Use your common sense.' I've lost count on how many times this phrase have crossed my ears since my childhood and I am certain you aren't an exception. Nonetheless, I beg to differ with the definition of commonsense as the knack for seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done. My question therefore is; what is the universal threshold of seeing things as they are or doing things as they ought to be done? Giving this definition a benefit of doubt is equally asinine noting the recurrent reminders that beg the use of commonsense in day to day life?
In my dire quest to find an answer to this extremely intriguing question, I decided to ignore the delusional commonsense idealism and opted to think deep to my question. We can all agree that human beings are created equal but with disparate physical and mental abilities. Since our sight or deed is a matter of perception through a thought process, the fact that the mind analyses and interpretes our thoughts differently which in essence is the application of paradigm shift (fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions) is a clear evidence that commonsense is just but a delusion.
A majority of the present day problems are as a result of a total disregard of divergent perceptions and assuming that; when people encounter similar experiences in life, their interpretation pertaining these experiences should be the same. Whenever your perception towards what might seem to be a simple issue is in the minority list, individuals in the majority list tend to think that you don't possess commonsense. The truth of the matter is: you are just different.
By now, most people are asking themselves; "If indeed commonsense is irrational, what facilitates efficiency in human relationships and habitual life in general?" Here is the answer to this very vital question. Both innate wisdom and acquired wisdom makes wonted human life viable. The fact that King Solomon asked God to give him wisdom is a clear indication that innate wisdom isn't enough by itself thus a dire need to seek for more wisdom. (Acquired wisdom) The two ways to obtain acquired wisdom are; adhering to the teachings from the counsel of the wise and also the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 9:10)
On the other hand, efficiency in anomalous matters of life requires reasoning where both wisdom (intelligence) and knowledge (integrity) are extremely essential towards a fierce deliberation for sake of viable decisions. This deliberation is called 'soul searching,' because a human being's soul is made up of the mind and the heart. While wisdom is an independent virtue on wonted matters, there must be an interdependence between the mind and the heart for viable solutions to the realized.
What most people perceive as commonsense is what I call 'assumption of commonality' which disregards the importance of conscious thinking and simultaneously dismisses the significance of diverse perceptions. Infact, a person who labels someone as an inferior claiming that, that person lacks commonsense totally disregards the intricacy of humanity which states; we are all created equal but with different physical and mental abilities, thus the depiction of human diversity
If you develop a trend of subjecting each and every life occurrence to a conscious thought process no matter how minor the issue is, you will always enjoy the outcome rendered by your conscious mind and you will surely have the force of reason in the realization of the truth behind the saying; 'Intentional thinking is the mother of viable decisions.'
Monday, December 7, 2020
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Unity for Opportunity: United States of Africa
My fellow beloved Africans, I come to you in the true spirit of Ubuntu and Pan-Africanism. As I extend my great and neverending love of my mother continent to you, I am neither oblivious nor lost of the fact that just a few decades ago, we were subjugated by the despotism of seven different European colonizers who adulterated our rich African culture, stole our land and disoriented our unity by partitioning our mother continent with their colonial boundaries. As if that wasn't enough, they brainwashed us to thinking that our indigenous languages were not good enough thus the dire need to learn their languages and make them our nation languages. It's for our own benefit that we forgave them even without any apology whatsoever but we shall never ever forget their heinous acts against humanity.
All the same, I am well versed that; continued lamentation about the atrocities that were meted against us for decades is just but an obstruction towards a blight and promising future. I thank God because their wishful thinking and malicious intentions of subjecting Africans to tyrannical rule to eternity was just but a short lived glory.
Even though their colonial boundaries that subdivided the great continent of Africa into 55 countries are still in existence to this day and age, and we are still speaking their languages, I totally believe without any shadow of doubt that the day of United States of Africa is more closer than it was when great Pan-africans like Nelson Rolihlahla madiba Mendela delivered his first international speech on 3rd February 1962, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When Kwame NKrumah gave the inaugural address of OAU (Oranization of Africa Unity) on 25th May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. And much more closer than 29th July 1987 when Thomas Sankara gave a speech at the summit of OAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia or when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi proposed the formation of United States of Africa and the introduction of one common currency thereafter which to his suggestion would be the gold dinar and when Paul Kagame emphasized on the dire need of intra-African trade on his 21st March 2018 speech during the launch of African Continental Free Trade Area in Kigali, Rwanda.
The fact that some of these true legends and loyal sons of Africa didn't live to see the United States of Africa dosen't mean that their dreams were futile. In the very words of Martin Luther king jr. during what became his last speech, before he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on 4th April 1963, "I've been to the mountain top and I've seen the promised land." "I may not get there with you but I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land," I truly believe that dreams of our departed and living Pan-Africans will soon become a reality. The baton is now with Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao, President Paul Kagame, Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba popularly known as PLO LUMUMBA, Julius Sello Malema among others, who are very loyal and true to the cause of unity that will beget United States of Africa.
On the other hand, with the formation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) on 21st March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda making AFCFTA the largest free trade area in the world in terms of the number of participating countries, Africans are highly optimistic of an economically stable continent because AFCFTA is expected to boost intra-African trade by 52 percent by the year 2022. No doubt whatsoever that Africa is headed to the right direction.
More to that, the establishment of African Union Agenda 2063 with an aim of delivering on its goal for inclusive and sustainable developments is likewise a positive progress. This agenda is also a robust manifestation of the Pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African renaissance is a well thought intuitive that will render numerous job opportunities across the United States of Africa.
All the same, I am well versed that; continued lamentation about the atrocities that were meted against us for decades is just but an obstruction towards a blight and promising future. I thank God because their wishful thinking and malicious intentions of subjecting Africans to tyrannical rule to eternity was just but a short lived glory.
Even though their colonial boundaries that subdivided the great continent of Africa into 55 countries are still in existence to this day and age, and we are still speaking their languages, I totally believe without any shadow of doubt that the day of United States of Africa is more closer than it was when great Pan-africans like Nelson Rolihlahla madiba Mendela delivered his first international speech on 3rd February 1962, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When Kwame NKrumah gave the inaugural address of OAU (Oranization of Africa Unity) on 25th May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. And much more closer than 29th July 1987 when Thomas Sankara gave a speech at the summit of OAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia or when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi proposed the formation of United States of Africa and the introduction of one common currency thereafter which to his suggestion would be the gold dinar and when Paul Kagame emphasized on the dire need of intra-African trade on his 21st March 2018 speech during the launch of African Continental Free Trade Area in Kigali, Rwanda.
The fact that some of these true legends and loyal sons of Africa didn't live to see the United States of Africa dosen't mean that their dreams were futile. In the very words of Martin Luther king jr. during what became his last speech, before he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on 4th April 1963, "I've been to the mountain top and I've seen the promised land." "I may not get there with you but I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land," I truly believe that dreams of our departed and living Pan-Africans will soon become a reality. The baton is now with Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao, President Paul Kagame, Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba popularly known as PLO LUMUMBA, Julius Sello Malema among others, who are very loyal and true to the cause of unity that will beget United States of Africa.
On the other hand, with the formation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) on 21st March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda making AFCFTA the largest free trade area in the world in terms of the number of participating countries, Africans are highly optimistic of an economically stable continent because AFCFTA is expected to boost intra-African trade by 52 percent by the year 2022. No doubt whatsoever that Africa is headed to the right direction.
More to that, the establishment of African Union Agenda 2063 with an aim of delivering on its goal for inclusive and sustainable developments is likewise a positive progress. This agenda is also a robust manifestation of the Pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African renaissance is a well thought intuitive that will render numerous job opportunities across the United States of Africa.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Welcome to the 21st century, a century with a profusion of youngsters suffering from what I call Verbal Communication Syndrome (V.C.S.) A greater percentage of their communication is through texting even when the recipient is at a stone throw away. The main reason to why their relationships can't stand the test of time is that; unlike verbal communication, texting is incapable of expressing the most vital element of effective communication namely; feelings.
Texting as a means of communication that the young generation have totally embraced have not only robbed them the authentic meaning of effective communication which is denoted by the exchange of feelings, it have also restrained them from establishing apt physical self-expression as well as self-confidence.
Effective communication is the exchange of feelings where understanding is derived. You can argue it otherwise till cows come home but 97% of effective communication is based on your body language which includes facial expressions and gestures. That's why face to face communication is the most effective method that guarantees effective communication.
Times without number I've heard people urge that texting and chatting are the most effective means of communication. This is a point that I strongly beg to differ. From my school of thought, texting and chatting are rapid means of communication but not effective.
A perfect example is a case when you send someone a text message and he or she claims to have not received the text. For the people who thought that wassup had finally saved them the lie of recipients who claim not to have received a text message, i have bad news for you. You're recipient can set his or her wassup in a way that both read and unread messages remain grey. This gives someone a chance to claim not to have read your message even when he or she have read message. With that knowledge well encrypted on your finger tips, it's always important to refrain from texting especially when indispensable understanding is essential.
Most parents who have adopted texting as a primary means of communicating with their children have already set themselves up for occasional frustrations. Children especially teens whom truth is a nemesis have a tendency of claiming to have not received or read the text. To free yourself from such occasional frustrations, just refrain from texting and develop a trend of calling that way you will be sure that your message is perfectly delivered whenever your call is answered.
Needless to say, the most effective method to parent your children is through a face to face communication whenever the chance is at hand. If time with your children is always contingent, you have a responsibility to create time out of your busy schedule for a face to face communication. Face to face communication with your children does not only ensure effective communication, it simultaneously helps to create infinite memories in the lives of your children.
In this day and age, it's inarguably true that most parents have no control over their children in matters internet consumption. Internet has substituted mum and dad parenting resulting to a morally delayed generation. Whenever all family members are always aboard the internet technology platforms on daily basis for reasons better known to themselves, there is a dire need to disconnect in order to reconnect.
It's extremely important to always prioritize tech free activities or better still family tech free days. This activities can include around the table games like chase, scrabble and the like. It's likewise very important to restrain electronic gadgets from the dinner table and instead embrace a habitual occurence of holding family conversations which tend to become more interesting without any distractions from gadgets. Around the dinner table talks is surely the very best opportunity to disconnect your gadgets and reconnect with each other. It's inarguably true that internet technology have brought your virtual friends closer. Nonetheless, it have taken away your family members and real friends who are mostly within your reach on daily basis or whenever a dire need is at hand.
Texting as a means of communication that the young generation have totally embraced have not only robbed them the authentic meaning of effective communication which is denoted by the exchange of feelings, it have also restrained them from establishing apt physical self-expression as well as self-confidence.
Effective communication is the exchange of feelings where understanding is derived. You can argue it otherwise till cows come home but 97% of effective communication is based on your body language which includes facial expressions and gestures. That's why face to face communication is the most effective method that guarantees effective communication.
Times without number I've heard people urge that texting and chatting are the most effective means of communication. This is a point that I strongly beg to differ. From my school of thought, texting and chatting are rapid means of communication but not effective.
A perfect example is a case when you send someone a text message and he or she claims to have not received the text. For the people who thought that wassup had finally saved them the lie of recipients who claim not to have received a text message, i have bad news for you. You're recipient can set his or her wassup in a way that both read and unread messages remain grey. This gives someone a chance to claim not to have read your message even when he or she have read message. With that knowledge well encrypted on your finger tips, it's always important to refrain from texting especially when indispensable understanding is essential.
Most parents who have adopted texting as a primary means of communicating with their children have already set themselves up for occasional frustrations. Children especially teens whom truth is a nemesis have a tendency of claiming to have not received or read the text. To free yourself from such occasional frustrations, just refrain from texting and develop a trend of calling that way you will be sure that your message is perfectly delivered whenever your call is answered.
Needless to say, the most effective method to parent your children is through a face to face communication whenever the chance is at hand. If time with your children is always contingent, you have a responsibility to create time out of your busy schedule for a face to face communication. Face to face communication with your children does not only ensure effective communication, it simultaneously helps to create infinite memories in the lives of your children.
In this day and age, it's inarguably true that most parents have no control over their children in matters internet consumption. Internet has substituted mum and dad parenting resulting to a morally delayed generation. Whenever all family members are always aboard the internet technology platforms on daily basis for reasons better known to themselves, there is a dire need to disconnect in order to reconnect.
It's extremely important to always prioritize tech free activities or better still family tech free days. This activities can include around the table games like chase, scrabble and the like. It's likewise very important to restrain electronic gadgets from the dinner table and instead embrace a habitual occurence of holding family conversations which tend to become more interesting without any distractions from gadgets. Around the dinner table talks is surely the very best opportunity to disconnect your gadgets and reconnect with each other. It's inarguably true that internet technology have brought your virtual friends closer. Nonetheless, it have taken away your family members and real friends who are mostly within your reach on daily basis or whenever a dire need is at hand.
Sunday, November 15, 2020
MENTAL SLAVERY: AMERICA'S DECISION, KENYA'S EXPECTATIONS
Barely a fortnight ago, the Americans went to their voting ballots. That was Tuesday 3rd November 2020 but it was not until Saturday the 7th November 2020 that the declaration of the man who would become the 46th president in the land of the free because of the brave was made.
Within a nictate of an eye, both the main stream and the social media platforms were filled with different headlines which permeated globally. Nonetheless, there was one among the millions of headlines that caught my attention definitely from a country south of the Sahara and north of the Limpopo which happens to be my motherland.
This is how the headline read; AMERICA'S DECISION, KENYA'S EXPECTATIONS. This headline totally perplexed me and pestered me to ask myself a question; what befell a country that claims to have gained freedom 57 years ago and is to this day expecting succours from a foreign country?
A mindset that propels a 'free nation' to expect whatever kind of help from another country is a crystal-clear indication that; all we attained 57 year ago was physical freedom but our minds are still colonized. This means that we are not free indeed and that's why our deeds don't match with our profess of freedom.
Within a nictate of an eye, both the main stream and the social media platforms were filled with different headlines which permeated globally. Nonetheless, there was one among the millions of headlines that caught my attention definitely from a country south of the Sahara and north of the Limpopo which happens to be my motherland.
This is how the headline read; AMERICA'S DECISION, KENYA'S EXPECTATIONS. This headline totally perplexed me and pestered me to ask myself a question; what befell a country that claims to have gained freedom 57 years ago and is to this day expecting succours from a foreign country?
A mindset that propels a 'free nation' to expect whatever kind of help from another country is a crystal-clear indication that; all we attained 57 year ago was physical freedom but our minds are still colonized. This means that we are not free indeed and that's why our deeds don't match with our profess of freedom.
Hitherto, it's inarguably true that, the shackles that once fastened our wrists were not strong than the chains that currently impede our mind. We are just but victims of self-mental slavery. Quoting the words of the 32nd first lady of the United states of America madam Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” we can only blame ourselves for allowing foreign nations to control our thinking. I totally agree that we were cunningly lured into colonialism but today we have consciously paved our way to neocolonialism.
In his 1980 Redemption Song, Robert Nesta Marley popularly known as Bob Marley, puts it this way; "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds." In other words, mental slavery is a self-choice and freeing from it is likewise a personal decision. The scriptures are clear on your limitations or lack of them thereof. 'I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.' Philippians 4:13 Equally if not more inspirational are the words inked by the wisest man to have ever walked on planet earth in Ecclesiastes 9:11. 'I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.' His words clearly shows that every human being receives an equal measure of the most important and free asset in the world called TIME. The issue that marks our differences is how we manage or mismanage this precious asset called time. Time is money, spend it wisely.
In reference to the scriptures in Hosea 4:6 'My people perish from lack of knowledge,' what most people from my motherland don't know is that foreign aid from the so called first world countries comes with strings attached. In other words, free is not free. If you wish to challenge my school of thought, you are welcome to peluse through American archives and find out the purpose of the National Security Study Memorandum or NSSM-200 commonly known as The Kissinger Report.
As we look upon the United states of America to extend a hand of help, let's not get lost of the fact that a while back they had president Obama who we were so proud to call the son of Africa but all his presidency did was to initiate a Power Africa program with a promise of generating 30,000 megawatts of electricity in Africa by the year 2030. This meant that the seventeen years program was to generate 1,764 megawatts annually. Unfortunately, three years after the launching of the program in July 2013, the project had only generated 374 megawatts recording a deficiency of 1390 megawatts.
If we have anchored our hopes that Africa will come out of darkness to massive light via Power Africa Program of 2013, kindly let's reexamine our thoughts and free ourselves from mental slavery because, let there be light in Africa is something that United states of America can't deliver out of spontaneity and so are our other needs.
In reference to the scriptures in Hosea 4:6 'My people perish from lack of knowledge,' what most people from my motherland don't know is that foreign aid from the so called first world countries comes with strings attached. In other words, free is not free. If you wish to challenge my school of thought, you are welcome to peluse through American archives and find out the purpose of the National Security Study Memorandum or NSSM-200 commonly known as The Kissinger Report.
As we look upon the United states of America to extend a hand of help, let's not get lost of the fact that a while back they had president Obama who we were so proud to call the son of Africa but all his presidency did was to initiate a Power Africa program with a promise of generating 30,000 megawatts of electricity in Africa by the year 2030. This meant that the seventeen years program was to generate 1,764 megawatts annually. Unfortunately, three years after the launching of the program in July 2013, the project had only generated 374 megawatts recording a deficiency of 1390 megawatts.
If we have anchored our hopes that Africa will come out of darkness to massive light via Power Africa Program of 2013, kindly let's reexamine our thoughts and free ourselves from mental slavery because, let there be light in Africa is something that United states of America can't deliver out of spontaneity and so are our other needs.
Thursday, November 5, 2020
PURPOSE; THE POWER TO EMPOWER
What are the two most important days in your life? Times without number I've posed this question to my mentees where everyone gets the first answer correct and 98% errs on the second part. It's obvious that one of the most important days in your life is the day you were born because that's primarily the reason you are reading this blog. Nonetheless, the second most important day in your life isn't the day you depart from planet earth. The second most imperative day in your life is the day you realize why you were born. In other words, the day you'll find your PURPOSE. (SELF-IDENTITY)
Although different studies aren't consistent on the percentage of people who live and die having not found their purpose, the truth of the matter is; a greater percentage of human beings on planet earth are born, live and die without finding their purpose. The percentage ranges between 75%-80%. This literally means that; only 15% to 20% of the world population live a purpose driven life.
With all due respect, this isn't a matter to joke about. It's a totally disheartening issue.
This numbers are however a clear indication to why most people have continued to lead miserable and despondent lives. One of the greatest misconception about finding happiness and fulfillment in life is the present day believe that has continued to permeate like a wild fire citing opulence as an aspect that automatically renders an individual to freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Truth be told; it doesn't matter how filthy rich you become, failure to find your purpose in life will always disorient your life and deny you ecstasy. The earlier you shall know that; the purpose of life is your purpose in life the sooner you will stop equating monetary achievement with purpose realization.
In a dire need to find happiness, some people decide to marry or get married. As much as it's inarguably true that marriage is the fundamental source of happiness and fulfillment that's fostered through companionship, it's however not supposed to be the primary source of your happiness or fulfillment. Your purpose should be the primary source of your happiness and fulfillment. The fact that most people enter into marriage having not found their purpose in life which means that they don't have SELF-IDENTITY (you don't know who you are)
have tremendously contributed to marriages that can't stand the test of time where separation and divorce have become extremely rampant across the spectrum. This is a clear indication that your spouse can't give you self-identity. The reason to why purpose is also called self-identity is an implication that; finding your purpose in life is your personal responsibility. In a dire need to find happiness and fulfillment from your spouse, you fail to understand that he or she can't offer either of the two because, just like you, he or she is also deficient of both if he or she hasn't found his or her purpose in life. However, if your spouse have already found his or her purpose in life, the much he or she can do is help you find yours.
Even though happiness is a self-derived feeling, your personal decision of leading a happy life will always be a short lived glory without purpose on board. Purpose is the rationale that necessitates your present life and secures your future.
If you can't answer the question; WHO AM I which literally translates to WHAT IS MY PURPOSE, you are definitely wandering aimlessly in life without any pursuit whatsoever. Finding your purpose in life is the greatest achievement you will ever accord yourself. This discovery will not only give you SELF-IDENTITY and point your life to the right direction, it will also desist you from leading a frivolous and mediocre lifestyle, simultaneously rendering you to a dispensation of immense freedom, happiness and fulfillment and subsequently introducing you to a purpose driven life.
Regardless of you being an introvert or an extrovert, purpose gives your life a meaning and generates you enough power for self-empowerment and to empower others. As much as introverts think that their intrinsic ability to self-recharge can render them spontaneous happiness and fulfillment, the truth of the matter is; without purpose, your introvert personality will only offer inadequate gratification. This means that, finding purpose in life is an overrall need to humanity, personality notwithstanding.
Although different studies aren't consistent on the percentage of people who live and die having not found their purpose, the truth of the matter is; a greater percentage of human beings on planet earth are born, live and die without finding their purpose. The percentage ranges between 75%-80%. This literally means that; only 15% to 20% of the world population live a purpose driven life.
With all due respect, this isn't a matter to joke about. It's a totally disheartening issue.
This numbers are however a clear indication to why most people have continued to lead miserable and despondent lives. One of the greatest misconception about finding happiness and fulfillment in life is the present day believe that has continued to permeate like a wild fire citing opulence as an aspect that automatically renders an individual to freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Truth be told; it doesn't matter how filthy rich you become, failure to find your purpose in life will always disorient your life and deny you ecstasy. The earlier you shall know that; the purpose of life is your purpose in life the sooner you will stop equating monetary achievement with purpose realization.
In a dire need to find happiness, some people decide to marry or get married. As much as it's inarguably true that marriage is the fundamental source of happiness and fulfillment that's fostered through companionship, it's however not supposed to be the primary source of your happiness or fulfillment. Your purpose should be the primary source of your happiness and fulfillment. The fact that most people enter into marriage having not found their purpose in life which means that they don't have SELF-IDENTITY (you don't know who you are)
have tremendously contributed to marriages that can't stand the test of time where separation and divorce have become extremely rampant across the spectrum. This is a clear indication that your spouse can't give you self-identity. The reason to why purpose is also called self-identity is an implication that; finding your purpose in life is your personal responsibility. In a dire need to find happiness and fulfillment from your spouse, you fail to understand that he or she can't offer either of the two because, just like you, he or she is also deficient of both if he or she hasn't found his or her purpose in life. However, if your spouse have already found his or her purpose in life, the much he or she can do is help you find yours.
Even though happiness is a self-derived feeling, your personal decision of leading a happy life will always be a short lived glory without purpose on board. Purpose is the rationale that necessitates your present life and secures your future.
If you can't answer the question; WHO AM I which literally translates to WHAT IS MY PURPOSE, you are definitely wandering aimlessly in life without any pursuit whatsoever. Finding your purpose in life is the greatest achievement you will ever accord yourself. This discovery will not only give you SELF-IDENTITY and point your life to the right direction, it will also desist you from leading a frivolous and mediocre lifestyle, simultaneously rendering you to a dispensation of immense freedom, happiness and fulfillment and subsequently introducing you to a purpose driven life.
Regardless of you being an introvert or an extrovert, purpose gives your life a meaning and generates you enough power for self-empowerment and to empower others. As much as introverts think that their intrinsic ability to self-recharge can render them spontaneous happiness and fulfillment, the truth of the matter is; without purpose, your introvert personality will only offer inadequate gratification. This means that, finding purpose in life is an overrall need to humanity, personality notwithstanding.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
SPARE ME YOUR GLORY BUT TELL ME YOUR STORY
It has been a while since I last set foot in a mathematics class. Nonetheless, I can still remember my mathematics teacher insisting to see the process through which each student used in arriving at his or her answer. In other words, we had to demonstrate the process through which the answer was realized otherwise, you were considered to have cheated.
The fact that I was highly allergic to mathematics and I still am made me to never master calculus, algebra and most if not all mathematic topics. All the same, the greatest analogical lesson I learned from mathematics is that; in life, a process is more if not equally important than the destination. In other words, it's humanly impossible to arrive at a destination having not gone through a process.
Unfortunately, the present day young generation have developed an extremely unrealistic mindset which tells them that you can wish yourself to an opulent destiny without a smidgen work input. To them I say, "If wishes were horses, beggars would surely ride."
In my dire quest to figure out why myriad youngsters of the 21st century are so eager to lead unwarranted lavish lifestyles, I didn't have to look further than their present day number one tool of motivation or so you'd think. This tool is nothing else but the internet. In this day and age, the internet has become the forth item in the cluster of basic needs.
Even though it's inarguably true that internet technology has made the world a global village by enhancing entrepreneurship methodologies and easing communication means by replacing traditional means of communication with instant ones, I am not lost of the fact that internet technology has likewise fostered utopianism among the young generation inhibiting their ability to think that; success in life entails a progressive process rather than a mere wishful thinking. In other words; thinking is free but implementing your thoughts is demanding.
The fact that I was highly allergic to mathematics and I still am made me to never master calculus, algebra and most if not all mathematic topics. All the same, the greatest analogical lesson I learned from mathematics is that; in life, a process is more if not equally important than the destination. In other words, it's humanly impossible to arrive at a destination having not gone through a process.
Unfortunately, the present day young generation have developed an extremely unrealistic mindset which tells them that you can wish yourself to an opulent destiny without a smidgen work input. To them I say, "If wishes were horses, beggars would surely ride."
In my dire quest to figure out why myriad youngsters of the 21st century are so eager to lead unwarranted lavish lifestyles, I didn't have to look further than their present day number one tool of motivation or so you'd think. This tool is nothing else but the internet. In this day and age, the internet has become the forth item in the cluster of basic needs.
Even though it's inarguably true that internet technology has made the world a global village by enhancing entrepreneurship methodologies and easing communication means by replacing traditional means of communication with instant ones, I am not lost of the fact that internet technology has likewise fostered utopianism among the young generation inhibiting their ability to think that; success in life entails a progressive process rather than a mere wishful thinking. In other words; thinking is free but implementing your thoughts is demanding.
If you are still not certain how internet technology has continued to mislead the young generation to ideal thinking that render them to utopia, here is a perfect example. In their improbable claims that their lavish lifestyles is a great way of inspiring their fellow youngsters, most affluent youths are continuously posting their daily lifestyle on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the like. In other words, they are living their entire lives on different social media platforms.
Even if we give them a benefit of doubt and buy to their claim that posting photos of their opulent living and uploading videos of the same is purely a way of inspiring their fellow youngsters, what they are either ignorant about or don't know at all is; in matters success, the story (process) is much more inspirational than the glory. (achievements) In other words, sharing the process of your progressive stuggles that landed you to a successful lifestyle inspires me and makes me resilient in comparison to showing me how successful you are. If you are candid about being inspirational, it's worth noting that; the journey towards your success is more important than your success. While your process towards your success inspires me, your success in absentia of the process intimidates me and makes me suspicious.
On the other hand, youngsters who fail to relate well or distinguish between real and ideal posts and videos portraying opulent lifestyles from their peers tend to develop social media depression. Before you stress your mind about social media posts or videos portraying lavish lifestyles, it's very imperative to know that most of these people are either leading ideal lives of show-off while others upload videos on YouTube for lucrative purposes.
While using social media platforms for purposes of staying connected or airing your veiws on matters of interest is perfectly okay, engaging in what I call social media surveillance, which is; browsing social media platforms to compare yourself with your peers renders you to feelings of stress, anxiety and the like. At first it seems like a harmless silent social media stalking but in the lapse of time it leads to dissatisfaction and eventually to symptoms of depression.
In this day and age, almost every one seems to have this social media persona. Once a social media user creates a perfect image of himself or herself, it becomes difficult to break away from the hype and share about the struggles he or she might be going through in life thus the need to understand that; all that glitters isn't gold.
Even if we give them a benefit of doubt and buy to their claim that posting photos of their opulent living and uploading videos of the same is purely a way of inspiring their fellow youngsters, what they are either ignorant about or don't know at all is; in matters success, the story (process) is much more inspirational than the glory. (achievements) In other words, sharing the process of your progressive stuggles that landed you to a successful lifestyle inspires me and makes me resilient in comparison to showing me how successful you are. If you are candid about being inspirational, it's worth noting that; the journey towards your success is more important than your success. While your process towards your success inspires me, your success in absentia of the process intimidates me and makes me suspicious.
On the other hand, youngsters who fail to relate well or distinguish between real and ideal posts and videos portraying opulent lifestyles from their peers tend to develop social media depression. Before you stress your mind about social media posts or videos portraying lavish lifestyles, it's very imperative to know that most of these people are either leading ideal lives of show-off while others upload videos on YouTube for lucrative purposes.
While using social media platforms for purposes of staying connected or airing your veiws on matters of interest is perfectly okay, engaging in what I call social media surveillance, which is; browsing social media platforms to compare yourself with your peers renders you to feelings of stress, anxiety and the like. At first it seems like a harmless silent social media stalking but in the lapse of time it leads to dissatisfaction and eventually to symptoms of depression.
In this day and age, almost every one seems to have this social media persona. Once a social media user creates a perfect image of himself or herself, it becomes difficult to break away from the hype and share about the struggles he or she might be going through in life thus the need to understand that; all that glitters isn't gold.
With this knowledge well encrypted on your fingertips, kindly stop beating up yourself out of lavish ideal lifestyles of your social media friends or role models. Using social media platforms to size up your accomplishments against others will eventually render you to social media depression just like the saying; 'Comparison is the thief of joy.'
Thursday, October 8, 2020
REDEFINING SUCCESS
I grew up during the days when success was associated with going to school to pursue one among the four careers namely; a teacher, a physician, a pilot or an engineer. These four professionals were deemed to be the abolition of generational destitution in any family collectively.
To substantiate my parent's claims that education was indeed the key to a blight successful future was Henry Maboki's swahili song (someni vijana) that had hijacked the crowning of the village rooster as the wakeup alarm every school day morning. At one point, the familiarity of this song had become a nuisance to me goading me to truancy.
If you have been wondering where the rain started beating us when it comes to the decades old misconception of what success is all about, look no further than the careers our parents perceived as lucrative and coerced us into pursuing them regardless of your inability. It didn't matter how talented you were in sports, how innovative you were, whether you were adept self made tech guru in the entire village or the best concerto soloist in the church choir, if your future ambitions weren't within the confines of a teacher, a physician, a pilot or an engineer, your expertise was promptly rendered futile.
Today more than ever before, the delusion of decades ago on the definition of success as accumulation of money and material possessions has propagated to both millennials and generation Z and it seems as if it's here to stay if no immediate measures are taken to demystify this spurious belief.
To substantiate my parent's claims that education was indeed the key to a blight successful future was Henry Maboki's swahili song (someni vijana) that had hijacked the crowning of the village rooster as the wakeup alarm every school day morning. At one point, the familiarity of this song had become a nuisance to me goading me to truancy.
If you have been wondering where the rain started beating us when it comes to the decades old misconception of what success is all about, look no further than the careers our parents perceived as lucrative and coerced us into pursuing them regardless of your inability. It didn't matter how talented you were in sports, how innovative you were, whether you were adept self made tech guru in the entire village or the best concerto soloist in the church choir, if your future ambitions weren't within the confines of a teacher, a physician, a pilot or an engineer, your expertise was promptly rendered futile.
Today more than ever before, the delusion of decades ago on the definition of success as accumulation of money and material possessions has propagated to both millennials and generation Z and it seems as if it's here to stay if no immediate measures are taken to demystify this spurious belief.
In this day and age, this biased misconception has become a total detriment across all age groups without any solution at sight whatsoever.
To make matters worse, the already
deluded generation on the definition of success as the accumulation of material possessions has been fooled twice that; becoming an affluent person isn't a matter of riches accumulation only, it also entails accumulating riches at a young age. This deceit has not only fostered opulence gluttony, it has likewise obliterated morality by promoting corruption in different entities in a dire need to feed the greed of instant gratification.
In a 2016 study that was conducted in East African Institute of Aga Khan University comprising 1,854 youths aged between 18-35 years, 50% said that it doesn't matter how they attain riches, corruption included as long as they won't end up in jail. In addition to that, 35% said they would give or take bribes. This study clearly shows the vast integrity anomalies prevalent among the present day young generation with a smidgen hope of a successful future if any.
Contrary to the old English saying that; life starts at forty, words like late bloomers doesn't exist among the vocabularies of the present day young generation. This is a generation that wants to graduate from school on Monday get a job on Tuesday, own an edifice in an affluent neighborhood on Wednesday, buy a limousine on Thursday, throw a lavish nuptial party on Friday and jet-off to an island for a blissful and utopic honeymoon over the weekend. No wonder the adaptation of their popular acronym; YOLO (You Only Live Once) and a phrase like; I would rather cry in a Mercedes Benz than be blissful on a bicycle.
Having been around for over four decades now, I am well versed that; success is neither dependent upon the major you pursue in school nor the riches you accumulate thus the saying; the poorest man is he whose only riches is money.
Just like the biblical words inked in the gospel of John 8:32, 'And you will know the truth and it will set you free,' my intent is to demystify the decades old misconception that ties success with monetary possessions. SUCCESS IS THE OUTCOME OF A STUDIOUS PLAN, AN ADROIT PROCESS, A RESOLUTE PRINCIPLE AND ACHIEVED SELF-ACTUALIZATION PURPOSE. Needless to say, the fact that 64% of the world population never find their purpose in life makes it easier to believe that success is purely monetary based. In a simplistic elucidation, success is nothing but; PURPOSE FULFILLED.
To make matters worse, the already
deluded generation on the definition of success as the accumulation of material possessions has been fooled twice that; becoming an affluent person isn't a matter of riches accumulation only, it also entails accumulating riches at a young age. This deceit has not only fostered opulence gluttony, it has likewise obliterated morality by promoting corruption in different entities in a dire need to feed the greed of instant gratification.
In a 2016 study that was conducted in East African Institute of Aga Khan University comprising 1,854 youths aged between 18-35 years, 50% said that it doesn't matter how they attain riches, corruption included as long as they won't end up in jail. In addition to that, 35% said they would give or take bribes. This study clearly shows the vast integrity anomalies prevalent among the present day young generation with a smidgen hope of a successful future if any.
Contrary to the old English saying that; life starts at forty, words like late bloomers doesn't exist among the vocabularies of the present day young generation. This is a generation that wants to graduate from school on Monday get a job on Tuesday, own an edifice in an affluent neighborhood on Wednesday, buy a limousine on Thursday, throw a lavish nuptial party on Friday and jet-off to an island for a blissful and utopic honeymoon over the weekend. No wonder the adaptation of their popular acronym; YOLO (You Only Live Once) and a phrase like; I would rather cry in a Mercedes Benz than be blissful on a bicycle.
Having been around for over four decades now, I am well versed that; success is neither dependent upon the major you pursue in school nor the riches you accumulate thus the saying; the poorest man is he whose only riches is money.
Just like the biblical words inked in the gospel of John 8:32, 'And you will know the truth and it will set you free,' my intent is to demystify the decades old misconception that ties success with monetary possessions. SUCCESS IS THE OUTCOME OF A STUDIOUS PLAN, AN ADROIT PROCESS, A RESOLUTE PRINCIPLE AND ACHIEVED SELF-ACTUALIZATION PURPOSE. Needless to say, the fact that 64% of the world population never find their purpose in life makes it easier to believe that success is purely monetary based. In a simplistic elucidation, success is nothing but; PURPOSE FULFILLED.
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