Oh but to believe

Have you notice how brazen stupid people are? They ooze confidence about things which they have no clue, outspoken and loud with it too. Ignorance does indeed seem bliss. In sharp contrast, clever people are quiet, reserved, and often apologetic about their lack of knowledge and preparation.

 As it turns out, it's a real thing. The Dunning-Kruger Effect explains that stupidity gets a little knowledge, thinking that this is all there is to know about the subject. They then run flat out with it. Clever gets the same knowledge and realises that's it's the tip of an iceberg, and seeks more information, delving ever deeper. 

 The saying goes: a fool and his money are soon parted. I always wondered how the fool got his money in the first place. It seems that having just a little knowledge is all it takes to turn wealth. Now it's apparent that the fool has something to teach the learned after all.

 When reading up on the Dunning-Kruger Effect, named after the researchers, I began to consider that faith doesn't work on knowledge, but rather, it works on expectations. Knowledge will give a person the reasons something wont work, whereas ignorance blindly expects the miracle.

 Now the question arises, do you want to know, or do you want to believe?

 Choosing to believe, you must be prepared to imitate the stupid at all levels to guarantee success. The ignorant don't know where the answers or provision will come from, nor do they seek that knowledge. They are unabashedly confident that what they believe they will receive. To the uninformed, it doesn't matter if they feel worthy or not. What matters is that God can, will, and does make all things available in life.

 What a refreshing and pleasant way in which to live life, knowing the prayer is yours to make but providing the answer belongs only to God.

What's yor view on digital learning?

If leaders are learners, then possibly the biggest obstacle to people developing their leadership capacity, is finding time to learn. With the high demands on every moment of peoples lives, time is at a premium.

 The digital age offers many wonderful learning opportunities for leaders. People download audio books to listen to while commuting, they sign up for online courses, and even source information and potential business via social media.

 There are setbacks to digital learning, which includes: cost, effective assessment, self-learning, and engagement with others. These obstacles have less to do with the digital medium for learning, and more to do with our make up as humans.

 Vote and comment anonymously on this article thus far: 

 The cost of some digital platforms is at a premium, driven by the greed of designers to ensure a good and sustainable monthly income. Obviously people want to be paid for their efforts, but do they have to become super wealthy with the first subscription? Digital learning has the potential to reach into all the corners of the world, but it seems the poor will be excluded from this new age of learning - again.

 Competence is measured in three key ways; what you know, how effectively you can adapt what you know, and how well you do what you know. Doing is the practical aspects of competence and difficult to measure over digital platforms. Evaluating practical ability requires designers to think outside of the existing assessment boxes, to find original methods of proving learning leaders competent. Without properly assessing peoples competence, the digital class become as useless as the goverment class, giving people information, but never producing skills. 

Finding motivation to learn on their own can be tough for most people, and results in online learners dropping off the course before they complete it. This is a dilemma with few answers. Learners require a different kind of skills sets and a new level of commitment in order for the online learning platforms to be successful. Hopefully learners are able to link intrinsic values to why they are doing the course in the first place, creating a good foundation for ongoing motivation. Without catering for the difficulty of self learning, and failing to actively engage learners, online courses become as ineffective as old methods of study. We need to use the medium to improve delivery AND results to make the effort and cost worth while.

 The online learning designers are faced with challenges that reach far beyond just their coding capabilities, and requires them to understand human nature. Developing leadership within this cyber class is going to take two-way communication between designers and students, to chop change and adjust the mix, until we get what we need in this dispensation - effective digital learning that properly, and cost effectively equips people to own their development. Is the technology available to do this? Yes. Does engaging, assessment rich, and affordable learning happen online? Mmm, maybe, but not in a manner that sets the learning revolution ablaze just yet.

 The missing ingredient is again - time. With development and change happening at a sonic pace, designers rush their platforms to keep aligned with newest technologies available, taking effective learning beyond the capacity of the end users. My plea is to the designers to slow down, and let us, the learners, catch up with where you are at. Let us get used to the platforms and learn to engage with the learning, and with you, the designers, to tell you what we like, want, and need most. All of that will take a little affordability and just a little while longer.

 Express your views on digital learning 

Goodies vs Goodness

When the goal is not "materialism," but "manifestation," the meaning of life becomes clear.

 Chill! I'm not about to condemn the house, cars and other toys that litter your life. Materialism has a place in our world as the reward for the pursuit of fulfillment. Read that again.

 People populate vision boards with "things" as the point of purpose. We get sold the dream of financial freedom as being able to do what we want, when we want, and how we want. And so the cars, houses, and luxury holidays take over the "meaning of life." It works so well for the most part, because it so closely imitates the truth. Yet, it subtly changes people's focus from purpose to purses.

 Am I saying you mustn't pursue materialist wealth? Yes ... and no! The "goodies" will come into your life, of that I am sure. But they shouldn't be the aim of pursuit. "Things" are not the meaning of life, but the tools and reward for creating meaning. Proverbs tells us to first seek Wisdom, and when you find her, she will have jewels and riches in her hands. So many hunt the jewels, but miss out on meeting Wisdom.

 It's in the pursuit of wisdom that we discover the value of manifestation, which connects directly to our Godly "I am," for the purpose of manifesting truth. God manifested the worlds we know by speaking it into existence, and then empowered us with vision and faith to shape our world within His. You are designed and called to speak the spiritual world into existence, manifesting God's truth for your lifetime, within your lifetime. Anything less would cheapen the reason for which you are born.

 Freedom is most certainly being able to do what we want when we want to, but it is a hollow experience when achieved by chasing materialism. Learning to manifest will connect you with your "I am," align you with Providence, and leave you with a rich sense of achievement and fulfilment. 

Don't just dream it, be it

The saddest stories are the ones where people's dreams are on hold for "when it..." is ideal.

 Every one has something that ties them down, occupies, and limits their ability to live out "the dream." Some are waiting for money, some are waiting for a golden opportunity, and others are waiting... just waiting.

 Most people use dreams as a crutch to help them limp through the day. Others see their dream as the light at the end of the life tunnel. A limited few use dreams as a target to focus their efforts. For all of them, the dream is never realised.

 We are not called to to strive for "I will," " I could," or even "I should." We are, however, called to live out our "I am." Our hopes and dreams are the the guidelines to do just that. By putting our dreams on ice, we freeze our true identity.

 Dreams are God's vehicles that carry us to our purpose, which we "sell out" for that romance, for that bond payment, or for that dream holiday. The things that should be the rewards for achieving our dreams, for expressing our true selves, has become the end itself. People swap out "I am" for "I have."

 It's hard, costly, and scary to pursue what's in our hearts. It's nerve wrecking to breathe life into our fantasy. Yet, the earth groans and wrestles, waiting in dire anticipation for you to realise what manner of "I am" you are. Read that again. Did you notice its not "what you will become"?

 In the confusion of trying to manifest their spirit-born dream, people have cheapened it to materialise the objects of desire. Don't be fooled, my friend, Providence was never intended to be about mere possessions. We are given dreams, not as something to have, but as someone to be. Don't just dream it, be it.

Work at being loved

In the quest for love, I often wonder if the games people play are intentional, or could it be that the antics are fabricated in our own perceptions?

 Prone to overthinking, I am often guilty of analysing the pretzels out of all gestures of kindness within the context of a relationship. "What did they mean with this?" "What was the purpose of that?" "Is this love, or are they toying with me?"

 Riddled with insecurities, I observe, mentally record, and scrutinize with "OCD" repetition and accuracy, every. single. little. thing. Unfortunately, the doubt and paranoia eventually creates the distance I imagined between myself and those I had hoped to love. 

It's with agonising humiliation that I recently realised I am my worst enemy when it comes to intimacy. The conclusion followed the realisation that I don't always recognise "love" when I see or experience it.

 In striving for a healthier life, I've made a commitment to believe that the good things others do for me, are just that, good things - nothing more and nothing less. I've committed to accept the love others offer, as pure, with good intent, even if it only lasts for a while. I've committed to believing these things whether I "feel" loved or not.

 In the short time that I've stood by my commitment, a very interesting thing has occured; the voice of my insecurities has fallen silent. A short while later, I experienced the love offered. No, not sex, and not the fuzzy feelings around good deeds either. I experienced the feeling of acceptance and being valued for who I am, without conditions, and with no ulterior motives.

 The challenge in being loved is to stop the voice of suspicion, stop perceiving every good intention as part of a game, and to start believing that you are worth the love you experience. I promise, if you do this right, the results will leave you loved.

Want to vs.Don't want to

On a recent visit to a friends house, I met their baby boy of six months. Having arrived near the toddlers dinnertime, I got to witness the professional couple struggle to feed this "obviously contented" baby for more than an hour.

 I watched as the couple bickered and argued about the best way to get baba to eat. They even resorted to tricking the kid, teasing him with a dummy, only to swap it with food at the last moment. He then promptly spat the food out with a giggle. He wasn't eating, simply because he wasn't hungry yet. But, knowing the benefits of timely nutrition, the new parents stumbled and plotted about ways to feed their child, hoping to give him a good start in life.

 The most disturbing divide between people is not one of race, but the one between the "wants to" and the "does not want to" of the world, and that gap is big. These polar opposites are defined by those that want to make something of this life for themselves and by themselves, versus those that don't want to put in the effort, choosing to wait for others to give them a life.

 Stated as bluntly as that, one can't help but wonder who would wait for someone else to give them a life. Yet, we meet people daily, just waiting. They wait for the goverment to give them jobs. They wait for teachers to educate them. They wait for leaders to engage them. Good leaders then feel obligated to feed the "does not want to" with sound education, hopes and dreams, giving them a good start in life, only to have it all spat out with a giggle. 

Apart from the leaders sickening behaviour enslaving the complacent into dependency on hand-outs and hand-ups, I often wonder why the "does not want to" are so reluctant to invest effort into their lives. Why wouldn't they want to educate themselves and get left with crippling student loans? They must get a job that lets them buy a beautiful home, a twenty year mortgage hanging around their necks, prohibiting them from exploring life. 

Maybe the "does not want to" spits it all out at the start, because once we get on that slippery slope of financial slash materialistic "independence," there is just no real recovery. I will say, standing in their shoes, the benefits of the pseudo-success put on the platter by the "wants to" is not an attractive reason to learn and grow.

And maybe that the point! Life and success may need to be redefined to exclude the trappings of success that force us to sell our souls, and forsake our callings, just to survive. This year I have elected to be less judgemental towards the "does not want to," and learn from their example, looking at success in a fresh way, where "I am" isn't replaced by "I have."

Would you recognize unconditional love?

How many people would actually recognise the unicorn of "unconditional love" when faced with it?

 No, not that "I love you for the way you love me" stuff that's based in co-dependency. That's the kind of love that turns the other person invisible, hidden by conceit

 Playing the vulnerability card also misses the "unconditional" mark when its based on me revealing who I am, regardless of the consequences. Real love doesn't have to be seen, and has no need to expose itself.

 We all love them when they support our vision, understand our darkness, and cuddle our flaws. However, where is the love to support their recovery when they're broke and broken? Real love isn't offended by their failures, nor does it twitch at their disloyalty.

 Real love doesnt have to be first in their lives. It will stand aside, letting another step in to meet the need, receive the glory, be the hero. Unconditional love will advise against the self destruction, and then lead your cheerleaders when you decide to anyway.

 In all certainty, there is at least one person in your life that loves you with everything that they are, content to play second fiddle. There is at least one person in your life that prays for your success and dances alone when it arrives, happy to champion your cause, happy to champion you.

 Unconditional love is alive, well and more common than the unicorn. You've probably been touched by its kindness this week. Would you recognize unconditional love if it took you out to dinner?

Rant and Believe are different

On a recent visit with friends, Mike took the opportunity to vent. "There is a lot of negativity around me, and God isn't answering my prayers." Mike wants to make a change in his life for the sake of his family, and is currently trusting God for a new job.

 Well, that's partly true. Mike is trusting God to get him away from his current employer, a bully and a manipulator. Mike told his friends about the troubles at work, and lamented about leads for other jobs that had turned cold. "I hate the place where I work, and I'm starting to hate the people too."

 Someone asked Mike about his preparations and plans for leaving the job. " I dont have plans, and I'm always too tired to prepare anther job for myself.," was the answer. Somebody asked where he would like to work, to which Mike replied - anywhere.

 So, if we break Mike's situation down into the three elements of "manifestation" - know where you've come from, know who you are, and know where you are going - we will quickly see that Mike is frustrating his own prayer process.

 "Know where you have come from" is awareness of the seeds you have shown in the past. Today is the harvest you get for the seeds you planted yesterday. Mike has planted seeds of hate, and then wonders why potential employers don't call back after the interview.

 "Know who you are" insists that we have an awareness of the type of seeds that we are preparing to plant. The seeds we plant today produce the harvest we eat tomorrow. Mike says he is too tired to plant, which means there wont be a harvest any time soon.

 "Know where you are going" wants us to look forward, to the destination we desire to arrive at. Mike hasn't got a fixed destination in mind, and is happy to land anywhere. Well Mike, doesn't where you are now fit the description of "anywhere."

 Soft and general descriptions of where we have come from, who we are, and where we are going, forms the very disease that prevents our prayers from being answered. Although, in fairness, Mike hasn't prayed as much as he has ranted. Dont confuse the two. Be clear on this - what you sow is what you reap. So, please make sure that you plant something you actually want in return. 

Purpose is a choice

The most common topic people talk about around personal development is the meaning of life, "why exactly am I here?"

Life is less about discovering purpose, and more about choosing a meaning to give to life. When a dog wakes up in the morning, it doesn't ponder the reason for being a dog. It didn't have to go on a quest to discover its purpose. The dog simply gets up and does doggy things, it has no choice in the matter

Fortunately, or not, people get to choose their own purpose. For most, selecting a reason to live is frightening. The thought of committing to a single mission can be more intimidating than getting a permanent tattoo, or picking a partner, for life!

Those seeking a life mission often seem to wait for the heavens to open, as they watch a beautiful white dove flutter down and land of their shoulder. With a voice like James Earl Jones, they then expect the divine messenger to tell them what to do in life. Life is more grounded than that, and purpose is a lot less flamboyant.

By involving yourself in charity work, or volunteering to do community service, you will recognise a need in others that you can, and want to, fulfil. You wont find your "calling" on your first outing, maybe not even within the first one hundred times. Somewhere, some day, your emotions will be evoked by a situation or by someone, challenging you to be a champion for the cause. Then, you make a simple choice whether or not you will pursue the cause.

Finding something or someone that you can stand up for is liberating and satisfying to the soul, but getting off the couch is going to be your first real challenge. Making the effort is your second challenge. Get past those two hurdles, and the rest... well, let's just say that then the fat lady will warm up her voice.

Why train as a leader?

Entrepreneur, manager, and politician are roles that each require it's own set of unique skills, but does not guarantee that the title holder is a leader.

 A person gets the title of leader by way of birthing a vision. The leader was, is, and always will be the vision owner and curator, responsible for taking it from inception to completion, with the effective and efficient help of a team.

 Anyone that feels strongly enough to act on a vision can lead. Having a vision obviously doesn't mean the person will be a good leader. Like any skill, leadership is loaded with various principles, strategies, and techniques, requiring study and practice to master.

 Many visions lay dormant on the shelf of "one day," collecting dust. The owners of the " vision-in-storage" become reluctant to dust the vision off and make it happen, because they feel unworthy of the leader position.

 Instead of letting your vision decay into "regret," equip yourself with whatever skills and tricks you need to be confident in leading others. Enroll yourself on courses and programs that will shape you to be all you can be.

 The exceptional program, the U49 Leadership System, is a complete package, offering modules on mission and leader development, vision and team management, and strategic development. This unique system of principles and processes offers potential leaders a hands on experience at forging and fostering their individual style.

 With the purpose of turning ordinary people into extraordinary leaders, the U49 is aimed at people at all walks of life and leadership ability that want to grow to the next level. Isn't it time that you invested in your vision, and lived a little?

How to manifest anything, according to the ant

Manifesting your desire needs knowledge of three things; know where you've come from; know who you are; and know what you want. 

Jack and Sally are a young couple struggling through a turbulent life, with hopes of better things to come. It's been a wrestle to get where they are now, and for the most part, they are positive the situation will eventually turn around.

 Once in a while, Jack will sit down to check if he is steering his life in the right direction. On one such occasion, Jack spoke aloud to himself, asking: "why isn't my dream manifesting?"
"Well, what is your dream," asked a little voice. Shocked by the question, Jack looked around for the source of the voice, eventually noticing a little ant watching him from the table. 

Amused by the talking ant, Jack said, "I'm not sure what I want, but I know that I'm sick of the results I have." The ant studied Jack for a moment, and then asked, "Well, who are you? What identity do you have to support change in your life?"
"I'm not really sure of who I am, and I don't really have a reputation to speak of," Jack replied.
 "What previous preparations have you made to support your dream," asked the ant, a little annoyed by Jack's apathy towards his own life.
"I work a full day," said Jack. "Both Sally and I are run off our feet trying to make ends meet. We don't have energy to still work on our dreams."
 "Well," said the ant, "that isn't good. You havent prepared for change, you have no idea who you are, and you don't know what you want from life." The ant scratched his head, and said, "with all of this lack of faith, it's clear your dream wont be manifesting any time soon."
"Screw you," barked Jack, as he squished the ant.

 We dont get what we want in life, nor do we manifest what we pray for. We get "who we are" in life. It's our identity, based on a working reputation, filled with a clear end goal - that manifests our desires. Most people would sooner kill a talking ant, than take responsibility for making their own dreams come true. Stop blaming and stop waiting. Own your dream and ask, "what is my role to make this thing happen?"

 To manifest your dreams, know where you have come from, as track record lays the foundation for success. Secondly, know who you are, as you will attract more of the same. Thirdly, know what you want. Frustration about what you don't want doesn't produce what you do want. Rather, have a definite picture of what you want to achieve. When these three operate in harmony, true faith springs into action.

Your inner creation now creates your outer

You cannot grow and improve inwardly, but remain stagnant outwardly.

 The driven work endlessly to refine and reshape what they understand to be the soul, to better reflect devine intent. This work, can at times, become overwhelming, with no apparent end in sight. The goal too seems to be ever moving further and further away, dragging with it all hopes of sudden victory. 

The drained glimpse over a weary shoulder, wishing to see relief's sweet approach. Occasionally, they scan the horizon, longing to see anything that resembles their "ship" coming home to dock. All the while they deliberately grow, forcing themselves into better moulds.

 Faint not, seeker, for in due season you shall reap. The constant labour you exert to become great inwardly, prepares the road for greatness outwardly. Today, you stand in your work clothes, at the work bench, still toiling at and pondering about a more desired life. Tomorrow, sweaty and fatigued, you will open the door to more labour, and suddenly be in the midst of your reward.

 With the "inside you" shaped, it now shapes your outside. Humbly standing on the stage of life, you will share truth, you will lay your vunerable soul bare, as you explain the path that brought success, pointing to it, using your experience as the example. Be strong, seeker, for you shall reap in due season, if you faint not.

Different not seperate

To you, one of God's unique little kids, I want to say that different does not mean seperate.

 Often people sitting on the fringes of society feel disconnected from the rest of the world. They sit on the fringe because they are different, and others draw away. These are people that dont blindly accept tradition as truth, unwilling to conform just for the sake of agreement. These oddballs look at life from an angle that most ... well, let's just say, that most have never considered.

 Fringe life is a lonely and a trying place. Even though most fringe-sitters have friends, it's a meeting-by-appointment arrangement, as the friends dont really want to expose others to the one-of-a-kind perspectives. So, "fringees" dont usually get invited to the big get-togethers, and live in solitude, sometimes by choice, sometimes not.

 Take courage you special biscuits, I want to tell you something. The world in which we live is shaped by the odd dreams of artists and inventors that are shunned by convention. It's in the peculiar view offered by true visionaries, that others find hope for growth, challenge and change. It's the curious soul searching the outer parts of the universe that returns with truth to transform a generation. 

Even as the tree pushes out the branch to live out its individuality, it is still connected to the tree. The branch is fed by the tree, and in turn feeds the tree. Even in the branch's uniqueness, and distant proximity, it is still a part of the tree. Differentness is not sign of seperatedness.

 This world feeds off your individuality, and in turn offers sustainability for your originality. Even though its sometimes lonely on the fringe, it is still a functional and important role you live. 

Patterns, Purpose and the Profiler

I sometimes laugh at how ironic life is, with all its complexities and simplicity mixed into one deliciously confusing package, called the brain.

 One dichotomy in life that tickles me endlessly, is how people are such obvious creatures of habit, and in the same breath, we are not. People may follow routines at times, such as just before going to bed. It may be a case of first locking the outside gates, then the front door, followed by switching off lights, going to the bathroom, tinkling, then brushing teeth, walking to bed, get naked, get in bed, pray and chill. This pattern is then repeated until death.

 You'd think that a repetitive pattern like this would benefit other mental tasks that we do routinely, like decision making. Yet strangely, repetition is not a part of our decision making processes, unless we specifically choose a routine. Dafok!

 Yesterday, Sally followed her natural decision making pattern while deciding which laptop to buy. She made an excellent choice and is very satisfied with her purchase. Unfortunately for Sally, she followed her natural pattern unconsciously, as in, she didn't known that she followed a built-in decision guide.

 Today, Sally is trying to make a decision about her life partner. The only thing is, she is not following her natural pattern and doesnt know it. She will bungle the decision and she will lose the one person that will love her forever. 

Ah, that's sad. What's sadder is that people are unaware just how random their mental process are when left alone. By all means, we should seek to understand our decision making patterns, and get them to work when we need them. When we know which patterns we use best, we can deliberately use them to improve our lives.

 The minds capacity to be random offers us a clue to why we are sometimes successful, and sometimes not. Its clear we shouldn't leave important mental processes to chance. We should identify, label and structure them, training ourselves to use them at will. This is true mental discipline.

 All of this confusing identification is simpler than this article. Anyway, if you're interested, ask me how.

Social Media Safety

Social media, like having lots of money, does not corrupt people. It merely reveals the corruption that already exists.

Social Media Safety Day, 11 February 2020, highlighted the precautions and roles that you and I need to take to ensure personal security, while enjoying the interactions and benefits of the internet life.

The speedy advancement of technology puts people in a number of unique situations that we, the users, don't yet fully understand. The first of these predicaments is the power our hand-held device has to isolate us from the people that are in our physical and personal surroundings, while exposing us to a community of strangers as we engage from many miles away.

Social media manipulates our inherent need for validation and support from our community to include the inauthentic and often cruel praise of the internet audience. The "likes and shares" of strangers on social media start to replace the affection and affirmations of loved ones that know us personally. People start to choose the passing acknowledgements of "followers" to shape their identity and to create "highs." This pseudo-approval is short lived and out of context with daily life, resulting in many "lows." Internet audiences dont know your story. They are unaware of your values, your hopes and struggles. Like a sick circus ringmaater, they crack the whip and demand: " dance monkey, dance for me."

Another situation stirred by social media is the effect sharing opinions without accountability has on people. In 1933, H.G Wells wrote of an invisible man that loses his morals, friends and family, as he falls through crimes, like theft and sexual assault, to eventually land in madness. He believes he is free from the consequences of his actions because no one can see him.

Internet users anonymously vomit disgusting opinions and ruthlessly attack the character and persona of others, simply because they believe they are free of the consequences. Such digital bullies fall prey to the same outcome that H.G. Wells' villian experienced in the Invisible Man movie. His sick words and actions shaped his identity, created his reality, and sent him into a lonely downward spiral of insanity.

Both predicaments mentioned are not created by social media, but reveal the corruption that is inherent in each of us. A poor self worth, lacking a sense of "I am," and a complete ignorance of consequences makes people vulnerable to both possibilities. Children craving for validation follow the parents example, turning to social media to fulfil the need of acceptance. Parents "surf" as a way to escape the ugly realities of daily life, unaware their flights of fantasy shape an invisible child within their own home.

Do you want real internet security for yourself and your children?

Put down the phone and foster a sense of value for real community, with people that get the context of who you are, where you are at, with a true value for your well being. Dont split your attention between social media and the raising of your child, put down the phone and interact personally. Acknowledge and validate your children's efforts, actions and achievements in a genuine, caring and deliberate manner, boosting their personal sense of worth. Instil a clear working of "what you sow shall you reap." O boy, will you ever reap what you sow.

As you sow validation, care, approval and affection into the lives of the loved ones that surround you, so shall you reap, nullifying the need to spend unproductive and soul destroying time on the internet. Social media is nothing more than a tool, just like a hammer, which we wouldn't use to form our identity. Dont let social media own you and shape who you are, rather, own your identity and allow it to shape social media.

They steal your momentum

It's amazing how quickly carrying a kid on your back around the zoo can drain your energy and enthusiasm. The same is true for your vision, but the ones you piggyback don't always deserve the lift. Momentum-leeches will ride you like a vision-uber, with no interest in your goals, and will desert you when they get to their destination at your expense.

  There are few things in life that are as infectiously beautiful as a playful puppy, a baby laughing, and someone with a vision. The energy and vibrancy oozing from a new visionary is attractive, designed to draw in a capable team, enthusiastic supporters, and willing sponsors.

 Once your vision gains a little momentum, it gains the attention of those around you. Excitement, hope and structure drives you to your end picture, and attracts help and opportunities needed to turn your vision into reality. It also signals the momentum vampires to move in.

  Arriving with fanfare, energy thieves blister you with compliments on how positive and meaningful your efforts and cause seems to be. Then they subtly insult the direction in which you are headed, offering a smooth and logical alternative, coincidentally aligned with what they want. Their blinding instructions fill you with a sense of urgency, as you spend energy and use your resources to accomplish their targets.

  Without a doubt, there is nothing harder to do than to create momentum in a personal goal, a new business, or in a shiny new vision. Your interest and excitement aimed in the right direction will get the movement you need. Know this; that movement is the life force of your vision. Momentum is a precious vision commodity worth stealing, and needs to be protected at all costs. This is the leaders most important task.

 As a visionary, we document our end goal, and we write out our mission, not as a plaque to be admired as it hangs on the wall, but as a measure to judge all efforts. We stand all task and demands alongside the vision and ask "will this activity produce this reault?" If the answer is yes, do it will all your zeal, otherwise cast it aside and look for something more effective. Your vision stands as magnetic north, and like a compass needle, all efforts and expenditures should point in the right direction.

 As the visionary it is your responsibility to ensure your team reach the destination. There are many obstacles and distractions looking to slow your momentum and steal your attention. None are more subtle, more devious, as fatal as the piggyback you give to a momentum vampire. Be warned...

Mastery makes Leaders

I'm doing a "100 Articles in 100 Days" challenge, with approximately sixty five articles left. "Why 100 days? Why not just 30 days like all the other challenges," I hear you ask. Let me explain:

 First, leaders forge mastery, then, Mastery creates leaders.

 The unique leadership model, the U49, guides potential leaders through a growth program, aimed at fostering focus, momentum and mastery, establishing reliability and reputation along the way. All of these elements need time and effort to grow ... enter the 100 Challenge. 

 The strength of the 100 Challenge is in the incredible personal growth and understanding the leader gains as they establish momentum in their core skill. It takes a minimum of forty days exercising a skill for it to become grounded. In other words, in the first forty days, you just start to understand the subtly of the tasks you do.

 The next sixty days of the Challenge takes the growing leader beyond mere understanding, past success and into significance. It allows the leader to develop an excellence the top sportsmen call "the zone." I call it - mastery. By the end of the 100 Challenge you will function at the level of expert in your field.

 Its only beyond sixty days that people start to notice the potential leaders consistency, and recognise his or her authentic growth. At this point, Reliability and reputation start to evolve. Failing now would be fatal to the leaders credibility.

 The most incredible miracle of the 100 Challenge happens as momentum increases. When guiding colleagues to do their own 100 Challenge, they always want to know from me what they can expect as a result. The magic of mixing momentum and master makes any preduction impossible. All I can say is - expect it to be pressed down, shaken together, until your results overflow.

 Leadership is more than just trying something for thirty days. Leadership is about standing in your field as a subject matter expert. That takes dedication, focus, deliberate growth and a little magic. The 100 Challenge offers these and more. Please feel free to contact me about doing your own 100 Challenge.

Love has many forms

Sometimes, love is like giving water to someone that has a cracked cup. They can't quench their thirst, because they are broken, and incapable of drinking the water.

  People are offended when those of low self worth don't respond to love in an expected manner. The offence comes from the inherent belief that love cures all: "If I love a broken someone, they should heal, and blossom." Love does indeed heal all things, and it does make people whole, but sometimes that love isn't in a shape you recognise.

 It's not hard to understand that people from different walks of life view success differently. Some people regard fast cars and big houses as symbols of winning. Others want success to create happy families and caring spouses. Both views of success are okay. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that some people need a different expression of, and respond differently to, love. 

Many people accuse the "broken" of being selfish, even controlling, because they are unable to respond to love in an predictable way. Isn't it selfish to want people to act in a way that suits us only? These accusations just make it harder for the broken to heal, causing heartbreak for the accuser. Now there are two people disillusioned by love, but are they really?

 What may be harder to accept is that you might be incapable of offering love to the person in the way they need it. When we express love in a way unnatural to us, we come across as contrived and fake, unable to keep up the act, losing who we are and the one we loved in the process.

  The harsh truth is that sometimes the purest act of love is to take a step back and let someone else step in, to love in a way we can't. Sometimes we need to take a step back and let someone else in, because we love ourselves.

Momentum barr None

Hundreds of thousands of new ventures, fresh visions and infant businesses die, because the leader didn't know how to get it going. Of all the things your "new life" needs to survive, momentum is crucial.

  Without a doubt, a clear future vision defines why we do it. Growth gurus want us to diligently sort a one year, a three year, and a ten year plan, because it's the "year of vision." Pffft! Those plans will be a fat load of useless if you dont action it tomorrow.

 The saying, "objects at rest want to stay at rest," applies to your vision too. Have you noticed the tiny steps given by the strong man as he starts to pull the heavy truck? These little steps focus all his power to move the truck forward just an inch. Our vision needs tiny steps of focused power to get the first sign of movement. Focusing on just "the next step," creates the initial movement in our vision.

 The following step will need less force to move the vision forward. Each subsequent step builds on the momentum already gained, until the vision has enough "oomph" to drive itself. 

Here's your challenge for today; plan a tiny step that you can accomplish tomorrow that just inches your vision forward, creating just a little mastery, creating just a little momentum.

Let your only sin be hesitation

Asking someone to believe in their own greatness may be too much. Instead, ask them to believe in the calling, and the Caller.

 A lone bush burning in the desert may not seem strange to some folks, but it caught the attention of the only person camping nearby as odd. Then, to make things really creepy, the bush spoke, nearly causing Moses to seek shelter inside his own belly button.

  The story of God calling on Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egyot strongly resonates within me, not that I've ever heard God speak from a burning bush. I like Moses's story, because it's so honest... funny, but honest. It represents the way in which so many of us respond to the calling on our lives.

 The excuse Moses used to delay his calling was "I, I, s, stu, I stutt, I s, s, I stutter..." If only I could get dollar for every time someone used an excuse to get out of their calling, I'd be a gazillionaire! Even though he was raised in a royal house, our "man of the hour" felt he could not do the job, because he lacked worth.

  The moment we face our calling, we realise that it's asking us to be the best version of our selves. That's the moment when we resort to excuses to mask the truth we feel: "I'm not worthy." You may have all the stuff you need to live out your calling, or you may not. Either way, God has a "No Backsies" policy on what He wants you to do. Suck it up, buttercup. You've been tagged, and you're it!

 What I really like about Moses is the stutter. That hesitation gave him enough time to realise Who was doing the calling. In that moment, he realised he was called to help Israel, a noble call, that spoke to his own heart. Moses didn't feel worthy or capable to do that job, but he believed that the One that called him was worthy. Moses didn't say "no" to God, he merely said "I am not ready." The stutter gave him the reason and the opportunity to equip himself to do what was asked.

  To refuse your calling is to deny who you are. Don't turn God down. Rather say, "I, I, I am, n, not, I am not ready." Then, use the delay to equip yourself. Choose to believe in the cause, and please, choose to believe in the One that called. Let your only sin be hesitation, and let that hesitation prepare you for greatness.

Soft skill my ass

We all look up to and admire a good leader, impressed by their skill, tenacity, and authenticity. We recognise that rallying people behind a single objective in a mutually beneficial way is extremely difficult. We even recognise that not everyone can be a good leader, and that it takes a special kind of person to fill leadership shoes.

 So, why is it that we call leadership a "soft skill"? Why is it that a "leadership course" shouldn't be longer than four days? Why is it that the teaching of leadership, a skill globally recognised as prolific and difficult, is treated with such contempt? Maybe insecure people in leadership positions don't want competition and downplay proper training. Maybe labelling leadership as a soft skill was a marketing mistake made universities and educators.

 Soft skills...! Don't talk stupid.

 People don't enlist for leadership training for two main reasons: first, leadership is horribly misunderstood. Second, leadership is hard, man. It's not for whimps, regardless of their gender.

 Why do I say leadership is misunderstood? Well, most people think the title is reserved for kings, presidents, politicians, business tycoons and our sports heroes. Simply stated, you don't believe that you could, or should, be a leader - because you don't get what it's about.

 A leader is someone that picks a vision that will benefit others, organises a team to help him or her achieve that vision, and then works relentlessly to make that vision become a reality. Anyone can pick a vision! A school kid, a single mom, or an elderly man on pension can have a vision. You can have a vision. When the vision you pick needs a team to become reality - BOOM! You become a leader.

 That's when you discover how difficult leadership actually is. You've got to juggle people's expectations, moods, resources, communication difficulties, and lastly - your own motivation. It's in the middle of this chaos, standing like the ring master of a crazy circus, frustrated, that you will wish you had some hard core leadership training.

 Don't be diddled, my friend. Leadership is no soft skill. It's a hard life, but the benefits are oh so worth it. Buckle up, it's time to grow.

The Cancer of Caring

Let's take a moment to pause on this day, World Cancer day, and say, "I care," to those that continue to fight against the disease. We remember, and pay tribute to those that have fallen in this terrible battle.

 World Cancer day offers the opportunity to highlight another subtle and deadly form of the disease, the cancer of caring. It has oozed it's way into the deepest fabric of our societies, infected the bone marrow of our social economies, and eats away at the very core of our coexistence. You may think the claim is crazy, and have possibly never noticed the symptoms, but I promise you; the disease has already infected you.

  I first diagnosed the cancer at a breakfast with Ben. He is an elderly gentleman with a kind heart, and a lot of wisdom to share. Once a week, Ben and I go for breakfast at a popular restaurant chain. Each week, we are greeted by friendly faces always eager to wait at our table. As usual, Ben will greet each waiter by their name, making sure he pronounces it correctly, "as it's a form of respect and validation."

 The person taking our order is always subjected to Ben's inquiry of their health, wealth or spiritual well being. Ben is particular about always making eye contact when they speak to him, and acknowledges what they have said with questions and feedback. He always finds time to share a joke or two, not only with our waiter, but with each one that comes to the table to say hello. His friendly manner has the waiters eager to be the lucky one to serve him.

  One day, while waiting for Ben, one of the usual waiters asked his whereabouts, and proceeded to share that he had never met anyone quite like Ben. "He talks to me like I am human. He is interested in my personal condition." The young man's eyes welled up with tears as he spoke. "He treats me kind, like my job is important to him, like I am important to him."

 I quietly pondered what that young man must have endured at the hands of the restaurant's patrons to be so impacted by the dottering kindness of an elderly man. The waiter's customers must be cold and uncaring, I thought, for him to be so impressed by Ben's validation. That's when the idea for the cancer of caring struck me.

 The constant badgering and harassment by begging strangers makes people avoid eye contact. The constant threat of a con or a possible robbing makes citizens brace themselves when the go into public spaces, like knights going to battle. The constant abuse and threats has turned ordinary people into callous, uncaring, coldhearted assholes. Yes, that's a harsh judgement, unfairly placed on a person that has been made hard by circumstances beyond his or her control. As a society, we have allowed what should be a little infection easily resolved, to spiral out of control until it grew in to full-blown cancer of caring.

 Suddenly, good people turn a blind eye to elderly folk needing a helping hand. Kind-hearted individuals drive past neighbours in dire need, too afraid to get involved. This behaviour allows the cancer to infiltrate every aspect of our daily cohabitation. We sow seeds of uncaring hoping to harvest harmony and mutual support. No, my friend, what you sow is what you will reap.

  Just choosing to stay does not heal the cancer. Never mind the politicians. Deliberately choosing to be a responsible citizen provides the healing chemo treatments. Its actively caring for our neighbours that sends the disease into remission, heals our land and restores hope for a sustainable nation. I choose to follow Ben's example of simply validating people in my space. I choose to make eye contact. I choose to ask your name and make sure I can pronounce it correctly. I choose to be the hero that offers help to others in their time of need. If we reap what we sow, then let's choose to sow "I care."

Overnight Success

"Overnight succes;" "so lucky;"and "instant fortune" are the excuses the lazy and uninspired slap on those that are successful, oblivious to the hours, the sacrifices, and the growth it took to reach the top.

 "Let's imitate them," is a great strategy to duplicate success, but you can't start imitating where they are now in hopes of an equal results. You have to start at the same point they did and follow their original path.

 All of a sudden success, fame, and fortune, with all the trimmings doesn't sound as attractive! "Oh, it's still attractive, it's just the 'effort' thing that's not going to happen."

 The general population would rather slog it out for a boss, in poverty, before they invest time, effort, and education in their own success. "I'm tired" is the greatest motivator of the unmotivated to do nothing in life.

  The perception is that life and success needs work, creates stress, and is just "difficult!" Even though a life mission requires effort initially, it contains a magic that fuels focus, makes momentum, and moulds mastery. This magic is called "inspiration."

 When you care enough to act, inspiration paints "effort" with different colours, turning it into "fun," and "pleasure." Ask anyone at the top of their field and they will tell you what they do isn't effort, it's a breeze. It may be "less breezy, more sleezy" at the start of your success journey, but it will only remain so until you take your first step.

 Deliberate growth is a reward in itself, but it also brings with it the chance for others to comment "how blessed, how fortunate you are for your overnight success."

Mission is the driving force of success

Walking along a desolate sandbar on the shores of an Indian river, Payeng's heart broke as he wept aloud for the death he witnessed.

 All forms of reptiles and birds had died of exposure to a terrible storm on the river banks just days before. The cruel sandbank offered the animals no protection from the elements. 

  Fourteen year old Payeng went home and devised a plan. It was simple, he would plant and nurture saplings on the desolate sandbank until there was enough habitat to offer protection to all the animals. This plan would also prevent soil erosion on the largest river island, Majuli.

 Thirty years later, Mr. Payeng has planted enough trees to create a forest covering 550 hectors, the equivalent of fifteen football stadiums. The Molai forest, created by Payeng, is now home to deer, tigers, rabbits, birds and more. How is this possible?

 The dedication of one person to do something each day that may only make a small difference in the moment, but over time has a life-changing effect, is called - MISSION. This simple term, mission, created the focus, momentum, and mastery that turned a broken-hearted fourteen year old boy, into a renowned forester that makes a national and international impact in conservation.

 Without a doubt, there is a solution for every sandbar that causes destruction in your life. If you care enough to act, the simplest methodical steps for change will sharpen your focus, will multiply your efforts, and will grow your reputation beyond the need to heal a broken heart, forming you into the master of your own forest.

 If you care enough to act, your tiny daily efforts will be like a little ball rolling in the snow; it picks up speed as it grows in size. If you care enough to act, your individual efforts and incremental change, will result in a monumental national and international impact.

  "I'm just one little person. What can I do to make a difference?" Yes, you are right - It does take more than just one person to make a difference, it takes onue person that cares enough to act to change the world.