BE INSPIRED TO LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAM

Constructive Engagement of the Owhrode Youths for Sustainable Development

2010-11-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

A KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY MR. ADOGBEJI JAHO AT THE FIRST OWHRODE NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT/AWARD CEREMONY ORGANISED BY OWHRODE DEVELOPMENT UNION WITH THE THEME, “CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT OF THE OWHRODE YOUTHS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” HELD AT OWHRODE TOWN HALL ON SATURDAY 6^TH NOVEMBER 2010.

Chairman of the Summit

Special Guest of Honour

Spiritual Father of the Day

Resource Persons & Speakers

Chairman, Owhrode Community & Exco Members here present

Elders here present

Participants

Invited Guests

Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen

Let me begin by specially welcoming you all to this summit, which is the first of its kind not only in Owhrode but in the entire Udu Kingdom (though I stand to be corrected). This initiative, in my opinion is a clear indication of the dawn of a new era in the socio-economic, political and cultural journey of the Owhrode people. This summit is capable of sparking off the desired flame of hope necessary for the illumination of any dark cloud covering the Owhrodes in all facets of human endeavours.

It is still an assumption for me to state here that we all appreciate the need for a summit of this nature at this point in time. One of the tasks set out for us today is to turn this assumption into a belief system generally held to be true among majority of the Owhrodes.

Let us ask ourselves this simple question: WHY HOLD THIS SUMMIT?

Well, the various resource persons chosen to speak today would provide more answers to this question, but let me take some time to give a general overview of the subject matter.

It was the famous Greek philosopher, Socrates who once said that, “an unexamined life is not worth living”. That axiom is as relevant today as it were when it was propounded long before the birth of Jesus Christ.

We, the Owhrodes have a life that is worth living hence we are gathered here today to take stock of ourselves, most especially the youths.

Please do permit me a little digression. Talking about youths, who is a youth? Here are few definitions worthy of consideration:

· “The time of life when a person is young, especially the time before a child becomes an adult” ….. Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary

· “Any person between the ages of 14-24” …. United Nations

· “Any person between the ages of 14-25” …. World Bank

· “Any person between the ages of 15-35” …. African Youth Charter

The above definitions, in my estimation succeeded at narrowing the concept of the word youth to a mere issue of age bracket. When you view this with the lens of current day reality, most especially in Nigeria, you will agree with me that the issue of youth has advanced beyond the mere reference to age bracket. Based on this, I wish to share with you a statement on youth that seems to be more appropriate to our circumstances:

· A youth is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting and, when you are gone, attend to those things which you think are important. You may adopt all the policies you please, but how will they be carried out depends on him. He will assume control of your cities, states and nation. He is going to move in and take over your churches, schools, universities and corporations. The fate of humanity is in his hands. So it might be well to pay him some attention.

…. Author Unknown

Welcome back to our question- Why hold this summit?

From the discourse so far, I am sure the essence of the summit is gradually unfolding itself. However, I would not like to take the risk of leaving the matter too open for everyone to draw his/her own conclusion as this would create a fertile ground for absolute confusion.

In simple terms, we are here today to take stock of how we have fared in the past, how we are faring now, and how prepared we are for the challenges ahead. In taking a look at this, the youths have a pivotal role to play both in the present and in the pregnant future.

What are some of the indices with which we can compare the past with the present and chart a new and profitable/enduring course for the future? This is why we have brought together men and women who shall take their time to speak on various topics. Please don’t pretend to have forgotten the theme of the summit, it reads, “Constructive Engagement of the Owhrode Youths for Sustainable Development”. In the course of doing justice to this topic, we may be confronted with some bitter truths which may not appeal to our hearing and listening device, but this (I mean undiluted truth) is one of the pillars upon which great institutions are built.

Still talking about indices, upon which of them can we make comparison? Let’s take a closer look at the following:

CULTURAL HERITAGE

When I was growing up as a child in the late 70’s and early 80’s, my late parents (may God grant them eternal rest) used to bring us home whenever the once in three years festival was to be held (I don’t know whether this was due to their religious background- my father was more of a traditionalist, though a one-time pastor, while my mother was a sort of a free thinker who was ready to swim and sink with her beloved husband). We (I mean my siblings and myself) always look forward to the next festival, not merely because of the entertainment, but because it used to be an opportunity for us to reunite with some of our family members. In those days, it used to be the gathering of ‘who is who’ in Owhrode with the youths playing a major role. Owhrode community was placed in number one position when it comes to Ikenike entertainment. We have abandoned this rich cultural heritage simply because we have tagged the Ikenike Dance as idol worshipping. Can’t we do something to at least reform this rich cultural display which is capable of attracting tourists to Owhrode as it used to be, thereby increasing our source of income, mostly for the teeming population of unemployed but capable Owhrode youths? For your information, we lost this position to other villages that were not in the same ranking with us. It has become so bad that whenever Owhrode people are contacted for Ikenike Dancers we contract it to neighbouring villages in most cases. Is this progress or retrogression? A comparison of what transpires in places like Lagos and Cross River states where Eyo festival and Calabar carnival are celebrated respectively with the state governors playing pivotal role would provide ready answers. Am I advocating for a total return to idolatry? Tufie!!! I am talking of reforms that could make Owhrode a beehive of cultural activities with its attendant multiplier effects.

EDUCATION

The first two Urhobo sons to be sponsored by Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for further training in preparation to take charge of the then new Urhobo College, Efurun, were M. G. Ejaife and E. N. Igho (an Owhrode son) who read Biology at Downing College, Cambridge University in England. On their return from abroad they became principal and deputy principal respectively. History has it that our own E. N. Igho had a Masters degree while Ejaife had a Bachelors degree (I stand to be corrected).

I am very sure that the feat achieved by our respected (but less celebrated by us) E. N. Igho was the springboard upon which the Owhrodes climbed and are today being referred to as educationally sound people. E. N Igho was our hero and role-model. But how are we faring today?

In my opinion, we have not fared badly, but there is great room for improvement. The Owhrodes have made meaningful impacts in many disciplines- we have produced Judges, Magistrates, and so many Lawyers (but we are waiting to celebrate one of our own as a SAN), we have among us Chartered Accountants, Medical Doctors, Engineers, Administrators, Lecturers (we are still waiting to celebrate our full fledged professors), the list could go on and on.

Can we now jump on the top of our roof and go into wild celebration? I am afraid, my answer is NO! Why? if you may ask. From the look of things, some of our youths have decided to turn us into a laughing stock with their actions. Can you imagine that whenever a visitor enters Owhrode from the primary school axis he/she is embarrassed with thunderous greetings? What do you have to say about the enlistment of our youths in odd and life-threatening profession?

Your guess is as good as mine.

POLITICS

For the sake of reminding ourselves, although I stand to be corrected, the last time an Owhrode man represented the whole Udu through an election into that particular office was in 1983 with the election of Hon. Double Chief M. O Oghenekaro to the then Bendel State House of Assemblies under the platform of NPN (we have produced a Local Government Chairman twice, Vice Chairman, and Secretary but most of them were through appointments).

There are still many key political positions yet to be occupied by an Owhrode son or daughter. What does this portend for the Owhrode people? In my own reckoning, 27 years after producing a State House of Assembly member we are still dragging our feet in the muddy waters of politics. We must as a matter of urgency, chart a new course for the youths and thank God the youths are here and they are listening.

LEADERSHIP AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS

· It was Plato who said that, “Leadership is a skill to be acquired, except in a society where the blind leads the blind with the inevitability of falling into a pit, the most experienced, the most educationally qualified person of proven integrity, and morally upright should be allowed to rule in any decent society”. The crème of persons aspiring to leadership position should now become a thing of concern to all of us. Our current system encourages zoning, but in the past it was based on merit/popularity. Should we sacrifice merit and popularity on the altar of zoning?

· As a people, when was the last time we embarked on a community self-help project? I can’t see any in most recent time. From all indication we have abandoned our role as members of the community. Hear what Late Pa Mukoro Mowoe (one of the founding fathers of Urhobo Progress Union and second President General) has to say about this, “my belief is that every being born into the world has a duty to perform to his people … … .. any one of you who should fail to play his or her part for the upliftment of our dear tribe , it were better that he or she had not been born at all”. Mukoro Mowoe made this statement during his campaign and struggle for the establishment of Urhobo College, Effurun.

The most visible self-help project I can see today in Owhrode is the Community Town Hall which coincidentally happens to be the venue of this summit. Just imagine where we would have been if the tempo with which the Community Town Hall was built was sustained. A leading authority in Urhobo history, Prof. Peter Ekeh, while trying to stress on the importance of community sponsored initiative have this to say, “we live in an era in which community efforts have once again become mandatory for groups that wish to overcome the handicaps imposed by circumstances of poor governance”.

· What has happened to respect for elders and constituted authority? As a group we must not fold our hands and watch things slide from bad to worse, with our youths trampling on the laws of the land (and constantly going scot-free). Ivan Turgenuv, a respected Russian Novelist, once said that, “youth energy must be moderated and sustained so that they don’t become anarchist or slaves”. He also said that, “if your children are not better than you, you must have fathered them in vain”.

CONCLUSION

How can we retrace our steps and live with the glorious tenets for which we were known for? Can we really become united once again?

My dear brothers and sisters, are we prepared for the challenges ahead? Well, that is why we are gathered here today as children of one father. Our resource persons and the participants here present are at the verge of charting a new course for Owhrode.

Once again I most sincerely welcome you all to this summit as I implore you to pay rapt and undivided attention while our speakers mount the podium.

Don’t forget, “if cobwebs unite they can tie up an elephant”. These are not my words, it is an Ethiopian proverb.

THANK YOU

YOU MUST TAKE ACTION

2010-10-21T11:24:00.002-07:00

There is a great difference between a man of knowledge and a man of wisdom. Knowledge is defined as the facts, information, understanding and skills that a person has acquired through experience or education. Wisdom on the other hand can be defined as, the ability to make good and serious judgements because of one's experience and knowledge. Put another way, knowledge is that which is known, while wisdom is the ability to make right use of knowledge.

Commenting on the difference between knowledge and wisdom Sandra Carey has this to say, “never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you to make a living; the other helps you make a life”.

We can deduce from the above that knowledge is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The person who has read this book to this extent must have benefited something, but that is not all. The onus rests on you to take the next but bold step; putting what you have learnt or benefited into practice.

You must be inspired. That is a true statement. But those who are leaders, those who are heroes, those who are winners, those who are champions, those who are geniuses, do more then being inspired. They also aspire. This category of people put into practice the knowledge they have acquired and that single attribute makes a great difference. No wonder it is often said that, “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. One philosopher said that, “knowledge without application is useless”.

History is awashed with men of aspiration. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, discovered the secret of producing the incandescent lamp and he went ahead to produce same, thereby leaving his footprint on the sand of time. Mahatma Gandhi, as a lawyer came to realize the oppressive nature of British rule in his native country-India. He didn't stop there; he went ahead to mobilize the people and fought the colonial masters to a standstill without arms, but through protest and demonstrations. Ted Turner. Conceived the idea of reporting events to the world 24 hours non-stop. He went ahead to establish Cable News Network (CNN) International. It became the first television station worldwide to report events all day non-stop. The Wright Brothers told their friends that they were about to produce a machine that will fly in the air. They took the bold step, transformed their idea into reality and that gave birth to aeroplane. Leo Stan Ekeh, came to realize that the computers produced by most foreign companies are not taking cognizance of the Nigeria environment. He went ahead and assembled ZINOX computers the first Nigeria computer to be certified internationally.

Do not be deceived; an inspired man must aspire before he can live the life of his dream. The will to do must be present. Theron Q. Dumont said it best in the following words, “the will to do is the greatest power in the world that is concerned with human accomplishment and no one can in advance determine its limit. If you possess all the knowledge in the world without applying it to your daily life, such knowledge is nothing but inert knowledge. The essence of knowing something is to apply it when such a need arises. Those who win not only aim at the object alone they also go as far as hitting it.

Dear reader, you have done noble for coming thus far, however, you must take action. Do not be complacent as complacency breed failure. Achieving results in any endeavour required adequate preparation, careful planning and above all participation. One writer said, “this world is blessed mostly by men who do things, not by those who talks about doing”.

Take the initiative to act on the fountain of life-transforming statements (including the anecdotes) contained in this book. Make corrections in your life little by little where there is need to do so. Do not try to rationalize your irrational and unsound ways of life, if you rationalize it you cannot be inspired rather you will expire. Ralph Waldo Emerson points out that, “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds”. Robert Kiyosaki asserts thus, “small people remain small because they think small, act alone, or don't act at all”. Williams Hazlitt said that, “great thoughts reduced to practice become great act”.

The famous Greek philosopher Socrates once said that, “an unexamined life is not worth living”. Why not sit at your quiet time to make a personal appraisal and assess what is working and what is not working. Then go further by, stop doing what is not working and look for a new way of doing it. The great author Robert Kiyosaki defined insanity as doing the same thing the same way and expecting a different result.

The Bible admonishes us not to be hearers of the word only but that we should also be doers. The great and famous writer of all-time William Shakespeare paraphrased it this way, “but great in act, as you have been in thought. Suit the action to the word and the word to the action”. On his part, the famous Greek Philosopher, Aristotle puts it this way, “the object of our inquiry, is not to know what goodness is but to become good ourselves”. The bottom line of it all is that, knowledge of what we ought to do is not sufficient without the kind of self-discipline necessary to ensure that we do it.

AFFIRMATIONS

This book would be grossly incomplete if I fail to mention with all sincerity the power of prayer. “Pray incessantly”. The Bible admonishes. Let us take a look around the world and check whether we can find any religious group that forbids (or prohibits its member from) the act of prayer. Well, in my little enclave I have not seen any. Although the religions defer in their doctrines and beliefs but I think they all appreciate the importance of prayer. As such, always pray to God for Him to grant you the ability to apply your knowledge aright.

Psychologists and other renowned writers have repeatedly said that prayers cannot produce their desired aim in a mind full of doubt and fear. Napoleon Hill confirmed this fact in the following words, “the subconscious mind takes any orders given it in a spirit of absolute faith, and acts upon those orders, although the orders often have to be presented over and over again, through repetition, before they are interpreted by the subconscious mind”.

Affirmations are faith-inspiring prayers repeatedly said and sent to our subconscious mind through autosuggestion. As one writer puts it, “by repeatedly sending affirmations to your subconscious mind, you are telling it that you believed in the words contained in the affirmation, as such it (the subconscious mind) should believe and act on them.

Affirmations (positive and constructive ones) can be used to replace negative thought in our minds since it is a psychologically proven fact that the human mind can only hold one thought at a particular time. “Nature”, they say, abhors a vacuum”.

Listen to what one writer has to say on the use of affirmations, he said, “You can literally talk yourself into a new frame of mind! You can affirm confidently the things you want in life. But your affirmations must be positive and constructive”. He went on, “work out your needs, and decide beforehand which of your problems you are going to deal with first. Deal with one specific problem at a time and at each session; frame a suitable positive affirmation to deal with your problem ---. So prepare to give yourself suggestions to radiant health, happiness, calmness, poise, tranquility, friendliness whatever you desire. This will release your fears and worries, replacing them with ideas that will set in motion the immense creative forces within you”. The French Chemist, and psychologist Emile Cove concluded that, “we possess within us a force in in calculable power. When we direct it in a conscious and wise manner, it gives us mastery of ourselves”.

On her part Catherine Ponder declared, “one oral utterance, which boldly states how you want your life to be, is worth more than a dozen books read or lectures attended. Spoken words describing the good you want, help you to claim it and release it into your own life quickly”.

In line with the findings of psychologists we can talk ourselves into better moods. For example, one writer coined an affirmation on fighting fear and worry as follows:

MY UNLIMITED FAITH IN GOD IS MY CONSTANT PROTECTION.

WHEREVER I AM, WHEREVER I GO I SHALL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ART WITH ME. NEITHER SIN, NOR EVIL, NOR FAILURE HAS POWER IN MY LIFE BECAUSE IN TRUTH THERE IS ONLY GOD.

I RISE ABOVE EVERY THOUGHT OF FEAR AND DOUBT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT GOD IS ALWAYS AT MY SIDE.

Just like the lines above, one can coin his own lines to suit the circumstance he wants to fight. For instance, in order to have direction and remain calm in the face of unfavourable conditions, Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr gave the following lines:

“OH GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE”.

On his part Emile Cove, the French chemist and psychologist gave the following lines to promote happiness and general well being:

EVERYDAY, IN EVERYWAY I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.

Catherine Ponder has this to say on affirmation to promote happiness:

DIVINE LOVE EXPRESSING THROUGH ME NOW DRAWS TO ME ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO MAKE ME HAPPY AND MY LIFE COMPLETE.

As Nigerians would always say, you are on your own (in the use of affirmation) because it is only you that knows the nagging problem of your life. There is a saying that “He that wears the shoe knows where it pinches.”

Adogbeji Jaho is a motivator, writer and a Chartered Accountant

Getting Inspired And Motivated The Easy Way

2009-08-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Inspiration and motivation are the engines that make you drives towards your goals. Inspiration gets you going and fires you up in the first place while motivation is what you need a continual supply of to make it all happen. Here are some ideas to fuel your inspiration and high on your motivation.

Visualize your goal. Spend a few minutes a day with your eyes closed, visualizing your goal and experiencing it with your senses. See, smell, hear and feel how it will be. This makes it extremely real and allows the cellular memory to start activating your physiology to change.
Feel the achievement of that business success or career position: the joy, triumph, elation or even relief. Here the "sounds" of your success: the compliments, the applause, the speech. Imagine the trappings, the new house, the car, money in your bank etc.

Reinforce your goals. Write up your goals in big letters and paste them all over in your house if possible. You can try putting hanging them in the bathroom. Every morning, you can check them over, sing them out and get daily dose of motivation. (Get them laminated though, you do not want your papers to get soggy and disappear down the drain.) Another great place to write your goals is on the back of the toilet door. You need to visit it at least a few times in a day! This guarantees several minutes of goal reinforcement each day.

Listen to motivational speakers and audios. Attend networking functions with motivation speakers. Not only can you learn and be inspired by the energy these events generate, you will be mixing with similarly motivated people. Listen to success and motivation audios in your car or MP3 players. Choose something that relates to your goal and play it to inspire you and reinforce your intentions on the way to work.

Get support from a mentor. Find someone who has already achieved your goal or has lots of relevant knowledge and experience and can see the potential of what your are doing. Ask them to be your mentor. Set up a schedule of meetings with them, face to face or on the phone. Even an exchange of emails once a week will be great. Good mentors and truly successful people who will not feel threatened by sharing what they have learned. They know there is always enough success to go around.

Take a break. It is amazing how the simple act of getting out of your office or business for fifteen minutes can fuel your inspiration and motivation. Go for a short walk or have a coffee. As your body moves, your enthusiasm and energy will start to flow again. A home office, especially, can often become quite claustrophobic. Adopt a favorite coffee shop as your other "office". Use it as somewhere to go to plan or consolidate your ideas away from your desk

5 Tips For Achieving Positive State of Mind

2009-08-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

In this current climate it is very easy to lose perspective and give in to the doom and gloom around us. So here are some tips to help you re-focus on making the most of your business and your life. Try them out today!
1. Use a positive mental image (e.g. a holiday, a beach, a person/pet) to brighten up your day. Picture this image on your journey to work or have a few cheerful images around on your desk or working area.
2. Decide in your mind what attitude you are going to have for the rest of the day - make it a positive one! If you wake up and it is raining and you think you are going to have a bad day then that is exactly what will happen so turn it around, ignore minor frustrations and make the most of the day ahead.
3. Have some time off and enjoy yourself. Liberate yourself from day to day routine and indulge in something other than work. Give yourself some mental freshness every day even if it is only for 5 - 10 minutes!
4. Look after your body as well as your mind - a healthy diet and some exercise on a regular basis - works wonders for your whole self. Do something you enjoy - walking, yoga, swimming or biking - whatever is your thing.
5. And finally my thought for the month - "There is always a choice about the way you do your work even if there is not a choice about the work itself." So whatever you do make sure you do it with style and a positive attitude.

Courage to Be Different

2009-08-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Not everyone wants to stand out from the crowd and do things differently from everyone else. Some people enjoy going with the flow and being the average person. To those who want to stand apart, I'm writing to you today.
It takes courage to be different. A courageous woman sees changes that need to be made in her life, family or situation and despite opposition; she goes forward and makes those changes. Many times important responsibilities to be done are not for the faint of heart. Each time one embraces a challenge in spite of opposition, she becomes a stronger person. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
Taking the leap of faith to home school, as one example, is not an easy task. You may not have the support or encouragement of your friends and family. While in public you may be scrutinized or criticized vocally or in passing judgmental whispers and stares. Susan B. Anthony, wise woman that she was said this, "Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences."
One thing I've noticed is if we share a decision we're making with friends, and we don't have a strong resolution one way or the other, the person listening may think it is an open invitation to sway you in the way they think you should go. I've learned through experience that a well meaning friend or family member may add to my confusion in important decisions and I have lost courage temporarily in my resolve. I now try to be careful in mentioning a decision or problem that has not been resolved or decided upon, unless I respect her take on it and want her wisdom and advice. It is a good rule to make important life decisions between you, God and your spouse. I find that I can share openly once the decision is made, without waffling back and forth.
I've never been a "by the book" person and I choose the road less traveled. I have a large family. I'm religious. I home school my children. By all accounts, I'm not your typical peanut butter and jelly. I'm more roast beef on rye. That's okay. What matters most is that your own life decisions bring you great joy. I love my life and I know I'm doing what is right for me and my family. My life decisions also bring opposition in the form of criticisms from many who don't understand. Just knowing this makes it easier at times to resist the opposition, knowing that it will come.
Take courage. If you are thinking of making an important change in your life, especially one that goes against societies "norm" such as homeschooling, joining a new church, or staying home instead of working 9-5 at a regular job, know that it is not without sacrifice, but it is always worth it in the end. I would much rather have no regrets than live wishing I had taken the leap of faith to be a little different for a better good. Let each criticism strengthen your resolve and forge through, move forward, continue on. You are not alone. Many times I am relieved and happy to find others who are making the sacrifice to be courageous too. Don't forget that, in being different for a better good, you are making a difference in your life and an example in the lives of those who know you.
Shiloah Baker is a mother of seven children and homemaker who resides in North Carolina. She is the owner of Homemaking Cottage & Co., a website which offers homemaking related articles, books, eBooks, ideas, other homemaking related materials, and a subscription service. For more information go to: http://www.homemaking-cottage.com or her blog at http://homemakingcottageblog.blogspot.com to learn how she raises seven children and runs a business at home

2009-08-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

Great inspirational quotes are sure some of the good ways in helping people in motivating them in their professional life, thereby attaining success. There are in fact countless of helpful and motivating inspirational quotes to choose from-ranging from the humorous to the practical. These kinds of inspirational quotes are really useful in our daily lives, may it be in our careers, our personal lives and especially reaching for our goals or even just maintaining a positive outlook in life. Reading some inspirational quotes especially on a regular basis is one way to effectively lead us to a more inspiring and happy life.
And here are some ways on why reading and absorbing inspirational quotes could enhance your life, and be fulfilled in our lives. 1. There is roughly endless cornucopia of inspirational quotes and you're free to choose from them! And in other words, you never run out of them-you are free to choose whichever you like and which ones apply in your current state of mood or your life in general. Plus, they are for free-providing you with the best and the positive insights to guide or enlighten us without even paying for a single cent! Browse the World Wide Web for many motivating quotes and the choices are limitless.
2. These quotes aid in beating the habit of procrastination. It's given that this habit is one of the most difficult issues that most individuals struggle with. Indeed it's tough to overcome it, so you need a heavy dose of inspiring messages to motivate you to do better and stop procrastinating. Especially when you're experiencing some problems or difficulties in your life, being inspired or motivated is the best way to deal with it. 3. They serve as quick motivational starters. Reading these inspirational quotes certainly improves your life even just temporarily. They provide a quick "lift" to lighten your mood and look at the bright side of life and go on working on what's about to be done and must be finished at a certain period.
After reading these statements, naturally, it will give you a better sense of direction aimed at your goals and will let you feel that you've got the energy to work on them. 4. Inspiring quotes help you from dealing or coping with extreme sadness or depression. From the name itself, these inspirational quotes are here to inspire, uplift and motivate, to make another person feel good. And don't forget that they're all for free! It's less pricey than having to pay for a shrink or therapist! So the next time you're feeling down and you definitely need a boost, the cheapest way to do it is to read some friendly and helpful messages to perk you up.
And it won't hurt if they are adorned in a light and colorful background for maximum effect. Try reading some on a regular basis and it's even better to say goodbye to daily blues. In general, we all want to have a happy and positive outlook in life. And we can achieve it by being inspired and motivated even just in easy and effortless ways.
The author of this article Amy Twain is a Self Improvement Coach who has been successfully coaching and guiding clients for many years. Amy just published a new home study course on how to boost your Self Esteem overnight. More info about this "Quick-Action Plan for A More Confident You" is available at http://www.FabulousSelfEsteem.com.

Chasing Your Own Dreams

2009-08-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

As I was reading the Wednesday edition of USA today, August 8, 2007 about Barry Bonds becoming the home run king with his 756th career shot, I envisioned the thoughts that were going on in his mind, body and spirit. Was he a "Proud Man Standing" is the question that one might ask? Of course, there is only one answer to this...the answer must be "YES." This was the moment that not only Barry Bonds was waiting for but the entire World was waiting to see happen. Breathlessly...those who watch sports have been anxiously waiting for that moment in time when one human being surpasses another with might, power and passion.
The response to this great feat from Hank Aaron, received via videotape was: "I send congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming Baseball's Career home run leader. I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 years. My hope today, as it was on the evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams.
"Chase their own dreams" is a statement, an affirmation, an inspirational thought, idea, concept and dream that has alluded so many of us. How about you? Have you allowed your dreams to allude you? Do you care? Does it mean anything to you? The questions can go on and on. We humans are good at that. Wishing, dreaming, hoping, wishing, expecting, praying, wishing for something...someone... to save us...help us...give to us.
Believe me when I say these words, because I understand this is the hope and dreams of most of us and the questions that I receive on a regular basis. Am I going to get married? Am I going to get the right job? Am I going to become a millionaire? Am I going to get well? Am I going to be happy?
All great leaders, I am sure had asked themselves those questions over and over again in their lives. The only difference between a great athlete or leader and you and me is that he/she has acted on his/her hopes, his/her dreams, his/her wishes, his/her desires. To become an extraordinary person, you cannot sit back and hope and dream and wish and desire. You must become an active participant in your life. You must step up to the challenge! You must agree to do your work! You must face the obstacles! You must search for the opportunities. Never once did an extraordinary person loose sight of his or her goal.
The focus is always on the goal. The vision - the mission.
Where do you place your focus daily? How badly do you want to achieve your goals? I, myself have faced many challenges in my life and believe me when I say that the challenges follow you daily. The difference between being "Extraordinary" and simply "Ordinary" on a daily basis is your mind set.
Do you have a vision - a mission that you sincerely and seriously want to follow and achieve?
Well... what is standing in your way?
Make today the first day of your new way of thinking. Be proud of who you are and where you are going. Make a plan... know your purpose...listen to your messages...follow your heart and fulfill your dreams. Nothing is impossible to those who believe. Be a believer in you. Get to know your inner most thoughts. Believe that what ever you want is possible. Set your intention. Accept the challenges that face you daily and know that all challenges bring forth opportunities. Please do not be afraid of the unknown..."for the unknown of today is the glory of the known for tomorrow." Be adventurous! Make life fun...not a burden. When you make the mind set to seek adventure and reject the feelings of burdensome and overload...magic happens. It is all in the mind set. Where is your mind today?
Are you willing to chase your dreams? I don't know about you, my dear friends...but I for one am in the driver seat and I am going full throttle ahead. I am willing to do my work. I am physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually getting in shape to jump the hurdles, trudge through the muddy waters, and climb the mighty mountains. I have a vision...I have a goal...I have set my intention. I am a winner. Follow my story as so many have followed the stories of all the great athletes and leaders of the world because I am ready to make history. I hope you, too, are preparing to do the same.
© Copyright – All Rights ReservedChasing Your Own DreamsBy Joan Marie Whelan

Four Great Ways To Get All Fired Up And Take Life By The Horns!

2009-08-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

A Lot of People in Life Never Have a Really Strong Desire to Do the Things that Will Get Them to the Top of the Heap. Here Are Four Ways to Put Motivation into Your Life Right Now
"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success." Dale Carnegie 1888-1955
A majority of people living on this planet right now feel down and out because they are not enjoying the good things in life that they see on television every day. One of the biggest reasons they are failures in life is not because they attempted to accomplish great goals and failed. No, these people went to college, got a degree in dance or drama, and then started working at Starbucks to pay back their tuition fees. Five years later they become managers of Starbucks and never again think about becoming a professional dancer or paid actor. They tried to get jobs that reflected their college degrees for two years, and when nothing happened, they bit the bullet and got a "real job".
These are the people you hear complaining about how Donald Trump and Paris Hilton are living the lives they should be having, instead of being a manager at Starbucks. They lost that fire in life that every successful business person or celebrity has burning in them at all times. They don't understand what Dale Carnegie knew: You not only have to learn from your failures and discouragements in life, you actually NEED them to succeed! The following examples are ways you can make sure you either retain that fire in life, or shows you how you can cultivate that burning desire to do the things in life that will motivate you into being a truly successful person.
1. PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS As long as you have established realistic goals that you really want to attain in life, this is one of the biggest ways to ensure you really want that goal. Specifically, it is a technique that requires you to take the biggest risk of your life, no matter what the outcome. Here are some really good examples: You just started your own business five months ago, but you have not yet quit your job because you love having that measly paycheck coming to you every week for a "backup plan" in case your business does not take off. Guess what? Your business will not take off anyway because you are so weak in your commitment to your own business that you spend more time at your "real job" than on your self employed business. Huge mistake!
You need to put your money where your mouth is and quit that job pronto! It sounds risky, and it definitely is, but it will bring out your true motivation to get to a profit level in your new business where you won't need any other income. If you have to mortgage your house- DO IT! If you have to max out your credit cards in for the next few months and live on the cash advances: DO IT! Nothing good in life comes without making certain sacrifices, and starting your own business or trying to become a paid actor or freelance writer is no exception to that rule. Remember this: People who risk it all are the real winners because even if they lose, they recoup their losses and get back on the horse. The average person never takes risks, so the next time you go get a coffee at Starbucks say "hi" to them for me.
2 FEED YOUR MIND WITH MOTIVATING INFORMATION EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK No matter what your hard to reach goal is, you need to constantly motivate yourself with audio books, seminars, web sites and magazines that teach you specific ways to accomplish that goal. If you want to be an actor, take an acting class, if you want to be an author, buy three writing manuals at Amazon.com. Every single day you must fill up your mind with inspirational speeches from people who are experts in your field of endeavor, no matter how you'd like to receive those messages. Buy books from authors like Dale Carnegie and Deepak Chopra who can really put the value of true motivation into black and white terminology. No matter if you just want to lose weight or stop smoking, having access to a daily dosage of learning tools and motivational information is a major stepping stone to get the fire in your belly growing.
3. TURN ALL THE NEGATIVE ENERGY IN YOUR LIFE TO POSITIVE ENERGY Has your mood ever changed from a decent, fun-loving attitude to a deep and dark mood instantly because of that news story you saw on NBC about the genocide in Darfur, or an article you read about a killer tornado wiping out a small town in Kansas from the local newspaper? Mass media makes their fortune on spreading every possible bad news story to every media outlet known to man. Quit watching network news every night that drones on about how many soldiers were killed in Iraq today, or how global warming will kill us all ten years from now. Television networks know that salacious and negative news stories are what most of the general public eats up with a spoon. Don't be the average Joe on the street. Turn off negative news reports every time you start getting depressed from watching them. This tactic does not mean you have to put your head in the sand like an ostrich, it is just a valuable technique that allows you to cultivate a more positive energy flow that will let you rise above the hardships that come with struggling to achieve your goals, thereby giving you more determination to succeed.
The different ways to get that positive energy to flow back to you on a daily basis are many. One of those ways is to make sure that your entertainment is not filled with negative imagery a hundred percent of the time. War movies and extreme horror movies like "Hostel" and "The Devil's Reject's", while very enjoyable on their own terms, are the kinds of movies that will leave you with a dark look at life after you leave the movie theater or turn off the DVD player. I would say you should not see more than one extremely gory war movie or horror film per week. It might sound like I'm not a fan of horror movies or war films, but I for sure am. It's just that if you do see these movies on a daily basis, there is no doubt that it will have a negative emotional impact on your psyche.
Another sure fire way to get to a real positive point in your life is to do the things you really enjoy without thought of the cost, such as seeing a concert you really are looking forward to, or spending time with family members you have not seen in years. Another way is by cleaning up your cluttered office or bedroom, and filing your invoices in a more efficient filing system than that mail bin that they are currently in, will bring a sense of a more enhanced structure to your life. That more structured environment brings a sense of contentment to your overall demeanor, thus giving you that positive energy flow that is vitally needed for your ultimate success in life.
4 DON'T DELAY ONE DAY MORE TO ACHIEVE THAT DAUNTING GOAL Again, I am saving the best motivation tool for last. A really good example of what I am describing would be to examine what would be the best result of someone trying to quit smoking? The answer would be that the person stops for good, right? That being the case, the person who really wants to quit does one thing: As soon as he makes up his mind that he will quit, he takes all the cigarettes in his possession and throws them away and never again buys or smokes another one. Going "cold turkey" has been proven to be the best way to give up smoking, and you should do the same thing no matter what your goal is.
A physical action in your life is the main catalyst that will ultimately drive you to your goal. Without a physical move on your part to lose weight, for example, you will just sit there on the couch and continue to eat M&M's while watching TV shows like "Oprah" for the rest of your life. How much weight do you think you will lose at that rate? You will probably be dead from heart failure before you reach your fiftieth birthday if you are lucky. So do something physically right now that will get you one step closer to that proverbial dream goal in your life. You will not be sorry you did!
Rob Mead has written many articles about internet marketing and how to create and find great website content that will increase your web site's traffic overnight. Go to http://www.perfectwebcontent.com and you will be able to use all of the web site's resources and articles in your quest for internet success.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Mead

Become the Person you Dream to Be

2009-08-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

Are you the person of your dreams? Who do you want to be? What do you want out of life? Do some soul searching and really be honest with yourself. The first step to growing as a person is getting to know yourself. You need to be sure of who you before you can decide who you will become. If you are looking for personal development, this quick read can help.
Once you take a close look at what you want, who you are, and what you can improve upon, you need motivation. The most effective way to get motivated is to be inspired by yourself. Being human, other people may not always supply the motivation you need to succeed, so it's up to you to set your goals and reach for them with determination. There are many inspirational quotes and motivational messages out there if you need a jump start in this department. There are books, tapes or CDs, and websites. If you are blessed, you have close loved ones who will encourage and support you in whatever you choose.
After you have examined yourself, set your goals, and are ready to take action, you need a plan. List each goal and take the time to write out steps towards those goals. What are the obstacles? How can you get around them? Don't restrain yourself with set time frames right now. Be flexible, but really think of the energy, money and time you will need to make your dream a reality. Plan on making small changes, maintaining those changes, and then continuing to make other small changes. Self improvement is a gradual process.
Once you have got a plan all together you can start making some of those changes. Celebrate when you handle things the way you planned. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't follow your plan to the letter, or mess up. It's okay. The important thing is that you keep trying to be better and moving forward, towards your dreams.
Keep your vision of who you want to become ahead of you. Make sure that you stay focused on progress. Don't get caught up in things that will consume your time and energy if they will not help you move towards your goals. Be wise with your time and remember again to stay flexible. If your plan is working, put it back under construction until you make it right. You have to keep trying things out; and be open minded. There is a variety of ways to approach things, so find them out and test them, to choose the right path for you.
My last bit of advice is to be yourself. Don't try to be someone else. Learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and work with them. Find out what your special gift is, and find a way to use it all the time. The more you get better at doing things that you enjoy, the happier a person you will be. You are unique, and you should enjoy who you are, and reach for the stars.
Joseph C Lee is a motivational speaker. Since little, he had always been fascinating about human mind and human potential. After gaining his PhD in engineering, he embarked on a journey to discover what makes successful people successful. He co-runs a website on Personal Development. Visit his website today at http://www.motivational-journey.info/personal-development-sitemap.html to find out how can you achieve your ultimate dreams and discover your inner potential.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_C_Lee

This is Your Wake Up Call - Get Clear and Focus on What YOU Want!

2009-08-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have some questions for you this morning.
How do you see the world? Do you see the glass as half full or half empty?
Do you complain and focus on what you don't have instead of what you do have?
Do you take secret enjoyment in someone else's failure or embarrassment?
Do you judge others? Do you see yourself as a victim? (Don't worry - we have all been there at one time or another.)
Do you use the words SHOULD and CAN'T a lot, as in "I should do this" and "I can't afford it."
Are you resentful of another's success or do you celebrate it?
Do you look for the worst or the best in people?
Do you see the world as a safe place full of people who are happy to support you? Or do you see the world as fearful, a place where you always have to be on guard, in case someone might steal from you, lie to you or hurt you in some way?
In other words, what do you believe about the world and focus on for the majority of your day? Remember that what you focus on expands. You are much more powerful than your realize. Your thoughts are light energy beams and given enough charge they can create just about anything, good or bad. If you are thinking and speaking the same things over and over again, then very little can improve in your life.
For example, this morning I ran out of kleenex in the bathroom. I looked everywhere for a new box but couldn't see any. I thought to myself, NO KLEENEX. I made a mental note to go to the store in the afternoon and pick some up. Later, as I was sitting at my desk writing this email and feeling happy and relaxed, I looked up and there was a fresh new box of kleenex. I remember looking on my desk earlier when I ran out, but I did not SEE the kleenex. Why? Because I was focusing on - NO KLEENEX, so that is what I got - NO KLEENEX.
This is exactly how the Universe works with everything. If you are thinking and believing - No Money, it will give you No Money because that is what you are a match to. And even if the money were right in front of your face you would not be able to SEE it. But when you relax and get into a good feeling place and allow the Universe to do its job, then all of a sudden whatever it is you are wanting shows up, be it money, better health or a good relationship.
This incident with the kleenex was a very significant message for me because I have had a feeling for a very long time now, that what I need to make all of my dreams come true is right under my nose, but I haven't been able to SEE it yet. How about you? Is there something in your own life that you are not SEEING yet?
I was quite frankly very surprised to learn that we do not actually see with our eyes but with our brain. Two people can be looking at the exact same thing and see something completely different. So even if nothing changes but how you SEE the world, then how you SEE the world changes everything.
It has always amazed me that the evening news is almost always about something extremely negative such as murder, violence, fraud, weather catastrophes, corruption and what surprises me even more is that people actually watch it. Yes, these things do happen, but they are in the minority, the very small minority. The world is filled with people doing all kinds of wonderful things. Silent angels abound on the planet. Unsung heroes count in the thousands, perhaps even millions. Acts of kindness and miracles are everywhere. There is so much good going on in the world that we never hear about and so we begin to live our lives from this very small place and we think that is all there is. And our path in life becomes like walking through a graveyard on a summer's day. It feels warm and cosy, but it's dead there.
We are continuously being given messages from our environment all day long and either these messages are empowering us or they are bringing us down.
And commercials are the same way. We are bombarded in this culture with negative messages and conditioning. We are told what we should look like, how we constantly need to be fixed and then given a product and/or service that will do just that. It is any wonder that we have become the walking wounded. Even the songs we hear on the radio are for the most part sending us negative messages of life being hard and things never going our way. There is some great music out there but we need to search it out. Many of us walk around oblivious to all of this and don't even realize how much we are affected by it at a deep subconscious level.
And it is not just in the media. For example, what do you have hanging on your walls at home or in your office. Pictures and photographs that make you feel good every time you look at them or paintings that may unconsciously be giving you a very clear message. One that you don't want.
Here is an interesting story. Mary had a beautiful painting hanging on her wall of a lady sitting in a lovely French outdoor cafe. The woman in the painting was alone and looked very sad but Mary loved the painting because it was from Paris and she longed to go there one day when she met the person she was to spend the rest of her life with. But this never seemed to happen. Mary seemed destined to always be sad and alone or so she thought. Until the day Mary took down that painting and replaced it with a picture of a very happy couple lovingly sitting together in a french cafe, enjoying each other and life. Every time Mary looked at this new painting her heart soared, and guess what? Within a couple of months she met and married the man of her dreams and they spent their honeymoon in Paris.
Now lets focus on what you are NOT SEEING!
In order to allow more prosperity and abundance into your life, you need to have a consciousness of abundance and prosperity. In other words, you need to SEE abundance and prosperity everywhere. Scarcity is an illusion. It is not the truth of who you really are and what you are capable of. It is simply a misdirected thought, a perception, a habit of seeing the world in a certain way, a habit you have probably been practicing for a very long time. So in order to change your life, you need only to shift your perception. Sounds great, you're thinking, but HOW do I do that? The answer... PRACTICE!
It is all about PRACTICE. How do you learn how to play the piano? One note at a time, one day at a time and PRACTICE! It is the very same with Wealth, Abundance and Prosperity. Practice! You need to start noticing how abundant the Universe already is. When you are out walking, begin to notice how lavish everything is, the hundreds of trees, the thousands of leaves, the profusion of wildlife and flowers, the vastness of the sky, the opulence of nature all around you. When you go to the grocery store, wander around the produce section and notice how plentiful it is. The thousands of colourful and flavorful fruits and vegetables at your disposal.
Notice... Notice... Notice... Practice...Practice... Practice....
Sounds silly? Perhaps, but you can be serious and poor or silly and rich. It is always your choice!
Action Plan: This is your wake up call. Please become conscious of what you are surrounding yourself with in your own private world. Walk around your home and look at your walls and if there is anything there that doesn't completely uplift you, then you might want to remove or replace it with something that does. You might want to put a picture on your wall of something that you are wanting to create in your life so that you can see it every day and it becomes a part of who you are. Turn off the news and radio and instead listen to some positive motivational tapes or cd's as you are driving or read some inspirational literature. Don't worry - if anything happens that you really need to hear about, you will. Stay away from gossip and don't complain about anything, just for the during of this program. If you want to resume complaining after the program, that is fine with me, but somehow I don't think you will. And start NOTICING and PRACTICING!
Begin to see abundance everywhere you go and in everything you do. Notice it! Comment on it! Give thanks for it! Exaggerate it in the beginning if you have to. This is all a game anyway and we are playing to win this time. Have fun with all of it. Do this and just see if your life begins to move in a new direction.
If you would like some help in allowing more abundance and prosperity into your life, then I invite you to claim your free instant access to our Wealth Without Limits - Prosperity Series - Lesson 1, as well as many other goodies and bonuses when you visit: http://www.wealthwithoutlimits.com You will find a free audio and video there for you to use as well. From Veronica Hay - The Prosperity Poet and Insights and Inspirations Hub
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Veronica_Hay

YOU MUST BE INSPIRED

2009-07-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

It was Charlie Jones who said that, “you are the same today what you are going to be in five years from now except for two things; the people with whom you associate and the books you read.” Sunny Obazu Ojeagbase puts it this way, “there are two ways that people actually get developed in life: one is through the information they acquire and second is through the people they associate with.” I am still desperately searching for other ways; hence in the meantime I am in total agreement with the duo's assertions.

You must be inspired! This is true. So, what then does it mean to be inspired? The Twentieth Century Chambers Dictionary defined the word “inspire” as, to infuse into (the mind), especially with an encouraging or exalting influence; to instruct or affect with a particular emotion. The Advance Learners Dictionary puts it this way, to fill somebody with thoughts, feelings or aims; or to fill somebody with the ability or urge to do or feel something. Another Dictionary puts it this way, to motivate, to stir, to encourage, to instigate, to enthuse, to move, to arouse and to rouse.

From the above definitions one can conveniently say that to be inspired is to fill one with enthusiasm, to wake up the sleeping or inert part or qualities of a person. Having agreed on that, it would not be out of place to conclude that both Charlie Jones and Sunny Obazu Ojeagbase (cited earlier) were in a way talking about being inspired. This is so because the information at your disposal (from books, tapes, television, seminars, etc) and the people you associate with shall ultimately put something into your mind, which spurs you into taking certain action. They (the information or people) can infuse into your mind especially with an encouraging or exalting influence. They can instruct or affect you with a particular emotion. They can fill you with thoughts, feelings or aims. They can fill you with the ability or urge to do or feel something.

The great inventor of all-time, Thomas Edison knew the impact both information and association have on human advancement hence he said the following in that regard, “every proverb, every book, every byword that belong to thee for aid and comfort shall surely come home through open and winding passages. Every friend, whom not thy fantastic will, but the great and tender soul in thee craveth, shall lock thee in his embrace”.

Emanating from the above, one can infer that, the information at your disposal (either from books, audio and video tapes, television, internet, seminars and so on), the person(s) you called your friend(s), and the person(s) you take as your hero(es) can either make you or mar you. No wonder Bishop David Oyedepo would always say that, “if you are not inspired, you will expire.” The choice you make in respect of the trio shall go a long way to determine where you are headed in life either to success or failure.

Please do expect the next article which will take how one can be inspired.

Adogbeji Jaho is the CEO of Mega Insight Consult, an unpublished author of soon to published book "Be Inspired To Live The Life Of Your Dream". He also has a strong bias for internet business and information marketing. He can be reached at: megainsightconsult@yahoo.com