A List of Some of the Biggest Mistakes I’ve Ever Made
For a while now, I’ve been considering a lot of my plans, commitments, goals and ideas. And I must confess that, usually, I am awed by how gigantic my dreams are. Let me tell you something about me: I am one person who dreams a lot. I sit down or walk the road daily thinking about the big dreams I have. Trust me, I have massive ideas almost all the time. Only thing, though, is you’d rarely get to hear me talk about them. I personally prefer to do first before talking about it.
Sometimes, I talk to myself, consider the goals I have had and why they didn’t materialize. I do like to be open and sincere with myself even though it’s easier to shy away from the thoughts of pain that accompany every failed step I have taken.
Since I really am free to sharing my mistakes with you, I am writing this. Hopefully, you can read through and relate well and yes, also be inspired.
So here are some of the biggest mistakes I have ever made:
1. Being afraid of failing.
In the past, I did have a fear of failing. I basically had to always ask myself “What if it doesn’t come through as planned? What would people say? What would I look like?” and all other questions like that. Somehow, being in that comfort zone of not having to bother about failing feels good. Looking back now, I wish I had taken many steps I desired in the past without a fear of failing. I have come to realize that those who are scared of failing really do not go far in life. This is because being scared of failing means being scared of following your dreams and goals and ideas.
2. Not acting upon my ideas
Until much recently, I was more of a dreamer than a doer. I would sit and dream and plan and never really get around to doing. This would happen until I eventually forgot about the goal or till I got demotivated and had to move over to something else. However, I had to consciously make myself understand that if I had a plan or an idea, I had to actively work on it. In 2015, I had this idea of doing an improvement challenge for twenty-one days and involve other people as well. I sat and planned and at the point I discovered I was doing much planning than doing, I instantly set out to start. The project came out great and the number of people who joined in amazed me. The same thing happened a few months back when I had the idea of a ladies’ spiritual meeting back in the university. I have quite recovered from this mistake and still recovering too. Learn not to only dream but to also act on your dreams.
3. Waiting to have everything perfect and in place before starting out.
This has to be the biggest hindrance to me doing most of the things I really have wanted to do. I like things being all in place before launching out on anything. I’ve learnt, though, that to achieve results, you must drop that feeling of wanting to have everything in place and all perfect. Everything won’t be perfect at any point anyway so why not do what you want to do?
4. Thinking too much about what others would think or say or feel. Yes, I’m one of those people who care about opinions. And I do regret how much achievement this has caused me in the past. I have learnt that people really don’t care about what you achieve and if they do, you can do without their opinions. Too many people hold back on a big deal they should be doing or landing because they’re pretty much bothered about what other people will say. I guess this is due to the fear of disapproval. Well, I’ve learnt it’s my life and nobody’s opinion should rank better than mine.
I’m grateful for the mistakes I’ve made because they’ve taught me how better things could be done. And well, I really am still learning from a host of other mistakes. What are the biggest mistakes you have made? Can you share them with me?
4 Simple Ways To Engage With Friends On Your Personal Facebook List
Much recently, I began to get more interested in studying and tracking my Facebook posts on my personal account. Sometimes I have posts that get many reactions and other times, I get less reactions than expected. This may not be a widely-given rule. However, if you’re looking at creating content and selling your brand on your Facebook account, this would be helpful. So here’s it- how to engage better with your personal posts on Facebook.
1. Use well-edited pictures
People relate a lot more with well-edited and carefully-taken pictures. Imagine that feeling you have when you see a blurred image? Yes, other people have it too. You don’t necessarily need to be a spectacular photographer. It doesn’t always matter if you’re very beautiful or handsome. A picture with a good camera with just the right filter and an exposure to sufficient light would come out just fine. You should remember this when you’re thinking about the next image or picture to upload.
2. Use images in your post
People react to posts that include. images more than posts without that do not. If you ask me, I’ll say images help your posts stand out. It’s easier for one to scroll past a plain post that one which has an inviting picture. These days, I am adding pictures more to my personal posts and I am getting more reactions. I know this because I’ve studied that. However, as much as you can, ensure that whatever picture you’re adding to your post reflects the message. You don’t want to put up a picture that speaks a very different language from what you’re trying to pass across. Else, people will focus more on the picture and forget the message. You get?
3. Tell a story
People react to stories massively. Recently, I figured people love gists. People want to read stories. If it’s a story, people are definitely interested. It could be a funny story, a touching story or whatever kind of story. As long as it’s a story, it definitely sells. If you sell products or services, you must learn to tell stories effectively. I think you have a double advantage if the post is funny. So when next you want to upload that picture, ensure to engage people by telling a story. Don’t just “post and leave”. (Tip: People love being entertained)
4. Reply and react to necessary comments on your posts
Have you visited a blog that had awesome content, were moved to drop a comment only for you to notice that comments from other readers went unreplied? I have seen that times without number and it turns me off instantly. Unreplied comments communicate that you don’t appreciate them. And truth be told, it’s the same with Facebook comments. If someone drops a valuable comment on your post and doesn’t get a reply from you, such person might refrain from dropping a comment on your posts next time. Replying to comments on your post provides a good ground to engage with people who have same interests as you. Don’t forget to react to comments appropriately too. That surely goes a long way.
So, have you studied your Facebook audience personally before? What were your findings? Let’s talk in the comments box. Did this list help you? Do let me know. ☺️
Questions You Should Ask Before Starting Your Business.
Everyday, I observe business people and deeply appreciate the fact that people engage in a legitimate means of survival. I am usually fascinated by how far people can go to ensure they earn a living. At times, I come across people who sell stuff that I most likely would never have anything to do with. And I find myself wondering why exactly these people have chosen to sell these things. Is it that they just love the items they’re selling? Or is it that they don’t want to enter a competitive market by selling what everyone else is? Or is it that the desire to make money just exceeds the need to consider the market well? I just may never know.
I believe everybody who wants to start up a business or who is looking at providing services should ask themselves vital questions like:
-Who will buy what I want to sell? Business isn’t just about selling what you like to sell or selling what you think will sell. It is selling what people will buy. And I know you’ve heard that you shouldn’t go into business for the money but trust me, nobody wants to be in a business that’s gulping down all their costs and giving them close to nothing in return, unless it’s a charity organization.
-Where are the people who want to buy what I want to sell? If you’ve sat down and considered the above, then you should make the effort to know where your buyers are. Are they on a street? Are they in a big market? Oh, are they online? Find these out. This would help you in getting to know how to get your market to your consumers. It is also vital to know that something that sells well in Abuja may not sell in Lagos.
-How do I get my market to people who will buy it? Now that you know who will buy your products and where they can be found, how can I get it to them? If they’re online, you definitely would have to invest your resources into social media marketing. If they’re offline, you should develop a plan to either be located close to them or make arrangements to make it available to them if you can’t be physically close to them.
Of course, building and establishing a business definitely requires more than this on a larger scale but for starters, I believe this would help.
What other questions should every business person ask before launching out? Please comment below.
“In My 400Level, I Regretted Being Too Serious With My Academics”- Imisioluwa #FreshGradTales
Hey there!!! Welcome to another episode of #FreshGradTales. If you’re visiting for the first time, FreshGradTales is a series of interviews with fresh graduates from universities across Nigeria. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing one of the thrilling interviews with fresh graduates that I have had. I enjoyed every bit of it! He is Owonikoko Lekan Joseph (Imisioluwa), a fresh graduate from the department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University. Enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed it. ?
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Why did you come to OAU?
First, interestingly, was because OAU went on strike regularly and that was going to work very well for me. I was going to need all the time to be able to do so many other things while in school and OAU was just perfect. Second reason why I came to OAU was because I was changing from the Sciences to do Music so I needed a school that could accommodate my O’levels. Then I wanted OAU because I was hoping I could be influenced with indigenous African Music. I really wanted to do African music.
Where did the love for music start from? What influenced it?
I believe every individual is wired in certain ways. I didn’t choose it (Music), I found out that I was just in love with it. I was particularly in love with how music affects the mind- the interactions between people and music and I saw it as a tool to influence people. I’ve always been around music but I didn’t always want to study Music because I didn’t think it was necessary.
Could you explain what your journey in OAU was like?
After my final exam, someone asked me how it felt to be a graduate. The first thing I said was that I felt cheated. I think Nigeria’s version of western education is highly overrated. The problem is not with education but the way we have been doing it overtime. So my journey in OAU has really not been too interesting in terms of the academics. I think I lost interest in the entire school thing after my first semester, part one. I realized that the school was not preparing me for what I wanted to be but for what my lecturers thought I should be. In my 400L, I regetted being too serious with my academics. It wasn’t until 300L that I began to do some other important things.
What were the “other important things” you started doing in 300L?
They were still part of music but were not core academic music. In 300L, I started an NGO- Music for Development- and the goal was to use music as a tool for social change. In 2015, we had our independence month which was to preach a message of responsibility to the youths to stop asking the system to necessarily change before we change. The next year, we did the Girl-Child Concert which was also in October and that was to advocate against rape, violence and harassment.
What were the challenges you faced?
The fact that the university is not equipped for what we are learning. Our lecturers also know that something is wrong with the system but they say there’s nothing they can do.
Any mistakes or regrets?
I didn’t do politics earlier. I contested for presidency in my part 3 but I stepped down. Looking back now, I should just have continued. A lot of people have not forgiven me for that.
So, what next?
For me, what next is not what next but a continuation of what has always been. I’ve always been an advocate of “If you are still waiting to graduate then you are late already” so there are a lot of things that I have been test-running. I’ll launch out now but it’s still around music. It’s time to solidify my NGO. I really want to be a music business entrepreneur.
Any words for students?
Understand who you are. Know that the world has changed and is changing rapidly. The system that held the former generation nay not necessarily work for us. We must open ourselves up to the possibilities of this generation because our children will take no excuses. If you need to read your books, read. Know who you are, know where you’re going and be bold enough to take steps to get there.
Thank you very much, Mr Imisioluwa. I have had a pleasant time speaking with you.
I’m very honoured. Thank you.
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FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your stories and experiences, get in touch via WhatsApp (08184908965) or send a mail to [email protected]
How To And How Not To Use Hashtags (For The Common Social Media User)
With the little time I have spent on the social media, one of the vital things I’ve had to relate to, learn and use are hashtags. Hashtags have basically been a part of my journey on social media and I would attribute my job as a social media manager to that. What I have observed over the years, though, is that hashtags are relatively becoming more popular than they were on social media a few years ago, especially on Facebook which was initially not designed to accommodate hashtags.
I love to use hashtags for whatever project I am embarking on because asides the fact that hashtags are cool, they very much pass your message across without you having to talk much. However, it is highly repulsive when I see someone use an hashtag in the wrong way. So, since I am tired of seeing such on my timelines, I have written this for the common social media user. Of course, they should help you if you’re looking at using hashtags for an upcoming event or for your business but this is basically for everyday use.
Hashtags are words following an Hash (#) character and are directed at passing a message across concerning a situation, an event, a business and whatever have you at first sight. In other words, when I see an hashtag, I should have a basic knowledge of what message you are trying to pass across. So an hashtag is meant to give an idea of what you’re trying to tell us- succinct and interesting.
What To Know Generally About Hashtags:
1. Hashtags are not meant to replace your long sentences (although this can be permitted on Instagram) but on Facebook and Twitter, please stick to short phrases. Don’t go writing something like, “#Ilovemymummysomuchicoulddieforher” or something like that. That is a very wrong way to use hashtags on Twitter or Facebook. Let your hashtags be short, straight-to-the-point and yes, relatable.
In the same way, you do not have to start all the words of your sentences with an hashtag. Writing something like, ” #Courage #is #needed #to #succeed” is totally off. Please be warned.
2. When using an hashtag, know that the word(s) you are meant to use should be directly behind the hash character. Don’t write something like, ” # Success” else you’ll be having an hash and a tag and not an hashtag. Okay?
3. When using hashtags, don’t use any punctuation marks in between (commas, fullstops, colon, hyphen etc). Punctuation marks will break your hashtag. Underscores (_), however, are allowed.
4. If you do not need to use an hashtag, really do not. I get displeased when I see people using hashtags that have no use in the first place. If all you need is a sentence, write your sentence. If all you need to write is an ordinary word, write it. Like I mentioned earlier, hashtags are meant to be phrases which can convey information on first sight, or at least, make people want to find out what the hashtag is about.
5. For business owners and organizations, be creative in your use of hashtags. You want hashtags that people could, over time, attach to your brand so use hashtags that are unique to your brand, specific, catchy and ones that can stick to the heads of your customers. So, as a personal advice, stick to one or two official hashtags for your brand. I could help out with this if you need help. I have a history of creating good hashtags ?
6. Asides Instagram, one or two hashtags are quite enough for every tweet or post of yours. You do not need to design your tweets and posts on Facebook with hashtags. Instagram allows this though.
I hope this helped. If you have any questions, I’ll be glad to answer.
You could connect with me on these platforms:
Twitter: @Orifunke
Facebook: Orifunke Lawal
E-mail: [email protected]
Photo-credit: Google
“I Recognized The Issue Of Boyfriend-Girlfriend As A Potential Unwanted Distraction.”- Kehinde Martin #FreshGradTales
Hello! Welcome to #FreshGradTales ??? Today, we have an interview with Mr Kehinde Martin who is a fresh graduate from the department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Kehinde Martin hails from Ikakumo Akoko in Ondo State and is the last born of a family of six and enjoys football and reading. I am sure you definitely would enjoy his interview.
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How has OAU been for you from Part One till now?
Let me begin. I started as a Science student before I transferred to the Social Sciences due to some circumstances. In spite of this, OAU is a school that taught me real life issues. I would say the journey from Part One till now has been challenging, full of ups and downs. The OAU sojourn has moulded me to be a better version of me
Having to cross from the sciences to a department you didn’t have any intention to study in the first place, what did it feel like at first?
I would say it was very difficult at first, psychologically, most especially. I found it quite difficult to acclimatize myself to my new department but the support of my dad and siblings was there for me. I told myself I needed to mix and feel at home, which the Lord helped me to do.
All right. Are there any experiences you wouldn’t forget in a long while that you faced on campus- whether good, bad, funny or embarrassing?
Yeah.. There was this terrible illness I had in 2012, November to be precise. The intervention of God and a family friend ensured that I came through it unscathed. I had a lot of good experiences too, but I wouldn’t forget the day Dr. OLAPOJU called my name in GPY202 class (Economic Geography) and announced that I had the best score in GPY 201. I saved the date in my diary… *laughs*
Were you in any relationship(s)?
Nope. Not on OAU campus anyway.
Really, Why?
Lol..I didn’t have any before I left Geology. Getting to Geography, a new department, a new opportunity to start everything afresh, I recognized the issue of boyfriend-girlfriend as a potential unwanted distraction.
Could you share some of the life lessons OAU taught you with us?
Like I have earlier said, OAU is a school that has taught me many things. Discipline is an important lesson OAU has taught me. Maintaining a balance with the stressful demands of academics, spiritual activities and social life requires a huge discipline. Nothing comes easy in OAU. With this, the school has taught me to be strong mentally and always be prepared for anything. I do say that if you can survive OAU with all her trouble, thriving the outside world shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Any words of advice for current students?
A wise man once said, “Greatness is never achieved by never falling but by rising each time we fall”. Every successful person out there has had their own moment of real darkness too but what distinguished them eventually is their tenacity, doggedness and never-say-die attitude. To the current students of Geography and OAU at large, I would advise they shouldn’t let go of their academic dream and aspirations come what may. You will have challenges, for sure, but your ingenuity in turning your challenges to blessings and stepping stones to success will eventually define you. OAU will shake and almost break you, but never give up because all these will eventually make you.
Thank you, Mr Martin. Any final words, requests or shoutouts?
My shout out goes to my classmates- the Eximius class of 2016, my friend Oliyide Olushesi and other people who in one way or the other have helped made my OAU journey a success. I say God bless you all. Thanks.
Thank you very much for the time.
I really appreciate you too ma’am. You are always welcome.
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#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your stories and experiences, get in touch via WhatsApp (08184908965) or send a mail to [email protected]
“Going to class drained me so I’d rather stay in my room, photocopy notes and write exams”- Oyinlola #FreshGradTales
Hello, dear reader. Thank you for joining us on #FreshGradTales! Today, we have a charming lady whose words would sweep you off your feet. I had a great time interviewing her and I am sure you will have an equally great time reading her interview.
She is Oyinlola Akindele, a fresh graduate from the department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Do enjoy the interview and don’t forget to follow the blog after.
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So, tell us, what was the motive behind studying English in OAU?
Well, I had always thought I was meant to study law. It’s funny I bred the thought for so long. My parents wanted it enough to make me believe I wanted it too. But ironically, I filled in for English in OAU and had a cut off with which I would have been admitted for Law in OAU without questions. However, having chosen English, I realised I was meant to be here all the while. You know, the mere fact that I love to be expressive is enough. Let me say, there was no motive behind me studying English. The fear that I won’t make the cut off for Law was the motive, funny enough.
Oh. Great! Considering that your parents really wanted you to study Law, what was their response to you deciding to study English?
That’s quite huge. My mom got the picture quite fast, that this last born of hers wasn’t interested in studying Law anymore. She never read my posts and works online, but she heard from family so she was encouraged to make me continue. However, my dad always thought I would cross to Law. It took me time to tell him I wasn’t interested in the Law thing anymore. I think I told him when I was in part two. He was quite disappointed, I guess. And if I tell you he’s over it, I would be lying. Still having that crush for Law somewhere in his heart…turned out his last hope for having a lawyer in the family bailed out on him. *smiles*
Hmm. Interesting. So, tell us, which level did you like best and why? And which level do you dislike most and why?
Hahah. That’s a huge one now. I think I disliked my first year most. Not think, I definitely did. I had no friends, practically had no one to talk to. My roommates were all stalites, and the only freshman in my room, was an ex-predite. So, she had lots of friends and would leave the room early, only to return late in the night. My class? About 500 strangers were there. All looking too fancy and glossy for a mummy’s girl like me to mix with. It was too boring. Church? I felt I wasn’t welcome too at the time. Now, I realise that I didn’t make myself at home, that’s why I was so alone everywhere. But well, it got better at the end, had two friends, Toluwa and Eniola, and life got better afterwards.
The best? No doubt it’s my 400 level. I get to be a finalist, yipee! I get to stop being a church executive, yipee! And I get to brag to a lot of people, double yipee! Anyway, that’s just on a lighter mood. I loved my fourth year on campus because it was an avenue for me to be listened to, at home. Now, my plans get to be skyrocketed. And a new life gets closer. And my friends made it the best, it’s the best level ever. Shout out to them all.
If you had the opportunity to start all over again in OAU, what would you do better?
I’d create better relationships with people, in the department, in church and with even my lecturers. Relationships rule the world. I’d create better connections with people that are worth it, right from my year one. Then I’d join a lot of associations, and not let church take that from me. You know, weigh balance between church and associations. The major thing is the relationships, it’s the one thing I regret starting to build late.
I’ve heard on several occasions that OAU lecturers really hit students down on grades. Would you advise anyone to still come to OAU knowing that?
Of course, let them come. I only know what OAU lecturers do because I was once there. It might be worse elsewhere. If you have a good reason to study in OAU, just do it, irrespective of the lecturers.
Tell us about the challenges you faced while being a student.
The major thing was my health. My health was quite stable until towards the end of my first year when I developed issues with it. At some point, before the resumption of my second year, I considered taking a leave of absence, but I didn’t anyway. It was always coming on and off. It’s the major challenge that I had on OAU campus. At some point, I consciously stopped attending classes. I didn’t mind the unserious stares people were passing at me. Going to class drained me, so I’d rather stay in my room, photocopy notes, and write exams. Anything for me to maintain my stability.
Doing a personal review, what’s that one thing OAU taught you that would stick with you for the rest of your life?
It taught me that nothing is gotten on a platter of gold, you gotta work for it. You work to get everything. Then it taught me the essence of relationships; when you relate right, you remain right. Right relationships can get you everything. If you’ve ever struggled with bedspace, you’ll know that. Finally, never compromise. Compromising always makes you eventually become a liability to yourself. Oh, lest I forget, be nice. People always meet again.
Noteworthy. Uhmmm, is there anything I have missed out that you think we should know? Anything?
Well, is there? I don’t think so. I just have to say this. That, English Department is quite interesting and challenging. So, whoever breaks that above 20 year old first class jinx, s/he deserves a portion of my fourth salary. Salary 1-3 is already booked. Smiles.
Haha hahaha. ??? Any final words?
Enjoy yourself as an undergraduate. Don’t suck all the fun in. And have good grades. But don’t let your primary purpose on campus be academics. Let your primary purpose be to discover purpose. Else, you’re gonna graduate with no answer to the general question, “what’s next?”. Trust me, even the canteen waiter will ask you that.
Thank you very much, Miss Oyinlola. It’s been an awesome time with you ?
It’s been an honour here too, Miss Orifunke.
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#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your stories and experiences, get in touch via WhatsApp (08184908965) or send a mail to [email protected]
“One of the Challenges I faced on OAU Campus was financial- it was really a struggle”- Bolanle on #FreshGradTales
Hello. My name is Orifunke Lawal and right here with me is a fresh graduate of OAU. This is our first episode of #FreshGradTales. Can we meet you?
I am Benjamin Omobolanle, a graduate of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and it’s been a wonderful time on OAU campus. Nice meeting you, Orifunke.
So, how has it been on OAU Campus? I’d like to know your challenges and your achievements. Or rather, what were the challenges you faced while on campus?
One of the challenges I faced on campus was a financial challenge. It’s really been a struggle, financially. Another challenge I faced was an academic challenge in part one. However, this reduced with increase in level and better orientation and enlightenment. Another challenge I had was with relationships but as time went on, the “learning and culture” in OAU came on.
What would you say have been your achievements so far?
Okay, yes, one major achievement for me was acquiring leadership skills, the ability to bear responsibilities that do not look like they are possible but which were achieved with great people and God. Another was the ability to cherish relationships, get connected with people and network with them.
You mentioned leadership skills, was there a time when you had the opportunity to lead? Or were they just things you learnt by reading books?
Yeah, I had the opportunity to take up a leadership position in my religious association and in my department, specifically my class (being a group leader by virtue of lecturers’ interest). And then others are things from books.
Was there anytime where you felt like you just wanted to leave OAU?
Sure! *laughs* There were times I began to count down and I was like, “God, when am I going to finish?”
Would you say, “Thank You, OAU”?
I’d say “Thank You, OAU” because I have been able to meet people I would never have met and I may not have known what I actually know now.
What words do you have for OAU students at large?
PLAN. Don’t get “gutted” (laughs) like when you get to your final year and have to start asking, “What have I done with my life?”. Start planning. And it is not too late to plan even if you are a fresh graduate. Planning is the watchword of a leader.
Thank you very much. It’s been very nice speaking with you. Have a nice time outside OAU.
Thank you.
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Thank you for reading.
#FreshGradTales is a project specifically for fresh graduates of Obafemi Awolowo University. This initiative aims at knowing the various stories and experiences that fresh graduates of OAU have to tell to the world.
Are you a fresh graduate of OAU and would love to be featured on #FreshGradTales? Then, WhatsApp 08184908965 or mail [email protected] to schedule an offline or online interview. Share with someone who should see this too.
You should also follow this blog so you don’t miss out on upcoming interviews ☺☺
Emmanuel Faith’s Story || The Improvement Challenge #TIC21
Remember The Improvement Challenge? Last month, I started and ended an Improvement Challenge that lasted for twenty-one days. For more information, click. Emmanuel Faith joined in the Challenge (albeit he didn’t inform me) and he sent me his Improvement Challenge story and how it has helped him. Do enjoy!
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Our mind is like a rubber band, the more it stretches, the more its effectiveness
John Maxwell
I was captivated by my beloved friend’s status which read “21 days improvement challenge”. My adventurous mind pushed me to making some inquisitive enquiry and with few words of persuasion, I was convinced to join this “movement”. Dont mind me, I particularly love puzzles, mental tasks and challenges.
“What do I want to do consistently for 21 days?” I asked myself. Different ideas flowed through my mind as my thoughts tussled to and fro. After ruminating for a while, I decided to write a poem daily and read a chapter from the book of Proverbs.
I missed my quill that spilled God’s will, and mine too. With vivid vivacity, I picked up my pen and made it dance heartily, scribbling my first poem titled “Black and White” which was dedicated to all my friends who are barristers in the making.
Dedicating an hour daily to my newly found quotidian adventure, I wore the clothe of consistency until laziness paid me a visit bringing procrastination along. There was nobody to monitor or check on me (Next time, I suggest we do this with an accountability partner). I lost my zeal and momentum. However, like Thomas Edison said, “You are not a failure until you fail to try again”, I sent laziness packing and continued with a stronger zeal and guess what! In the span of twenty one days, I wrote twelve poems, two essays and three articles, not forgetting the book of proverbs which I read up to chapter twenty four.
I derived maximum benefit from this challenge and I encourage mental tasks like this often.
Emmanuel Faith
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Thank you very much, Emmanuel.
Did you join in the 21-day Improvement Challenge? How did it help you? Please send your stories to: [email protected] Looking forward to hearing from you.
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Lessons Learnt From The Improvement Challenge- Day 21
Some weeks ago, the idea of having a challenge for twenty-one days that would help me improve in certain vital areas of my life crossed my mind. It sounded like a much better idea when I thought of the fact that I could also involve other people who needed to improve themselves also. So, after much deliberation, I embarked on #TIC21 which stands for The Improvement Challenge of 21 days. Today is Day 21 of #TIC21 and I am happy, thankful and fulfilled that I made it to the end. I would be sharing with you how The Improvement Challenge has helped me.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done”- Nelson Mandela
Yes, that’s the first lesson I learnt. Nothing will be possible, or seem possible, until somebody actually does it. About to start the challenge, I had a whole lot of reservations and questions. It was my first project of its kind and I didn’t know how to start. I didn’t know what people would think and if they would want to join in the Challenge. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it till the twenty-first day. I feared that I would start and not be able to finish. Man, I had so much worries! However, I decided that I was going to do it whether it seemed possible or not, whether people joined in or not. I just did it. I knew that even if I failed at it, I would have learnt a lesson or two from it. I also knew that I had nothing to lose if I started it. The success of #TIC21 has made me see that I could do whatever I set out to do. It has inspired me to dream of bigger challenges. It has taught me better ways of doing stuff like this. I am the only limitation that I have. People aren’t my limitation. Money isn’t. I am my own limitation.
How #TIC21 helped me.
I am of the belief that everybody must work hard to improve themselves. Being contented with who you are and where you are is a sign of mediocrity. You might be doing so well at a particular thing but the truly successful people never get satisfied with wherever they are. There is ALWAYS a need to improve. #TIC21 made me constantly remember the need for improvement. There were times when I was tired but I knew I had to keep improving myself. I built the habit of writing, reading everyday and now that I am through with the challenge, I see no reason why I should stop writing everyday or why I should stop reading everyday. I know I am a better writer than I was twenty-one days ago. Albeit I am not where I want to be, I see this as a good start for me.
#TIC21 taught me commitment, not just commitment to improvement, but commitment to people. I knew I couldn’t stop halfway because there were people always asking how the Improvement Challenge was going. There were people who wanted to see me end well and so I just couldn’t stop till I got to the end.
GRATITUDE
I am grateful to everybody who saw the possibility of this when I was not even sure about it; Tolulope Ahmed, Abraham Ologundudu, Samuel Akinlotan, Adebayo Michael Em.A, and those that space will not permit me to mention- Thank you so much. Also, Thanks to those who kept sending in their encouragement messages. To a very wonderful set of people I can not but acknowledge, those who joined in the Challenge. Thank you for seeing this as a worthy cause to join in. Thank you for working everyday to be better. Thank you for making this journey worthwhile. Keep growing. Keep improving. You are your only limitation.
And that’s it, folks! #TIC21 has come to an end. Watch this space for further challenges. *winks*
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