Self-Help & Self-Care

The Key To Unlocking Your Full Potential

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In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, there is a beacon of light, the key that can guide us through even the darkest of times. That beacon is encouragement. Yes, encouragement! It gives hope to the hopeless, gives life to a downcast, gives certainty in an uncertain situation, and gives a future to someone who thinks there is no future. Encouragement uplifts brings an array of hopes and gladdens the hearts. A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. Encouragement is one of the most common ways through which individuals express support for one another. Moreover, in the parenting and family science literature, encouragement is considered a key process through which parents provide support to their young children, and family resilience is fostered. Many counseling Psychology applications also involve the use of encouragement. Encouragement is the expression of affirmation through language or other symbolic representations to install courage, perseverance, confidence, inspiration, or hope in a person(s) within the context of addressing a challenging situation or realizing a potential. It can be challenge-focused or potential-focused. As reflected in the quote at the beginning of this article, encouragement is often provided to individuals involved in challenging situations. Examples include: general life stress, mental or physical illness, indecisiveness about life choices, sitting for academic tests or other activities that require substantial effort or exertion. In this regard, encouragement involves instilling strengths that may potentially address the recipient’s perceived limitations. For instance, the instillation of courage reduces fear, perseverance combats a desire to give up, confidence addresses low self-efficacy, inspiration resolves a lack of motivation or creativity, and hope decreases pessimism about the future. Another example of challenge-focused encouragement is “The situation is not as bad as it looks, and I know things will improve”. However, encouragement can also be offered outside the context of challenging circumstances where the focus is on realizing a potential instead of addressing a problem. In such instances, the encourager communicates her or his recognition of a potential in a situation or in the recipient. An example would be when the encourager provides an unsolicited suggestion to the recipient to engage in a fulfilling task that will realise the recipient’s potential (e.g. “I know you have never thought of being a Medical Doctor before, but I think you are capable of exceling as a Medical student”). Or “have you ever considered a career in statistics? I know you will be really good!”. Why Should People Embrace Encouragement? People should embrace encouragement because of the following reasons: Encouragement and Mental Health: In a world grappling with mental health issues, encouragement can be a lifeline. It combats self-doubt and negative self-talk, fostering resilience and mental well-being. By subscribing to encouragement, we can contribute to a society that values emotional support and mental health. The Ripple Effect: Encouragement does not stop with the individual, it has a ripple effect. When we encourage others, we create a cycle of positivity and empowerment. As those we encourage go on to achieve their goals, they, in turn, become a source of inspiration for others. Thus, encouragement becomes a powerful force for societal progress. Encouragement in Action: Consider the stories of great leaders, athletes, and artists throughout history. Behind every success story, you will often find a mentor, coach, or supporter who provided unwavering encouragement. Encouragement plays a pivotal role in shaping destinies. The Power of Encouragement: Encouragement is more than just a warm gesture or a few kind words; it is a force that has the power to transform lives. When someone believes in us and cheers us on, we become capable of achieving feats we never thought possible. Encouragement fuels our self-esteem, boosts our confidence and instils a sense of purpose. In a world often driven by competition and criticism, encouragement stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. It empowers individuals to reach their potential, fuels the flames of success, and creates a more compassionate society. Join us and embrace encouragement as a core value, we not only better ourselves but also uplift those around us. Subscribe to the value of encouragement, and together, we can build a brighter, more supportive world. Embrace encouragement as a core value and watch how it transforms lives. Together, let us build a world where support and positivity uplift us all to achieve our dreams and create a brighter future.

Empathy: A Vital Ingredient In Parenting

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Empathy A Vital Ingredient In Parenting

To feel someone’s pain has far too often been considered empathy. However, a standard definition of empathy by emotion researchers is the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. Empathy is a choice and the product of a dynamic decision-making process based on motivation. Growing up, there were many occasions I wished my parents could see things from my point of view but they could not understand and instead superimposed their opinions on me and my siblings. These actions pushed me into the hands of peer influence, cold-hearted adolescents, bold enough to defy their parent’s instructions. My parents constantly reprimanded me, but I cared less at some point. Statistics show that empathetic parenting involves parents guiding children to become emotionally aware. Rather than disciplining a child for wrongdoing, providing explanations as to why discipline is needed will help the child recognise right from wrong. It has been suggested that parents’ empathy plays an important factor in the parent-child relationship, by moderating child behaviour. In academic research by the National Centre for Bio-Technology Information, school and home are the two main living environments of school-age children. Parents structure children’s home environment and implement family parenting. Their ability to handle their emotional problems and accept and cope with their children’s emotional problems can substantially affect children’s social competence and mental health. Research has shown that parental negative emotional expressions can trigger childhood destructive behaviour problems. Parents of children with a persistent tendency to disobey cannot accurately perceive their own emotions and have poorer emotional regulation and management skills. Parental empathy may be another factor that affects children’s social abilities. In addition, parents with strong empathy provide their children with a safe foundation from which children can explore their emotional experiences and seek comfort when experiencing emotional distress. A case study shows that children and adolescents with high levels of empathy are more accepted by their peers. Preschoolers aged between 3 and 6 years who are perceived by their teachers as defenders and mediators ( pro-social role) have better affective empathy, although cognitive empathy is not taken into account. ALSO READ: Parent-Child Communication: Vital Reasons to Build Bonds that Last In conclusion, empathy is beyond a value I believe in but a principle that is needed in life and parenting. We should all be empathetic, with empathy is healing. Start today to truly listen to the soul of a person more than their words and share their pain, joy and laughter. Live by being empathetic.

Unmasking the Silent Epidemic (Human Papilloma virus)to Guard Your Health through HPV Vaccine and Regular Screening

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HPV Vaccine and Regular Screening

Studies show that the HPV epidemic is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This silent epidemic is spreading, and the majority of sexually active individuals will contract at least one type of the disease during their lifetime. There is a prevalent viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. They are a group of related viruses that affect various parts of the body, with more than 200 different types identified. This disease is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If you have heard of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), you will know that understanding it plays a crucial role in sexual health and can have implications for various aspects of well-being. HPV is a DNA virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes. HPV is highly contagious and affects people of all genders and ages. It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vertical transmission (pregnancy), sexual and non-sexual means. HPV is classified into low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV. Potential health risks include genital warts, cancer, and pre-cancerous changes for cases of cervical cancers. It is important to understand that HPV can be prevented when you protect your health through safer sexual practices, regular screenings, and get vaccinated. Prevention is your personal responsibility by making proactive healthcare choices. HPV Vaccine over the years have proven highly effective in preventing HPV infections and the associated health risks. The effectiveness also varies based on vaccine type and the number of doses administered. The vaccines have proven their effectiveness by preventing HPV infections, reducing the risk of cervical cancer, and regulating the incidence caused by genital warts. They are for both genders, provide long-lasting protection, and reduce the prevalence of the targeted types of HPV in the population. Receive your vaccine according to the recommended schedule. Regular screening is a proactive means of prevention, and while it can’t directly reduce the risk of HPV, it contributes to early reduction and treatment, prevents cancer development, promotes education and awareness, protects sexual partners, and promotes community health. HPV prevention is your responsibility; make wise decisions! Lily learned she had cervical cancer at 27. Know that HPV causes almost all cervical cancers. She is encouraging parents to protect their children/wards from HPV-related cancers by getting them vaccinated. Regular screening and vaccination are essential to prevent cervical cancers. Contact your local hospital and healthcare provider to inform you where you can get access to HPV screening and vaccines. There are ongoing campaigns in Nigeria to combat the spread of HPV, and they also offer vaccines and screenings at an affordable rate.   Get Screened Now. Schedule your HPV Vaccination Today. Share the Knowledge, Spread the Protection.

Career Success: A Guide To Finding Your Own Unique Answers

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Career success is a pursuit that transcends mere employment. It represents the realization of ones professional aspirations and goals. It is a journey marked by dedication, continuous learning and the ability to adapt to change. In this era of evolving industries and dynamic work places, achieving career success demands a combination of skills, resilience and strategic planning. Career success is when you experience financial health and work you enjoy, while feeling fulfilled in your peer community and life choices. What is Career Success? Career Success can be defined as experiencing financial health and work you enjoy, while feeling fulfilled in your peer community and life choices. Building a career is like building a house. You can plan and draw up blueprints. But you will most likely run into unforeseen hiccups. If your career is your house, then your success makes your house a home. There are stages to building your dream career, they are: Set Your Foundation: The most important part of any house is its foundation. Even an uneven ground, a strong foundation can help a house stand tall through storms and floods. Community forms the foundation of your career success. A sense of community has been proven to ease you through career transitions, at any point in your career. Your career support network will help you not just stand, but grow and thrive. These are your peers, mentors, and coaches. They are your sounding board throughout your careers. They are there to help you in the difficult moments in your life and career. These people go beyond your education, they dont ditch you at graduation, these are people you trust. They invest in your development. Whether you are looking to change your career or you are just launching one, you will need to rely on others. Consulting many trusted people with differing opinions will help you make well-rounded decisions. Having a community will offer more opportunities for personal growth and propel you forward through honest and trusted feedback. If you trust them to have your best interest in mind, the power of a community cannot be overstated. That is why community forms the foundation of career success. Building Four Walls: It has been established that, true career success begins with a strong community foundation. But, what about the rest of your house? That is where your 4 walls come in. it is safe to say that to feel valued in any industry, finding kinship in peer and mentor relationship is key. Once that is securely in place, it is time to push yourself and delve into expanding your skillset. While many forms of training offer knowledge, it is up to you to invest in lifelong career development. Learn Improve Launch Succeed As a basic framework, you can achieve career success in a few ways. Find your passion, build on key skills, invest in your future and stay curious. Apply these principles throughout your entire career: from hired to retired. Learn: Courses, on-demand The first wall needed for a successful career, a safe space to continually learn new skills and knowledge. The important word here is the word continual, not the word learn. Learning is about longevity, online learning helps offer opportunities for remote learning and self-paced learning. Improve: Workshops This is all about finding a safe place to improve your skill set. And how do you get better at something? Practice and refinement. Skill development takes time, also building your dream career takes time. But, through constant practice, you will see growth. To be good at something, you have to receive feedback and practice through repetition. In this repetition, the goal is not perfection, but growth. Use your community, find the right environment to improve the areas where you need to improve, and continue to strengthen the areas where you are already strong. Launch: Job Board Career Resources The launch pillar, is about more than getting a job, it is about getting the job you want, with confidence. The job search is no small feat. It is emotionally draining. Riddled with rejection and can be desired as a full-time job in itself. Launching into an industry or profession or relaunching after time away can be daunting. Especially, if you dont know anyone. If you have your community behind you, you can carve a path forward using those connections. Any industry feels warmer when you know people. Succeed: This is day-to-day victories that keep you growing in the right direction. Support, guidance and coaching can all contribute to your success. Things like mental health and work-life balance are all key players in your succeed wall as well. A career coach can help guide you toward healthy and sustainable career decisions. These, along with your wider community, will help you every step of the way. Make your House a Home You have built up your foundation, you have set your concrete, you have built all 4 walls. The little piece of magic in your career is YOU. Your dreams, aspirations, wants, needs and lifestyle. Everything that makes you unique contributes to your career success. Success is personal, and so are your goals.                                      Reflect on the questions below, if you answer yes to at least 2, it is usually a good sign that you are headed in the right direction. This is where real career success can happen. i. Does it contribute to your financial health? ii. Are you surrounded by a community that uplifts you? iii. Do you find enjoyment in your work? Another way of looking at it. Your career should safeguard your home. It is your roof. Stability Support Satisfaction If your next move will make you feel stable, supported and bring you satisfaction then TAKE IT. That is the right move for you. Conclusion Career success is a proof of one’s hard work and resilience overtime, it shows the mark of dedication and grit. Building a good career involves … Read more

5 Steps On How To Convert Your PDF to Word Effortlessly Using Microsoft Word

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How To Convert Your PDF to Word Effortlessly Using Microsoft Word

PDF has been a popular way of sharing documents for compatibility.  Meanwhile, there are times when converting PDF to Word is needed to edit a PDF document. To do that, it must be converted to Word to make the required adjustments to the document.  The good news is that Microsoft Word has an in-built PDF converter that can assist in converting PDF to Word documents for editing and modifying purposes without using an online converter. To convert PDF to Word using Microsoft Word, open Microsoft Word on your computer, go to File, select the open option, select the File you want to convert, click the open button, choose the PDF option from the dialogue box, and select OK button, and the conversion is complete. Steps on How To Convert PDF to Word Using Microsoft Word Step 1 – Open Microsoft Word To start the process, install Microsoft Word on your computer. Then open Microsoft Word on your computer. Step 2 – Open the PDF File When you have Microsoft Word open on your computer, click on the File at the top left corner of your computer screen. Choose open from the drop-down menu and navigate to the folder or location where you saved your PDF document. Choose the File you want to convert, and Word will process the conversion.  Step 3 – Choose the Conversion Format Choosing the PDF file will bring up a dialogue box, followed by a prompt indicating that Word will convert the PDF into Word so you can edit it. Select the OK button. Step 4 – Edit the Converted File Once Microsoft Word finishes the conversion process, it will open on your computer screen as a Word document. Ensure you make all necessary corrections as desired. You have effortlessly converted your PDF file into a Word document using Microsoft Word. Step 5 – Save the Converted Document Once the conversion, editing, and modification are complete. Choose the file option and select Save from the drop-down menu. Choose the desired location on your computer where you want to save the File, name the File, select the desired format, and then click Save. Another Way To Convert PDF to Word If you are finding it difficult to use Microsoft or trying to convert a complex PDF, there are many ways to do that using another online converter platform. Most online conversions are free, and paid options are available depending on your goal. Such platforms are as follows: Smallpdf Ilovepdf   PDFfiller LightPDF Acrobat To convert a PDF document to a Word with the help of an online converter, open the site, upload your File, and choose Word as an option. The site will convert it based on your chosen preference and download it to your PC. Conclusion Microsoft Word has an excellent feature for converting PDF to Word. It is a simple and effective way of modifying and editing your PDF document and saving it to your desired format. With the above steps, you can quickly convert your PDF to a Word document without stress. .  

Happiness – Discover 5 Secrets To A Joyful and Fulfilling Life

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Happiness - The Secrets To A Joyful and Fulfilling Life

“The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy for yourself and yourself.” ―Ellen DeGeneres Happiness is very essential in human life. Happy people tend to live healthy and longer. The impact of joy in human life has recently been a self-value that builds human life to live longer. You will agree that, in recent years, people have begun to be happy. Happiness is one of the most excellent medicines that help boost the human immune system, helping them stay healthy. Happiness can not just happen; some factors trigger happiness in one’s life, such as staying positive, building solid relationships, knowing your purpose in life, building oneself, and believing in oneself, among others. All these factors are what fuel happiness. This post will look into all these factors and how they will help humans cultivate happiness for a positive, healthy, and fulfilling life. What is Happiness? Happiness generally consists of positive emotions, contentment, joy, and fulfillment. Even though we can’t control everything happening around us, we can control our emotions, anger, feelings, and how to react to them. Happy people tend to live longer. We have the right to engage in activities that will promote happiness in our lives, and the power to create our happiness is in our hands.  The Importance of Happiness  Being happy is not about being satisfied; it is a force that flows from the inside and manifests physically. Happiness triggers joy, fulfillment, and contentment. It is known to be contagious; that is to say, when you are happy, it reflects on your personality, spreads to people around you, and builds a strong connection with others.  Everyone desires to live a happy and fulfilling life, as it is vital for every human being. Delving into the lifestyle of happiness and practicing all its principles in our daily routine will help us live fulfilled lives, which in return helps us achieve both physical and mental health. Factors That Help Us Achieve Happiness and Well-being Knowing Your Purpose in Life It is true that when you know your purpose, you exist in life and have a significant role that will enable you to practice happiness for your overall well-being. Your life goal gives you a reason to exist and will propel you to live happier because satisfaction is vital. Meanwhile, Knowing your purpose in life gives you motivation and a sense of direction and existence. Finding purpose helps you cope with stress, both physical and mental health, and a fulfilled life. Purpose and meaning in life enhance human well-being. When you have a sense of purpose, you will experience a positive mindset and have a healthier mental and physical lifestyle, thereby living longer. Positive Emotions for Healthy Living  Happiness is a positive emotion. These emotions have the power to trigger joy. When you have positive emotions, it will reflect in your total well-being. Having a positive mindset will not only make you feel good and happy, but it will help to improve both your physical and mental well-being.  Positive emotions help reduce stress and increase how we solve problems, strengthening our relationships. Positive emotions are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. They not only make you feel good, but they also have several other benefits. They build positive emotions and help you focus on the good things around you.  Furthermore, Having a positive mindset towards others is paramount to happiness. Once you practice all these things, ensure you are on your way to staying happy and living a life full of satisfaction and contentment. Physical and Mental Health Taking care of health is an overall healthy living. To do that, ensure you eat healthy. Eating healthy with a good diet is very necessary. Regular exercise is also an essential aspect of maintaining mental and physical well-being.  There are exercises to practice that are suitable to assist your health. Please choose the one that best suits your body, then stick to it. Having enough sleep is another factor that helps our mental health. Ensuring you have enough time to sleep will help boost your mental health. Building Relationships for Happiness Another way to live a happy life and connect with people who will bring happiness into your life is crucial. Doing that will enable you to live a healthy and fulfilling life.  Living a life full of happiness is essential, which you can trace to building relationships with people around you. You must nurture your relationship with people with love and commitment, not minding who is involved. The fact that there’s commitment, openness, love, and care will boost your physical and mental well-being. Work on Your Self-Care for a Happy Life Caring for one’s physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health is self-care. It is a choice one makes to promote well-being in life based on individual preferences. When you have self-care, you will be sure you live a healthy and happy life.  Taking care of yourself helps you overcome life-threatening challenges to live a better and fulfilled life. To have self-care in your life, ensure you make time for yourself, identify your needs, and be flexible in your life dealings. Cultivating self-care is vital for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Caring for yourself will help you manage stress and be yourself all the days of your life. Having enough sleep and connecting with loved ones are some of the activities that can help nourish your physical and mental health.  Conclusion  With the present happening around the globe, you may find yourself in a funny situation; it may be your past, present condition, and many more. Ensure you try to cultivate a life of happiness, be grateful, know why you exist in life, build relationships with people, and have an open mind. Note: It is within your power to make yourself happy, cultivate a life of happiness, and promote happiness with the above factors. By so doing, you will live a fulfilling and healthy life.  

5 Coping Strategies for Single Fathers

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You’re a single dad, right? You’re not by yourself. Single parents frequently face logistical difficulties. They can’t be in two places simultaneously, and they don’t have a partner to fall back on. They may encounter unexpected issues, such as suspicion from strangers while out with their children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 2 million single fathers in 2016. About 40 per cent were divorced, 38 per cent were never married, 16 per cent were separated, and 6 per cent were widowed. Life can be challenging for single fathers out there. You must adopt coping mechanisms if you’re a single father. You still have kids to take care of; therefore, you must do everything you can to retain your sanity. Here are 5 strategies for quieting the mind. 1. Look for Optimistic Aspects of life to Think About The first thing you should do as a single father is to focus on what you have rather than what you have lost. Whether you’ve divorced or lost your wife to death, optimism must be an anchor to keep your mind calm. Your children look up to you for all the help they can get, so it’s essential to be a strong motivator for them. 2. Remove all toxicity from your life The next thing to do is to delete all toxicity from your mind or circle. Anything that would drag you back and make you lose focus must be removed. They can be as inconsequential as a wristwatch or a piece of clothing given to you by your ex-partner before you parted ways. Whether it is people who constantly remind you of all the negativity in your life or objects that continuously remind you of your past mistakes, you must let go of them. 3. Turn off all distractions during mealtime Ensure you disconnect from the outside world during meals and bedtime. Concentrate on your children. This will aid in communication and make them feel secure. A busy dad won’t be of help to any child. The time together should be where you as a single father communicate with your children. They will appreciate it more. 4. Exercise To cope with the stress of single parenting, some single fathers turn to drugs or alcohol. Exercise can be a good substitute for drugs and alcohol. Positive endorphins are released during exercise. You will feel better about yourself and that all of your problems are manageable. I believe that the perception that they are manageable rather than gone makes a significant difference in this situation. You don’t have the severe come down that you do when you try to pretend they’ve gone away with alcohol or drugs because they never vanished. 5. Network for Help Your children’s schools are a good location to obtain assistance. Networking with other parents and school personnel will make you feel less stressed about your kids’ welfare. It’s really common for single parents to feel lonely. Share the responsibility with another single-parent family or your close relatives. Accepting assistance will allow you to recharge. Overall, stay positive and do your best for your children. Also, a single father can find love again. It is certainly possible! Single parents meet new people, find love, and find true happiness. It’s even possible that your children will help you meet your next spouse. It could be a single person in the neighbourhood or at school who is close to your children.

From Hobbies to Personal Effectiveness

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Transforming Positive Habits and Hobbies into Learning Power Learning is the process we go through to acquire new knowledge, skills, attitudes or values. We tend to think of learning only in relation to formal study but we are learning all the time through our experiences. Understanding how we learn is a critical building block to personal effectiveness. Everyone is different and some of us appear more effective at learning than others. Curiosity contributes alot to learning by making sense of trial and error, determination and learning from experience. We sometimes forget about some apparently ‘unconscious’ aspects of learning process. Understanding our hidden skills will help us to be a more effective learner in all aspects of our life. Positive habits and hobbies that we formed have the ability to lead our actions into efficiency and can help our learning power domain to exploring beyond the simple styles of doing things which we have mastered overtime. Habits and hobbies here focus on a broad range of behaviours, beliefs and preferences of the ways we learn in different situations, like, how we respond to new tasks, information, ideas and people. By responding to actuality against planned activities, we present ourselves positively to others and we show sensitivity to their needs by unconsciously obtaining their commitment. The following are real life simulations which we carry out daily without knowing their full import on our personal effectiveness and impact on others. Real-Life Experiences If we love keeping and grooming pets – it portrays us: As someone who shows interest in others welfare, we care! As a time-keeper, As punctual in meeting up with schedules and shifts, As humane, empathic and tender in relationship. If we have ears for news, love watching documentaries, love memoirs or history – it shows we are: A curious person, Willing to learn new skills, Methodical in resolving issues, Analytical in approach, Logical from the beginning to an end of a task, Deploying different techniques in arriving at result. If we love to cook especially for multitudes – it may imply that we: Could organize and prioritize our preparation and can keep to plan, Are willing to do things for other people, Could stick to a plan or a set of instructions, Pay attention to minute and detailed manual, Could be time conscious. If we are always regular and punctual in keeping appointments – this shows that we: Could use a diary to remind and organize ourselves of important dates and times, Could stay motivated, even in the face of challenges, Could stick to a laid down plan and act on information or instruction in a timely manner. By participating in entertainments and games, particularly team sports – it shows that we: Could play a defined role within a team work, Could listen to instructions and advice from a team lead, Could understand the importance of practicing and preparing before commencement of tasks, Are alert and ready at a short notice, Would enjoy celebrating team’s success and accomplishment, Understand that a good team relies on all the members working together, Believe in strategic planning. If we tend to garden – this shows that we: Could work constructively on our own, Are creative and could use our imagination, Could look after tools and equipment that we work with, Could take time out and reflect positively on things that are happening around us, Are meek, tender and patience, Are Hands-On and a practical person. If we have been mobilizing our community – it shows: We have leadership ability in us, We could co-ordinate plans and people, People around us trust us with responsibility for tangible results, We are a rallying point, We are opinion moulders. If we are living with other people amicably – it is likely we: Could work within stipulated ground rules, Have skills such as negotiation in order to help relationship work well, Could cope with challenging behaviour and not lose our cool, Could show consideration and respect for other people, Could speak up on behalf of others less able to do so themselves. If we travel around quite a lot, perhaps with a small group of people – this could mean: Ability to coping with many changes and adapt to them especially in new environments, Ability to working within a system that was new to us, Ability to use a diary or other method of reminding ourself of important dates and times, Ability to sticking to a plan and act on others advice. Personal Effectiveness of Self on Others in a Work Place Personal effectiveness describes how our behaviour impact and influence people around us. We exert this influence in the way we communicate and interact. Underpinning this communication and interaction are the things that are going on in our bodies, hearts and minds. The need for personal effectiveness applies in our daily social interaction with people we relate with at all levels in the society especially in a work place, whereas staff can exercise discretion in their work. The need for personal effectiveness applies to many jobs in any particular organisational level. It is a life skill set transferable between job roles, which can be acquired through practice. Impediments to Personal Effectiveness In order to know what is right to do, we need clarity. It is clarity of purpose that allows us to figure out what is truly important. The biggest enemy to clarity of purpose is noise. Noises are impediments and distractions like procrastination, lack of self confidence, running away from responsibility, fear of failure, low self-esteem, failure in taking initiatives and taking no actual action. Way Forward Knowing what is right to do is just half the question. It is useless to know what we are supposed to do if we do not actually do them. To do what is right, we need to overcome distractions to do otherwise. All distractions can be summarized as short-term pleasures. So, the action we need to take is ignoring short-term pleasures. Since the things we are supposed … Read more

The Best Way to Meet Customer Expectations

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The more you know and understand the background and behaviour of your audience and their needs, the better you can prepare your approach to dealing with them. Human behaviour is a function of the environment in which the individual finds himself. In business, striving to have our customers’ background information can help us identify their needs, concerns and inquiries. Our competency in establishing this knowledge will be enhanced through effective communication skills, empathy/emotional stability and efficiency in handling difficult situations and customers. Customer service attitude is beyond initiating greeting and smiling to a customer. A satisfactory skill set must be attained to be an effective customer service representative that is meeting up with customer expectations. Gaining, retaining and maintaining customers in a friendly working relationship, while at the same time maintaining a business-like relationship which brings about loyalty on the side of the customer, is a necessary skill needed by salesmen, brands and service providers who aim to control and dominate a market.   Who is a Customer? Customers are the people that patronize us in our business and who go away with a positive impression of our firm. A customer may pay for our goods and services but must achieve satisfaction for their expenses. The success of the four essences of marketing, i.e. product, promotion, price and place, is based on the continuous patronage of the customer. A business is dependent on the customer. Therefore, an effective customer service campaign is brought on by delivering service excellence. It is the quality delivery of output. Customer expectations for patronage range from customer to customer, but on a general note, every customer requires the following:   Some Customer Expectations To be given awesome service because many are more likely to give a repeated business or referral after a good service experience. Likewise, many customers may stop doing business with a company due to poor customer service experience and failure to resolve their problems in a timely manner. Most customers make purchasing decisions as a result of the influence of visual factors in our workplace, website, staff appearance and approach. Many make judgments about a firm’s credibility based on these factors. Customers like it when you underpromise but deliver beyond expectation. However, reverse expectation is expected if it is otherwise. Sustaining valuable content and brands and presenting new ideas for customers enhance their experience. Consistency in driving and maintaining professional core values will be a measure of loyalty. Measuring satisfaction on customer journeys is more predictive of overall customer satisfaction than measuring happiness through each individual interaction. Pay a lot of attention to the few customers who may have complaints or observations because for every one complaint you get, there are more unhappy customers who have remained silent. Investing in a feedback mechanism is crucial. In this case, on-the-spot attention in resolving customer wants is advisable above the drop-box comment technique. Steady availability on speed dial paid or toll-free lines for making home delivery requests will draw your customers to you. Rewarding loyal customers through socially responsible perks will likely increase the volume of goods and services sold. Loyal customers are more likely to recommend a product, service or brand. Quality customer service forms the basis of the customer experience. Most customers’ main interaction with a business is through interacting with a business’ employee, either by visiting a store or by speaking on the phone. In essence, the company representative has the opportunity to deliver excellent customer service and thus create a great customer experience through proper motivation. If you take care of your employees, they will in turn take care of the customers.   TemiDayo Babatunde is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and can be reached via his LinkedIn ([email protected]).

Understanding, Managing, and Thriving with Mood Swings

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Understanding, Managing and Thriving with Mood swings

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, with various highs and lows moment swinging us back and forth. These shifts in mood, often known as mood swings, are a common part of human experience. This essay explores the causes, effects, and practical ways to manage mood swings, aiming to provide a roadmap for a more balanced emotional journey. Understanding the Causes of Mood Swings Mood swings refer to abrupt and noticeable shifts in a person’s emotional state, filled with different periods of happy highs and sad lows. They involve sudden changes in how we feel-going from feeling cheerful and positive one minute to feeling down or irritable the next. It’s like riding a wave of emotions without knowing when the next wave will hit. There are various reasons why a person’s mood can suddenly change, and it sometimes depends on the mental health of such individual. Lisa Fields note that people with bipolar disorder mostly have cases of mood swings. They include: 1. Biological Factors: Changes in hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry can play a significant role in changes in one’s mood. This can occur when ladies have their menstrual cycles. Youths going through the adolescence stage can have unexpected changes in mood. 2. Stress and External Pressures: The work, relationships, and unforeseen challenges act as external forces. These pressures can push our emotions in different directions. 3. Sleep Patterns: Disruptions in sleep can influence one’s mood. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can lead to irritability and emotional imbalance, creating inconsistent highs and lows in our mood. 4. Life Events and Trauma: Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can swiftly change our moods and emotions. Trauma, loss or major life changes can trigger intense mood swings. Effects of Mood Swings on One’s Mental Health The impact of mood swings extends beyond a person’s immediate emotional experience. It also affects our mental wellbeing in various ways: 1. Stress and Anxiety: Mood swings can bring stress and anxiety, especially when you cannot predict or control your emotions. It’s like being on a rollercoaster without knowing when the twists and turns will come. 2. Impact on Relationships: Sudden shifts in mood might make it difficult for others to understand and connect with us. We might end up losing valuable relationships as a result which might lead to worsening health issues. 3. Energy and Productivity: Mood swings can impact a person’s energy levels and productivity at work or in school. High-energy periods may be followed by periods of low motivation. This could then affect the ability to engage in daily tasks consistently. 4. Self-Esteem: Repeated mood swings can take a negative toll on a person’s self-esteem. The emotional ups and downs may lead to self-criticism and doubt, affecting one’s sense of confidence and self-worth. Practical Ways to Manage Mood Swings While we may not have complete control over various external factors that contribute to mood swings, there are practical ways to manage this emotional path: 1. Be Self-Aware: Be able to detect what triggers your emotions and be aware of the patterns. You can get a mood journal which will help you identify factors that can contribute to mood swings and provide insights for effective management. 2. Freely Express your Emotions: Talk to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or find a creative outlet to express how you feel. These activities can provide an emotional release that will make you quickly snap out of your mood swings. 3. Live a Healthy Life: Make a healthy lifestyle your priority. Practice exercise regularly; eat balanced diets on a daily basis and have consistent sleep patterns. These will ultimately contribute to emotional resilience and stability. 4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routines. Practice meditation and deep breathing. This can help manage stress and promote emotional balance. 5. Seek Professional Support: If your mood swings significantly affect your daily functioning, it is important that you seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Mood swings occur at various times in every human life, but understanding their causes, recognizing their effects on our mental health, and adopting effective management strategies empower us to navigate the emotional landscape with resilience. By incorporating self-awareness, healthy habits, and seeking support when needed, individuals can transform the peaks and valleys of mood swings into a more balanced and fulfilling emotional life.