Posted on

What Do the Most Successful People Have in Common?

Are The Smartest The Most Successful?

Of course YES! That is what the conventional wisdom says. As kids in primary school, our teachers instilled this belief in us. Spend more time with your books, learn, learn and learn if you want to be successful in life. 

That was what I was taught and I held onto that from Primary school through University. Fortunately, today I don’t have any formal examination to write, even though I learn every day, so that gives me reasonable space and time to pause and ask:

 

“It is true that the smartest are the most successful in life?”

 

 I’m not going to explore the philosophy of what is success and what is failure because there can be as many definitions of success and failure as there are stars in the sky. Nevertheless, regardless of how I define success, I come to the same conclusion; the smartest academically are not necessarily the most successful. That kind of hurts, but that was the only honest conclusion I could arrive at. I try to look at every group of students that I was part of home and abroad and then sample a section of people I can call to mind and follow, not on twitter but in real life. These are the folks you would call successful, and of course you have the liberty to define success anyway you want.

 

 After completing this exercise, the picture that emerges is a scarily a mixed bag: few of the people who made my list were very smart by the conventional definition of the word, some were average, and some were passing throughs, that is those who felt too school was not their thing but were just passing though to make mom and dad happy, anyway.


 

While classroom performance was not the common denominator that puts these folks in one class, there are certain factors that I identified common to all of them. In the coming weeks, I would be discussing each of these qualities in detail. This is not going to be ’14 Steps to be a Millionaire in 14 Days’ kind of stuff. In fact if I knew any secret like that, I would be in Jamaica on vacation at this hour. What I hope to accomplish is to share with you powerful qualities I have learned by observing a number of people in diverse fields and perhaps to attempt to convince you that the race is not to the smartest.

 

 As a summary for today, in my assessment, the men and women I could describe as successful shared some traits which are also shared by some of the most successful people everywhere. Prominent among these traits are:

 

  1. The propensity to break rules: It’s unfortunate that this quality comes out first, but I can identify it in almost all the people that made the cut
  2. Passion: They just do something for the love of it
  3. Making connections: they just want to be noticed and known for reasons no one knows and sometimes makes no sense
  4. Curiosity: They desire to explore and ask stupid questions
  5. Risk taking: they do the things mom dreads of
  6. Persistence: they never take no for an answer
  7. Focus: they get fixed on their strengths and passions. Nothing else matters.

 

In the coming days and weeks, I will be discussing each of these success factors in detail with specific examples.  Please check back and join to share your views and experiences.

 

 Next on this series

Part 1: They Love to Break Rules

Please check back


Share
Posted on

Making a Case For Tuition Reimbursement and Flexible Hours

[ad#GBAF-2-pix]
Folks who have been in the industry longer will tell us one thing: the landscape has changed, and it is a big change. Gone are the days when you got hired after college and you were certain that you were going retire with that employer if you chose to. These days, it is possible to change careers several times in one year and many times in your career.

At some point, you may realize that the skills that you brought out of college are no longer needed or inadequate to meet the ever-changing demands at the workplace. At other times, all you may need is a different challenge. All these situations may require you to go back to school or take some additional courses to make your position more secured or just for personal fulfillment. Continue reading “Making a Case For Tuition Reimbursement and Flexible Hours”

Share
Posted on

The Power of an Open Mind

An open mind is a theatre of opportunities. A man with an open mind listens with rapt attention, observes with an eagle eye and asks the right questions at the right time. He is not afraid of change. Rather, he responds to change and exploits it to his advantage. A man with a closed mind, on the other hand, tends to see difficulties, not opportunities. He becomes transmogrified to a “Pharisee” or a “Sadducee”, who only becomes enamoured by what is beyond his reach or only sees sad situations around him.

In 2005, shortly after the birth of my second child, we had some financial challenges as a family. We were living in Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. The situation was so challenging that we had to move out of a three bedroom flat to a room and a parlour. It was as if the end had come as everything we touched was not working out. At this point we sought the face of God through prayer. We had a strong conviction after the prayer to relocate outside Lagos. To where? We were not sure. To prove to us that God is not a man that would lie, an offer came my way from a far, but a remote town called Ede in Osun State, Nigeria. When I told my siblings and in-laws about it, they were like “never!” How could you leave Lagos for Ede? Impossible! They tried to talk my wife and I out of our relocation plans. But when we stood our ground that location is not limitation, they concluded that we were embarking on a journey to nowhere. They saw us as crazy people! Although the pressure from friends, kith and kin almost got to us at a point, we ended up leaving Lagos for Ede with a mattress, few clothes and some kitchen utensils. Most importantly, we left Lagos with hope of a better tomorrow.

We were in Ede as secondary school teachers only for seven months. But with an open mind we were able to learn some tips about farming from our neighbour. Above all, with a salary of less than $100 a month we were able to procure a plot of land before we left the town. From Ede we moved to Ile-Ife also as teachers. After a while in Ile-Ife, I joined a Federal Government establishment. At the moment we are on a mission of turning a jungle into a beehive of business activities. We believe strongly in God that this environment deserted as a result of internecine war shall be turned to a paradise sooner than expected. We have consistently maintained an open mind to everything since we left Lagos. No doubt, the result has been phenomenally rewarding.

The remarkable thing about our relocation from Lagos to Osun State, an agrarian region in Nigeria is that we are no longer strugglers, but achievers. We left Lagos with just a single mattress, but today we live in our own house and also an employer of labour. Those who thought we were mad then now see sanity in our activities. Trials, challenges and difficulties are part and parcel of life. It is thus not how many times we fall that matters but how many times we are able to rise above challenges. To turn challenges to chances one needs to be open-minded. To see opportunities in difficulties, one needs an open mind that is not afraid of taking calculated risks.

Share
Posted on

Your Wealth is in Your Passion

Everything a person needs to be wealthy is in his passion. What he needs to move from point zero to point hero is all within his reach. But human seems oblivious of his precious possessions that are before his eyes, while he is busy with a search for what is not lost.

Usually, several factors are responsible for the search for what is not lost. The factors range from societal conventions, peer influence to fix-it-quick mentality, among others. For instance, societal conventions have placed some professions such as medicine, law, engineering, etc. above others. So many people tend to believe that their licence to wealth is to study one of these courses. As good as the courses may be in terms of their potential to help one acquire wealth, they  are not sufficient to make one wealthy. After all, there are poor doctors, lawyers and engineers in the society. Professions do not make people rich or wealthy. It is what one makes out of a profession that determines where one will stand in the society, not necessarily because one is into a particular profession. Continue reading “Your Wealth is in Your Passion”

Share
Posted on

#WordScattering# – Genesis 26 vs.22 – Expect Rehoboth in September!

Hey dear,

Happy New Month!! Happy New September!

Thank God for today, Thursday, the 1st of September 2011 – a new month that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because our expectation shall not be cut off this month in Jesus Name!

As we start this new month, we are still considering G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and we are taking time to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. The scripture in the book of Genesis Chapter 26:22 says 22 abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place REHOBOTH (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the LORD has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.

We are understand from this scripture that after Isaac moved away from well Ezek & Sitnah because of the quarreling and accusation about the water, he and his men dug a well again. But this time, no one opposed them and they named the place Rehoboth. We see that Isaac and and his men didn’t give up on digging wells. With all the opposition from the people, they continued to make effort believing that one day they will dig a well that no one will contend with.

The Word of God coming to us this 1st day is September is that: We must expect our Rehoboth! We must expect God to make room i.e. make a way for us this new month of September.

My dear! As we start this new month, I declare that we are walking into our Rehoboth. I decree that a way will be made where there looks like there is no way this month. I declare that we have all that we need to walk in abundance this month. I decree that new room/space i.e. new opportunity is coming our way each day of this month. I declare that we have “enough space” i.e. wisdom, resources, finances that we need in order to prosper in all that we lay our hand upon this month of September.

Let’s go into this new month with great expectation — knowing that we have come to our “Rehoboth” – place of prosperity… place of abundance!

Enjoy a glorious September!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Genesis 26 vs. 21- Expect accusation!!

Hi Dear,

Thank God for Wednesday, the 31st of August 2011 – the last day of August. Thank God it’s a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

Let’s continue this series of #WordScattering# by considering the story of Isaac and the conflict over the dug well (water) in the book of Genesis Chapter 26 – vs.21 says:  21Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “accusation”).

After being forced to move away from well “Ezek” –  Isaac’s men had a similar encounter when they dug another well in Sitnah – their new location. The people in this new neighborhood accused them and were hostile to them and they had to move again.

My dear! As we scatter the Word and wait for the physical manifestation – we must expect accusation!! We must expect the “accuser of the brethren” (the devil) to accuse us before God (Rev.12vs 10). We must expect the devil will try to bring up iniquity/wrongdoing/sin. We must expect that the devil will try to tell us how we dont deserve the blessings of God. We must expect the enemy to attack our heart and conscience. We must expect the enemy will want to bring up our past. We must expect the enemy will try to make us walk in guilt and shame. We must expect satan will try to stand to oppose us in the presence of God (Zech 3vs. 1)

But we thank God because Jesus is our defense attorney – He seats at the right hand of God interceding for us. We thank God for the blood of Jesus which answers all accusations of the devil. We thank God for the GRACE.. the undeserved favor that we enjoy through our Savior Jesus Christ. We thank God because it is this grace that qualifies us for the blessing of God.

As we go into this new day — let’s remember it’s by grace that we are saved through our faith in Jesus and not by works. And the “accuser” – the devil has been defeated at the cross of Calvary.

Enjoy an “accuse-free” day/seasonJ!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Genesis 26 vs. 19 -20 – Expect argument!!

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Tuesday, the 30th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

Let’s continue this series of #WordScattering# by considering the story of Isaac and the conflict over the dug well (water) in the book of Genesis Chapter 26 vs.19 – 20

19 Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.20 But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “ARGUMENT”).

In the preceding verses (vs.16-18) – Abimelech had ordered Isaac to leave the country because they were jealous and intimidated because of the blessing of the Lord in his life. The Philistines wanted to frustrate Isaac so much that they even went to the extent of throwing dirt & debris into the wells that Abraham (Isaac’s father) had dug. The bible then records that Isaac moved as he was told to and he decided to dig a well at his new location (Gerar Valley) but the people in that neighborhood argued over this well with him. And he named this “well Esek”

My dear! The Word of encouragement coming to us as we continue to scatter the Word into our situation is that – We must expect an argument!! We must expect a battle in our mind. We must expect a struggle between our spirit and our flesh as we seek to believe the Word.  We must expect a conflict between what we believe and what we see. We must expect a war between the desires of our flesh and the desires of the Holy Spirit in us. We must expect a fight between our will and the will of God. We must expect an inner battle as we wait in expectation for the physical manifestation of what we have said.

As we wait in expectation of the fulfillment of the Word we are “scattering” – May the Holy Spirit will help us to stay focused on God so that we can win the battle in our mind.

Have a victorious day!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Genesis 26 vs. 12 – Expect a harvest!!

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Monday, the 29th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

Let’s continue this series of #WordScattering# by considering a story in the book of Genesis Chapter 26 – The account of Isaac and the conflict he had over the right of water (dug wells). In verse 12 – Isaac planted seed in that land, and that same year he gathered a great harvest. The Lord blessed him very much, – We are told here that the Isaac planted his crops and in the same year he reaped 100-times more grain than he planted because the Lord blessed him. Isaac’s harvest came in the same year/season that he planted his seeds – God prospered him and he became very wealthy to the point that the Philistines became jealous of Him.

My dear! The Word of encouragement coming to us today from this story is that: We must expect a harvest this season!! We must expect a result from the Word we are scattering (confessing) this season. We must expect that the Word of God we are confessing will come to pass now. We must expect an immediate change as we continue to declare the Word. We must expect a divine shift to take place this season as we speak the Word. We must expect a fulfillment of the promise God has spoken to us. We must expect to see the physical manifestation of the Word we are confessing.

As we keep on scattering the Word – let’s raise our level of expectation and declare: I expect the harvest now!!

Have an expectant week/day

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#SayTheName#

Hey TGIFriday!,

Thank God for today, Friday, the 26th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged August the month of #WordScattering# and as continue to scatter i.e. declare the Word of God this season – let’s be blessed as we listen to the lyrics of the song – #SayTheName# by Martha Munizzi [youtube]YISgenboB1c&ob=av2n[/youtube]

My dear! when we don’t know what else to pray let’s say the Name of Jesus – because there’s power in the name… there is deliverance in the Name of Jesus… there is healing in the Name of Jesus… there is victory in the name of Jesus.

As we continue in this season of #wordscattering# — let’s continue to declare and confess: The Name of Jesus…

Enjoy a blessed and highly favored day and weekend.

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#Wordscattering# – John 14 vs. 13

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Thursday, the 25th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The next scripture I want us to look at is in the book of John 14:13  – And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you so that the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son (NCV)

In this scripture – Jesus was admonishing the disciples as He was preparing to leave them – He took time to encourage them to continue to believe and hold on to those things He had taught them. He then gave them a #blankcheck# (so to say)… by telling them if they ask anything in His Name, He will do it so that the Name of the Lord will be glorified.

My dear! You and I (as believers) have also been given this #blankcheck# — We have been given the privilege to ask anything we desire in the Name of Jesus and we will have what we have asked for. We have been given the opportunity to seek the Lord and we will find him as we seek Him with the whole of our heart. We have been given the right to knock on that door of opportunity and it will be opened unto us. We have the confidence to ask anything in the Name of Jesus and we will see the manifestation of what we have asked God for.

As we continue in this great day — let’s use this #blankcheck# and write what we want on it in the Name of Jesus using the blood of Jesus as our ink .

Let’s keep scattering – The Name of Jesus over every situation and let’s keep asking in the Name of Jesus!

Have a blessed and highly favored week.

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Philippians 2 vs. 9-11

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Wednesday, the 24th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We are still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The next scripture I want us to look at is in the book of Philippians 2: 9-11 –Therefore, God exalted him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (NLT)

Here we are being told that the Name of Jesus is exalted above every other name in heaven and in the earth. Then it goes on to say that at the mention of the Name of Jesus two definite things must happen — every knee must bow…every tongue must confess that Jesus is Lord of lords.

My dear! As we continue in this season – we declare in Jesus Name that every knee in the form of… a stubborn/difficult situation, stronghold, hindrance, delay, opposition etc… must bow. We decree that every tongue that has risen or that will rise up against us is condemned in the Name of Jesus. We declare in the Name of Jesus that everything contrary to the plan of God for our life must bow. We decree that every negative word or evil pronouncement spoken against us is condemned in Jesus Name.

As we continue to scatter the phrase: In Jesus Name — let’s be expectant because every “knee” will bow and every “tongue” will confess the Lordship of Jesus this season.

Have a victorious day!!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Acts 3 vs. 16

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Tuesday, the 23rd of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The next scripture I want us to look at is in the book of Acts 3 (verse 16) – By faith in the Name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ Name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Still the story of the crippled man that was healed at the Beautiful gate. The man was walking & praising and the people around were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to the man. Then Peter explained to the people in this verse that it was faith in the name of Jesus that has made this happen.

My dear! As we continue to scatter the phrase: In Jesus Name — I want us to remind ourselves that it’s not just the declaration of the Name of Jesus but the faith that we have in the power that is in the Name of Jesus that brings about miracles. Let’s remember that when we pray in the Name of Jesus, it is Christ himself, not merely the sound of His name, who gives our prayers the power to bring results.

As continue in this season of #wordscattering# — let’s remember to add our faith to every confession and declaration we make in the #NameofJesus#.

Have a faith-filled day and week!!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Acts 3 vs. 6

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Monday, the 22nd of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The next scripture I want us to look at is in the book of Acts 3 (verse 6) – 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

This is the account of the crippled beggar who was healed at the Beautiful gate as Peter and Paul were on their way to the temple at the time of prayer. This man who had been crippled from birth usually stays at the entrance of the temple to beg as the people make their way into the temple. Then one day he saw Peter and John going into the temple and he asked them for money as his usual practice. But we were told Peter offered him the greatest gift of all – the name of Jesus. Peter told him to “get up and walk”  in the Name of Jesus.

My dear! The #WordScattering# phrase for today is: “In the Name of Jesus” – As we go into this new day – I decree in the Name of Jesus that – we get up and start to do those things that have looked impossible. I declare in the Name of Jesus that we stand up and walk into the fullness of the divine purpose of God for our life. I decree in the Name of Jesus that we rise up and start to possess our possessions. I declare in the Name of Jesus that we are moving forward into the perfect will of God for our life. I decree in the Name of Jesus that we arise and walk in the divine favor of God this season. I declare in the Name of Jesus that we rise above everything that looks like a mountain in our life.

As we continue in this great day — Let’s speak to every impossible situation in our way #inJesusName#

Enjoy a day & week of miracles, signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus… #inJesusName#

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#BlessedAndHighlyFavored#

Hey TGIFriday!,

Thank God for today, Friday, the 19th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged August the month of #WordScattering# and as continue to scatter i.e. declare the Word of God this season – let’s be blessed as we listen to the lyrics of the song – #BlessedAndHighlyFavored# by The Clark Sisters:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lzqak49CaQ&ob=av2e — We are indeed blessed and highly favored!

My dear! As we go into this weekend… let’s thank God for taking us through hard trials & tribulations… let’s thank God because what the devil meant for evil has been turned around for good… Let’s thank God for the blood of Jesus… Let’s thank God for His grace and mercy.

As we continue in this season of #wordscattering# — let’s continue to declare and confess that: “We are blessed and highly favored”

Enjoy a blessed and highly favored day and weekend.

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Psalm 102 vs. 13

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Thursday, the 18th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The next scripture I want us to look at is Psalm 102 verse 13

You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to FAVOR her, Yes, the set time (designated moment), has come (Ampl)
We are being told in this scripture that: The set time for God’s favor is now… today… this season!! This is the time of God’s favor. This is the season that God has promised to favor us in every area of our life. What we need to do is to take time to study, meditate, believe, speak the Word until we see the physical manifestation in our life.
My dear! As we continue in this season — let’s scatter this phrase: This is my time of favor!! We declare that now is the time for God’s divine intervention. We decree that this is time for God to show Himself strong in our behalf. We declare that this is the time for us to walk in the fullness of God’s purpose for our life. We decree that now is the set time for ultimate breakthrough in our marital, financial, physical, emotional & spiritual life. We declare this is the time for divine favor. We decree that this is time to experience the miraculous hand of God in every area of our life.

Go ahead this season and scatter this phrase: This is my time of favor!!


Loving regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Psalm 5 vs 12

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Wednesday, the 17th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The next scripture that I want us to look at is Psalm 5:12 – For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your FAVOR as with a SHIELD (NIV)

The Psalmist is telling us here that: The Lord has blessed us and has surrounded us with His goodwill –His pleasure and His favor. This favor as the scripture says is like a SHIELD — A shield is a device that is used to defend…something like a protective cover or barrier. A shield is used in defensive warfare to preserve something or someone and to make the missiles of the enemy glide off the target more easily.

The phrase we want to scatter today is: “I have favor like a shield” — We are surrounded by the favor that will prevent all the fiery dart of the enemy from reaching us. We are surrounded with favor that preserve us from everything that might be contrary to the Word of God. We are surrounded by favor so every missile (voice) of the enemy will not be able to reach us.

My dear! Favor as a shield is something that the Lord has blessed us with and is available to us every blessed day. But as you know if a soldier at war refuses to put his shield on, he will definitely be exposed to the missiles of the enemy. This is just the same way if we don’t put on “favor as a shield” – by declaring and agreeing with the Word of God. Then we are bound to be exposed to the voice of the enemy and favor might not work for us as it should.

So as we continue in this season -- let's keep "scattering" (declaring) FAVOR in every area of our life and in every situation that comes our way.
Enjoy this #wordscattering# season....keep surrounding yourself with the “shield of favor”
Loving Regards,
Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Exodus 12 vs. 36

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Tuesday, the 16th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

The 1st scripture I want to “scatter” is Exodus Chapter 12 verse 36 — The account of the “Exodus of the Israelite”: This was when Pharaoh eventually gave up holding on to the people of Israel after seeing the hand of the Lord — He decided to let them go after seeing all the devastation that came through the 10 plagues that God sent — Pharaoh & his people were so scared of what they had experienced. Then we are told in this verse that the Lord made sure Pharaoh’s people favored the Israelites and gave them all that they asked for as they prepared to leave Egypt.

36 The LORD had made the Egyptians FAVORABLY DISPOSED toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians (NIV)

36 The LORD made sure that the Egyptians were KIND to the people so that they let them have whatever they asked for. And so they robbed the Egyptians.(CEB)

36 God saw to it that the Egyptians LIKED the people and so readily gave them what they asked for. Oh yes! They picked those Egyptians clean (MSG)

My dear! The #WordScattering# today is that – Everyone we come across will be “favorably disposed” towards us. We speak the favor of the Lord over our life. We declare that as we walk in divine favor — whatsoever we ask for will be given to us. We decree that the wealth of the Gentiles is ours. We declare that we are set free from every form of “Pharaoh” in our life. We speak peace to every stormy situation in our life. We decree that we have whatsoever God has promised us in His Word. We declare: this is our time of favor! We confess that we have favor in the sight of God and man.

As we continue in this season  – may the goodness, mercy & favor of the Lord continue to follow and be with us in all that we lay our hands upon.

Now let’s continue to scatter: Favor! Favor! Favor……!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Action time!

Hi Dear,

Thank God for today, Monday, the 15th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

We have been considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED#, using the Parable of the Sower/four soils” in Matt 13:4a – As he scattered the seeds across the field…. We have also looked at the importance of scattering the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

And this month of August has been tagged – the month of #WordScattering#. By this we mean: This is the time where we will confess the Word into our situation and see an immediate change. This is the time where we will decree things in the name of Jesus and see them come to pass in. This is the time where we will declare the complete counsel of God over our life. This is the time we will speak those things that “be not as though they are”. This is the time where we will speak by faith in the Word of God.

My dear! it’s action time! — Therefore, for the next couple of weeks, we will be looking together at specific scriptures that relates to different situation and activities of life. We will read, study, meditate and confess the Word together. We will apply the Word together. We will use the Word to pray together. We will believe and expect to see the manifestation of the Word. And we will encourage one another as we wait for the manifestation of the Word.

As we know our relationship with God is personal – sometimes the Word I feel laid in my heart to scatter might not be what you are scattering at that time. So please feel free to share any scriptures that God has laid in your heart as well.

May God help us as we take this practical steps together. I believe the Word of God will not return void but will definitely accomplish what it has been sent to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

Enjoy this scattering season!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#EncourageYourself#

Hey TGIFriday!,

Thank God for today, Friday, the 12th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged August the month of #WordScattering# and as we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word of God this season – let’s be blessed as we listen to the lyrics of the song by Donald Lawrence & Co: #EncourageYourself# [youtube]JbEaftzaFWA&ob=av3n[/youtube]

My dear! It’s time for us to encourage ourselves… It’s time to speak the Word over ourselves… It’s time to speak victory in the storm….It’s time to declare the truth of the Word of God to that situation….

As we continue in this new month of #wordscattering# — let’s continue to encourage ourselves in the Lord = in the Word!!

Have a Word-filled weekend.

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Action of Thorns!

Hey dear,

Thank God for today, Tuesday, the 9th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged the month of #WordScattering# – but before we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word — let’s look another important aspect of #WordScattering# in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13)

7 Other seed [of the same kind] fell among thorn plants, and the thistles grew and pressed together and utterly choked and suffocated it, and it yielded no grain. (AMPL)

Yesterday, we started talking about the thorns (concern for the world). Let’s look further at the action of the “thorns” —

1). The thorns starve the seed by sucking away all the nutrient available for the seed, and as there is only a certain quantity of nourishment in the soil – and if the thorns have it, then the seed must go without it. There is only a certain amount of thought and energy in a person; and if the world gets it, Christ cannot have it. If our thoughts are engaged with the care and pleasure of the world, then it cannot be effective when it comes to the things of the Kingdom (Word of God)

2). The thorns chokes the seed by keeping off the air and sun; the seed then became shriveled and weak, and unable to produce any good fruit. So it is with many “believers” — they are at first worldly, but not very worldly. They are fairly religious, but not too zealous. They seek the riches/pleasures of the world, but not quite as much as others around them. But very soon the thorns grow, and it becomes doubtful which will win: the world (sin) or (Word) Christ.

3). The thorns eventually takes over and the seed dies – There can’t be 2 masters so we must make a choice between God or mammon, the Word or the world, sinful life or holy life.

My dear! A life packed with materialistic pursuit will eventually crowd out the Word of God and make it an unfruitful life.

As we continue in this month of August – let’s take time to get rid of those things that are thorn-like in our life – cos it’s either we are in this thing (called Christianity) for real or not.

May God help us as we seek to live a thorn-free life!

Loving Regards

Temidayo

#WordScatt​ering# – Thorns

Hey dear,

Thank God for today, Monday, the 8th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged the month of #WordScattering# – but before we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word — let’s look at another important aspect of #WordScattering# in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) — 7 Other seeds fell among THORNS that GREW up and CHOKED OUT the tender plants (NLT)

Here we are told that some seeds fell among thorns – Thorn(s) is described in the Epistles as the care/worries of this world, the deceitfulness of riches (Matt 13:22), the pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14) and the lusts of other things (Mark 4:19). Looking closely at this verse:

The THORNS as the riches of the world is not just money and the things it buys, but the totality of attractive things the world offers — fame, power, glamour, social esteem, a life that is committed to the “creatures” but neglect the Creator.

And we are then told that these seeds that fell among thorns lived and continued to GROW until a time that the thorns begins to choke them. This means the thorns are actually choking the Word out of people who are actually “believer”… those who know/believe the Word and are members of a church; but whose religion seems to be buried beneath their worldliness.

Finally, we are told that these seed plant is CHOKED OUT by the thorns – the thorn chokes out the Word by working on people’s thoughts and distracting them from what should be their main concern. The thorns chokes out the word by turning people’s attention from doing God’s will as expressed in the Word of God.

As we continue in this season – May the Lord open our eyes to see those “thorns” in our path so that we can consciously control and remove them from our way/thought/life.

Enjoy a “thorn” free day!

#LawOfConf​ession#

Hey TGIFriday!,

Thank God for today, Friday, the 5th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart.

We have tagged August the month of #WordScattering# and as we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word of God this season – let’s be blessed as we listen to the lyrics of the song by Donald Lawrence & Co: #Law of Confession# – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyL3km9Hqxc.

[youtube]OyL3km9Hqxc[/youtube]

My dear! It’s time for us to operate the Law of confession. It’s time to use the simple formula/principle of confession. It’s time to say what has been said.

As we continue in this new month of #wordscattering# — Let’s start to say what God has said… let’s start to speak the Word to our situation… let’s start to confess the Word of God over our life.

Have a Word-filled weekend. Loving Regards,Temidayo

#WordScattering# – Stony Place

Hey dear,

Thank God for today, Thursday, the 4th of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged the month of #WordScattering# – but before we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word — let’s look another important aspect of #WordScattering# in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) – 5Some fell on ROCKY PLACES, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

Here we are told that some of the seeds that were scattered fell on rocky soil with stones. In the Jewish terms, a stony/rocky place is like a barren place which “is not fit for sowing”

Therefore, as stony place can be said to represent the people who are naturally hard-hearted and remain unbroken by the word. This represents people who are without any true sense of sin, and repentance for it.  This stony place represents the hearts of people without firm or true conviction. This can represent the people who believe the Word but never get round to doing anything about it. This stony place can represent people who allow the different persecutions, troubles & trials of life to take the Word of God from their heart. This can represent a person who refuses to continue to feed his/her soul with the Word. This can represent who are not committed to doing the things that can strengthen our faith. These represents people who actually believe the Word but have allowed the pressure of what they are going through to “choke” the Word from their life. This represents those who have failed the “test of faith”.

My prayer as we continue in this #WordScattering# season is that: We will continue to trust in God and not in man so that we will not be affected by the “pressure & heat” of life (Jeremiah 17:7&8)

As we continue in this new month — Let’s keep our trust in the Almighty God!!

Loving Regards,

Temiday

#WordScattering# – Wayside

Hey dear,

Thank God for today, Wednesday, the 3rd of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged the month of #WordScattering# – but before we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word — let’s look closer at some important aspect of #WordScattering# in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) –4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a FOOTPATH and the birds came and ate them” (NLT) — And as he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and ate them (AMPL) —

We are told that some of the good seeds the farmer scattered fell on the wayside and the birds came and ate the seeds before they could even germinate.

The footpath or wayside represent people who simply don’t understand the Word or refuse to believe the word of God when it is presented to them. And the birds represents the “wicked one” (presumably the devil), then comes to take the seed away before it can take any root at all in the person’s heart.

My prayer as we continue in this #WordScattering# season will be the prayer in the scripture – O Lord! help our unbelief and increase our faith (Matt4:24)

Have a faith-filed month!!

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering#: Various places!!

Hey dear,

Thank God for today, Tuesday, the 2nd of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a new beginning. Praise God…Hallelujah!

Still considering the G in D.E.L.I.G.H.T i.e. GodConnection in regards to the #SEED# — and how it’s important to scatter the seed of the Word that we have gathered in our heart. We have tagged August the month of #WordScattering# – but before we start to scatter i.e. declare the Word the Word together — let’s look at some important aspect of #WordScattering# in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13)

4 As he scattered them across his field, some SEEDS FELL on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other SEEDS FELL on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other SEEDS FELL among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other SEEDS FELL on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (NLT)

Looking at the scripture – we see that the farmer sowed good seeds but not all of them sprouted. We are told the seeds fell in various places: some on footpath, some on shallow soil with underlying rock, some among thorns & some on fertile soil. These various places signifies the various kinds of “hearers” of the word. These various places implies different spiritual states or level which exist.  These various places represent the different ways people respond to the Word of God. These various places can also represent the different phases or times in a person’s life. These various places represent the different level of faith that people operate in.

With this understanding in mind as we start to scatter the seed of the Word into the life of people this season – We should not be weary if it seems we are sowing the seed of the Word and not all of it is bring forth the results we desire. We should not be discouraged if it seems we do not see the results we expect. We should not give up if we don’t see the fulfillment of the Word we have spoken to that situation.

But we must be encouraged knowing that God through the Holy Spirit is the One who will cause the Word to germinate and bring increase  — as the scripture in the book of 1 Corin. 3:6  I  (Paul)) planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.

May God strengthen us as we continue in this #WordScattering# season.

Loving Regards,

Temidayo

#WordScattering#

Hey dear, Happy New August!

Thank God for today, Monday, the 1st of August 2011 – a day that the Lord has made so let’s begin this new day by rejoicing in the Lord. Let’s rejoice & be glad because now is the set time for a

Share
Posted on

Self Discovery: The Ultimate Path to True Happiness

How do we define ourselves? The process of giving oneself some kind of identity goes beyond a name and confidential details inscribed on a card or a passport. To journey down the road of self-exegesis without oversimplifying who we truly are is a challenging exercise that bears no categorical conclusion. For seldom do we uncover the truth about ourselves buried under the deluge of wills, mores, traits, impositions coming from an over bearing world which mount on our very being turning us into products we never were.

Does the true self even exist? The Greek philosopher Socrates admonishes us to uncover our true nature. Man, know yourself as he puts it. But is the self knowable? What we think we know maybe the outcome of the layer load imposed by the world around us. The sage’s advice nonetheless is worth pursuing for self knowledge is indeed the only key to happiness. Self knowledge guides and instructs us. We conduct our lives or rather we ought to conduct our lives based on what we know about ourselves and how we perceive our true nature. The true self á la Jean Paul Sartre does not even exist. According to him, Continue reading “Self Discovery: The Ultimate Path to True Happiness”

Share
Posted on

Human Relations and Motivation: Workplace Attitudes in Liberia

Background and Introduction:

Human relations and motivation of workers in public service is a significant human relation scenario at workplace that requires training of workers and administrators especially in the Liberian society. These concepts are so significant that they can destroy the image of the entity or result to dignifying the organization, or lead to productivity. At one time, employees were considered just another input in the production of goods and services. What perhaps changed this way of thinking about employees was research done through the Hawthorne Studies, conducted by Elton Mayo (Oribabor, 2000). The Hawthorne studies began the human relations approach to management, whereby the needs and motivation of employees became the primary focus of managers. Motivation has been the focus of many studies due to its crucial role in determining how people choose to use their limited and precious time and energy. Theories have developed with the goal of understanding how humans are motivated and to what ends motivation can be used. The interest in human motivation can be traced as far back as historical records go, and what motivates humans continues to intrigue us. Greek philosophers; medieval writers, such as Saint Augustine; nineteenth – century Europe philosophers; and Eastern thinkers of many centuries all have proposed more or less complete theories about motivation(Berry, 1998). Moreover, public service motivation may be understood as an individual’s predisposition to respond to motives grounded primarily or uniquely in public institutions and organizations (Rainey 1982). This paper discussed those human relation issues like motivation, job satisfaction and performance. Specific cases of human relations in the context of Liberia are discussed.

Fredrick Taylor Human Relations Context:

Friedrick Taylor was an American and one of the early management consultants in the world that believed in “industrial efficiency” (Wall Street Journal, 1997). He believed that by nature man is lazy therefore all his activities must be regimented and set in strict framework with the emphasis of time. Taylor understanding was the “Machine Approach”. Man must work like a machine. That is why his concept is referred to as “Scientific Management”. Fredrick Scientific Management concepts have been critique and there are other schools like the theory “Y” concept that brings a good relationship with the employer and employee. Theory “Z” has been considered the best and it is extremely applicable in Japan. Let me give you some analysis on the Liberia Human relation factors.

Motivation and Job Performance:

Motivation: It is typified as an individual phenomenon. Every person is unique and all the major theories of motivation allow for this uniqueness to be demonstrated in one way or another (Mullins, 1996).  Motivation is also the arousal and the force of an individual to engage in desired behavior. It concerns action, and the internal and external forces which influence a person’s choice of action. There are two types of motivation: Intrinsic and Extrinsic. The intrinsic motivation relates to psychological rewards such as the opportunity to use one’s ability while the extrinsic motivation is related to tangible rewards such as salary and fringe benefits, security, promotion, contrast of service, the work environment and conditions of work. Additionally, (Osterloh and Frey, 2000), stated that employees are extrinsically motivated if they satisfy their needs indirectly, especially through monetary compensation. Job satisfaction is not the same as motivation. Job satisfaction is more of an attitude, an internal state. It means therefore, many of the Liberians who misbehave at their workplaces without exerting professional skills, doesn’t necessarily mean they are satisfied or not but rather they have an awkward attitude at work place.  There are many propositions which states that satisfaction leads to performance but sometimes it may not be the case. Therefore, motivation, job satisfaction and performance are crucial concepts related to work place that require considerate efforts if work attitude must be enhanced.

HUMAN RELATIONS AND MOTIVATION AT THE LIBERIA WORKPLACES: SOME CASES

Let me illustrate some classical examples of human relation at Liberian workplaces:

TAXI DRIVERS: When you ask the taxi drivers about direction, they will not answer. In fact, they demand the charge that does not conform to the government transport arrangement. When you refused while they are driving, they harshly demand you to get out of the car. This is why in most cases; they refused to pick up the University of Liberia students because some of the students always have their government transportation regulation in their bag or pocket to show it to them at any point. In most restaurants, when you enter, the waiter or waitress will sit and wait upon you until you send for them. If you sometime make an error to ask for something that is not in the restaurant, they will say “what brought you here” or tell you something that will not be encouraging.

HEALTH CARE WORKER & JOHN F. KENNEDY: Some of the health care workers (Nurse, Registrar, and Physician Assistant) believed that the patients who are the victims must show respect at all times. Some of them have stated that they are not motivated by the administrators of their various health centers while it has been observed that their awkward actions come from their behavioral pattern. In early April, 2011, I went to visit a patient at John F. Kennedy Maternity Hospital, a lady who was a nurse aid or a medical practitioner insulted a visitor until I told her, “the lady has already apologized to you just leave her alone”. The medical practitioner continued to insult the lady until she had to suspend her visit. On the other hand, there was a medical practitioner who said she enjoyed working with her patient and their family in fact, she allows her phone to be used by all patients at all times, whenever there is a need .

Let it be noted that psycho-socio training is the foundation of the medical discipline, therefore all medical associates respect the psycho-social foundation in the medical field. It serves as the conduit for promoting the human relation factor of life.

TOTAL GAS STATION OFFICE: At the TOTAL office around LPRC, a lady in the customer service made me to buy the TOTAL card twice simply because she did not explain the process well to me. When I told her, she begun to yell, saying “You were not paying attention, just buy another one, Mr. Man.” I did not have cash on hand, thereafter; I had to lobby with a decent lady who works in the customer service to assist me. She did professionally what I requested her to do for my second card and her cash was refunded later.

DSTV OFFICE: It was so funny and discouraging when two men assuming to be in their fifties went early in the morning, precisely at 9 A.M. in the morning to transact. They were thrown out because according to the workers it was too early and they were not ready to start job. I hope my analysis will not be taken out of context, meaning it is politics. It was difficult to confirm whether they were motivated or not. But the human relation with the customer was not encouraging with the men.

CONCLUSION: Human relation is a unique attribute to workplace. Motivation, Job satisfaction and Performance are characteristics of human relation factors that can stimulate or enhance productivity. Productivity is about the relationship between quantity/quality of goods/services produced and the quantity of resources used to produce them (Onyeonoru, 2005). Workers must ensure that the maximum productivity is yielded. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the management that all the core issues with human relations are settled within the workplace. Liberian workers will have to be more committed and ready to pay attention to duty. Let it be noted that the buyer and seller must respect each other. But, interestingly once there is competition in the market, the buyer will have many options; therefore it is incumbent upon the seller to exert the basic strategic human relations framework.

Share