies within are more dangerous than those very far from you. Mind who you share those visions with – some are dream killers. One bad advice can turn the direction of your mind – that is, if you are not killed.

Joseph was the most loved son of his father, that he gave him the well known robe of many colors. He told his brothers how the Moon and the Stars were bowing before him. The brothers noticed they were going to bow before this small boy, then envy and jealousy grew that the best way to abort that stupid dream of his was to sell him off.

“Now Joseph had a dream and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, hear this dream that I dreamed. We were binding sheaves and behold, my sheaf arose and stoop upright and sheaves gathered around it and bowed.” Genesis 37:5:8

Keep that dream and vision to yourself until it is necessary to share it.

3. Believe In Your Vision

The life of that vision is in your hands. The only one to make it live is you. Yes YOU!

You are the carrier of that vision, no one else is seeing it. Jonathan Swift says, “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” When Joseph in the Bible saw the Stars and the Moon bowing to him, no brother was in that dream with him. They only got to know because he told them. He didn’t doubt the dream, in fact his belief about the dream made him share it with them.

If that vision must come to reality, believe it. The Bible asks, “How can two walk together unless they agree?” Amos 3:3

Agree with that dream and run with it as fast as your legs can carry you. Don’t allow any discouragement to re-direct your attention.

I will not guarantee you a smooth sail to victory, but slow and steady you will surely get there.

4. Entertain No Fear

Nothing kills vision more than fear. If you must make that dream a reality, be fearless. Fear gives room for inferiority complex – I am not equal with others kind of mentality. Your level of confidence should be boosted with the “I can” mindset. Fear can make you believe that you are a nobody even when you are wearing a royal robe.

The story of the four Lepers is worthy of emulation. They asked themselves question many people shy away from. In 2 Kings 7:4 ” They asked each other, “why stay here until we die?”

You have been nurturing that vision for so long, when are you going to take that necessary action? Verse 4 and 5 say, “If we say, we will go into the city – the famine is there, and we will die. So, let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we will live; if they kill us, then we die. At dust they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, not a man was there.”

FEAR is indeed “False Evidence Appearing Real”

Remember, “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. — Joel A. Barker

So, get up and start that business. Go for that interview, the panel of judges is only humans not Lions.

I implore you today to put into action these four steps and your life will be a testimonial.

The post How to Make That Vision a Reality: 4 Ways to Actualise Your Vision appeared first on SME SCOOP.

Then, build your personality.

Yes, it is possible if only one can adhere to certain applicable life principles. When you pattern your life according to the principles, you hear people say something like, “That man/woman has a reputation.” Reputation means a general belief held about a person which includes your behavior and how you treat people around you.

For instance, there are many reputable companies around the world, and they are known for what they produce, the quality and quantity of their products with respect to the services they render to members of the public. One such company is Coca-Cola. Since its inception till date, the taste of that soft drink has not changed, even though the cost changed, the quality has remained the same. That is what is called reputation – a name built over the years.

Believe me, this article will expose you to steps that can help you build a sellable personality and you become a model to many.

I will be sharing with us tested and proven steps I have put into practice for years and they worked for me.

So, we are going to look at how you can build a sellable and irresistible personality that makes you succeed in your relationships, at your place of work and also in business.

How To Build A Sellable Personality

1. Trust

Trust is a foundation on which reputation is built. If you cannot be trusted, you lack reputation and your personality is questionable. When you have trust issues, you will not succeed in anything. Even your relationship will come crashing before your eyes. A man who has trust issues will not be put in charge of public funds.

You the reader

If you had a company, would you make your beloved brother/ sister with trust issue your cashier?

Trust controls everything we do here on earth.

Tips on how to build trust

• Be a man/ woman of your word.
• Don’t say what you cannot do.
• Deliver exactly what you sell. It should not be what I ordered versus what I received.
• Don’t be biased in your judgment.
• If you notice there will be a breach in agreement, quickly put your client on the know.
• Be a promise keeper.
• Learn to under-promise and over-deliver.

When these become your daily watchdog, then, you have got a reputation, and people can trust and recommend you to a total stranger.

2. Be a good role model

Role models are pacesetters. They set good standards and people emulate them.

Who wouldn’t want to be like Nelson Mandela?

That man was a leader to the core. A selfless individual who stood for justice. People all over the world knew Mandela and identified with him as a man of peace. He put his life on the line to fight for his people. If he had wanted a second tenure he would have stood unopposed because he won the trust of many. No wonder he won one of the most prestigious awards, Nobel Price for Peace.

I want to be like him. If Mandela’s personality were to be a commodity in the market, everyone will like to buy it.

Role model tips

• Stand for what is right.
• Don’t falsify information to suit yourself.
• Never take sides with evil.
• Give to Ceaser what is Ceasers’.
• Don’t subvert anyone.
• Never allow evil to becloud your sense of judgment.

When people notice these genuine threats of personality in you, your news will spread abroad. You will be on the lips of everyone.

3. Build a good name

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Both riches (silver and gold) and an honorable reputation (loving favor, i.e., respect) are good. Proverbs 22:1

It is very pathetic the reverse has become the case in recent times. Though it is common amongst people without reputation, but, a man with character to protect will not soil his/her hands with evil even at gunpoint.

“Whatever you lend let it be your money, and not your name. Money you may get again, and, if not, you may contrive to do without it; name once lost you cannot get again, and, if you cannot contrive to do without it, you had better never have been born.” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton

History will not fail to applaud Martin Luther King Jnr who put his life at stake to stand against the injustice meted upon Blacks at that time. For the same reason, he was assassinated.

Generations to come will still read about Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr and desire to be like them.

What will you be remembered for when you are no more?

Maybe you think you will live forever.

Also read:

• Personal Branding Skills you Need to Succeed in Business
• What are the Biggest Enemies of Success and How do you Conquer Them?

4. Be outspoken

This aspect of building one’s personality requires a bit of confrontation and aggression.

Sometimes, no good thing comes without a fight. But who will be that sacrificial lamb?

We remember the story of Adams Oshiomhole when he was NLC President and how confrontational and fearless he was and the people of Edo State found him worthy to entrust the future of that state into his hands. You must be someone who can stand for the people and be their chief spokesperson.

All the leaders we have made mention of in this article were outspoken and the people chose them to stand in for them.

Some characteristics of an outspoken personality

• Be fearless
• He /she identifies the needs of the people
• Hates injustice
• Likes to lead
• Very observant
• Listens to the yelling and aspirations of the people.
• Puts his life on the line to achieve desired result.
• Never gives up until a set target is met.

5. Humility

Meekness is one of the attributes that build a great personality. Humble people are always admired and easily spotted.

Nobody will like to identify with an arrogant person. It takes humility to be a person of character.

NOTE

Achieving a sellable personality is not something that can be attained in one day. Remember, “Rome was not built in a day.”

To your success.

The post How To Build A Sellable Personality: 5 Solid Tips That Work appeared first on SME SCOOP.

The reason why depressed people take their lives is traceable to human actions and in-actions. These reasons to mention only a few include: bad debt, dis-inheritance, racial discrimination, age-long health issue, social discrimination, loss of job, broken home, failed business transaction, low economic status, stigmatization, broken marriage, loss of loved one, the list goes on.

The main purpose of this article is to seek solutions and possible ways people can control or where possible avoid being depressed so that the percentage of suicides or suicidal thoughts can be reduced to the barest minimum globally.

Meaning of Depression

Depression is a serious mental disorder that adversely affects how a person sees the society and things around him or her. Depression does come with sadness and the victim begins to lose interest in the things he once enjoyed, and most victims often resort to suicide as the solution to their predicament.

Signs of Depression

(1) Lack of concentration

(2) Low self-esteem

(3) Lack of sleep

(4) Loss of appetite

(5) Withdrawal from social gathering

(6) Lack of interest in usual activities

(7) Loss of hope

(8) Anger

(9) Discontentment

(10) Isolation

There is nothing new under the sun. You cannot possibly be the only one going through that particular problem. I have read statement like, ” Let me end this thing called life and have my peace or rest.”

How do you know that you will have peace or rest when you take your life?

The book, Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do by Robert . H. Shuller is a reminder that no predicament lasts forever, only resilient people.

My dearests, suicide is NOT the way out of what confronts us as a people. Staying alive is the key.

Depression is a serious mental disorder that adversely affects how a person sees the society and things around him or her.

How to Avoid Depression

Have plan for the future.

A certain proverb says, “A Grasscutter that stores grains during the dry season never dies of hunger on a rainy day.”

There are two seasons in a man’s life: the dry and rainy seasons. These two seasons are symbolic. The former symbolizes when one is energetic and full of life. When you are still the MD of one Oil & Gas Company and your take-home monthly runs into millions. The dry season symbolizes your prime of life – your less active days.

The latter represents a time of weakness. In this period, you are no longer the MD of that Oil & Gas Company and your 70 years work experience cannot get you a job anywhere in the world. A time of retirement for those in Public or Civil Service. Woe betide you if you didn’t store like the Grasscutter, you will not only die of hunger, but depression. The beautiful world you once enjoyed will become meaningless and thereafter suicidal thoughts will begin to knock on the door of your heart.

So, plan for the future to avoid old age depression.

Don’t be a waster of resources.

Some people are so rich that the only problem they seem to have is how to squander the money. Whether you are doing it for fun or as a competition, the hard truth is that it is not a healthy thing to be involved in.

Stories have been told of a legendary American heavyweight champion, the Iron Mike Tyson, and how he wasted his hard-earned money. According to an article in the New York Times on August 5th, 2003 by Richard Sandomir, the Boxer was said to have made over $400 million during his boxing days and blew all away. When he was declared bankrupt, his debtors seized his assets to recover their money and he was said to have owed a total sum of $23 million.

According to him (Tyson) ” Since that time, although my fight income, various asset sales and litigation recoveries have enabled me to pay a lot of my debts. I am still unable to pay my bills.”

Somebody who once had $400 million.

At some point in his life, he said that he was surprised that he is still alive. Probably, he may have contemplated suicide.

LESSON

If you have the money today and is not put into proper use, it may not be there tomorrow. What happens to your mental health when you find yourself in this situation?

Don’t idolize a thing.

Anything that is there today and gone tomorrow is not worthy of much attention. When you are obsessed with what you have, you endanger your mental health. We have to come to that stage in life where we consider whatever we have as temporal not permanent. We have to know that people die young and some die old. Some are opportune to go to school and some are not. Some get jobs easily while others will search for donkey years. Some marry and some who desire it may never have an opportunity to. Some are born with Silver Spoon and others are born into abject poverty. Some secure admission into higher institutions at one sitting while people like ME had to sit for 6 years.

The fact is this. Every man on earth has a problem no matter how highly placed. So learn to train your emotion and accept things the way they are.

No bad situation in this world is worth taking your life.

Don’t borrow money you cannot afford to pay.

The popular slogan says, “Cut your Coat according to your cloth.” In bad English, we say “Cut your Coat according to your size.”

When you want to borrow money at all from anyone, consider your size. Your size here refers to what you are worth NOW – your take-home at the end of the month. Don’t spend more than you earn. Bill Earle says “If your outgo exceeds your income then, then your upkeep will be your downfall.” When you borrow more than you can afford to pay, you are likely to be a victim of bad debt.

How to Control Depression

Do things that give you joy.

Try as much as possible to get back at those things that make you happy in order to keep your mind free from suicidal thoughts. Mike Tyson did not die of depression because he now does what he has always “dreamt” of which is selling of Cannabis which launched in 2015. He is also into acting. When you keep yourself busy, no attention will be given to suicidal voice.

In conclusion, your existence is more important than that present challenge. If you stay alive to fight back, a hero you will become.

Try it and see. It works.

The post How to Avoid and Control Depression appeared first on SME SCOOP.

Listen to me.

What I am going to share with you now is real and capable of turning your life around.

You may feel that the reason why you are not making that progress is because a door is shut against you.

Here is the bitter truth.

No door is shut against you, YES!

It is just a figment of your imagination that erects what appears to be an insurmountable mountain in your life and destiny.

Let us skip the suspense and let the cat out of the bag.

You may be wondering or may have wondered why some persons have gone ahead of others in achieving success in almost everything they do. Perhaps the thought of being in one spot for a long time has eaten deep into your heart or you may be one of those who feel or think that someone has caged them down through a diabolical means. My friend, wake up, that may not totally be your case.

At some point in my life, I had dined with such belief, but when I realized it, I discovered I was building walls of limitations around me.

If I were you, I will take what I am reading from this blog seriously and apply where necessary the ideas from this article and you will discover that you have wasted plenty of your precious time blaming people for what they did not do.

This article will expose you to the four (4) biggest enemies of success and how you can conquer them.

So, what are these four enemies to a man’s success? Let’s meet them…

1. The Negative Mind

The human mind is very powerful. The human mind harbors all kinds of thoughts, both NEGATIVE/POSITIVE and whichever that dominates a person’s mind will surely reflect in what the person does. Do you know that what most people experience on daily basis is determined by what goes through their minds? The mind works like a photocopy machine, what it processes is what it duplicates.

The success or failure of a man is dependent on what he thinks “for the spiritual rules the physical”. If your spirit man is conquered, your physical man has lost the battle.

The negative mind never believes that any great height is attainable, it never believes in success. The negative mind is full of doubts. It never sees light, only darkness. Anything you cannot first achieve in your mind cannot be delivered in your hands.

Take this advice…

“Keep your heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

If your spirit man is conquered, your physical man has lost the battle.

Every successful person has stuffed his/her mind with positive things and that is why the great achiever like Thomas Alva Edison, the American inventor and businessman who had failed several times still went ahead to event POWER (Light). Believe in yourself, failure is part of a learning process. If you try again when you fail, you have learnt how not to do it the wrong way again.

Don’t be afraid to dare it again when you fail, every successful person has encountered failure before they succeeded.

A wise man said that “the successful person failed more times than the average person tried.”

2. Lack of Vision

Show me a positive visionary and I will show you a purpose-driven life. Vision gives your life a direction because your activities and thoughts will be channeled toward a set goal. The American English Dictionary defines vision as “An idea or a goal toward which one aspires.” I heard something one day. It says, “If you don’t have a destination, everywhere will look like a Bus Stop.” (Anonymous)

I had a vision to go to school even though I was born in a family ravaged by poverty. This set goal pushed me out of the village to the city. I surrounded myself with friends who talked about schooling. It took me six years to get my West Africa Examination Council result complete. Some friends gave up after three or four tries but, for me, I was head-bent, never ready to give up. At that time, I felt I had gone too far to go back without result. Today, I have that Degree Certificate. If I had given up like my friends, I would have blamed it on one innocent witch doctor somewhere.

“You are either running with a vision, going on a mission, or running with a passion… If you do not belong to any of these, life is reduced to a burden.” – David Oyedepo

The power to succeed or fail is in you, so get vision and run with it. Don’t look back until you have result.

Also read: How to be a Good Public Speaker – In 5 Steps

3. Lack of Self-improvement

The number 3 enemy of success is lack of self-improvement. This is one of the major reasons some people are stagnated in life. The world we are living in today moves with the trend. I took my modern TV set for a repair, the Engineer opened it, surprisingly coupled it back and referred me to another Engineer. I think a superior and one more advanced in experience. As a person, if you are not up to date, you become irrelevant and obsolete.

Why do you think Apps require an update?

If you say is to meet up with emerging trends, then we are thinking alike.

New things are emerging everyday. New ways of doing things and if you keep doing things the same way you did it twenty years back, then you have no place in the world of today.

At some point in my life, I had just Secondary School Certificate. I had to upgrade by adding Degree to it and got employed. I am not saying that one with the former cannot be employed but you cannot compare the latter with the former.

What are you doing to improve yourself? Have you learnt any skill yet? Self-improvement or development is not a waste of resources or time. It is a future investment that will pay when that opportunity comes calling.

Aside improve yourself with skills, you should also learn how to market yourself so people can notice you.

The more you improve or develop yourself, the more your worth increases.

4. Pride

The English Dictionary defines pride as “The quality or state of being proud; inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talent, beauty, wealth, rank etc.; which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve and often contempt of others.”

Anyone who wants to succeed in business, politics, academics, etc. must deal with this common enemy of man’s progress. Pride has laid many great potentials to rest and has prevented many from taking the step that would have changed their lives for good. Pride is destructive, it makes you see high of yourself and low of others. A proud person does not have a listening ear.

My friend, if you have this enemy, do away with it and your life will take a positive turn.

If you want to kill these enemies of success, I implore you to put into action all that we have discussed, and you will be glad you did.

See you at the top.

The post What are the Biggest Enemies of Success and How to Conquer Them? appeared first on SME SCOOP.

FEAR GRIPS YOU, RIGHT?

The act of public speaking is a skill and its techniques must be mastered by public speakers. If you are the type that avoids public speaking at all cost or when you are summoned to speak, your heart takes first flight out of your mouth or networking is a nightmare and the thought of getting up in front of total strangers to deliver a paper presentation fills you with anxiety, then, this article is for YOU!

Before we bang at the doors of those 5 steps that can make YOU a good public speaker, let us arm ourselves with the meaning of public speaking.

Meaning of Public Speaking?

“Public speaking also called oration or oratory is the process or act of performing a speech to a live audience…” – Desmond Gahan

We can liken this to mean that public speaking is “speech performance“. In other words, the speaker is an actor who performs before a live audience and without proper guide, he/she may not render the rendition well.

Now that we have a clear knowledge of what public speaking is and what is involved, lets look at the 5 steps that can make YOU a good public speaker.

5 Steps to Good Public Speaking

• How Well Do You Know Yourself?

The ability to think is what makes us humans and what goes through our minds is the reflection of who we are. The Holy Bible  says, “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which came of the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers; 13:33) Moses sent out spies to spy the land of Canaan, above was the negative report they returned with. The same happens to many public speakers of today. The presence of scholars at public gathering has thrown many speakers of balance. Don’t see yourself as a grasshopper, be bold and rain supreme.

• You Must Know Your Onion

“Certainly YOU will hear the voice of fear, DON’T listen to it, like Caleb, shout down the wall of fear around you“. But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “ Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to over come it.” ( Numbers; 13:30)

Public speaking is a thing of the mind

“If your heart falters in its leadership, the sword will drop from your hands.” – The Art of Public Speaking (Dale Carnegey and J. Berg Esenwein). Public speaking has nothing to do with one’s age or qualifications, it bows to application of certain principles. It Is a mind thing that requires self-confidence and conviction.

Some preachers in the Christian faith have said that David in the Bible became a General without being in the Israeli Army or going through any military training nor had any military experience. Just the “I can mentality” made him confront Goliath at that young age and that earned him (David) a spot in Christian history as a brave lad.

As a public speaker, I put it to YOU that you are an authority, that is why YOU have been chosen to speak or to be listened to. This thought alone should boost your morale.

Knowledge about the topic and proper research should not be taken for granted.

• Present The Paper To Yourself First

From the definition of public speaking we understood that it is an act of speech performance, that means, rehearsal is involved. You have to read your paper presentation to yourself at every free time you get and this helps to;

1. Get the words internalized
2. Check the meaning of words and how they are pronounced.
3. Once you get the words internalized, on the day of performance you may not spend much time with your paper presentation but still deliver the exact content of the paper.

• Avoid Too Much Gesticulation

This cliché in public speaking can be very annoying and distracting. As the speaker, let your mouth do much of the talking NOT your hands or legs. Try as much as possible to maintain your space around the Podium. You could put one of your hands in your trouser pocket and feel like the Boss that you are (this though depends on your audience and must not be applied when you are presenting to your boss or leaders).

It is also good that you go with your pen as a companion and play with it when you feel stage discomfort.

Also Read: Top Professional Negotiation Skills You Need To Succeed in Business

• Make The Atmosphere Friendly

Don’t be quick to start your presentation, it is a sign that you are not in control. Take a little time to look around the hall, possibly into the faces of your audience – you are taking dominance psychologically. Then, little by little you start off. You could even start with a joke. “All work no play,” they say, “makes Jack a dull boy.”

This is where creativity comes in. You have to quickly look for a SHORT and LIVELY story your audience can relate with and share it with them. You are relaxing your nerves and also getting use to your audience. You no longer see them as HYENAS and LIONS that can eat you up- they have become your friends. At this stage, all is set to eat them up with your presentation.

Finally, the day of presentation is like your wedding day, don’t spoil it, make it entertaining for your guests.

I hope you kill that next presentation after reading this. I would love to hear your thoughts on the comment box.

The post How to be a Good Public Speaker – In 5 Steps appeared first on SME SCOOP.