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Managing your limits

The best we can give is to give our best every time. It is not a comparison with what you offered in the past, but the best your present capacity could offer. Time changes, likewise conditions, so your best also changes with changing factors or conditions.

By thinking this way, you will save your energy from overburdening yourself with what you could not achieve after stretching yourself beyond the elastic limit to offer the present deliverable. Be positive, do not be intimidated by the achievement of others. When your capacity increases, you can compensate for what you cannot give in the past.

It does not mean you should cooperate with your tendency to be lazy or self-indulgent. In a clear sense, stretch yourself to the breaking point. (At least your mind is made up to break barriers and barricades), but know when it is obvious you cannot do more. At this point, you have the likelihood to start blaming yourself for not doing something to avert the present condition. Of course, you must take responsibility for your actions, but accepting your limit is not unacceptable.

When you identify your present limitation, do not use it to exaggerate the nearest future limitations. At least you have been equipped with information on how massive it can be. Resolve to find help where and when possible. Maybe, from colleagues, superiors, online self-help, mentorship programmes, training programs, etc. In all, self-mastery and development are keys to making progress over and beyond where you have been. You will be glad you did when you see yourself climbing past insurmountable barriers.

Take this with you. The tangible thing is how you have handled the past, focusing on the present, and preparing for the unexpected. Be wise and deliberate. Refuse to settle.

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Preparing a delicious life

Think of the efforts and resources you put into cooking that delicious meal on your table, most especially on special occasions or celebrations. Oh, you enjoyed the last one? Even if you cannot satisfy your appetite at home for some reason, I am sure you won’t hesitate to pay any amount to buy that favourite delicacy from the best restaurant in the city.

That is how you should think about the outcome of your daily, weekly, monthly, yearly (or any other yardstick you choose as your timeline) undertakings. It should bring delight and happiness. Something that is remarkable, rewarding and can be appreciated. Thus, be willing to spend time, effort, money or other resources to achieve them.

They may not be easy. You may require extra training, staying more focused, getting in touch with someone that can help out.

What if the food is too salty and you almost throw it away? You have to take precautions the next time you are preparing it. It may be the combination of seasonings or forgetting you initially added salt, and when it appears tasteless, something must be missing.

Treat your achievements the same way. Avoid too many details on a particular aspect when there are other 99 things. Avoid wasting resources, all because you have or can avoid many. What of those times you might not have enough. Always think of contingencies, the rainy day when you won’t be able to go out and buy even though you have the money. Do away with forgetfulness. That appointment can be once in a lifetime opportunity to break loose from the life of mediocrity. Write it down, or add it to your calendar and if it is not a business secret that you cannot share, ask someone to remind you.

And when it appears you are not getting what you want, it may be that your effort is not enough. Add more. Spend more and wisely. Focus on what is missing – maybe your weaknesses. The skill or ability you do not have. The next should be better. Do not disappoint yourself again. It may cost a lot if you meet other people’s needs, maybe your customers. A repetitive mistake may mean you are not competent. They will find alternate except for a few loyal one’s who may also be discouraged and start contemplating alternatives.

There are also times that what you cook might not be tasty to you but does to those you serve. That is why you should be intentional to seek feedback. Make this a habit. Share the food with someone or a group so that they can appraise your mastery of cooking skills. Why do you keep that new year Jollof from your visitors? What if you eventually waste it? Do not waste your efforts and resources. It might also be beneficial to them. Think of that fulfilment and self-actualization in meeting a need.

What is your perception about this meal I just served you? Feel free to share the meal. Some people say, ‘joint or collective eating is usually tasteful.

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How To Be Organised Always

The greatest advancements of this century, the light bulb, the airplane, and computer, were created by innovators – people who imagined things that did not exist and asked why. Being an outstanding employee requires a touch of this inventors’ spirit, a determination to consistently strive to create value – Bernie Milano

Many at times you find yourself in a disarrayed situation. You think of accomplishing a task now, but along the line, you got caught in another demanding your intervention. If you are not careful, you will possibly not return to continue the first not to talk of completing it. Since these situations are made up of competing activities, you are left with the decision to choose which should be done first. If you are well-coordinated, you might be able to move forward early but at some other times, this is difficult. The complexity is higher if you are in a group. Members will be competing to have a say. Whether you are making personal or group decisions, having a standard way of doing things might serve better or be preferred. I do not mean you must follow the rule all the time but having such in place might be the medicine for the resultant severe headache.

You must have also failed to meet a deadline at one time or the other, delayed a friend you are going out together, have to sweat profusely searching for an important document and struggle to submit an application on the last day. I have found myself in all these situations in the time past. The last one appears to leave me with painful experiences. There was a time I needed to submit an application, which was in two stages. In the first stage I passed, I was able to submit an online form. I was not fortunate to scale through the second stage, which involves submitting a letter to justify my qualification for a scholarship. I need not wait for the outcome since I already know where I stand. The officer in charge was ‘well organised’ to politely inform me of my late submission of the email, and that I would not be considered.

Many have similar experiences and are still ‘enjoying’ it. I mean enjoying it. It has become part of them. They never think of changing how things are working with them in this regard. Getting organised is a price you have to pay to forestall these regular scenarios that play out in our daily life.

Perhaps the following would motivate you to escape from your comfort zone.

Saving time and having more time to attend to other things

On time delivery of project or rendering services

Cost savings

Quality outcomes

The list is endless. If you put things in the proper perspectives, your orientation changes regarding how to handle your daily activities, how you organise your working space at home or office, when to do what considering factors of time and other resources; and generally fostering an environment for effectiveness and efficiency in daily actions vis-à-vis the cost of doing otherwise.

Pay close attention to the following areas that you need to organise. You can thereafter add yours in the comment section of this article.

Your desk: Sort items out by client identifier, by project name, by date – whatever makes the most sense for you.

Computer files: Organize file for easy retrieval. Be specific regarding the names you give to files. Put things with similar characteristics into similar folders.

Hard files: Arrange them in a manner they can be easily accessed; alphabetically, by client name or by project name.

Your calendar: Do you have a place to go, project to execute, deadline to meet? Organise them in your calendar to avoid slipping over schedules and being double booked. The electronic calendar may be very helpful since it has the advantage of notifying you of any engagement not minding your location.

Office gadgets: Put things where you can easily locate and use them. Those things use often should be closer than others should.

Yourself: Stop implementing your activities at the wrong time. Stop placing your items in the wrong locations. Let them have their places. Stop jumping the queue. If you want prompt attention, be punctual yourself.

How then can you stay organized?

Communicate better

Do not be the only one on the field of play. Remember twenty-two players prepare for the game. Each person needs the right information as to the wing to play, and how to play handle opponents. If you happened to be the coach, you are not supposed to wait until you get to the field of play before telling your players what to do and how to do it. Communicating with others in your team saves from the stress of running up and down on the field. When you are not well organised, your opponent that is better off does less work hitting the target when your team is busy running from pillar to post. Timely communication makes you better organized to make strategic decisions in a timely manner on the stage of action without the fear of wreckages.

Activities should have their time

Make sure you know when you are doing what you are supposed to do. The time allocated to tasks may not be very much convenient but it helps you to handle chaos situations. When you do just one thing but leaving others undone, you will incur costs that can be monetary, loss of trust, loss of progress, having to delay other things, among others. So, learn to do only what you are supposed to do only at its time.

Don’t just prioritize

Some activities may appear insignificant compare to others but can be like the ignition for a car to move from A to Z. At times, prioritizing might make you ignore and fail to carry out such activity. You will be left to regret your action when you need to have done them earlier before the succeeding ones. It follows that being less importance now does not mean they will remain so in the future. Therefore, stay focused and adjust when necessary.

Let them have home

Things should have their place in the office, on your computer and other electronic devices and in your mind. It is easy to get lost if you do not have a home. You cannot even be located because you do not have an address you were found last. To be organized in this sense means keeping your things where can always go back to search for them. They should be properly labelled and kept where they can be located easily. Make easy-to-access storage spaces for things you are sure to use almost every time and do not let the space be too clumsy.

Keep only what you need

Having fewer things is an indication that you enjoy those things more and feel convenient about those things rather than letting half of what you own to accumulate dust. You will spend more time managing those things you do not need and the once you need.

Let others be responsible

Why do you think you are the only one that can do everything? That is a sign that you are not an effective team leader or mentor. If you live an organised life, you do not overload yourself with responsibilities, meetings and deadlines. Go through your activities on regular basis to see the ones you can give out to those you trust. When you do this, others will be bearing your stress with you and at the same time giving your delegate a sense of responsibility. You will feel secure when delegation is necessary for the future because your delegate has been trained to take similar responsibilities in the time past.

Make sure you are doing something

Staying organized does not mean a stress-free life. You must work hard to complete the present task so as not to encroach into the time allocated to others. Lifehack says, “work harder when you feel like giving up today. What’s more important is to remember what you work for is meaningful to you. And this is how you can stay motivated and happy every day”

Declutter regularly

Create time during the weekdays to organise your activities and things. Things do not stay organised on their own; they need to be organised continuously and consistently. When you are just starting, it may appear difficult but as you stay focused, you will be on track and achieving results.

Choose your approach wisely

I know you must have done some things right in the past. So do what has worked for you in the time past. The culture that makes you stay organised will be developed as you apply your style alongside the initiatives above.

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Step Out, We’re Together

It’s a lockdown period! Everyone seems to be indoor. The fear of catching the deadly virus is enough to keep one in, even if there is no enforcement by the government. Expectations on the relaxation of the restrictions are not even on sight, but then life must continue. I must think of what to do.

I remember putting down a few things to achieve in the year. Do you have Vision 2020?. I also have. I wanted to be better than the past years. 2020 must be a new beginning. I am not getting younger, so are the days gradually slipping away. Truthfully, I wrote a statement of commitment, which I supposed will guide my future endeavours. See it here:

I, Aasa Olaoluwa will arise and build; but dazzling sights have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in my life project.

Use what you have

I started well. I launched out by writing a business plan on a life-changing project. I was on fast lane early on while getting the needed advice both within and outside my immediate family. It appears the compulsory holiday is for me since I have always been busy with one activity or the other before then, but this isn’t the case. I am getting tired already. I even misplaced the manuscript at a time, but later found it where it was hiding. Along the line, other ideas emerged, one of which is this reason for this note.

The motivation

I have noticed over time I get to write scripts for presentations or correspondences after getting short notices. Most times, I am impressed with myself (I don’t know if my audience does, but I think they do). When it comes to doing the same for myself, I linger until the idea goes out of reach. I used to have a blog which, was not adequately managed. I later deleted it to begin again, this time more seriously. Not without you !… Smiles! Maybe that’s your story?

The promise

This idea wouldn’t get to fruition without you. Therefore, I call on you to be part of this success story. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you. I must drop something here regularly. I am sure this will benefit you and someone close to you.

Raise the bar

Do you also have a similar story? What are you doing to raise the bar? The time is not always right. All the needed resources may not be available at a given time. You’re not likely to have all the supports from those you trust. The pandemic may not be over very soon, and likewise, the economy may not be fast enough for recovery. The opportunity you have now may be the only one to change your status quo. Succeeding opportunities maybe for other areas of your life not very relevant for the season they come. Will you sit down idle or focus on your past? I call on you to rise with me. Let’s do something different and celebrate our success together. You’re not alone.

Kindly visit the About to have a preview of what to expect as we journey together. I also call on you to share your short story about this period in the comment section. Hoping to read from you soon.

Thank you.

Bridging the Past, Present, and Future

Have you ever paused to ask yourself: What connection exists between the past and the present? And how can I navigate into the future with ease?

If you’re reading this, you’re already aware of the turbulence of the past year. While many emerged stronger, others are still trying to recover. For a few, it was a season of harvest. Yet, some of those who reaped are getting carried away, assuming things will continue effortlessly without intentional effort. This reflection seeks to bridge the gaps—between the past and the present, and between the present and the future.

The Past in the Present: Lessons We Carry Forward

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana

The past is not a closed chapter—it’s a teacher. Every experience, whether success or failure, leaves behind lessons that shape today’s decisions.

  • Adaptability matters. Don’t get stuck in methods that no longer serve the present. What worked yesterday may not work today, but it might be useful tomorrow when conditions change.
  • Break patterns. You don’t have to repeat the same approach simply because it’s familiar.
  • Stay alert. Put adaptive strategies in place quickly so you’re not caught unprepared.
  • Learn and relearn. Staying updated is the only way to remain relevant.
  • Observe wisely. You don’t need to experience everything yourself—learn from the failures and successes around you.

Persistence is key. Just because your efforts don’t seem to be working now doesn’t mean they won’t bear fruit later. Before collapse sets in, start building alternatives.

Support and Success: The Reality Check

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill

Support often comes when results begin to show. Many associates prefer “ready-made” success over “made ready” struggles. While you may be fortunate to find someone who helps early, don’t wait for it—take the first step yourself.

Remember:

  • The “perfect time” rarely exists. Even in a pandemic, you can still get something done.
  • Invest your time now. Financial resources will follow tomorrow.
  • External factors will always influence decisions, but you must also influence them in return.

Stop Your Stops

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” — William Butler Yeats

Restrictions are real, but they don’t have to paralyze you. Instead, they can help you:

  • Scale down excesses.
  • Conserve resources.
  • Redirect energy into more productive ventures.

Think of your business as a living entity. Protect its resources. Don’t drain them into family and friends’ affairs without clear boundaries. Your approval should be the gatekeeper.

Navigating the Future

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker

The future is not a mystery—it’s a destination shaped by today’s choices. To navigate it:

  • Carry lessons from the past into the present.
  • Stay adaptable and persistent.
  • Take initiative before waiting for support.
  • Guard your resources and channel them wisely.

The bridge between yesterday, today, and tomorrow is built with intentional effort. Your light doesn’t need to shine brightly for a few—it can shine steadily for all.

Final Thought: The past informs the present, the present shapes the future, and the future rewards the seeds you plant today. Don’t wait for the “right time”—create it.

The Power of Warm Relationships

In this piece, I am sharing an experience I had some time ago. I trust that this experience will provide you with valuable insights. Here’s what happened:

At first glance, I thought there was a security situation unfolding around the campus. A high-ranking military officer and his men were approaching the school area, and my mind immediately raced to how I might identify myself if questioned. Luckily, I had a means of doing so.

But as I drew closer, my assumption dissolved. Among the entourage was a senior faculty member I recognized. Soon enough, he stopped to introduce me—first with a playful correction in my mind: “son of nobody…” After a few pleasantries, he presented me as a colleague in the school. Then, with a smile, he introduced the officer as his brother. To my surprise, the officer greeted me warmly, almost as if we had met before.

Quick on my feet, I cheerfully remarked, “I can see the resemblance.” Smart move. In less than two minutes—perhaps even seconds—the entire scene unfolded, with all eyes at the school gate fixed on us.

A moment that lingered

Later, when I settled at my destination, I replayed the scenario in my mind, smiling at how it all came together. The introduction wasn’t random. At different times, I had offered assistance to the faculty member or his project students, sometimes at moments that weren’t convenient for me. Yet, those small acts of kindness had built a bridge.

That day, I realized something profound: warm relationships, regardless of rank or group, always pay off.

Choosing light over division

In the course of my journey, I’ve faced the challenge of belonging to a particular group or caucus. Some tried to entice me into their circle, even at the cost of becoming an enemy to others. But I refuse to be changed. My light will shine faintly for everyone rather than brightly for a select few.

This principle guides me. It’s not about exclusivity—it’s about inclusivity, about being present for people across divides.

The power of reciprocity

One more lesson stood out that day: the importance of reciprocating favors. No matter how small the kindness received, it can be returned in a big way. The senior faculty member did exactly that for me. His thoughtful introduction made my day.

And so, I carry this reminder with me: kindness is never wasted. It circles back, often when you least expect it, and shines a spotlight on the quiet ways we’ve touched others’ lives.

Closing thought

Relationships are the invisible threads that weave our daily lives. When we choose to nurture them with warmth, respect, and reciprocity, they become the very moments that make us smile long after the crowd has dispersed.

Embrace Challenges: Opportunities Await in Every Struggle

Opportunities are the hidden gateways that shape our lives. They often arrive disguised as hard work, uncertainty, or even failure, but when embraced, they become the seeds of success. These quotes remind us that opportunity is everywhere—it’s up to us to recognize, seize, or create it.

Opportunity in Preparation and Action

  • “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser
  • “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford
  • “Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” – Ann Landers
  • “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.” – Richard Branson
  • “Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.” – George Bernard Shaw

Opportunity in Challenges

  • “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
  • “Pressure, challenges – they are all an opportunity for me to rise.” – Kobe Bryant
  • “Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.” – Sun Tzu
  • “The bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity.” – Anonymous

Opportunity in Mindset and Vision

  • “To see an opportunity we must be open to all thoughts.” – Catherine Pulsifer
  • “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle
  • “Most people miss great opportunities because of their misperception of time. Don’t wait! The time will never be just right.” – Stephen C. Hogan
  • “Opportunity is everywhere. The key is to develop the vision to see it.” – Anonymous
  • “Keep your mind open to opportunities. They are closer than you think.” – Anonymous
  • “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” – Benjamin Franklin

Opportunity in Growth and Innovation

  • “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.” – Steve Jobs
  • “Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.” – Anonymous
  • “Education exposes young people to a broader world, a world full of opportunity and hope.” – Christine Gregoire
  • “Men make history and not the other way around… Progress occurs when courageous skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” – Harry S. Truman

Opportunity in Daily Life

  • “What is one opportunity could change your life?” – Marie Forleo
  • “Today is not just another day. It’s a new opportunity, another chance, a new beginning. Embrace it.” – Anonymous
  • “We do not get unlimited chances to have the things we want. Nothing is worse than missing an opportunity that could have changed your life.” – Anonymous
  • “God will supply us with the opportunity, but it’s up to us to do something with it.” – Anonymous
  • “Expect change. Analyze the landscape. Take the opportunities. Stop being the chess piece; become the player. It’s your move.” – Tony Robbins
  • “Today is an opportunity to get better. Don’t waste it.” – Anonymous
  • “When opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to go after it.” – Eddie Kennison
  • “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” – Richard Branson
  • “Be a magnet that draw opportunity. Paint brilliant thoughts and actions. Mirror success.” – Shawn L. Anderson
  • “Excuses will always be there for you. Opportunity won’t.” – Anonymous
  • “There are secret opportunities hidden inside every failure.” – Anonymous
  • “Most do not understand the wonderful opportunities life gives until they look back at their life.” – Eric Handler
  • “Confidence unlocks every opportunity in life.” – Anonymous
  • “You create your own opportunities.” – Anonymous
  • “Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” – Napoleon Hill
  • “Greatness is your potential. Action is your opportunity.” – Anonymous

Conclusion

These quotes remind us that opportunity is not a rare gift reserved for a few—it is everywhere, waiting to be recognized, embraced, or created. Whether in failure, challenge, innovation, or daily life, opportunity is the bridge between potential and achievement. By preparing diligently, acting boldly, and keeping our minds open, we transform challenges into stepping stones and dreams into reality.

Opportunity is everywhere; the question is whether we are ready to rise and claim it.

Gratitude: The Antidote for a Stress-Free Life

Some mornings feel ordinary, yet they carry extraordinary meaning. I woke up like any other day, but a few hours in, I felt a wave of gratitude — for something I couldn’t even name. It was visible in my expressions online, and invisible in the songs I played quietly in the background. I even downloaded a track I didn’t have, just to hold onto that feeling a little longer.

Gratitude is powerful. It doesn’t always need a reason, but it always leaves an imprint. It’s the antidote to stress, the quiet strength that steadies us when life feels overwhelming.

A Fresh Page Awaits

No matter your past experiences — whether joyful or painful — your future is a fresh page. You hold the pen. You decide what story gets written. The past may have thin lines of struggle, but beyond them lies the dream you’ve been waiting for.

Gratitude Builds Fortitude

Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s an attitude. It equips us with fortitude against life’s challenges. It doesn’t erase difficulties, but it transforms how we face them. When we choose gratitude, we choose resilience.

A Call to Action

As you move through your week, pause and be grateful for something — anything. It could be the smallest detail or the biggest blessing. Gratitude alters one’s viewpoint, alleviates difficulties, and welcomes happiness.

Cheers to the dream that is already here.

Finding Value in Your Everyday Choices: Start Where You Are

I became an ardent follower of an ambassador after reading a post about him on another page. As I continued engaging with his writings, I realized something profound: we can turn our ordinary, daily experiences into extraordinary gifts for others. Whether it’s offering a ride to a stranded family on a rainy day or encouraging someone striving to meet their daily needs, these small acts carry immense value.

Your audience is not defined by those who dismiss what you do, but by the worth you place on it yourself. If you don’t celebrate your little achievements, no one else will. Even when someone acknowledges your effort, it’s your responsibility to keep acting, keep serving, and keep moving forward.

I’ve also learned that you don’t need a formal platform to express your values. Everyday experiences are enough to showcase them. Your profession or expertise can be a springboard into other areas—like public speaking, where you enlighten others by sharing insights from your industry.

Many people excel not because they set out to, but because opportunities emerged as they engaged with the tasks at hand. Progress often looks slow, like a snail crossing a busy highway. To passers‑by, it may seem like nothing is changing, but patience and persistence eventually carry them forward.

The road is rarely clear. Yet as you continue, the fog lifts, the sun rises, and visibility improves. Risks remain, but those who move steadily with their headlights on avoid paralysis. Waiting for perfect clarity wastes precious time and leads to missed opportunities. Following others blindly may cost more energy and yield fewer benefits, but forging your own path—step by step—creates lasting impact.

This reflection is just one of my daily experiences, shared to remind you: your life can count for yourself and for others.

Start where you are. Move from where you are. Act from where you are. Don’t wait for the next big opportunity—it may never come.