Massive Implementation- keys to Achievement in 2010

Massive Implementation by Oluyemi Adeosun

You shall know the truth and it shall set you free. There was a time I thought I knew some truths concerning certain areas in my life and yet I was not obtaining freedom, victory or my expected results. Are you in a similar situation too? Can you identify with this kind of scenario?

Critical self examination revealed to me that even though I am aware of the truth, I was not implementing or practicing it. It suddenly dawned on me that “Knowledge without action has zero or no value”. Evidence that you know something is that you take steps to implement it.

While we were in school, after a series of teaching or receiving lecture we are usually administered a test, exam or knowledge check. This forces us to display, utilize or workout what we have learnt over the past period. The results we obtain thereafter is a near true reflection of how much knowledge we have been able to absorb.

Permit me to tell you that the results you have seen in your business, endeavors, life is just a scorecard or assessment of how much knowledge you have truly absorbed and retained from various facet of life. It recently dawned on me that if the average adult learns nothing new but implements massively what he already knows, he or she will experience radical changes in results and outcomes.

Practitioners usually excel more than those who learn and do little or nothing with the information or education acquired. What are you doing with what you know? What are you doing with what you have learnt? Start something don’t criticize others with your knowledge. Do something with that information.

Next to knowing what to do is actually doing it. It is important we do what we have to do so that we can do what we want to do. Don’t just read this blog; ensure you note down action points, steps, and plans and implement it. I have received testimonies from people who have followed through on thoughts and ideas that dropped into their heart while doing so.

You are next in line for a breakthrough. Just play your part. Plant your seeds, water it, nurture it and you will reap in due season if you do not quit.

“Men expect too much, do too little.” ~Allen Tate

I CAN

The way God hides and builds His people in whom He has planted the seed of a great future makes one wonder a great deal.
Why would God have to keep the strongest man or probably the second strongest man of the world in the slave yard of Potiphar?

He called him the man after His heart, ruled over Israel and he’s still one of the world’s most celebrated rulers that ever lived and while his contemporaries were ‘privileged’ to have the ‘homely’ pleasures, he was being made in the wilderness.
Would you believe the guy that was abandoned by the parent at the river bank would eventually become a great leader of the land championing the reclamation of the promised land after salvaging his nation from slavery. These appear like fiction right?

What of our brother? You sure have had a lot of him. I will always prefer being a Nigerian to any other African country. His journey to the white house appears so much like a possibility to you. Can you imagine a white man becoming the king of your village? Impossible right? How come you view it as a simple achievement? He drew for himself a great picture, believed in himself, overcame all discouragement and pursued with all his might.

The Nigerian press, government and people marveled so much that a young girl of Best Legacy Secondary School, Awe could compete with over two thousand (2,000) high school ‘bests’ from the world over and emerge third in not just any subject but the much dreaded Mathematics.
Friends, there’s so much to mention. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi etc. they all had beginnings that would have made them wish they were members of your family. Despite all, they succeeded.

A few things are common to all these people:
They were excited with themselves and believed in their abilities
They kept doing the small things they were engaged in and did them with all their might.
They did not stay back wishing they had the lot they didn’t have but, they made a good use of the little they had.
They discovered that success wasn’t by chance but a choice they had to make.
They took decisions at every point which involved making sacrifices today thus investing in their tomorrow.
They never sold their destiny.

It began to dawn on me that God hides His potentials in situations and environments that don’t look like where he has planned for them probably, to preserve them from predators. I imagine how much pain we give God when we don’t believe in ourselves but wished we had things prominent in others. Are we by any means different from the man with a talent? Won’t we be fooling ourselves expecting an outcome in life different from his’?
I will assume only men that desire a great future would endeavor to go through this piece. However,
Can you achieve your dreams despite your type of home and family background?
Sure you know in the nearest future your age group will control this nation, will you be in that team?

Your life should not be as a wheelbarrow that moves only as far as it is pushed.
Don’t join the long list of those who refused to decide but only act on other’s decisions.
It is a sad reality that if you don’t control your life, it will control you while it waits for you to make your decision(s). I have realized that we have to put an end to imagining greatness but envisioning the emerging greatness. I have come to the realization that God does not make mistakes, hence, making me a Nigerian, member of my state, locality, family and even the way I am is a scene in my script towards greatness.

Commitment towards my decision is the energizer. I need to be a little more careful about it. Probably denying myself of some temporary satisfaction for the “longer” lasting satisfactions. Otherwise, I’ll be more foolish than Esau. I will never settle for less.
I KNOW IT, I BELIEVE IT, I’LL PURSUE IT, I’LL ATTAIN IT, OF COURSE, I CAN, YEAH! YES YES YES I CAN !!!

GIWA A. B. (ACA)

Emerging Greatness 2

By Oluyemi Adeosun & Yetunde Olatoye

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? [ John 1 vs. 46.]

-This statement was made by Nathaniel when Philip told him about Jesus Christ. And Philip said to him “Come and See!”. When the world doubts the veracity of your greatness, do not look down on yourself. If anybody attempts to put you down simply tell them to watch out for you. Tell them to “Come and See!”.

There is a cross to carry on the path to greatness. You will need some help along the way. A Yoruba adage says “it is from a black pot that a white pap comes out”. Your background does not determine your destiny. Carl Jung said, “I am not what happen to me, I am what I chose to become”. There may be giants in the land but if we align with God, we shall overcome them. It is not what you have that matters rather how you handle and optimize what you have.



…Servant of All?

I am thinking upon the man or woman who prays in desperation for the lost souls of those they love and even those they don’t know. This takes a call to action, dedication, fervency and a need to be humble. “Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit.” They are often shunned and disrespected by those they give up their time to help. This is the true understanding to love others more than yourself.

Hint... great men are doing things great men do!

They are expanding their minds, helping others, giving service to those in need, enjoying healthy hobbies, supporting family and loved ones, volunteering, working honestly, living with integrity, connecting with nature, challenging their skills, making a difference in the world... Instances of such greatness come to mind in the persons of Mother Theresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela and of course Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself: people who for the sake of the all, make personal sacrifices and give unselfishly for the good of all; yet this is done in all humility and love. True greatness is about service. Scripture says it well: Whosoever must be the greatest must be the servant of all…



Count it all joy…

To have “greatness emerge” sometimes does take adversity, challenges, war or calamity, and we are in a very real battle. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does…For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. These struggles do not necessarily occur in grandiose, spectacular fashions, but are often encountered in the seemingly mundane issues of life encountered everyday.

There are certainly moments of great distress that bring out courage and bravery but then, there are other situations occurring every day which are given absolutely no attention and yet they draw upon “emerging greatness” to display rare bravery and courage. Of course these stories may never be headline news or even become footnotes in history books but humility isn’t looking for a pat on the back. The important thing is that, when the service is needed, despite it all, greatness must not be found lacking.

“greatness only emerges when needed most”

We are living in a time where this greatness must emerge now because it’s most needed!



In conclusion, have a positive attitude. Be rest assured that whatever you are facing right now is working together for your good. Don’t become bitter or angry. Be grateful to God for your present resources and do your best with them. Count your blessings. The future harvest is a function of the seeds you sow today. The seeds of greatness are within you. Sow them and reap your great harvest!

Emerging Greatness (1)

By Oluyemi Adeosun & Yetunde Olatoye

No doubt many readers are well acquainted with the popular Guinness advert “My friend, Udeme”. The advert appeals to the desire in man to be more than their present circumstance; to be identified with power and influence. Indeed, the closing line says “ My friend is a great man, but then, there is a drop of greatness in every man”. Though the focus of the advert itself is questionable, yet one cannot help but agree with this sentence. There is indeed, a seed of greatness in every man, waiting to be nourished and nurtured into a force to be reckoned with. To an extent or the other everyone is on the ladder of emerging greatness.

A run-of-the-mill glance through a regular dictionary gives the following quick definitions:

Emerging means “up-and-coming, rising, budding, promising, talented, starting to appear, occur or develop” It also indicates something that is newly formed or just coming into prominence (nascent); a coming to maturity or into existence.

An individual in the process of rapid growth and development is often called an emerging person.

Greatness means “Prominence, Importance, large & impressive, more than usual, very significant, exceptional talents or achievements, powerful and influential, expert, good or pleasing, useful, long-lasting influence.

The question now becomes: “ How then, can a promising, talented, up and coming individual attaint such powerful, influential, long lasting impact? Simply put, how do we identify and nurture emerging greatness into a full-fledged reality?

The first thing to be done is to make yourself available to Gods purpose and will for your life. He is the Chief Architect of your life, and He it was Who planted the seed of greatness into you. Therefore, it is imperative that we walk in close proximity with him, and that we allow Him to work out His will in our lives.

Attempt great things!

All things are possible to them that believe. Saul told David “you will attempt great things and yet succeed”. Coming from a self proclaimed enemy of David, this was a recognition and acknowledgement of emerging greatness. I charge you to attempt great things. We serve a very big God and therefore we don’t have any limitation. Don’t accept limitations, break barriers. We should not settle for less than the best. Observe the lives of men like Daniel and Joseph, whom, in their youth, attempted and achieved great things. Indeed, it is as the English adage that says “ Nothing ventured, nothing gained”. We cannot know how far we can go until we set out on the road to great accomplishments.

to be continued.....

Emerging Greatness – the Making of a Butterfly

Educational Inspiration in Biology


Jesus often speak to people and his disciples in parables, not to confuse them but to engrave the lessons of the message deeply in their heart by relating it to what they are used to. So when he was with the farmers, He used the parable of the sower and when He was with a scribe of the law, who knew what definition of ‘right of neighbor’ is, He used the parable of the Good Samaritan . But wait, have you seen a butterfly before? Get ready as you see a tape of your life unfold in stages . Please, pause along and reflect, you will see why you are going through what you are going through now, and the prophecy of where you are heading for, if you are aligned with God’s will . The beauty of a butterfly emerges from an egg. Let’s examine the emerging glory of a dirty egg.

The Egg Stage – The days of little beginning

Tiny eggs are laid by the female butterfly on a leaf. The egg has an outer shell called chorion. The shell protects the larvae inside. The egg has an inner lining of wax, which maintains moisture. Eggs are often laid on the outer side of the leaves of the host plant. They are attached to the plant with a chemical produced by the female butterfly. This chemical looks like gum. Different species lay different number of eggs at a time.

The egg has been laid, because you have been born. You are greatness wrapped and laid, just on that leave of where you were born . Yes, some leaves are green and succulent while some are dry, but the leave has little to do with the egg, the egg has an inner lining of wax. You may be born with silver spoon in your mouth or a plastic spoon in sack , the Maker has a provision for your destiny – the inner lining of wax. Remember, Jesus was born in a manger, lived his childhood in a village.

This inner lining of wax is that something in you, that instinct you have, that is meant to protect the content of your dream from drying up. He is the Holy Spirit of God or that gentle voice of your conscience. There is something like gum that holds the egg in place. Just as the egg that is gummed to a leave, your destiny needs a place to anchor; a school, a church, an association, a training etc. Different species of butterfly lay different number of eggs at a time. There is no reason to be jealous of the dreams of your brother. Stars differ in glory. You may need to stay on that leave till this stage is over but never forget that you are created to fly. This stage is passing. It is very important to note that this stage has nothing to do with age. At every time of one’s life, there is something (an idea, a project etc) in the egg stage. Dear, you can start that thing today, it is never too late. Until it is born, it can never grow . That is the mystery of the egg stage.

The Larvae Stage – Time to Grow

Larvae are also known as caterpillars. The caterpillar is the primary eating and growth stage of the insect. After hatching out, the caterpillar interestingly eats its egg case. Larva has a head, thorax, an abdomen, a set of real legs and a set of five false legs. They have six eyes but do not have well-developed eyesight. They breathe through the holes on the sides of their bodies. Newly hatched caterpillars are small but they eat a lot and grow bigger in size. Caterpillars can have dull color or bright colors. In this stage, tiny wing appear on their thorax segments. They may be hairy or may have bristles. As it grows, a caterpillar continues shedding its skin. Immediately upon shedding its old skin the larva fills itself with air. This allows the new skin to take on bigger size so the caterpillar can grow into this new size.

After each of these transformations, it is possible that the caterpillar can be a different colour or appearance from the time before.
The egg of butterfly does not remain an egg forever. It is time to eat up this egg case and feed your dreams. This beautiful glory cannot be caged for life. This is the stage of motion. The dream is yet to materialize but the carrier of the dream can now walk and feed itself. This is a stage to break that shyness, deal with that habit (laziness, procrastination etc), ask for the help you need, ask that question and identify those opportunities. It is the time to travail to prevail .

Maybe you need to pause and evaluate your life at this point. List the dreams God once gave you, or your aspirations your passion runs for, or that idea you wanted to pursue, that book you wanted to read, that examination you wanted to write, that project you wanted to pursue. The inner lining of wax is gone, but the provision of God exists in other forms. You just need to reach out for it and get all you need for your dreams to grow. But wait, caterpillars have six eyes but do not have well-developed eyesight at this stage. Yes, the dreamers also wander sometimes [Gen. 37:15 A man met him (Joseph – the dreamer) as he was wandering through the fields and asked him, "What are you looking for?"]. It might not be too clear how you will get there, clear the road a stage at a time, just as the caterpillar walks.

A student might find it hard at SS2 to really know what course to study in the University (despite all motivational talks and career guidance in previous editions of HighFliers). Please, pass WAEC at a sitting first. When you safely pass through a bend, you’ll see the road ahead. Your Maker has made all you need to survive this stage. The hole is on your side, so breathe. Oh, no! Stop comparing your caterpillar with that of others at this stage. Caterpillars can have dull or bright colors, they may be hairy or may have bristles; the pattern of your glory is unique to you. And it sheds its skin as it grows. So as you ACT, you will break some walls, so you can have room to accommodate your expansion. Friends, breaking of boundaries cause tears. But that is part of the process toward the shining emerging greatness.


The Pupa Stage – Building the Internal Strength
Throughout the larval stage a caterpillar has to shed its skin several times in order to accommodate further growth. After the final skin, a pupa emerges. The pupa or chrysalis or cocoon is the resting or transformation stage, and within it the marvelous transformation from caterpillar to adult takes place. Pupa may appear to rest but they undergo a major reform during this stage. Pupa usually resembles part of the plant they are on.


I wonder how many of these things I had tapped away from stalks when I was growing up. I even tried to open some and see what was inside. God forgive me for ‘destinies aborted’. There is a time when it seems all is slow. All seeds are sown and all energy spent. It is a time when the choice is made, the investment is done. The prayers are said and the exams are written, the questions are asked and all calls are made. But all you can see is a hard shell, that doesn’t resemble the flying glories of friends around. But that is why the glory, though known to God your Creator, will take its course to emerge for the world to see.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Hab 2:3). Read carefully, dear. The caterpillar was eating and was growing physically, but the transformation of this waiting pupa is internal . I have found that the measure of a man is not how tall he stands, how wealthy or intelligent he is, but what’s in the heart defines the measure of a man. And in this transformation to glory, this internal strength of a man is built in the crucible of pupa’s waiting time . This is the time when the heart tends to grow weary; when the short-sighted thinks that all hope is lost. Unfortunately, most Pupa drop off at this point and get trodden by the foot of men. Look at the pupa it is attached to the stalk of the leave with a tiny silk. What sustains a destiny in times like this is his attachment to the Almighty God. Pupa takes the color of what they are attached to, your association determines your destiny, so watch the friends you keep, the mouth you listen to and the feet you wash. This greatness is emerging, just a stage to go. Never Ever Give Up, the night will pass.

The Adult Stage
A butterfly emerging now, the chrysalis becomes transparent, revealing colors beneath. The pupa skin splits, the damp butterfly crawls out-now with compound eyes, a proboscis for feeding and six legs. Initially, its wings are very small and shriveled, but as the butterfly pumps blood into its veins they unfurl. A little warming from the sun and it is now ready to fly off to feed and then lay its eggs.
When the moment of hibernation is over, your glory will shine and all shall begin to see. The cocoon will become transparent, and all will see what has taken the Master this long to make. Remember that all it needs to fly is made, though maybe wet, soft and tender and needs the sun to dry. So, when your success comes to you, don’t forget you still need the counsel of God through men and the Sun of Righteousness himself in your life. I see your glory emerging now. Shallom.

Toyin Daniel Ogunmola © 02/09/2009 12:01:43

Let there be light

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"

In the morning, we are presented with a blank cheque and fresh opportunity to follow a new path. Wake up! Even though morning starts when darkness fades away according to geography, i personally believe that morning starts when you wake up. "Arise and Shine for thy light as come and the Glory of lord as risen upon you ". Wake up and then stand up. Take action in pursuit of your God given dreams. Shake off the disappointment of yesterday.

What is so special about the morning? Light......Yes Light comes and turns night into day. Let there be light! That is the evidence of a new beginning. Light brings things into full view. It provides insight, understanding. Light could mean new information, fresh knowledge, unique insight, revelation, new method etc. Any of this can signal the end of an era. It can herald the dawning of a new disposition.

"While men slept, the enemy came and sowed bad seeds". The night is a time men usually sleep. It’s a period of low or non activity. It’s a period of helplessness and ignorance. Scripture says my people perish for lack of knowledge. Don’t stay in the dark. Shed light into those dark regions of your life. Get informed. Are you poor? Then read diverse books and magazines on wealth creation. Attend seminars. Talk with people who are on the path of financial freedom.

Anytime you want to move to the next level, you must do the needful. Get information and take appropriate steps. “A little sleep and a little folding of the arms shall poverty come to you”. Stay alert and workout your salvation with fear and trembling. Conduct due diligence on any and every opportunity you want to embrace. Avoid the temptation to get rich quick. If it is too good to be true then it is. Verify, talk to other professionals about it. Things done in secret have a tendency to be fraudulent or wrong. Be transparent and engage in transparent business and transactions. Avoid any form of shady dealing.

I see light at the end of the tunnel.

Greener Pastures

“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be so wonderful if there were not dark valleys to traverse” Hellen Keller

Sometimes as humans we are tempted to envy people around us who appear to be succeeding. Our times and seasons are different. Scripture says we should not be like fools who compare themselves with themselves. Rejoice with people making progress around you. If the grass appears to be greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher too.

Don’t let what you lack put a lid to your progress. Look at what you have and make use of it. The greatest capital is the willingness to start with what you have and where you are. All you need is to think creatively, look afresh at what you normally take for granted.

You don’t need any special talent. Just be passionate about what you do or look for something you are passionate about and do it excellently. Put your mind to it and in a short while you will blow peoples mind with your performance.

It is important you are productive. You can’t afford to be in the market place and be idle. An English adage says idleness is the beginning of all vices. Do not bite at the bait of idleness beneath it is a hook. Keep on walking. Don’t spend all the time thinking or talking about the dream or vision. Take steps. A Chinese proverb says “he who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg”.

Yes there will be limitations to overcome. Don’t let that scare you. Success is like wrestling a gorilla, you don’t quit when you are tired. You quit when the gorilla is tired says Robert Strauss. There will be temptations to quit. Please don’t yield. Dr Maxwell said “quitting is not running from our problems, it is running from the opportunity to solve our problems”.

As I close, I will like to remind you that though we aren’t what we ought to be and we aren’t where we ought to be but thank God, we aren’t what we used to be.

A Call to Success

"Success is a little like wrestling a gorrila. You dont quit when you are tired-You quit when the gorrila is tired" Robert Strauss.

I cant stress this enough....do not quit or give in. Their is profit in all labour if you sustain your efforts. dont backout just now. This is the eve of your coronation. It is usually darkest just before dawn.

To succeed in life, you need to continuously learn from nature, organisations, and individuals. Emerson said "every man i meet is my superior in some way, in that, i learn from him". The wise teach us on what we should do to attain prominence. The foolish teaches us what we should avoid in order not to end up like them.

You cannot afford to be indifferent. Show interest, participate....Seek ways to improve yourself and the society. Showing up is part reason why some people have succeeded. Love people, Love your Community. By so doing, you will be inspired to help and make life better for them. You will identify needs you can meet and also be rewarded for it.

To succeed in this season, you need to leverage on other peoples resources. Woodrow Wilson said "we should not only use the brains we have, but also all that we can borrow". Filter the gist you hear in public places and you will be left with golden ideas that will impact positively on your financial fortunes. Every time someone complains about something, that is an opportunity announcing it self.

I have gotten to a level in my life that all i see is opportunities. Even when i watch a movie i see business ideas. Do something with the ideas. Break it down into stages and activities and then implement it. The greatest Capital is the willingness to start small and where you are.

Success is also a function of making mistakes. Mistakes helps us to improve and become better. it also ensure we remain humble and makes us conscious that we dont know it all. Tallulah Bankhead said "if i had my life to live over again, I 'd make the same mistakes only sooner". Are you cut out for business? Please dont wait till you are retired....start it alongside your present employement. Start to make your own mistakes early.

I see you redefining succeess in your generation.

@ Oluyemi Adeosun

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

You need to learn to be happy by nature, because you will seldom have the chance to be happy by circumstance. Great and fulfilled people draw their strength from God. Greatness is not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it but sail we must and not drift nor lie at anchor.

You may never know how big of an impact you are on the world. On behalf of the rest of us, I appreciate your person and personality. Thank you for your contributions so far. However, I still know that this is not your best so far. However, I still know that this is not your best. The best is yet but sure to come. T.S Eliot said “Only those who risk going so far can possibly find out how one can go.

What do you want to achieve? Which legacy do you want to leave behind? I have good news for you God said “take what you want, then pay for it”. Jane Wagner also adds “I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific. Don’t let a lack of focus or direction limit your potential.

Reach out to your dreams. Try again…don’t allow the failure of others or your past prevent you from trying. Launch out to the deep. Don’t just say the race is not to the swift because the race is to those who keep on running. A great man was asked to prescribe the secret to success he said “Keep at it”.

Don’t be like a coward who thinks with his legs in times of trouble. Use your brain….exert your mind. If you can think through, there is a way through. Don’t just satisfy the stake holders; astonish them with your performance.

Fight for your dreams. Once you stop fighting for what you want, what you don’t want will automatically show up. Don’t be indifferent. Do something with your life. Greatness is a choice you must embrace. Upgrade your skill sets and mindsets. Add value to every hour and day.

@ Oluyemi Adeosun

Excellence a Way of Life

I will like to encourage you to be thorough in your job, assignment or whatever endeavor you lay your hands on. Someone is watching you right now who is capable of rewarding you tomorrow. Quality is always remembered even long after price has been forgotten. Your quality has a person must not be in doubt.

Make up your mind to put in quality efforts into your project. Life is largely an input-output thing. You get what you invest back in multifold. Somebody said there are no third world countries only third world minds. Excellence and quality is a direction in which we are heading.

Oliver Holmes said “the greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in which direction we are moving. You should not start to manage well when the organization or project grows big. You need to start to manage well from now. The greatest capital is the willingness to start small. When you excel on a small scale, you will ultimately excel at a bigger capacity.

A key factor in excellence is doing what we know or believe in. we need to move into the season of massive implementation. Peter Drucker said “the problem in my life and other people’s lives is not the absence of knowing what to do, but the absence of doing it”.

Life is a sum of so many things. Adversity is part of it. Without adversity, life will just be one smooth and boring road. With adversity, one appreciates victory, realizes ones true friends and foes, and ones strength and weaknesses.

Never allow the weight of your challenges or situation make you compromise on quality. I close with the words of Andrew Jackson “You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing”.

Making Room for Yourself

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” Ralph Emerson. Do not hesitate to assist other people. If it crosses your heart to be a blessing, just do it. Your words of encouragement can prevent someone from committing suicide. Gratitude is an essential attitude of great people. Be appreciative of peoples input into your life.

Don’t take people or opportunities for granted. A Yoruba proverb says “If you say thank you for the gift of yesterday you will be positioned to receive another one”. I have also come to realize that people who are grateful soon start giving gifts to other people. Do you remember the person God used to give you a career, business, or educational breakthrough? If they are still alive, create time to visit them. Send them a token of appreciation.

It will not only gladden the recipient’s heart but also open greater windows of opportunities to you. Gifts need not cost a fortune. Go to a departmental store and you will get items at bargain prices. I encourage you today; make a list of those who you are going to give gifts too. Start appreciating the people who feature on the list as resources permit.
It might also interest you to note that some people will appreciate you visiting them and they will receive you like a gift. Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day” Sally Kock. The truth is “it is difficult to give away kindness. It keeps coming back to you” Cort Flint.

The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become” Charles Dubois. Giving is first an attitude before it is a function of the resources at your disposal. Seneca Said “After a bad harvest, there must be sowing” Strive to be the first: first to nod, first to compliment, and first to forgive”

The hand of the giver is always on top. Gift open doors. Scripture says the gift of a man will make room for him. Do you desire an expansion? Then start sowing the right seeds. Give time, affection, attention, information, money etc. You are going to feel the peace of God permeate your heart.

Do you have stuff that you no longer use and is in good condition? Go ahead and donate it to people who are in need. God bless you.
Oluyemi Adeosun

ACTOR NO DEY DIE

You may be in a fix right now……
Yet am sure there is a way out of this phase……
Simply because you don’t know when or how….
Does not justify that re-occurring decision to quit.

In spite of the despondency
I choose to embrace hope
In spite of the seeming lack of incentive
I choose to make great attempts.
When the chips are down
Be the actor!
Its your opportunity to be a superstar
Lift up your head

You are greater
Than that obstacle
You can aspire farther
The limits don’t matter
Its in you the capacity
To cross that hurdle
That’s is why you are saddled
With responsibility
That appears overwhelming

I made it through
The last phase, mishap, tragedy, success
I will make it through this trial
My name will feature
In the Hebrew hall of fame

@ Oluyemi Adeosun

Retreat takes you to the next level

By Ayo Arowolo

I was at my usual place for a personal retreat, somewhere in Otta, Ogun State, last week. One of my daily routines is that I jog round the expansive compound four times. That should be close to six kilometers. Something happened while I was on the last lap. The lane I was led directly to the residence of the presiding Bishop of the place. While I was tailing off to the end of that lane, he was driving out of his house in a metallic Jeep. He stopped when he got to my point and wound down the glass of the window on his side. I walked up to him and the following conversation ensued.

Bishop: ”You are blessed. How are you?” Me:” I am fine sir”. Bishop: ”I am seeing you in your most relaxed state ever. Are you doing a retreat or something?” Me: ”Yes sir. I come here often”. Bishop : ”You must be having a nice time then because retreats are one of the best secrets of those who are going somewhere”. Me: ”I can confirm that sir”.

The chat lasted for about seven minutes. We talked about a few other things and I bade him farewell as I jogged back to my room. It was not the fact that I met him that I want to bring out. Something had happened while I was working things out in my room. I wanted to test a principle: That when you mix emotion with anything you desire, you would see result. I said to myself that day that I would like to see the Bishop the following day. Not for anything but just for a chat. It is always a pleasure listening to him. I thought for a long time on that desire and I slept off. The result manifested the following day!

That is one of the benefits of going regularly on personal retreats. A well planned retreat affords you the opportunity to think and experiment with a lot of things you cannot sort out while you are being consumed with the affairs of life.

What is a retreat? A retreat is a period when an individual separates himself or herself from the hustle and bustle of life and go to a quiet place for prolonged meditation (deep thinking) over pressing issues. The essence is to gain perspective on issues at hand. This is how my first financial mentor explained it to me during one of our meetings. He said: ”All the successful people I have either met or read about take this aspect (retreat) very seriously. Bill Gates, one of the world‘s richest men, goes to one of the Oriental countries once in a year for a separation session, to receive fresh instructions and flow of ideas. The Lord Jesus Christ had to go into the wilderness for forty days to receive instructions for his earthly mission. Without the inspiration that flowed into Him during this period, it would have been difficult to make much impact”.

He added: ”So, a separation session (retreat) is vital if you want to accomplish outstanding things while you are on this earth. The main goal of a planned, prolonged quiet time or a separation session, if you like, is to enable you to recharge your system for better performance thereafter. This is the rationale. When you truly work, you continuously give out of yourself. A separation session is a way of drawing back into yourself life‘s spiritual force. Working continuously without regular separation sessions is an open invitation to multiple crises. But unfortunately for most of us, our days are full of activities without quality progress. We wake up very early in the morning, jump on the road, chat idly with friends, bury ourselves in activities and eventually retire in the night, too tired to plan for the next day, for the next week, for the next month and for the next year. No time for relaxation. No time to play with family. This is where the seed of crisis is usually sown”.

He advised further: ”A separation session has to be planned. It doesn‘t have to be more than two days initially. As you get used to the habit of regularly staying away from the crowd to solve difficult challenges, you would discover that your life takes new meaning and you would be able to implement things faster. A separation session allows you to move away from being a participant to being an observer in the game of life. That affords you the opportunity to broaden your perspective on many issues that had been of concern to you.

To be effective, a personal retreat has to be planned. There are few things to make a personal retreat effective and successful.
First, before you embark on a separation session, determine very clearly what issue or challenge you want to tackle. Don‘t take along with you so many issues; otherwise you may not achieve much. Since this is your first time, I suggest you use the separation session to develop a personal plan for yourself. Use the period to work out how you will achieve all the dreams and goals for your life. I also suggest you use the time to set goals in these areas: finance, spiritual, health, career and family.

Use such occasions to reflect on your personal purpose and mission on this planet earth. The issue at stake is beyond money to do. You may need to change career quickly after such sessions.

In developing your personal mission, you may consider using the following theme questions: What are my dreams? What is my area of assignment? What would I like to achieve if money is not going to be a problem? What resources do I have to achieve my dreams? Who do I know that can work with me to achieve my dreams? What skills do I need to develop to achieve my dreams? What are the likely obstacles that may stand in the way? What are the milestones that would remind me if I am moving towards achieving my dreams? What are the motivations for striving to achieve my dreams? What are my strategies for achieving the goals I have set for myself? Ask other probing questions. Answers to these questions may lead you to develop a good draft that can be worked eventually into a plan.

Eat very moderately throughout the separation session. You don‘t have to fast. And if you have to fast, I suggest you do that a few days before you go for the separation session. In my own case, I eat once a day and drink freshly squeezed juice for the rest of the day. Furthermore, for best results, a minimum of three days and a maximum of one week is recommended. Use the first day to read, listen to tapes and reflect generally. You may not write anything down in the first day. Use the first day also to structure your schedule for the following day. Between the second and the third days, you should be able to come up with a document that you can perfect over the next few months. By extension, if you are married, I suggest you may go along with your spouse or go it alone first before accommodating your spouse.

After the first session, cultivate the habit of going on a separation session without fail once a month. Use this period to draw up strategy to achieve your plans

Powerful Seeds

A successful business man was growing old andknew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children,he decided to do something different. He called all the youngexecutives in his company together.

He said, 'It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO.I have decided to choose one of you. 'The young executives wereshocked, but the boss continued. 'I am going to give each oneof you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plantthe seed, water it, and come back here one year from today withwhat you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will bethe next CEO.

'One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others,received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife thestory. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he plantedthe seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it hadgrown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives beganto talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't havea plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew hehad killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, buthe had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however.He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted theseed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the companybrought their plants to the CEO for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sickto his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing momentof his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty potto the board room.

When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the varietyof plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful --in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor andmany of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his youngexecutives.Jim just tried to hide in the back. 'My, what great plants, trees,and flowers you have grown,' said the CEO. 'Today one of you willbe appointed the next CEO!

'All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room withhis empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him tothe front. Jim was terrified. He thought, 'The CEO knows I'm afailure! Maybe he will have me fired!' When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happenedto his seed - Jim told him the story. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim.

He looked at Jim,and then announced to the young executives, 'Behold your nextChief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!' Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even growhis seed.'How could he be the new CEO?' the others said.Then the CEO said, 'One year ago today, I gave everyone in thisroom a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it,and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds;they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants andflowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, yousubstituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was theonly one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot withmy seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the newChief Executive Officer!'
* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

So, be careful what you plant now;it will determine what you will reap later..
SOURCE UNKNOWN

SOMETIMES:a paradox

Sometimes it takes rain

To make the flowers grow

Sometimes it takes real pain

Before real joy one knows

Sometimes it takes tomorrows

To understand days gone by

Sometimes before the laughter

There comes heavy sigh

Sometimes it takes the midnight hour

To value morning light

Sometimes it takes the longest mile

Before things come insight

Sometimes you often wonder

Why your heart can get so sore

But its the rocky paths in life

That makes you cherish the smooth roads more!

Author- Trini

The Determining Factor

Mathematics
I look back at my secondary school days with nostalgia. The prominent subject mathematics and the phobia it carries still amazes me. We had math’s lessons every day. Students generally preferred to receive the lectures in the early part of the day. They claim their brain was more receptive then.

Students usually proceeded to the senior category based on their perception of mathematics. The student may opt for arts, sciences commerce or social science. If you are good in mathematics then you may be a good engineering material…if you are not good in mathematics then law may be your consideration. People with math skills are termed to be analytical.

In retrospect, I think mathematics is a very cheap course. We follow steps and procedure to arrive at the answer. I am of the opinion that courses like history, languages, government etc are more mentally challenging! The difference between students and their performance in mathematics is largely a function of their interest and practice. Individual perspective creates the divide.

In the larger society, what then is the determining factor?

The combination of multiple variables produces an output. Factors like, interest, hard work, motivation, opportunities, relationships, governance, location etc manipulated accordingly can birth success. Manipulation is switching between an unwanted position to your desired position. All this variables are available to all and sundry. Somebody said “we cannot all be a celebrity but we can all be great”. Greatness is from inside out. What do you have on the inside that you can draw out? My police friend will say wetin you carry?

What you carry may not be unique to you but your manner of presentation and delivery is peculiar to you. You may call it personal style or flavor. People will remember you if you are the first, best or different. Your beats has to be unique….personal…innovative. It should reflect your individuality. Something new has a way of attracting attention of the great and mighty. You need to stand out, stand tall. If your cv is in a pack of 100 will it be the one to be taken. If you go for an interview with 500hundred other candidates, will you be shortlisted.
Watch out for opportunities the crowd (masses) is rushing into. In fact that the masses are moving into a particular opportunity may suggest it’s time to opt out.

Music World
Any Artist who creates a niche in the music industry themselves ends up as super stars. Check out DBang, Nice, Lagabaja, Sunny Ade, Obey, Sunny Nneji etc. They all sing with unique style. Do not be afraid to innovate, improvise and do things slightly different from the norm. A new style is first strange before it becomes the fad.

Initiate the next fad.

TRUE LOVE

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesnt want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head.
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trust God always,Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Contentment: STATE OF THE MIND

I interact with people in different organizations/departments on a daily basis. I can confidently say that there is no greater difference between men than between grateful and ungrateful people. Happiness is not a function of the department or unit you are in. it’s a state of the mind.

I know a couple of individuals who used to complain when they were in department x and 6 months after changing to department y they are still complaining. You cannot be better by becoming bitter. You need to shift away from the complaining mode.

Can you remember how excited and grateful you were when you secured the opportunity you now take for granted? Happy people are upwardly mobile. Opportunities identify them and court them always. You can’t afford to be disgruntled on the job. Be grateful.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. There are individuals who work in major oil companies and yet not happy and complain daily.

This season of your life is making certain privileges accessible to you…take advantage of it. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Gratitude will see us through this great economic meltdown.
I will like you to ponder on the following quotes to increase your gratitude quotient

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

If you have lived, take thankfully the past. ~John Dryden

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! ~Henry Ward Beecher

Praise the bridge that carried you over. ~George Colman

If you count all your assets, you always show a profit. ~Robert Quillen

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus

Gratitude is the best attitude. ~Author Unknown

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily. ~Gerald Good

Gratitude is the least of the virtues, but ingratitude is the worst of vices. ~Thomas Fuller

There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance. ~Joseph Addison

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart. ~Henry Clay

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. ~Estonian Proverb

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. ~Eric Hoffer, Reflections On The Human Condition

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted. ~Aldous Huxley

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. ~Chinese Proverb

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

“Those who don’t have to watch their spending got their by watching it” - AFRICAN PROVERB
How much you make is not as important has how you spend it. I have come across people who earn approximately the same income but have different standard of living five years down the line. I know we live in a consumer spending driven economy and broad array of products and services are available in the market. I am also aware that it is sometimes difficult to resist the temptation of spending money. You have to be an educated consumer i.e. someone who knows how and when to spend money.
Managing money through budgeting is a proven method of becoming a prudent consumer. There are a whole lot of techniques out there that could be utilized to make the best of your money; they range from the mundane to the sophisticated – it all boils down to common sense. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here are a few basic techniques for living within your means and curtailing multiple stream of expenditure: BUDGETING TIPS:
 Draw up a budget, stick to it, be prepared to make adjustments in your lifestyle or spending habits and pay yourself first by saving regularly.
 Save through payroll deduction and take advantage of any employer-sponsored savings plan – deferred compensation, retirement accounts, commuter savings program etc. Use a piggy bank to keep your loose change.
 Keep an emergency fund and save any bonus income you earn. Consider whether it is worthwhile to have one or two incomes, if you have childcare expenses.
 Protect your vital assets adequately; home, cars, personal belongings, business, life health etc. – “a stitch in time saves nine”. Carry only one health insurance plan for your family and save on premium payments.
 Car pool when and if possible and use public transportation.
 Learn to do basic repairs or fix simple things in your home, such as decorating, painting, changing light bulbs, etc. the savings would amaze you – check out major home improvement outlets for class schedules.
 Keep lights off when you are not in a room, buy long-lasting energy saving bulbs and appliances – don’t be “fuelish”.
 Conserve and re-circle every material that you can. Use glass instead of paper cups.
 Pack your own lunch as often as possible and cut down on meals away from home. Buy in bulk if discounts are offered. Minimize on snacks or "junk food”.
 To stay healthy, develop good health habits and consider the cost of addictions. Learn to take temperature, pulse and respiration. Learn about symptoms of common diseases to determine whether to see a doctor or not.
 Learn to gift sensibly - give of your time and assets or merchandise when possible instead of always giving cash. It’s not compulsory you buy the aso ebi of every dick, tom and harry. Learn to say no to what you can’t afford.
 Set reasonable amounts for children's allowances and encourage them to save – let prudence be a family habit early enough. Watch your credit limit.

Prudent Man-Prototype Budget
Total Income – 100k (100%)
Savings- 10k (10%)
CHARITY/Giving – 10k (10%)
Transportation- 10K (10%)
Housing- 10k (10%)
Sustenance- 30 (30%)
Investment - 20 (20%)
Continuous education- 10k
Above is the budget of a certain individual. This is what guides his consumption pattern per time. Once any demand is more than the budget for that sector in his life, he either delays it or forfeits it. There's a saying that "you can't help but think about the future because you are going to spend the rest of your life there".
The best time to identify a real investor is during economic meltdown or recession. Investors are consistently buying shares and acquiring real estate. Every month consistently invest without looking at the short term returns. In two decades your financial genius will be evident to all.

ADEOSUN OLUYEMI

EARLY GOAL!

EARLY GOAL!
“According to statistical research conducted on the National Football League (NFL), what percentage of teams who score first win the game? My guess was 50%. We’ve all read about quarterbacks who have led their teams from behind to win the game. We’ve heard sportscasters discuss how many points are scored in the last two minutes of the half or at the end of the game.
So, I thought about 50% was accurate. Wrong! The statistics claim that 75% of the time a team scores first, they win the game! (No, of course I can’t verify this. I heard it while driving to Zig’s office one morning. But, the guys at ESPN Radio wouldn’t lie to me…) I’m thinking, if teams score early in the game, like say in the first quarter, then they are more likely to achieve their objectives”. zig ziglar newsletter

One way to fast track your progress this season is to score an early goal. Achieve some results in the first quarter. Set some “easy” goals that assist you in accomplishing your long term goals and achieve them. Success breeds success. Nothing succeeds like success. It is important in 2009 that you set the momentum to drive success in the major areas of your life. I am sure you have set goals for the year but I insist that you accomplish something meaningful or significant to you in the first quarter.

This will keep you motivated to pursue other lined up endeavors. For instance, you may have an academic goal i.e. a desire to commence a postgraduate programe this year. Get down to action. Visit or call the school directly. Talk to the head of department and make concrete findings. Don’t secure information from people who are not stake holders. Ask for a brochure or pick the form if it is available. Buy relevant text books etc. what I am emphasizing is the need to commit yourself to the cause such that retreat will be impossible.

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied. ~Arnold H. Glasgow

Another step you need to take is to check your BEHAVIOR against your GOALS. What a great way to give yourself a “check-up from the neck up!” Each and every day, check your behavior against the goals you have set. If your behavior is not contributing to your succeeding in reaching your goals, then you need to adjust your behavior. You don’t adjust the goal, you adjust your behavior. If you are spending too long at lunch, then adjust that behavior.

I will like to round up by saying that if you courageously pursue your dreams, the best of your 2008 will be the worst of your 2009!!!

Oluyemi Adeosun

DOUBLE TROUBLE

It beats me when I hear people praying for a problem free year. I wonder why people seem not to understand that the major key to progress is problem solving. We all probably desire a promotion and yet we do not like to mount the platform which may include; challenges, stress, problems, additional responsibility, change of location, demotion etc. These are some of the catalyst that assist in climbing to the next level.

Responsibility is the mother of greatness. Look at the Chinese bamboo tree after it’s planted, it grows root for about five years and then starts to grow out afterwards. You need to deepen your roots. Whatever issues that are coming your way now are gym-ing materials to fortify you to be able to fight in the heavy weigh category. Don’t run from work and expect reward.

It occurred to me recently that my present strength or capacity is largely a function of the opposition I have encountered in the past. This season, when people are giving excuses why they cannot get something done look for the reason why you can do it. Volunteer for the task that needs to be done and every other fellow seems to be avoiding.

There is always a reward for service. The lot of those who always pursue the easy path is to envy the guys who volunteer to serve. David got national recognition by solving national issues. What type of challenges are you doing something about? It’s one thing to complain and it’s another thing to take appropriate action that can bring about massive improvement.

“The lot of those who always pursue the easy path is to envy the guys who volunteer to serve”

Never let the thought that your effort may yield a little impact prevent you from contributing your own quota. I am personally convinced that small changes can generate massive results. I have seen this happen over and over again. Do your best! Don’t follow the rest. You are a change champion. Justify the investment nature has endowed you with. Excel in your present posting.

If you are in trouble but you are aware of it and doing something to resolve it, then do not despair. The disadvantaged person is the fellow who is not aware of his challenges and as a result not doing anything about it. When you see obstacles this season rejoice because your promotion is been set in motion.

Always remember that we will succeed if we faint not.

@ Oluyemi Adeosun

DON’T FOLLOW THE CROWD

Do not fear what they fear or dread what others dread. You need to take a proactive stand!

You cannot afford to go down with this economic meltdown. In spite of the present scenario, some people are still making profit largely because they are meeting needs. What is your focus? What do you see? I read in a magazine recently that the eyes gets thousands of signals per time and what comes to our awareness are:
1- What is entirely new
2- What we consider as a threat and
3- What opportunities/ things we are on the lookout for.

We have to renew our minds so we can see opportunities before they become obvious to many.

Some people will be selling because they are panicky but you buy wisely .This is a great season to rise to economic stardom. Do not go to sleep now that others are in a slumber. Re-strategize and fashion your recovery programme. You may need to reduce your consumption. Weed out non essential items from your purchases. In fact you may reduce your travels. Make any temporary adjustment to keep your head up.


You have to trust your guts and instinct. Do not seek the mobs approval to take an action.

Albert Einstein said "If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it"

You need to be ahead of the crowd. Identify opportunities before the masses and take position.

All I am trying to convey to you is that: This is the worst time in history to stay idle in the market place


OLUYEMI adeosun