I don’t like to think of myself as a mentor perse because I am only living a life of purpose but the reality is that I just happen to be one, that is exactly how God Almighty designed it. I say this because I have gone from being a guy who started blogging out of frustration to being one who reaches millions every day both locally and internationally through TV, Print, Radio & Online.
Be that as it may, one lesson I believe God has been teaching lately is to stop underestimating my capacity and reach – this is because I find myself asking him certain questions every now and then because some things don’t just add up to me.
A number people that I have met on this journey admire me like one genius, some say to me how did it all happen, you must be very smart to be able to manage multiple platforms at the same timen – comments like these simply make me laugh, seriously because they have no clue whatsoever.
See all that has happened is simply what I refer to as time and chance (Ecclesiastes 9:11), no more, no less. It is basically the grace of God in the life of a nobody, whom He has chosen to make somebody. Let me not start with the doubts, struggles, fears, pressures, expectations, too much exposure etc. all of which combine to make me want to escape to neverland(wherever that is) every now and then 🙂
All I can say, is “Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.”
This post is not exactly about me, it is simply to encourage you not to despair irrespective of how the year started or ended. Yes, many of your goals may not have come to fruition and yes you may have experienced some difficulties which makes you sad irrespective. Well, I encourage you not to lose hope and faith.
I hope Kingston’s story cheers you up?
Now to the main reason why I am writing this post, first is to thank God for a challenging yet fantastic year and next to share the story of one of my long distance mentees who hasn’t met in person but has implemented many of the principles I have shared on this blog and other platforms.
Earlier in the year, he sent me the below mail:
Hello CFA,
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We are connected on on social media accounts. I am a Zambian who has been greatly inspired by your works especially in the area of ICT Presentations because that where we share much of the same interest. I want to learn more from you as I want to join your field as a Technology Columnist in one of our local news papers. I have seen there is a gap here in Zambia and would like to seize this opportunity share, inform, educate, advise, comments on technological issues in zambia thorough the media.
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I will be glad to hear more from you, be mentored and realize the value of being relevant to this lie.
I won’t bore you with the details of the back and forth communication we have had but below is a screenshot of his recent post;
ICT Matters with Mwila Kingston Ali
I by no means take any glory whatsoever for his success – all glory must return to the creator of the universe. The reason I am sharing his story is simply because this guy has not met me in person, all he has done is follow my work online and see the impact he is already making in his home country, Zambia.
In Febuary, he was hoping to own a column, he went to work and by December it has all become a reality, without a degree in journalism or prior writing experience as such. ICT Matters with Mwila Kingston Ali is the result of believing, thrusting God and going for it against all odds. Very similar to some of my experiences which you can read here.
A big congrats to you, Mwila Kingston for your strides and achievements this year. I wish you the very best in the years to come. One thing is certain, I’d sure have you visit Nigeria someday to share your remarkable story. Keep pressing on buddy & here’s wishing you God’s continuous grace and blessings.
My final words is to wish everyone out there a truly happy new year full of God’s blessings and favour, in Jesus mighty name, Amen!
Don’t forget to put God first in all you do and make Jesus Christ the master of your life in the coming year.
Late last year, NESCAFE gathered 10 bloggers in Accra, Ghana for the Get Started Conference which was the start of the planning process towards ensuring that the 2015 #GetStartedAfrica project turns out to be the best ever.
So the big question is do you have a dream that can make the difference in Africa? It’s time to stop dreaming and make a move to share your ideas with NESCAFÉ and you just might be the lucky winner of $30,000.
This competition is open to folks between ages of 18 – 30 living in Central and West Africa.
Truth, is that I wish I had more of this sort of opportunities when I was much younger 🙂 anyways I don’t qualify to enter for this but am happy that I get a chance to participate as an influencer.
5 Golden Rules to Get Started
These are the rules of the game as enacted by NESCAFE so do your best to abide by it or you get disqualified.
1. Your dream must not be of material benefit to oneself.
2. Your dream should focus on one of these categories: Technology,
Arts and Culture, Community Development, Environment or Health.
3. Your dream must have an action plan.
4. Your dream must start something big for you and people around you.
5. Make us fall in love with your dream and we’ll help you to get it started.
All you need to do to be part of this project is to drop your dreams and ideas here.
We live in a highly distracting world, so it is your responsibility to look out for tools and strategies that will help you stay sane and productive otherwise you might suffer from information overload and indecision.
Let me introduce one tool that has helped me tremendously despite the fact that I do not use it as often as I ought to but each time I use it, I get the results I expect. A mind map is simply a brain tool that helps you in any sort of brainstorming activities – here is the link to the post I wrote on mind mapping a while ago.
I suggest you watch this video by Tony Buzan, a man known as the Father of Mind Maps
So let me share with you a tiny part of the CFA mind map, that connects the dots of all my activities both online and offline:
You would not believe how huge and elaborate this map is, I could write a 100 page book on it. As you may have noticed, I did cut out some stuff because it is not yet time for them to be revealed but what I want you to get is the concept and not the content of my goals. I have clearly shared my brand into 2 main parts and that forms the choice of activities I get involved with going forward. As shown above my ultimate goal or end point is to be a positive influencer and partnerships is at the core of CFA.
The beauty about this is that I have a 10 year plan of my life on a single piece of paper. What sort of goal setting would you still recommend that I do? I hope you get the point on what can be achieved through the effective use of mind maps?
So CFA, what mind mapping tool should I use?
There are a number of mind mapping tools out there, most of them are paid but there are a few free ones that I have found to be useful. But, if you can afford it, then go for a premium version that is the online way we can keep the innovation on the Internet growing. Below are some you can try:
Goal setting is good for you and I am a little old school, therefore I am of the school of thought that says; you should clearly write your goals rather have it in your head. I totally agree!
Ever come across this?
….Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. – Hab. 2:2
Now my intention here is to help someone get into the habit of setting goals. Tell you the truth goal setting is not fun especially when you are just getting started but as soon as you get used to it, you will always flow…..
Last year, I published my 7 Commitments for 2012 and asked readers here to please hold me accountable – a few (notably Joe Oye) made it a point of duty to always ask about the progress and this put me on my toe.
Key Personal Goals for 2013.
1. Devote more time for God Almighty – the Creator of All.
Tell you the truth my view of life changed totally after the shocker of December 2011 (which you can read here), that taught me that life is too short and transient for most of the things we bother about.
Just like 2012, my top priority this year is to get to know God the more and ultimately prepare for the 2nd coming of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. Do you feel me? God is more than enough friend!
2. More time for my Family
Would you expect anything less from a father of 3? 🙂 Seriously speaking now, I would be devoting a minimum of 1 hr a day for family when I am in town. The nature of my job makes me present but absent because it requires my full concentration. It will a brief period of switching off all gadgets and just focusing on them. So help me God!
3. Volunteer more time to NGOs
In my capacity as a public speaker and trainer, I volunteer my time freely to a number organisations such as:
FATE Foundation.
Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation for Economic Empowerment (SOFEE).
Prof. Pat Utomi’s Center for Values and Leadership (CVL).
Notwithstanding my busy schedule, I intend to remain committed to these organizations. In future, I might write a book on how “Volunteering is guaranteed way to success” especially if you are genuinely passionate about it.
It has worked for me. So my advice to you is to volunteer your time (or give your resources) to someone or an organisation in need.
If you think your life is not where it should be, then you need to consider certain actions or activities such as your goals and how you manage your time?
Do you spend all day facebooking or tweeting and expect to be financial free?
Would you rather sleep when you should be reading?
Is your confession “God will provide all my needs” while you are busy eating your seed?
How long do you spend watching movies?
All these and many related factors will have a fatal outcome, if you keep at it and look closely they all have a link with poor time management.
I am also guilty of poor time management, so I have set a goal to simply move around on a daily basis with a planner (or us evernote on my device), so that I can note and monitor my daily activities with an intention to make the best out of each day.
I would love to say more but I am unable to because the other goals are much more private.
Key Professional Goals for 2013
1. Publish a book related to Digital media, Internet marketing and Social Media in the 1st 90 days of 2013. Watch out for this!
2. Start writing another book Mobile Marketing and have it ready for publishing in the next 365 days.
3. Start off a membership site focused on my niche for my subscribers and audience in the next 90 days.
4. Seek more partnerships in new industries. Last year, I talked a lot about why small business owners are better off partnering with others. Feel free to read one of the posts here.
5. Keep up with my current pace of personal development by attending seminars and short courses.
Add a Little Bit of Fun to Goal Setting…..
I came up with what I call – 365 days 100 Goals summit 🙂 A combination of personal and professional goals broken down to make the whole process fun for me. Here they are:
100 souls for the Lord (directly or indirectly through physical & e-evangelism).
100 blog posts/articles here.
100 guest posts/articles outside i.e. EzineArticles where I am already a Platinum Author.
100 speaking engagements (Paid and Free).
100 Videos to be created (shot 1 already)
100 Books to read (both ebooks and physical)
100 hours of physical exercise (behind in this area)
100 powerpoint presentations to be shared on slideshare
100 days to become Google Adwords Qualified.
This is just to make it fun for me, so you should add fun to your goal setting process. Remember, it is not Jamb or Waec (local examinations here in Nigeria), it is yours and has to be fun. I intend to print this and carry this along with me as well as put it in places where I would see them constantly because when I accomplish them then you can be sure that my life would have changed for the better.
Let me state that depending on where you are now; it is extremely to set goals in key areas of your life such as Finance, Spirituality, Values, Cause/Passion, Emotion etc. and they should be smart.
Although mine is grouped into 2; it still has elements of some of the key areas mentioned above.
Finally, don’t keep all your goals to yourself. Tell someone who can hold you accountable and have him or her review it as often as possible.
Go out there and set accomplish great goals, stretch yourself, be the best you can be and have fun.
As always thank you for your love and support. I’d love to know what your goals and plans for 2013, maybe we can start by holding ourselves accountable 🙂
Hello CFA,
