The problems are many; where do we even want to begin from? So humongous are the problems that many Nigerians have given up hope; they have chosen to accept this lot as their fate and this is obvious in the silence of the citizens to the state of epileptic power supply, glaring corruption, inadequate transportation system, poor and useless policing, poverty and infrastructural deficiencies.
Nigerians no longer care, or so it appears; but one thing Nigerians ask for is that there should be peace; that no 'Boko whatever' kill anyone – you can continue your looting but don’t let us die while you live large and quite frankly I do not think this is too much to ask.
We woke up to the news of Nyanya Bomb blast or is it explosion? I could not look at the pictures because it's probably the most gruesome act I have seen in a while. How did we get here? This has gone on for so long and we need to tame it immediately. As if that was not enough, 200 innocent school girls were also abducted the following morning by enemies of Nigeria and we still live as though everything is normal – Nothing is normal people! There is fire on the Nigerian mountain and nobody seem to bothered.
The most painful part of all of these is the insensitivity of Mr. President and his cohorts. Somebody need to ask Mr President if he would dare attend a rally the next day if his son was one of those who lost his life at the Nyanya explosion in Abuja. Would he have the legs to go and dance at a stupid rally? I don’t hate Mr Jonathan but I don’t love his ways either; even if I want to, he is making it difficult for me to, because no empathetic father will lose his son a day before and go out to celebrate the day after – this is why I do not believe that we have a President that has the competency, the will power, the effrontery and the commitment to combat terrorism and lead Nigeria to greatness.
You may argue the above points, but you cannot argue the glaring truths that this administration has not done anything close to enough. Where or what are the structures or systems put in place to combat terrorism since Mr President has been in charge? I need you to remove your racial and bias microscopic glasses now and think for once that – if you were at the Nyanya motor park a day before the incident and you noticed suspicious activity from some human elements, is there a system put in place that makes it extremely easy for you to report such suspicious act? Before you stop thinking look at it this way, is there no possibility that there was one or two persons who noticed suspicious acts on the day of the explosion or a day before but because there was no adequate provision made for such a person to report such acts, such persons kept mute. In developed countries, you only need to make a simple phone call and in less than three minutes the cops are crawling the area but because we do not have regard for human lives here, we do not take those things as priority.
I disagree with you that Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is fighting terrorism and if he is fighting it, he is fighting it wrongly. You cannot win this war without using ‘People Policing’.
Shall we continue like this and assume that the rest of us are safe? No! This is why I am writing this piece and appealing to everyone in government and citizens – there is a lot we can do that we have not yet done; there is a national disaster phone numbers we ought to have that we don’t have yet; there is a swift response squad we ought to have that is not yet in place; there is selfishness, greed and corruption playing Barcelona football on the Nigerian pitch that we need to park the bus against. If you think you are safe because you live in a mountain I urge you to look out the window and you will realize that there is fire on the mountain!
Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ currently lives in Lagos where he runs his business and the inspirational blog, www.olatunjispeaks.com. Tweet at him @OLATUNJISPEAKS
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
7 Reasons Why You Will Never Do Anything Amazing With Your Life
Yeah that's right, you heard me... I'm talking to you... I'm calling you out.
I'm looking you in the eyes (OK well, not really since you are probably reading this article, but figuratively, I am burning a cyclops type hole in your face right now) and telling you that you don't stand a chance.
I'm telling you that if you can read this article, look through this list and not claim it as your own, then you should be a little worried.
Actually, you should be very worried. You should drop everything and immediately question your existence on earth. You should find a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, raise your hand and slap yourself in the face.
Got it? Now repeat that until you come to your senses and continue reading whenever you're ready.
I'm Talkin' Bout Street Skill, Son!
I'm not talking about the study hard, party light, graduate-top-of-your-class skills.
I'm not even talking about the slack-off, skip class, smoke weed, drink and party but still graduate skill-set your $50,000+ diploma has lead you to believe you have.
I'm talking bout step out your door, make some moves, and get-some-shit-done kinds of skills! Some move-out-your-mama's-house, quit your job, say "fuck the world" and then actually go do it kinds of skills.
The kinds of skills you develop in the real world, outside the bubble of your parents protection or the ideological indoctrination that has overwhelmed our entire educational system.
Skills that can be had by anyone willing to pay the price to get them. Skills that are quickly becoming extinct.
I'm talking bout skills that cannot be taught in a classroom or in a textbook. Skills you can only learn by doing; by learning how to fly after jumping off the cliff.
Skills that can only be developed when you find your true self. When you put yourself on the line or otherwise expose yourself to the possibility of failure.
The skills you can only develop when you are willing to risk it all in order to do that one amazing thing.
Skills that up until now, you thought you had.
"Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that, in this game called life, you don't stand a chance...
1) Because You Have Not Failed Enough
Because you are comfortable in your mediocrity; because you choose not to try.
Because it is easier to talk about learning that new (programming?) language as opposed to actually learning it.
Because you think everything is too hard or too complicated so you will just "sit this one out" or maybe you'll "do it tomorrow"!
Because you hate your job but won't get a new one; because it is easy to reject rejection.
Because while you're sitting around failing to try, I am out there trying to fail, challenging myself, learning new things and failing as fast as possible.
Because as I fail, I learn, and then adjust my course to make sure my path is always forward. Like the process of annealing steel, I've been through the fire and pounded into shape. The shape of a sword with polished edges and a razor sharp blade that will cut you in half if you are not equally hardened.
2) Because You Care What Others Think About You
Because you have to fit in.
Because you believe that being different is only cool if you're different in the same way that other people are different.
Because you are afraid to embrace your true self for fear of how the world will see you. You think that because you judge others, this means that those people must, in-turn, be judging you.
Because you care more about the stuff you have as opposed to the things you've done.
Because while you're out spending your money on new outfits, new cars, overpriced meals or nights at the bar, I'll be investing in myself. And while you try to fit in with the world I'll make the world fit in with me.
Because I will recklessly abandon all insecurities and expose my true self to the world. I will become immune to the impact of your opinion and stand naked in a crowd of ideas; comfortable in knowing that while you married the mundane I explored the exceptional.
3) Because You Think You Are Smarter Than You Are
Because you did what everyone else did; you studied what they studied and read what they read.
Because you learned what you had to learn in order to pass their tests and you think that makes you smart.
Because you think learning is only something people do in schools.
Because while you were away at college, I was studying life. Because instead of learning about the world in a classroom I went out and learned it by living.
Because I know more than any piece of paper you could ever frame from a university. Because smart is not what you learn, it's how you live.
Because I might not have a degree but I challenge you to find a topic that I can't talk to you about cohesively.
Because I could pass your tests if I had to, but you couldn't stand for a single second in the face of the tests that life has thrown me. Tests that are not graded on a bell curve or by percentages; tests that are graded by one simple stipulation: survival!
4) Because You Don't Read
Because you read the things you are required to read or nothing at all.
Because you think history is boring and philosophy is stupid.
Because you would rather sit and watch E! or MTV instead of exploring something new, instead of diving head first into the brain of another man in an attempt to better understand the world around you.
Because you refuse to acknowledge that all the power in the world comes from the words of those that lived before us. That anything you desire can be had by searching through the multitude of words that are available to us now more abundantly than ever before.
Because you are probably not reading this article even though you know you should.
Because the people that are reading this already know these things.
Because you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
5) Because You Lack Curiosity
Because you get your news from copy-cat members of the state-controlled media.
Because you are unwilling to ask this simple question... "What if it's all a lie?" and accept the possibility that maybe it is; that just maybe, the methods of mass media are under direct orders to: keep you distracted.
Because you call me a know-it-all but refuse to call yourself a know-nothing-at-all.
Because I thirst for knowledge, regardless the topic.
Because while you're busy playing Candy Crush or Megalopolis, I am reading about string theory and quantum mechanics.
Because while you waste your time with Tosh.o I am learning how to edit video, build websites and design mobile apps.
Because if we were to go heads-up in a debate, I would crush you. I would make it a point to defeat my own argument; from every imaginable angle; in order to understand everything you might be able to use against me.
Because I would dedicate myself to understanding both sides of the argument so thoroughly that I could argue your side for you and win; even after having just handed you a defeat in the same debate.
6) Because You Don't Ask Enough Questions
Because you do not question authority.
Because you don't question yourself.
Because you don't understand the power of properly placed questioning in life, respectful disagreements and standing up for what you know to be right in the face of someone telling you otherwise. Unable to question reality; stuck in a self imposed survival strategy within a matrix-style monotony.
Because I know that you will give me all the information I need to destroy you by letting you talk.
Because I study human behaviors and you ignore everyone but yourself.
Because I watch how you say the things you say just as closely as I listen to what you say; and you say way too much!
Because control comes, not from spewing your ignorance like some incurable case of logorrhea, but from properly structuring the context of your questions.
Because I study the premise of your argument and destroy it from the ground level before you even get a chance to establish your ideas.
7) Because You Can't Handle The Truth
Because you refuse to admit that you don't even know the things you don't know.
Because there isn't an article online that would make up for all the time you have wasted in life.
Because even if I told you everything could be different tomorrow you would wait until then to begin doing anything about it.
Because even when you think I'm not, I'm aware of my surroundings.
Because you think that since I have not acknowledged you, it means that I have not seen you.
Because, you walk around with your head up your ass, oblivious to the world around you. Blissfully ignorant of the reality that sits so close to your face that if you stuck your tongue out, just once, you would taste it and realize how delicious the truth actually is.
Because you would become an instant addict. Unable to pull yourself from the teat of truth. Finally able to understand your lack of understanding, and then you would see; then you would know that the only thing holding you back from doing something truly amazing, is you.
This article first appeared on Raymmar's website: raymmar.com
Follow Raymmar Tirado on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RayTirado
Would you like to be my friend? Follow @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter and tell me what you like or don’t like about my blog, www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com
I'm looking you in the eyes (OK well, not really since you are probably reading this article, but figuratively, I am burning a cyclops type hole in your face right now) and telling you that you don't stand a chance.
I'm telling you that if you can read this article, look through this list and not claim it as your own, then you should be a little worried.
Actually, you should be very worried. You should drop everything and immediately question your existence on earth. You should find a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, raise your hand and slap yourself in the face.
Got it? Now repeat that until you come to your senses and continue reading whenever you're ready.
I'm Talkin' Bout Street Skill, Son!
I'm not talking about the study hard, party light, graduate-top-of-your-class skills.
I'm not even talking about the slack-off, skip class, smoke weed, drink and party but still graduate skill-set your $50,000+ diploma has lead you to believe you have.
I'm talking bout step out your door, make some moves, and get-some-shit-done kinds of skills! Some move-out-your-mama's-house, quit your job, say "fuck the world" and then actually go do it kinds of skills.
The kinds of skills you develop in the real world, outside the bubble of your parents protection or the ideological indoctrination that has overwhelmed our entire educational system.
Skills that can be had by anyone willing to pay the price to get them. Skills that are quickly becoming extinct.
I'm talking bout skills that cannot be taught in a classroom or in a textbook. Skills you can only learn by doing; by learning how to fly after jumping off the cliff.
Skills that can only be developed when you find your true self. When you put yourself on the line or otherwise expose yourself to the possibility of failure.
The skills you can only develop when you are willing to risk it all in order to do that one amazing thing.
Skills that up until now, you thought you had.
"Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that, in this game called life, you don't stand a chance...
1) Because You Have Not Failed Enough
Because you are comfortable in your mediocrity; because you choose not to try.
Because it is easier to talk about learning that new (programming?) language as opposed to actually learning it.
Because you think everything is too hard or too complicated so you will just "sit this one out" or maybe you'll "do it tomorrow"!
Because you hate your job but won't get a new one; because it is easy to reject rejection.
Because while you're sitting around failing to try, I am out there trying to fail, challenging myself, learning new things and failing as fast as possible.
Because as I fail, I learn, and then adjust my course to make sure my path is always forward. Like the process of annealing steel, I've been through the fire and pounded into shape. The shape of a sword with polished edges and a razor sharp blade that will cut you in half if you are not equally hardened.
2) Because You Care What Others Think About You
Because you have to fit in.
Because you believe that being different is only cool if you're different in the same way that other people are different.
Because you are afraid to embrace your true self for fear of how the world will see you. You think that because you judge others, this means that those people must, in-turn, be judging you.
Because you care more about the stuff you have as opposed to the things you've done.
Because while you're out spending your money on new outfits, new cars, overpriced meals or nights at the bar, I'll be investing in myself. And while you try to fit in with the world I'll make the world fit in with me.
Because I will recklessly abandon all insecurities and expose my true self to the world. I will become immune to the impact of your opinion and stand naked in a crowd of ideas; comfortable in knowing that while you married the mundane I explored the exceptional.
3) Because You Think You Are Smarter Than You Are
Because you did what everyone else did; you studied what they studied and read what they read.
Because you learned what you had to learn in order to pass their tests and you think that makes you smart.
Because you think learning is only something people do in schools.
Because while you were away at college, I was studying life. Because instead of learning about the world in a classroom I went out and learned it by living.
Because I know more than any piece of paper you could ever frame from a university. Because smart is not what you learn, it's how you live.
Because I might not have a degree but I challenge you to find a topic that I can't talk to you about cohesively.
Because I could pass your tests if I had to, but you couldn't stand for a single second in the face of the tests that life has thrown me. Tests that are not graded on a bell curve or by percentages; tests that are graded by one simple stipulation: survival!
4) Because You Don't Read
Because you read the things you are required to read or nothing at all.
Because you think history is boring and philosophy is stupid.
Because you would rather sit and watch E! or MTV instead of exploring something new, instead of diving head first into the brain of another man in an attempt to better understand the world around you.
Because you refuse to acknowledge that all the power in the world comes from the words of those that lived before us. That anything you desire can be had by searching through the multitude of words that are available to us now more abundantly than ever before.
Because you are probably not reading this article even though you know you should.
Because the people that are reading this already know these things.
Because you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
5) Because You Lack Curiosity
Because you get your news from copy-cat members of the state-controlled media.
Because you are unwilling to ask this simple question... "What if it's all a lie?" and accept the possibility that maybe it is; that just maybe, the methods of mass media are under direct orders to: keep you distracted.
Because you call me a know-it-all but refuse to call yourself a know-nothing-at-all.
Because I thirst for knowledge, regardless the topic.
Because while you're busy playing Candy Crush or Megalopolis, I am reading about string theory and quantum mechanics.
Because while you waste your time with Tosh.o I am learning how to edit video, build websites and design mobile apps.
Because if we were to go heads-up in a debate, I would crush you. I would make it a point to defeat my own argument; from every imaginable angle; in order to understand everything you might be able to use against me.
Because I would dedicate myself to understanding both sides of the argument so thoroughly that I could argue your side for you and win; even after having just handed you a defeat in the same debate.
6) Because You Don't Ask Enough Questions
Because you do not question authority.
Because you don't question yourself.
Because you don't understand the power of properly placed questioning in life, respectful disagreements and standing up for what you know to be right in the face of someone telling you otherwise. Unable to question reality; stuck in a self imposed survival strategy within a matrix-style monotony.
Because I know that you will give me all the information I need to destroy you by letting you talk.
Because I study human behaviors and you ignore everyone but yourself.
Because I watch how you say the things you say just as closely as I listen to what you say; and you say way too much!
Because control comes, not from spewing your ignorance like some incurable case of logorrhea, but from properly structuring the context of your questions.
Because I study the premise of your argument and destroy it from the ground level before you even get a chance to establish your ideas.
7) Because You Can't Handle The Truth
Because you refuse to admit that you don't even know the things you don't know.
Because there isn't an article online that would make up for all the time you have wasted in life.
Because even if I told you everything could be different tomorrow you would wait until then to begin doing anything about it.
Because even when you think I'm not, I'm aware of my surroundings.
Because you think that since I have not acknowledged you, it means that I have not seen you.
Because, you walk around with your head up your ass, oblivious to the world around you. Blissfully ignorant of the reality that sits so close to your face that if you stuck your tongue out, just once, you would taste it and realize how delicious the truth actually is.
Because you would become an instant addict. Unable to pull yourself from the teat of truth. Finally able to understand your lack of understanding, and then you would see; then you would know that the only thing holding you back from doing something truly amazing, is you.
This article first appeared on Raymmar's website: raymmar.com
Follow Raymmar Tirado on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RayTirado
Would you like to be my friend? Follow @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter and tell me what you like or don’t like about my blog, www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com
7 Reasons Why You Will Never Do Anything Amazing With Your Life
Yeah that's right, you heard me... I'm talking to you... I'm calling you out.
I'm looking you in the eyes (OK well, not really since you are probably reading this article, but figuratively, I am burning a cyclops type hole in your face right now) and telling you that you don't stand a chance.
I'm telling you that if you can read this article, look through this list and not claim it as your own, then you should be a little worried.
Actually, you should be very worried. You should drop everything and immediately question your existence on earth. You should find a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, raise your hand and slap yourself in the face.
Got it? Now repeat that until you come to your senses and continue reading whenever you're ready.
I'm Talkin' Bout Street Skill, Son!
I'm not talking about the study hard, party light, graduate-top-of-your-class skills.
I'm not even talking about the slack-off, skip class, smoke weed, drink and party but still graduate skill-set your $50,000+ diploma has lead you to believe you have.
I'm talking bout step out your door, make some moves, and get-some-shit-done kinds of skills! Some move-out-your-mama's-house, quit your job, say "fuck the world" and then actually go do it kinds of skills.
The kinds of skills you develop in the real world, outside the bubble of your parents protection or the ideological indoctrination that has overwhelmed our entire educational system.
Skills that can be had by anyone willing to pay the price to get them. Skills that are quickly becoming extinct.
I'm talking bout skills that cannot be taught in a classroom or in a textbook. Skills you can only learn by doing; by learning how to fly after jumping off the cliff.
Skills that can only be developed when you find your true self. When you put yourself on the line or otherwise expose yourself to the possibility of failure.
The skills you can only develop when you are willing to risk it all in order to do that one amazing thing.
Skills that up until now, you thought you had.
"Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that, in this game called life, you don't stand a chance...
1) Because You Have Not Failed Enough
Because you are comfortable in your mediocrity; because you choose not to try.
Because it is easier to talk about learning that new (programming?) language as opposed to actually learning it.
Because you think everything is too hard or too complicated so you will just "sit this one out" or maybe you'll "do it tomorrow"!
Because you hate your job but won't get a new one; because it is easy to reject rejection.
Because while you're sitting around failing to try, I am out there trying to fail, challenging myself, learning new things and failing as fast as possible.
Because as I fail, I learn, and then adjust my course to make sure my path is always forward. Like the process of annealing steel, I've been through the fire and pounded into shape. The shape of a sword with polished edges and a razor sharp blade that will cut you in half if you are not equally hardened.
2) Because You Care What Others Think About You
Because you have to fit in.
Because you believe that being different is only cool if you're different in the same way that other people are different.
Because you are afraid to embrace your true self for fear of how the world will see you. You think that because you judge others, this means that those people must, in-turn, be judging you.
Because you care more about the stuff you have as opposed to the things you've done.
Because while you're out spending your money on new outfits, new cars, overpriced meals or nights at the bar, I'll be investing in myself. And while you try to fit in with the world I'll make the world fit in with me.
Because I will recklessly abandon all insecurities and expose my true self to the world. I will become immune to the impact of your opinion and stand naked in a crowd of ideas; comfortable in knowing that while you married the mundane I explored the exceptional.
3) Because You Think You Are Smarter Than You Are
Because you did what everyone else did; you studied what they studied and read what they read.
Because you learned what you had to learn in order to pass their tests and you think that makes you smart.
Because you think learning is only something people do in schools.
Because while you were away at college, I was studying life. Because instead of learning about the world in a classroom I went out and learned it by living.
Because I know more than any piece of paper you could ever frame from a university. Because smart is not what you learn, it's how you live.
Because I might not have a degree but I challenge you to find a topic that I can't talk to you about cohesively.
Because I could pass your tests if I had to, but you couldn't stand for a single second in the face of the tests that life has thrown me. Tests that are not graded on a bell curve or by percentages; tests that are graded by one simple stipulation: survival!
4) Because You Don't Read
Because you read the things you are required to read or nothing at all.
Because you think history is boring and philosophy is stupid.
Because you would rather sit and watch E! or MTV instead of exploring something new, instead of diving head first into the brain of another man in an attempt to better understand the world around you.
Because you refuse to acknowledge that all the power in the world comes from the words of those that lived before us. That anything you desire can be had by searching through the multitude of words that are available to us now more abundantly than ever before.
Because you are probably not reading this article even though you know you should.
Because the people that are reading this already know these things.
Because you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
5) Because You Lack Curiosity
Because you get your news from copy-cat members of the state-controlled media.
Because you are unwilling to ask this simple question... "What if it's all a lie?" and accept the possibility that maybe it is; that just maybe, the methods of mass media are under direct orders to: keep you distracted.
Because you call me a know-it-all but refuse to call yourself a know-nothing-at-all.
Because I thirst for knowledge, regardless the topic.
Because while you're busy playing Candy Crush or Megalopolis, I am reading about string theory and quantum mechanics.
Because while you waste your time with Tosh.o I am learning how to edit video, build websites and design mobile apps.
Because if we were to go heads-up in a debate, I would crush you. I would make it a point to defeat my own argument; from every imaginable angle; in order to understand everything you might be able to use against me.
Because I would dedicate myself to understanding both sides of the argument so thoroughly that I could argue your side for you and win; even after having just handed you a defeat in the same debate.
6) Because You Don't Ask Enough Questions
Because you do not question authority.
Because you don't question yourself.
Because you don't understand the power of properly placed questioning in life, respectful disagreements and standing up for what you know to be right in the face of someone telling you otherwise. Unable to question reality; stuck in a self imposed survival strategy within a matrix-style monotony.
Because I know that you will give me all the information I need to destroy you by letting you talk.
Because I study human behaviors and you ignore everyone but yourself.
Because I watch how you say the things you say just as closely as I listen to what you say; and you say way too much!
Because control comes, not from spewing your ignorance like some incurable case of logorrhea, but from properly structuring the context of your questions.
Because I study the premise of your argument and destroy it from the ground level before you even get a chance to establish your ideas.
7) Because You Can't Handle The Truth
Because you refuse to admit that you don't even know the things you don't know.
Because there isn't an article online that would make up for all the time you have wasted in life.
Because even if I told you everything could be different tomorrow you would wait until then to begin doing anything about it.
Because even when you think I'm not, I'm aware of my surroundings.
Because you think that since I have not acknowledged you, it means that I have not seen you.
Because, you walk around with your head up your ass, oblivious to the world around you. Blissfully ignorant of the reality that sits so close to your face that if you stuck your tongue out, just once, you would taste it and realize how delicious the truth actually is.
Because you would become an instant addict. Unable to pull yourself from the teat of truth. Finally able to understand your lack of understanding, and then you would see; then you would know that the only thing holding you back from doing something truly amazing, is you.
This article first appeared on Raymmar's website: raymmar.com
Follow Raymmar Tirado on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RayTirado
I'm looking you in the eyes (OK well, not really since you are probably reading this article, but figuratively, I am burning a cyclops type hole in your face right now) and telling you that you don't stand a chance.
I'm telling you that if you can read this article, look through this list and not claim it as your own, then you should be a little worried.
Actually, you should be very worried. You should drop everything and immediately question your existence on earth. You should find a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, raise your hand and slap yourself in the face.
Got it? Now repeat that until you come to your senses and continue reading whenever you're ready.
I'm Talkin' Bout Street Skill, Son!
I'm not talking about the study hard, party light, graduate-top-of-your-class skills.
I'm not even talking about the slack-off, skip class, smoke weed, drink and party but still graduate skill-set your $50,000+ diploma has lead you to believe you have.
I'm talking bout step out your door, make some moves, and get-some-shit-done kinds of skills! Some move-out-your-mama's-house, quit your job, say "fuck the world" and then actually go do it kinds of skills.
The kinds of skills you develop in the real world, outside the bubble of your parents protection or the ideological indoctrination that has overwhelmed our entire educational system.
Skills that can be had by anyone willing to pay the price to get them. Skills that are quickly becoming extinct.
I'm talking bout skills that cannot be taught in a classroom or in a textbook. Skills you can only learn by doing; by learning how to fly after jumping off the cliff.
Skills that can only be developed when you find your true self. When you put yourself on the line or otherwise expose yourself to the possibility of failure.
The skills you can only develop when you are willing to risk it all in order to do that one amazing thing.
Skills that up until now, you thought you had.
"Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that, in this game called life, you don't stand a chance...
1) Because You Have Not Failed Enough
Because you are comfortable in your mediocrity; because you choose not to try.
Because it is easier to talk about learning that new (programming?) language as opposed to actually learning it.
Because you think everything is too hard or too complicated so you will just "sit this one out" or maybe you'll "do it tomorrow"!
Because you hate your job but won't get a new one; because it is easy to reject rejection.
Because while you're sitting around failing to try, I am out there trying to fail, challenging myself, learning new things and failing as fast as possible.
Because as I fail, I learn, and then adjust my course to make sure my path is always forward. Like the process of annealing steel, I've been through the fire and pounded into shape. The shape of a sword with polished edges and a razor sharp blade that will cut you in half if you are not equally hardened.
2) Because You Care What Others Think About You
Because you have to fit in.
Because you believe that being different is only cool if you're different in the same way that other people are different.
Because you are afraid to embrace your true self for fear of how the world will see you. You think that because you judge others, this means that those people must, in-turn, be judging you.
Because you care more about the stuff you have as opposed to the things you've done.
Because while you're out spending your money on new outfits, new cars, overpriced meals or nights at the bar, I'll be investing in myself. And while you try to fit in with the world I'll make the world fit in with me.
Because I will recklessly abandon all insecurities and expose my true self to the world. I will become immune to the impact of your opinion and stand naked in a crowd of ideas; comfortable in knowing that while you married the mundane I explored the exceptional.
3) Because You Think You Are Smarter Than You Are
Because you did what everyone else did; you studied what they studied and read what they read.
Because you learned what you had to learn in order to pass their tests and you think that makes you smart.
Because you think learning is only something people do in schools.
Because while you were away at college, I was studying life. Because instead of learning about the world in a classroom I went out and learned it by living.
Because I know more than any piece of paper you could ever frame from a university. Because smart is not what you learn, it's how you live.
Because I might not have a degree but I challenge you to find a topic that I can't talk to you about cohesively.
Because I could pass your tests if I had to, but you couldn't stand for a single second in the face of the tests that life has thrown me. Tests that are not graded on a bell curve or by percentages; tests that are graded by one simple stipulation: survival!
4) Because You Don't Read
Because you read the things you are required to read or nothing at all.
Because you think history is boring and philosophy is stupid.
Because you would rather sit and watch E! or MTV instead of exploring something new, instead of diving head first into the brain of another man in an attempt to better understand the world around you.
Because you refuse to acknowledge that all the power in the world comes from the words of those that lived before us. That anything you desire can be had by searching through the multitude of words that are available to us now more abundantly than ever before.
Because you are probably not reading this article even though you know you should.
Because the people that are reading this already know these things.
Because you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
5) Because You Lack Curiosity
Because you get your news from copy-cat members of the state-controlled media.
Because you are unwilling to ask this simple question... "What if it's all a lie?" and accept the possibility that maybe it is; that just maybe, the methods of mass media are under direct orders to: keep you distracted.
Because you call me a know-it-all but refuse to call yourself a know-nothing-at-all.
Because I thirst for knowledge, regardless the topic.
Because while you're busy playing Candy Crush or Megalopolis, I am reading about string theory and quantum mechanics.
Because while you waste your time with Tosh.o I am learning how to edit video, build websites and design mobile apps.
Because if we were to go heads-up in a debate, I would crush you. I would make it a point to defeat my own argument; from every imaginable angle; in order to understand everything you might be able to use against me.
Because I would dedicate myself to understanding both sides of the argument so thoroughly that I could argue your side for you and win; even after having just handed you a defeat in the same debate.
6) Because You Don't Ask Enough Questions
Because you do not question authority.
Because you don't question yourself.
Because you don't understand the power of properly placed questioning in life, respectful disagreements and standing up for what you know to be right in the face of someone telling you otherwise. Unable to question reality; stuck in a self imposed survival strategy within a matrix-style monotony.
Because I know that you will give me all the information I need to destroy you by letting you talk.
Because I study human behaviors and you ignore everyone but yourself.
Because I watch how you say the things you say just as closely as I listen to what you say; and you say way too much!
Because control comes, not from spewing your ignorance like some incurable case of logorrhea, but from properly structuring the context of your questions.
Because I study the premise of your argument and destroy it from the ground level before you even get a chance to establish your ideas.
7) Because You Can't Handle The Truth
Because you refuse to admit that you don't even know the things you don't know.
Because there isn't an article online that would make up for all the time you have wasted in life.
Because even if I told you everything could be different tomorrow you would wait until then to begin doing anything about it.
Because even when you think I'm not, I'm aware of my surroundings.
Because you think that since I have not acknowledged you, it means that I have not seen you.
Because, you walk around with your head up your ass, oblivious to the world around you. Blissfully ignorant of the reality that sits so close to your face that if you stuck your tongue out, just once, you would taste it and realize how delicious the truth actually is.
Because you would become an instant addict. Unable to pull yourself from the teat of truth. Finally able to understand your lack of understanding, and then you would see; then you would know that the only thing holding you back from doing something truly amazing, is you.
This article first appeared on Raymmar's website: raymmar.com
Follow Raymmar Tirado on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RayTirado
Would you like to be my friend? Follow @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter and tell me what you like or don’t like about my blog, www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Corruption is shameless in Nigeria - Godwin Uwuba'men
I sit down and weep for my nation, not because we are helpless but because we are shameless especially when it comes to financial and economic corruption.
Trust me , every country battles corruption, as long as there are humans who have needs corruption is a potential for any "ethnos".
We are not better than our so called leaders, they are just a sample of US. Many of them vowed never to be corrupt and didn't know the extent of the potential seed already planted in them by our shameless system over the years until the opportunity to be financially corrupt showed up.
I have the potential to be corrupt, you have the potentials to be too. However the reason we may not be at this point may be that the opportunity has not presented it self to you. This is my advice, to be corrupt free, 2 basic things must be addressed deliberately and personally before the opportunity presents itself.
1. The issue of character which includes values like integrity, loyalty, faithfulness, love, honesty, justice etc
2. Competence which includes creativity, purpose discovery,hard work, thinking, the Entrepreneurial spirit, meditation, value creation etc
To deal with corruption at a national level is to deal with it at a personal level. If the 2 aforementioned is bankrupt in your life I can say to you without any iota of doubt YOU ARE CORRUPT, note my words I did not say you will be corrupt, you are corrupt ALREADY, you are just waiting for the opportunity to present itself.
The second scenario is, if you are deficient of either of them, for me that's the real problem. It is quite difficult to have a person who is void of both competence and character at the same time in a high degree, how ever for a country like ours we have them a lot because over time we have rewarded mediocrity so there's is no incentive for excellence.
This is my gist: if you celebrate character at the expense of competence as most good people ( church and mosque) do, at the point of choice making you may succumb to external pressure from those you love, wife and children, who may be going through a lot of pain and deprivation. Many good people have dropped their " goodness" at the door post of corruption because they couldn't stand the pains of neglect, lack and poverty in their life's and those of whom they love,when Corruption opportunity showed up.
Also for those who place very high premium on competence than character, their fight will be against the Almighty Greed, so even if they have enough to abound, out of lack of character they can go to all length to accrue more than its necessary per time when Corruption knocks at their door.
Dear friend lets start today to develop our Character and Competence so we can have the capacity to say NO to corruption when the opportunity shows up. Trust me on this, no matter how determined, no matter how you say you hate corruption, no matter how much you preach or speak against it, if you don't develop these 2 C's now, you will join the millions of Shameless Corrupt people in this country. I rest my case for now.
PGU
DyscoverYou int'l
Follow the writer on Twitter @godwinu
Would you like to connect with me? Follow @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter and tell me what you like or don’t like about my blog, www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com
Friday, April 4, 2014
#doAGRIC: Why can't Africa feed the world? - Gabriel Olatunji
Why can’t Africa feed herself?
Why can't Africa feed the world?
As I watched the Cocoa Na Chocolate music video with 19 African artistes led by D’banj and initiated by ONE; a campaign and advocacy group dedicated to eradicating poverty in Africa. I could not help but ask myself salient questions about the situation of things in Nigeria and indeed Africa.
How can we have crude oil and still buy refined product from abroad?
How can we have so much land and yet no farms?
How can our soil be so blessed and yet our people still go hungry?
We have so much but experience so little. The New Nigeria and indeed the new Africa that we desire will not be a function of our proclamations but our dedication to the implementation of effective and radical policies that will bring about change.
My name is Gabriel Olatunji and I support the #doAGRIC campaign of ONE and I encourage you to go to this link and sign the petition to support it too. It is time for African leaders to arise and DO AGRIC; I believe that Africa has the capacity to feed herself and indeed the world if we show enough commitment to Agriculture. Join the campaign, sign the petition, share this message but more importantly make a conscious decision that you will not add to the statistics; you will not be part of a generation of African consumers but creators and manufacturers of what Africa and the world will consume.
Go HERE to sign the petition - http://www.one.org/doagric/
WATCH THE MUSICAL VIDEO HERE
Would you like to connect with me? Follow @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter and tell me what you like or don’t like about my blog, www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
SSS Must Free OMOJUWA and UCHE BRIGGS NOW
It has come to my notice that Omojuwa has been arrested by the Police force or the
NSCDC in Abuja for protesting the death of job applicants at the recent NIS - Nigerian
Immigration Service exam all over the country. This is appalling and we all must add
our voice to this injury. An injury to one is an injury to all. When did it become wrong
for citizens to protest? Some young people protested in Abuja some weeks ago, declaring
their support to the GEJ government - why were they not arrested? There is too much evil
in Nigeria and I dare to say that we ought to be protesting everyday till our leaders realize
that we are not fools that should be taken for granted.
I DECLARE MY SUPPORT FOR OMOJUWA,
UCHE BRIGGS and EVERYONE ARRESTED AT THE PROTEST TODAY AND I CALL ON YOU TO JOIN
ME IN SHOUTING #FREEOMOJUWANOW TO THE ROOFTOP.
We cannot continue to sit down and allow that our country be run aground.
My name is Gabriel Olatunji, @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter, 07066556843 is my number, I stay in Ikeja, Lagos - I AM A FEARLESS NIGERIAN YOUTH.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Running for a cause by OBA
Today, Friday 28th March, I started my early morning jogging. I have had the desire since God’s knows when. And this morning after preparing my boys for school, I felt a strong jolt inside, and got my jogging kit (at least what can still pass for a jogging kit), so I won’t have another “excuse” and off I went.
With music playing in my ears, I kicked off my jogging, and as I began, thoughts started flowing in my mind, I remembered I use to be a great athlete when I was a teenager and the memories of those times kept coming back, and there and then,whilst I was still jogging this statement” Running for a cause” registered.
I remember the Scriptures, in one of the Epistles of Paul to the churches (can’t remember the exact Church now) he said, “every one that competes,do so with the desire to win a prize! Even though I didn’t have any one competing with me, this morning I realize that I am competing with myself! Do you know how many times, I had woken up very early to start jogging, but never got up to it, the excuses that I’m no longer the “Sprinter” I used to be, what will people say (as if I cared what they say, bla bla bla) were some of the setbacks.
We all have dreams/goals that we desire to achieve, and certain things are holding us back. The opinion of others, the circumstances surrounding, and many more are the insurmountable setbacks that we must will-fully get rid of, if we must achieve and succeed.
I know what it feels like, like it happen to me this morning. Opportunities will present itself to us, it’s left for us to discern and decide to embrace the opportunities when they come.
Why am I jogging, what is the reason? What’s my motivation?, apart from the truth that bodily exercise profits little, especially for someone like myself who have crossed the line of the “40?s” and still fabulous :)x, I need some form of exercise to stay healthy and in shape, maintaining a sound mind in a sound body!
Much more than that, as I was still jogging I saw the picture of one of life’s goal in front of me…and it was like I heard me saying to myself, “OBA, let this picture be your driving force, every time you set out to do this routine, any time, you want to continue and you feel its no use, you are too tired, bring the picture of your desired future to yourself again”.
Like me, I want to encourage you to let go of what’s holding you back from fulfilling that your life long goal, and just take the plunge in. Is it the small business you want to start, those abandoned plan of adventures and traveling, the unfinished novel or whatever it may be.
What dream do you have that remains unrealized today, let the excitement of achieving the dreams jump start you to take action today! And you will be the better for it.
After taking the bull by the horn, I finished the lap of my jogging, and it felt good, I felt fulfilled and lighthearted, not only that I felt pain too, but it was all worth it and I look forward to another early morning tomorrow, Because there is a “cause” a prize for this exercise- I am running for a cause! Will you join in, with that dream of yours too?
OBA
OBA is a Woman of many parts, a Worship leader/ Recording artiste
The host of “An evening with OBA & friends, a monthly Lounging with jazz/Soulful music in a family friendly ambience, glorifying Christ. She is an Author and a Speaker.
You can reach her booking and speaking engagement: 08180891386
Follow @obapathwayhttp://www.facebook.com/Obamusic1
The host of “An evening with OBA & friends, a monthly Lounging with jazz/Soulful music in a family friendly ambience, glorifying Christ. She is an Author and a Speaker.
You can reach her booking and speaking engagement: 08180891386
Follow @obapathwayhttp://www.facebook.com/Obamusic1
Would you like to be my friend? Follow @OLATUNJISPEAKS on Twitter and tell me what you like or don’t like about my blog, www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com
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