I think the main issue is that we have not learnt how to accept and celebrate our uniqueness. When we accept that we are not like everybody else, it becomes easier to engage in learning how to be successful.
The principles that lead to success are widely available but not recognised by most of us. In this article, I will be looking at one of these principles and I hope to continue developing this idea in future articles.
Let’s start the discussion with a bit of humour. If an acorn seed is to be successfully planted, it needs to recognise its unique qualities and avoid comparing itself to other seeds. I think the acorn seed will not say, “I think I would rather be a more exotic seed. I have the feeling that my trees will be better if they were grown from other seeds.”
Amazingly, a lot of us do this in our personal journey in self improvement. We spend our time trying to be the bloke that comes across as being exceptionally successful, rather than concentrating on our uniqueness.
You are special and unique. As you choose to cherish your uniqueness, you are providing yourself the greatest motivation for growth and improvement.

If the information collected requires you to identify and categorise some of the facts, do it willingly. Indeed, I will suggest you do it with enthusiasm. The classifications of the issues will help the task of finding alternative solutions to the problems highlighted. This stage in the use of the information collected lends itself to creativity. Explore and try different solutions. Some might work while others might serve to reveal their unsuitability.
Let’s look at case of Laura. She started a job with a reputable organisation about ten years ago. She was by passed for promotion and faced continual critical judgements. She refused to respond to the evidence that she had overstayed her welcome in the organisation. She kept holding on and finally she was so stressed that she had to take months off work. The incidents revealed the dangers in her environment.
I am very sure most of my readers will be quick at making comments about Laura’s bad judgement- don’t be too hasty. How many Laura’s have we got out there?
Enjoy the journey in self development.

For many years I have felt that I did not have much to say to the world that would shape the lives of others and make them able to live the life of their dreams. But something happened to change all that. A friend offered to set up a blog page for me. So I started blogging. Although I still have those feelings of not having much to say, but I have the renewal of my enthusiasm as I read the comment of those that have read some of my articles. One of the tools that enable you to be an active doer and so influencer of the lives of others is to listen carefully to the compliments that otherts give to you. You might not live in an environment where such compliments are abundant, so I would share another effective tool. Learn to give yourself compliments for all the baby steps that you make towards your goal.

Although giving and receiving compliments enables you to be active and impactful in all that you do, I think that learning to handle setbacks is another critical tool. Ineffective strategy for handling setbacks fills you with the feeling of being inadequate and unable to go on. I would like to ask you these questions- How did you handle your last setback? Was your strategy effective? Were you left with the feeling of “I know I will make it”? Do you feel good about yourself? Do you think the way that you dealt with the last setback makes you better able to deal with the next challenge? I am now approaching a very important stage in my life, but it never fails to grieve me that a lot of us could be saved from the pain inflicted by setbacks, if we learn to handle them appropriately.

This is the tool!!!!!!!!
Work through these questions:
What is happening?
What are the alternative responses to this situation?
Which response will make me feel empowered and more prepared for the next challenge?
I would recommend that you choose the option that empowers you.

Today is the best day to begin to use these tools and to reflect on their effectiveness.

You are likely to be committed to doing what you are doing to make the world around you a better place, if your own interest is being catered for.

Whatever you are doing today, find a reason that is related to your own interest. When you find that reason, your enthusiasm and commitment will be sky high.

A part of me feels like going back to this article to add some anecdotal stories to show how this works and how I have used the tool to make improvements in my life. I noticed that some of the visitors to my blog page have shared their sincere appreciation of the quality of the blogs and indeed have provided me with the reason to ask the next question that might bring improvement in my life. I think the question that might be helpful might be- “What do these comments tell me about the effect of my ideas in the life of my readers?” “Is it possible to make a difference in the life of my readers that would cause them to rise up and achieve their dreams?”  These questions helped me to find the next step.

 I know that my readers are interested in being successful; they are keen to find tools that will enable them to achieve their goals; my readers are continually searching for articles that provide the answers to their questions; I feel that in a small way I can contribute to their drive to be the best at whatever they set their minds to achieve. Wow!

I have found the purpose to all that I do. My purpose is to enable my readers to continue to grow their desire for self improvement. I have arrived in the land of never ending possibilities.  Thanks for your contribution to my commitment to affecting the lives others by sharing my ideas and providing the tools for the next level of your development.

Since asking questions is what we do naturally, why are most of us languishing in the world of unending quest and unfulfilled aspirations? I think we are afraid of asking questions because we feel that we might not like the answers that we will get. It is a case of ignorance is bliss! Is it? I do not think so. I think ignorance is the recipe for frustration, stagnation, underperformance and anxiety. We linger too long in the land of ignorance; we begin to fret about the unknown that lies at the end of asking questions relevant to the situation that we face. I think that asking questions and coming up with solutions based on the answers collected is a preferred option to the attempt to hide our ignorance by choosing not to ask questions. Self-improvement and  asking questions are inseparable, and the earlier we learn to use these tools, the quicker we make progress. You might be wandering about the source of the questions that you might ask……  think…. our questions are usually related to you desires, goals and projects at hand.

 Let me share another story with you. I am facing a situation currently that could hinder my progress in the journey of self-development if I do not handle it appropriately. I could spend the rest of this day worrying about it. I choose rather to ask the question- “Does worrying about it help to solve the situation?” “What can I do to ensure that things do not turn out as bad as I anticipated?” “Are my fears and concerns real or are they simply a creation of an active mind?” After a careful deliberation, I choose not to worry about it. I commit myself to continuing to do the best that I can in the situation. I know I will be a better person at the end of this journey. I choose to celebrate the good things that I am doing today and continue to map out the path of self-development even in the face of challenging situations.

The next time you find yourself facing a challenging thought, chose to ask questions that enable you to stay focused; continue on the path of self-development and enjoy the journey ahead.

I think the strength of a nation is related to the nature of the character development in different homes all around a nation and the world. In this article I will be looking at how families can help in the task of building a strong community.

Without giving away my age, I grew up in a society where it was deemed that children could not understand and participate in the debate surrounding issues related to character. Consequently, I missed out on the opportunity that such discussions have on the development of character and improving the quality of individual contribution  the development of society at different levels.

Today, it is important hat the development of character be taken seriously by families. Character can be developed through the use of different strategies- discussions in the homes sensitize children to the needs of others and refine character; modelling of acceptable behaviour; rewarding acceptable behaviour; discouraging unacceptable behaviour and the development of an  outward looking attitude to life- empathy and sensitivity.

Society needs strong healthy families. The next time you are tempted to undervalue the strength of your contribution to society, close your eyes and visualize the difference that a well defined character in your children will make to our community.

In this article I will try to explore some of the strategies that people have tried in the past and maybe you might be able to add to the list.

 Some individuals simply ignore some of these internal hindrances and maybe justify their decision to ignore, by saying that they could not make themselves do what they did not want to do. I have observed that this strategy reduces the opportunity to learn and grow through experience.

Another favourite strategy is to allow others to do it for you. I think that this method needs to be used with care. The person who completes the task is the one that benefits from the experience of unblocking the internal resistance to action. I am not advocating the absence of delegation of tasks but I think you need to ensure that certain tasks are completed by you, so that you might continue to learn and grow.

 Recently as I continued to read and find out about how others have solved this problem I stumbled into another tool for removing resistance to action- face the situation and explore the issues surrounding your resistance.

Sitting at the computer at this moment to write this article was due to one of those self exploration moments.

When you meet with mental resistance next time, try exploring the issues surrounding it. You might find the motivation to go on.

Enjoy your journey in self development.

The most important lesson that I have learnt recently is the significance of choosing the perspective that would build you up, in every situation. The perspective that you adopt will determine the level of energy, motivation and commitment to actions.

Have you ever stumbled across a great barrier to achievement called “Lack of motivation?” In the past, you may have adopted the attitude of the manager committed to getting the correct response, by screaming at yourself and maybe giving yourself a long lecture on reasons for working with determination and commitment to excellence. When you adopt this approach you are likely to find yourself being swallowed up by the events around you.

Suddenly you will find you are at a crossroad. You need to find another way to change your attitude or you might self destruct. Your search for freedom might take you to different books and a variety of ideas. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you might be suffering from information overload? Although this situation might seem slightly daunting, you might be sufficiently aware of this fact, as long as you keep searching, you will find the key to releasing yourself from the trap of lack of motivation. Let me share with you a tool.

Firstly, think through the likely reasons for your lack of motivation. One of the strongest reasons for lack of motivation is your memory of past failures and setbacks. These memories are likely to be holding you back.
Secondly, choose to revisit the place where you experienced these negative feelings in the past, but this time round, choose a supportive perspective about the situation. Choose to say these words to yourself- “Well done for all the effort that you have been making to improve on your performances in this area of your life. I am really proud of you. Listen, the fact that the organisation felt that you had failed does not make you a failure. It simply reveals an area where you need to learn something new. Failure and setbacks are indicators of success and so should be greeted with an awareness of their benefits. I am willing to take a risk. I know that one moment of success will wipe away years of setbacks and failures. “

Instantly, you will experience a release from the lack of motivation and a surge of energy to try and try again. I hope you find this self talk helpful on your journey. I am still on the journey and I cannot wait for the next opportunity to use the same tool to lighten my journey and ensure that failures and setbacks produce the benefits that help me to achieve my goals.
Enjoy your journey to optimum performance,