Preserve Our Future!

The surprising discoveries made in Nigeria in the past weeks have left a lot of people - at least, Nigerians - in shock from which they have not recovered.

It is not the discovery of new oil wells worth billions of Dollars, neither is it the discovery of vaccine or cure for a debilitating disease, rather, it is the discovery of millions of Dollars and Naira locked in well-secured fireproof vaults in apartments and shops belonging to certain elites.

From basic knowledge of Economics, one will quickly know that withdrawing cash from the economy is bound to cause problems. Money is meant to move from hand to hand as payment for service rendered or value created. To selfishly take such huge cash out of this cycle is to hamper the economy. That means we can as well all go to the banks, collect and keep our monies at home.

It has become glaring that the Dollar scarcity and the challenges that trailed it are the resultant effects of the activities of certain people who wanted to save for themselves and their children in the most callous way possible.

It is not out of place to believe that these huge cash - and many more undiscovered - have hampered the Nigerian economy, almost grinding it to a halt in 2016. Dollar became so scarce, manufacturers could not import machineries and raw materials,  international travels also experienced a record-low. Infact, the Naira fell relative to the dollar, to as low as N500/$. This was of course greeted by a rise in prices - evidenced by inflation figures -  considering this is an import-dependent economy.

These chain of events played out because lots of local and foreign currencies (in cash) were withdrawn from the economy without generating value or moving from hand to hand. The Nigerian economy has since not recovered from the humongous sums that were withdrawn from the national purse in the past few years especially during the last election.

The perpetrators of these acts need to know that beyond the present damage done to the economy, the future of Nigerians yet unborn is gradually being savaged. I imagine the cash found in Osborne Towers, Ikoyi is about the worth of the company where I am currently employed. This is an organization that employs about 150 people directly and many more indirectly.

Our politicians - and others who head agencies, ministries and whatever government institution - must realize they are only filling those various capacities for a time. Public trust must not be seen as something insignificant. Use those funds to develop infrastructure: industries that employ the young population, good roads, health facilities, constant power-supply, potable water and a peaceful environment.

After you have bought the houses in Abuja,  Lekki or Ikoyi, purchased a private jet, sent your children to the best schools in Europe and achieved many other good things in life, you will still never feel satisfied, because, a man's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses (Luke 12:15 paraphrased).

Live to preserve our future.
Let the coming generation remember us and call us blessed.
Live and Let's Live!

What's Your Excuse?

Image Credit: www.daimanuel.com

These days, I find many obstacles in the way of executing some of my plans, desires and goals.

I can give you many reasons why I can not take that online course because I am working. I spend my productive hours at work and get home very tired most of the time.

I can not learn programming or web app development because I have never written a line of code. All the platforms from which I can learn online require me to commit as long as 8 hours per week. Weekends would have been a good time but I also go to work on Saturdays even though I leave much earlier compared to other days in the week.

I can not study and pray every morning because I have to wake up very early if I must catch the staff bus. Remember, I have to prepare breakfast. I also  cannot afford to leave my room in a mess!

Don't expect me to fast! Do you know how much energy I expend at work? If you have ever worked in a factory, you will readily understand that the noise and heat generated are enough to leave you lethargic after few hours. Yet you want me to stay without food from morning to evening? No way!

I want to start a small business as a side hustle. I am not sure I will be able to meet all of my needs and live a more comfortable life if I continue earning this low on my current job.

You know what? I need a grant or at worst, a loan. The power situation in my flat is so bad, in fact, it is country-wide. Yet, I need to power my laptop so I can write and submit the business plan in the next available application for entrepreneurs seeking funding.

Image Credit: ryanmarciniak.com

These and many more are reasons why I might never make any move at all because my eyes are fixed on the impediments.

Usually, we think everyone who has made a mark or achieved whatever goal had all things in his favour. How deceptive! It's easy to think; so and so place does not lack electricity, internet connection and a host of other things that make life comfortable. We remain oblivious of their challenges.

How about the temptation of staying online all day, spending quality time on irrelevant stuff, or playing video games because there is constant power supply, the tendency to spend countless hours on social media following the latest rumours and news that gives just information without knowledge?

If you must achieve your goals, you must look beyond those roadblocks. Don't give excuses! You will achieve nothing by doing so.

Contribute those few minutes, hours and days to that big dream.  Sure, it will take time, but you must start now! Let those few chances you have contribute to a line of code, another sentence of that article on your mind, a page of that business plan!

Make every moment count!

Stop giving excuses.

What Happened to The Naira?

I still remember clearly where mum drops the two pieces of coins (Two Naira) for each of us kids so we can buy Sugar and Groundnut for our 'lunch'. Gradually, I noticed it became four coins each, later Five Naira notes, and the rest is history. I am not sure what the five Naira note can buy in the present day Nigeria.

In my short life, I have seen the Naira experience staggering decline in value. Just about a month ago, it got so bad a Thousand Dollars was worth half a Million Naira!

More bothering is the fact that the Naira is also very dependent on the Dollar. Lamido Sanusi, Former CBN Governor - now Emir of Kano - once said Nigeria is the country with the largest Dollar imports. The way the Dollar is referenced in Nigeria leaves me wondering what our official currency really is, Naira or Dollar? It will not be out of place to think that the country with the most Dollars in circulation apart from the US is Nigeria.

Photo Credit: Nigerian Tribune

Dollar increase affects the price of everything from mobile phones, electronics, wheat, sachet water, rice and even common foods like Garri (cassava flour) and palm oil. Do we also import these too?

This only shows how well we have built our economy around importation, especially of the Dollar! Our politicians are also known to cart away plenty of this foreign currency so they can spend during elections, or should we say, save for their generation yet unborn. What other reason will explain why a single individual would have more than  9 Million Dollars Cash! In the same country where the Dollar is in so scarce supply, so much so the margin between the official and parallel market rates is sadly expansive.

The solution however, stare us in the face, everyday. We must consciously develop the local economy. An economy not dependent on others for everything it consumes. Below are points we should give serious consideration:

1. Agriculture
Government must aggressively develop the agricultural sector. There is no doubt Nigeria is capable of producing - in substantial quantities - the staple foods most consumed in the nation; rice, beans, wheat(for bread), cassava and yam. As a result, government must support local farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, latest technology, soft loans and the education needed to achieve good yield.

More partnerships - like the Lagos-Kebbi partnership for rice production must be encouraged. Government must also be prepared to subsidize the produce (at the early stage) so the farmers do not have to compete with imported produces before they begin to enjoy economies of scale.

2. Infrastructural Development
Government must urgently develop basic infrastructures. For example, Nigerians still depend on imported generators to provide their own power. Most surviving industries also spend a great deal just so they can run 24hrs uninterrupted, on diesel generators.

Therefore, a move at providing stable electricity will greatly boost investor confidence and those of Nigerians who are interested in starting cottage industries.

Considerable funding in the health sector, aimed at building ultramodern hospitals and provision of adequate world-class facilities at existing hospitals will also discourage health tourism. Countless Nigerians spend bogus amounts - not because most can afford it - on medical treatments outside the country. Only until our hospitals and other medical outfits are made competitive with those in other climes will people begin to entrust their health (invariably, their life) to local medical personnel, since the issue is not a dearth of competent and trained personnel but of outdated and inadequate facilities.

The nation's refineries must also be made fully functional. We will retain more money in the economy if the crude is majorly refined locally. The byproducts from crude oil - wax, bitumen, kerosene and much more will serve as raw materials for other indutries thereby creating more jobs. Functional refineries will also eliminate the need for subsidies which Nigeria pays to import oil products.

We could go on and on citing industries/sectors - say, transportation, tourism and housing - that could open up more businesses, create more jobs and ultimately boost the economy if fully developed.

3. Buy Made in Nigeria
This has become inevitable and can only be achieved by concerted efforts from both the citizens (consumers) and the government. Strict measures must be enforced at the borders to avoid proliferation of imported products, mostly substandard, that compete with those made in Nigeria. Heavy duties must be placed on products that can equally be produced in substantial quantities in the local economy, same for luxury items.

Nigerians must begin to buy locally made products - shoes, clothes, rice, poultry and other consumer goods. The little improvements made in producing these goods, year-in, year-out will lead to standardization, until we are able to meet local consumption and then move on to exportation, since nobody will buy substandard products or food items with poor packaging or questionable hygiene.

4. Diversified Economy
The Nigerian economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas sector. This leaves the economy subject to the boom and burst cycles that determine oil prices.

We must develop other key sectors that drive our economy. Agriculture (as stated above), mining, manufacturing, transportation and  technology if given more focused attention are able to open up numerous opportunities for business and employment, thereby attracting investors. A robust public - private partnership will make this quickly achievable, as government can not do it alone.

The above will not be possible unless there are favourable policies which the  government must demonstrate strong will to enforce.

This is how the Naira can regain its lost value and the economy less dependent on Dollar availability or scarcity.

Lessons From My Writathon - 21 Days Writing Challenge

I usually wonder why I don't possess this special ability like my friends who write awesome articles. As an avid reader, I had always thought some people have special talent to turn out those numerous books, articles and posts that keep us glued to a paper, mobile or computer screen. My Writathon experience sufficiently confounded the veracity of this claim.

I have learnt in this writing challenge the pragmatic approach to becoming a prolific writer whose works will inspire millions.

One of such is to write consistently. No one becomes an excellent writer by mere serendipity. I have to write always, if possible, everyday.  I have learnt how I can avoid brain-drain by consciously examining my daily experiences; encounters at work, on the bus, at a store or any other place. Most renown writers share profound lessons from situations they encounter everyday.

It is impossible to circumvent this process of growing from a budding writer to that of prominence. I now feel empathy with writers who churn out volumes with thousands of words and how they got that far. Not necessarily because they are garrulous, but they gradually evolved from writing tersely to producing exorbitant ones.

I have learnt that I might not feel like writing every time, just as I don't feel like rising from bed on some mornings - a feeling not unique to me. However, same way I still have to go about my daily activities and be successful at them, I must also be belligerent to overcome the inertia that keeps me from filling my paper with ink. This is one major breakthrough I have had as a result of joining the writing challenge.

Beyond writing consistently, I have learnt useful ingredients of excellent writing. I have been empowered to keep my reader hypnotized by using active words that show I am in control. This is how illustrious writers spur their audience to action.

The right application of punctuation marks that indicate breaks and stops will also keep my writing from being soporific so the reader does not get lost amidst my plethora of words. It will set the mood and safely convey the right emotions  the piece should arouse - anger, surprise, intrigues and so on. Poor punctuation is noticeable to whoever sets out to read, not only to the astute observer.

The writing challenge has also boost my confidence in my writing. I used to think my articles must be 'widely acceptable', now I have learnt they should reflect my convictions and eccentricity; my writing must reflect my persuasion about the subject matter. Without sounding egocentric, I must write, first, to please myself before I please the audience. That is not to overrule the decorous standards of writing.

Finally, Writathon has increased my consciousness when I read. I now observe the styles used by other writers and how they have succeeded in the art. Ultimately, I will build  a more panoramic view of life.

Since I joined the challenge, I have seen perceptible improvements in my writing. My hitherto, worn writing skills have now been made resplendent.  I am now better equipped to traverse the tempestuous journey of becoming an excellent writer.

The Things For Which I am Grateful

Many have tried to express it in words, some have gone the extra mile to demonstrate how far they can go to prove their love for a friend, spouse or relative, but I have found a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

"Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die," but I have found love when I was not looking for love, when I was no better than a rebel.

I have found him that did not ask for my life, but first gave me his as a demonstration of love. Only in his life did I find life. Life began to make sense after I received his life. I am now so overwhelmed I can give my life, having found true love. This is the love of God demonstrated to me when he asked Jesus to take my place.

He asked him to be Sin, so I can be declared Saint, he made him guilty while I was discharged and acquitted of long-standing charges. I am thankful for the love of Christ in me.

I am thankful for the wisdom I have received to skillfully combine letters into words; a well of inspiration many can constantly draw from with the assurance that they will find a word tailored for every season, words that free them from the shackles of mediocrity and impossibility.

I thankful I have in my circle men on whose backs I have ridden these past years. Those through whose eyes I have seen the different shades of our world. I have been privileged to meet great men who have challenged what I deemed success as just the beginning of another phase if I would dare to push myself beyond borders.

I have noticed with awe how God places me in the right place per time. From my encounters with men - both short-term and those that lasted for years, I have built lifelong relationships that are yielding excellent fruits. I have someone to talk to every time a new situation arises that confounds my experience.

Issues ranging from choices, purpose, talent development and many more have been addressed by men and women whose lives, words are inadequate to describe.

I am indeed grateful for my family. The warmth I experience during times spent with these ones leave me nostalgic every time I'm away. Imagine having someone who will go any mile just to get you what you want, even if it is not comfortable. That will describe who I have as my mother.

Her selflessness, industry and aura that constantly oozes sometimes  leaves me feeling...'do I really deserve love this much', so much that I question if I will be able to go this length for anyone else. She has done all that is practicable under heaven to provide me with the very best within her capacity.

Finally, I am grateful for the many books, articles, quotes and words churned out by  men, most of whom cannot quantify the reach of their efforts. I read from such men in the corners of my room thousands of miles away from where they are. Thank you for not keeping those words to yourself. You are a blessing to our world!

Scripture quoted from Romans 5:7 (Amplified Version)

My Passion

After spending days and countless hours poring over numerous articles about the development of the technologies we celebrate today, I came up with a piece I considered worthy of publication in a magazine with a huge potential reach; Niger Kopa - A publication by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)  Niger state, Nigeria.

I had ventured into researching the advent of technology dating as far back as the stone age down to the industrial revolution of the 1700s up until most recent 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. I made my readers appreciate how far we have come as humans and how far generation after generation have pushed the limits of invention and innovation.

This experience perhaps made me  further realize an area where I have developed a lot strength, and that is research. I have an almost unquenchable thirst for technological research, especially examining those who have churned out excellent products and services that have greatly changed the world; by improving the quality of human lives, revolutionizing businesses and totally disrupting entire industries. Several names; Henry Ford, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson and Elon Musk come to the fore.

I am passionate about reading and writing about people like these, some not even on the big-screens who have deployed their skills, followed their passion and doggedly pursued a course they believe will changed the lives of other people for the better, right from unknown communities in Kenya, Nigeria to the more popular places like Silicon Valley.

This way, I can encourage someone to  invest his energy and resources in a course he hitherto felt was unprofitable. I am passionate about encouraging those who will dare to traverse uncharted territories.

I have a penchant for excellence. I like to write, just so my words will spur my reader to action. I want my words to appear to my reader, only to hear him scream... 'This is what I have been waiting for!'

I love to write about personal development. How you can develop more and more skills and talent, and release more and more of your potential by following in the foot steps of men who have done the same.

My passion is to challenge people both with spoken and written words, how they can despise the odds, develop the energy to break through when they have been  pushed to the wall and not just describe how insurmountable the obstacles are.

In my reading, I want to learn -  drink from the deep reservoirs of knowledge; men who have changed the world in their own rights so I can develop strength to do the same.

In my writing, I want to share my wisdom - encourage millions out there who will encounter my works which will release another rush of energy to pursue their dreams already battered by the waves of procrastination, inferiority and complacency.

This is what keeps me awake, and cause me to experience many 'light-bulb' moments.

Why I Love Agriculture

"Cars run on gas, machineries are powered by electricity, but food is the fuel of the body." - Kehinde Odubela

"A hungry nation is an angry nation; a healthy nation will abound in prosperity."

The 2015 food shortage in Venezuela, a major oil producer denegerated into serious social problems; smuggling, looting, protests that soon led to shootings and a near economic shutdown.

"Hundreds of people waited in line to buy food at a grocery store in Catia, a slum in western Caracas on June 11. Some arrived as early as 3 a.m. and waited more than eight hours before being told there was no more food available," The New York Times reported.

A woman with four of her five children standing by their broken refrigerator which contained their last food: a bag of corn flour and a bottle of vinegar. Photo credit: The New York Times.

This is what happens when we do not pay attention to the production and sustenance of an indispensable factor in our lives; food.

Agriculture - the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products (Merriam-Webster) is the only solution to unavailability of food in every village, city and nations of the world.

This is why I love agriculture, a major contributor to the well-being of any society. Any society with little or no food will ultimately produce hungry people who are predisposed to all kinds of diseases. When there is scarcity of food, even hospitals are filled with people who need to use their medication but cannot get food for the drug to react on. The citizens are weak and unproductive.

The economy also will not be left out. Venezuela - in 2015 and beyond - experienced rampant inflation amidst lower oil prices and a recession which was heightened by the restriction on Dollar imports. It suggests the nation had not developed its agricultural sector well enough to produce her own food.

Nigerians have recently seen staggering food price increase, owing majorly to factors closely related to what played out in Venezuela. The oil boom of the 1970s shifted government focus from the sector that had for a long time driven the wheels of its economy. Oil prices have plummeted and the nation now has to revert to agriculture and other sectors for economic diversification.

Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote recently stated that Nigeria consumes 6.5 million tonnes of rice which costs over $2bn annually. The most part, however, comes through imports. Nigeria can keep this much in her economy if the government develops the agricultural sector. Private sector participation in this industry - like Dangote has decided to do - will also greatly improve the economy. Farmers will be largely profitable as their produce do not have to compete with imported ones.

Prosperous nations that are highly sought after are known to invest heavily in agriculture. They provide farmers with improved seeds, sponsor the latest technology and even subsidize staple foods. Food banks are also available to keep surplus food which are given to citizens for free.

I decided to invest in agriculture so I can play my part in fighting hunger, poverty, improve standard of living and tackle the spread of diseases. Cash crops will also improve foreign exchange when my produce are exported to be transformed into useful products.

More participation in this sector will greatly grow the local economy and possibly discourage dependence on the fast depleting oil reserves.

Our nations are blessed with fertile soils suitable for agriculture, agile men and women who can raise livestock, and the technology that can preserve the proceeds of our farms. You and I can stop world hunger.

This is why I love agriculture.

Why You Should Join The Writathon Challenge

I am not sure where I heard or read this statement, but I have come to hold it as true - at least to a very great extent, that, "if you do something consistently for at least 21 days, you can more easily make it a part of your life thereafter." Yes, It will turn out to be much easier to continue doing that same thing subsequently.

That statement amidst many other benefits I perceived were the most propelling forces behind my decision to join the 21 Days writing challenge - Writathon.

I have learnt the power of consistency in the past months. How that I can change my life, career, develop any skill, talent and explore more and more of my potential by working at it consistently, day-in day-out.

I came across the Writathon challenge at a time when I was getting really busy at work. Even though I knew I could write, to devote that time to brainstorming and carving excellent pieces seemed a piece of a drag.

I had indicated my interest on the Facebook page since December, 2016, but I still couldn't summon the courage to join. Deep inside of me, however, I knew the only solution to my challenge was to start writing all the same.

I finally pulled down the stumbling block, long after most others had completed their Writathon. What gave me the greater encouragement were the writing prompts I would receive in my mail everyday, which would give me a sort of guide on what to write on each day.

I knew only by joining the challenge will I get expertise reviews of my writings including those by other aspiring writers who would see my daily posts and of course understand the fact that I am just starting. They might be critical, but in the end, I will come out bigger and better for it. I joined the writing challenge because chiefly by writing can I improve my vocabulary-base while also building confidence on my use of words, punctuations and other attributes of an excellent piece, now that I will be writing for an audience.

The writing challenge will also push me to do more research, since a bit of that must reflect in my articles. The underlying facts upon which my convictions are built must be confirmed and faultless, even though I will be building on them from my opinion. I will also consciously observe how others write with the aim of gleaning few things that could appear in my writing also.

My fears were ultimately suppressed under the weight of the above gains. I joined the challenge of writing an article everyday for 21 days!

Have you been thinking of writing but can't find the time? Do you feel you can beautifully knit words leaving your audience to stop by for a treat? You can overcome that stumbling block standing between you and your dream of turning out a seasoned writer. Send a mail to Sam Osho (inisamos@gmail.com) today and let the journey begin. Join the Writathon challenge!

The key is in your hands, step forward and open that door to your world of possibilities!

7 Steps To Winning Job Interviews

There are numerous types of interviews -  panel, group, video and case interviews among others.  This article elucidates the steps you must follow if you must succeed at the interview - regardless of the type. It is perhaps the determinant whether or not you will be offered the Job. Hence, you must devote quality time  for preparation.

1. Research The Employer
Learn as much as you can about the employer; their line of business, their core values, the kinds of products/services  they render and much more. Your research will make you very familiar with the industry in which they operate so you can answer questions intelligently.

Most businesses have a website that provide most of these basic information. It is also good to contact current employees or past employees.

If it is a small private business, you should find their Facebook or Twitter pages  and follow their posts.

2. Know Yourself
'Tell me about yourself!' - this is undoubtedly the most common interview 'question'.

You should also expect the interviewers to ask you questions about your experiences and how they have shaped you, which means you have to know yourself really well. What are your strengths, weaknesses? What opportunities have you had to lead others or work in a team?

It is a good idea to think about the most common interview questions especially those that relate to the industry in which the employer operates. After you list some of the questions, write bullet points on how you might answer the questions as they relate to your skills, attributes and experiences. Do not try to memorize direct answers to certain questions, rather, be familiar with what points to explain on every question.

You should also think deeply about your faults and past failures, however, you must be able to present to the employer, how you have turned them around in a  positive way.

3. Dress Appropriately
Your appearance has a lot to do with the impression your employers have of you. You must look smart and comfortable in whatever you wear. It is better you 'overdress' than to dress short of the normal dressing style in that organization. More commonly, wear a suit of a suitable colour, trim your nails and wear a clean shave.

4. Do lots of Practice
You must practice how to answer interview questions over and over again.
What you say is not as important as how you say it. You can rehearse with a friend on how to answer questions or stand in front of a mirror as you speak. This is so you can develop confidence as you answer questions, especially those one that probe into your personality.

Do not use fillers like 'ehmm', 'ehn..' while you speak. This may suggest you are not well prepared for the interview. A brief pause before your response is however advisable. While you must pay attention to what you say, do not speak at a slower pace than that of the interviewer.

5. Establish A Bond During The Interview
An interview can only be enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere. You should wear a smile and be as cheerful, friendly as possible.

You should also maintain eye-contact with the interviewer. If there is more than one, make eye-contact with the person asking the questions per time. Not everyone likes to be quizzed, but for the purpose of the interview, do not make the interviewer feel you are uncomfortable by his many questions - in fact, expect him to ask many.

6. Ask Questions
A good way to end the interiview is to ask questions after the interviewer has asked all his questions. Ask questions that show that you know what  the organization is going through at the moment, projects they are working on, what markets they are looking at and that you are excited about being a part of the organization.

Do not ask questions you could easily find out elsewhere; like their working hours, remunerations and the likes.

7. Send a Thank you Note
Which ever way the interview turns out, endeavor to send a 'Thank You' note, which should be by mail or other means of communication you employed before the interview. It is a good opportunity to add some of the things you missed out during the interview or questions you feel were not answered thoroughly.

It is also a polite way to appreciate the interviewer for taking time out to interview you.

Tips on How to Graduate with a First Class from a Nigerian University

While I believe bagging a first class does not automatically translate to securing a job upon graduation or obtaining fully funded scholarship for graduate studies, it does open you up to many opportunities for job interviews and increase your chances of securing funding for postgraduate studies both home and abroad.

Graduating with a first class might just show that you understood the concepts you were taught in every of your courses despite the many challenges - outdated course materials, incompetent academic staff, core theoretical approach and many other drawbacks that characterize Nigerian Universities.

This article is meant for those who strive for excellence in any of their endeavors including academics. You can scale through all the hurdles and still arrive safely with a trophy waiting for you at the end. If others have achieved it, why not also aim at it. Why would you settle for less?

Below are some tips you will find very useful in your quest for graduating with a first class.

1. Start From Day One
Most universities in Nigeria use a cumulative grading system, which means every of your grade contributes to your final Grade Point Average otherwise known as Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Therefore, you have to make valuable contributions to your GPA from day one!

In fact, first year seems to be the easiest time to clinch good grades, since as you ascend higher, you take more intensive courses.

2. Be Consistent
Consistency means you have to work hard at scoring nothing short of an 'A' - in most cases 70 and above - in all your courses.

For example scoring 90, 45, 65, and 70 in four courses will do your GPA more harm compared to scoring 80, 71, 74 and 83 in these same courses. Attention must be paid to all courses especially those that carry more units. A '2' unit course is not as weighty as a '4' unit course or Final Year Projects which are usually '6' units.

Consistency in another sense would mean to make daily study a habit. Ensure you contribute daily to your knowledge of your courses through your study. Do not wait until exam time before you do crash study, there will be too much to study by then.

Your consistency will also keep you prepared for short and unannounced tests which sometimes constitute 5 - 10% of your overall score

3. Take Assignments, Projects/Term Papers Seriously
Assignments and Projects are a norm in every university. More and more, lecturers are trying to shift from deciding 70% of your total score from a 3-hour exam.

Assignments - group or individual - and projects, therefore, take a good chunk of the total. Since you do not know which of the assignments given during the semester will be considered, it is advisable you turn in every assignment, project or term paper.

4. Study Past Questions and Trends
There are very high chances the questions you will encounter on exam day have appeared at one time in the recent past. Some lecturers almost repeat questions word for word, changing only certain parameters.

This focus on past questions should not be at the expense of the course materials or notes, rather, they are to make you have a feel of what to expect.

5. Study With Others
Group discussions and tutorials help you concretize your knowledge of concepts. You should volunteer to teach others; their questions will probe your understanding. We learn more when we teach others what we know.

Group discussions are meeting points to discover the latest materials and the most recent past questions. Don't under estimate the resources your classmates might have. Never walk alone!

6. Be Friends With Your Lecturers
This is not so you can lobby for free marks but for a healthy relationship with your lecturers. This relationship can make you boldly walk up to your lecturer for explanation to concepts you are struggling with, which makes him/her aware of your strengths.

Issues such as missing scripts and scores are  more quickly resolved when your lecturers know you. You cannot afford to hate any lecturer or course. That invariably translates to failure, or at best, poor performance in all courses handled by that lecturer.

The above tips are proven ways of bagging first class from a Nigerian University. Follow them dutifully and you will be smiling upon graduation.

P.S: This is not to dissuade you from participating in other activities like student leadership, campus journalism, sports, seminars, internships and competitions that make you an all-round student.

Do not join the league of those students that go for the book and the book alone. These other activities are invaluable if you must be a complete student.

Photo Credit: gardner-webb.edu

Why Do We Celebrate Wrongdoing?

The celebrations that trailed the return of the former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has left me wondering what we consider our values as Nigerians.

James Ibori was recently released from UK prison after serving half of his 13-year sentence. He was accused of laundering nearly £50 Million in April 2012.

His hometown, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria went agog on hearing he was finally released from prison. As if that was the height, he held a thanksgiving service at a Church on Sunday, 12th February, 2017.

              Ibori at the thanksgiving service  (Photo Credit: John Ochuko Jobes)

I feel sad and embittered that a man against whom such weighty allegations were leveled - allegations eventually found to be true - could be given such celebrated welcome. One would expect someone like Mr Ibori to quietly make his return to the country.

Mr Ibori has shown no remorse since he was indicted - during and even after his jail term. This one and only reason should suggest why the Nigerian people should not gladly accept him, rather, we have even gone as far as giving him a popular welcome.

This is not the first time Nigerians have welcomed those who once stole from our common treasury with a pat on the back. Little by little, we are making stealing and other forms of corruption a norm in our country. People who have looted and laundered what belongs to the country should not only be prosecuted but prevented from holding any political office in the future.

Some supporters have said Ibori's tenure as Governor  led to major developments in the Niger Delta region, but the fact remains that he once moved a lot of money at the expense of his community, state and Nigeria as a Nation. That he has done good - as reported - at any time does not mean he should be excused from the penalties of his offences.

We must begin to prove to the world as a people that we frown at all forms of corruption and are serious about punishing offenders. It is worthy of note that Ibori was absolved of these charges in Nigeria, until the UK swung into action to prosecute him based on indisputable evidences.

We must also begin to see public office as a call to serve the people, with their interest at the fore and not an opportunity to siphon funds. No matter the level of development or success any public office holder achieves, once it can be proven that he took advantage of his office to cart away public funds, his 'good' record - which actually is his primary responsibility - must not be used as an excuse to pardon him.

Furthermore, the church in Nigeria should not encourage politicians who have erred,  even when they do not show any sign of remorse for their offences. The church should receive only those who have promised to 'sin no more' which must be exemplified by their actions after their prosecution.

I will encourage Mr. Ibori to publicly apologise for his wrongs, and not tout himself as a politician until the memories of his wrongs are cleared by his efforts at encouraging a crime and corruption-free polity, while also making the lives of his people better in the years to come. This he must do by working silently.

App Review

App Review: MultiVersions Bible

This app is free and available on Google Playstore. It is an excellent app for students of The Word - The Bible.

It allows users to combine different versions of the bible while viewing all on  their screen at once. It has popular versions of the Bible such as New International Version (NIV), King James Version(KJV), New Living Translation (NLT) and many more.

Another beauty of this app is the fact that you can choose from a spectrum of colours with which to display each version. Versions can be enabled and disabled every time you want to study, so you can combine just about any versions per time.

This app proves useful for anyone who wants to access different versions of the Bible on the go! In this era of digital technology, we want to squeeze time out of our busy schedules to study the Word, while traveling in a bus, in the taxi, at lunch-time at work and those other short breaks we have from our regular  activities.

Did you forget a Bible passage? Are you trying to get a hold of a verse of scripture but you only remember a word from that verse? This is the app you need!

The search tab allows you to search for words in the Bible from all the versions you have installed. You can also search for a phrase so far you remember the order of the words as recorded in any version of the Bible.

Mutiversions Bible also lets you bookmark verses of the Bible. That means you can save them to view at a later time. Did you stumble on a verse of Scripture you don't  want to forget in a hurry? This is just the app you need!

MultiVersions Bible has helped me keep up with my goal of studying the Bible everyday. Even when I can not squeeze out my study time at a stretch, it has made it possible for me to stay on top of my study at every slight opportunity I have.

I recommend this app to anyone who wants to carry many versions of the Bible everywhere, on mobile, while studying how several words and verses are rendered in the different versions.

PS: This app used to have the Amplified version until last year due to copyrights.

Book Review: Start-Up Nation

Title: Start-Up Nation
Author: Dan Senor and Saul Singer
Year Published: 2009

This book chronicles the story of Israel's economic miracle. It describes in detail how a little-known country once ravaged by war came to embody innovation and entrepreneurship and how this culture long ingrained in the people and their systems came to drive the wheel of economic prosperity.

The book was written by Dan Senor who once studied in Isreal, lived, worked and travelled in many countries in the Arab World and Saul Singer, an American who lives in Jerusalem.

The book delved into the history of Israel, how it fought an existential war for independence which led to the founding of the State of Israel despite absorbing a plethora of fleeing refugees from post-war Europe and the Arab world.

It soon became apparent the nation had to develop its own military if it would survive post-independence. But how did a country with such minuscule population build a formidable army?

The nation resorted to conscription - making it mandatory for most citizens, men and woman to serve in the military for two years before moving on to college or building their own start-ups. It also drafted into elite units the best brains from high-school. The young Israelis upon entering the army were saddled with responsibilities far beyond  what their peers grappled with in the military of other nations.

This idea did not only strengthen the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) but created a hub and breeding ground for young men and women who will later leverage their connections - since everybody knows everybody - in the army and apply the invaluable experiences from the war front to build businesses later bought by Fortune 500 companies. Young men responsible for tracking the online transactions of terrorists for example, founded a company later acquired by Paypal.

A culture marked by distaste for bereaucracy, a penchant for innovation, open-arms to immigrants and a resolve to challenge the status-quo led by the early founders of the nation quickly caught the attention of some of the world's most successful businesses - Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Google - who quickly set up shop in Israel to harness the technological talent.

Israel ultimately developed clusters. What are clusters? What other nations have successfully developed clusters?

This book is a must-read for political leaders, policy makers, government officials and business leaders who are passionate about turning the tide in their communities, organizations and nations by building a culture of independence, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The experiences of the Israelis will inspire you, as you will see how challenges were quickly turned to opportunities for innovation. You will see how a nation once described by Mark Twain as a large barren wasteland rose to become one of the most entrepreneurial economies in the world.

Hush That Voice!

Thomas Edison tried inventing the light bulb 1,000 times. He apparently had every reason to give up. His teacher had earlier said he was 'too stupid to learn anything'. He was also fired from his first two jobs as being too 'unproductive.' Today, he is believed to be one of the most determined people in the world.

You might have read about Starbuck's Howard Schultz who grew up in a housing complex for the poor. According to business insider, Schultz said in an interview with British tabloid, Mirror - "Growing up, I always felt like I was living on the other side of the tracks...I don't know why or how, I wanted to climb over that fence and achieve something beyond what people were saying was possible...' Today, his networth is more 2 billion dollars.

Oprah Winfrey became the first African - American TV correspondent in her state at the age of 19 despite being raised by a poor Grandmother. Michael Jordan who was once rejected from his high school basketball team now ranks as the greatest basket ball player of all time.

These and many more are people who have left their mark in the sands of time even when they had every reason to quit. That voice - within and without - that silently whispered impossibilities must have been hushed.

The past 8 days - and the few days before - since I took up the challenge to write an article a day has proven to me that I can silence any prompting within me that suggests anything at all is impossible.

I am gradually coming to terms with the  Principle of Potential which Steven Cosby describes as 'the idea that we are embryonic, and can grow and develop and release more and more potential, develop more and more talents'.

With the underlying principles of patience, nurturance and encouragement, I have seen myself gradually pick up on my writing skills. This is not without the support and words of encouragement I have received from the initiator of Writathon, Osho Samuel and other writers who are trying to break the barriers hindering them from becoming prolific writers they want to be.

Just like we were embryos at some point after conception, we developed until we could crawl, stand, walk, run and jump, while learning to speak along the line. No stage of the development was skipped because each is necessary for full development.

This makes patience an indispensable virtue for any one who aspires to be great. Do not expect to turn out a novel of 50,000 words without first writing 400 words consistently. Your dream of playing the piano in an orchestra can only be actualized by first
confidently playing to your friends and family.

That voice that reminds you of your background, inadequacy and incompetence can only be silenced when you take the bold step to start from right where you are.

Today, choose to take those babysteps to greatness. Do not try to fly when you cannot run. Be like Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan who tried over and over again and have become sources of inspiration to us today.

Do You Have A Plan?

 If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my axe." - Abraham Lincoln

Emerging Middle East and Africa Business Award Finalist at the Google Online Marketing Challenge bolstered our confidence at launching Laurels Enterprise. My team had partnered with a leading transport company and successfully created AdWords marketing campaign for their online-booking, charter and cargo services.

This achievement moved Dayo and me to consider deploying the skills we had developed to help businesses improve on their reach on the internet via search engine optimization, graphic and video ads. The next roadblock as with every budding entrepreneur was getting funds to run this enterprise till we could gather sufficient customer base to cater for our running costs. Only a grant/loan would serve as a safety net.

Our first application, however, revealed our preparation for this endeavor. We applied to be sponsored by a host of business leaders and philanthropists who were passionate about supporting start-ups in Africa to fund their businesses relating to agriculture, power, energy, technology and other sectors.

The feedback from that competition revealed that while we possessed the skill, we did not have the preparation to turn it into a business. Our target customer were small businesses who would want to make their goods and services promoted on the internet, especially entrepreneurs who are wary of every dollar spent except it has the potential to uplift their businesses.

Our excitement began to fade because we became aware of the realities of starting a business which was beyond marketable skills. Our enterprise added to the list of failed businesses, as stated by Alberto Savoia,  former Googler in Law of Market Failure, that “most new products will fail in the market, even if they are competently executed"

This experience has left me with a lesson reminiscent of the words of Abraham Lincoln - "If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my axe". Many entrepreneurs are usually caught up in the excitement of launching a new product, website or other services with very little preparation for floating a lasting business.

How is your product differentiated from other products in the market? What is your competitive edge? That is, how do you plan to knock off other products for a big chunk of the market share? User experience; how user-friendly, simple and accessible is the product? Do you know anything about finance and accounting? These and many more are the questions that need to be well thought out before launching a product.

I find the quote above also applicable to other aspect of life. Do not join the rush to do anything. Take your time to put up a strategic plan before you launch out. Review enough literatures before your write that research paper, engage consumers in that market you are about to enter.

Sharpen your axe so much so that your first attempt at chopping the wood yields nothing but success.

Change Begins With You!

Nigeria, a nation with a population of more than 180 million people spread across 910,710 sq metres is richly blessed with  human and natural resources ranging from natural gas, crude oil to cocoa, iron-ore, rubber, limestone and a fertile land for agriculture. However, her people live mostly on a low standard with many only able to put daily bread on their tables and those of their family.

Corruption, the bane of our development has eaten deep into the fabric of every sector - administration and politics, education, health and even the legal system. Everyone eagerly longs for a Messiah to come block the loopholes and rid the polity of this evil called corruption. It seems to be a part of our lives, such that the policeman expects you to drop a 50 Naira note (used to be 20 Naira) whether or not your papers are complete.

Your company makes goods delivery to other companies, where the security man also expects to get something to increase your chances of getting in, else your truck might as well spend needless hours waiting.

You step into a hospital (public or private) in haste to see the doctor, the receptionist  keeps you waiting until you slip a Naira note into her hands and you wonder what magic immediately brings a nurse to your rescue.

These and many more are the experiences I have had, heard and confirmed.

The sad thing however, is the fact that everyone expects  'No Corruption' to start from the government or their neighbours. We all complain about the state of the country, when our fathers, mothers, relatives and friends are those at the helm of affairs as the Dean of department, Permanent  Secretary of a ministry, Chairman of a local government, Head of civil service or Member of house of representatives.

We wail and lament about who a 'good' man should be, but until the moment we realized as individuals that we are the initiators of the change we need, our mere talk on newspaper headline review every morning on radio and the numerous programs on TV will only end up as fantasies.

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." - Marcus Aurelius

It starts with you demanding to be represented only once on the government payroll, don't have your unborn children registered as civil servants. Refuse to pay that policeman the usual tip even when your papers are complete, do not demand extra pay from a citizen who appears in your office to apply for passport, drivers' licence, births certificate and the likes.

Only when we see change as starting from us can our concerted efforts make corruption a thing of the past.

Photo Credit: fitandfabyoublog.wordpress.com

Letter To A Younger Version of Myself

Dear Kehinde,

Though you did not have all that would have made childhood fun, thanks for staying true to those counsels from your parent. Thanks for persevering in the face of obstacles many faced and called it quit.

However, your late decision to break out of your shell did not let you broaden your world-view quite early, else, you would have had a more eventful transition into adulthood. Being reclusive helped you shut out 'unserious' friends and save precious time, but you were too careful in your relationships. It is a wise saying to remain unspotted by the 'world', but do not make an opinion of people until you get close to them.

Living at a considerable distance from most of your peers in school was enough hindrance to your social life, withdrawing into the protective walls of your home rather reduced your friends from whom you would have learnt a great deal. You did not visit neither were you visited. Privacy is essential but must not be overboard so you can safely cohabit with other people in future.

Thanks to the housing system at college that made the choice of roommates independent of your decision. That made you exposed to the old and young, rich and poor, the lazy and the zealous, and of course, you grappled with their idiosyncrasies. This you would have been exposed to much earlier had you made a habit of reaching out to others without holding on to that inferiority complex. You really were too careful people would make an opinion of you. Now, throw yourself out, let people realize who you are and make the best out of every relationship. Get close before you determine whether to hold on to people or not.

I must applaud your penchant for academic excellence, just that your focused attention on academic books stole your heart away from pleasure-reading from which you would had a richer vocabulary base, explored the world of renown writers of excellent page turners and quickly discover your writing skills. You waited until you turned 23 before you read Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist!

Writing is an art which is supposed to chronicle your experiences and the lessons learnt from the same. You did not have to wait till essays were handed out as assignments in English Language courses or you had a major exam that required you to write under timed conditions before you put your pen to paper.

Your daily experiences if documented in writing were enough to inspire millions who might have read them. You would have boost your confidence in writing, use of words and opened your works to constructive criticisms.

Kehinde, It is unbelievable you still can not ride a bicycle, neither can you swim. You were too scared to try new challanges.
The only sport you chose to participate in during inter-house sports was the match-past, how ludicrous! Study helps keep the brain stimulated, but exercise does keep the body in good shape. For the sake of your body, do some sports!

Above all, never let your background put your back to the ground, the future holds much more for you. Work in silence and let success announce you to the world.

Prison Break

Very often in our lives, we wish we had one thing or the other, we wish we made a very important move that could turn our lives around, but it is as though we have chains that hold us bound. Not because we are in a physical prison - even though that could explain this position - but these chains are more at the level of the mind than physical.

You hope to be an excellent writer, but you keep experiencing the dreaded writers' block after which you withdraw into complacency. You want to excel as a student, but sleep seems to be a regular visitor each time you settle to read, even though you go as far as chewing gum and taking Nescafé to keep awake.

You plan to start a blog, invest quality time to do a host of other tasks, but social media seems to be a devil that eats deep into your time. You cannot resist the temptation to see every new notification. A prominent figure just retweeted your tweet! A friend just liked your new profile picture or dropped a comment on your new post on Facebook. You want to check the topic generating those numerous messages on your class group page on Whatsapp, and the list goes on and on.

You need to break off these chains as a matter of urgency, lest you end your life full of regrets, unaccomplished tasks and ultimately a wasted destiny.

Recognise Your State
First, you must recognise you are being held back by factors well within your control. You have to  come to terms with the fact that these factors rob you of your time - an indispensable and unrecoverable commodity. This recognition must be matched by complete dissatisfaction and discomfort.

Deliberate Effort
Even if you are doubtful you might fail at your attempt at this 'prison break', you must direct your effort at freeing yourself. Below are few things you can do to break-off two of the 'chains' mentioned above.

Social media makes so much information available to us, all calling for our attention. This leads to seeing so many screens but having very limited knowledge. You might have to uninstall apps that flood your phone with notifications. For example,  you can still enjoy Facebook using a browser instead of the app, same applies to LinkedIn, Instagram and so on.

I was recently introduced to Rescue Time and Freedom App, both time management apps. The former plots a graph of your time consumed by apps installed on your phone and PC, while the latter block the internet, social media and apps for a specified period. This will help you use the social media to your advantage while you are in control of your time, and of course, life.

What about sleep? You need to make the most of the time during which you are mentally alert. Do not plan to do most of your reading at night when you are likely to drift into sleep. Maximize the day, so you can do less study at night. Also, do not get too full before your reading time. There are high chances metabolism (or digestion) can induce sleep especially when you are more rested, ready to study. Reading with a group also proves useful to prevent you from sleeping, as the consciousness that other people are around can keep you awake, while you seize opportunities at asking questions or passing a side comment.

These are few of the many thoughts that crossed my mind when I saw the photo above. No doubts, there are many 'chains', but recognising your current position and deliberate effort geared at breaking away are guaranteed approaches to your prison break.

You can be free, yes you can!

Decide to Excel!

Most of my memorable years - at least, those I can recall clearly to write about without missing details - started when I got into highschool. Growing up in a small town did not make my childhood very eventful. If I am not in school, I am at home doing chores or playing with other kids. No cinemas, malls, chain-stores and  other side attractions. Life was slow-paced, quiet and peaceful.

I wrote the entrance exams to my highschool much after other students had resume. I needed to catch up with the little they had done, not to mention the ordeal of 'traveling' to school everyday. My uniform was big and funny, I would never outgrow it unless it wears out. This was aside dealing with inferiority complex. I saw rich, fresh kids all around me, most speaking 'phoney'. My lunch was never taken in public glare!

All of these, however fueled my resolve rather than dampen it. I really cannot explain what gave me such desire; such drive for excellence. I just wanted to be the best of me.

The day the best students were announced on assembly ground at the end of first year is a day I will not forget quickly. I almost doubted my full name when I was announced the overall best student. Finally, the days of paying attention to details in classwork and assignments paid off. I remember scolding my mother for sleeping off and not waking me up to read at nights during exams - as if the books were hers. Really, she was my alarm!

A laudable performance at the highschool certification exams made my transition to college pretty smooth, even though my face and height betrayed me in my early years. My naivety was evident from my countenance. Right from first year, I encountered a mixed multitude. My room had both those who cared very little and those who took their studies seriously. At some point, my room was literally a brothel. The obscenity that went down in that room are too heavy for mouths to speak.

I would have set myself on slippery ground by following their ways. Thanks to godly folks who quickly drafted me in and got me involved in a lot of activities that concretized my convictions as it relates to my faith. My performance as a freshman - despite being amidst peverts and the frequent nostalgia -  would later be the saving grace in the years to come because my best result apart from final year came from my first year. I emerged as the best student in my department in the end.

I have learnt over these periods to develop the same attitude and hunger for excellence not just to academics but to every of my endeavors. We are bound to meet people who will make us feel at a position of disadvantage; a product of what we think others think about us. Despite joining the session late, the  distance to school and suffering an inferiority complex, I still came out tops in highschool. You must not give excuses for failure.

Bad association has the potential to take your eyes off your goals. They will preach mediocrity to you. Therefore, you must consciously choose your friends. They must not be people who pat you in the back always, but those who help you along the lifelong journey of clinching medals.

It all begins with a decision to succeed. That resolution is first, your launch pad.

Lessons From My Failure

I gained admission into college just like many other high-fliers who make distinctions in all subjects in highschool certification exams. However, my only 'C' came from Chemistry - a course I chose to just get along with.

As a freshman, I had to take courses from the sciences, so physical chemistry appeared again! This time I developed more interest, just so I could get the nitty-gritty of the course. The mid-semester test came and I spanked 70%. Not bad, considering the mass failure that resulted from that test.

My approach to studying soon changed, as I devoted more time studying compilation of past examination questions as against  perusing the course material, a change in approach necessitated by testimonies from seniors - who had 90% and above - about how questions were repeated year-in, year-out. Just before the exams, I could literally tell you the answer to a question without reading the entire question. I was that precise!

Exam day came as a shock because we were served fresh questions from the ovens of physical chemistry. To complicate matters, we were made to write our answers to the questions  in black spaces, an approach adopted for the first time in a long time! Multiple choice questions was the status quo.

That meant I will provide a logical approach to solving the problems, I also had to supply the correct units without which the solution will be considered incorrect. I leave you to imagine the rest of my experience in that examination and my score overall. You will probably share great empathy with me.

That encounter has left me with a lesson  useful for both academic examinations and examinations in the school of life, which usually comes unprecedented; I cannot afford to attack every problem with the same approach I used at previous times, life will throw different challenges at me regardless of my preparation. I must therefore see a new challenge as an opportunity to up my game.

I have also learnt not to seek hard and fast rules to arriving at solutions. No aspect of a task, project or assignment should be done without paying attention to details or every constituent part. What if that slide you planned to gloss over caught the attention of the board during your presentation?

Do not leave anything to chance. Prepare adequately for every test, project or presentation within the time available to you. It has been said that luck usually comes to those who were not expecting it.

Image Credit: jamesjshaw.com

Don't End Up A Mediocrity (2)

Below are more attitudes or mindsets that suggest a mediocre personality:

Entitlement Mentality
Entitlement mentality according to Conservapedia is a state of mind in which an individual comes to believe that privileges are instead rights, and that they are to be expected as a matter of course.
With this mentality, you feel somebody or the world owes you something. You  are so much obsessed with what others can do for you and not what you can do for yourself. Some quick examples of this mentality will be: a student who feels a relative should sponsor him through school just because he is rich, a man who thinks his brother should take responsibility for one or two of his kids, after all, he - the kids' uncle -  is very wealthy, a subordinate who feels his boss must promote him considering his long service. These and many more  reflect cases when we expect that others owe us the responsibility to meet our needs. While it is not wrong to receive any of the above benefits, it is totally up to the donor to decide whether or not to do so.

Mediocrities expect the most from government, from relatives and their bosses. They expect government to attend to each and every social need, they blame government or their 'unappreciative' boss for a job loss. The way out of this is to empower yourself to meet your needs. Do not give other people's negligence to your needs as excuse for not achieving excellence. Take responsibility for your life! The richest people in the world today are those who came up with products that either changed the world or leveraged on already existing inventions. Think about Bill Gates' dream of having a computer in every home in the world, Mark Zuckerberg's goal of seeing family and friends remain connected, Steve Jobs of Apple,  Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google. These are people whose ideas completely revolutionized the world, transformed the way we do business and opened up businesses for other people. They 'pushed' the borders!

A Feeling that Others Demand Too Much
Another indicator that you are settling for mediocrity would be  a feeling that others on your team are perfectionists or are demanding too much from you. If your daily, weekly or monthly reports are always deemed 'not detailed' or others in your team constantly have to start afresh with tasks you submitted as complete or when you feel the expectations of others are too high, you might consider stepping up your game. There is something about excellence you need to learn because in the end, your productivity will affect those of others. Management may decide to excuse you so your attitude does not affect other employees.

Generalizing Failure
Imagine every other person scores 40% and below on a test while you score 50%, it is easy to feel a sense of comfort even though you just managed to clinch average, 'at least, all others failed!'. What happened to the remaining 50% mark? You must not see other's failure as an excuse to remain mediocre. It is your responsibility to determine how far you want to go, how excellently you want to perform. Other people's complacency must not make you settle for less. Yes, you are not competing with anybody, but your current class, team or organisation might just be a bunch of average minds. Do not let them cloud your 'sense of excellence' Mediocre organisations  do not attract top-performers.

By considering all these attitudes of a mediocrity, it is obvious we choose to be mediocre in one or more aspects of our lives while we strive to attain the peak of the 'mountain' in other aspects. Our goal however must be to avoid and consciously shut-out a mentality of dependence, entitlement or the comfort of generalizing failure. Don't just be good, better, or average. Be the best, strive for excellence!

Image Credit: brightdrops.com

Don't End Up A Mediocrity (1)

Mediocrity simply connotes the quality of being average or ordinary. The word has Latin parts that together literally mean "halfway up the mountain" (vocabulary.com). This simple yet powerful definition brings lots of applications of the word to the fore. A student who just wants a pass - a narrow escape from 'fail' or 'let my people go' as it is commonly said in Nigeria, a business man who just wants to turnover - make enough to offset cost of employing staff and other expenditures. These and many more are the typical examples of people who want to get halfway up the ladder of success. You stay around them for too long and you are bound to hear words like, 'at least I tried', 'I almost.., but...', 'It's not my fault, if not for...'

A mediocrity does not set goals. At best, he sets goals that are below par. He sees others as his yardstick for measuring success, based on metrics dictated by them. History is replete with men who defied the odds to write their name in gold, but who ever remembers a mediocrity? The following are behaviours and attitudes that suggest you might end up mediocre.

Mindset - Lack of Mental Transition
A mediocrity cannot get to the peak of the 'mountain' because deep down in his mind, he has not decided to get there. He sees himself as average, second-class, never able to measure up and perpetually disadvantaged. In other words, a mediocrity suffers from low self-esteem. He has not made that mental transition that he can achieve success. This is important and the first step of conquering mediocre mindset because, first, you have to recognise the fact that you have not decided to be successful. Though difficult to believe, it is true to say that not every one decides (or has decided) to be successful (in this context - to get to the peak or demonstrate excellence) in whatever endeavor they venture (or have ventured into).

Therefore, you have to consciously decide to be above average or settle for less. Yes, you might not always meet your expectations, but your reaction to a failure or an outcome short of your expectation gives strong indications whether or not you are mediocre. If you sit back to exonerate yourself and are comfortable with your poor performance, you are a mediocrity, but if you choose to inquire into why you achieved those results short of your mark, learn from them, you then make deliberate effort to improve on your performance, you are on your way to the peak!

Dependence Mentality
This is way of thinking that suggests to you that you have to depend on someone or a group to attain your goals. This is not to downplay the importance of mentors, colleagues and friends who will be instrumental to our success, same way other factors beyond our control -  government policies, economic condition and other restrictions - can seriously affect business, career and other ventures. Dependence mentality however forces you into thinking and admitting that you can not achieve your goals without the existence of someone else, mostly your parent or whoever you think should be responsible for you. Mediocrities do not take responsibility for their lives, they blame their parents for not sending them to top schools, for not buying them a car at 18, for not using their connection to get them a job at graduation or providing seed capital for starting their business.

You cannot afford to settle for mediocrity. See more indicators of mediocrity in my next post!

Image Credit: skylinetradeshowtips.com

Why You Should Read Regularly (2)

Ability to See The World
With an array of appropriate books, you can visit several countries, cities, learn about people and their culture just by sitting at your desk. You can learn why a food is more prominent in a particular country, why the natives dress the way they do and so on. In essence, you are exposed to the history and peculiarities of different people in the world.

More Robust Vocabulary
Since you encounter more words as you read, you are more likely to learn new words often, see how they are used in various contexts and the meanings they connote in these contexts. Reading, therefore, can help improve your vocabulary, especially when you go the extra mile of conscientiously looking up more uses of words you recently encountered. I can attribute some of the words I know to books and materials I have read at one time or the other. Another encounter with a word I saw sometime ago often comes with a picture of the context in which I first saw the word. This experience makes words stick with me as I can relate meanings to contexts. If you want to build a career in a particular field, it is an excellent idea to read more books relating to that field. That way, you get exposed to words, and you will be able to speak to people in the field more confidently since such words make their way into your vocabulary.

Excellent Writing Skills
Apart from building your vocabulary, you can also develop excellent writing skills by reading. You become aware of writing styles of several authors and thereby develop yours. This is especially helpful for prose - stories and other non-fiction. By observing the skill with which storytellers carve and build on their stories, skillfully infusing such elements as suspense, intrigue, flashbacks and the ability to make the story real and compelling, you will likely be influenced by these writers when you develop your own writings, same way artists influence one another in other works of art.

We live in a fast-paced world, where lots of information - both useful and unnecessary - is available in print, on social media and other sources. It will require some effort on our part to sift through these lot and gather useful information that can build our minds, open our eyes to words of wisdom and all the other benefits stated in this post and the previous post. Therefore, you must read with deliberateness - whether to relax and enjoy a good story at bed-time, glean from the wisdom of sages or improve your awareness of technological advances in medicine, engineering and the likes - you must define your goals for reading. That way, you can make the most of every second spent on reading. You must not be found reading haphazardly, with lots of information available to you but with very poor knowledge.

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