What’s holding you back from going out and doing those things you’ve dreamt about for so long? Do you yearn to explore a new line of work, a new business, a different course of study, a new sport?
Are you afraid that having to venture into the entirely new field you’re interested in could be a difficult, painful or embarrassing experience for you? Does the thought of making mistakes, and possibly getting laughed at, or talked about bother – or terrify – you?
Well, I can assure you that many other people share similar concerns to yours. And that has been so since the earliest days of human existence.
The human being’s capacity to feel shame and experience embarrassment is very well developed. Our societies train us to be concerned about how others see us. We always want to create favourable impressions about ourselves. And to be seen faltering, falling over, or appearing NOT to be savvy in any way is something we naturally avoid.
Unfortunately, the above orientation in itself creates a problem. The is because just like when we were babies, the learning process requires the making of mistakes – and correcting them then making them again, UNTIL we master the activity we are engaged in. That means if we want to become better, and improve ourselves, we will often need to experience some embarrassing mistake making – at the least.
You Cannot Pre-Determine How Long Your Learning Will Take
You cannot set a specific date and time when you must achieve your intended success in a specific activity.
What you CAN do is to plan to achieve it at a specific date or time. But you must also realise that a number of factors might make it difficult for you to do so.
That is not to say that you will not sometimes set targets of the sort and achieve them. I am just trying to warn you that if you blindly insist that you MUST achieve it when you plan to, but unfortunately find you cannot, you might be too devastated to pick yourself up and continue.
Sometimes our plans might not be good enough to lead us where we want to go. We might need to “refocus” in order to better direct our efforts.
In such circumstances, our previous target dates/times or milestones would be affected. This will not mean we have failed – except we have wrongly forced ourselves to believe that no other date would be acceptable.
"Accept course changes. You may find yourself up blind alleys. You may encounter insurmountable obstacles. You may have to travel another route to your objective" – Burt Dubin
Thinking You Can Plan To Avoid Every Possible Mistake Is A Big Mistake
There are people who would rather experience what is called "analysis paralysis", than take the risk of going out and doing something new without being 100% certain ahead of time, that they will succeed at it.
The truth however is that if the creator of the human race had wanted us to be infallible, he would have made us perfect!
Lee De Forest in describing setbacks he encountered during his business startup experiences reportedly said:
“Most of the difficulties I encountered couldn’t have been forecast; they always managed to catch me by surprise…There were times when I felt I had gone my limit. Some of my setbacks were stunners. It seemed as if I couldn’t get the stamina to start again. But every time, when I had studied things over a little, I would find a way out. No matter how hopeless things look, there is always a way out, if you look for it hard enough.” – Lee De Forest (inventor of the vacuum tube that made modern radio broadcasting possible)" –
You Alone Must Take Responsibility for Your Failures or Mistakes
Some people are quick to blame “the devil” or “enemies” (e.g. people in the “village” J ) for setbacks and disappointments they encounter.
If you really want to get ahead in any area of your life, the most important thing you’ll need to do is accept that YOU – and only YOU – are responsible for whatever befalls you. It would be naïve to put that kind of power in the hands of any other person(s).
Once you accept that fact, the next line of action you need to take will become obvious: personal action to achieve your desired goals.
You will no longer wait around for people to set things up for you. Instead you will be driven to explore and discover ways and means of making things happen for you. And where possible, you will accept the support of willing others to get to your destination.
It goes without saying that to do the above you will accept that temporary defeat, disappointments, mistakes and other forms of adversity, will come your way. As long as you remember to externalize your failures (i.e. don’t take them personal, and never feel – or let anyone make you feel – that you are a failure), you’ll eventually achieve your goal.
Always remember: It’s okay to be human. And if you’re only human, you’re bound to make mistakes every now and then. What’s important is being courageous enough to learn from those mistakes and become a better person.
IKEJA, Lagos — As natural writing becomes more important in online marketing, smart business owners are trying to get more writing done for their websites and blogs – but many are finding it harder to keep new content coming, and this worries them.
Like Tayo Solagbade – owner of Self-Development Academy’s SD Nuggets™ blog said, “Google’s recent algorithm changes now make it possible to use your writing to achieve great marketing reach and impact online. If you’re struggling to write however, you will not be able to maximize this excellent opportunity to achieve timeless marketing exposure at low to zero cost.”
Andrea Ayemoba (editor at Africabusinesscommunities.com) said “(It is) a rare blend of great information and good humour, Tayo talks to his readers as opposed to instructing them.”
Tayo Solagbade, the author, is a performance enhancement specialist and multipreneur (http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com) whose ten years of multidisciplinary experience writing for clients – in real estate, audiology, interior design, entrepreneurship, farm business, web marketing, public speaking, and career development – enabled him identify the habits he describes.
“Many usually assume writer’s block is responsible for their inability to write. The truth is that 99% of the time, the reasons you struggle to write have to do with something(s) YOU are doing wrong…or that YOU need to do differently. Once you get that right, you’ll be amazed at the output you’ll achieve” said Solagbade, who publishes a minimum of one blog post daily – on six different categories.
As Solagbade describes each habit, readers will:
Learn why having a Magnificent Obsession is crucial to writing success
Discover simple strategies for overcoming the so-called writer’s block
Understand how being “too organised” can make their writing less productive
Appreciate how a physical exercise regimen can double their writing output
Be given practical tips to stop procrastinating about their writing goals
As Solagbade said “The problem with ‘writing’ is that it can seem so easy to do – and only after getting into it, do most business owners discover a different reality. This ebook provides useful guidance to any writer faced with that challenge.”
The ebook includes a download link to a detailed bonus report titled “6 Proven Techniques (and 9 Strategies) You Can Use To Start & Finish Writing ANYTHING!“
While there are many books providing writing advice, Solagbade – who is also the author of the Self-Development (SD) Bible™ & Livestock Feed Formulation Handbook – uncovers simple but frequently overlooked causes of writing failure, and suggests practical strategies to overcome them.
“This is a magnificent piece of writing” said Burt Dubin, Creator of the Speaking Success System (http://speakingsuccess.com)
[This post is based on excerpts from an original piece that was published online by Tayo Solagbade as a PDF download on his Facebook profile on 9th May 2012]
No. Under NO circumstances is it right, to do wrong, in order to fulfill one’s obligations. Any thinking being knows this. Yet, some do it.
I elaborate below, and offer some insights.
Over the past ten years, I have come across what appears to be an increasing number of people (adults) who are prepared to completely discount their morals and values, if doing so will secure material and financial gratification they seek.
The Values System I Was Raised To Uphold Is The Opposite
Recently, I posted the following on my Facebook wall:
====== WARPED VALUES:To prove he is a man, he joins in the un-godly (and dishonest) practices of giving bribes, issuing inflated invoices etc, to win jobs. When his "friend" tells him it’s not right, he retorts that it’s impossible to beat the corrupt system – AND that he will not let himself be thought of as being incapable of providing for his family. Yet, he tells his kids: "With God, All Things Are Possible!" – and routinely makes them attend religious worship with him.
======
The above is based on my personal experiences and observations. Many people who ordinarily would never have stooped to corruption, were driven to it because of the kind of reasoning stated above.
In many cases, their spouses got to a point, at which they could no longer endure the hardship arising from their husbands trying to stay honest and upright in their business dealings.
So the wives began to pressure them, by pointing out how others were doing it, and getting on quite well. Eventually, the husbands succumbed and joined the growing army of irresponsible monsters who now do almost anything to get money, even if it means denying others what is theirs, in the process.
Nothing I’m Saying Here Is New…
Tunde Fagbenle, the Sunday Punch Newspaper Columnist regularly provides entertaining references that prove what I’m saying is true.
Crooked minded and lazy people now exist in the majority in certain climes, and naturally want things done their way. Any person they discover to be unwilling to play the game instantly becomes a threat that must be neutralized. So, they setup a system that greatly minimizes the chances that non-conformists can make meaningful headway in society, unless they join the party.
For the single or unmarried individuals, the challenge tends to be less traumatizing. However, for those who are married, and some who even have kids to provide for, this situation presents a formidable obstacle.
How do you explain to your wife, that your kids will not be able to eat or attend school, because your unwillingness to bribe or over invoice your way to win contracts, means you will not earn enough to meet those obligations?
What do you do, when your child is ill and badly in need of medication, at a time when your long overdue payment from a client company, is being delayed, because you refused to grease the palm of the man to release the payment?
Will your spouse understand why you can no longer accept insultingly low payments offered by exploitative clients – even when she badly needs cash to sustain the home front?
How do you carry on, when – for instance – your spouse constantly rains insults on you for being incapable of meeting your financial obligations as a husband and father?
Since you are not prepared to give in to such corrupt demands, what do you do, when you appeal to your wife to consider taking up a job to help out, and she says:
"Are you not ashamed of yourself – look at your next door neighbor. His wife does not work, and he provides for her and the kids they have. And you are here telling me I need to get a job. You cannot be serious. Who do you want to use as a slave. When you could not feed yourself, why did you get married?"
What You Need To Know – And Do
I do not know what you’re going through. But I have heard all kinds of silly logic being adduced by otherwise well educated and intelligent people who feel they cannot endure hardship any longer.
All because they are afraid to act with faith and resist the advances of unscrupulous elements that create chaos, in order to profit from it.
If you believe that the creator exists and will always support good over evil, I offer you the following philosophies that guide and immunize me against long term negative effects of adversity in ANY form. As a result, regardless of what channels it comes at me from, I stay focused and driven to achieve my set goals.
1. REAL SUCCESS IS BASED ON INTEGRITY: As long as I am not lazy, and I work hard, intelligently and honestly, to achieve my set goals on a daily basis, I will succeed, little by little.
2. FAITH WILL SUSTAIN YOU: No matter what anyone says to my face or behind my back, I alone determine what will happen in my life, by focusing on acting with faith that the creator will see me through.
My perspective on faith is that it is NOT a religious thing. It is not some exclusive preserve of a particular religious movement. Faith can be practiced by ANY living being. I have used it many times, with great success.
3. GOOD THINGS THAT LAST, RARELY COME QUICKLY: My success may not come quickly. I may have to take baby steps, one at a time. And it might look like it’s taking too long. However, as long as I’m NOT walking backwards, my success is inevitable. No one can stop me. Period!
4. DOING WRONG IS ALWAYS BAD: No matter how many times I see others cut corners to get what they want, I know the creator will never approve of me doing the same. There are lessons to be learnt from hardships, delays and setbacks in life – that he wants to teach me. They will equip me to stay successful when I get to the top.
5. NOTHING IS WRONG WITH A HUMBLE BEGINNING: Even if others mock me and compare me to a younger or less educated person who they claim is doing better than me, I will NEVER let that make me play catch up with anyone. Success comes in stages. My path will be different from that traveled by others. That is the way the world works – each of us is unique, and we will therefore naturally follow our unique paths in life.
6. BE WORTHY OF SUPPORT: So long as you do the above (1 to 5), never feel ashamed to ask for – and accept – help or support from trusted others. Understand that when you’re in an environment dominated by wrong doers, you’re likely to get ZERO breaks as an entrepreneur. Your counterparts in better regulated societies will often have LESS stifling circumstances to deal with.
For instance some may have access to unemployment checks and other forms of social security to protect their families. Depending on what part of the world you’re in, you may not have those "cushions".
Genuine offers of support and help from people who appreciate your honest dedication to your purpose will therefore under such a situation, be your own social security safety net. Do NOT let anyone make you feel guilty for using it!
NB: Those who succumb to the impulse (or prompting of others) to do wrong in order to support their families, fail to understand this 6th philosophy.
7. GRATITUDE: I know enough to be grateful for the gift of life, and the opportunity to go out each new day and do more to achieve my set goal. It’s a great blessing from the creator that one must acknowledge. If others choose to focus on what they do not yet have, I refuse to let them infect me their negative failure-focused mentality.
SUMMARY
The above are a few guiding philosophies that keep me tuned towards doing right all the time, even when I see people seemingly making more progress from doing wrong. I’m stronger, smarter and more fulfilled as a result.
It is worthwhile to note, that when eventually you achieve success the right and honorable way, those who gossiped about you, and/or heaped insults on you, may deny ever doing so, and turn around to announce how they also helped you!
Don’t get upset when it happens. It’s the twisted way of the world. If you feel hurt, that’s because you are not one of those who act in that manner . This makes you a superior being. Great minds like you, must appreciate that those people only play their roles, to better prepare you , for the success you are destined to achieve.
So, let them!
Final Words : This post is not a self-righteous rant. It is instead a wake up call of sorts for every responsible adult to do more of what is right and less (indeed NOTHING) of what is wrong, so as to make society progress sustainably.
FYI: James R. Cook, is a successful American entrepreneur, and author the New York Times bestseller titled “Startup Entrepreneur”. I strongly recommend you read that excellent experience based book.
Should You Quit Your Job or Start Your Business Part-time?
Preamble: The dilemma of choosing between quitting one’s job or starting up part time(while holding on to it) is one that countless entrepreneurs have had to contend with in the past. This difficulty confronts persons who are either approaching retirement or feel they do not want to continue working for someone else. Not many business ideas can be properly “tested” in the market place using “moonlighting” techniques – where an employee tries his/her hands at pursuing a fancied business career on the side, during his/her free time.
In this article I share the true story of HOW I took the decision to start my own business. I also provide insight into what others who have passed the same road did – and say. The truth however, is that no two situations are likely to be exactly the same, hence the intending startup must carefully weigh the options available in making up his/her mind. It is my hope that the reader will be able to use the ideas offered here to intelligently arrive at a decision that will facilitate the launch of a successful career in entrepreneuring.
“No enterprise worthy of accomplishment would ever begin, if all obstacles
were first to be overcome” – Napoleon Hill
Let’s Start With My True Story – About How/Why I Did It
In attempting to help you come to your own decision about the better of the two options mentioned above(quitting your job vs. starting part-time), I will give you an insight into how I entered into the business of entrepreneuring. I start by reproducing the exact words with which I narrated the experience in an ebook I wrote back in 2003 titled “How To Help Your Child Discover His/Her Purpose In Life” (click the preceeding title/link to read an article based on the ebook).
“I struggled for over 6 years like I said trying to find out why I felt so dissatisfied working as a well paid young manager in a large, blue chip corporate multinational. Despite rapid advancement and numerous opportunities plus the promise of even better career options, I still found I was dissatisfied. So it was that right till the last 2 years of my stay as a Manager in Guinness Nigeria Plc, I continued to baffle family/friends with my frequent trips back and forth between Lagos, Benin, Ibadan, Portharcourt and other places.
I was variously following up advertisements for new jobs, opportunities for new starting up businesses, and possibility of getting admission to study overseas(I just KNEW I wanted to spend my time doing something other than the job I was being so well paid for!). I attended many seminars on wide ranging topics from manufacturing to computer/internet education etc. Then I sought out those who I heard had “made it”, and who offered themselves for consultation. I asked their advice on what to do. Slowly but surely, I began to gain insight.
Gradually the picture became clearer. Not long after – in late 1999 to be exact, I had the full picture of what I wanted to do in life clearly mapped out in my mind. But by then I was already 29 years old! Then I spent 2 whole years “preparing”(attending business startup seminars etc) before finally taking off fully! Having gone through all that, I am now thoroughly convinced that I could have done better, if only I had known much earlier that I had the option of deciding whether or not to go into paid employment.” – Excerpt from the ebook titled “How To Help Your Child Discover His/Her Purpose In Life“
Now, the truth is that by the time I decided I wanted to run my own business, I was not sure exactly how I would start.
I knew I wanted to go into some form of speaking-training consultancy/educational work but I was not sure how to begin. Also, I knew that it would be useful to have a creative slant to my business offerings(building on my proficiency in custom spreadsheet programming/solutions development), so as to generate a diversified income stream. It was with these ideas in mind that I began attending all those seminars/courses over the two years before I quit my job.
I however did not just attend them and go back to my job to continue work. Being naturally action oriented, I went ahead and launched mini-versions of some business ideas I had settled for. They were Sealed Nylon Packaged Pepper production and Custom Branded T-Shirts Production (which I came up with by myself after doing some thinking). While on Annual leave, I then used practically all of my leave allowance from work, to run these micro businesses on a test basis.
It was tough, but I gave it all I had. In each case, I made little or no income, but the excitement of doing it all – printing ID cards, drafting sales letters/looking for buyers, designing T-Shirt labels, using an impulse nylon sealer to pack cartons and cartons of pepper (overnight sometimes!) served to give me some degree of satisfaction that it had been worth the trouble.
However, when I returned to work, the challenges of meeting my job as an employee soon made it obvious that I could not combine running either of the businesses with doing my salaried job. This was at a time when I was still a shift brewer, and as such had the advantage of getting off duty rest periods on weekdays, which I tried to use to pursue my micro business efforts.
By the time I was promoted in year 2000 to a normal, routine 9 – 5 job as Technical Training and Development Manager, I lost the little freedom I had left.
For close to one year, I tried to see if I could endure the change and the restrictions it had imposed on me, but soon realised that it would not work. So, I printed off and signed a fresh copy of the resignation letter I had presented to my former boss(who had rejected it back then) in 1999, while I was still a brewer , and handed it to the head(Operations Manager) of my brewery in his office on 31st October 2001(giving 2 months notice).
It’s been over four years now, since I quit my job to start my business – and I remain fully convinced that I took the right decision. This is(among other reasons) because, I have grown tremendously in ways that I could never have achieved had I still been tied to a 9 to 5 job. In addition, I look forward to doing my work on a daily basis, with an excitement much greater than any I ever felt while in paid employment. The feeling of liberation – being able to pursue what you have always dreamt of achieving beats description. The following quote I think describes what I believe I have achieved:
“Free yourselves from the shackles of corporate life” – Anon
Most people in paid employment will not be able to understand what I have said in the above paragraph.
For instance, sometime last year, I visited the office of a former senior colleague(who still works in the HR department of the company I left) to get a reference.
He told me “Many people still think you must have been mad to do what you did“. My response was along the lines of “My only regret is that I did not do it sooner!” – and I meant it.
While driving back home that day, I thought about the conversation with my HR manager “friend” and could not help feeling a bit sorry for him, because I knew from the way he said it, that he agreed with those who had questioned my sanity in quitting my job.
The sad reality however is that whether they accept the inevitable reality or not, they WILL have to go through the same process of “leaving” their jobs one day. When that happens, they will have to – like I did – “re-educate” themselves all over again to be able to survive in the real-world, outside the security of salaried jobs they have gotten used to. This is likely to happen when they retire, or have to resign.
The only difference will be that when they are starting up their own businesses, they will probably be past their prime in terms of age, maybe in their 60s. This may or many not present problems when they have to endure the adversity frequently encountered in the business startup phase.
As for me, I am glad I did it while I still had a lot of my youth on my side.
At 31, I quit a job that paid well, but made me feel unfulfilled, in order to start one that I get excited about everyday regardless of the challenges I face in doing it. If you also want to experience true happiness, you will have to do likewise i.e. follow your heart!
Interestingly, doing what you love WILL ultimately bring the ONE benefit(money!) that many people always seem to want to get first. I don’t care what any realists say. What they consider unprofitable today can become a goldmine tomorrow.
But experts will sometimes not see what you see!
WHAT PEOPLE SAID: “There’s no market for it. If there were, major airlines would already be offering it. You won’t be able to find reliable couriers.” – Conclusion of advisors to Fred Smith, founder of Federal Express.
Some experts recommend going with a proven formula or model. I do not quarrel with that. But nothing new will be created or invented if everybody follows that line of thinking! We need people who will perodically follow their instincts and intuition to venture into untested business fields.
Those who will be visionary enough to see the opportunties tthat current experts are blind to. And who will be able to muster and sustain the courage to aim for business success in that area. A passion for the subject will make such individuals persist even when no immediate results are forthcoming.
Historical evidence stongly suggests that most people who do so eventually reap substantial rewards in fame, and fortune.
That’s why Marsha Sinetar said:
“Do what you love, and the money will follow” – Marsha Sinetar
A Question That Can Help You Choose A Business To Start
One of the most important questions that a person who wishes to choose a business to start needs to be able to answer is this:
What is that thing, which you would ENJOY doing for an UNLIMITED period of time, EVEN if you did not get paid to do it?
I found MY answer to that question quite easily, and that made it easy for me to continue happily working towards achieving my set goals in spite of countless rejections and setbacks. You are reading this article, at this point in time, because I chose to follow my heart and pursue my vision. You will need to do the same if you want to achieve sustainable, authentic success.
“If you don’t do what you love, you won’t have what it takes to stick with it. This lack of effort will cause you to fail. And fail big time” – Michael Boss
How Other Entrepreneurs Started Their Own Businesses
1. Quitting To Start – The Risky Way!
a. James R. Cook(Author, Startup Entrepreneur, New York Times Bestseller) did what many considered ill-advised and unthinkable. He simply quit a good job brimming with promises of career advancement. In his book, “The Startup Entrepreneur”, he explained that he did so in order to apply Napoleon Hill’s suggestions that the person desiring success “burn all bridges” – admitting that not everyone has to follow the same route as he did.
b. Henry Ford explained that after discussing with his wife, he chose to reject the offer to make him general superintendent of The Edison Company, if he stopped work on his gas engine project to focus on what they considered “more important” work. Left with no other option, he chose to leave his job(on August 15, 1899) rather than give up his automobile business idea. An interesting note added by Ford is the fact that aside from money spent on sustaining themselves daily, he and his wife put every penny they had into experimenting on the automobile, in the hope of making a breakthrough. That willingness to risk financial ruin, would later yield multiple fold returns. Every single person who drives a car today, should be grateful to this couple for refusing to quit!
c. William Lear opined that if a person is really sure about his business idea, he should mortgage every asset he owns to keep going. Using himself as an example, he explained that at one point, during a difficult time in his business, he felt like he owed more or less everyone in the country.
d. Fran Tarkenton also wrote that if you find it difficult starting your business while still in paid employment, seriously consider quitting in order to force yourself to focus better. BUT he also gives what I truly believe is a very VALID warning that in doing this: In quitting, you MUST make sure your family’s security is not jeopardised by the possibility of your business struggles, preventing you from playing your role as a parent or spouse.
2. Moonlighting -The Safe(?) Way
Some people might prefer to test their ideas on the side while they hold on to day jobs as employees. Lucky history shows that a number of people succeeded in starting their businesses this way. George Eastman for instance, who founded the Kodak company, remained in employment while he tested ideas for his film business.
I have also read articles on how Moonlighting techniques(where a person in paid employment launches a semi-entrepreneurial career on the side in his free time from work) can be successfully used by individuals keen to try out their business ideas.
In fact there is a growing trend today of people who start businesses which they engage third parties to run , while they(the owner) remain in paid employment.
So, Which Is Better: To Quit Your Job At Once, Or Start Your Business Part-Time?
In my opinion, the degree of success achievable in meeting client or customer needs by a person who starts up via moonlighting, will depend to a great extent on his/her level of commitment. This is especially because the demands of a routine 9 to 5 job can, for instance, limit a person’s ability(via late hours at work, and/or fatigue) to meet the expectations of a paying client or customer.
Then there is the issue of the type of business a person decides to startup on the side. If a person decides to start up a piggery or catfish business while employed on a full time salary job, s/he might struggle considerably to get a good feel of what it takes to manage the actual production process. A likely reason would be his/her inability to visit the farm as often as would be needed(due to day job work demands) to gain the needed “depth” of understanding. This could have implications for cost-effective and profitable operation of the business, as s/he might end up having to accept anything s/he is told by the hired hands.
Having said that, employing a competent manager to run the operation could reduce the need for worry in this area. I will however add that in the society I operate in as an entrepreneur, you would have to keep both your fingers and toes crossed at the same time, if you choose to go that way. A hint: Finding competent hands over here is one thing. Finding competent AND trustworthy ones can be another issue entirely!
But the truth about it is, no matter how long you test your business idea on the side, you will eventually have to take the plunge and launch out fully. In reality, many people never get to a point when they can muster enough courage to do that, giving various excuses. In the end, their employer helps them take the inevitable decision – and even then, they are seldom prepared!
Those Who Risk All Stand To Gain More
So, on the issue of which option is “better” , it is my considered opinion that most of those who take the “risky” route of quitting the security of their jobs, or “burning their bridges” are likely to emerge as better rounded entrepreneurs, capable of building businesses that outlast them. I say this based on my personal experiences as one who tried both approaches, and also drawing from many interactions I have had with business owners who followed the “safer” route in starting up. The mental attitude of people who belong to this latter group can be surprisingly different from that recognised as typical of persons considered to be “entrepreneurs”.
Specific scenarios include: how they see adversity(and the benefits it offers); their disposition towards risk-taking for the purpose of seizing business opportunities in the market place; and their capacity to visualise the future. In each of the three scenarios highlighted, I have repeatedly noticed that the “safe way startup” business owners frequently prefer to keep things as they are, never wanting to take any chances trying anything new – until they have seen many others do so successfully.
Seldom are they ready to be the ones leading the pack in visualising what next to do. And in some cases, there was a striking readiness to compromise their values (sometimes just “a teeny little bit”) in the face of opposition, in order to get what they wanted. This suggested the attributes of “integrity” and “persistence” were not strong points for them. I must add here that you could not easily deduce this from what they said, when invited to speak, or discuss on the subject. It was very often from the things they did – actions they took daily, yearly in relation to moving their businesses forward, that you saw real evidence of that they actually “believed”.
In contrast, many successful entrepreneurs who followed the “risky”, thorn filled path, have described how the long drawn periods of “suffering” they went through, helped them developed the “character” and “survival instincts” necessary for achievement of sustainable long term successes.
Quite a number have been described as “stubborn” or even “obstinate” – attributes which probably enabled them successfully defy adversity and opposition in the past to achieve startling successes. Entrepreneurs often believe they can always get what they want -if they stick with it long enough. Hardly will you find a true entrepreneur willing to cut corners in order to reach a valued goal. Apart from having a strong sense of integrity, the exciting prospect of defying all odds and opposition to reach the prize, would be simply too attractive for him/her to pass up.
Don’t get me wrong here! I am not implying that a person who did not quit a job or do something “risky” to start his/her business is not an entrepreneur. What I am saying is that a serious possibility exists, that those who start by holding on to the “security” of a life-line in form of a “job”, or other comforts, may end up not undergoing the full myriad of “educative” experiences needed to mature fully as entrepreneurs.
“You cannot acquire experience by making experiments. You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” –
Albert Camus
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” – Eleanor Smith
Summary – The Choice Is Ultimately Yours To Make!
From reading my story, you will find that I did make effort to try juggling my new interests with the responsibilities I had as an employee, but with little success. In order to avoid destroying my credibility in my workplace by having divided loyalty(and also to ensure that I was more efficient in the use of my time and efforts), I chose to take an honourable exit from a company I had served for seven(7) years, while the ovation was still at its loudest.
That was one of the reasons why the overall head of the brewery where I worked, was able to say/write wonderful things about me (at the send forth ceremony organised for me, even though I had only reported indirectly to him for about 11 months) including the following:
“Tayo, I honestly believe you are one of those who will succeed at anything he does. Your commitment and effort has been outstanding….Thanks for all your hard work since I’ve been here – you will be sorely missed. I don’t need to wish you good luck, you have the ability to make your own luck. – Andy“(R. Jones)*
*Operations Manager, Guinness Nigeria Plc Benin Brewery, December 2001(Handwritten comments in farewell/xmas cards sent to Tayo Solagbade following his resignation to start his own business).
My study of the writings and lives of many entrepreneurs in some cases support this option(i.e. quitting your job), while others lean towards the other. It is up to you, to consider the examples provided through this article’s narration of what others have done(coupled with its analyses), and then come up with your own decision.
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
This post is based on excerpts from a 19 page ebook I wrote (titled “How to Help Your Child Discover His/Her Purpose”) which I never published – for reasons I still cannot fathom
How many of us adults knew exactly what we wanted to do or be in life, when we were our kids’ ages? I once heard of someone who discovered after finishing from medical school, that what he actually wanted to do in life was professional fashion designing!
Similar examples abound in our society today. I’m sure you can think of some yourself – so I will not bore you with more.
Many Adults Are Living Lives of Regret
Many adults/parents today spend every day in jobs they do not enjoy doing. Some pay well. Others yield what could best be described as slave wages. And yet, the workers still keep coming back each day. In many cases, the affected individuals feel too far-gone in age to change things.
Many also worry about the risks involved – especially as it relates to caring for their families while making the transition. This is quite often a valid fear to have. Giving up a steady source of income to pursue self-actualization can prove quite tasking. This is especially true for persons who have to provide for their families.
But if truth be told, life is too short to keep driving on the safe lane all the time. One of the best ways to conquer one’s demons is to confront one’s greatest fears. It never pays to live a life that ends with multiple regrets about what could have been.
We Can Spare Our Kids the Same Fate
My observations out here reveal that many adults are simply not prepared to take the required leap of faith to pursue self-actualization. Thankfully, for such persons all is not lost. The lesson from their narrow miss can be put to use in preparing their kids to achieve self-discovery earlier in life.
I have personally vowed not to let my kids go through the needless pains of LATE self-discovery I had to endure well into my late twenties.
And that’s why I am already putting my knowledge of what worked or did not work for me (it could work for my kids) at their disposal. Among other things, we periodically discuss whether or not they could adopt my approach or evolve a better one.
The objective is to make the kids better prepared to confidently answer this question: What do you want to be in life?
A child that has undergone the kind of preparation I advocate here is unlikely to give the usual kind of answer like “Lawyer! Doctor!” and so on. Instead she’s more likely to respond with a detailed description of her vision or ultimate goal/purpose in life.
Then of course, things like being a Lawyer, Doctor etc could be part of it, but would not be all of it.
This last point is quite important. Children lacking the kind of preparation I’m talking about tend to respond too automatically to the “What do you want to be in life” question.
This happens because no one has helped them think through what they really want to do. Little effort has been invested by competent adults to help such kids discover their true/natural interests. That’s what would accurately inform their choice of vocations or professions in life!
The above stated problem leads to situations in which a graduate Doctor drops her degree, to launch what eventually becomes a successful Fashion Design career.
It Took Me Seven Years To Discover I Made A Wrong Choice!
In my case, I did not know what I wanted to do in life even as at the time I was observing my one year of national youth service at the age of 22.
All I knew was that I had obtained a university degree in Agricultural Extension Services, after five years. And I wanted to get a reasonably good paying job – somewhere…somehow!
In other words, I was – at the time – a typical product of the traditional educational system!
That attitude of just wanting to get a job explains why I took countless tests to get employment in insurance companies, audit firms, manufacturing organizations etc.
I did not – and could not afford to – discriminate because I was not prepared for the world I found myself in. A world in which the government employment options open to people with my qualifications, promised disappointing remuneration – which common knowledge assured would not (back then at least) necessarily be paid as and when due.
It was honestly a period of extreme confusion and frustration for me.
“After all that schooling (and a good 2nd class upper degree) and NOBODY wants me?
” I asked myself.
It took me a long time to get over the trauma. And I actually spent over seven years working as an employee in a field totally unrelated to my qualification, before I finally realized that what I really wanted to do in life was to be an entrepreneur.
I Want To Spare My Kids That Kind of Experience
That’s why each of my kids gets quality discussion and attention time from me every day. We do so many things together – including encouraging each person to show off his/her unique abilities. This process has helped us identify what they are individually good at, and passionate about.
For instance, my third son is gifted at fixing things – especially electrical stuff. He’s just nine, but displays an uncanny ability to assemble and disassemble all sorts of electrical appliances. And many times he has surprised all of us by fixing some items we had concluded no longer worked.
What I’ve done is to always pass any damaged electrical stuff to him – including my laptop adapters, rechargeable lamps, flash drives and so on. He keeps them neatly arranged in a large box. Every now and then he brings them out and pretends to be doing a presentation to an audience about how they work!
Even his grand parents already acknowledge that he’s likely to follow in the footsteps of his uncle (my brother) who studied Electrical Electronics and immediately after graduation started an IT company in Abuja.
Final Words
Carefully nurturing a child’s natural interest in a potentially viable vocation can help prepare her to achieve self-discovery early in life.
This would be to the benefit of both the child and the parents. That’s because you’d be sure to spend money providing the right kind of formal schooling or education for her.
This could help her develop true genius in her chosen field – the kind that leads to notable accomplishments. In other words, she would live a fulfilled life, without regrets of any sort!
If you truly love your child, I urge you to start making out time to discover what she wants to be in life, from today.
It’s likely to be the wisest investment of your life.
Comments?
What do you think of the above post? Do you have any personal experience to share on this subject? Are there some other points you feel can be added, to help persons looking for answers? Share your thoughts below.
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Enroll Your Child For My Life Skills Coaching Program (Download Flyer Below)
The deadline for submission of entries is MNT ET of 31st October 2012 – few hours from now.
Having opted in, I was determined to beat that deadline, and also send in a good ebook. Like I said when I opted in, I love challenges of this kind because they help me improve.
What do you think of this post? Do you have any personal experience to share on this subject? Are there some other points you feel can be added, to help persons looking for answers? Post your thoughts below.
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“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self” – Cyril Connolly
Are you struggling to meet your writing goals? Do you have difficulty consistently writing articles, blog posts or reports that you can confidently publish for others to read? Or are you one of those who repeatedly applaud others for publishing theirs, even as you wonder why you cannot get yours started or completed?
If you answered yes to any of the above queries, there are certain important things you may not be doing enough of.
Yes, I’m sorry to tell you this, but 9.9 times out of 10, you may be struggling to write because you are not doing something(s) right. And not because writing is too difficult or you are not born or destined to be a writer!
In this post, I discuss ONE possible reason why you never seem to be able to get your writing done according to plan. This “reason” is an obstacle keeping you from consistently achieving your writing goal, and I offer practical strategies you can use to overcome it
Universal Principles:Before I begin, let me point out that the ideas I share in this write-up apply not just to writing, but also any area of human endeavor. So, if you are struggling to achieve valued goals, in any aspect of your life, you’ll find the information provided here of immense practical benefit.
Lack of a Magnificent Obsession is a major reason I have found responsible for many people’s inability to meet their writing targets.
Without overcoming this obstacle, I honestly believe your chances of achieving long term success in writing will be quite slim. So, you’ll need to really pay attention as you read this post.
People who achieve success often do so by getting totally absorbed in its pursuit i.e. they become obsessed with it. Historical evidence supports this. It’s called having a "Magnificent Obsession".
This is your "raison d’être", your life purpose…or reason for existing. Something that literally dominates your daily thoughts, and which when achieved, would make you feel fulfilled…that you have lived your life well. As a writer, you need to focus your efforts on topics related to your magnificent obsession.
If you don’t know what yours is, the following questions and tips can help you:
What would you gladly do for 24 hours a day for any number of days – even if you did not get paid to do it? What gets you excited and eager to engage in it, every time you think about it? Whatever answer you come up with, is most likely to be your magnificent obsession.
Some people take a few minutes to a day to discover theirs. Others could take a year or longer. The path to self-discovery is not always straightforward. If you listen to your intuition, you will be pointed in the right direction faster.
The following narrative illustrates the importance of having a magnificent obsession:
In response to a question about how he managed to build what was quite a small start-up into a multi-million pound business, Simon Woodroffe (billionaire co-founder of the Yo! Sushi restaurant chain in the United Kingdom), gave what should be a re-assuring answer to anyone aspiring for success.
Simon said he did not consider anyone who achieved success – himself included – to be "clever". The problem, according to him, is that many people are (to use his exact words) "just lazy and stupid". He added that anyone who can get obsessed with something can do anything.
Giving a personal example, Simon revealed that there was never a time after he started his business that he woke up wishing for riches. He recalled that he always got up in the morning, because he was either obsessed with achieving his goal, or scared that his plans would fail.
In case you missed it, the point I’m making is that this gentleman provided an answer that effectively demystifies "success achievement".
Success is not reserved for "clever", "talented" or "gifted" people. Anyone can succeed in achieving her goal(s). What is important is that you identify clearly what you want to achieve – and why. Then get obsessed with pursuing it.
What do you think of the above message? Do you have any personal experience to share on this subject? Are there some other points you feel can be added, to help persons looking for answers? Share your thoughts below.
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The lessons I share in this article are based mainly on a true-life experience I had, in 1997, at the age of 27. I was delivering a management research paper at the National Finals of the (now repackaged) Young Managers Competition, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Management(NIM). I provide graphic details of how my inexperience made me take certain important preparatory steps for granted.
You will learn how that eventually led to a botched presentation that earned me considerable embarrassment, and a 5th place position that I would have bettered on a good day.
Ironically, the “equivalent benefit” of that adverse experience came to my rescue about 5 years later (in 2002) – during my first year in self-employment as a Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist.
Then I used the lessons from my failed presentation to deliver a successful presentation at the Center for Management Development(CMD). This, despite being told midway through my presentation to finish in one (1) instead of two(2) hours. And in spite of the fact that a power cut occurred that forced me to fall back on my printed speaker notes to finish my presentation.
Read this article. It provides a comprehensive summary of useful learning points, and also offers very practical ideas about what can go wrong. Plus, how you can improvise to STILL deliver a successful presentation.
Background: It all began in November 1997, while I was observing my annual leave from work(as a 27 year old brewer in Guinness Benin Brewery)
After coming across the call for entries in a national daily, I wrote and entered a paper titled “Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Target Setting” for the 1997 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Management’s Young Manager’s Competition.
Invitation letter – After coming across the call for entries in a national daily, I wrote and entered a paper titled “Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Target Setting” for the 1997 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Management’s Young Manager’s Competition.
The paper was based on work I had done(mostly in my free time) in setting up various process control/reports computerization systems in departments(Production/Brewing and Packaging/Bottling) where I worked.
The paper discussed the use of CUSUM(Cumulative Sum Deviation) charts, and other simple Statistical Process Control(SPC) tools that I had used in real-life projects I had carried out at various times during the course of the year(1997).
Entry form for the competition – insideEntry form for the competition – outer side
One of them was ” Total Waste Unaccounted For(TWUF)™” – a statistical process control index I developed by myself…
Regarding TWUF™, I had returned to the brewing department from another secondment as Packaging Shift Manager to the Packaging (bottling) department in February 1997, when I was recalled on the request of the Packaging Manager – Alex Okorodudu.
He asked me to carry out a beer waste investigation on one of the bottling lines.
In the course of that investigation, I developed the concept of TWUF™, which through mass balancing made it possible to quantify beer losses that could not be traced to a known waste point.
Eventually, I used TWUF™ to identify the startup and shutdown operations at the bottle filler machine as being responsible for creating an apparent(i.e. false) beer waste situation. Modification of the mentioned filler procedures led to an immediate normalization of waste values recorded.
I intend to publish a formal paper on TWUF in a few weeks from now. It’s a concept that can be used in ANY process.
Deciding To Enter For The Competition…& Getting Approval From Management…
My decision to enter for the NIM competition was influenced by a need I felt, to share the experiences I had gained in the practical application of statistical tools for useful purposes in a business.
Prior to entering that paper for the competition, I had given out copies of it to senior managers in the company’s Lagos office, like Alistair Reid(then Operations Manager, Lagos), and Abiola Popoola(Head of Human Resources).
Apart from seeking their input, I did this to get their consent and be sure it was okay to use the company information I had included.
Important Note. If you plan on using any data from your current workplace in an activity outside the company, it is imperative that you consult competent officers of the company to advise you on how to go about doing it. Play safe by getting the responsible person(s) to give you the go-ahead, before you send out any information or material regarding the company’s activities. That way, you are unlikely to make the mistake of giving out sensitive information that could get you into trouble.
You may not have plans to enter a paper for a competition like I did, but you might want to send out an article for publication in a newspaper or other media.
Check with those concerned to be sure that all you have put into your write-up is “safe for public consumption”.
Presenting The Paper At The Zonal Finals In Ibadan, Oyo State
On 15th November 1997, I presented my paper before a packed audience in Kakanfo Inn (Ibadan, Oyo State) at the Western Zonal finals. By the end of the day, I was announced as runner up, which meant that I had qualified for the Lagos national finals along with the winner of the zonal competition.
Looking back, I recall feeling very confident during the delivery of my paper on that day.
Not long after I resumed work from my annual leave, I informed my boss – Greg Udeh – of my outing at the NIM zonals, and the fact that I would have to travel to attend the National Finals in Lagos.
He was naturally pleased to learn of my initial achievement at the zonals and the next day, announced my achievement at the brewery meeting for departmental heads.
I soon found myself – midway through conversations – getting asked about the competition and being wished best of luck etc. Maybe all that attention got to me, and made me “forget” to at least mentally rehearse my presentation.
Traveling from Guinness Benin Brewery, in Benin City, Edo State to Lagos For The National Finals
Due to limited number of brewers available that day, I had to cover afternoon shift duty on Friday (2.00pm till 9.00pm) before I could take off on my journey to Lagos.
It was nobody’s fault really – just one of those unexpected developments that shift workers have to deal with.
The finals were scheduled to hold from 9.00am prompt on the morning of Saturday December 13th 1997. So I knew I had to get into Lagos before 7.00am, in order to pick up a cab in time to reach the Victoria Island “Management House” of the NIM – venue of the finals.
Within thirty minutes of arriving at the ever busy Benin city’s Iyaro motor park, the Peugeot station wagon I boarded took off with six passengers for Lagos.
This was at about 10.30pm(Yes – at night).
Some four hours later, we arrived at Ojota park in Lagos. All the cabs and buses had retired for the day by this time(this was approx 2.30am Saturday morning)
So there was nothing else to do but plead with a taxi driver to let me catch up on some sleep in the passenger front seat of his cab.
Suddenly I heard the loud chanting of a bus conductor calling passengers for Palmgrove.
The time was about 5.45 am.
I quickly thanked my “sleeping companion” and picked up a taxi heading towards Pedro/Shomolu. Arriving at my parent’s house in Gbagada Estate, I hurriedly took a shower, changed my clothes, and explaining to my surprised mother that I had little time left, jumped back into the taxi, which sped off towards Victoria Island.
At about 7.30 am, the taxi dropped me off in front of the NIM Management house on Idowu Taylor street.
Feeling relieved, I quickly went in and confirmed that start time was 9.00am. That was when it dawned on me that I had not eaten anything since the night before.
One of the security men at the gate kindly directed me to a “quick-snacks corner”, where I “quickly” downed some, with a bottle of soft drink.
Returning to the NIM premises, I found a place to sit that enabled me observe preparations being made for commencement, while I opened my folder and began studying the paper copies of my presentation (projector) transparencies.
Presenting At The Lagos Finals – The Unthinkable Happens!
My fellow contestants
Not long after, following some welcome speeches/opening remarks and introductions, the competition commenced.
When the 3rd (of eight) finalists – Mitchell O. Elegbe – finished presenting his paper (titled “Achieving Competitive Advantage Through Information Technology In Emerging Economies”), I heard my name being announced. Minutes later, I was standing in front of the packed auditorium introducing my self and paper.
Waiting for my turn to deliver my paper
Based on hindsight, I now realize that the unavailability of a projector at the zonal finals (which caused the organizers to ask us to dispense with our transparencies and speak freely referring to any speaker notes we had) probably blinded me to the need to rehearse for the National finals with a projector.
As “luck” would have it, the projectors had been made available at the National Finals and I found myself having to pause intermittently to slot in the appropriate slide for the next set of points I wanted to make.
This went well initially, but since I had not really taken time to rehearse since the zonals, especially following from the fact that I had found no need to use the slides back then, I struggled quite a bit.
I cannot be certain, but it is possible that THAT also contributed to my not thinking “clearly” when I later experienced a little setback during the presentation.
To cut the long story short, about ten (10) minutes through my presentation, I turned to pick a slide containing charted data depicting the use of the CUSUM concept, but found it was missing.
Feeling my heart skip a beat, I lifted the other slides up by the edges to see if the CUSUM chart was there but it was not.
Speaking into the microphone, I apologized to the puzzled audience, explaining that I was missing a slide. One of the judges, after some seconds had passed, said “Mr Solagbade, your time is fast running out”.
I nodded, but kept on looking – convinced I could still find it in enough time to use it and finish the presentation!
Unfortunately when it was about 1 minute left (out of the 15 minutes allowed) I still could not find it. I had wanted so badly to impress the judges and audience like I had done at the zonals, that I could not help feeling at this point, that the mishap would have killed any chance I had of getting anything better than last place!
I felt so bad about my blunder, that I declined to take up an offer from the judges to allow me three(3) extra minutes to do a decent round up of my presentation.
Instead, I told the audience – in a very serious tone – that I was convinced the paper had a lot of useful information for companies in the manufacturing industry.
Then I encouraged them to take time to visit the NIM library and read through it in future.
Dropping the microphone, I returned to my seat as muffled applause/murmuring from the audience continued.
Surprise! Despite My Blunder, I Still Get Placed 5th Overall
But I was in for a shocked when the judges announced the final results later in the day.
They pointed out that the verbal presentation(which I had flunked) only carried 20% of total marks, while paper’s “quality” carried 80%!
However, before they announced the results, they also read out other criteria for rating the contestants, one of which they defined as “the confidence demonstrated by a contestant in his/her paper”.
Looking back, I believe it was the confidence with which I had recommended my paper to the audience, that led the judges to award me enough points to place 5th, despite my bungled presentation.
So it happened, that despite an aborted presentation, my paper which was adjudged to be of high standard (with the concept of Total Waste Unaccounted For – TWUF™ – being singled out for mention) eventually placed me 5th out of eight(8) finalists.
Speech and announcement of winners by a management representatieve of the sponsoring company – makers of NESCAFE…I think NESTLE.Dignitaries present (and I think the judges too)
As the results were being announced, my mind went back to what one of the judges had said to me during lunch after the last contestant – Friday E. Eboh – had completed his presentation(titled “Public Relations In Management: Issues and Challenges”).
He had said “Solagbade, you should have simply continued with your presentation when you could not find the slide quickly enough. You were doing well up to that point, and to be honest, I don’t think anyone would have noticed if you did not show THAT particular slide.” I realized he was right. I alone knew the slide existed – they did not! So, if I had chosen to skip it during my presentation, they would not have known better!
Receiving my gifts
I learnt a painful but useful lesson that day, to always rehearse my presentation well ahead of time, no matter how well I think I know it.
The experience also impressed upon me, the importance of running through a checklist of all the items I need to take with me for a presentation so as to avoid missing out any important ones – like I did the CUSUM charts slide.
Final positions of the contestants at the National Finals
Finalists – we took a picture together at the request of the media photographers who were present, AFTER the event ended.
Back At Work – A Senior Manager Tells Me Where I Went Wrong
When I returned to work the following week, I sent a little note about the outcome of the finals to one of the senior executives in Lagos: Ian Hamilton – who had been particularly supportive.
In it, I told how bad I felt for not having done better etc. He sent back a post-it note attached to my note, on which he wrote:
“Tayo, 5th place overall in NIgeria! You should be proud of yourself “
Then regarding the mishap during my presentation, which betrayed inadequate “practice” on my part, he wrote: “Even the members of the (Guinness) board rehearse their presentations many times before they have to deliver them!”
I took his correction to heart and used it to drive myself to become proficient in delivering presentations subsequently.
I believe an indication of how proficient I had become was evident during a presentation I was invited to deliver at the Center for Management Development, in Lagos.
This event took place in September 2002, about 9 months after I had voluntarily resigned my appointment with Guinness to go into business for myself. (Read my article Should You Quit Your Job Or Start Your Business Part-Time? to learn why I decided to quit my job despite the promise of a bright career future in the company.)
On that day, less than 15 minutes after I was introduced/began delivering my paper, the following happened within about 5 minutes of each other:
a. The center’s Training Manager slipped me a note asking that I “Please finish in 1 hour” (instead of the two hours I had been originally told I would be making the presentation in).
b. An electric power cut suddenly occurred!
Both potentially disturbing/unexpected “changes” however did not bother me.
When the lights of the PC projector went out that afternoon in the CMD’s main auditorium, I was fully prepared in every way.
I simply picked up the printed power point speaker notes I had put on the table while preparing to start my talk, and flipped to the page containing the points I was making before the lights went out.
Then, after making a joke about the loss of power supply – continued, and eventually concluded, my presentation well within the revised one hour time slot.
At the end of the day, over 100 attendees who returned my speaker feedback form to me, scored me an average rating of approximately 4.0 (on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 = Excellent).
Three of the many notable comments on speaker evaluation feedback forms returned to me by members of the audience read as follows:
—————————————-
“Good insight for the much needed human revolution to drive creativity in this nation”
Oma Williams O.W. – Director, Center For Management Development, Lagos.
“A very worthwhile exercise. The package can however be improved by making it organization specific”
C. I. Okeke – AD/Research & Consulting, Center For Management Development, Lagos.
“The Speaker, Mr. Solagbade is an authority in his field. The Speaker is an achiever who is able to carry his audience along with him in his message/speech”
Confidential Secretary, Center For Management Development, Lagos.
—————————————-
Letter of Appreciation from the Center for Management Development (in response to one that I sent them AFTER the event).
Useful Lessons You Can Take Away
Choosing to go for this competition enabled me connect with top managers in my workplace, on an informal level – and I got noticed/establish potentially useful relationships. If nothing else, my actions got them thinking of me positively, and probably played a role in many career advancement opportunities that later got sent my way.
Another benefit was that I got considerable attention across the brewery for getting that far in the competition. All of these would have made me get noticed by a larger number of decision makers – which would NOT have been the case if I had not gone for that competition.
I say the foregoing in light of the fact for instance, that a year later, in 1998, I would be nominated twice – first time for four weeks, and the next time ten weeks – to relieve the substantive Technical Training & Development Manager(TTDM) – on a management grade one-step above that which I belonged to.
The point I have tried to make above, is that you can intelligently create opportunities to showcase your unique abilities to decision makers, by engaging in activities that afford you the desired exposure.
However, it might be wise not to make impressing your superiors the main objective of venturing into such an activity as the one I took up for instance.
Towards improving your presentation skills, and taking needed actions/precautions, you may find the following lessons I learnt of some use:
1. Get Adequate Pre-Presentation Time:
I should have sought the support of my boss/brewery management to get away from work earlier so as to be able to travel for the event and arrive on time. This might have helped to get myself organized and I could have discovered the absence of the slide BEFORE the presentation.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
I would have fared better if I had made conscious effort to rehearse my presentation well ahead of the finals. The achieved familiarity with my presentation might have made me more confident to carry on despite being unable to find the slide.
3. Coaching Tips From Experienced Others:
I could have sought tips about handling hitches or problems during presentations. Experienced speakers – like many of the company’s senior executives may have been able to share their personal ideas about how to prepare with me.
Some may have prompted me to be ready for when things go wrong – drawing on their personal experiences.
For instance, today, if I have to coach anyone on making presentations, one of the most important topics I would cover is “What Can Go Wrong, And What You Can Do – In spite Of Setback(s) – To Ensure You Still Deliver A Good Presentation“.
4. Quitters NEVER Win:
If I had remained calm, and carried on with my presentation without letting on that something was wrong, I could probably have earned enough additional points to eventually do much better than winning 5th place.
Instead I let myself get upset upon discovering that my slide was missing.
You will want to avoid making the same mistake if/when you find yourself in a similar situation.
Final Words: Adversity ALWAYS Comes With Benefits …Which We Can Harvest If We Pay Attention!
Overcoming temporary defeat(i.e. failure) or adversity; recovering from setbacks, or correcting and learning from mistakes we make, will ALWAYS make us improve in our abilities to do what we do.
It is for this reason that I end this article by saying:
Even if you DO have a bad presentation outing, know that the experience presents you with a potential learning opportunity to become BETTER at delivering presentations.
Simply make up your mind to identify where you went wrong, and learn what you need to do differently in future, to make your presentation successful.
Do this as/when necessary, and you will eventually achieve your desired goal of being able to deliver successful presentations repeatedly and consistently.
(Personal Philosophy paper – originally written/e-published on 2nd March 2003 by Tayo Solagbade – Founder SDAc)
As can be seen from the above, this was written over nine years ago. I remain as committed to the ideals outlined below, as I was back in 2003. To me, that’s an indication that I’m on the right path.
The personal growth and fulfillment I have benefitted as result has been invaluable. Every person who wishes to achieve his/her full potential as a human being, will find it useful to prepare a personal philisophy statement of this kind.
And that’s why,. at the end, I ask : Why do YOU do what you do?
Those who accept the need to seek assistance from successful persons, and/or be religious in order to achieve success, in my opinion sometimes tend to assume that’s ALL they need to do. Which is why they neglect to do the most crucial thing necessary to achieve the success they so fervently desire. They fail to take personal action !
Too many people think all they need to do is DESIRE success and express that desire to anyone they believe can help them, who will then help them! Maybe it happens that way at times, but it won’t be often!
My objective is to show people how they can apply tested and proven SD principles to achieve their personal goals in life.
I hope to help them realize they can do more for themselves than they currently believe. All it takes is for them to STOP being fatalistic and LEARN to accept life’s challenges as pre-requisite for achievement of their set goals.
I have chosen this approach because I found that methods employed by many others to effect socio-cultural change in Nigeria/Africa have not really worked well.
I have chosen NOT to be a Social Critic or commentator because even after criticizing or commenting, one will suggest alternatives, which then have to be implemented by others (or with the cooperation of others).
The problem with that method is that any resultant plans could be easily frustrated via bureaucratic processes, and other extraneous influences prevalent in our developing societies etc.
I have chosen to be a Social Change Agent who advocates, and propagates, Self-Development Education (SDE). I strongly believe SDE can stimulate people to take PERSONAL ACTION to create changes that enable them achieve their personal goals consistently and repeatedly.
The technique I use (Spontaneous Coaching™) ensures that I can carry on – day and night – preaching SDE wherever I go, with or without the cooperation of decision makers or “authorities”.
How?
Through influencing others by my actions and also by sharing my thoughts, ideas, failures and successes (some people wrongly interprete this as an attempt to boast or show off).
I developed this concept myself, and have used it successfully for over 10 years. I have testimonials from many individuals confirming how I helped them greatly, using this method.
People with mental attitudes that enable them take control of what happens to them daily, are unlikely to be seriously (if at all) affected by vagaries of their country’s socio-economic circumstances.
They are more likely to make the best of them, rather than fall apart.
It is my conviction that knowing how to ADAPT to inevitable changes that could make your survival skills obsolete, is of crucial importance(SDE will equip anyone with the requisite preparation to do the foregoing).
The Solution To Unemployment
For example, graduates unemployment statistics would drop if they acquired income-generating skills while still in university! SDE if started early, will get young Nigerians/Africans thinking about ALTERNATIVES to traditional employment much earlier on in their lives.
The Self-Development Academy for instance aims to expose them to low startup capital vocations they could venture into, and even facilitate “entry” for those of them who indicate interest.
The foregoing is one of my motivations for being a Muiltpreneur. To succeed more frequently, one needs a multiple-career strategy.
Acquisition of a variety of skills to generate income and capture opportunities in today’s fast-changing marketplace will boost one’s chances of achieving prosperity and fulfillment independent of economic fluctuations.
I should add though, that it can be more difficult in some societies than others. And you’ll be tested the limits of your endurance in places where merit may not readily be recognized.
As explained in Tom Gorman’s book on “Multipreneuring”, one can develop multiple sources of income and pursue multiple careers( in paid, or self-employment).
A key suggestion made in the book, is for the individual to continually acquire new learning, and also take advantage of opportunities that appear in the market place as they become apparent.
I successfully employed this technique while in paid employment for seven(7) years, and earned significantly rapid career advancement ahead of people with higher qualifications, and years on the job.
My earlier mentioned article on Multipreneuring gives details. This is what I want to share with other young (and not so young) people in Nigeria/Africa – and beyond. They can also achieve similar successes by diligently practicing Self-Development . All that is required is adoption of the required mental attitude.
Sadly, many people are instantly biased against anyone who ventures into multiple vocations. They belong to the “traditional school”, which insists a person must specialize. Such sentiments betray a scary lack of exposure to 21st century trends in skills acquisition now crucial for successful as opposed to existential living.
Success Through Versatility
Robert Kiyosaki advocates becoming a generalist first, before specializing. Herman Holtz, the late legendary Consultant’s Consultant, acknowledged that certain individuals can find success through their versatility(learn more about his interesting revelations in my article on Multipreneuring).
I have frequently suffered discrimination because I “wear many hats”. In my former workplace, it initially earned me criticisms, but later got me recognition and career advancement opportunities because my versatility became an asset to every team I worked in! Since I became an entrepreneur, the story has been the same.
Some people erroneously think that their “schooling” will be adequate to cater for them through life. Technology has made that a thing of the past.
Today, without diligent practice of Self-Education, one stands a chance of becoming suddenly obsolete or extinct – virtually overnight!
In summary, my message is that through SDE, ANYONE can be empowered to become the best s/he can possibly be in life. Maybe I won’t change the world. But for those few people who will appreciate it, I certainly intend to try!
What about YOU? Why do you do what you do?
The Internet’s Role In My Approach To Self-Development Education
The method I employ in my work on Self-Development Education is multifaceted and continually evolving. I believe this is the only way to stay relevant in the face of rapid changes in the business of people development and empowerment. I consult old/new literature alike, modifying concepts, ideas etc (where necessary) to what I believe suits the present. I also draw heavily from my personal experiences (and those of others I know to be authentic) as it relates to the practice of self-development – and it’s teaching.
I have found the Internet to be a particularly invaluable resource, for staying on the cutting edge of developments in virtually ANY area of endeavour I have had to explore in my pursuit of Self-Development/Self-Development Education.
Video recordings/film shows etc may sometimes be limited in content/scope, and could become obsolete over time. The Internet however, by its very nature, cannot become obsolete – because it readily lends itself to TIMELY updates from every part of the world. For instance, the contents of a website can be changed within minutes to reflect the most recent developments in a particular area of interest on earth!
Therefore, in my opinion, to successfully embark on Self-Development/ Self-Development Education in the 21st century and beyond, WE must harness the immense opportunities offered by the Internet in a way that will ENABLE us (and those who learn from us), grow and develop more successfully.
T.K. SOLAGBADE
(Excerpted from text of presentation delivered – on 25th September 2002 – at Center for Management Development titled “Self-Development As A Tool for Achieving Career Advancement“)
Using the recent Biafran war debate as a case study, this article illustrates the important role played by a healthy reading habit in building critical thinking skills, which in turn can improve the quality of interpersonal interactions in societies. Note that by "reading", I refer not just to what happens in learning institutions, but even more specifically to that done by adults to inform and educate themselves on current affairs, history, politics etc.
Many Adult Nigerians Lack Critical Thinking Skills
Whenever I read or hear people make blanket declarations based on tribal or racial sentiments I often feel sorry for them. The recent uproar regarding comments by Chinua Achebe in his latest book (There Was A Country) about some of Nigeria’s past leaders of non-Igbo extraction is a case in point.
As I explain later in this piece, it takes a deep knowledge of the history of the war, and of Nigeria, to fully appreciate the perspective from which Achebe has written his new book. Far from being tribalistic, Achebe is a man who seeks to add clarity to how we treat each other as different nations co-existing as one in the geographical entity called Nigeria.
Unfortunately, some people with tunnel vision have simply turned it into a revival of tribal rivalry – claiming Achebe, an Igbo, had insulted or offended Yorubas by accusing Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was no longer alive to defend himself.
Some of us cannot afford to be narrow in our thinking. For instance, I I’m married to an Igbo woman – from Anambra state. Which makes my kids half Igbo. This gives me a unique opportuntiy to see things from both sides (more on this later)!
It takes a lack of critical thinking skills to assume that everything can be seen in terms of either black or white. The truth about life is that a lot of overlapping will often happen between the white and black we see.
Our ability to intelligently navigate those grey areas in life is often determined by the quality of thinking we are capable of. Reading can help any interested person develop critical thinking skills that will equip him/her to view issues from a balanced perspective.
To Comment Intelligently, You Must Study The Subject!
In many discussions, both online and off, young Nigerians who were either toddlers or not yet born when the war happened condemned the author for his unflattering comments about Awolowo and others.
Yet, from their comments it was often obvious that they had a poor grasp of the subject they challenged Achebe on!
I just don’t get it. How can you intelligently comment on a subject you have not studied?
Achebe wrote a personal account of his experiences and observations during the the Biafran civil war. He experienced it as a young man, in a very personal way – losing loved ones including his own mother!
The young people who criticised him should have done their homework by reading books written on the war. And possibly interviewing older persons who survived it. If their sources were reliable, that would have equipped them to comment more intelligently, and from an informed perspective.
Sadly, they chose to simply jump in and play in the mud like others!
How many Nigerians know what a “Pogrom” is?
According to Wole Soyinka in his book titled “The Man Died”, that was what the Igbo were subjected to in most parts of the country as a result of the war. Innocent citizens of Igbo/eastern origin suddenly became targets of attacks, with some fellow citizens from other tribes that they’d lived amongst for years turning their backs on them.
If you were not a conscious adult when the Biafran war happened(I was born the year it ended), there’s a good chance that most of what you know will have come to you via hear-say. If you’re lucky, your sources would have been authentic and truthful.
Some of us had no willing/reliable channels to learn from. So, we turned to the few books we could find.
It was in Nobel Laurete Wole Soyinka’s book titled “The Man Died”, that I first encountered the word “Pogrom” – and I had to consult a dictionary for the meaning. If your vocabulary is anything like mine was back then, you’ll probably want to do the same…now
The book provides graphic accounts of how many ordinary Igbos who remained behind in non-biafran states were hunted down, to the extent that it became risky for persons belonging to other tribes to openly associate with an Igbo person.
The author – Soyinka (a Yoruba by tribe) had expressed outrage at the treatment meted out to Igbos. It is noteworthy that he did not simply stand aside and watch. Indeed he was an active participant in mediation efforts, to the extent that he eventually got thrown in jail by the Nigerian authorities after visiting Biafra (and foreign organizations) in an effort to broker peace, to stop the war from happening.
Who better to tell you the truth about what really happened, in a book!
Reading Helped Me Bridge The Gaps In My Knowledge
A few years ago, I personally undertook a journey of self-education about the early history of Nigeria, with particular interest in the Biafran war.
My motivation derived from a need to understand the origin of the palpable distrust that persists, especially amongst the dominant tribes in this country.
I also needed to unravel the mystery, for a number of other more personal reasons…
You see, like I said earlier on, I’m married to an Igbo woman from Anambra state. And I’m Yoruba from Ogun state. Every now and then I have heard phrases like “Yoruba people always do this or that…” and I would wonder how any of that described me…:-) That told me there was apparently a lot I needed to learn!
In addition, I got curious about our history, when I read that 6th July 1967 was the day the Biafran war began…and that it ended on January 1970.
Get this: I was born 6th July 1970. In other words, the war began on (what would later be) my day and month of birth, and ended in my year of birth!
Strange coincidence I thought. And that made me even more resolved to learn about the war – especially what happened to the Igbos.
As you can imagine, I chose to do this not just for myself, but also for my kids – who have Igbo names, and Igbo blood running through their veins. I wanted them to know the truth about their past.
And Soyinka’s book has provided some useful insight. So did a few others I bought, though I was not as convinced of some of the other authors’ objectivity, or the reliability of their “sources”.
Summary
The above is why I intend to read Achebe’s new book in full as well, to continue my education.
If you are anything at all like me, as described above, I suggest you get a copy of Soyinka’s “The Man Died”, and that of Achebe’s “There Was A Country”, so that you can educate yourself better about what truly happened during those formative years of the nation we call Nigeria.
Then, and only then, will you be able to make useful contributions to the discussion about the way forward!
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…a multi-disciplinary blog for people passionate about reaching their goals!
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