Make a difference

Starting 2024 – The Man in the arena

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Leadership, Motivation

In 1910, Theodore Roosevelt delivered a powerful message in his speech “Citizenship in a Republic” at the Sorbonne in Paris. This speech contains the famous passage known as “The Man in the Arena.”

Roosevelt’s words echo through time, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the value of courage and effort over mere criticism.

Personally, I find this quote profoundly moving. It serves as a reminder that true achievement lies in the endeavor, not in the mere judgment of others. It champions the doer, the one who faces challenges head-on, acknowledging that it is better to strive and fail than never to have tried at all.

Roosevelt’s insight celebrates the human spirit’s resilience and the bravery of those who dare to make a difference, despite the odds. This quote resonates with me deeply, as it underscores the importance of action, perseverance, and the courage to face adversity – virtues that are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.

Jan.01

10 Minutes for the next 10 Years – Matthew McConaughey Motivational Speech

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Leadership, Motivation, Personal Branding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8OySa4uZmU

I come across these fantastic motivational videos that I love- and then promptly forget. Till I see it again.

I plan to update some of the best ones I see that I find motivating. To make it more relevant- I am also summarizing the key content from these videos that you can use to summarize the entire video into key learning points.

Believe in the Possible: Always remember, nothing should be called “unbelievable”. Embrace the extraordinary and give credit to yourself and others for achievements. You can achieve great things, so believe in them.
Acknowledge Life’s Hardships: Life isn’t easy or fair, and it’s important to recognize this. Don’t see yourself as a victim; instead, tackle challenges head-on. Overcoming obstacles is part of your growth.
Value Effort and Struggle: Most rewarding experiences come from hard work. Don’t shy away from breaking a sweat for what you want. The effort you put in makes the achievement all the more satisfying.
Embrace Discomfort: Stick with your journey, even through uncomfortable times. It’s in these moments that you learn the most about yourself and grow stronger.
Find Joy in Your Purpose: Happiness is fleeting, but joy is constant. Find joy in doing what you’re meant to do, not just in the outcomes of your actions.
Define Your Identity: Understand who you are by recognizing what you are not. Self-discovery is a process of elimination, leading to a clearer sense of identity.
Redefine Success: Success isn’t just about money or fame. Define what success means to you, whether it’s family, helping others, or personal growth. Stay true to your definition.
Maintain Your Integrity: Make choices that align with who you are and who you want to be. Avoid anything that compromises your character. Remember, integrity is key to true success.
Understand the Power of Responsibility: Embrace responsibility as a path to freedom. The choices we make shape our future, so make decisions that build a life you’re proud of.
Courage Leads to Growth: Be brave and face your fears. With courage, you’ll find yourself getting stronger, more aware, and more respectful of yourself and your journey.

Dec.27

Living a purposeful life – Stories that inspire (#001)

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Coaching, Leadership, Motivation

Story & picture taken from Twitter (X)- https://twitter.com/fopminui/status/1736157563807318119

Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was a few meters from the finish line, but got confused by the signals and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. The Spanish runner, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realising what was happening in front of him, began shouting for the Kenyan to keep running. Motai did not know Spanish and did not understand.

Fernandez pushed Mutai to victory.

One reporter asked Evan, “Why did you do this?” Evan replied, “My dream is that one day we can have the kind of community life that pushes ourselves and others to win as well.” “But why did you let the Kenyan win?” the reporter insisted. Evan replied, “I didn’t let him win; he would win. It was his race.”

The reporter insisted and asked again, “But you could have won!” Evan looked at him and replied, “But what is the merit of my victory? What is the honour of this medal? What will my mother think?”

Values are passed on from generation to generation. What values do we teach our children and to what extent do they inspire others to earn them? Most of us take advantage of people’s weaknesses rather than helping to strengthen them.

Dec.18

Attach yourself to a mission.

Posted by Haja in Management, Motivation, Personal Brand, Personal Branding

Dec.17

Why a Career Portfolio matters and how to build one

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Motivation, Personal Brand, Personal Effectiveness

The future of employment will evolve rapidly. And I believe many of us are not ready. We are still working on the 1980’s and early 2000’s view of a career path that allows us to go deep in what we do. Companies are not rewarding all employees who know only one thing. They are looking for people who bring different skillsets to the role and know how to innovate based on this background.

It is time to start reviewing and reimagining your resume and how you are looking into the future.

It is time to reinvent yourself. It is never too late.

Remember-

Own Your Career Path: Emphasize self-ownership in your career rather than reliance on your company.
Value Diverse Experiences: Focus on gathering a variety of experiences rather than following a linear career progression. Proactively look for roles that are not standard but unique.
Embrace Change Regularly: Aim to step out of your comfort zone every two years for new challenges (every role should be a talking point for you and not a couple of lines in your resume).
Narrate Your Journey: Be a passionate storyteller of your career, weaving your experiences into a cohesive narrative.
Utilize social platforms: Effectively share and connect your career story on social media for greater impact. Look at LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Other sites similar to this that will allow you to build your brand.

Dec.17