WHY YOU SHOULD NOT WASTE TIME ON GRABBING OPPORTUNITY

Are you an opportunity grabber or a type of individual who waits only to realize that such opportunities have slipped away? You need to understand that we are living in a super-fast era where there are no traces of isle chances lying there for you. You got to act. You got to

take a step. This can only be achieved through grabbing or seizing such precious chances as they come.

For instance, your company could be conducting an imminent internal recruitment. You have what it takes in terms of qualifications to apply for that top post available. But what happens? Some of us tend to feel ‘comfortable ‘with our current status quo and even don’t go ahead to apply for that post. Ultimately, only regrets will follow be part of you when that post has been grabbed. Every new opportunity is always bound to open great doors for you to rise up the corporate ladder. If you really want to experience consistent growth in your career, build a great chain of network and experience personal development, then never hesitate to seize that chance as it comes.

A few months ago, I attended a graduation ceremony where there were more than 8000 graduands being awarded with different degrees. After the ceremony, you could actually expect a rigorous job hunt exercise from the entire group. Actually, opportunities presented before them may be scarce. But those equipped with the capability of grabbing such arising opportunities will always have an upper hand. Herbert Pronchnow once said that he who slows down or hesitate will actually miss the green light; he might end up getting bumped in the rear and thus lose the parking space. If you can’t grab a chance as quick as possible, you might end up becoming irrelevant in this fast-paced society.

Let’s take another example of a game match. If you are an ardent game player or fan there is great aspect of grabbing chances while playing any game. For instance, in soccer, when a player has received a superb pass just close to the opponent’s goal, he or she is required to make a quick strike and make a score. A few seconds of delay would actually result to the opponents grabbing the ball from him or her and this may cost the attacking team dearly. Life simply works that way. There is always constant call for actions and those who respond quickly will vanquish.  Every time an opportunity itches, scratch it!

Have you ever asked yourself why successful investors, businesspeople and prominent leaders always succeed? This is because they know the secret. For instance, Warren Buffett remains to be one of the successful investors of all times since he perfectly understands the aspect of grabbing any arising investment opportunity. Same happens to many prominent entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

How can you also grab such opportunities?  This is by being already prepared each time they present themselves. Be ready to stand up and take note of any opportunity; scrutinize it, gauge it up and then make an informed choice or decision. Don’t let it go with the hope of ‘expecting’ another better one. There is a say that goes a bad in the hand is worth than ten in the bush. Get it and work on it. As time goes by, you will have a reason to smile for the great decision you made in taking the chance!

IS IT TOO LATE TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS?

Back in 2004, I witnessed the late Kimani Maruge (then aged 84 years) from Kenya getting enrolled in the first grade at Kapkenduiyo Primary School in Eldoret. Apparently, once he had joined, his performance was exceedingly well, such that within a span of time, he had been appointed as senior headboy. His zeal, passion and rejuvenation prove his undaunted commitment to achieve his level best in relation to acquiring a precious element, which is education. He had two goals to achieve in learning; education could have helped him to manage his finances and also help him to acquire literature skills that he anticipated to apply them in reading the scriptures (Bible).

The above excerpt, the man himself proves that dreams are always valid when we opt to pursue them; this is regardless of the time, the moment or the season-so long as you are focused in achieving them. It has always been never that late to achieve what you were destined for. We can achieve our destined purpose that is bound to bring us our inner happiness only if we remain within that designated course.

If you love going for different expeditions especially mountain climbing (for instance, Mt. Kilimanjaro

or Mt. Everest), at first you may find this mission really tough to undertake. As a novice climber, you may find yourself facing great opposition in coping with the harsh cold climate, steep cliffs, rough terrains and even attacks from different wild creatures.

In the book “High Adventures” by Edmund Hillary, he points out how he had at first tried to reach on top of Mt. Everest without success. Later he was quoted saying that despite the fact that Mt. Everest had beaten him for the first time, he would be committed to ensure that he has vanquished it on his next trip.( The mountain seems to be growing but he was quick to point out that he too was actually growing!)

It is always good for you to distinctively set your purpose in a clear way. This will always be a great starter to achieving your dreams regardless of the time it will take. Rome was never built in a single day and yet it became formidably strong. Every step you take should be directing you to what you are yet to achieve. The desire within you will keep you going, the energy within you will keep you working to achieve it and the commitment within you will make you achieve such kind of a dream. Keep going. Only time will tell. It is never too late to be who you were destined to be!

WHAT REALLY MAKES UP A GOOD LEADER?

Are leaders made or born? This is a mind-jogging question that most researchers have been able to try to figure out whether it is a fallacy or not. Meanwhile, the real aspect that distinctively comes out is that leaders are special in their own ways. They possess unique qualities that totally distinguish them from other individuals; this is in terms of their:

·         Innate personal traits.

·         Great passion for action boosted by incessant zeal and energy.

·         Desire to consistently grow and nurture those who view them as role model.

·         Continual focus on transforming the current societal problems by urging the right thing to be done.

Apparently, great leaders withstand all sort of adversity in order to bring order in a repressed society. They possess the great ability to bring transformation to the people they lead besides transcending their personal interests for the benefit of the entire society.

Additionally, it is clear that there are two forms of leadership as identified by Burns: Transactional and transformational leaders.

Transactional

The transactional type of leadership brings out the close relationships between the leader and the followers with a more inclination to reactionary focus. This relationship is mostly focuses on how the performance and productivity can be improved.

Transformational

Apparently, this form of leadership tends to rely mostly on the leaders themselves. They are termed as “servants” who should guide the followers through a visionary process that is bound to bring transformation in the future. Such kind of a leader is expected to cheer up the followers, identify means that they can solve the problem and even try to avail the resources that can facilitate the achievement of that vision.

Such leaders were the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi used this form of leadership by using the nonviolent approach in fighting for their freedom in India. He was able to inculcate great moral values to his followers, rendered service to them besides using the power bestowed unto him in making critical decisions.

 On the other hand, Martin Luther King, Jr. led nonviolent resistance to help in stopping the segregation of individuals due to their racial backgrounds. What about Martha Teresa? Actually, her selflessness character portrayed in serving millions of people brings out how transformational she was.

In leadership, it is all about bringing change; a change that will make the world a better place to be. Since leaders are the masters of change, they actually need to stimulate the process of achieving that designated change. This can only be achieved through transformation that can have a great implication on their followers. This can be reflected through the change in their way of thinking, beliefs, values and even goals and objectives. That is when true leadership will come out and bring out hope for a better future.

In his book, “Leadership”, James McGregor Burns points out that “Leadership is leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations…And the genius of leadership lies in the manner in which leaders see and act on their own and their followers’ values and motivations.” As a leader, always keep that in mind!

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE GIVING EXCUSES TO ACHIEVING YOUR DREAMS

I read somewhere that when it comes to excuses, the world is full of amazing inventors. Have you ever listened to someone telling you on how they had the capability of achieving their dreams only to let them go due to mere excuses? Apparently, there is no justification of spending close to your entire life explaining on how you didn’t do what you were actually supposed to do. Despite the fact that life is full of surprises and you might not get what you have really yearned (which sometimes happened to some of us), I do always believe that it is worth pursuing what you were destined for.

Just imagine your boss has given you an assignment. All the necessary resources for you to undertake the task has been availed to you. (Besides, you possess mental capability to perfectly perform the task). I think the boss could be really disappointed if he or she comes around to find that the task has not been accomplished only to hear you formulating some lame excuses.

This is a replica of a case scenario that perfectly applies to your life. You have been endowed with skills, experience and a well-functioning sober mind that can think critically. It would not be fair (even to yourself) if 10 years down the line you will come out giving excuses that made you not to pursue your dreams. Life will always be promising to those who decide to act rather than consistently applying the word of mouth. Actions speak louder than words.

Did you know that failures are expert of excuses? Excuses and procrastination will always derail your ambition and slow the process of growth and performance. (Why take too long into achieving your dreams when you can decide not to pick up such excuses) .Another thing to note; by coming out of your comfort zone, you will always have the courage to make things that seems impossible to become real.

Actually, staying in the comfort zone will make you static in your status quo and it’s distinctively clear that you might not have a chance to grow. It is even clear that those individuals who have achieved immense success continue to get richer each dawning day. Why? It is because they vividly understand that giving an excuse of not consistently working hard is a foundation upon which they will be doomed to fail.

Mere talks without deeds will always lead to poverty (Something that I read from a certain scripture). It will always be hard for you to rise beyond your goals and objectives if all you can give are excuses. You should stop complaining about your situation and act promptly. If you want to do something, you will always find a proper way of doing it rather than creating an excuse.

I once had a story of an old fox that was plodding in the forest. Unfortunately, it got caught up by a certain trap. Instead of finding out the best way that it could free itself from such misery, it started condemning the trap for being on its pathway! Don’t be like that fox. Don’t waste your energy and time bringing up excuses that won’t have a positive impact to your life. Work on your goal, stay focused and life will be really promising to you in a near future!

DOES YOUR MORNING COMMANDS YOUR DAY? CHECK THIS OUT!

It is six o’clock in the morning and if you are within the environs of a busy city, it’s clear that everything has taken its shape. An hour ago, all you could hear is the chirping sounds of birds and insects as they jump from one tree to another, the howling of “bundi” (owl)( a creature that many people seems to get scared of ) and of course the sound emanating from the cock’s crow. As the clocks tickles on, everything comes into a buzz and it is clear that a new day has indeed dawned.

How do you embrace your day? Are you the type of person who hears the sound of an alarm only to abruptly stop it and add some 20 minutes of your morning’s sweet sleep? (The problem is that morning will always come whether you set the alarm or remain cuddled within your blanket)Or do you get into the mood once you realize you got to rise and save each second of your day. It is clear that the early bird will always catch the worm but to many this saying is always overridden.

But, what is my take on this? The stark truth clearly expresses itself that a good start to a day is a crucial and a vital factor. It goes without say that a positive frame of mind in the morning is likely to make your day productive and energetic besides being filled with absolute determination.

There are brand new 24 hours offered before you each time you embrace a new-born day. (These can translate to 1440 minutes and 86400 seconds that you need to fully spend). Lemony Snicket once said how you spent your morning will ultimately determine the kind of day that you are going to have. There was a time a lady approached Dr. Sunwolf and wooed on how life seems too short for her and yet she would have wanted to live more of it. He just nodded slowly and explained to her that the best solution is to actually wake up early so that she can maximally use her day productively.

Do you know that a little sleep, a little slumber; a little folding of arm and enemy will creep in like an armed robber- this has been distinctively been brought about by the Scriptures. If you read the biography of the most successful people in this universe, they decided to overcome the odds by fully maximizing on their time; by starting their day in the morning with a clear strategy.

Let me challenge you with this statement; every morning you will always have two choices which both of them will have sequential impact on your life; continue to sleep with your dreams and building castles in the air or waking up and chasing your dreams. You lose an hour doing nothing constructive in the morning and you will have to spend the entire day looking for it and wishing how you knew you could have utilized it.(If wishes were horses, beggars could be riding on them).

The critical question is; you are awake, how are you going to face your day from the start? It is this simple! Just stand in front of a mirror and smile at the ‘other person’ standing just opposite you. Tell yourself with a smile that you are ready to face your day and make a difference for the day. Tell yourself “It’s going to be a really good day!”

A new day is meant to bring delight, a fresh try, one more start to something new, and indeed some magical moment set to happen in the course of the morning. Every fresh morning brings some youthful moment and a reason to live and see the day. This is my take when it comes to facing your day; Think in the morning. Act in the noon. Eat in the evening (though this depends on the level of your hunger hormones!) and finally sleep at night.( early to sleep, early to rise). If you are still not on the Forbes list of the richest people in the world, then wake up and face your day!