2011 was an interesting year. I presented us with diverse challenges and opportunities. You can be sure that 2012 will be similar.

No doubt, there will be stunning surprises as well as breath-taking breakthroughs but none of these will matter except we position ourselves to make the most of everyday.

There are strong indications that the economic recession will bite harder and several parts of Africa will be hard hit.

In Nigeria, we are already grappling with policy changes that are generating heated debates. These are telltale signs of unprecedented lifestyle changes. Whether we like it or not, change is bound to happen. What we must be concerned about now is the impact the change has on us. Will it be positive or negative?

That boils down to one primary factor-our DECISIONS.

We may not be able to control many things this year-the price of fuel, the temperature of the sun, the frequency of floods, the popularity of Reality TV shows but we can control our DECISIONS-more often than not. We must never relinquish control over the things for which we should take responsibility.

2012 may be tough for most people but it could be your best year yet. If you make the right decisions. You may make mistakes but that doesn’t mean everything will fall apart.

I’ve made up my mind that this is my best year yet. I’m conscious of God’s presence. I’m aware that He has positioned people, opportunities and resources at different points and places to help me fulfill my mandate. I challenge you to adopt this mindset.

Regardless of how things turn out, they will work together for our good.

That’s the spirit.

What’s your dream?

What is that burning desire in your heart?

What would you accomplish if nothing could stop you?

Where would you like to be 5 years from now?

What if the sky wasn’t the limit?

What if you could grow beyond preset barriers and stretch beyond the horizons.

These are questions you must contemplate if you want to be all you were born to be.

It’s possible that you’ve had these questions on your mind for a while but you’ve also wondered “How do I get started?”

“Where do I get the capital to start my dream business?”

“How can I get the strategic relationships or “connections” I need?

“What steps should I take to grow?”

“What  exactly do I need to know?”

“How should I position myself for golden opportunities?”

“How do I improve my confidence and communication skills?”

I’m glad to let you know that finally, there’s an institution that teaches you how to LIVE YOUR DREAMS.
With the incredible transformations going on in our socio-economic climes, it has become abundantly clear that talent, academic degrees and certificates alone will not put you ahead of the teeming population of job-seekers, budding entrepreneurs and aspiring reformers.

More than ever, life skills are in high demand.There is an undeniable revolution that stipulates that anyone who must forge ahead and leave a lasting impression in the annals of history must invest ample time, energy and financial resources in DISCOVERING, DEVELOPING and DEPLOYING their inherent GIFTS.

Unfortunately, the traditional academic institutions often revolve around obsolete techniques and axioms that have no real life application thus they fail to furnish students with the necessary qualities required to live up to their true potential.

This leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of our society.

D.R.E.A.M Academy aims to proffer practical solutions to this challenge.

Our FACULTY comprises of brilliant young man and women with a proven track record of professional and business excellence.

Our CURRICULUM is rich and relevant.
Topics to be covered include:

* Time Management

*Financial Management

*Talent Management

*Networking Skills

*Sales and Marketing

*Teamwork and Interpersonal skills

*Leadership

*Effective Communication

*Interview Skills

*Proposal Writing

*Poise and Etiquette

*Personal and Business Branding

This training will run for five days between 9:30am and 3:30pm with a 30 minute lunch break.

The training sessions will be a blend of interactive sessions, role plays as well as live and audio-visual presentations.

FEES:
N20 000

Get a 25% DISCOUNT by paying before October 4, 2011.

Account Details:
Name: DREAMSTREAM RESOURCES CO. LTD.
Number: 219 832174 110
GTBank

P.S:There are only 30 seats available.

P.S:Spread the word by sharing the link on Facebook and Twitter.

It’s a new year.

I celebrate you for making it…against all odds.

Some people started the last year but did not see the end of the year.

You probably know one or two of such people.

We do not spite them in any way because we realize that some of them were smarter, stronger and even more spiritual than many of us.We are only alive because God spared our lives.He spared our lives because He still has a significant role for us to play in His Masterplan.

It is important to keep this poignant thought in view so that we do not become conceited and take the favor of God for granted.It is also necessary to cherish this new year as God’s special gift to us such that we make the most of it.

I’d quickly share 11 simple secrets with you.

I am optimistic that they will help you become super-successful this year and in the years to come.

1. Put God First.

It is important to PUT GOD FIRST.

There are two sides to this:

First, start your day with Him.

I realize that we lead very busy lives.We have a tendency to wake up with a start, rush into the bathroom and dart off  to work.We seldom make out time for GOD in the morning.

One of the secrets of Jesus was that He woke up early every morning and spent time with God.

Little wonder he worked so many miracles.

Martin Luther got it right. He said, “I am very busy today, I have to take out the first three hours to pray.

When we make out time for God in the morning, He makes ways for us all through the day.

The second side to this, is to START EVERY PROJECT WITH GOD in mind.

Too many people revert to God only after they hit a brick wall. You don’t have to get into that cycle.

God is not a spare tire we employ once in a while. He is the steering wheel we engage all the time.

When you start with God, you can rest assured that everything will turn out just fine.

The wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon said “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

2.Let Yourself Go.

The past is always trying to make it into the future.

Unfortunately, it often succeeds ever so often.

It’s a new year…chronologically but for so many people it’s really an old year with a new date.

The only thing that has changed is the calender.Nothing else.

They are bogged in the quagmire of yesteryear’s pains, plights and problems.

Some are on a leash of unforgiveness.

Others are fettered by bitterness and incarcerated in the room of regret.

Their attachment to yesterday’s failures and sometimes, successes, prevents them from launching into a future prosperity and bliss.

It is important to let yourself off any hook that is keeping you from reaching for the bright future God has designed for you.

If you suffered some setbacks last year, press on.Better days are ahead.

If you recorded staggering success, press on.Better days are ahead.

There’s always a better day ahead.Each of the 365 days of this year presents  exciting opportunities for growth.

Don’t rob yourself.

Let yourself Go.

3.Overcome Inertia.

You have heard the saying, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

That is true.

Unfortunately, the first step is usually the most difficult to take.

We are often bombarded with a plurality of  “reasons” to remain where we are.

It is comfortable to conform.

We do not like to stick out like a sore thumb.

We do not want to be the sacrificial lambs.

We do not want to be the scape goats, so we just “hold our peace” and stay in our comfort zones.

That may seem like a smart decision, but only for a short while.Soon, it becomes clear that we must be willing to stick out our necks if we must wear the medal of greatness.

Even the snail knows that it must stick out it’s neck in order to make progress.

Cowards conform.

Heroes don’t conform, they conquer.

You are not a coward.Don’t conform this year.Don’t conform to man made limitations.

Stretch. Reach out. Overcome inertia.

You are a hero.Conquer!

There are eight other secrets I’d share with you so watch out for the next part of this blog post.

P.S: It’s always a pleasure reading your comments and answering your questions so if you have any, leave them in the box below.

P.P.S: Have a Productive and Prosperous Year.

]]> http://www.damioluwatoyinbo.com/motivation/11-simple-secrets-to-a-super-successful-year/feed/ 16 http://www.damioluwatoyinbo.com/personal-transformation/the-message-went-a-long-way/ http://www.damioluwatoyinbo.com/personal-transformation/the-message-went-a-long-way/#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:55:37 +0000 dami http://www.damioluwatoyinbo.com/?p=899 It’s amazing that a short message can go a long way.

Last week, God inspired me to write a short message with the title, “They Stole My Idea.”

To my amazement, it has gone a really long way.

If you haven’t read it, just click on this link right away…

http://www.damioluwatoyinbo.com/personal-transformation/they-stole-my-idea/

It will inspire you.

I had no idea that Joel Wilson had read it but we were together at the Nelson Mandela Square in South Africa just a few days ago and we had a very interesting conversation.

The good thing is that we got it on camera and you can “eavesdrop” whether you are in Japan or Jamaica, Nigeria or Nicaragua.

It’s a short video, watch it and kindly leave your comments.

It’s always a pleasure to read from you.

P.S:Pardon the background noise.

Also which of these titles would you like me to write on next?

“‘Done’ is better than ‘perfect’” or “The Paralysis of Analysis”

“They stole my idea.”

I have heard that statement several times in my life.

You have probably heard it too…several times.

Maybe you have even made the statement at some point in your life.

You had the idea and you were really excited about it.

It was a thought you cherished.It kept you awake night after night.The sheer thought of it’s potential sent shivers down your spine and flooded your heart with unspeakable joy.

Days passed, yet you were still developing your idea.You wanted it to come out perfect so you took your time.You decide to dot every “i” and cross every “t”.

Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out the way you planned.

Soon after, you were shocked to discover that “your idea” had been executed by someone else.

You wanted to start a business of that nature in your estate but you discovered that someone just startet it.

You wanted to organize a concert of that nature but you discovered that someone else just DID IT.

You spent the last year writing a book with that title and concept but you just discovered that someone else is DOING IT.

You wanted to produce a television show of that nature but someone else was faster than you… 

They stole you idea or so you thought.At least, it felt better to think that way.

Your first reaction was disbelief, then disappointment… followed by displeasure.

You were displeased with yourself.You started thinking aloud…

“If only I had acted faster…”

“If only I had moved earlier…”

“If only I knew better…”

If you are goal-oriented and purpose-driven like me, you must be familiar with that stinging sensation that comes with discovering that “your idea” has been “stolen”.

Notice that I put “your idea” and “stolen” in parenthesis.That’s deliberate.

I understand that there are people who lack the moral fiber to give you credit for your ideas and would rather run off  to execute them, taking the glory for those ideas.I have no respect for such people. I consider them weak. However, I have also discovered that GOD is the giver of every good and perfect gift.(This includes good ideas)

With that in mind, what you call your good ideas are SEEDS planted in your heart by God.

The interesting thing is that God causes rain to fall on both the good and the evil.This implies that whenever God opens His “idea-vault”, several people may conceive the same idea.

There is hardly anything like monopoly of ideas.Every God-given idea is designed to make the world a better place so if you conceive it and you do not execute it, God will stir someone else to make it happen because God’s ultimate plan cannot be jeopardized by one person’s lethargy.

So let this be clear-when you are struck by a bright idea, there are probably a thousand and one people all over the world that caught it too but what makes the difference is what you do with that idea.

I realize that you have a golden idea that will take the world by storm but here’s a very important question-Are you going to keep thinking about it or are you going to start DOING something about IT?