Motivation

The idea of loving yourself might sound a little cheesy, but hey, it’s very important. Society often tells it’s important to be selfless: to take care of others, put loved ones first, and to give whatever and whenever you can. These messages are not wrong but the problem comes when you prioritize taking care of others above caring for ourselves.

The concept of self-love is simple: the first step in learning to love yourself is understanding the meaning of self-love. Think of it in the context of the love you have for your partner or a close friend. You are aware of their flaws but appreciate how those imperfections make up the person. Now turn all that compassion, forgiveness and understanding inward.

“Self-love means accepting your strengths, your weakness and everything in between”

Hannah Elise Rose

When you have self-love, you can acknowledge your mistakes and work towards changing them or making amends, and most importantly forgive yourself.

Besides, a lack of self-love can adversely affect your well-being. Research has shown that low self-esteem is correlated with depression and poorer mental and physical health overall.

However, if you are finding it difficult loving yourself, here are few tips that will help:

1. Work on building your confidence and self-esteem

You need to work on yourself if you are lacking inner confidence. This takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Every time you think negatively about yourself, counter that thought with a positive one, or when you feel a negative thought coming on, list out things that you are appreciative of. Analyze your body language too then try and smile always (even if it means faking it), it will make you feel better.

2. Don’t compare yourself to anyone

Comparison is a killer of happiness. Carry on with what you are doing regardless of what paths others are treading. Each individual’s footprints are unique, Be Strong! Be Kind! and find your path in life.

3. Surround yourself with people who makes you feel good about yourself

It is time to ditch people who don’t make you feel good about yourself. If you spend time with someone and you come away feeling down about yourself, I hate to break it to you, but they aren’t no friend. It’s time to evaluate who you give your precious time to. Choose Wisely! Be Picky. You only have one life, and you have to fill it with people who truly love and care for you.  

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Nowadays, life’s realities are regarded as a luxury. Accepting your life’s reality should be simple; however, many people have their own version of reality… escaping reality could be caused by regrets, disappointment, denial, or simply a desire for something better to happen. A failure to connect with reality is one of the many reasons some people live in denial.

Giving up the fabricated version of your life and learning to accept yourself, your life, and your reality are two of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. Accepting your situation or challenge for what it is; is the first step toward improving it, even if it is dire.

1. Accept yourself.

Acceptance is the ability to unconditionally value all aspects of oneself. This implies that you completely accept yourself, both the good and the bad. Most of us struggle with self-acceptance. We tend to be harsh on ourselves, but there are a number of ways to learn to accept yourself and your life. It all starts with your state of mind.

2. Acknowledge your reality.

Accepting your current situation can make you happier in the present and lead to a better future, even if facing reality isn’t always easy. It is both practical and purposeful to comprehend, accept, and work with reality. Recognizing your reality will assist you in making wise choices about your goals and then achieving them.

3. Practice radical honesty.

You can begin to powerfully create a new future once you can admit your own deception. It won’t go away if you deny your current reality, especially if it’s a bad one. Dealing with the negative is a necessary step toward the positive, but it takes practice.

4. Admit your mistakes.

You won’t be able to fix anything until you acknowledge that there is a problem. Try to see your mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than failures, and have the courage to recognize that you are in charge of your reality and the only one who can change it. Decide what’s most important to you and make it a priority.

5. Be responsible for your outcomes.

Work to own every aspect of your reality, not just the areas that need improvement, but also your strengths and accomplishments. Taking responsibility for all of your outcomes can teach you how to do better next time and to view failure as a teaching opportunity.

6. Count on your competencies.

It’s all too easy to point out all your flaws. But, in order to face reality, it’s best to start counting all of your blessings. Make a list of your strengths, what you’re good at, what you value, and what you’ve accomplished. Counting on your skills allows you to recognize your strengths, which in turn improves your attitude toward yourself.

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Literally, purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Purpose is your ‘reason for being.

Search inward

Everything you need is within yourself. The only thing holding you back is your own limiting beliefs. With each limiting belief you identify and replace with an empowering belief, you develop greater self-awareness. And when you’re in control of your emotions, you’re in control of your life.

Begin the search by asking these set of questions

• What do you love?
  • As a kid, what was the first thing you can remember wanting to be when you grew up?
  • What;
    • have other people told you that you are good at?
    • do people ask you for help with?
    • do you like to share?
    • makes you lose track of time when you are doing it?
    • do you admire most?
    • do you admire them?

• What are you good at?
  • What is;
    • the most fun you’ve ever had?
    • comes easy for you?
    • is hard for you but worth doing anyway?
    • are you most proud of?
    • makes you angry enough to do something about it?
  • When did you feel most confident in yourself and your abilities?
  • What is the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
    • How did you tackle it?

• What does the world need?
  • What problem would you most like to solve in the world?
    • Why do you want to solve this problem?
    • How would you solve this problem?

What can you get paid for?

This question has been attributed to vocation by a plethora of authors. I’ll paint a different picture because in our part of the world, people study different fields that they may or may not be interested in due to the change in admissions from Universities. This diverts people’s attention away from their true calling and toward an option in which they have no strong feelings.

Many young Nigerians who want to make a better life for themselves are turning to their skills. Therefore, I encourage anyone who believes they are in the wrong field to pursue it. It is never too late to start on the path to your true self.

When you are done reflecting on these questions, put your purpose to work by following these steps

1. Put purpose before goals

You will never find your true passion or learn how to find your purpose if you only focus on achieving short-term goals. Finding your purpose must always be at the forefront of your goals. `

When you set a goal, think about how it will make you feel more fulfilled. To keep your purpose top of mind, keep a journal.

2. Take ownership of your life

Designing your own life leads to true fulfilment. To truly take responsibility, you must stop acting like a victim. Recognize that every situation in your life is the result of your own choices, not those of others. Fulfilment follows when you take responsibility for finding your purpose rather than blaming others.

3. Develop your own life vision statement

You must first understand what an ideal world looks like and how you fit into it before you can ask yourself, “What is my purpose?” Developing a life vision statement entails imagining what life would be like if everyone achieved their full potential. This will assist you in creating a roadmap that will lead you in the right direction.

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Personal Development means improving yourself for your prospects in life, and it covers a large scope. This can be for improved career, habits, health etc.

Saying that you will work on personal development and actually doing so are two completely different things. To stay committed to personal development is to stay devoted to activities that will enable you achieve personal development.

Here are 7 Tips to Enhance your Commitment to Personal Development

1. Identify and always remember the reason for your personal development– It will prevent you from giving up.
2. Set key Performance Indicators, and always evaluate your progress– it will motivate you to do more.
3. Start Small– aiming too high in the beginning can be overwhelming and could get you exhausted.
4. Avoid procrastinating– it delays and kills success.
5. Surround yourself with people who are better than you in the area of your self-development– their insight and abilities will inspire you.
6. Avoid self-doubt-it kills moral
7. Recognize and appreciate your Effort

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Bad habit disrupts your life and also keep you from achieving your goals. They endanger your mental as well as your physical health. They also mismanage your time and energy.

But the question is, why do we still do them? Most importantly, is there anything you can do about it?

I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I’ll share what I’ve learned about breaking bad habits.

To Begin, What Causes Bad Habits?

However, the majority of bad habits are caused by two factors: Stress and Boredom.

Most bad habits are simply a way to cope with stress and boredom. Are there any particular beliefs or reasons for the bad habits? Is there something deeper at work, such as a fear or a limiting belief, that is causing you to cling to something unhealthy? Recognizing the sources of your bad habits is essential for breaking them.

Here are some suggestions for breaking bad habits and rethinking the process:

1. Choose a replacement for the bad habit.

This entails planning ahead of time how you will respond when confronted with the stress and boredom that prompts your bad habit. Whatever it is and whatever you are dealing with, you must have a plan for what you intend to do instead of your bad habit.

2. Remove triggers

Avoiding the things that cause bad habits will make it easier for you to break them. Your surroundings make bad habits easier and good habits more difficult. You can change the outcome by changing your environment.

3. Visualize your success

Visualize yourself getting rid of all of your bad habits. Whatever bad habits you’re trying to break, visualize yourself crushing it, smiling and also enjoying your success. Consider creating a new identity for yourself.

4. Overcome negative self-talk, use the word “but”

When you’re battling bad habits, it’s easy to judge yourself for not acting better. It’s easy to tell yourself how bad you are every time you make a mistake or slip up.

When this occurs, finish the sentence with “but”…..

“I’m fat and out of shape right now, but I could be in shape in a few months.”

“Yes I’m a failure, but everyone fails from time to time.”

“I’m stupid and volatile, but I’m trying to improve my patience.”

Breaking bad habits requires time and effort, but most importantly, perseverance. Most people who succeed in breaking bad habits try and fail several times before they succeed. You may not achieve success right away, but that does not mean you will never achieve it.

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

It is not easy to change your mindset, but having an open and positive mindset is a game changer. Personal development is what drives the decisions you make for your physical, emotional, as well as spiritual well-being. Simply changing your way of thinking can transform your life.

One of the most important aspects of personal development is the ability to manage and change one’s feelings.

You may have all the logical and rational reasons in the world to do something, but emotions can sweep in and bring everything to a halt. Having your feelings work for you rather than against you has an impact on your life.

Changing your mindset means not only being more optimistic, but also giving your mind the breathing space, it requires to grow and expand. It’s about examining everything that hasn’t worked for you and remaining open to new possibilities.

There are numerous ways to alter your mood. Here are five strategies that have proven to be effective.

1. Relax

This one is simple, but just remembering that you can relax when you’re feeling tense can do wonders. You may realize that much of the tension was created by you in your mind.

2. Pose Various Questions.

We are constantly asking ourselves negative, unfavorable questions. Instead of asking yourself, “Why do I have to do this?” ask, “How can I make this more fun for me?” or “How can this help me?” Instead of asking yourself, “Will I be able to do this?” ask yourself, “How will I do this?” Pose questions that will give you more power.

3. Be Thankful for What you Have

This is one of the simplest and also most effective ways to instantly feel better. Take a look around you. Appreciate the good food you’re eating, the trees, the beautiful creatures around you, the kids playing and having fun in the mud puddles, all the possibilities in your life, all the wonderful things about your friends and family, and also the birds singing.

However, it is effective. It’s also a good idea to try to change your mindset so that you appreciate the things in your everyday life rather than taking them for granted.

4. Eat

Okay, for foodies like me, if you’re tired and also frustrated, you might just need to eat to regain your energy and bring your blood sugar back up to a healthy level. But don’t eat too much, or you’ll feel even more tired and sluggish. However, if you eat too little, you will soon feel just as bad as you did before you ate.

5. Smile

Smiling increases your happiness. Right now, try forcing yourself to smile for thirty seconds. The wonderful feelings that make you smile also work in reverse. Making yourself smile, no matter how you feel, will cause your body to release all of those wonderful chemicals that make you happy. Why not give it a shot right now and see what a difference it makes?

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

A War Cry for Action

The connection between the economic contribution of women and prosperity is undeniable. African leaders are known for making policies that undervalue women’s work, even in the pandemic. Developing economies need to encourage women’s empowerment. The three pillars of sustainable development are economic, environmental, and social. These pillars are important to deliberations of gender equality. Gender equality is a noteworthy tool for sustainable development.

Most African countries are struggling to emerge from a global economic shutdown. Therefore, new tactics to jumpstart growth are profoundly needed. The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected women tremendously. The economic inclusion of women also produces sustainable development gains by decreasing poverty across generations. Research shows that women are more economically productive than their male counterparts to reinvest high proportions of earned income into the health, nutrition, and education of their children.

Education

Education and Training for girls reduces birth rates, lowers infant and child mortality rates and increases the general health situation of the next generation. Primary education for women increases their labor force participation, and income fosters educational investments in children and thereby improves conditions for future generations. When assessing women’s potential participation in the green economy, their preferred fields of study must be compared to the specific skills and professions most urgently required in the green economy. Educating and training women for job roles are important.

Green Economy

The renewable energy sector should involve more women. This will empower them, but also create economic value. There is a huge market in rural areas for renewable energy products, and women can play a significant role in building businesses around these. Vocational education can include courses on the climate crisis, sustainable agriculture, and green industries. Professions such as engineering, sciences, management, construction, are often still male-dominated. Both educational level and the choice of subjects are therefore crucial for increasing female participation in the green economy, especially in highly technical professions such as engineering or the sciences. There are relevant sectors to women’s participation in the green economy. These areas include education, the labour market, entrepreneurship and the business environment, sustainable consumption and public policies. In the post-Covid-19 economy, there must also be a greater focus on encouraging the participation of women in green industries.

Agriculture

Agriculture will remain a key sector in the post-pandemic phase. Farming enables women to be entrepreneurs. However, women have been unable to obtain farm lands to practice farming. The second wave of the pandemic, have increase the urban to rural migration. Young people returning to cities in search of jobs, the burden of managing the land and sustaining farming will fall overwhelmingly on women.

Women’s empowerment requires an enabling and supportive environment. This includes removing the obstacles and barriers to equal participation and rewards for women. Creating an enabling environment encompasses action at all levels, relevant legal reforms, and policy measures.

To have sustainable development, women should be agents of change and building their skills and capacities is crucial. Women needs to be decision makers in their community. Women’s full and equal participation is essential.

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

The continuous evolution of the workplace not just only indicates that employees become technologically savvy but develop and have the ability to work collaboratively and in teams. However, working with teams determines that each team member knows how to handle themselves, their emotions and understand each other. this is not to say that team members can behave as they like because they want to be accommodated, but that they are not only sensitive to their emotions but that of others, and they must come to terms with the thin line between emotions and achieving goals. 

To understand how to get the best out of meetings and to come to better outcomes is to first understand what type of team contributor you are and secondly, to understand yourself is to understand other team members. 

The four main personality types as far as team contributors go, are;

Dominants

The dominants are assertive and talkative; with high energy, forceful, they say what they mean, and they aren’t afraid to argue passionately for what they think is right. 

Dominants believe so strongly in their opinion that they often argue to be right, rather than arguing for the better solution. This is the part of the dominant that doesn’t help teamwork and deflates team spirit. Hence, needs to be worked upon.

Expressives

The expressive think out loud and talk with their hands. They’re excitable. They vocalize several ideas to decide which one they like best. They ensure their ideas get out no matter what. In this state, they hardly hear other people or consider their points.

Analytical

The analytical think through their ideas before they pitch in. Because of that, the Dominants and Expressives often think the Analytical take too long to say anything. In reality, however, they just have a more internal process. Just as the expressive mumble out their ideas to pick the best one, so does the analytics think through their ideas or the best way to present their ideas. 

Amiable

These are the people who try to avoid conflict by passively agreeing with everyone else. The majority of the time, they do agree. However, their inaction means they miss out on opportunities to share their thoughts or express disagreement with what has just been spoken. They frequently depart the meeting with the impression that they were not heard or that their presence was unnecessary.

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Your choices and decisions determine how you want your life to be. A good life is important because I believe that everything we are doing now; is for happiness, inner peace, and also love. Is it true that we have a good life? It is primarily determined by our perception. Even if one has a good life; he or she may feel as if something is missing and regard their life as negative.

Similarly, one can have a bad life; and still consider it to be a good life because they are content with what they have. However, inner peace is more important to me. If you have that, it doesn’t matter if you have a good or bad life; because you will be able to learn to live in the present and be content with whatever you have. What does a good life mean to you? For some, the phrase conjures up images of a loving family, a steady job, and a relaxing vacation. Others may be focused on the goal of making a difference in the world; whether by working as a medical doctor or teacher, volunteering; or devoting their energy to environmental activism, but for me; what a good life looks like is living a fulfilled life and having in mind what I want in life.

According to Aristolean theory, the first kind of life would be classified as:

“Hedonic” one based on pleasure, comfort, stability, and strong social relationships.

The second is “Eudaimonic”, primarily concerned with the sense of purpose and fulfilment one gets by contributing to the greater good.

Importance of Living a Good Life

Life is short, and precious things can easily be lost in a world of chaos, social media, and division. Sometimes circumstances beyond our control cause loss, and other times our own choices cause us to lose the things that are most important to us.

While our lives and priorities may differ, there are some things that are essential to living a fulfilled life:

Peace: Keep your peace.

Health: Take charge of your overall well-being.

Family and Friendship: Our relationships are the foundation of our lives, and family is irreplaceable. Spend time, love, and energy nurturing your family relationships.

Purpose: The goal is to leave a legacy.

Time: Time is an finite resource; invest in it.

For this and much more Information relating to employability skills, employment opportunities, career advancement, and entrepreneurship development; Join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups, and also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook