The journey to self

The journey to self-enlightenment begins with reflection. My enlightenment began about five years ago, when I started writing this book. Originally, the book was envisioned as a descriptive chronicle of my life. However, this process was paused indefinitely due to a lack of motivation and personal confusion. Out of this confusion emerged deeper meditations, more reasoning, and the gaining of new insights into life and the type of message I wanted to convey to my readers. Eventually, the first draft of the book was scraped, and the content changed to suite the current purpose, which is to have my readers see the wisdom gained from my trials.

On my journey, I realized that with experiences comes wisdom. Hence, I now lend my experiences to motivate my readers’ actions and assist with their understanding of society and common fallacies of life. It is therefore, hoped that my readers apply deep thinking and analysis, when reading the chapters of this book.

The literature centers on real life situations and practical approaches that will impact success and contentment in an individual life. The settings for each discussion are based in the working world and illustrate major points that far exceed one’s working relationships. Each discussion is backed up by life Gems that if intrinsically appreciated, would increase one’s view of themselves and the world around them leading to productivity and happiness.

Indeed, it was a rocky journey to complete this book. I have suffered many failures. However, it is through failures and reflection that one grows. Thomas Edison once wrote” Success is 99% Perspiration and 1% Inspiration. Therefore, my inspiration came through trials, experiences, and God’s enlightenment.

It is said that “Fortune favours the prepared.” You must be able to cease all presented opportunities or make your own opportunity. How can you do that? Here lies the dilemma, we earn the degree or training and are at a lost on how to use it. Therefore, see below for practical solutions.

1. For the employed

Look around in your organization or in other organizations for opportunities that may benefit from your new acquired knowledge. Prepare a proposal to address the problem/situation. Ask a friend/contact or simply use the internet to learn how to prepare a proposal. The idea is just an idea until it is explored and written down. It is advised that you diligently gather the required information/evidence through research that will stand up to scrutiny. Remember you are an unknown quantity; therefore, your work will be highly scrutinized and, in some cases, discredited. However, hang in there, keep the passion alive and work smart. It will all work out. I am living testimony to this. I used this method to move ahead, and it has worked beautifully.

NB: After presenting your proposal to management, it may not be acknowledged or even rewarded. However, you completed a particularly important task in your life, which would endure to your future benefit. You would have used your initiative (management quality) to solve a pressing issue. In-addition, you would have learnt from the process how to conduct similar investigations (experience).

Do not say I am not being paid so I will not do it to help them, you are only helping yourself. Half of us did not gain a cent from our first set of endeavours. I have research currently on international websites and have never been acknowledged by the consultant who come, took my work and used it in its original form. My organization did not pay me or acknowledge my work until three (3) years after. It is now the centre piece for their development plans. The work is the price you pay to learn and mould your career.

1. For the un-employed

Get involved in clubs or non-profit organizations; suggest important projects that will aid the development of your skills and their organization. The relationship is symbiotic. Use the same process that was described in the section above to carry out your research, through a written proposal. Technically, what you are doing is making your-self employable, while building a career or gaining the knowledge to become your own boss. Establish your-self in the organization, so that people will know your worth (work) and hire you.

You may also seek out fellowships and internships in organizations. There are always lots of companies looking out for good new talent. In this modern time, use the internet and search for opportunities. For your information internships, scholarships and fellowships are offered by the United Nation (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) among others.

1. For the employed and un-employed (All)

In both the above situations, while developing your skills, you must network. However, some of us do not understand the true meaning of networking. Networking means to have something profitable to offer another person, who could also help you. This is the only way you will guarantee being called up for an opportunity. If managers know that you have a demonstrated particular skill, your chances are more favourable to be contacted than those who have not completed any form of practical work. Use this method to establish your-self in prominent groups. You will reap the benefit from this action.

Food for Thought

“Opportunity favours the prepared mind. It is not about the number of times you fall in life, but it is about how many times you get back up after the fall; this is the characteristics of a great man”

- Horatio Morgan