7 Fascinating Life Lessons From the Eagle

7 Fascinating Life Lessons From the Eagle

by | May 6, 2018 | Personal Development, Productivity

7 Fascinating Life Lessons from the Eagle
07

MAY, 2018

Samuel Osho
In centuries of human existence, a bird of significant strength has inspired a lot of people. It is one of the largest birds in the world, the Eagle – a symbol of bravery, courage, power, strength, and superiority.
Little wonder, it has found its way to the national symbols of 27 nations, the popular ones are the coat of arms of Germany, the Great Seal of the United States, the coat of arms of Nigeria, the coat of arms of Mexico, and the coat of arms of Ghana.
A trip to an eyrie will open your eyes to the mystery behind the embodiment of strength and uniqueness that an Eagle possesses. Eagles are powerfully-built birds of prey with a heavy head and beak.
It is one of the largest birds in the world, the Eagle – a symbol of bravery, courage, power, strength, and superiority. Click To Tweet
There are however lessons to learn from Eagles. If you imbibe these lessons, you will soar above life’s challenges like an Eagle.
The Seven Fascinating Life Lessons

1. Keen Eyesight

Eagles have extremely powerful eyes which are up to 3.6 times human acuity. This is primarily because of their large pupils which ensure minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light. They use their eyes for long-distance focus and clarity.
They are always alert as they keep watch on their territories. They are not caught unawares by predators and they spot their enemies from afar. They are not myopic, they are a step ahead of their prey and a hundred miles ahead of their competitors.

Lesson:

Anyone who will go far in life must have a vision with absolute clarity void of ambiguities. Make plans and don’t live for the moment. Don’t ever underestimate a man with focus and great vision, he will not only make a great leader but he will also live a meaningful life as he leads his life towards the gates of destiny.

Don’t ever underestimate a man with focus and great vision, he will not only make a great leader but he will also live a meaningful life as he leads his life towards the gates of destiny. Click To Tweet

2. High Flyers

Often, you must have heard this expression; “Soar high like an Eagle” and not “Soar high like a hawk”. This is because only Eagles have the intrinsic ability to soar. Soaring means to fly aloft with little effort, to rise or mount upward on wings in a rapidly or unusually high manner.

Eagles soar and this separates them from mingling with other birds. They are in a class of their own – a superior class up there that other birds long to be. Eagles can fly up to an altitude of 10,000 feet and they are able to land quickly to catch a prey.

Lesson:

High flyers stand out of the crowds; they live an outstanding life. When you soar high above obstacles, you create an extraordinary class of your own. You have got impeccable standards and your meaning of success does not necessarily need to be the same with the definition of others.

The journey in the outstanding lane comes at a price – it can be very lonely but be rest assured that you have got enough space to spread your wings for dominance and unrivaled influence.

The journey in the outstanding lane comes at a price – it can be very lonely but be rest assured that you have got enough space to spread your wings for dominance and unrivaled influence. Click To Tweet

3. High Builders

Eagles are not just high flyers, they are not temporary lovers of high flights, but they build nests in high places. When they fly up there, they scream loud; “We are here to stay, we are not going back down there.” Class is permanent but form is temporary. They craft nests in tall trees and high cliffs as a place of fortress and abode. They have an insignia which denotes greatness and an unrepentant urge to stay at the top always.

Lesson:

In life, when you think about greatness, don’t look at it as a destination but as a journey. Going to the land of greatness means you have decided to build a nest amidst the mountains of excellence and you are not returning to the valleys of mediocrity.

The strong proclivity for the top is just embedded deep underneath your skin and it drives you with unique spontaneity. You can’t hide it, it will always show anywhere you go because that’s what is in you – excellence!

Going to the land of greatness means you have decided to build a nest amidst the mountains of excellence and you are not returning to the valleys of mediocrity. Click To Tweet

4. Fearless

Eagles never give up and they are relentlessly focused on achieving their goal. They will never surrender to the overwhelming size or weight of their prey. They are fearless in their hunting strategies and some even prey on goats.

Lesson:

In life, we must learn to be fearless in the pursuit of success as we face the challenges on our way squarely knowing that the only option is a victory.

Victory will always come if only you are willing to dare the impossible, challenge the status quo and scare your fears till they shudder. On the other side of your fear, you will find triumph and success. Fear can make an Eagle live like a chicken.

In life, we must learn to be fearless in the pursuit of success as we face the challenges on our way squarely knowing that the only option is a victory. Click To Tweet

5. Tenacious

When torrents of wind cruise in the high heavens, other birds scamper for cover but only the Eagle stays up there. In the stormy gale, an Eagle spreads its large wings, takes advantage of the raging currents and soars to greater heights. This is amazing!

Lesson:

The storms of life will come in its season, what will you do? Will you run for cover? Or you take advantage of the storm to mount on greater heights? Will you be a chicken or be an Eagle?

The tougher the storm, the greater its possibility of taking you higher. It is as simple as writing examinations in school before going to the next level. The exams in your final year are tougher than the ones in your first year.

In the stormy gale, an Eagle spreads its large wings, takes advantage of the raging currents and soars to greater heights. This is amazing! Click To Tweet
“The eyesight for an eagle is what thought is to a man” – Dejan Stojanovic

6. Retreat for energy

Despite the wowing strength of an Eagle, the condition of its physical body begins to deteriorate when it reaches the age of 30 years. This makes its survival very difficult.
To regain its strength and vitality, it goes to a mountaintop or a cliff for a retreat which usually lasts for four to five months. It plucks off its feathers and knocks off its beak by hitting it hard against the rock.
During the retreat, the physical body undergoes a metamorphosis and new stages of the body emanate. This renewed life can last the Eagle for another thirty to forty years.

Lesson:

When the demands of life weigh into your schedule and you are almost drained, a retreat is strongly recommended to keep in constant touch with relevance. To keep the steam, a retreat is required, it helps to keep you in check and on point.

In your career or chosen field, there is a need to constantly keep up with what is going on; the latest trends, the new discoveries to remain evergreen with a dew of knowledge. The secret to public manifestation is a loaded bank account of private investments.

When the demands of life weigh into your schedule and you are almost drained, a retreat is strongly recommended to keep in constant touch with relevance. Click To Tweet

7. Nurture the younger generation

Eagles are known for strength and power which are handy tools for aggression. Research has shown that Eagles are very gentle and attentive to their younger ones.

They nurture and take good care of them till they reach maturity. The mother Eagle starts with a flying lesson for the eaglet when it discovers that the eaglet is up to the task. It flies in the air with the eaglet on the back of the mother Eagle; midway into the air, the Big Eagle removes itself from under the eaglet, the flying begins and the Mother Eagle catches it again. This process is repeated.

If the eaglet is a slow or coward learner, the Mother Eagle returns with the eaglet to the nest and destroys the nest right in front of the Eaglet and nudges the eaglet off the cliff to compulsory learn flying.

Lesson:

Great people invest in the younger generation by teaching them the lessons of life with love. They give their mentees daring challenges but never forget to empower and direct them in the proper way.

True success invests in others till they become successful in life. Whatever you have learnt in life, pass it on to worthy trustees and history will be kind to you.

True success invests in others till they become successful in life. Whatever you have learnt in life, pass it on to worthy trustees and history will be kind to you. Click To Tweet
Eagles are inspiring in unimaginable ways. Be that symbolic Eagle wherever you find yourself today.

15 Powerful Quotes from Mark Twain

15 Powerful Quotes from Mark Twain

by | Apr 18, 2018 | Personal Development, Productivity, Quotes

15 Powerful Quotes from Mark Twain
18
APRIL, 2018
Samuel Osho
If you check the annals of history and carefully search for giants in English literature, you will easily come across a phenomenal writer from America – Mark Twain. Twain’s humor can crack your ribs even on a bad day.
He orchestrated a plethora of adventures for his readers – from “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” he was a writer with a Midas touch. A therapeutic touch that makes you laugh and think at the same time.
Mark Twain was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. Interestingly, we share the same first name – Samuel. Unknown to many, Mark Twain is a pen name while the brain behind the pen is Samuel Langhorne Clemens.
He was famous in literary circles for his outstanding use of satire and humor both in prose and speech. Though some of his entrepreneurial adventures never turned out prosperous, he was one of the few writers who became wealthy through the proceeds of the pen.
He orchestrated a plethora of adventures for his readers - from 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' to 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' he was a writer with a Midas touch. A therapeutic touch that makes you laugh and… Click To Tweet
As you read some of his inspiring quotes, you should consider reading at least one of his books if you are yet to do so. “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” will be a good place to start.
Here we go:
The Fifteen balls of energy

1.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

2.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

3.

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heels that has crushed it.”

4.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.”

5.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”

6.

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”

7.

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

8.

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have the remember anything.”

9.

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

10.

“A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.”

11.

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

12.

“There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.”

13.

“I never let schooling interfere with my education.”

14.

“Everything has its limit – iron ore cannot be educated into gold.”

15.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

Bonus Quote: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great.” – Mark Twain
I am sharing these quotes because they have deeply inspired me to do more with my life. These quotes cover a range of life issues that we encounter in our daily endeavors. The words of the wise are truly treasured pearls; they guide us when in doubt of which path to follow.
It is your turn to share with me. I am curious! Which one of these quotes is your favorite? 

On Martin Luther King Jr: Your Dreams Are Still Valid

On Martin Luther King Jr: Your Dreams Are Still Valid

by | Apr 5, 2018 | Personal Development

On Martin Luther King Jr: Your Dreams Are Still Valid

4

APRIL, 2018

Samuel Osho

Few months before Theresa May moved into 10 Downing Street, a friend told me about his dream of securing a scholarship for a course in the United Kingdom. His academic records were in sharp contrast to the grades of the past winners of this scholarship and it looked more like a wishful thinking. But he did what most people often ignore – he went to work and gave a hard push on his dreams. He pushed so hard that the universe caved in and supported the feeble knees of his dreams until they became a reality.

Ever since 1968, April 4 has been separated as a day to reflect on the illustrious life of Martin Luther King Jr. A day when one of America’s greatest civil rights activist was killed in cold blood. Though he was assassinated, his dreams lived on. In fact, his dreams did the unthinkable. Close to half-a-century after his death, his dream produced America’s first black President. King’s tenacity to fight for the freedom of the blacks was beyond passion, he embodied it.

Before his name could fit perfectly on the lips of everyone, he paid a price. He sacrificed his comfort, his sleep, his peace and his life for a cause he believed in. King’s commitment lit the flames of passion in the hearts of his followers. Little sparks here and there started a movement that crushed the ideologies and laws of White supremacists in the US.

King's commitment lit the flames of passion in the hearts of his followers. Little sparks here and there started a movement that crushed the ideologies and laws of White supremacists in the US. Click To Tweet
As the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of King’s death, I have no intention of educating you about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. because a lot has been written and said about him. I am just here to give you a nudge as you pursue your dreams.

What price are you willing to pay for your dreams?

On January 26, 1956, King was arrested as part of a campaign to intimidate the bus boycotters in Montgomery. The bus boycott lasted for 382 days until victory was ascertained: the Supreme Court of the United States declared segregation laws on public transport to be unconstitutional.

Before his name could fit perfectly on the lips of everyone, he paid a price. He sacrificed his comfort, his sleep, his peace and his life for a cause he believed in. Click To Tweet
Four days after the arrest, his house was bombed.
In September 1958, he had a close shave with death when he was stabbed by an assailant at a book signing held in Harlem.
On October 19, 1960, King was arrested and sentenced to four months in jail. However, he was released shortly after intervention by the Kennedy brothers, John and Robert.
On December 16, 1961, King was arrested in Albany for leading a protest without a permit.
On July 27, 1962, he was arrested and jailed for holding a prayer vigil in Albany, Georgia. He was released on August 10.
On Good Friday, April 12, 1963, King was arrested and jailed alongside Ralph Abernathy for demonstrating without a permit in Birmingham. During his days in prison, he authored his historic “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
In May 1963, segregationists bombed Gaston Motel where King was staying.

 

On June 11, 1964, King was arrested while protesting for integration of public accommodations in St. Augustine, Florida.
On February 2, 1965, King was arrested in Selma, Alabama during a voting rights demonstration.
On August 5, 1966, a mob of angry whites stoned King while leading a march in Chicago.
On October 30, 1967, he was arrested and jailed in Birmingham for demonstrating without a permit. He spent four days in jail.

 

Before King’s dream placed him on the front cover of TIME Magazine in January 1964 as its Man of the Year, his dream landed him in jail on several occasions. He was stoned and described as crazy in the books of many. But the only reason we all read about him today was because he never gave up.
In the pursuit of your dreams, you may find yourself locked in solitude; a world of your own that makes you look like a cipher to others. People just find it hard to understand your spirited optimism about the future. Often, it looks like a prison but this is to let you know that you won’t be behind the bars forever.

 

Before King's dream placed him on the front cover of TIME Magazine in January 1964 as its Man of the Year, his dream landed him in jail on several occasions. Click To Tweet
King was popularly known for his non-violence methods of resisting opposition. Alongside his wife, Coretta, he travelled on a pilgrimage to India for a month in February 1959 to learn from the works of Mahatma Gandhi. Beyond his inspiring speeches and words that moved mountains of black segregation, he was approachable and compassionate at heart. He was special because he had immense love for the people.
At some point, while learning to use the ropes, you will need people. You can’t do it alone. You may need to reach out to a friend. Ask for the help of a mentor. Seek the counsel of others. If all you need to achieve your dream is you, then your dream is not big enough to influence the world.

 

<iframe width="560" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3vDWWy4CMhE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen>iframe>
For black segregation to end in the US, demonstrations were held, protesters were beaten, activists were killed but the dream thrived on. When the time was ripe for the dream to be tested, the man at the center of the movement had to pay the ultimate price. But today, black Americans are winning the war against racism because a man was bold enough to “have a dream.”
A day after delivering his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, he was killed by a sniper while standing the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.
<iframe width="560" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98k-pjN6nl0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
My friend, your dreams are still valid. You can still push through the blankets of obscurity and reach out to the world with your message of hope. Your prison today maybe the discomfort you go through because of some personal sacrifices but you never can tell who your dream will inspire tomorrow.
Everyone that met King before the 1963 historic speech “I Have a Dream” knew what he stood for. He kept talking about it to everyone.

 

“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral – and if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy tell him not to talk too long. Tell him not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize, that’s not important. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity” – Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Today is the best day to start writing that book and tell your friends about the song you have always wanted to write.
Many men and women have died but the best of them offered the world a gift before their last breath – a dream that outlives them. 
Your dreams are still valid. Let them breathe and let them blossom like the lilies by the riverside.

On Stephen Hawking: Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do

On Stephen Hawking: Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do

by | Mar 22, 2018 | Personal Development

On Stephen Hawking: Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do
20
MARCH, 2018
Samuel Osho
In 2012, I got a weird look from one of my mentors when he realized that I knew next to nothing about Stephen Hawking. It is in semblance with the shock that greets you when “a passionate Nigerian writer” tells you that he has read many books except for Chinua Achebe’s classic, Things Fall Apart.
My mentor instructed me to read “A Brief History of Time,” and watch the movie. This was how I fell in love with the British physicist Stephen Hawking. I pounced on the Internet and read almost anything I could find about Hawking. I was inspired by his story of resilience and dedication to greatness. His life chronicled the journey of a tenacious scholar that was in love with the laws behind the wonders of nature. His struggles were obvious but his doggedness placed his name amidst the stars.
Hawking, a genius who devised a plethora of laws in theoretical physics except for the theory of immortality has died at 76. As tributes pour in ahead of his burial at Westminster Abbey, I would like us to draw strong reflections from a life with a fleet of remarkable feats.
As tributes pour in ahead of his burial at Westminster Abbey, I would like us to draw strong reflections from a life with a fleet of remarkable feats. Click To Tweet
I am not going to bore you with black hole theories and his thought-provoking discoveries in cosmology, I will only show you the trying moments of his life.
His Tough Moments

1. The Awakening of the Genius Gene

At the age of 17 in 1959, Hawking was admitted into the prestigious University College, Oxford to study Physics and Chemistry after he aced his scholarship exams. Winning a scholarship to study at Oxford was a turning point in Hawking’s life as he was nicknamed “Einstein” during his college days because of his academic struggles. He never started out as the genius we all read about today. He graduated with a first class and proceeded to the iconic University of Cambridge for his Masters and Ph.D. degrees.
Winning a scholarship to study at Oxford was a turning point in Hawking's life as he was nicknamed 'Einstein' during his college days because of his academic struggles. He never started out as the genius we all read about today. Click To Tweet

2. The Diagnosis

In 1963 when Hawking was only 21, his doctors told him he had two more years to live. He was diagnosed with the motor neurone disease (aka amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, “ALS” or Lou Gehrig’s disease). The diagnosis came in while he was just starting out his graduate studies at Cambridge, he suffered a bit of depression but came out shining. His physical abilities deteriorated over the years, the paralysis ceased his ability to write, speak, and walk. He needed close friends and family members to convey his words to others but he frowned at been classified as a disabled person.
In 1963 when Hawking was only 21, his doctors told him he had two more years to live. Click To Tweet

3. Face to Face With Death

Hawking’s life was threatened in 1985 when he contracted pneumonia while he was on a trip to Switzerland. He got so sick that he was on life support for days and his wife, Jane Hawking had to settle for a tracheotomy which led to the permanent loss of his voice. Walter Woltosz, CEO of Words Plus developed a computer program called the “Equalizer” that assisted Hawking in communicating his thoughts to others via spoken words. With his fingers, he could press a switch that selects words and phrases from a pool of about 3,000 words, This made him produce about 15 words per minute with a mechanical version of his original voice.
He got so sick that he was on life support for days and his wife, Jane Hawking had to settle for a tracheotomy which led to the permanent loss of his voice. Click To Tweet

4. The First Book

Publishing a book when you have lost the ability to speak or write is a tall order. He started writing his first book in 1982 with the help of his assistant and editor. The book explained some of the complex theories that govern the universe in simple terms that everyone could understand.   In 1988, the book was published and it was titled, “A Brief History of Time.” It received massive media attention and was a great success. It has been translated into several languages and about 9 million copies sold. The book appeared on the British Sunday Times best-seller for a record-breaking 237 weeks. With the help of his children, he published many popular books later.
It has been translated into several languages and about 9 million copies sold. The book appeared on the British Sunday Times best-seller for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Click To Tweet

5. The Wonders of the Cheek Muscles

In the wake of his outstanding academic achievements and publication of his first book, his popularity soared, earning him more awards, international trips, and meetings with celebrities. Hawking’s paralysis got worse in 2005 when he lost the use of his hands, meaning he had to settle for another medium of communicating with his audience asides using his finger on a switch. He had to control his communicating device with the movement of his cheek muscles and produced at the rate of one word per minute.
He had to control his communicating device with the movement of his cheek muscles and produced at the rate of one word per minute. Click To Tweet
“Go the extra mile. It makes your boss look like an incompetent slacker.” – Stephen Hawking

6. The Space Flight Experience

In an interview with BBC in 2006, Hawking spoke about one of his secret desires of traveling to space. Unfortunately, he never achieved his dream of traveling to space via commercial flight before his death but he got so close. In April 2007, Hawking experienced weightlessness on a specially-modified flight, replicating the gravitational forces astronauts go through in space flights.
In April 2007, Hawking experienced weightlessness on a specially-modified flight, replicating the gravitational forces astronauts go through in space flights. Click To Tweet

7. Resting Amidst the Scholars

Interestingly, his final resting place at Westminster Abbey will be beside the graves of scholars like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. He died on the Pi Day, a day which coincides with the 139th anniversary of Einstein’s birth and he was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo’s death.
He died on the Pi Day, a day which coincides with the 139th anniversary of Einstein's birth and he was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death. Click To Tweet
His Favorite Quotes

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”

“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”

“My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.”

“I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers.”

“Quiet people have the loudest minds.”

“People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining.”

“We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn’t want to meet,”

“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.”
Hawking’s Last Speech on Stage
<iframe width="700" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IR3z4JoeDb8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen align ="center"></iframe>
In conclusion, this is an attempt to give a brief history of an erudite scholar that etched his name amidst the greats. This is the unveiling of a story that crushes all your excuses without mercy. In his death, he remains a genius in the books of many and a very controversial figure because of his unabashed atheistic views.

How to Crush Procrastination: 10 Tips That Work

How to Crush Procrastination: 10 Tips That Work

by | Mar 7, 2018 | Personal Development, Productivity

How to Crush Procrastination: 10 Tips That Work
05
MARCH, 2018
Samuel Osho
Time is running out, we don’t have control over it and we don’t even know how much we have left on earth. Time is so expensive; no one can afford to buy a second when death knocks or keep a minute in a vault to be used later. In our lazy shrines, we sacrifice time on the altar of excuses and find ways to convince ourselves that the best time to complete a task is tomorrow. Sadly, we never get it done until six weeks later.
According to psychologists, there are two classes of procrastinators: chronic procrastinators and situational procrastinators. For the chronic procrastinators, procrastination is a daily habit that has made them artists in the gallery of incomplete projects. They can hardly finish a task without either getting distracted or finding an excuse. Procrastination pops up occasionally in the schedule of situational procrastinators because of various reasons – tough projects, ambiguous tasks, unrealistic deadlines and many more.
Procrastination is a popular enemy of highly creative people especially writers and artists. Before the famous French poet and novelist Victor Hugo could craft epic novels like Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, he devised a plan: instructed his servant to strip him naked in his study and not return his clothes until an agreed time. It was reported that American author Herman Melville asked his wife to chain him to his desk while procrastinating the completion of his remarkable novel, Moby-Dick.

 

Time is running out, we don't have control over it and we don't even know how much we have left on earth. Time is so expensive; no one can afford to buy a second when death knocks or keep a minute in a vault to be used later. Click To Tweet
Unfortunately, Leonardo da Vinci did not tow the path of Hugo and Melvile, he failed to fight his procrastination. The legendary artist of Italian origin, Leonardo da Vinci, despite his amazing talents, he had a string of unfinished projects because of procrastination. It took him 16 years to complete his most celebrated work, the Mona Lisa (also known as La Gioconda).
Procrastination steals more than your time, it kills your productivity and litters your desk with a catalog of unfinished projects.  It’s that time of the year when timely completion of your projects is pivotal to your success.
Here are 10 possible ways that can be employed in tackling procrastination:
The Top 10 Tips That Work

1. Create a Plan

Don’t leave your projects hanging on the to-do list without a detailed plan. For the successful completion of each project, you need a plan which highlights the timeline of the project from start to finish. Projects without concrete plans are often pushed off to a later date that never shows up.
For the successful completion of each project, you need a plan which highlights the timeline of the project from start to finish. Click To Tweet

2. Break it down

Have you noticed that tasks with ambiguous titles are often pushed to the bottom of your to-do list? If you have a task like writing a book, it’s advisable to break it down into bits that can be processed easily. For instance, writing a book can have the following sub-tasks: Outline creation, creation of chapters, write the book with one chapter at a time, decide on a topic, editing, gathering of blurbs, choose a cover design and publishing.

3. Be realistic

When setting deadlines for your tasks, avoid unrealistic timelines. Set your deadlines based on the volume of work at hand and your capacity. For example, if you are giving a client the delivery date for the completion of a website design project, you need to consider the size of the website and the number of ongoing projects you currently have on your list.

4. Establish your priorities

Getting your priorities right is a catalyst that accelerates the completion of your projects. Having a list of priorities serves as a guide in choosing what next to do when you feel overwhelmed with numerous tasks.
Getting your priorities right is a catalyst that accelerates the completion of your projects. Click To Tweet

5. Manage your time

Crushing procrastination boils down to how well you manage your time. Are you using your time productively? Not all “busy” people are productive. Do you have a detailed plan that shows how you want to spend your day based on an hourly schedule? A schedule will ensure you do the right task at the right time. Improper management of your time will lead to a backlog of incomplete tasks and hence procrastination.
Improper management of your time will lead to a backlog of incomplete tasks and hence procrastination. Click To Tweet
“You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin

6. Minimize distractions

Wasting of time usually emanates from our inability to starve our distractions. In this age where we treat our phones like babies in need of food and attention. Every ping from notifications controls more than the motion of your fingers but also the direction of your head. There is an increase in the demand for your attention and the ongoing competition for your focus never seems to wane. To crush procrastination, you must deal with your distractions before they deal with you.
Wasting of time usually emanates from our inability to starve our distractions. In this age where we treat our phones like babies in need of food and attention. Click To Tweet

7. Harness the power of positive thinking

Have you set out time to think about how fulfilled you will be when you eventually complete your unfinished projects? Make out time and write all the positive things that will happen to you when you stop procrastinating. Make a list of all the things that will be in perfect shape when you act instead of staying idle. To set you on your feet, you can check the flip side of the coin – look at the negative things that may happen if you don’t stop procrastinating today. You will be amazed.
Make out time and write all the positive things that will happen to you when you stop procrastinating. Click To Tweet

8. Avoid perfectionism

A huge chunk of perfectionists are victims of procrastination. A lot of books are still sitting on dusty shelves because the writers felt they are not fit to grace the glare of the public. Even though they have spent hundreds of hours editing and reviewing the book, the perfectionist syndrome will not allow them to publish it. Give your best when executing a project and do quality work but don’t be entrapped by perfectionism.
Give your best when executing a project and do quality work but don't be entrapped by perfectionism. Click To Tweet

9. Get an accountability partner

In today’s world where freedom is often misinterpreted, getting an accountability partner may sound odd. I quite understand the craze for self-sufficiency but having an accountability partner on very key projects in your life can be very helpful. Projects like writing a book, creating a podcast, writing an essay, running a blog and many more. An accountability partner will be someone that can check on you at any time to ask about your progress. You must be open and very comfortable with this person; it works like magic.
An accountability partner will be someone that can check on you at any time to ask about your progress. You must be open and very comfortable with this person; it works like magic. Click To Tweet

10. Reward yourself

Whenever you complete a task, you can reward yourself with an activity for relaxation or a break. A Pomodoro Timer works based on this principle: get a break of five minutes after working for 25 minutes. In a broader sense, you can say, “I won’t go to the movies to watch Black Panther until I am done with writing the term paper for BIO 112.” In other words, watching the movie is the reward for finishing your term paper on time.
Whenever you complete a task, you can reward yourself with an activity for relaxation or a break. Click To Tweet
In conclusion, I hope this helps you to crush procrastination and say goodbye to writing essays when it’s two days to submission day. I equally struggled with procrastination and have tried all the methods mentioned above on different occasions, they really worked.
If you have any other tips for crushing procrastination that I omitted in my article, please feel free to drop them in the comments section.

 

15 Inspiring Quotes from John Maxwell on Success and Leadership

15 Inspiring Quotes from John Maxwell on Success and Leadership

by | Feb 12, 2018 | Personal Development, Productivity, Quotes

15 Inspiring Quotes from John Maxwell on Success and Leadership
12
FEBRUARY, 2018
Samuel Osho
Leadership is often regarded as a mesh of complex theories and a web of mysteries until Maxwell came on the scene. American author, John C. Maxwell, demystifies the indispensable concept of leadership with simple words and inspiring stories. His riveting message is specially designed for anyone who aspires to be a courageous leader in his/her sphere.
Maxwell has published over 30 books and sold over 20 million copies. He is a leadership coach and expert with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades of attending to the needs of world leaders and employees of Fortune 500 companies.
Photo Credit: www.johnmaxwell.com
When the going gets tough and you are wearied by the heavy blow of failure, words of inspiration may be all you need to awaken the strength within. Words are powerful, words have power, and words can be your power. These quotes from Maxwell are motivating nuggets – amazing balls of energy that can propel you to the next stage in life.
When the going gets tough and you are wearied by the heavy blow of failure, words of inspiration may be all you need to awaken the strength within. Click To Tweet
Let’s get started!
The Fifteen balls of energy

1.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – John C. Maxwell.

2.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – John C. Maxwell.

3.

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” – John C. Maxwell.

4.

“Live to learn and you will really learn to live.” – John C. Maxwell.

5.

“People’s capacity to achieve is determined by their leader’s ability to empower.” – John C. Maxwell.

6.

“Motivation gets you going, discipline keeps you growing.” – John C. Maxwell.

7.

“You will never change until you change something you do daily.” – John C. Maxwell

8.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” – John C. Maxwell.

10.

“Goals may give focus, but dreams give power.” – John C. Maxwell.

11.

“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” – John C. Maxwell.

12.

“A minute of thought is greater than an hour of talk.” – John C. Maxwell.

13.

“Leader become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” – John C. Maxwell.

14.

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell.

15.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell.

Bonus Quote:

“The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying.” – John C. Maxwell

It’s high time you focused on excellence and watch success chase you pants down. Steer your life in the direction of purpose and find the courage to smile in the midst of your worries. Fight through self-doubt and be a strong leader both for yourself and those who follow you.
It is your turn to share with me. I am curious! Which one of these quotes is your favorite? 

Pin It on Pinterest