Today's thought: Make Someone Happy

Yhello,

On my way to the office today ( thanks to the BRT buses that are fully fitted with Air conditioning systems),I was reading a book written by Max Lucado and I came across an excerpt which I want to share with you. I wish I could talk about books by Max Lucado but you won't feel me till you go get yourself a copy and you would be introduced to the world of one of the most poetic author.

This excerpt is from his book titled: He still moves stones and like i said its been very interesting. He was describing the experience of the woman with the issue of blood that touched the hem of Jesus garment. Two great things happened to the woman namely
1. She was healed of her disease
2. Jesus called her "daughter".

This was the only time Jesus calls any woman like that in the bible. Imagine how that would make the woman feel. Who would remember the last time she received a term of affection? Who knew the last time kind eyes met hers?

Max Lucado tells the story of LeO Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, who tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar. Tolstoy reached into his pocket to give the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty. Tolstoy turned to the man and said, "I am sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give."

The beggar brightened and said, " You have given me more than I asked for - you have called me brother."

TO THE LOVED, A WORD OF AFFECTION IS A MORSEL, BUT TO THE LOVE-STARVED, A WORD OF AFFECTION CAN BE A FEAST.

Remember, Jesus gave the woman a banquet.

Bringing it home, can you take time to look every person that has come across your way today. They may be okada men, bus conductors, beggars, cleaners, security guards, colleagues, your boss or whoever they are or claim to be, Go ahead and place before them a banquet just like Jesus did. Show them that affection that God has blessed you with. Be kind to every one that you come across. i have learnt in life that if you want to be happy, make other people happy. What you do for others will surely come your way.

Its a great day ahead. Make the most out of it and like Max Lucado will say, thanks for reading my ramblings today.



Your Friend and Brother

Albert Afolabi
www.daalberto.blogspot.com
"Born to Impact, Never to Impress"

From Me to You

My special Gift

I do have one special gift for all my friends. It’s an advice and it is priceless. I would advise you to please listen to Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s recent messages on” Real Money”. Life is guided by principles. These principles work even they don’t make sense to you. I have seen some of these principles worked and I am triggered now to commit my life to great principles.

Pastor Sam identified real money as value and not the paper note we so desire. The paper note is to be in exchange for value. Being a consultant, I can say that about 8% of people that I have interviewed for jobs are more particular about how much the job will be paying them. Some even told me that they can do any job just as the pay is there. Very few people have learnt this principle of giving value first to get value. Pastor Sam made a statement that when the bricklayer is building the house; the house too is building the bricklayer. This is so true. Imagine your level of wisdom and knowledge before you took up a job and then imagine what you know now. In doing your job, the job also has increased your mental capabilities. I can say boldly that my mind capacity has been so stretched by my job, the networks it has afforded me, strive for possibilities and the learning turfs in new ventures I have explored. I can say that I am a 1000 time bigger on the inside than I am on the outside.

The key word here is to build value. I should advice here that you should be very careful before taking a job. Pastor Sam explained that you are the CEO of You Incorporated. When you are employed by a company, they have employed the CEO of another company to come and work with them for a while. Carry yourself with that dignity and go add your wealth of wisdom to theirs. The way an employer has the right to choose who their employee is should the same way you should determine who your employer would be.

Let me give some specific advice here.

1. Don’t work for money. Always choose to work in a place where you would develop yourself. When you are about to determine which job you should take, ask yourself this question, “in the passage of time, if you are doing this job, what would have been added to you?” if your present job is developing you but not paying too much, stay there and learn all you need to learn, what you are doing is that you are building value which another employer will pay for later. I can tell you of friends of mine who work in places where they are not well paid but they are the ones running the whole show. One of them now works with shell and gets paid like 500k monthly. I tell you, it is not his fault, he has paid his dues.

2. Always have money. I do believe that God send to us different ideas every day. Ideas that will prosper us. Ideas are like seeds. We must prepare our minds as fertile lands for every idea to germinate in our lives. One of the facts I have noticed that kills ideas in our lives is the fact that we don’t have money. No matter how grand the idea is, when the reality shines on us that we don’t have money, it rubbishes the idea. Try this simple method I have been practicing for long on having money always. It really works.

• Have at least a bank account or more. For me, I started with two banks.

• Make up your mind on what you want your minimum deposit. Have this thought that if the remaining money in your account is this minimum balance, then tell yourself you don’t have money. WHATEVER YOU DO, ALWAYS LEAVE THAT MINIMUM DEPOSIT.
I started with #5000 naira in my accounts which makes #10,000. So when I tell you I don’t have money, what I really mean is that I have #10000 in my accounts.

• Over time, increase the minimum accounts as your income grows. Always let the thought that you have money be in your mind. Relish the idea. I was able to increase my minimum balance from #5000 to #50,000. No matter the idea that comes to me, I know I have #100,000 in the bank that I can use to effect it.

• It’s so simple to do but you must be disciplined and very consistent.

3. Have a life plan. Plan your life ahead. I would always be grateful to a 10 year plan I did for myself. I have had all I planned for each year. I would implore you to sit down and create a long term and short term plan for your life. A descriptive plan I have always enjoyed writing is called “A day in my life in 5 years time”. My mind keeps getting enlarged anytime I read the last plan and decide to change it. I can assure you, it keeps getting better. Let your plan be achievable, believable and concrete.

4. Stay positive. I have learnt in life that when am going through some tough situations, I should find out what the worst case scenario is. Truth is that the worst never happens. I have made up my mind to always see the glass of water as half full and never half empty. I am an incurable optimist. It will surely get better for me. This year would be a great year for me. It might be hard but stay strong and stay positive.

5. Lastly, have good friends. Invest in friends. You will reap bountifully. The greatest thing that could happen to you is when your friends mention your name where it matters. Imagine an employer looking for a valuable staff, would your friend so much trust you to mention your name. Think about this.

Parable Of The Pencil

Parable Of The Pencil

Author Unknown



The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.



One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.



Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.



Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.



Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.



And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.



The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.



Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.



One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.



Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.



Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.



Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.



And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.



By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.



“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” - Proverbs 27:17

Don't forget the lyrics

How much of musical lyrics can you remember? There is a reality show presently called “Don’t forget the lyrics” where you can be rewarded for the musical lyrics you can remember. It’s a contest so you would need to apply and only very few get to play.

Thinking about this show, I thought of the reality show we all are expected to play in. it pays more than any reality show presently. It’s also tied to how much you can remember. For this show, everybody is qualified to play. You don’t have to buy any ticket or send any text message where your faith is determined by a machine or somebody. It’s a show you are expected to feature in at all times. I can see that you are eager to know which show this is. Let’s give the show a name : DON’T FORGET THE GOODNESS OF GOD. To feature, all you have to do like a song is to count your blessings and name them one by one. The only person that won’t get a dime is the ungrateful ones. These are people that are never satisfied with themselves or their current position thereby failing to see all the great things that God has done for them. They always wish to be this or that but never remember to make the most of where they are now.

Let me be the first player for today if you permit me.

Lord I thank you.
For the gift of life, I am grateful.
For a fully functional body system, I am grateful.
For my family and relatives, I am thankful
For the friends you gave me, I am grateful
For not having to beg to eat, I am grateful
For my job and my co-workers, I am grateful
For good health, I am grateful
For journey mercies, I am grateful
For protection and guidance, I am grateful
For sound mind, I am grateful
For the grace the breathe fresh air daily, I am grateful
For my trials and my shortcomings, I am grateful
For Nigeria, Lord am grateful
For all that I could ever think of, Lord am grateful
For all that I can’t imagine, Lord am grateful

Waoh, this is great. My account has just been credited with goodness, mercies and blessings from God. This surpasses any amount of money you could ever think of.

I read about a guy with no shoe complaining that God is not good to him. When he saw a man with no legs, he fell on his knees and asked God to forgive him. Wherever you are now and whatever it is you are going through, you still have a reason to say,’’ Lord, I am grateful.

When you think about all things, you will always see the need to be grateful to God.

You can join me to sing this song. If really you don't have any reason to thank God for, then you can thank God for me.

1. When I see another breaking of the day, I say thank you, thank you Lord/x2

2. Thank you, Jesus
for the grace that you have given us
we could never repay you but from our heart
we like to say that we thank you

Facts and Truth: breaking free from wrong mentality

Yesterday while on my way to Abeokuta, I was recounting my last discussion with a great friend on the phone. We talked about the new set of youth corp members that just finished their service and how most of them will have to go out there looking for job. My friend made a statement that it is not easy that there are too many people and very few jobs. She concluded by saying it’s only the lucky ones that will get the few jobs available.

Something reacted to the opposite in me and I laid out my point to her that everybody can get the job they desire if they understand certain fact about themselves. Facts like
1. I am never part of the masses. I am very unique and there is already a provision in store for me because I have a unique gift that fits that provision.
2. I am here in this world for a purpose.

While still thinking about our discussion, I wanted to discuss with so many people today what I call facts and truth. A great mind once said that “Attitude is greater than facts”. This, I believe so well. No matter what the fact is, with a great and positive attitude, you can turn the fact into a lie. My definition of fact is a circumstance people term to be impossible only because they have not given it a trial yet. I look back today and I remember the facts of yesterday and where they are now, they are now regarded as the past. Do these names ring a bell – Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Thomas Edison

Fact 1: There are too many people looking for the few jobs available
Truth: There is a job reserved for you that only you fit the profile. Don’t be too concerned about the increasing number of people looking for job. People that are already working are also in this race, they want to change their job. There is something unique in you and this has already made a provision for you.

Fact 2: There are no jobs available
Truth: have you seen the Guardian newspaper on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s loaded with job vacancies. Companies are recruiting every day. It’s a lazy man’s excuse that there are no jobs available. Always have a mindset that there are jobs available.

Fact 3: I am limited by my age
Truth: some companies are looking for people not more than 26 years of age but not all companies. If a company rejects you because of your age, then it’s not the place to be for you. Keep looking till you get a company that will appreciate your uniqueness. Nothing can limit you, not your age, your complexion, your degree, your sex. I can stand boldly to say nothing can limit you. The only person that can limit you is the person you see when you look into a mirror. Do you know that limitation is a thing of the mind? If you can achieve it in your mind, you can’t get it in life.

Fact 4: I don’t have the connections
Truth: our uniqueness goes beyond whatever connection you might think you need. The other way to it is that if you feel you need to know somebody before you can work for that company, take a bold step, walk into the place, ask to see the person and state your cause. Truth is that you can’t be rejected at all times. Nike’s motto is “just do it”. Yes, you are right, just do it. Take that step you have always wanted to take, go meet that man you have always longed to meet. Just go for it.
A friend explained to me that whoever you desire to meet in life, you are only 4 persons away from the person. Let me explain, if I wanted to meet the president of Nigeria, this statement said I need only 4 persons. See my list
I know my dad – 1st person
My dad has a school mate friend who is in the senate- 2nd person
The senator knows the Senate resident – 3rd person
The senate presidents knows the President – 4th person
All you just need to do to meet anybody in life is just to sit and count them, then take the move.

Fact 5: I don’t always seem to be lucky
Truth: somebody once said,’’ the great heights that great men achieved were not done by sudden flight, but they while their mates were sleeping, toiled all through the night and when they are successful, people said they are lucky. I have never believed in luck. Success is when preparation meets opportunity. There is your own part of getting prepared for all the opportunities that will come your way, and then success is sure.

Here below is an article from Edgar Guest

Somebody said it couldn't be done, but he, with a chuckle replied that 'Maybe it couldn't, but he would be One who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin on his face, if he worried he hid it, he started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed oh you'll never do that. At least no one ever has done it; But he took off his coat and he took off his Hat; and the first thing we knew he'd begun It .With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin, without any doubting or quiddit, he Started Done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done, there are thousands to prophesy failure; There are thousands to point out to you, one by one, the dangers that wait to assail you. But just buckle in with a bit of a grin, Just take off your coat and go to it; Just start to sing as you tackle the thing that 'cannot be done' and you will do it

Living Your Best Life NOW

Can you answer these questions sincerely?

When was the last time you really gave yourself a treat?
When last did you hang out with your friends?
Are you the happy guy on Friday and the sad one on Monday?
Can you describe your life presently?
Are you caught up in the rat race?
Are you in charge of your life or other people, work etc are the ones planning your life for you?

Whichever way your answers go, I do have a challenge for you and you are not alone in this race. I want to challenge you on how to live your best life now. Enjoying every day of your life is very crucial in you been successful and getting fulfilled. You need to wake up Monday morning with full blast of energy knowing that it’s another great week for you and this week is moving you in the direction of your vision. The person you see when you look into a mirror is the one that dictates everything about you. You can live your best life now. You can buy the future now.
The place to be is the Impact seminar where all these would be addressed. Find the details below:

Impact Seminar

Tagged: Living your best life NOW
Date: June 27, 2009

Time: There are 2 sessions. Please choose which one will be convenient for you.
Session 1: 10.00am -1.00pmnoon
Session 2: 1.30 – 4.30pm

Venue: Chams Digital Village, Isaac John Str. Ikeja GRA

Speakers: Afolabi Albert, Abraham Holmes
Bola Adeoye, Image Consulting
Sola Adepoju, Planet Projects
Omotola Fawunmi, Project Stretch

NOTE: There are limited seats available for each session. To book your seat, you can send a sms to 08034424156 or send a mail to daalberto@yahoo.com. The seminar is free

Empower yourself

Empower Yourself

One of the challenges that I face as a human resource consultant is when friends look at you as the only one who can help them and truth is that you can only do your best for them. Let me read out some text messages to you.

1. Dear Albert, please find enclosed my cv. I want a job in a telco company or an oil and gas firm. I am really counting on you to make it happen for me.

2. After looking at everything, I came to the conclusion that you are my last bus stop and I want to work in your company. Please help me as God would help you in return.

3. I heard that Etisalat is coming to Ibadan and they are recruiting. My friend told me you help recruit for them. Please help me get a job with them.

4. Good day Albert, I am very sorry for sending my CV in word format a bit late. Hope it is still timely. Still counting on you.

There are many more that I need not bore you with. I decided to write this note today because of recent happenings in our economy. Many companies are retrenching their staffs, heard about a telco company where they are bringing out the list in batches of 300. A friend described it this way that when you see your name on the list, they pay you 3 months’ salary upfront. There is an ambulance outside for those that might pass out. Banks that are nor retrenching are slashing salaries and giving huge targets. I know of corpers serving in banks that have as much as 200 million target.

The question I keep asking myself is what do we do in times like these and a reality is that why it is going bad for some, it is getting better for others. A bank just promoted some of its staffs even in this recession. Some are getting better jobs. What do we do in times like these?

My simple challenge to us is to do all we can to empower ourselves. Let me list out some ways by which we can do that.

1. Get new skills. I could remember doing recruitment for a telco company and the only requirement in the job description is that the person must be able to use Microsoft excel very well. I thought this was very easy but after a week, I could only get 3 people that have this skill. I really felt bad. I thought I was a guru in excel but in an interview when my COO was asking the guy if he can do this and that, I knew I need to go and sharpen my excel skill. There are many certifications you can do now that will increase your market value. Go out and do them. invest your money in increasing your value. There is Project Management Professional (PMP) , Certified Business Analyst Professional(CBAP), ICAN, ICSA, Oracle professional, CCNA, CCNP ETC. Go out there and increase your value. You will need it as leverage one day.

2. Brand yourself. I have conducted quite a lot of interviews and my conclusion from it is that I can see passion in people who know the value they carry. Some come and feel giving them a job is an emotional decision you have to make. Do a quick x-ray of yourself and determine your value. Say it out with all confidence. Let the person interviewing you have this guilt if he is not offering you the job.

3. Where you are now is not your last bus stop. There is still more to you. Have many plans for yourself. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Take a while and think about this. Put your imagination to work. Create the most lovely and realistic dream. It doesn’t have to make sense to you know but let your mind believe it. Dream big, shoot for the stars. You are meant to be the best.

4. Always have money. I am an advocate for this. Cultivate a savings culture irrespective of how much you are earning. I strongly believe that ideas need a good landing pad in us and one thing that can help you take an idea to the next level is when you know you have money somewhere to pursue the idea. How many ideas have we rendered powerless because of the thought of “I don’t have to do this”. Have noticed that people will be willing to help you when you tell them that you need a million naira for a project and you already have 300,000 naira on your own.

5. Have other sources of income. Think very well. What services can you provides that brings in more money for you. Do not be too proud that doing some things would reduce your status. Your status would soon become very useless when you have the resources you need to back it up. I have met many people selling one or two things in different offices and truth is that no matter how small it is, something extra is coming in. I have made quite a lot in doing what I call the middleman business. All I need for this business is just to be resourceful and innovative. People need solutions and a middleman is just the person that can link both the supplier and the buyer together, in that way, he makes a little money for himself.

Let me stop here a while because there is a lot in me to write, my major charge for you is not to let people, circumstances, world economy, your job to dictate who you are, what you can do or how far you can go in life. You are the architect of your life. Empower yourself now so that you can enjoy the fruits of the labour later.

Cheers

Afolabi Albert
albert@abrahamholmes.com
Blog: www.daalberto.blogspot.com

''Believe it, Feel It, See it. You can get there''