The Ageless Boxer who Became a Champ!

Boxing lovers around the world are showering praises on the current WBC and IBO light-heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins.

Hopkin’s victory is a very good demonstration of resilience and determination. A 46, he still believed in himself. He did not see his age as a barrier. He trained hard and even after the initial game with Jean Paschal, 28 which had ended in a stalemate he still went ahead to fight in Saturday, May 21^st rematch which he convincingly won. His victory was an unanimous decision by the three judges who gave their verdict. The former undisputed world middleweight champion won the fight claiming 116-112, 115-114 and 115-114 majorities.

After getting into a lot of trouble as a youth which also landed him in prison, Hopkins swore that he would never return to prison. He kept his word and made a lot of fortune from boxing by the time he retired, all before his recent comeback. His lifestyle then could be likened to that of a, ‘warrior monk,’ because he didn't drink, didn't smoke, ate well all the time, and treated going to the gym as if it were a job.

The American boxer is the first fighter to retain all 4 world titles of each major boxing sanctioning body, he is considered one of the best middleweights of all times.

Hopkins is now the oldest champion in boxing history after surpassing George Foreman’s record which he set at 45 . He is indeed, on top of his game!

Picture: Courtesy:Yahoo

You Need to Focus

Frequent interruptions, in the course of your work can greatly reduce your productivity.When our mind waivers often, it affects the result of what we are doing.

For big tasks, it is best we figure out our high energy time and face such tasks putting in, our full concentration.

Our high energy time is the period of the day that we work optimally.For a student, it is a period he understands most; what he is reading, with the least effort. If you are sharpest in the morning, consider your toughest coursework then.When you are tired, consider something lighter.

When we were students, we put in many hours into our studies and we figured out that there was a period of 'dimnishing returns' as one studies. It is that period that one (the brain) is tired and needs rest. At such period, you find it hard to comprehend what you are reading, even after several efforts. It can also be compared to forcing yourself to read when you are feeling sleepy. To avoid 'dimnishing returns,' it is better to take a nap or rest a little. By doing so, you are saving your time and energy.

Fixing a particular time for your routines, makes it habitual and it improves focus. Setting goals(and writing it out) before tasks improves our motivation and sense of urgency and it enables us to get things done faster. By so doing, we also curb procastination. It is also advisable to keep the materials we need for the task handy. Moving around to get them, affects concentration.

Finishing one task and moving over to the next, enables one to focus more, unlike moving in between tasks. But it is best for one to figure out what works best for him or her.

It is good to narrow down the things you have to do in order to have more time and energy to focus on the few things that matter most.

To focus best in you daily tasks, you need enough energy. Make sure you sleep enough, eat right and stay fit.

Focus! Stay focused. You surely deserve to be on top of your game.

Do you have a story about how focusing on a particular goal/task, made it easier for ypou to achieve it? Please share it with us. We have an e-book gift for contributors. We hope to hear from you!!

Picture, courtesy: www.shutterstock.com

Say It! Do it!

Certain times, our desires and dreams get hold of us so much that we find ourselves voicing it. It may have been dormant but we find ourselves saying it out to the hearing of others when we are emotion laden. Sometimes we do so when we are pushed to the wall by others or overwhelmed by circumstances.

A popular story has it that William Clinton was privilleged to shake hands with President J.F.Kennedy as high school senior durring a visit to the White House durring a special youth leadership conference. Young Bill could not hide his excitement, he said "Mr.President, one day I hope to be like you."

Years later, Bill Clinton was elected the President of the United States of America. He said it and by all means he was pushed to do it.

Saying your desires and deepest dreams is very different from bragging. Bragging is talking too proudly about something you own or have done. It is saying what you cannot do or have not done.Though when we stop only at saying it without any action then it turns to a wish.Interestingly, those who keep saying it with passion end up doing it.

Stating our targets and goals releases a power that will move us and push us to pursue it. No wonder many corporations write and often emphasize their mission statements!

I was privilleged to make one of the best results in my junior high school.After we had seen our results, my good friend looked at me for several minutes and what he said struck me, "You said it and you did it!" I asked him to explain what he meant. He reminded me of what happened about a year earlier when we went to the school's notice board to check the results of our predecessors.Someone close had a bad result-several failures and a few passes. My friend teased me about it and I knew my Dad who was a tutor in the same school was embarassed. And I did not even know what made me say it and mean it with all my heart, "I would wipe away this result and embarrasment." He was right, I had done what I said.

You may not go into details- for someone may steal your dreams! If you do not voice your dream and yet your will power is enough to propel you into action, then that's fine.

Know yourself. Do not be afraid to dream with our eyes open. Timidity should not be your undoing. If it is your style-that your passions push you to say it; then, say it but achieve it!

Picture, courtesy: Google Images

Every Minute Counts.

Time and tide,they say, waits for no one. Before us, is a new year. A fraction of the 365 days have passed already. In each of these days is twenty four hours. In each hour is sixty minutes. If we must stay focused on our pursuits, then we have to make sure that every minute counts in 2011!

How have you been spending your time? You may need to reconsider your actions, if they do not contribute to the actualization of your dreams.

We have small and big goals. Some of us have been wise enough to set deadlines for these goals. But it is how you spend your time- What you do in between and how you do it that often determines if we would achieve them or not at the set time.

It is wise to begin your day by figuring out the best way to optimally use your time and energy in moivng a step closer to your goals.

Office gossip, constant telephone calls, too much newspaper reading, excessive spending of your time replying personal e-mails or social networking sites can sap your energy and kill your time. A messy office desk, scattered files can also slow down your work. Starting your day without a plan can leave you rutherless.

Friends matter, but if your relationship with them does little or no good to you, then intelligently learn to spend less time with them. Then strenghten those relationships that empower you and bring out the best in you.

Consider your routines and habits. Are they some that inhibit your progress? If there are, then work towards thrashing them out and replace them with those that would be of your own good and the good of others.

Learn to plan your day, week and months ahead. Learn to pray at the start and end of your day, it connects you with the infinite and refreshes your inner being.

2011 has just begun. Plan ahead, set your targets and see yourself on top of your game every moment as you work-doing the smaller things that lead to the big things you dream of!

Picture, courtesy: Google Images

Happiness is a responsibility

Happiness is not just a feeing, it is a choice we have to make for our own good and the good of others. It is a responsibility.

Whenever you come accross someone that hurt you in the past or you never liked your mood changes. It means that person can take away your happiness and can go as far as spoiling your day. You are only happy when you meet a certain person or find yourself in a particular place. Thus, that person or place is responsible for your happiness.

You should be responsible for your happiness and it comes from within. Make up your mind to be happy. Life is easier that way. Yes! some things can make us angry or aggitated but the person who has adopted a happy lifestyle handles such situations better.

As a follow up to my artice 'Choose to be Happy.' I have decided to bring to you these wise words on happiness from the master, Jim Rohn;

According to Jim Rohn:
No one else "makes us angry." We make ourselves angry when we surrender control of our attitude. What someone else may have done is irrelevant. We choose, not they. They merely put our attitude to a test. If we select a volatile attitude by becoming hostile,angry, jealous or suspicious, then we have failed the test. If we condemn ourselves by believing that we are unworthy, then again, we have failed the test.

If we care at all about ourselves, then we must accept full responsibility for our own feelings. We must learn to guard against those feelings that have the capacity to lead our attitude down the wrong path and to strengthen those feelings that can lead us confidently into a better future

Below are steps you can take to live a happy lifestyle by Brian Tracy;

Action Exercises

Here are three steps you can take immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, accept that you deserve all the joy and happiness you can possibly achieve through your own efforts.

Second, make your own happiness the chief organizing principle of your life and judge everything against that standard. Follow your inner guiding light.

Third, be willing to work hard and pay the price for the satisfaction and rewards you desire. Always go the extra mile and your success will be assured.

Picture, courtesy: Google Images

Choose to be Happy

There are no public bars and night clubs in Riyadh but there is traquility; and a lifestyle that enables one to save and build his/her finances. Katsina lacks a cinema, shopping mall and a beach but it is devoid of the heartbreaking traffic congestion of Lagos.

It is pretty cold in winter but the snow gives us one of the most beautiful sights of the year. The air is dry and dusty in harmattan but our untarred roads are dry and free from mud, water pools and debris deposited by flood.

You are in a new place and you miss your friends badly. It is an opportunity to look inward. Moments that we find ourselves alone could be channelled to moments of self discovery.

"A message by one of the speakers in a conference I attended several years ago opened my eyes on happiness. We were told that happiness comes from within. When we make up our minds to be happy, we would find out that we still smile in the face of dissappointments and losses. Becuase, we look at the funny side of life." Fanny,29 and single said.

Whenever she finds herself drifting towards anger or despair; she cautions herself, "I choose to be happy. This too shall pass. There are other reasons to smile." And she occupies her time either singing, listening to music or just thinking 'feel good'thoughts.

She remembers her moments of accomplishments, the periods she was of great value to others and those who have shown her love. Other times she just looks out of the window- to the skies, admiring its beauty; the busy street, admiring how every passerby is unique. She seeks out for things that would make her feel good instead of worrying. Today, Fanny is in better control of what she allows to get into her mind.

It is common to hear people express how they like someone becuase of their cheerful demeanour. "Obeidullah is jolly-good fellow. I love him. He is always happy." A janitor said while refering to his colleague. People like Obeidullah easily get other people's attention and assistance.

Happiness enables us love our jobs and be productive. It is good for our health. It draws people to us. It enables us see opportunities in the midst of dissapointments. An angry man's heart is dark and focused on his woe and it blinds him from seeing a flicker of light which could give him hope.

Walter S. Landor, said,"We are no longer happy as soon as we wish to be happier."

While worry adds nothing good to us, happiness would enable us to focus better on our game and get on top of it.

Make a decision to be happy today!

Picture, courtesy: Obiora Sylva-Ezemoka

Show me your friend!

My friends noticed the big difference in me when I started walking with a spring in my footsteps.
I talked with a new air of confidence. I stopped whining and was quick to point out the possibilities and opportunities that sorrounded us in an environment that was largely restricted and anti social.

And when they told me "You dey enjoy o!" I would laugh and concur with them. I had no other option but to start enjoying my environ. I wanted to stay healthy, succeed in life and quit the blame game. That I found myself in an environment very different from my expectations did not mean I should wallow in the captivity of negativity.

My orientation changed. I found another friend that added a new value to me. There was a big difference between my old friends and my new friend. I realised that I was a local champion and it is pathetic to be the most celebrated, in the midst of people with mediocre mindsets.

So many question crossed my mind. Have I grown in any way since I got to know these friends? Have I contributed positively to their lives? How come they all find it hard to make sacrifices? Can I be the star I want to be and get on top of my game if I continue mingling with these folks? What do we spend our time mostly on? It went on and on and suddenly some answers started coming.

I have grown in complaining and finding faults. I find it hard to do something really nice to them because it would make me look different and they would scorn me; except for the occassional drinks we buy each other. We have developed an attitude of 'God for all, every man for himself,' ever since we started going out. Yes! we help each other at times but many times we just say to each other 0-Y-O, which meant, 'You are on your own.'

We spent most of our time discussing other people. If any of us were absent, he would surely become the topic of our discussion. So, after having experienced this new friendship, I needed no one to tell that I was heading to nowhere significant in life with my old friends unless I could change them for good.

Old wine, they say tastes better but when it is (an old) friendship that adds no value to you, the long term effects could be most bitter! You can be the one to ignite the flame of value in your friendships. Resolve today, to add value to your friends.Think of something nice to do to them and that is the way it would come back to you. If you want to have a friend, be a friend!

Research shows that the people you associate with, would influence you in many ways over time. Before you know it, you may start thinking, talking and acting like them. When a relationship is totally sapping,limiting and only brings your mind to woes, then it is not the best for you. After you have made efforts and nothing positive is happening, move on and consider it a learning experience.

You are smart and intelligent and deserve the best. Show me your friend and I will show you who you are. Get on top of your game and do not let your acquintances, associations and friendships dimnish your vision-they should rather be your assets.
Picture, courtesy: Angela Uko

Be a Good Internet Time Manager !

The internet has largely become part of us becuase of its many benefits. Today, it is the most effective means of communication, seeking information, transacting business as well as entertainment-at the least cost.

The internet has made things a lot easier as one could journey around the world by the mere click(s) of the mouse! People have met their spouses via the internet. Some others have been able to make very important business contacts through it. Information seekers are rarely dissappointed as it takes just a matter of time to get what you want.

Aside from its draw backs such us spamming, virus threats, theft of personal information, damaging information and pornography; the internet has become one of the greatest time wasters for people. You could find someone surfing the web for long hours without any significant purpose. Thus, a lot of people are increasingly being controlled by the internet instead of the other way round.

It is therefore of no surprise that social networking sites are often disabled in the internet connection of varoius work places to enable employees concentrate on their work. On several occassions we have caught ourselves surfing through our Facebook accounts in the course of work at a time we still had a lot to be done!

If you want to get on top of your game and stay on it, then you need to be a better manager of your time on the internet.

-Before you connect to the world wide web, take time to ask your self what you want to achieve.

-Make a note listing out what you intend to accomplish on the internet.

-Estimate the time it would take to accomplish each one of them. For example, apportion 20 minutes for checking and replying your emails.

-Regroup the items on your list, starting with the most important. In replying your mails also start with the most important ones except if you need to take out time to gather facts before you act on it.

-Once you have finished with a particular item on your list, move on to the next one.

-If you are seeking for a new information, make sure you understand what you are looking for, be specific in your search and stay focused in order to save time. It is possible to spend several hours seeking for information and end up achieving little. If your search is not fruitful you can postpone it to some time later.

-Do not keep gathering information and end up not acting on them. Once you are ready to start, take action. Too much information might lead to paralysis of analysis.

-Do not be distracted by pop-ups,chats, mails and clicks that you do not need to make when you are doing something important on the internet. For those who work at home(online),learn to balance your work time and free time. House chores, the television, the refrigirator and the bed could be the greates distractions.

-Entrust a specific amount of time for the internet daily and stick to it.


Picture, Courtesy: Kesmo Creations

Live Triumphantly Everyday Because Life is Short

Below is an inspirational piece by Bob Moorehead which my friend and former schoolmate, Faten Jiffry shared with me. It reminds us that in the midst of everyday's hustles and bustles, we should take time to enjoy the beautiful things of life, which are often the simplest. I have shared the SH Prayer too. Enjoy your reading!

-Live Triumphantly Everyday Because Life is Short-

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we
communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

— Bob Moorehead

Live Each Day to the Fullest

Live each day to the fullest.
Get the most from each hour, each day,
and each age of your life.
Then you can look forward with confidence,
and back without regrets.

Be yourself... but be your best self.
Dare to be different and follow your own star.
Don't be afraid to be happy
...enjoy what is beautiful.
Love with all your heart and soul.
Believe that those you love, love you.

When you are faced with decision,
make that decision as wisely as possible,
then forget it.

The moment of absolute certainty never arrives.
And above all, remember that God helps those
who help themselves. Act as if everything depended on you
And pray as if everything depended on God.
~ SH Payer

PICTURE- Courtesy: Ugochukwu Egboluche

Would You Love to Recreate Yourself?

If you were given the powers to recreate yourself, what change(s) would you make?

I have asked a lot of people this question and many have come up with answers such as: "I would have chosen a different career," "I would make sure I had different parents," "I would have disobeyed my parents who suggested I become a lawyer and do what I had always wanted," "I would not have married that monster in my house," "I would have chosen to be an American," The answers are endless.And if some of us had the power to recreate, many would change the shape of their noses, the colour of their eyes, some would choose to be taller, bigger... Name it!

Now, with the presence of plastic surgery techniques and other cosmetic procedures, many have gone ahead to make some of their body features more or less prominent in order to chose their taste. But the question is; does it change who you are inside?

Difficult, this argument may seem but the truth is that it is mainly our mindsets that determine how we react to how others perceive us and situations around us. Many people have gone ahead to artificialy enhance their natural looks to gain acceptance but many researches have shown that the old 'devils' still run in their minds.

A colleague recounted how misserable she felt whenever she carried a tag on her mind about how skinny she was and how peolple would always consider her hungry looking and 'lekpa'(a slang that describes very slim people in Nigeria). She felt everyone saw her that way. She created a wall around her self and was overtly self-conscious. She became so suspicious of what everyone was thinking when they came her way. But many at times she was wrong.

She found this out when she saw another fellow she knew she looked better than, carrying herself with confidence. The fellow was affable, smiled often, was successful in what she was doing and mixed up well with others.Then she knew that many people did not see the fellow the way she had thought.

Lezie, outrightly knew that she was not getting younger and life needed to be enjoyed. She looked her self in the mirror and took a life changing decision. What did she see? A pretty, successful, loving ambitious lady who would make a great wife. She made a commitment to look simple but her best. And when she walked she smiled. She made friends. She learned how to be assertive. Even when people tried to ridicule her or joke about her skinny looks, she took it in good light; for she knew deep inside her was a treasure. A gift that would affect the life of others. A star, shining bright.

Today, years after, Lezie is doing well in her career. She is married to a man she loves, who got enthralled by her easy going and positive outlook. When you encounter this lady; her enthusiasm is infectious. You would not even remember if she is skinny or not (Yes, she is looking as fresh as ever-perharps, marrying a loving husband does a lot of magic to women!)

What about you? Do you still lock yourself up in your closet still wishing that your circumstances or looks were different? Do you still live in the past denying the joy and benefits of the present? Do not let your game depreciate. Make a commitment to be proud of who you are because there is a star in you. You have learned from your failures. Your futur will be brighter. Your present is here to be enjoyed. You are good looking and even if anyone wants to make you look bad, shake it off! Stay on the high road- Be proud to be who you are! The achiever, the lovable one, ... that is who you are and things will get even better.