Emotional Control and Regulation

February 7, 2024 by Esther Adekoya

Emotional Control and Regulation

Sally sat down with a deep sigh and fuming at the same time. Her head burns hot and her body generates heat. She had just finished giving a piece of her mind to her colleague who stepped on her foot. Everyone knows she’s a no-nonsense person. No one dared cross the line and anyone who does would bear the brunch of her wrath.

The adjoining door to her office opened and Mr Benneth, their HR Director entered. He looked in the direction of Sally and their eyes locked. He beckoned to her to come and see him. Sally sighed. Without a doubt, she knew she couldn’t escape a query this time if she managed to escape a dismissal.

Emotions are powerful and can override thoughts and influence actions.

Our emotions have a huge amount of power over our choices and actions – and we can either become a master or a slave to them.

When you’re a slave to your emotions, they can motivate you to do things that are negative and destructive. For example, feeling angry while in a heated argument and then retaliating with insults or aggression. Resulting in lots of disruption and disharmony on sets. This will affect the spirit of unity and purpose.

And when you’re a master of your emotions, they can motivate you to do things that are positive and constructive. For example, feeling inspired by someone and then using that as fuel to do something creative, such as write, paint, act with great excitement, dance or make music.

Understanding Emotional Control and Regulation

Emotional control and regulation refer to the ability to manage and modulate one’s emotions effectively. It involves understanding, expressing, and responding to emotions in a balanced and constructive way. Developing emotional regulation skills is essential for mental well-being, building positive relationships, and navigating life’s challenges.

Here are some strategies to enhance emotional control and regulation:

Self-Awareness: Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to increase awareness of your emotions without judgment. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings.
Identifying Emotions: Label Your Emotions: Identify and label your emotions. This can help you understand what you are feeling and why.
Healthy Outlets for Expression: Articulate Feelings: Healthily express your emotions, whether through verbal communication, writing, or artistic expression. Bottling up emotions can lead to increased stress.
Pause and Reflect: Take a Breath: Before reacting impulsively, take a deep breath. This pause allows you to gain perspective and respond more thoughtfully.
Coping Strategies: Develop Coping Mechanisms: Identify healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. These activities can help regulate emotions and reduce stress.
Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge Negative Thoughts: Practice cognitive restructuring by challenging negative or distorted thoughts. Replace irrational thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.
Problem-Solving: Address Underlying Issues: If possible, identify and address the root causes of your emotions. Developing effective problem-solving skills can contribute to better emotional regulation.
Social Support: Connect with Others: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional. Social support can provide comfort and perspective.
Set Boundaries: Establish Limits: Learn to set healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Saying “no” when necessary is an important part of self-care.

Time Management: Prioritize Tasks: Effective time management can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed, contributing to better emotional control.
Regular Exercise: Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, as it has been shown to have positive effects on mood and emotional well-being.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Balanced Diet and Sleep: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and sufficient sleep. Physical well-being contributes to emotional well-being.
Seek Professional Help: Therapy: If emotional struggles persist, consider seeking the guidance of a mental health professional. Therapy can provide tools and strategies for improving emotional regulation.

Emotional control and regulation are skills that can be developed and refined over time. It has built resilience in you over time and helps balance your emotional health.

Importance of Emotional Control

This skill is crucial for several reasons:

Improved Decision-Making:

Emotional control allows individuals to make decisions based on rational thinking rather than being swayed by intense or impulsive emotions. This can lead to better choices in both personal and professional life.

Enhanced Interpersonal Relationships:

People with emotional control are better equipped to handle conflicts and disagreements calmly. This contributes to healthier and more constructive interpersonal relationships, whether in friendships, family dynamics, or the workplace.

Stress Reduction:

Emotional control helps in managing stress by preventing emotional reactions that can escalate tension. Individuals who can regulate their emotions are more likely to approach challenges with a clear and focused mindset.

Increased Resilience:

Emotional control is closely tied to resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity. When faced with setbacks or challenges, individuals with strong emotional control can maintain a positive outlook and persevere through difficulties.

Enhanced Mental Well-Being:

Managing emotions effectively contributes to overall mental well-being. It reduces the risk of emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and promotes a more positive and balanced emotional state.

Improved Communication:

Emotional control enhances communication skills. People who can regulate their emotions are better able to express themselves clearly, listen attentively, and engage in constructive dialogue without becoming overly emotional or reactive.

Better Conflict Resolution:

In both personal and professional settings, conflicts are inevitable. Emotional control allows individuals to approach conflicts with a level head, facilitating more effective and solution-oriented conflict resolution.

Increased Empathy:

Emotional control is linked to emotional intelligence, which includes the ability to understand and empathize with the emotions of others. This contributes to more meaningful and positive social interactions.

Career Success:

Emotional control is highly valued in the workplace. Employees who can manage their emotions effectively are often more adaptable, resilient, and capable of handling pressure, leading to increased career success and advancement opportunities.

Health Benefits: Chronic stress and negative emotional states can have detrimental effects on physical health. Emotional control contributes to stress reduction, potentially leading to improved physical well-being.
Positive Impact on Others:

Individuals who demonstrate emotional control often inspire and positively influence those around them. This can create a more positive and supportive environment in personal and professional settings.

Personal Growth:

Emotional control is a key component of personal development. It allows individuals to learn from their experiences, adapt to change, and continually grow as individuals.

In summary, emotional control is vital for navigating the complexities of life, fostering positive relationships, and achieving both personal and professional success. A great workplace skill.

11 Ways to Build Inner Strength

February 7, 2024 by Esther Adekoya

11 Ways to Build Inner Strength There was a soft knock on Rose’s door. Rose ignored it for sometime but decided to open the door when the person at the other end would not go away and leave her in peace. She stood up to open the door and Ann came in. “Hello Rose, was waiting for you at the event and you didn’t turn up as expected.” “Sorry to disappoint you. I didn’t feel up to it again. Infact, I think I want to stay off everyone for now.” Ann found a space on an empty chair and sat down but felt drawn to where Rose sat. She moved closer and lay hand on her shoulder. “Talk to me Rose. I know you to be a strong lady. What’s happening to you?” Rose bent her head, “I tell everyone to be strong but I am the weakest person on earth. I am no longer strong again.” “Really.” “Yes Ann. I tired to hide too many things from you all. I pretend all is well when it is not. I can’t cope anymore.” “Rose dear, each difficulty you overcome contributes to your inner strength. I know you will surely overcome this too. You need more immunity.” HOW TO BUILD INNER STRENGTH Building inner strength involves developing resilience, self-awareness, and a positive mindset. Here are some steps to help you build inner strength: Self-reflection: Take time to understand your values, strengths, and areas for growth. Self-awareness is the foundation of inner strength. Embrace challenges: See challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Each difficulty you overcome contributes to your inner strength. Positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirming and empowering statements. Be your supporter rather than your critic. Set and achieve small goals: Break down larger goals into manageable steps. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence. Learn from failures: Instead of dwelling on mistakes, view them as valuable learning experiences. Extract lessons and use them to improve. Cultivate gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Regularly express gratitude for the people and experiences that bring joy. Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment. Mindfulness can enhance your ability to cope with stress and build emotional resilience. Healthy coping mechanisms: Develop constructive ways to manage stress, such as exercise, deep breathing, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Develop a support system: Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who encourage and uplift you during challenging times. Maintain a positive mindset: Cultivate optimism by looking for the good in situations. Shift your perspective from what’s lacking to what’s possible. In conclusion, Building inner strength is an ongoing process that requires commitment and self-compassion. It’s about fostering a resilient mindset that helps you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and fortitude.

Be My Buddy! – 10 Helpful Steps to Life Reset

February 7, 2024 by Esther Adekoya

I want you to be my buddy for life reset

He sat down, then stood again and walked around for a while. Turned back to where he was coming from and stopped on the track with both arms around his waist. His face is the real display rack of a confused fellow. He threw all caution into the air and sat right back into the dust.

He has come to admit to himself that he’s actually at a serious crossroads in his life and escape seems difficult. He covered his face with both hands and shouted out in frustration. A passerby got distracted or rather attracted to the noise and sought him out.

“Young man, is everything alright?”

Silence

“Talk to me. Sharing your feelings is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Moreover, a problem shared is 50% solved.”

That statement got to him, he looked up and took a deep breath. He felt in him that he could trust the stranger and talk to him.

“My life is disordered. A serious crossroad. I’m completely lost. I don’t know the way forward, I can’t go backward because that’s not the kind of life I desired and I don’t know how to get to the other side. I’m stuck.”

He smiled gently at him, “Thanks for sharing. Here take my hand,’ with his hand in his, he pulled the young guy up. “I’ll tell you all you need.”

Surprise creased his eyebrow, “Really?”

“Yeah!”

“All you need to do is reset your life to factory default.”

The guy shot a surprised glance at him. “I don’t get you?”

He responded with a smile but his expression suddenly turned serious, “Reset to a factory default is If you’re referring to resetting your life in a metaphorical sense. Go back to God. He owns the factory where He created you and He’s willing to reset your life to the original and true state.”

The young guy stared at him for a while in silence and same time reminisced on his words. Finally, he spoke out.

“Please be my buddy.”

“Yeah! I’m more than willing.”

Both held hands and he led the way telling him the right steps to take in resetting his life.

Helpful Steps to Life Reset

1. Reflection: Take time to reflect on your current situation and identify areas of dissatisfaction or areas where you want to make changes.

Consider your values, goals, and aspirations. What is truly important to you?

2. Set Clear Goals: Define clear and realistic goals for different aspects of your life (career, relationships, personal development, health, etc.).

Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

3. Create a Plan: Develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals. This might include acquiring new skills, seeking education or training, or making specific lifestyle changes.

4. Prioritize: Identify priorities and focus on the most important tasks first.

Learn to say no to activities or commitments that do not align with your goals.

5. Let Go of the Past: Acknowledge and accept past mistakes or setbacks. Use them as learning experiences rather than dwelling on them.

Forgive yourself and others to release any emotional baggage.

6. Develop Healthy Habits: Establish routines that contribute to your well-being, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.

Incorporate mindfulness or meditation practices to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.

7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Build a supportive network of friends and family who encourage your growth and share your values.

Minimize contact with people or situations that bring negativity into your life.

8. Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open-minded. Embrace opportunities to learn and grow.

Seek out new experiences and challenges to expand your perspective.

9. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re struggling with significant issues, consider seeking the assistance of a therapist, counselor, or life coach.

10. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small. This helps to maintain motivation and a positive mindset.

Remember, the process of resetting your life is unique to you, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Be patient with yourself and allow for flexibility as you navigate through changes.

How To Be A Pollyanna

February 7, 2024 by Esther Adekoya

How To Be A Pollyanna

… A positive attitude that promotes wellness.

In our World today, filled with people with roller-coaster emotions because of so many societal ills and hiccups. Many experience mental ill health and mental disorders irrespective of their age, gender, social or economic status. HOW CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND BE THE DIFFERENCE.

This brings us to a discovery “BE A POLLYANNA”

Who is a POLLYANNA?

A Pollyanna refers to a person who is excessively optimistic or always sees the positive side of situations, sometimes to the point of being overly idealistic or naive. A Pollyanna is someone who always maintain a cheerful outlook despite facing challenges.

The term originated from the title character in the novel “Pollyanna” by Eleanor H. P.

I strongly believe that a Pollyanna kind of attitude and personality can help us greatly overcome lots of negative ills and challenges facing us.

It’s a healthy attitude that combats negative thoughts and ills.

You can start by:

Gratitude: Focus on what you’re thankful for. Regularly expressing gratitude can shift your perspective.
Solution-Oriented Thinking: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. This proactive approach can enhance optimism.
Surround Yourself Positively: Spend time with optimistic and supportive people. Their outlook can influence yours.
Learn from Challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Each difficulty can teach valuable lessons.
Remember, it’s okay to acknowledge difficulties, but the goal is to approach them with a positive and constructive mindset.
Humor: Find humor in situations when appropriate. Laughter can be a powerful tool for shifting perspectives.

Hindrance to Becoming a Pollyanna

Certain factors can hinder one from adopting a Pollyanna-like attitude:

Realism vs. Optimism Balance: While optimism is beneficial, it’s crucial to maintain a realistic perspective. Overly idealistic views may lead to overlooking important challenges.
Ignoring Negative Emotions: Being overly positive shouldn’t mean suppressing or ignoring genuine negative emotions. It’s essential to acknowledge and address them.
Unrealistic Expectations: Setting unrealistically high expectations may lead to disappointment. It’s important to balance optimism with a practical understanding of what’s achievable.
External Factors: External circumstances, such as persistent challenges or negative environments, can make it challenging to maintain a Pollyanna-like outlook.
Ignoring Critical Feedback: Blindly dismissing constructive criticism can hinder personal growth. A Pollyanna attitude should include a willingness to learn and adapt.
Social Pressure: Feeling pressured to conform to a constantly positive image can be stressful. Authenticity is important, even if it involves acknowledging difficulties.

Remember, adopting a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring reality or suppressing genuine emotions. Balance and authenticity are key.

Benefits of Being a Pollyanna

Embracing a Pollyanna-like attitude can offer several benefits:

Improved Mental Health: Focusing on the positive can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, contributing to better mental well-being.
Enhanced Resilience: Optimistic individuals often bounce back more quickly from setbacks and are better equipped to handle challenges.
Increased Motivation: A positive outlook can provide motivation and enthusiasm, making it easier to pursue goals and overcome obstacles.
Better Physical Health: Optimistic individuals may experience health benefits, as a positive mindset is associated with lower levels of stress hormones and improved immune function.
Longevity: Some studies suggest that optimistic individuals may live longer, possibly due to the positive impact on health behaviors and stress management.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: A positive mindset can enhance creativity and improve problem-solving skills, as it encourages a more open and flexible approach to challenges.
Emotional Intelligence: Optimistic individuals often exhibit higher emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate social situations with empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, it is worthwhile to know and note that a Pollyanna is an optimist and realist as well.

10 Healthy Steps to Defeat Negativity

February 7, 2024 by Esther Adekoya

Healthy Steps to Defeat Negativity

Would you like to be able to deal with the ups and downs of life with strength and grace?

Becoming mentally and emotionally strong isn’t something that happens overnight. If you can start seeing every curveball life throws as a chance to practice being stronger, you’ll begin accruing wisdom and clarity that you can put to the test when things get hard.

Negativity can come at you in different ways: it can be from within, in the form of negative thoughts and harmful self-talk, or from the outside, as negative feedback, business reports, economic downturn, or abuse from other people. While it is beyond a person’s control to ever fully remove negativity from her life, there are ways to manage it.

Healthy Cues to Build Your Inner Strength

Self-awareness: Calm down and take time to notice or capture the streams of thoughts that run in your mind and the myriads of emotions they give birth. As soon as you understand your thoughts and emotions, it will help you recognize negative patterns and what triggers them.
Positive mindset: Intentionally cultivate optimism which brings hopefulness and confidence about the future and have an attitude of gratitude, which would influence good thoughts. Focus on what you can control and find the silver lining in challenging situations.
Healthy boundaries: Negativity can be contagious, so keeping as much distance as possible from negative coworkers and acquaintances can influence your own mood.
Set clear boundaries to protect yourself from negativity coming from outside like negative feedback, and abuse from people. Learn to say no when necessary. Surround yourself with positivity: Build a supportive network of friends and family. Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you.
Mindfulness and meditation: Practice being present in the moment is a gainful self-resource but it involves self-discipline. It distracts your wandering mind and liberates you from the prison of the mind. Mindfulness can help you manage stress and detach from negative thought patterns. Do yourself a favor by prospering your mind with spiritual and healthy thoughts like things that are true, pure, lovely, or of good report and praiseworthy. Don’t allow negativity to steal your positive vibes.
Self-care: Self-care is certainly not selfish. Be kind to yourself and prioritize your well-being. Take time for activities you enjoy, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This will help you to rebound and regain lost ground.
Learn from challenges: View setbacks as opportunities for growth. Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Each difficulty encountered do come with valuable lessons that make you a better person.
Gratitude practice: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. This can shift your focus away from negativity. Thank God for things that work in your life and place your praise on things you trust God to do for you. Gratitude is the best attitude.
Positive affirmations: Replace negative self-talk with affirming statements. Repeat affirmations that promote confidence and resilience. Use your mouth to say good and great things concerning your destinies. Never let go of hope.
Seek professional help if needed: If negativity becomes overwhelming, consider consulting with a mental health professional for guidance and support. Call for assistance. It is never a sign of weakness to ask for help. Share with a significant individual and you’ll be glad you did.

Remember, building mental strength is a gradual process, and consistency in these practices is key.

How Stoicism Helped Me Overcome the Trauma of Losing My Father

February 7, 2024 by Christopher Salihu

Stoicism is a philosophy that teaches you how to live a virtuous and meaningful life, regardless of external circumstances. But how can it help you cope with the trauma of losing a loved one? In this article, I will share my personal story of how stoicism helped me overcome the grief of losing my father and find my purpose in life. 24th October 2017 ???? Six years ago, I began to learn the ways of the Stoics as a second-year philosophy student. I was trying to find my path between the calling of the Catholic Priesthood or the rich vocation of Matrimony. I was searching for a solid foundation on which to stand. As they say, “Life doesn’t happen to you; it happens for you.” Back then, I hadn’t fully analyzed the meaning of this saying. Armed only with a rudimentary understanding of Stoic philosophy, I set sail on my journey of self-discovery, where I realized that while you can’t control what happens to you, you can control your reactions to life’s events. This newfound wisdom led me to ponder the teachings of Stoicism, a philosophy that produced prominent figures like the great Emperor and author of “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius. However, reflecting on everything around the demise of my father, I sadly acknowledge that my knowledge of Stoic philosophy was still shallow. I became so entangled in incoherent thoughts that I lost my way. My response to this excruciating event was overwhelmingly negative. It took a toll on my academic performance, and my life felt out of alignment. I was unprepared to live the philosophy I professed and loved. Thus, I became traumatized. Experiencing trauma is a normal reaction, but it was as if my mind was haunted by the incessant knocking of death. I became desensitized to the illusion of the grim reaper and was no longer afraid of death itself. My sole fear revolved around the well-being of my family, hoping none of them would experience the same fate. The true pain of my death, I realized, lay in the fact that those who loved me would miss me terribly. This insight made me acutely aware of the agony my mother would endure if she were to grieve my loss. My mother began having dreams, which she interpreted as signals of death lurking around us. These dreams heightened the anxiety that resided within me, and each time my phone rang, and her name appeared on the screen, my heart would skip a beat. I hesitated to answer, but I knew it was my mother, the woman who gave me my heart. I needed to check on her. I also dreaded seeing my younger brother’s tears. I silently prayed that his thoughts did not mirror my own. From 2017 to 2020, I felt like I was in a state of perpetual darkness, chased by an unseen shadow. I was scared of being alone, even when surrounded by friends. I couldn’t share my premonitions with my friends; it was a personal battle that I had to confront alone. They couldn’t fully understand me, as they were dealing with their own challenges, and I didn’t want to burden them with my struggles. I gnashed my teeth in silence when they were not around. In the midst of my doubt, I found inspiration in an unreleased song by J. Cole, “Show Me Something.” I refused to let my tears fall and instead sought understanding to clear my mind. I was lost, and I even fell into a mild state of atheism, questioning the role of God in my life. Modern philosophical thinking made me more skeptical of the supremacy of the supernatural over the mundane. My philosophical journey became a quest to find myself. In my final year, the rapper I mentioned earlier became an inspiration. In the depths of my doubt, I found myself praying, asking God for a sign to show me something, anything. I began connecting the dots in the lives of those I considered heroes, individuals who had changed the world. I realized that their life journeys followed a pattern, and I discovered that faith played a significant role. Their faith was not rooted in the known but in an assurance and conviction confirmed by the Unmoved Mover. What ultimately restored me was the same question that guided a great monk who lived an austere life, St. Bernard: “Why am I here?” In philosophy, we were taught to ask more questions than seek answers; questions were the Rosetta stone to life. I found my question, my “Eureka” moment. To combat the taunting presence of the grim reaper, I began asking why great individuals lived to a ripe old age or died fulfilled. The only answer I could find, after questioning and re-questioning, was “Purpose.” While I haven’t fully discovered my own purpose, I am on a relentless quest to ensure I live my life in the spirit of Gandhi: as if I will die tomorrow and learn as if I will live forever. I am growing up, Dad, and I hope you’d be proud of me.

Overcoming Bad Habits and Addictions

February 7, 2024 by Evelyn Ajimuda

Overcoming bad habits and addictions can be a challenging journey. Sometimes, despite your strong desire to change, you find yourself slipping back into the same old patterns. These habits and addictions can have a detrimental impact on your health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies to help you overcome them. Don’t Rush the Process: As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and the same principle applies to breaking bad habits and addictions. Remember, you didn’t develop these patterns overnight, so it’s unrealistic to expect to eliminate them in a single day. Be kind to yourself and take small, gradual steps toward your goal. Celebrate your minor victories along the way. Seek Support and Accountability: When dealing with habits or addictions that can jeopardize your health or even your life, it’s crucial to seek external support. Consider joining support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), fitness communities, or spiritual groups, depending on the nature of your habit. These groups can provide the necessary encouragement, motivation, and accountability to help you stay on track. Additionally, don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you require expert guidance. Don’t ever try to stop a bad habit/addiction without replacing it with a good one: Some months ago, I made a significant change in my lifestyle. I decided to cut out soda and reduce my sugar intake. In the past, I had attempted this before, but I never managed to stick with it for long. This time, I took a different approach. I replaced soda with fresh fruits and water. Since I have a fondness for the sweet taste of soda, I opted for sweet fruits like pineapple, apple, orange, watermelon, and more. The best part is that they are not even expensive, unlike some of these sugary drinks. Whenever I felt tempted to grab a soda, I reached for a bottle of water instead. By the time I finished the water, I found myself satisfied, with no room left for soda. I’ve successfully come this far because I swapped out my unhealthy craving for chilled carbonated drinks with nutritious fruits. Just imagine me at one Owanbe (party) some weeks back, where I turned down several offers of soda. Like me? Quite an achievement! If you’re looking to break a bad habit, remember that it’s essential to replace it with a good one. This shift can help weaken the grip of the old habit on you. Don’t believe it? Take a look at this wisdom from the Bible: Matthew 12:44-45 says, “Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” In essence, this passage reminds us that empty spaces can be filled with negative influences. So, replacing the old with the new is a wise and effective strategy for personal growth and change. Conclusion: By following these steps, you can start your journey toward overcoming bad habits and addictions and ultimately lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. Evelyn Temitayo Ajimuda is a versatile creative writer, content creator, poet, and captivating storyteller. With her words, she weaves narratives that inspire hope and spread boundless joy to her readers.

Personal Branding: 6 Tips to Shape Your Unique Identity

February 7, 2024 by Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

In a world where there are a lot of people who possess the skills you have and even more, how do you stand out? The answer lies in the concept of personal branding. This is a process that is similar to crafting your unique identity in the professional world. It is not just applicable to only celebrities or influencers; it is a powerful tool that anyone can wield to shape their life and career. In this essay, we’ll dive into the world of personal branding, accompanied by a personal experience that paints the picture vividly. Definition of Personal Branding Your personal brand is a distinctive blend of your skills, values, personality, and passions. It’s the impression you leave on others, the value you offer, and the trust you inspire. In essence, it’s how people perceive you in both your personal and professional life. It’s like an elevator pitch, but more comprehensive; it’s your story. John Jantsch also defines personal branding as the art of becoming knowable, likeable and trustable. My Personal Branding Journey I’ve often heard that the best way to start is by identifying your unique strengths. I followed this advice and embarked on my personal branding journey. My strength, I realized, is writing. Whether it is creative, technical or journalistic writing, it is something that set me apart. I decided to harness this strength of mine, making it the cornerstone of my personal brand. I started a blog to showcase my writing skills and share my insights on topics I was passionate about. It wasn’t just about showcasing my expertise; it was about offering my value to my audience. I took to social media, and joined diverse group pages so as to engage with writers like me. I also joined writing classes to improve on the skills that I had. The process wasn’t without its hurdles. Writing articles meant I had to overcome writer’s block, and networking meant I had to step out of my comfort zone. But the journey was educative and empowering, and I could see my brand taking shape. The Impact of Personal Branding The impact was both personal and professional. On a personal level, my confidence soared. When you’re clear about your strengths and values, it radiates in your interactions. I felt a sense of purpose, knowing that my voice mattered. Professionally, the rewards were tangible. I received writing opportunities and collaboration offers from professionals who resonated with my brand. My online presence began to grow, and the connections I made opened doors to new possibilities. Tips to Shape Your Personal Brand So, how can you embark on your personal branding journey? Here are a few tips: Reflect on Yourself: Identify your strengths, passions, and values. Find out what makes you unique from your peers or those in your chosen field. Determine what topics, activities, or aspects of your work or study truly excite and motivate you. Passion is a powerful component of your personal brand. Also, your values should align with your personal brand. Create a Professional Online Presence: Make good use of LinkedIn to create the online presence you desire. It’s often the first place people look to learn about you. If you love writing, start a blog. If it’s speaking, start with podcasting or creating YouTube videos. Whatever skills you have, there are various ways to showcase it online. Share your thoughts, and provide insights into your professional journey. Use social media wisely to share content related to your field, engage in industry discussions, and present yourself professionally. Be Consistent Online: Your personal brand should be consistent across all platforms. Your posts and the way you present yourself should align with your personal brand. This will enable you to build trust as clients want to see that you can be trustworthy. Build Meaningful Connections: Attend conferences and seminars in order to connect with professionals in your field. Also, network online through platforms like LinkedIn as this will help you establish valuable connections. Offer your expertise and value to others, and be genuinely interested in their success. This will give you open access to also receive from them. Ensure that you are Authentic: Strive to be yourself and not someone else. Oscar Wilde once said, “Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken.” Embrace your uniqueness and let your true personality shine through. Be honest about your qualifications and experiences. Transparency in your interactions and professional dealings also builds trust. Be Value-Oriented: Focus on offering value, whether through your content, services, or interactions. Share valuable insights, solve problems, and be a resource in your field. Understand the needs and preferences of your target audience, and tailor your content and interactions to provide solutions and address their interests. Personal branding is a journey that can shape your career and life in remarkable ways. It’s about telling your story, and your story is unique. By following these tips, you can gradually and deliberately craft a personal brand that reflects your strengths, values and passions. Remember that personal branding is an ongoing process, and it evolves as you grow and develop in your career. So, go ahead, and let your personal brand shine.

8 Vital Tips on How to Self-Prioritize

February 6, 2024 by Roselyn James

People believe that putting others before themselves is the best, this is not true. Before considering other people around you, ensure you prioritize. Although you may see it as being self-centered, it is not. You own yourself, and you have the right to make yourself happy. We are usually so busy solving people’s needs that we can’t care for ourselves. If you are in this category, you are not alone. Many people find themselves in this mess. They do it to maintain closeness. Dwelling on this will lead to many health issues unsuitable for your mental well-being. Besides, it will not only make you suffer, but you are stylishly making others around you suffer. When you prioritize yourself, you will be happy and fit to help others. We will examine some tips on self-prioritization to help build mental and physical health. What Does Self-Prioritize Mean Self-prioritize means caring for your needs and not always caring for other people’s needs. Self-prioritize also makes you happy and sets limits that others will not infringe on. It also means not allowing anybody to decide for you when inconvenient. Tips on How to Self-Prioritize This is very important in your life. Prioritizing yourself helps you love and appreciate your personality. Here are useful tips on how to self-prioritize. 1. Don’t Always Say Yes, Learn to Say No When you develop the habit of saying no to some request, it positively changes who you are and what you can do at a given time. Saying yes can always make you lose your self-esteem. It gives room for people to take advantage of your virtue. A feeling of guilt can easily overtake you, but there is a clear indication of enthusiasm and limits here. Be transparent with your family and friends, say no when it’s unsuitable, and don’t feel guilty. Nevertheless, it is necessary to learn to say no whenever it’s inconvenient for you. Doing so will help you care for yourself and become the very best of yourself. It will state limits, save time, and empower individuals around you to rethink. 2. Avoid Doing What You Don’t Enjoy. This may sound awkward, but that is the truth. Whenever you feel it’s too tedious to handle any given task. It is better to speak up than allow yourself to continue the task. These will help you know your self-worth and what you can do at a given time. It will also help signal to those around you that you have self-confidence. 3. Reduce Stress Realizing that too much stress is unhealthy will help you set boundaries. This can also affect your physical and emotional well-being, which can cause a lot of health challenges. Spending enough time with the things that matter most in your life has a positive way of helping you manage stress. Getting enough sleep is also vital in reducing stress, which will help you live a healthy life. 4. Improve Your Self-Worth Don’t feel guilty about neglecting other people. You deserve a better and fulfilled life. You need to understand that making yourself a priority in life gives you so much feeling that shows you how much you value yourself. Moreover, there is nothing wrong with you being selfless, but you should try to balance the equation for a happy life. Putting yourself first will make you become a better person. It will help you become mentally and emotionally resilient, allowing you to navigate some situations confidently. 5. Create Time for Yourself Managing time will help you create more space for yourself. This is very necessary as it will help you have enough time to dedicate to yourself. Doing that will help you plan your daily activities, and you will realize the impact it will have on your life. You will have more energy and help reduce your stress, which will help you care for yourself and the people around you. 6. Ask For Help When Necessary. When you feel the burden is too much for you, seek help. Doing this will help set your priorities. When you seek additional help from a close friend to lessen the burden from your shoulder, you will have relief and set for a better life. Quit the pretense and seek assistance from family. You will realize how much they will be ready to help out. 7. Believe in Yourself Despite some circumstances, life may throw at you, always believe that you are special and able to scale through. Believe that nobody can decide for you, and the power to make yourself a priority lies within you. Accept the best of you because you deserve to be happy and take control of what is happening around you. 8. Engage With Positive People. Surrounding with people of a positive mind has a better chance of helping you to have priority in life. Positive people who motivate and encourage you to put yourself first in everything you do are vital for your life. Look out for friends who are in that category that can inspire and lift you to grow. Remove anybody who wants to bring negativity and bad energy into your life, which is best for your well-being. Especially when it seems you are working to make the relationship work. Conclusion When you follow all these tips, you will experience great impact and feel less stressed. It will also positively affect your self-worth, caring for yourself, and support your family. It is good to be generous, but don’t overdo it so you will not get burned out. Always know you are doing it to maintain your self-worth and mental well-being.

Strategies to Enjoy A Successful Career.(Concluding Part).

February 6, 2024 by Amos Akande

In our previous articles on career success, we were able to look at strategies to build a successful career, part 1, and what to do in order to enjoy career success in part 2. In this concluding part, we shall explore other tips to build a successful career. Having a successful career is something that is under your control. The key is knowing what you have a passion for and pursuing it, it is also in developing habits as well as skills that make you more effective at work and home. To start enjoying career success, the following tips are important as we conclude this series. 7. Keep A Positive Attitude When you have a positive attitude, positive results will come. Your attitude determines your altitude. Pessimism is the enemy of success. Pessimism can turn challenges into insurmountable, while optimism can make every challenge to be surmountable. Always look on the bright side and have a positive attitude and the future of your career will be brighter as well. 8. Maintain Work-Life Balance While it is important to put forth your best effort in your job to have success in the workplace, overworking leads to stress and burnout, which are counterproductive to your desire for success. If you find your job is dominating your personal life, it is time to adopt a new system. Start by developing interests outside of work. Start a fitness routine, seek out social events, or look for new opportunities to learn more about the things you are interested in that are not associated with your job. Take time for recreation. It is just as important to play as it is to work and rest. Recreation allows your mind to unplug and your body to refresh. In turn, you will be able to be more productive and happier in the work place. Read Also: Strategies to Build A Successful Career. Part 1 9. Set Goals for Yourself One of the most crucial things a person can do for his career is to set goals for himself. A set of well-thought-out goals can serve as a roadmap to success, providing you with objectives to meet along the way as you work towards wherever you want to be in your career. Besides ensuring that you do what it takes to meet the goals that you set for yourself, the most important part of setting goals is making sure the goals you set are beneficial. A beneficial goal is that which will improve you and your career when you meet it. Set both short-term and long-term goals that will help you reach the end goal you have for your career, whatever that end goal may be. Read Aslo: Strategies To Build A Successful Career (Part 2) 10. Master Time Management Success tips for work include learning how to manage your time effectively. Some of the best advice for time management is to plan out your workday, either at the end of your current workday or first thing in the morning when you arrive at work. Prioritize tasks so that the most important things get done first. Taking on your biggest, most important and sometimes least desirable task first, then the rest of your day will be more productive. Apply the Pareto principle to prioritizing your tasks, which is a concept that asserts roughly 20 percent of your efforts account for 80 percent of your success. Make sure your 20 percent is focused on the most important tasks that will keep you on a course toward your goals. When you have major projects to complete, break milestone down into smaller, more manageable tasks with clear deadline. Learn the time management skills you need to meet your deadline. Minimize distractions and reward yourself for your successes. 11. Go The Extra Mile One of the most important skills you can gain for success at work is putting in the extra effort needed to make good things happen in the workplace. Employees who are not afraid of working hard develop the skills they need to become leaders within an organization. Instead of being an employee who has a job, you can strive to be the boss who runs or owns a company. Pay attention to the goals your company has, see big picture, you will be able to anticipate needs, notice trends that will bring new developments and offer new ideas that can catapult both you and your organization to success. When needed, add new tasks to your duties that will streamline your progress. Instead of waiting for your boss to assign new tasks to you, take initiative. This is one of the most important skills employees can develop to transition to a boss mentality. By applying these strategies for success at work, you will increase your confidence, improve your skills, and achieve your goals not just at work but in life.