The Weekend Bite™ Online March 2016

Hello friends,

Welcome to the month of March. How's has the journey been so far? Let's keep marching with our eyes fixed on our goals; soon we shall experience success.

On The Weekend Bite™, we looked at something quite different. Here it is: this one's called #Egocentric .

An #Egocentric person is someone who thinks only of his/herself, without considering the feelings or desires of others. Everyone has an #ego which is a sense of self worth or self-importance, although the term is more associated with men who seem to have more of it than others.

The problem is when a person has an over-inflated ego or sense of self-importance, he is then #egocentric and self-centred.

For the success of any relationship, it's important for both parties to constantly have regard for each other's feelings. Where one party is only concerned with his/her feelings, perspective and concerns, the success of such relationship is at stake.

In our interactions with people everyday, we need to learn to look beyond ourselves and any demand for benefits for good deeds or anything we are requested to do. Our selflessness and humility in such situations is what will promote us, but being #egocentric will limit us.

Don't demand undue favours or rewards when asked to do something; especially if its something you love and which will make an impact. Of course, there is nothing wrong with profiting from our gifts, but let's not allow it limit us from making impact.

Don't disregard the feelings of others. Listen and apologise when someone is hurt by something you have said or done and live at peace with all. Don't be discouraged when someone, whose feelings you have consideration for, does the opposite to you. Don't base your actions or words on the attitudes of others.

Finally, make up your mind today not to be egocentric; it will help you have healthier relationships and this world will be a better place because of it!

Cheers!

©LAW Afolabi, March 2016.

The Weekend Bite™ Online February 2016

Hello friends, welcome to February; the month that's widely celebrated as the month of love.

However, we chose to look at something else on The Weekend Bite™, in line with our general theme so far in 2016. This one is #Transformation.

#Transformation is simply a change in substance, form, character or even situation, radically or thoroughly. Although we spoke about change last month, transformation goes further than change. It's okay to make a few changes in our lives sometimes, but there is also a time when transformation comes into play.

The metamorphosis of an insect shows the need for transformation at certain stages of life.

The journey from egg to insect is not for a day, but at each stage, it transforms in form and substance.

Likewise in our journey from babies to adults, we too must transform in substance, maturity, knowledge, character and values.

In character, transformation becomes necessary, when more than one person, including our conscience condemns what we do. 

In values and our way of life, transformation is necessary when we find ourselves entangled in undignified lifestyles with decayed values. We have to come to a point where we can completely trash out all filth and everything that constantly holds us back or weighs us down.

If we find ourselves in any environment or situation that constantly steals our joy, we need to shake it up and let transformation allow us fixate on the positive and also restore our joy.

Never let anything or anyone steal your joy. Remain positive always and hope against all hope!

Therefore, we need to examine ourselves again and find what element of our characters, lifestyles, habits, beliefs and value systems need transformation and go ahead to do just that. Once you let go and become that which you need to be, you will experience a new dimension of yourself; said the butterfly to the caterpillar.

Cheers!

 ©LAW Afolabi, February 2016.

The Weekend Bite™ Online January 2016

Hello there, I hope 2016 has been great so far. We kicked off #TheWeekendBite #2016 with #Change. 

#Change is the act or process of becoming different; a turn around from one point to another. Sometimes we choose change, other times change chooses us. On the one hand, we can decide to change our beliefs, environment, jobs or something about ourselves. On the other hand, we can experience change, whereby the circumstances in our lives change us.

At certain points in our lives we have to look at ourselves objectively. We need to be able to review our actions, know where we are and measure how far we have gone in the race towards the fulfillment of our dreams. Our ability to properly assess ourselves will determine how open we are to the idea of change.

Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, stated that “Change is the only constant in life”. We can make plans but we should be prepared for change at any point in time. We shouldn't fear it, rather we should embrace it; as there is always room for improvement.

This 2016, do a self review for the past year, yourself, goals and dreams. What have you constantly repeated without success? According to Albert Einstein, doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. Thus, we need to check what needs to change in every aspect of our lives. It doesn't have to be a total change, just in the areas that need a tweak. Concentrate on anything that is defective, even character.

In conclusion, the charge to us all, is to get ready to change today, so as to have a better tomorrow!

Cheers!

©LAW Afolabi, January 2016.

The Weekend Bite™ Online...December Recap

Happy New Year! May it be a year of the harvest, rewards and delivery for us all.

Here is a recap of #ExcerptsFromTheWeekendBite for the month of December. Our central theme was #Silverlining.

2015 was quite an eventful year, no doubt full of ups and downs. No matter the disappointments, there will be a few achievements to show that there are things we can be grateful for.

In desperate situations and when we face undue delays, we may begin to lose our conviction and doubt that we can still attain our desired outcome. However, that is no reason to throw in the towel or give up. If we are honest, there are still things we can be grateful for.

But how do you handle yourself when things seem to be falling apart? Look to your desired outcome and keep pushing to achieve it.

If we stay dedicated to our dreams instead of being disappointed by setbacks or delays, there will certainly be a silver lining for us soon.

So instead of declaring 2015 a disappointment, count your blessings, stay positive, look at your silver lining, revisit your plans and stay on course. Soon, your silver lining will become visible not to you alone, but to the whole world to witness your glorious manifestation.

Never give up, you will get there soon, someday , somehow. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep running till you get there

Have a rewarding 2016!

©LAW Afolabi, January 2016.

The Weekend Bite™ Online...November Recap

Hello Friends, It's December, the concluding month to a great year. Let it be a month of refreshing and open heavens for us all. Here's a recap of #ExcerptsofTheWeekendBite for the month of November (runs bi-weekly on Twitter).

First we spoke about #Timemanagement

Time management signifies the 'ability to use our time effectively and productively' whether at work or in our daily lives. It means putting our time to good use and ensuring maximum output.

Time waits for no one. The clock ticks whether or not we chose to lay on our beds or wallow in depression. The world moves, people get ahead and if we don't learn time management we may be left behind.

So how do we master this time management?

First, we need to discover what steals our time the most. Is it procrastination, laziness, depression or some other distraction?

Once we are able to determine this, the next step is to eliminate it. We need to force ourselves to get busy even though we don't feel like it. It's like a yoke; once broken, we are able to get into what we are meant to be doing and concentrating on same.

Having to do lists, daily goals and checks may also help. Further, introducing accountability mechanisms to keep us on track will do a lot of good. Ask yourself: At the end of the day or week, do you have a long list of things you haven't done or the opposite?

Effective time management is a life skill worth having and will be beneficial in every aspect of our lives, work inclusive. So let's get a grip of our lives today and make the best use of our time. It's the day to day journey towards fulfilling our dreams.

Then we spoke about #Goingtheextramile

Going the extra mile signifies doing much more than we are required to, putting in more effort and being more dedicated. At the start of the year, we may all have goals and plans but sadly fail to achieve much by year-ending.

This is partly because we don't do enough and partly because we fail to maintain commitment to our goals and to push ourselves. You need to come to a point where your mindset is not to be satisfactory but to be better everyday. Self motivation and improvement are key.

Of course, if we do not stop to assess ourselves, we are bound to fail or to be underachievers. Check how far you've gone and go farther. Where you see you're failing or slowing down, reassess your strategy, quicken your steps and push yourself to do more.

In the race of life, the medal doesn't go to the swift or strong but to those who ensure to do more than they could yesterday. Go the extra mile with your goals, plans or work, being the best version or yourself at all times.

Everything is possible. You can become the successful person of your dreams, but first you need to make going the extra mile your watch word. Sacrifices will have to be made to get whatever you desire.

Aim for the top,
Push yourself up, 
Don't ever stop or give up,
Until you get to that top.

In conclusion, let us work towards managing our time better, and accomplishing more than we did yesterday. If we have hitherto been only satisfactory in the pursuit of our dreams, it's time to go the extra mile. Success is ours as we do so!

The Weekend Bite™ Online...October Recap

Hello Friends, Sweet November is here, the penultimate month of the year! If there are any unfulfilled expectations or unattained goals, don’t be discouraged. A lot can happen even in the last two months that can define the entire year. Just keep believing and working hard.

Here's a recap of #ExcerptsFromTheWeekendBite for the month of October (runs bi-weekly on Twitter).

First we spoke about #Knowledge

Knowledge has been defined as 'facts, information and skills acquired through experience or education'. It is also the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject; and the application of wisdom.

Knowledge is our arsenal in life's journey. It is successfully gathered from our own experiences, the experiences of others and our learning or observations from factors in our environment.  

Knowledge goes beyond mere information. It is practical and has to be applied rightly. The amount of knowledge we have can set us apart from our peers and serve as our secret to success. People make mistakes, experience unnecessary losses and setbacks all because of the lack of knowledge. The more we learn and expose ourselves to knowledge, the greater our ability to take caution and make the best of opportunities that come our way. Suffice to say, with all your getting, get Knowledge.

In addition, it is important to connect yourself with mentors in your field. Read books from experienced authors! Live to Learn! Do not go into a marriage, business, or career blindsided! Spend time to acquire the right knowledge about your area of interest and put it to good use!

Finally, get Knowledge only from renowned sources. Don't eat from a decayed pot. It will only mislead or derail you.

The Weekend Bite™ Online...September Recap

Hello Friends, it’s been a great October so far. Wishing you extra-grace to achieve great feats this month!

Here’s a recap of September's #ExcerptsFromTheWeekendBite (now bi-weekly) on Twitter

First we spoke about #Favour. 

Favour is simply an act of kindness, goodwill or blessing that comes our way, not because we deserve it, but because the person showing that kindness, has decided to be merciful and favourable to us.

This is not some religious cliché but a reality and something we should recognise when at work in our lives. Favour can be received from authorities, organisations to which we have applied, in our offices, or even in our homes. If we humble ourselves enough, we will recognise that there are some things that come our way which we ordinarily do not deserve or qualify for.

However, Favour is not an excuse to be lazy. We must always do our best to remain diligent in all we do. Favour only opens the door for us while our diligence takes and keeps us in. No matter how much favour is working for you with your employer, if you consistently fail to do your work properly, that employer will soon put it aside to kick you out! Let us thus be mindful of our disposition and commitment wherever we find ourselves.

It is usually the diligent and kind-hearted that attract unprecedented favour. Even in such instances, they don't deserve the favour they receive; that's what makes it favour! It is not earned or demanded, it simply is.

I pray for favour upon us all, that opens doors and causes prayers to be answered. Favour from God, favour from man. Let this favour be ours this month and always.

Then we spoke about #Integrity 

Integrity signifies uprightness, truthfulness, high moral standards and honesty. It has also been defined as 'the state of being whole and undivided' as a nation i.e. territorial integrity/territorial unity.

Integrity is not based on race or religion. It's a personal decision we all must make for ourselves and our nation's future. Although Nigeria, like some other countries, has been plagued with bad leadership, corruption and other ills, all these can be traced to the lack of integrity.

Many of us would choose to blame leaders at various levels, but this problem starts with you and I. If every citizen can strive towards developing a heart of integrity and avoid treachery at every level, it will on the long run reflect in our society. If very home invests in instilling the right values into children, then they will behave differently when in the marketplace, no matter how strong the temptation or persuasion is.

In our little areas of influence can we show some more integrity? Can we have men of integrity in the police, schools, government and other offices? If each person invests in having integrity, surely there is hope for the integrity of the nation.

You may have every excuse to throw integrity out the window but chose to remain faithful in what you do. One day, favour will locate you and your integrity will speak for you.

This month of Nigeria’s independence, may the words of the second stanza of her national anthem become a definite reality! 'Oh God of creation...help our youth the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow, and living just and true...'

 In conclusion, we all need to invest in having the right values of honesty and integrity and encourage others to do the same. When the time is right, favour will locate us where we are and elevate us. 

Wishing you all the best this month. 

Cheers!

©LAW Afolabi, October 2015.