Do or Die?

How nervy can one be when someone raises a controversial subject that we would rather avoid than confront head-on? Contrarily, I was so fortunate and blessed to participate actively in Chapter 12 of Fred Kofman’s book review. In this chapter of “The power of Transcendent Leadership”, Kofman posited that you must “Die before you die” in other to “find your true nature” and live a meaningful/impactful life. When you “feel a calling at work”, you become highly “motivated to leave behind a meaningful contribution”. The same holds true in every facet of life or human endeavours.

Steve Jobs is no longer here but he left us an enduring legacy. There was a graceful Nigerian, a courageous and unique professional who transformed an agency of Government with world-wide acclaim. Madam Dora Akunyili has no rival even after death. Echoing Honor Africans, David Ayodeji Co-founfer and CEO at Woka Nigeria noted that, “Dora Akunyili received 820 awards during her lifetime. In 2016, two years after her death, her husband discovered 110 more awards packed safely in her boxes, bringing the total to 930. No Nigerian has won more.” What an amazing soul? She fought hard that others may live during her days at NAFDAC.

If you know that you have just 3 minutes left to live, what will you do? Similar question was posed to participants by our facilitator ahead of the review session. Participants who posted their responses on Menti.com had the topmost word as “Pray” and the next as “Forgive”. This is profound! It suggests that when the push comes to shove and we are down to the last moment, our utmost desire is to be at peace with our maker and people around us. Over the years, as I reflect deeply on the philosophy around death, my conclusion remains that death is “Dated End Activating Transition to Heaven (or Hell)”. For those who may be “offended” by the notion of Heaven or Hell, I will be content to replace it with Here-After for neutrality sake. Death is not the end of life. Some left this world but their legacy lives on. Irrespective and ultimately, there’s life after death.

Our world is in crisis! Corona Virus (also referred to as COVID-19) that started in Wuhan, China is spreading globally at an alarming rate. No one knows what the outlook will be in the next 2 to 3 weeks and beyond. We can only be hopeful that the measures being put in place by respective health organisations, governments and concerned citizens of the world would yield the desired end-result soonest. May our collective efforts nip the unwanted plague in the bud as swiftly as possible. As our facilitator reflected, “You die simply because you were born”. When mindfulness of death comes into your decision-making process and the choices you make, you become a better person and consequently a humane leader. It's do or die. Die before you die.

Release for Relief

Today, I am writing about an issue that I am very passionate about using a friend and colleague as a point of reference. Weyinmi Metseagharun (alias Wey) released today’s edition of his weekly musings on his Facebook wall this morning. He began releasing the Sunday morning tonic on 18th January 2015 precisely and he has never looked back since then. He begins his message with “I was thinking this morning.....” and ends with “.....Just the thoughts of certain Wey Mey”. He has done this consistently now for 5 years and we are still counting. How time flies.....Whao! Wey’s unique style of writing, intended audience and reference to the “greatest book of all generations” at the footnote makes him a well branded writer.  

In his words, “I continued my musing every Sunday morning with more of my Facebook friends liking and commenting on my posts. Then the Nostradamus' amongst them woke up. One of them commented, 'You should consider writing a book (with a possibility of series) from your weekly thoughts.'.....I started with one article, continued thinking and writing every Sunday and have not missed a Sunday in the last 5 years. Wow! Next Saturday 8th February 2020, BTGOG, I will be unveiling the first in the 'Thoughts of a Certain Wey Mey' book series. This volume being a compilation of a selection of 75 articles written between 2016 and 2018”. 

Who is this “Nostradamus’ amongst them”?. Between us, we know him. He is the typology of someone who freely sends words of encouragement to others. It’s symbolic of that fellow who readily gives others a pat on the back for a job well done. Who are you influencing positively? Are you a source of motivation to others? Can someone truly say of a truth that you have a positive impact on their life? In all spheres of your life and to the boundaries of your circles of influence, be truly committed to lifting others up to greatest heights. It’s far fulfilling to motivate than demotivate. Unto you I say, “Release to Relief”.

In 2019, one of Wey’s articles went viral - “Life is a Class of One”. Unfortunately, he was not given the credit as it was “stolen” by others who lack the moral fortitude of simply acknowledging original authors as they click share buttons on social media. Wey was undeterred by this incident. Rather, he forged ahead on principle. Ironically, that “golden article” did not make it in the “golden book”. It’s quite delightful to know that it will be published in the 2nd volume to be released at a later date. No qualms. The books will be released in series as divinely purposed to his relief and that of beneficiary of his “golden pen”.

As I wish Wey happy 50th birthday celebration, I also want to encourage someone out there. Do you have an idea or thoughts welled up within you? Don't bottle it up. Unleash it! Release it so you can be relieved. Be more concerned about not dying with your dreams being buried in the grave unfulfilled. The world is waiting for your manifestation. Rise up and shine! Your well of wisdom and blessings shall not run dry. Have a pleasant day!

Your Excellency

It was Andrew Carnegie, a business magnate and philanthropist, who wrote that "you cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb a little". An everyday folklore says you can lead a horse to the river but you can't force it to drink water. Anyone who is destined for excellence must have a teachable spirit; always aiming to set new records and gaining new grounds. The drive for excellence is internal whereas the outcome is external. To excel is to be extremely successful, exceptionally good, superior in accomplishment or surpass others in achievement. According to John W. Gardner, excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. A man or woman of excellence cannot be ignored. Excellence enhances your real worth. It improves your value greatly.

While searching for an important document last year, I stumbled on a long-forgotten treasure - my valedictory speech. In life, certain roles are bestowed on you because of your achievement(s). One of such is the - once in a lifetime(?) - role of the valedictorian. A role reserved for the best amongst graduating students of a particular academic institution in a particular year because they deserved it. I had such a unique and wonderful experience in 1991.  Towards the eve of the convocation ceremony, I was handed a piece of paper and a pen by the administrative official with the expectation of crafting my speech within the shortest time possible. The office was almost closing for the day and the speech would still have to be typed by the administrative secretary. Instructively, the thoughts penned down remained evergreen. However, I would recall that the euphoria at the event on that fateful day was at best ephemeral. So short-lived that moments after the delivery, I felt "empty". Cursorily, I learnt a very important lesson from that experience. You are as good as your last accomplishment. Hence, you just have to keep pushing the boundaries in subsequent phases of life.

Why did I choose the title "Your Excellency" for this article? Choosing a title of honour reserved for privileged few in the society is a deliberate act of provocation. You can't rise beyond your self-limiting beliefs. Brian Tracy says, "you begin to fly when you let go of self-limiting beliefs and allow your mind and aspirations to rise to greater heights". If you want to excel in life, you must belief that you can. Then, you can take the next steps listed below –

·        Be very sure you love what you do.

·        Set your mind on expected end.

·        Learn what it takes to reach your goal and work at it.

·        Work hard and work smart.

·        Cherish time as highly valuable resource not to be wasted.

·        Continuously upgrade yourself - Keep learning.

·        Seek feedback for continuous improvement.

·        Lend helping hands to others by way of coaching or mentoring

·        Know that every problem has a solution, hence pursue excellence relentlessly.

It doesn't matter which area of MEGA BALISTIC RAMMON you belong, excellence is attainable. Whether in Military, Energy, Government or Academics (MEGA), Business, Advertising, Law, Infotech & Telecomms, Sports, Tourism, i-World (comprising entertainment and media) and commerce (BALLISTIC), Religion, Agriculture, Mining, Medicine and Other Nuances of vocations (RAMMON), the world is waiting for “excellent you”. Go for it, "Your Excellency".

Changing gear, Powering ahead?

Happy New Year! Welcome into year 2020!! It's the first day, in the first month - I mean 01/01/2020. Quite amazing!!!

This is one year that promises to be an awesome one at personal, family, corporate, national and global level. I must admit that every new year have the same potential only that I am so fascinated with the rhyme “20-20” to accord this one its special status. Is this year one in which you need to slow down a bit at the onset and deliberately work things out for the better or one in which the fundamentals are strong already such that you are at vantage position to “change gear and power ahead” without let or hindrance? You are in the best position to deliver the just verdict.

It was in 2004, a year I’ll never forget for so many reasons (and that space will not permit me to discuss), that I had a unique encounter. I had acquaintance with a great leader who was the MD of a reputable company in Asia Pacific. He was the one who socialized the mantra “Changing Gear, Powering Ahead” and it has stuck with me since then. It was such a powerful message that resonated with all stakeholders that the business outlook was one in which the coast was clear for the company to power-on and deliver dividends to the shareholders sustainably. Can you say the same about yourself? Are you so certain that there are no aspects of your life that needs adjustment, improvements or rejuvenation in one form or the other? Have you identified areas in which you can safely step-up and power ahead?

Those who are familiar with manual transmission vehicles know that you cannot speed-up or slow-down without first engaging the gear that is commensurate with the desired speed. Irrespective, there are conditions that must be met before a driver engages the gear and speed up without unintended consequences. Such includes but not limited to the following:

    - The driver have not forgotten vital things required for a successful journey behind.

    - The driver is conversant with the speed limit and operates within that limit.

    - The car is in good condition and not showing any untoward signs in operation/motion.

    - The road condition is good and the weather condition is favourable.

    - The driver have double-checked and have a clear view that it is safe to speed-up with seat-belt securely fastened from onset.

In the same vein, “changing gear” in our context  is an idiomatic expression for changing from one activity or level of engagement to another. We are at a unique moment having just transited from one year into another successfully. What are the requisite requirements or vital things you must arm yourself with to have a successful year? Do you know your limits and operate within them? Are you certain of your mental, emotional and physical state of health? Are you operating in an enabling or hostile environment? Are your friends and acquaintances such that encourages you or reverse is the case? Have you taken stock and can safely say that the coast is very clear for you to change gear and power ahead in the new year? 

Whatever you must do this year, understand early what it will take for you to end it well. Envision the end from the beginning. This is the 2nd of Stephen Covey’s seven habits of highly effective people after “Being proactive” - “Begin with the end in mind”. Work towards your vision and don’t allow detractors have their way along the journey. Just like the driver behind the wheel, you are not answerable to anyone but yourself. “Only the wearer knows where the shoes pinches”. Hence don’t disappoint yourself. Don’t endanger yourself neither the life of others around you. Be safe as I wish you all the best in the new year. Changing gear? Let’s power ahead safely!

Thinking Forward

Think, don't sink! There is power in thoughtfulness. Every advancements in life can be said to be a product of thoughtful actions. The act of thinking is not as simple as it sounds. It's serious business to think through with tangible outcomes. Great things do not happen by happenstance. Acting without thinking is being irrational and being irrational is being unwise. Consequently, thinking meditatively towards a productive course of action requires self-discipline, persistence and progressive evolution.

Thinkers are kings of life voyages. What marks great leaders out is their ability to think right and act right - the willpower for success. Padre Medium posit that "a way of developing willpower is to pay attention to what goes on in your head, seeking to think good and rational thoughts rather than just giving in to subconscious desires". If you want to make giant strides in life, you need to improve and develop staying power with respect to thinking abilities.

Your mind is the mine-field for greatness. Cambridge dictionary defines forward thinking as "the act of thinking about and planning for the future, not just the present". Are you afraid of trying new things? Are you excited to explore what tomorrow looks like? Do you feel the urge in aspiring to leave a worthy legacy behind? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you are a good candidate for learning the act of thinking forward. The excitement of forward thinking is in the futuristic approach. Other than learning from past failures or events to define future outcomes, thinking backward is counter-productive. In actual fact, getting stuck in the past is the bane of forward thinking.

Our thoughts define us. Training your mind to conceive ideas and tuning its antenna to capture the snap-shots and processing such further for future development is the pre-requisite for successful living. Thinking right can help you solve difficult problems; Thinking forward will help you deliver the world of difficult problems. It was Mo Abudu - described by Forbes as "Africa's Most Successful Woman" - who usually ends her talk show "Moments with Mo" with this wise saying - "If you can think it, you can do it". I dare say that if you can perfect the habit of thinking forward, you are the real deal. I wish you all the best in year 2020 - the golden year!

Winning Mentality

Have you ever been faced with a challenge that seems insurmountable in life? Such difficult moments that took so much from you in terms of energy, emotion, time and sometimes huge cost? I mean one in which you refused to give up despite the odds. You succeeded because you endured. You might even have probably tried a different approach to overcome the obstacle. What matters most is that you won fair and square. Is there an end to challenges in life? The answer in "no"!

As you grow older, you get to understand that challenges are meant to lift you up and promote you to the next phase. You see, life will keep throwing different challenges at you at every bends and turns in your 'thankless' journey. There are dimensions to life. It's often said that life is a journey beginning at birth and ending at death. What transpires in-between determines what legacy you will leave behind. The very first book that motivated me to dare the odds that life throws at me is the one by Robert Schuller. I was so fortunate to read such powerful book early in life and the principles that I gleaned from the book has remained with me till date. The title of the book is "Tough times never lasts but tough people do!". The secret of winners is in staying the course.

Indeed, I can attest to the fact that tough times never lasts. There is always an end to the vicissitude of life. It depends so much on your disposition to these issues. You can choose to be a victim in life or to be a victor. It's a matter of the choice you make when faced with the odds of life. You won't leave much to be desired in life if you chicken out in the face of challenges. Can you see possibilities where none exists? Are you able to face the storms of life without fear? Can you set your gaze on success and be fully determined to reach your goal even when the obstacles are fierce? It's only the brave that can bring dreams into realities and turn failure to success. 

Friend, deep within you, can you ever say that you've learnt how to "set-forward" from set-back enough? Any guarantee that you will overcome the next challenge? Let me leave you with this thoughts - what will you give up to win? What will you let go to gain lofty heights that money cannot buy? What will it take for you to be a success and not a failure? Are you about giving up? Remember this in the words of Robert that "quitters never win and winners never quits". Have a great day! I am looking forward to hear your testimony. Stay blessed and keep winning!!