Personal Development – Bernard Kelvin Clive

Personal Development – Bernard Kelvin Clive

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Personal Development – Bernard Kelvin Clive episodes

  • From Boredom to Boardroom: How African Professionals Turn Downtime into Brand Capital

    Birthing Creativity Unusual Ways.

    “Kids don’t wait for permission to be creative—they just get bored enough to try something new.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive.

    Today, I’d like to discuss something I call “From Bored to Boardroom.”

    Don’t we all get bored at times?

    Well, it’s about how creativity is born—often not in the moments of pressure or hype, but in the quiet, sometimes repetitive spaces of life. The playgrounds. The routines. The places we often overlook.

    Let me begin with a simple story, something I’ve been observing with my kids lately. Not just my kids, but others too. especially when I take them to the playground.

    I’ve been watching how they play, how they interact. How do they explore? And the tools they use: the slides, swings, bicycles… You name it. And one thing keeps standing out to me.

    The Playground Discovery

    There was this one day at the park. The kids saw this new high slide. At first, they were cautious. Hesitant. They stood around it, quietly watching how others used it. No one wanted to be the first to try. It was tall. Intimidating. And unknown.

    Eventually, someone gathered the courage to try it out. Then another. And another. My kids, too. Little by little, they gave it a shot. Climbing slowly and sliding down carefully. Sometimes falling, looking for help. You could tell—it was a mix of excitement and fear.

    The same thing happens with bicycles. When they get a new bike, they’re excited—but unsure. They try pedalling. They fall. They need help. You support them, and they get up again. But soon… they get it. And the moment they do—oh, everything changes.

    That’s when the real story begins.

    The Birth of Boredom

    Once they master the tool—whether it’s the bike, the swing, or the slide—they go all in. They enjoy it. They play. They laugh. But eventually… they get bored.

    And that’s when the magic starts.

    You’ll see them begin to improvise. They’ll try riding the bike with one hand. Then no hands. Then standing. Then, carrying a teddy bear while riding. They’ll try sliding backward instead of forward. Or climbing up the wrong end of the slide. Swinging while standing instead of sitting.

    Why? Because they’ve mastered the basics, and now their brain is saying: “What else can I do with this?”

    They’re not just playing anymore. They’re creating.

    From Familiar to Fresh

    The boredom pushes them to explore. The ordinary is no longer enough. The repetition becomes too predictable. So, they start pushing boundaries. Sometimes what they do is scary. Risky. Even dangerous. But that’s where innovation begins.

    I watched my kids do things with those same old tools that I’d never even imagined. Not because I told them what to do, but because they had outgrown the basic use. And now their creativity had kicked in.

    That’s when I paused and said, “This is it. This is what happens in business and branding, too.”

    The Business Parallel

    See, it’s the same for us. In business, we start like those kids. New idea. New space. New tools. We struggle at first. We copy what others are doing. We need support. Then we master it. We get comfortable. We can do it in our sleep.

    But then what?

    Boredom.

    And if we don’t allow that boredom to speak—if we don’t pause and engage our minds at that moment—we’ll plateau. The cycle will repeat. We’ll coast. And eventually, the thing we once loved will feel flat.

    But here’s the key: boredom is not the enemy. It’s a signal to greatness.

    It’s your system telling you, “You’ve mastered this. Now, stretch it.”

    This is where new ideas are born. This is the tipping point between running a business and building something revolutionary. Between brand maintenance and brand reinvention.

    The Creativity Zone

    There’s a zone where the routine becomes too easy, too automated. You can close your eyes and do what you do. That’s your sign. It means: you’ve entered the boredom zone.

    Now here’s what the kids teach us: Don’t stay there. Break it. Flip it. Explore.

    Use the same tools differently. Flip the slide. Ride the bike backward (metaphorically). Bring your teddy bear on board (collaborate, repackage, remix). Do something new with the same resources.

    This is how fresh creativity is born—not always from newness, but from stretching the old in new directions.

    Give Yourself Permission

    One thing I’ve realized is this: kids permit themselves to fail. They don’t mind falling. They’re not embarrassed to try something wild. And that’s why they keep discovering.

    But we adults? We’re so calculated. We’ve done this for years. We know how it’s “supposed to be done.” We fear looking silly. We fear breaking the flow.

    But what if that’s exactly what we need?

    To break it. To reimagine it. To do the “wrong” thing and discover something right.

    Many times, I’ve seen kids shift from crayons to chalk, then to paintbrushes, to try new things. Not because they were told to—but because something in them said, “Let me see what happens if…”

    That’s how talents are revealed. That’s how creativity is birthed. That’s how the next level is unlocked.

    From Boredom to the Boardroom

    The boardroom isn’t just a meeting place. It’s a mindset, a decision-making zone. And to truly get there with fresh, impactful ideas, you have to pass through the playground of experimentation.

    Sometimes the slide is where it starts. But the boardroom is where it lands.

    From the sandbox to strategy.

    From play to purpose.

    From repetition to reinvention.

    This journey matters. And it only happens when you allow boredom to drive curiosity—not complacency.

    So, here’s what I’m saying:

    1. Master your craft, yes.
    2. But when you feel the ease, the autopilot, the “I-can-do-this-in-my-sleep” moment… pause.
    3. Ask, “What else can this become?”
    4. Permit yourself to try. Permission to fail. Permission to explore.
    5. Because just like those kids at the playground, your next big idea might not come from something new—it might come from doing the same thing differently.

      Creativity is born when you’re bored enough to go beyond the basics.

      So today, allow yourself to enter that creative zone.

      Stretch what you know. Break the cycle. Flip the slide.

      Try standing on the swing.

      Think about it. The best is yours.

      No products found.

      8 min
    6. Set for the Race: How African Professionals Can Position Their Brand for Success in 2026

      Building Capacity for the Race Ahead


      I believe this will be helpful not just for the coming year but also for the days and years ahead, particularly as we focus on setting and achieving goals, meeting resolutions, and hitting targets. In times like these, it’s important to reflect on how we can strategize effectively for the future.

      I want to discuss what I call the “relay focus” in a race. This analogy can help guide us as we prepare for the new year and work toward our goals. Whether you’re planning to lose weight, take a new course, explore a new career path, write a book, or make lifestyle changes, these reflections can be valuable.

      Whatever your aspirations or resolutions—what you want to stop doing or start doing—this is a worthy pursuit. I encourage you to go for it. But first, let me share a story to provide some perspective.

      The Two Athletes in High School

      Back in high school, during athletic competitions, two young athletes always drew attention and applause from the audience and student body.

      There was Anas Moro—an energetic young man with an athletic build, well-statured and full of vigor. He excelled in sports, particularly in relay races like the 4×4, 100-meter dash, or 400 meters. Whenever Anas competed, he was always at the top of his game. Then there was another athlete, AK.

      Anas and AK were often neck and neck, each winning or losing to the other in close contests. However, something about Anas stood out to me back then—his energy was remarkable.

      Most athletes start and finish a 100-meter dash with the same level of energy, maintaining a consistent pace. Anas excelled at this. But what amazed me even more was his performance in the 200-meter and 400-meter races.

      Anas would start with incredible energy and sustain it to the finish line. Whether he came in first or second, his unwavering intensity was always evident.

      Reflecting on Anas’ approach, I realized something profound. Some of us are like Anas. When the year begins, we charge toward our goals with the same high level of energy and enthusiasm, maintaining focus and zeal throughout. Even when we don’t hit every target, our energy rarely falters—we stay determined and keep moving forward.

      But not all of us are like Anas.

      Who are you: Anas or AK?

      You might be more like AK. Let me tell you about him. In every race, whether it was the 400-meter dash or another event, AK had a different approach. He would start slowly but gain momentum along the way, particularly during the curves.

      In a 400-meter dash, the curves often give runners an extra boost, as the wind seems to push them forward. AK took full advantage of this. During those stretches, he would overtake several competitors, steadily increasing his energy as he advanced. By the time he reached the final stretch, AK was often in a much stronger position, sometimes even winning the race.

      What stood out about AK was his ability to tap into a new wave of energy and zeal as he progressed. It was as though he shifted into a higher gear, catching the wind and pushing through with renewed determination.

      Move at your own pace

      Some of you may find yourselves like AK. You might start the year, a project, or a new venture slowly, gaining momentum as you go. Don’t compare yourself to someone like Anas, who maintains a high level of energy throughout. You might be more like AK, building pace gradually and making steady progress over time.

      You might start slowly, peak gradually, and move forward step by step—building momentum until you finish your race. Don’t compare your start to someone else’s. Your capacity, energy, and approach may differ from another person or competitor.

      Avoid trying to match someone else’s pace or copying their strategy. Instead, take the time to understand yourself. Reflect on how you should approach a new project, course, or venture. Assess the capacity you’ve built in that area and how it can help you progress—starting small, gaining momentum, and ultimately achieving your goals.

      Remember, everyone is different. Knowing yourself is key as you move into the coming year. Be aware of your own pace, your race, and your field. You’re not in competition with everyone else; your primary focus should be on yourself, your targets, and your milestones.

      For instance, one person might aim to read 44 books a year, while another sets their goal at 100. Don’t feel compelled to match the higher number if it doesn’t suit your situation. Similarly, someone might aim to increase their revenue by 20X. You could aim for 2X or 5X growth monthly and still reach your 10X target over time.

      Find your Wind and Soar

      Find out what works for you and build the capacity to achieve your goals and targets for the year. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout or discouragement, even when challenges arise. Know yourself, build capacity, and put in the work. You might be like AK, while someone else might be like Anas.

      Whatever the case, focus on finishing your race. Stay in your lane, excel in your chosen field, and focus on what you’ve built capacity for. Equip yourself, grow in that area, and make steady progress. By doing this, you can achieve milestones—whether monthly, weekly, or quarterly—while making significant strides toward your goals.

      When you stay in your lane and focus on your journey, you’ll avoid being overwhelmed by what others are doing. Instead, you’ll find satisfaction in your progress, knowing that you’ve understood your pace and are building the right momentum to reach your targets.

      I wish you the best in the coming year. May all your dreams be fulfilled, and you continue to impact lives as you move forward.

      Key Lessons:

      1. Know Your Strengths: Understand whether you’re more like Anas (consistent energy) or AK (gradual momentum) and align your strategy accordingly.
      2. Run Your Race: Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your unique goals, pace, and capacity.
      3. Build Incremental Capacity: Progress step by step, gradually enhancing your ability to achieve larger targets over time.
      4. Stay Focused on Your Lane: Concentrate on your milestones and avoid being distracted by external competition or comparisons.
      5. Actionable Steps:

        1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your past achievements and challenges to identify your natural working style (Anas or AK).
        2. Goal Breakdown: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones with realistic timelines.
        3. Track Progress: Use a journal, app, or planner to monitor your daily, weekly, or monthly advancements.
        4. Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for hitting milestones, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and energy.
        5. Recommended Reading

          Books by Bernard Kelvin Clive

          9 min
        6. Reflection of Life

          Hey, guess what this podcast was listed among the top 100 branding blogs by Feedspot. Thanks to all of you for your support.

          The theme here is reflections—an especially relevant concept during times like these, as the year winds down and a new one approaches. This is a good moment to reflect on what we accomplished over the past year, what we couldn’t achieve, and what we hope to work toward in the coming years. Reflection is vital—a deep introspection that allows us to examine ourselves internally, evaluate what we’ve done, and identify what we can learn from those experiences.

          Let me share a story to illustrate this point. The other day, I found myself in a suburb of Accra, at one of the vibrant city locations. Amidst the ever-evolving skyline, I noticed new skyscrapers rising in various spots. One building, in particular, caught my attention. Its architecture was striking, and from my vantage point, I could see a projected model displayed on its side, showing the architect’s vision for the completed structure.

          The building itself appeared to be about 80% complete, with a sleek, modern design and a glassy facade that sparkled in the sunlight. It was undoubtedly a beautiful piece of architecture.

          But something caught my eye—a reflection. From a certain angle, the building mirrored the image of an older, dilapidated structure across the street. This other building, with its dated architecture, peeling paint, and decades of wear, was far from appealing. Its reflection distorted the beauty of the modern skyscraper, masking its elegance with the image of neglect.

          At night, when reflections disappeared, the skyscraper stood out in all its glory. But in the light of day, the reflection of the old building detracted from its charm.

          This struck me as a profound life lesson. As individuals striving to build our lives, brands, and businesses, we naturally focus on becoming the best version of ourselves. However, even if we achieve greatness, our impact can be diminished if we fail to uplift those around us.

          The Risk of Standing Alone

          As you grow and stand tall—becoming the remarkable one in your circle—there’s a risk. If your peers, colleagues, or those you could have mentored remain stagnant, their lack of progress can detract from your achievements. It’s like being the only impressive house in a neighborhood. You’ll stand out, but not always in a positive way. Instead of admiration, you might attract unwanted attention, criticism, or envy.

          Worse still, the disparity between you and those around you could lead to challenges that undermine your success. The imbalance creates tension if you don’t lift others as you rise. On the other hand, when you invest in building up your community—even if they don’t reach your level—you create harmony and strength.

          This is a call to recognize the importance of people in your journey. As you develop your brand, career, business, or any personal area of growth, you should also prioritize mentoring and uplifting others. They may not match your achievements, but helping them reach a respectable and meaningful level—whether in education, representation, or skills—adds value to your growth.

          When you surround yourself with capable, thriving individuals, their reflections enhance your own. Instead of negative associations or gaps in progress, you’ll foster an ecosystem of collective success. It ensures that as you shine, those around you shine too, reducing the distance between your achievements and theirs.

          Ultimately, success isn’t just about standing tall; it’s about ensuring the people in your circle grow with you. Their success complements yours, creating a powerful, positive reflection that uplifts everyone involved.

          Who are you Carrying Along?

          As we reflect, it’s essential to recognize that we need people. Life’s journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone. As the year winds down and you set goals for the next, take a moment to ask yourself: Who do I need to bring along to the next level of my life?

          It might be just one or two individuals, but identifying and uplifting them is crucial. Whether in your career, business, or personal life, there are always people you can support or help advance. It’s important to do this—not just for their benefit but also because people are doors and windows to new opportunities.

          The person you help today might become a key connection tomorrow, leading you to new avenues or assisting others in ways you may never foresee. Reflection isn’t just about your growth; it’s about considering how your development positively impacts others. It’s about recognizing how the people around you influence your progress, either enhancing or hindering it.

          So, as you reflect, evaluate how you’re grooming and growing those around you. Are you building an environment where everyone progresses together? Are you fostering positive relationships that uplift not just yourself but also others?

          This is the message: As the year draws to a close, reflect on how you’re contributing to the growth of others. Ask yourself: How am I helping people grow in their own experiences? Let’s ensure that the reflections we cast on those around us—and the ones they cast on us—are positive and enriching.

          Here are five actionable lessons:

          1. Take Time to Reflect: As the year winds down, pause to look back on what you’ve achieved, what fell short, and what you hope to work toward next. Reflection gives you the clarity to move forward with purpose.
          2. Lift Others as You Grow: Success isn’t just about your progress—it’s also about the people around you. Help those in your circle grow, whether through mentorship, encouragement, or support.
          3. Build a Supportive Circle: Surround yourself with people thriving or working toward meaningful progress. Their success will reflect positively on you, creating an ecosystem of growth and balance.
          4. Value Your Connections: The people you help today may become the ones who open doors for you tomorrow. Relationships aren’t just beneficial for others—they’re a key part of your journey.
          5. Assess Your Impact: Take a moment to consider how you influence those around you. Are your actions uplifting and inspiring others? Make sure the reflections you leave are as positive as the ones you want to see.
          6. Let me hear from you regarding your branding and book publishing needs.

            Recommended Reading

            Books by Bernard Kelvin Clive

            Public Speaking Fundamentals

            Quick Guide to Public Speaking

            8 min
          7. 2024 Unlocking your Personal Brand to Soar

            How to Grow Your Personal Brand in 2024

            It’s to take your brand to the next level.

            Whether you’re a new brand or an established one, you need to achieve at least one of these milestones/goals in the upcoming year to remain relevant and competitive.

            1. Raise the bar on yourself

            It is all about having a growth mindset to place a demand on yourself to go higher and do better. Let me draw your attention to this simple observation: I know several brands in my circle that offer the same services and products of high quality and standard, yet they are underpaid by their clients. Why? Well, my survey revealed one major setback: a lack of confidence in their expertise. They lack the boldness to price their products and services as they deserve. Let me break it down this way.

            The Psychology of Pricing with Confidence:

            • Imposter Syndrome: Many people, regardless of their abilities and accomplishments, suffer from imposter syndrome. They believe they are unworthy of charging what their services are worth. Improving pricing confidence requires overcoming imposter syndrome.
            • Underestimating Expertise: Professionals frequently underestimate the expertise they bring to the table. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the particular value they offer or a concern about pricing themselves out of the market.
            • Fear of Rejection: There is widespread anxiety that clients may reject higher costs. Because of this anxiety, people may underprice their services to secure business, even if it means they are not fairly compensated for their abilities and efforts.
            • Listen, if you don’t place a premium price on yourself, others will treat you like a commodity.

              Truth be told, you are powerful, gifted, talented, and skilled. Yes, you, you have to believe that.

              It all begins with self-belief and confidence in one’s abilities.

              Perhaps, you have settled for crumbs for your brand and business.

              No! Yours is the gold, gear up and go for it. Until you raise the bar on yourself and work toward becoming a better version of yourself, you will only have the leftovers of those who dare and do mightier things.

              Building confidence in yourself is building confidence in your brand.

              If you’ve been doing well, great! It’s time to step up your game and go up the notch. Stretch for a higher and greater opportunity.

              You can do more.

              In the coming weeks, months, and years, lift your game, pursue excellence, and master your craft.

              2. Build Capacity for Growth

              Any brand that does not grow fades away. The competition is fierce, and the noise out there is loud. If you don’t build yourself up and create significant capacity for growth and expansion, you will fade out faster than you think. This demands consistent improvement, exploration, charting new terrains, and pursuing bigger goals.

              Over the past year, many interesting things happened, and some went viral on social media – from Nigeria’s Hilda Baci breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time to Afua Asantewaa Aduonum of Ghana attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual. A few things stand out. Firstly, the desire to break a record – that audacious attempt is worth commending. The second thing is that these records were way beyond their capacity, but they had to build the capacity to get it done. It stretches them, it challenges them, and it also gives reason for others to attempt breaking other records, be it in public or private. It gave enough people a reason to pursue larger goals and bigger dreams.

              My question for you is this: What bigger goals, dreams, and aspirations would you attempt in the coming year?

              Go for your big wins!

              The best is yours!

              Recommend Books

              5 Minutes Habits (Audiobook)

              Retreat: Reflections for Busy Businessmen (Audiobook)

              13 min
            • The Top 5 Myths about Goal Setting – And How to Ditch Them for Good

              The Top 5 Myths about Goal Setting – And How to Ditch Them for Good

              Are you trying to make changes in your life but feeling stymied by goal-setting myths? Do you ever wonder if setting goals is worthwhile? You are not alone if this sounds familiar. Goal setting is a popular topic, especially during this time of the year, but it can be fraught with misconceptions. In this article, I will debunk the top five goal-setting myths and offer practical advice on how to get rid of them for good. Continue reading to learn how setting goals can help you achieve your dreams and realize your full potential.

              1. Your Goals must be in writing!

              Not entirely true, you can have unwritten goals.

              You know what? When I wrote the last book – Bruwaa, which I published last year, I didn’t have a goal of writing it, but once I thought about it, I wrote it and published it!

              You should have a goal, but your goal doesn’t have to be in writing. For achieving goals, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You can still make your goal, even if it isn’t written down.

              2. Goals Have to Be Big to Be Worthwhile

              One of the biggest myths about goal setting is that you need to have big, lofty goals for them to be worthwhile. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Hey, smaller goals can often be just as effective and sometimes more achievable.

              Big goals can seem intimidating and overwhelming, which can prevent us from even starting. Breaking down our goals into smaller, more manageable steps can help us stay on track and make progress. Plus, achieving those smaller goals can give us the confidence boost we need to keep going.

              Rather than setting an ambitious goal like “start a business” or “get a promotion”, set smaller goals that are related. For example, if your ultimate goal is to start a business, your smaller goals could include researching potential business ideas, writing a business plan, or finding a mentor who has experience in the field. Each of these tasks should have a specific time frame attached to them so you can track your progress.

              By breaking down your goals into smaller steps, you’ll still be working towards the same end goal but without feeling overwhelmed.

              3. You Need to Know Exactly What You Want

              Setting goals can often seem intimidating because you feel like you have to know exactly what you want before you even start. But that’s not the case at all! You don’t have to have a perfect plan for achieving your goals in order to start the journey.

              Truth is, it’s perfectly normal (and recommended) to start with a general idea of what you want and then build from there. When you don’t have all the answers, don’t let that stop you from getting started. You can always adjust and refine as you go.

              Start by writing down the outcome that you want. What do you ultimately want to achieve? Once you’ve identified that, ask yourself some questions: What resources or skills do I need to reach my goal? What steps do I need to take to get there? Who can help me?

              These questions will help you develop a clearer picture of what you need and how to get there. As you answer each question, jot down any ideas or insights that come up. You don’t have to have all the answers right away. This is just an opportunity to gather more information so that you can move forward.

              Your goal doesn’t have to be perfectly defined when you start. As long as you have a clear idea of the outcome that you want, that’s all you need. The rest will come together as you go.

              4. You Need to Set a Deadline. Goals Must be Time-Bound!

              One of the most common myths about goal-setting is that you need to set a deadline for achieving them. Many people think that setting a goal without a deadline just isn’t enough and that there needs to be a specific time frame within which you must reach your goal.

              However, this is not necessarily true. It’s important to understand that deadlines are just one part of the process of goal setting, and they are not always necessary. Having a rigid timeline can actually hinder your progress in some cases.

              When setting goals, it’s important to take into consideration the time and effort it will take you to achieve them. If you have an unrealistic timeline, then you are more likely to become discouraged if you don’t reach your goal as quickly as you had hoped. Furthermore, if your timeline is too restrictive, it could also lead to burnout or even frustration as you try to cram too much into too little time.

              On the other hand, having a loose timeline can be beneficial. Having an idea of when you’d like to achieve a goal gives you something to work towards, but it also allows you to adjust your plan if something unexpected comes up or if you realize that the timeline needs to change for any reason.

              At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that deadlines should not be a source of pressure when it comes to goal setting. Rather, deadlines should be seen as a helpful tool for keeping you motivated and on track. Whether or not you decide to set a deadline for yourself depends on what works best for you and your situation.

              5. Once You Set a Goal, You Can’t Change It

              What has become of your childhood dreams and High school goals?

              One of the most common misconceptions about goal setting is that once they are set, they cannot be changed. This may appear to be logical, but it is simply not true. Goals are intended to be fluid and should be revised as needed.

              Life does not always go as planned, and goals are no exception. Your goals exist to guide and keep you on track, but they do not have to be rigid or inflexible. If your circumstances change, or you realize your goal isn’t as important or meaningful as you thought, you can modify it.

              Change your goals without feeling guilty or embarrassed. It’s completely natural and expected. It can frequently make achieving your goals easier and more enjoyable. So, don’t let the fear of changing your goals stop you from pursuing the life you want.

              Recommended reading:

              Goals Are Dead! Simple Strategies for Achieving your Goals while Enjoying Life.

              Bernard Kelvin Clive

              12 min
            • Daring Greatly 2022

              12 Things to Dare in 2022

              “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― Andre Gide

              There comes a time in our lives that we must step out of our comfort zones and prisons and get into new territories. 

              We all have some areas that we need to Dare to venture into in the coming year. So, today I present to you some ideas for daring discoveries. Go through and give it a shot.

              1. Dare to Break mental strongholds

              It all begins in the mind. Your mind is either your prison or palace. Several people have been stopped not by demons but by their own beliefs: self-limiting believes. So many “I can’t” block the flow of possibilities. To do and have more, one must first believe. Expand your capacity to receive. Sometimes we place a cap on what we can achieve based on our past failures, which ought not to be so. Until one breaks self-imposed barriers in the mind, success becomes a wild goose chase. Believe you can and work towards it. See it first in your mind then work towards it. 

              “Don’t let mental blocks control you. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks.” ― Dr. Roopleen

              2. Dare to Raise the bar on yourself

              Truth be told, unless you deliberately upgrade yourself and see the worth in you, people will always treat you less than you deserve. They will devalue you and underpay you. You must dare to make a conscious effort at all costs to work harder on yourself, become a better person in your niche.

              I believe you are capable of achieving more. Place a demand on yourself, sacrifice more and stretch to reach for great heights. Self-worth is your first wealth.

               “I dare you, while there is still time, to have a magnificent obsession.” ― William Danforth

              3. Dare to Write a book

              Writing may not come easily for everyone, however, everyone has a story, an experience, lessons to share. This may be the best time to write that book for you. Your story needs to be heard. Whether aiming at becoming a bestseller or not, make it a goal to share your story, lessons, strategies, and thoughts with the world. Listen, you may be helping someone you may never meet or know. Just start writing.

              At best hire a ghostwriter to professionally help you with your book.

              4. Dare to go on a date

              If you’ve been postponing the idea for the date, now might be a good fit to give it a shot. Yeah either married or single, you can just pick a location to go spend some quality time with yourself, your spouse, fiancée, or family. It makes a lot of difference. Hey, why don’t you dare ask that person you’ve been admiring all this while for a date? You may be lucky, dare, go for it!

              5. Dare to Travel/ tour/ retreat/ vacation

              Travelling opens are a new world of possibilities, to meet people of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and beliefs. It offers you an opportunity to learn and have fun. Perhaps, you have never traveled outside your village, town, city, or country. This may be the time to do so. Plan for that trip today.

              Additionally, Dare to Go on a retreat!

              You also deserve some vacation.

              Go out of town, find a serene place to meditate, have deeper soul searching, pray and commune with God.

              6. Dare to learn a language

              Language is a very powerful communication tool, if you are at least multilingual the better. Learning a new language can be empowering, just add one more you your list.

              7. Dare to go back to school/ learn a Skill

              Dare to go back to school, either online or offline. You may think it is too late but hey! No! You can still take that course. 

              Learn something new. Upgrade yourself. Find out what skills are needed in your industry and learn. It offers you more opportunities in life. Skills get you hired. If necessary, make it happen this year. Make inquiries and pick a form.

              8. Dare to Start a business (side hustle)

              It is a good practice to have multiple streams of income. It makes life worth living and lightens the pressures of life. Starting a side gig may not be for everyone, but the idea of trying something on your own has many wells of lessons one can draw from. You may need an extra income or may have plans for a startup business. Just begin, get the needed resources and launch out.

              9. Dare to hire an expert

              Yes! You cannot do it all on your own and certainly cannot master everything in your lifetime. So to save you some time and money, you must hire experts in areas that can help complement what you do. Dare to delegate and focus on the things you can handle effectively and efficiently. Successful people leverage experts to help them succeed.

              10. Dare Start to foster a child

              You may want to start a family and possibly raise children or perhaps just want to foster a child. Whatever your family goals are, Dare to make it happen. If you’ve been planning on settling down and the right time is up, go ahead don’t keep postponing it. Prepare for wonderful family life. If adopting or fostering is the best option for you, go for it. Your adoption may just be to cater to the needs of someone’s child. Do it!

              11. Dare to own properties

              – Dare to acquire some lands, if you have land, you can have more. If you have none, now it’s a great time to secure one. Invest in lands, it always appreciates.

              – Dare to start a backyard garden

              A backyard farm would be an ideal starting point if you have space for it. Be it plant or animal farming, cultivate this as a hobby or business. The returns are worth the effort. Additionally, grow some trees. Contribute to a greener world and save lives by simply planting a tree. We need fresher air and a better environment. Be a tree planter.

              12. Dare to Read more and Start a Library

              “Readers are leaders”. Dare to expand your knowledge, read deeper, read diverse materials and read more in your chosen field. You need not be a lover of books to start a library. For posterity’s sake, have a resource of books that can help generations after you. It could be a great way to transfer knowledge and impact lives.

              Add one more book to your reading list, then another, then another. Read as much as you can. Get enlightened.

               “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.” ― Helen Keller

              Dare to be a difference-maker. Make your year count.

              “Until one breaks self-imposed barriers in the mind, success becomes a wild goose chase” ― Bernard Kelvin Clive

              Recommended reading:

              GOALS Are Dead! Simple Strategies for Achieving your Goals while Enjoying Life

              DOERS 12:52 by Bernard Kelvin Clive

              www.amazon.com/author/bernardkelvin 

              15 min
            • 18 Items to Discard before the New Year

              18 Items to Discard before the New

              Year
              (Ladies/Gents)

              1. Old makeups 
              2. Worn-out footwear
              3. Old & worn-out undies 
              4. Old invitation cards, coupons, Etc
              5. Old hair clips, wigs & accessories 
              6. Old &Unused cloths & jewelry 
              7. Old & spoilt utensils 
              8. Unused apps on your phone 
              9. Stacked unused freebies 
              10. Unfitting & oversized clothes 
              11. Old calendars, brochures, flyers, gift wrappers, etc
              12. Junks in the fridge 
              13. Empty containers, deodorants, paper bags. etc 
              14. Old, broken & unused toys 
              15. Unused & unprofitable subscriptions & memberships 
              16. Return borrowed items 😂
              17. De-clutter purse, wallet & bags
              18. Service your car: change the tyre, oils, wipers, etc.

              The Personal Branding Podcast was listed among
              the “Top 50 Branding Podcasts You Should be Listening To” by MerLine One Inc.

              Get the book “GOALS Are Dead! Simple Strategies to Achieving your Goals while Enjoying Life“

              Resources:

              Goals Are Dead!

              Branding Beyond Visuals

              Business Networking Made Easy

              Rebrand: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Branding

              6 min
            • Art is Priceless

              “True artists don’t create for their audience; the audience discover them” – Bernard Kelvin Clive

              To all writers, poets, authors cheers!!!!

              True artists don’t create for their audience; the audience discover them. Once an artist starts creating by the dictates of its audience, he seizes to be an artist, he becomes a business man. Artists do art out of love.

              You paint the world with your words and make it such a beautiful place. Falling in love or out of love.?

              Let’s fall in love, not a love story but there is love in it. For writers, poets and authors, the point is this; you must come to a point where you totally fall in love with your writing style, right from the beginning or journey along and totally settle this is your heart that not everyone will love your piece.

              Your work may or may not be the best in your eyes, but it’s your babe, you’ve got to love it and make it the best at all times. If you seek perfection it will elude you, seek progress, the desire to communicate something of real value to your reader; to inform, entertain, educate. Communicate your expertise in little ways, not seeking to please the masses.

              Someone may pick your piece and be inspired others will not, that’s life. If they find your work meaningful, great If not, it may not be for them or not the right time. Don’t give up, let love lead. keep giving your best, the universe will reward you greatly. #EnjoyLife

              Resources:

              Business Networking Made Easy

              Rebrand: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Branding

              Books by Bernard Kelvin Clive

               

              6 min
            • 17 Things to Drop Now

              “Your addiction to daily distraction denies you of effectiveness” – Bernard Kelvin Clive

              In this episode you will find the 17 Things to drop

              1. Laziness, idleness, less or no action towards goals
              2. Procrastination
              3. Gossips & lies
              4. Lateness to appointments and events
              5. Excessive Alcohol
              6. Poor eating habits
              7. Prayerlessness
              8. Ingratitude
              9. People pleasers, pretenders
              10. Greed & jealousy
              11. Promiscuity
              12. No budgeting & overspending
              13. Scared-freaks, Non-risk takers
              14. Negative people, fault finders
              15. Dream killers & idea thieves
              16. Troublemakers, drama people
              17. Indecisive & indiscipline people
              18. Recommended Books:

                Rebrand: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Branding

                Branding Simplified 

                Books by Bernard Kelvin Clive

                8 min
              19. How to Make People Trust You and Your Brand

                “Trust is the new currency for riches” – Bernard Kelvin Clive

                In this episode I share with you little ways you can build trust.

                21 Reasons to Make People Trust You

                1. Build your expertise
                2. Always give of your best
                3. Talk less do more
                4. Payback borrowed money quickly
                5. Return borrowed items in better shape
                6. Be confident in your expertise
                7. Don’t exaggerate, say it as it is
                8. Be time conscious – remember ‘time is money’
                9. Respect the time of others – if you asked for 5 minutes, make it 5 minutes
                10. Don’t be late to meetings and appointments
                11. Learn to meet deadlines
                12. Share your successes and failures as well
                13. Learn to empathize and sympathize with others
                14. Listen and be tolerant
                15. Don’t judge what you don’t understand
                16. Don’t cheat others
                17. Learn to see the best in others
                18. Be patient with people, they have their own struggles
                19. When you realize you can’t deliver as promised, quickly let it be known
                20. If you can’t make it to a scheduled meeting/event, make it known as soon as possible
                21. Stick to your values – stay principled.
                22.  

                  Recommended Books:

                  GOALS Are Dead! How to Make Every Day Count

                  Skills Every young Executive Must Have 

                  HOOKED: Overcoming Social Media Addiction

                  Rebrand: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Branding

                  Branding Simplified 

                  Books by Bernard Kelvin Clive


                  10 min

                About Personal Development – Bernard Kelvin Clive

                From the publisher's feed

                The #1 personal branding resource for African professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives.