Maureen

THE PLACE OF RELEVANCE

I arrived the city of Uyo on Thursday night at exactly 11.30pm, beaming with high hopes and expectations from the world class BEWA Africa's conference held over the weekend.

As planned, my intention was to rest through the early hours of Friday, so I could get charged up for the task ahead at the volunteers meeting by 3pm.

While I was yet having an awesome moment of rest from the previous day's journey, my friend (the amiable and impeccable lady) who offered me her shelter for safety beckoned on me to wake up and get dressed for an outing. That she would like us to go together, so she can tour me around some beautiful places in the city of Uyo.

With excitement, I hurriedly got dressed and we dashed out.

On arrival at the venue, the reality of what we were in for dawned on me.

Alas, it was a burial ceremony of a legend. Who died fighting the course of life. Thereby, leaving his footprint on the sand of time.

During the course of the event, a bag of souvenir was handed over to everyone who graced the day.

So searching through mine, a particular item struck a cord which left me in a world of ecstasy and got me pondering on the place of relevance in the human race.

Guess what was that! 😲

Please, read on!

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Wow! It was a book written by him 3 months before his demise, gifted to everyone for free.

Oh! He died an established author, he died a legend who affected lives through his intellectual property.

What a great way to live a legacy to the generation coming after him!

And do you know what?

His memory would linger on for life. Oh yes, for forever.

That's the power of relevance at work.

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Leaving the venue, I moved in the speed of light down to my friend's church after having a brief meeting with BEWA team of volunteers and the host, Eno Sam.

On reaching the church's premise, my eyes stumbled on her Pastor's birthday bill board, positioned somewhere at the church entrance.

Oh, my world!

I exclaimed subconsciously. Imagining the moves from burial ceremony to birthday celebration.

It was indeed a moment of reflection for me.

As the birthday event was unfolding, a video documentary of his life's journey was displayed.

How the journey of relevance started, his achievements, his selfless services to humanity and his present life today.

I was watching the various heart melting scenes like a flash in a cinema and I couldn't agree less of his relevance.

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Then and there, the essence of life struck a deeper meaning to me and I was able to draw out 2 key realities that will help position you for relevance.

Follow me!

📌 First, at the burial ceremony, a life of relevance was celebrated which reflected in the high class befitting burial done for him.

This only proves that a life of relevance will always be celebrated and be remembered for even after death.

📌 At the Pastor's birthday celebration, the life of a young man was celebrated. One who has yielded his life to serve God and humanity.

His relevance couldn't be quantified with million spoken words as witness were there to attest to his impact.

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Now, to you reading this...

Listen up!

The place of relevance can not be overlooked or jeopardized with mere frivolities.

How you live your life is as important as your destiny fulfilment.

A life of relevance is a life of purpose. How well you live it will determine how far you will go in life.

Sometime ago I said, do not live your life as though you owe humanity nothing.

Of course, you do because by the virtue of your existence, lives are connected to your destiny and you can't afford to mess up.

If you do not build yourself up to fit into the new economy of relevance, you'll be failing millions of souls attached to your life.

Know it that you do not live for yourself alone but for others.

If you do not make up your mind to become relevant in this 21st century, the world won't mind you.

Eno Sam, Dicta Okoye, Emeka Nobis, Philip Asuquotes, Emily Wale-Koya, Edwin Wes

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌!

Growth is an irreversible constant development experienced by an individual or a brand.

Growth is a systematic difference in stages.

Growth is productivity.

Growth means attaining a level of excellence at what you do.

Growth is improvement.

It means transforming into a new reality of advancement.

Growth is not static and it is a continuous ball game for you who want to remain relevant in the global world.

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The beauty of growth is, you may not be all you want to be.

But you will never be who you used to be.

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Once overwhelmed by growth, it would become so difficult to crawl back to your old self as the new reality to become the best version of yourself will hit you so hard that you've got no choice than to keep moving with the tides.

Sometimes, the transformation eats so deep that you cannot undo it.

John Maxwell would say,

"𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒓."

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Starting out on my writing career as a confused soul without a clear vision would have continually left me in the dark, if I hadn't sought after growth through various learning techniques.

Obviously, I would have still be writing N for AND, U for YOU, Y for WHY and AM for I'M.

The list continues...

The level of growth I've attained in my writing in the space of 2 years has been mind blowing. So, when I weigh the result of today, all I can see is growth in motion.

Obviously, the way I'd written last year is certainly not the way I'm writing this year.

Every shade of my writing revolves around growth.

Financially sacrificing for my personal development is one thing I'm grateful for and has immensely transformed my life in a short while.

I'm not who I used to be.

Obviously, the change is evident.

I dare new things daily, which in turn have contributed massively to my personal and brand growth.

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How about you?

How much are you willing to sacrifice for your personal and brand development?

How daring are you to challenge your growth?

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The time wasted on figuring things out yourself will always pay off more if invested into mastery.

This is why we pay others for their knowledge, that we may grow.

So, we learn from others and then spend time on mastery.

It's not because we have spare money to pay for training, Nah!

You see, there is a lot to do and it must be done right if you must grow.

The truth is, if I hadn't developed my writing skill to the profound stage it is today, people wouldn't have considered me a go-to-person for their writing needs.

So, they are willing to pay me for what I know to help them become a better writer.

This is what I call 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑮𝑹𝑶𝑾𝑻𝑯 𝑺𝒀𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑴.

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More so, I was sharing with my students yesterday, the story of HOW I STARTED OUT on my writing career and a portion of my piece touched their innermost hearts and wouldn't know when they chorused RHEMA.

At the end, they were spurred up to tighten their seat belt to unleashing that writing potential in them and concluded that if I can, certainly they can do more.

That's the magic!

So, you need to grow to help others grow with what you know.

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Growth is never a child's play.

However, you need to go and learn from someone who is doing what you want to do.

You can access their pot of knowledge and their time by working with them either as your mentor or coach.

By all means, step into the right environment and grow.

Invest in the right knowledge.

Learning from others can save you years and months of confusion.

Conclusively, when you rely on trying to figure things out, you intentionally activate the " mark time mode".

By all means, choose growth over stagnation.

THANK YOU!

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Got value?

I would love to read from you.

Till I write you again.

© Maureen Ikeh

The King's Daughter

Handling Heart Breaks

Handling Heart Break

CAPACITY BUILDING

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As at the time I picked up my pen to work on this topic, I had already prepared another. But then, I had a pressing conviction at the 99th hour to write you this.

I wouldn't know why I feel this way but I'm most certain this message is for someone out here, yes you reading this.

So, you might be wondering, "what's so special about today's message?" 😊

Now, grab a seat with a glass of wine and glean to what I've gotten for you.

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As at 2019, I was getting series of request to teach on my writing knowledge. Obviously, I wasn't prepared for the task at hand due to the fact that I was yet to gain clarity on the art and wouldn't want to give out half baked course coupled with the fact that I've never attended any writing training before. So, what information do I have to give out? I asked myself.

I just loved the idea of writing and my passion was vastly visible as I was keen on blessing souls through my messages.

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I could also remember another time in 2019, I was asked...

"Between natural hairstyling and writing which can you forfeit for the other?"

In other words, which do you love the most?

Oh yes! I used to be a lover of natural hairstyling and I gave it my best shot then. I still do but my gaze has been shifted to writing.

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So at first, I was confused at the question thrown at me but after a long breathe and deep thought, I was able to muster courage to decipher.

Read below my retort.

I have passion for both dexterities.

I love hairstyling not only for the fun of it but also as a side hustle in addition to my job. I style hair for profit but on the contrary, my passion for writing was only limited to inspiring lives through my messages. I wasn't writing for the monetary gain but to touch lives far and wide.

So, I answered and that was the end of the discussion.

Of which that question has given rise to the significance I see today.

Along the line, my interest in hairstyling began to dwindle with time as I started to embrace writing with a high velocity to affecting my world through my pen.

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Early 2020 set the pace for thorough self development and capacity building and my craving desire to improve on all standpoints in writing knew no bound.

I began attending trainings upon trainings. I've even lost count of the number of trainings I've attended within the space of 2020 until now. I got awarded several certificates on several occasions, in the quest for knowledge and until now I'm still learning and my writing has greatly improved overtime.

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This in turn, made the demand for my writing services be on the increase as the days roll by.

Today, I've gained mastery and clarity on content creation and I can confidently teach aspiring writers and authors without fear of cluelessness and I'm glad to have trained and certified writers in January and of course February session is in a bit.

This can only spell CAPACITY BUILDING at work.

Now, let me ask us...

What if I was lazy to take up such action and build up myself?

Possibly, you won't be reading from me today.

My guess is as good as yours.

So, read on!

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A key lesson is drawn from the parable of the ten virgins.

You would agree with me that 5 were wise and 5 were foolish.

What makes the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins lies in what I call CAPACITY BUILDING.

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While the foolish virgins were earnestly banking on the oil in their lamps only, the wise virgins already had extra oil with them.

Should their lamps go off, they would have nothing to fear.

While the bridegroom tarried, their lamps went off.

The wise had to refill their lamps with the EXTRA they have to keep them thriving while the foolish became confused and had nothing left on them.

Long story cut short...

The foolish missed their flight with the bridegroom as they were all out to get oil and couldn't return on time.

What does this tell you?

CAPACITY BUILDING.

I believe someone is catching the rhema hot hot?

A CONCENTRATED FOCUS!

***

Few weeks back, I visited a federal relaxation park somewhere in the heart of Lagos for the purpose of studying and listening to a virtual paid training.

I wanted somewhere quiet and peaceful where the flow of assimilation and inspiration will hit me so hard.

Of course, I don't like studying or doing my thing in a noisy environment and so I made a fast move.

On getting there, the calm atmosphere that welcomed me in, made me exclaim in wonder.

This is it! Yes, this is what I ever wanted. I muttered to myself.

And so I moved in, beaming with all smiles. Searched around for a comfortable place where the Holyspirit can talk to me. 😊

The moment I spotted a cool place, I grabbed my seat and began devouring contents and as well prepare my coaching lesson notes.

I spent hours over there trying to figure out things and map out strategies for growth.

While studying, some set of people came in and requested to use my table for shooting and that they won't disturb me.

I was like, shooting?

Why not use other vacant spaces where you can comfortably handle your task?

From all indications, permission to use this space with me will only spell distraction from my end.

When I noticed his plea was beginning to have effect on me, I had no choice than to allow them use my space.

I was just praying within, "God please help me maximize my time here with this distraction that has presented its face before me."

And while I was yet praying, they were making moves to settle down and then, there was a sudden change in plan.

The leader pleaded with me, "Ma'am, we're sorry for distracting you, I think I and my team will use the next available space."

Oh God! I was excited and I couldn't contain the joy of an answered prayer.

After the whole ceremony of studying till late in the evening, I made my way to leave, feeling fulfilled.

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When you see me study, you will think I'm a student preparing so hard for an examination the next day.

That's how much I love studying and attending trainings because I desire growth.

As I made way to exit the premises, the security in charge beckoned on my attention and made a striking line, which made my heart raced down on why he made such lines.

He said, "Ma'am, since you came in here, I noticed you were all by yourself studying. You didn't come with your partner for fun as everyone here had one partner to themselves?

Wow! 😲

Partner?

Fun?

I smiled yet lost in the euphoria of my thought.

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Story continues!

In my mind I was like, if only he understands my essence of coming here, he won't add fun to his statement.

We laughed it over and I vamoosed the premises in a blink.

I do hope you're picking something?

Okay, read on.

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Some other time, I set out to another location, a government library per say.

On getting there, I discovered the place was shut and they've not resumed for the year yet.

Oh gosh!

What do I do?

I asked myself.

I began thinking on my next line of action and like a flash, I got a plan.

I went straight to the security in charge and pleaded with him to allow me use a portion of the premises to study. I came here for a purpose and I can't return back without actualizing my day's goal.

Without bantering words, he immediately accepted and ushered me to a calm spot.

As soon as I settled down, I began unleashing my core aim.

While engrossed in the depth of my study, a police SO who has been watching me all along without my awareness, approached me and began questioning.

He asked, "are you a student? Are you planning for an examination? What level are you, in the university?"

Rains of questions slapping my face, begging for answers.

I just smiled again 😊 and said within me, if only this officer knew the year I graduated from the university, he won't ask if I was a student.

But in the real sense, I am a student to many coaches who have groomed me to becoming a better writer today.

To me, everyday is like attending classes.

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Back

THERE'S A MESSAGE IN YOU!

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Sometime ago, I got engaged in a clarity session with one of my students who shared her pain with me.

She said and I quote,

"Ma'am, I have passion for writing but whenever I picked up my pen to put down words on the screen, I get stuck on what to write.

Also, I am confused on how to construct words.

Oftentimes, whenever I attempt writing something on my status, there's always that one person who criticizes my written works and I'll be like, oh gosh! Not again. In fact, I get upset whenever such occurs.

Most often, I get scared of writing because I've grown to believe that no matter how good my write up is, there must be an error.

With that, the zeal to keep writing will suddenly fade off into thin air."

I'm lost and I seriously need help.

For sometime now, I've been following your written works on Facebook and I love your writing prowess.

Your messages are highly inspirational and I always look forward to reading from you because your messages have a way of awakening something in me.

Searching around, seeking for who to help me and I found out that you're my go-to-person.

I want to become a better writer in 2021 and also write like you.

Please, help me, Ma'am.

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Does this sounds like you?

Relax! I'm not done yet.

Please, read on!

I quite understand your situation because I've once been in that shoe before.

That point where you feel you're not good enough.

That point where the moment you pick up your pen to write a message, your memory will automatically go blank.

That point where your well of inspiration no longer yield rhemacious content.

That point where the zeal to write will just sign up for Christmas holiday.

That point where you're afraid not to make mistakes because of someone who is ever waiting to criticize your work.

That point where you are not confident in yourself.

That point where procrastination has now become the new normal. Therefore, suspending that message in you for another day.

That point you've finally hid your pen because you're afraid of what people would say.

Or are you the one who is of the opinion that writing is not your thing or writing is meant for those who want to publish a book?

A bait for you!

You've got to read the next lines.

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Obviously, everyone at one point or the other in life has gone through some pain in the past or presently going through one.

A pain that has helped or will define your becoming.

The pain of suffering, setbacks, disappointments, rejection, emotional trauma or one terrible life challenge and of which you're going through it now so you can profer a sustainable solution to problems tomorrow.

My favorite quote reads, "you're going through a mess today to give a message tomorrow."

No doubt, where there's no pain, there's no gain.

Generations coming after you are waiting to read your story and how you were able to overcome certain challenges of life.

So, they in turn can draw strength from your message and live again.

This is one reason why you shouldn't hide that writer in you.

Everyone is a writer whether you believe it or not.

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Like that my student who came to me for help on how to become a better writer and she eventually got her needs met by signing up for one of my coaching programs.

The fact remains that if I had hidden my pen a long time ago, she wouldn't have considered trusting me with her need and of course you won't be here reading from me.

More so, know it that no matter how good or bad you are, people will talk.

Therefore, expect criticisms but in all do not let it define your becoming.

Do not let what people would say make you hide your pen in shame.

People are bound to talk. So do not let that bother you.

Never accept criticism from someone who has never constructed anything before.

Conclusively, unleash that potential in you and write that story. Someone needs it to heal.

There's a message in You.

Write that book!

You might want to ask, HOW?

Well, I can be of he

Things To Know Before Publishing Your Book.

STRATEGIC ACTIONS, THE WEAPON FOR ATTAINING SUCCESS IN 2021!

(A charge up message)

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Once again, I welcome you all to my first Tuesday Insight of the year and I'm most excited to be on this journey with you.

Today, let's talk about the aforementioned topic but before I delve deeper, let's quickly take an analysis.

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When the word, "ACTION" is posed at you, what comes to your mind?

Well, based on well researched fact and going by my own drafted ideology, Action is coined from the word ACT which means, "to do".

So, in the real context, action is a DOING word. It is your ability to take necessary steps in order to make things happen.

Having understood what action is, it is therefore important to know the basic concept of strategic action which is our point of focus for today's episode.

Please, follow me!

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As the topic implies, strategic actions are not mere actions we take everyday. It simply means taking intentional action that will stimulate result which would cost you 3 things if ever you want to achieve your desired aim in 2021, they are:

📌 Your TIME

📌 Your FINANCIAL RESOURCES

📌 Your TOTALITY

See, 2021 is a year of no joke if you must attain that height you ever desired.

It's a year where procrastination will fail many.

It's not a year of I WILL DO IT but a year of I HAVE DONE IT.

It's a year you've got to pursue that goal with all your might.

It's a year where people will become awoke to the new reality of life, giving no room for excuses and mediocrity.

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Dr. DK. Olukoya in his prophesy for 2021 declared the following:

📌 It's a year of massive result for those who are intentional.

📌 It's a year where investing your skills and creativity will yield multiple dividends to you.

So, what does this tells us?

It means that 2021 is a year that will favor as many who will become intentional in their pursuit for success.

While some persons will still be sleeping on the fence, making flimsy excuses, some will be busy re-strategizing for global dominance.

Obviously, great individuals and brands would sprung as a result of their strategic actions geared towards their goal.

Over the week, I was able to coin out the 4-R Strategies if success is attainable in your 2021 calendar.

Do read what I've gotten for you:

R - Reflect

R - Reinvent

R - Re-strategize

R - Recover

That is to say, for you to get to that enviable height in life, you should be ready to Reflect on what to do, Reinvent it to become workable, Re-strategize your plans to Recover Success.

Truth be told, prayers without strategic action put in place will fail so many who would bank on prayers and prophecies only.

No wonder the scripture admonishes that prayer without work is dead.

That is, prayer and work must resonate with each other. The equation can never be balanced if one of the formula is missing.

Welcome to that year when people won't bring their treasures to you if they can't find anything significant attached to your name.

Fact remains that if you're not ready to take certain strategic action, don't expect to harvest what you never sowed.

While some people will be harvesting bountifully, many will be left in awe of how they did it. Making them see winners as magicians.

Interestingly, it's not magic. It is called smart work through strategic actions.

Now, to you reading this article.

What is that action you've been procrastinating about?

That training you've been tossing here and there?

That skill you're yet to commit yourself into?

That book you're yet to write, buy or read?

That degree you're yet to pursue?

That life changing conference you're yet to sign up for?

That training you've attended but fail to put into action?

Hear me friends, it's not enough to acquire skill or attend that training, application of what you've learnt will determine whether you'll get result or not.

My favorite quote reads, "the difference between where you're now and where you ought to be in life lies in the information you

I'm not a preacher of procrastination neither am I a preacher of, I'll do it later.

So, you might want to ask, who am I?

I'm one who preaches the destiny sermon of _DO IT NOW_ and _ACT NOW_ .

As the year is gradually wrapping off, what extra work are you putting in place to end on good note?

Or are you in the league of those saying,

"Hanty Maureen, wait first, there's still time, I'll do it later?"

I smile at you in Chinese.😊

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Do you know that as the seconds rolls into minutes, minutes into hour, hours into day, days into month, & months into years, we are gradually getting older?

Oh! Now you know.

Therefore, the need to act now while you can, can never be overemphasized.

You need to understand that, time waits for no one neither is it a respecter of any man.

The same 24hours allocated to the rich is also freely given to the poor.

How well you handle it, determines how far you'll go in life.

More so, you will agree with me that a time wasted can never again be regained.

January to November is gone and can't be replayed.

What are you doing with the limited time left?

Yes, I understand the fact that so many of us had one or two resolutions made at the start of the year with so much excitement.

I want to achieve this and that in the year 2020 and then lockdown came and crumbled all you might have mapped out for the year.

Leaving you no other option than to resort to your fate and the desire to pick up again crashed out in a blink.

You exclaimed, Ah God! What a year full of setbacks.

You brooded over it and gave several excuses.

Many lost their lives in the process.

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Now, relax a bit! 😊

Believe you me, when I say I understand your plight because I've been through this same mess with you.

I won't also forget to say that 2020 hit me so hard to the point of frustration and depression but in all I kept my gaze focused on the mark.

Obviously, you all at one point or the other would have had 1001 reasons to give up on yourselves and let go of that one thing that keeps you going.

But I'm here to inform you that giving up is never an option to consider or even embrace.

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Now, you've made it to the final lap of the year, what different action would you take to make the coming year worthwhile?

Interestingly, in a twinkle of an eye, we'll be saying a final goodbye to 2020 and embrace the new year with a good fate.

Oops! 2020 will be gone for life.

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Are you ready for the adventures the new year have in stock for you?

How well are you maximazing the little time left to work on yourself and birth result?

Truth be told, you can't keep doing same thing overtime to get different result.

The year is fast running to an end and the need to act now while you can will save you a whole lot of dilemma sometime later.

A time comes in every man's life, when your actions today will either speak well or bad about you.

What you store up in your barn today, is what you'll enjoy at old age.

Sow that which you want to harvest tomorrow.

A wise man understands the value of time and he knows how well to utilize it to produce result.

The difference between the rich and the poor lies in the time well maximized.

While the poor is giving excuses as to why he can't act now, the rich is devising new ways to monetize his time. Knowing that he has but a limited time.

Are you the one who loves to dine with procrastination and excess excuses?

Wake up!

Stop sleeping on the bicycle.

Never give in to excuses that could cost you, your destiny.

Do not postpone that action you are meant to take now for a later time.

Conclusively, always remember that as you make your bed, so you will lie on it.

Act now and get to work!

THANK YOU!

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Got value?

Kindly, share your thoughts.

#Bymywordsonly

Welcome to December.

HAPPY NEW MONTH, FRIENDS!

© Maureen Ikeh

The King's Daughter