One's ability can build a better world.

“With realization of one’s own potential & self confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” For the vast majority of my life I didn't believe I could do most of the things I wanted to do.I knew I wanted to be in a relationship, but I feared that if I got into one I’d do something to mess it up.I wanted to perform on Broadway, but even moving to DAR es salaam didn't give me the courage to audition.

via youthprofessionaltz

I wanted to be a lawyer, but I thought it was far too difficult to get published, and therefore didn't even try until I turned 20 then decided to take bachelor of Accounting and finance.Maybe you've never been as unsure of yourself as I used to be, but you can likely relate to that feeling of wanting to do something but feeling terrified to start. This not only limits your potential in life; it also minimizes your ability to make a positive impact on the world around you.

There’s a lot that goes into overcoming those fears. You may need to challenge limiting beliefs formed years ago, or take yourself out of a situation where other people undermine your abilities. One thing that will definitely help is working on your confidence.Not sure if confidence can be learned? I asked this question on my blog page to see what readers had to say and then used some of their responses to shape these 8 steps outlined below:

1. Tap into the confidence you were born with.

I feel it’s something that is always there, something you’re born with that gets lost along the way, or stolen by others. Sometimes you have to dig deep to find it again. 

You didn't come out of the womb unsure of your cry or insecure about your large umbilical cord. You came out blissfully unaware of external judgment, concerned only with your own experience and needs. I’m not suggesting that you should be oblivious to other people. It’s just that it may help to remember confidence was your original nature before time started chiseling away at it.Once you developed a sense of self-awareness, you started forming doubts and insecurities about how other people saw you. You learned to crave praise and avoid criticism and maybe you started getting down on yourself if you got more of the latter than the former.

When you start feeling unsure of yourself remember: we were all born with confidence, and we can all get it back if we learn to silence the thoughts that threaten it.

2. Know your strengths and weaknesses.

via youthprofessionaltz

As you learn who you are, you gain confidence in your strengths and also learn your weaknesses. Learning who you are doesn't happen overnight. For one thing, it can be hard to know which parts of you are you, and which parts are who you think you should be.A good start is to identify your strengths and weaknesses and then weigh those against what you enjoy. (If you’re great in sales, but you actually can’t stand sales jobs, then it doesn't really matter if you have confidence there. Unless it’s all about ego—but does that really make you happy?

It might help to list five things you do well that you enjoy and five things you’d like to do well. Make an effort to utilize some of the first list and work on some of the second every day. As you use your strengths and improve where there’s room to grow, you’ll develop both confidence and fulfillment simultaneously.

3. Expect success.

Confidence comes from success…But confidence also combines another quality because you can be successful, yet lack confidence. It requires a mental attitude shift to an expectation of success. And this alone, can bring about more success, reinforcing the confidence. It spirals from there.It might seem strange to say expect success since you can’t predict the future, but don’t we do the alternative all the time? Have you ever gone into a stressful situation assuming the worst—that something would go wrong?

Conventional wisdom suggests it’s smart to expect the worst because you won’t be disappointed if you fail and you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you succeed. But research suggests this isn't universally true. Pessimism can undermine your performance creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.Find the successes in every day and you’ll notice over time that they increase.

4. Trust your capabilities.

via youthprofessionaltz

Confidence comes not from knowing you know everything, but from knowing you can handle what comes up.No one in the world knows everything. Everyone is good at some things and not so good at others. Don’t weigh your security against what you know or can do; weigh it against your willingness and capacity to learn.If someone criticizes you, take it is an opportunity to improve. If someone does better than you, see it as an opportunity to learn from them. If you fall short at something, realize you can get closer next time. Don’t worry if you’re not confident in what you can do now—be confident in your potential.

5. Embrace the unknown.

Confidence comes from a space of humility. It is spawned when we dare to see the world through an alternate lens. It grows when we have the courage to embrace the experience of the unknown and the unknowable. People often think confidence means knowing you can create the outcome you desire. To some extent it does, but this idea isn't universally true for anyone. No matter how talented, smart, or capable you are, you cannot predict or control everything that happens in your life.

Even confident people lose jobs, relationships, and sometimes, their health.Confidence comes from knowing your competence but acknowledging it’s not solely responsible for creating your world. When you take that weight off your shoulders and realize that sometimes the twists and turns have nothing to do with what you did or should have done, it’s easier to feel confident in what you bring to the table.

6. Take risks.

via youthprofessionaltz

Confidence is a funny thing. You go out and do the thing you’re most terrified of, and the confidence comes afterwards.If you always do things as you've always done them of course you won’t feel confident.

When I first moved to San Francisco, I was highly insecure with relationships. I’d moved a lot, and spent years hopping around the country partly to avoid getting close to anyone. Eventually I realized the only way out was through. I’d never be good at relationships if I didn't jump in, get messy, and learn what to do and not to do.I had to crawl, walk, fall, and repeat to get comfortable with vulnerability and conflict. I made tons of mistakes, and a lot of it hurt. But I live a peopled life now, and it’s worth all the discomfort it took to get here.

7. Learn to receive praise.

Confidence is earned through positive recognition and reinforcement.It’s amazing how easy it is to believe all the negative things people say and yet discredit the positive. Taking a compliment is an art. Sometimes, it’s instinctive to assume they’re just being nice or that maybe you aren't really skilled—you just got lucky.

Occasionally, this may be true, but for the most part you earn the praise you receive. Don’t talk yourself out of believing it. Instead, recycle it into confidence. You did a fantastic job on your project at work—that means you can do it again. You had an amazing performance—that means you can trust you’re talented.Other people want you to succeed; now you just have to believe them when they show you you’re worthy.

8. Practice confidence.

It can be practiced—and with that practice you will get better.

via youthprofessionaltz

Like anything else in life, your confidence will improve with practice. A great opportunity to do this is when you meet new people. Just like if you were the new kid in school, they have no idea who you are—meaning you have an opportunity to show them.As you shake their hand, introduce yourself, and listen to them speak, watch your internal monologue. If you start doubting yourself in your head, replace your thoughts with more confident ones. Ask yourself what a confident person would do, and then try to emulate that.Watch your posture and your tone. Hunching and mumbling will make you feel and look less confident, so stand up and speak slowly and clearly.

People are more apt to see you how you want to be seen if they suspect you see yourself that way.You may have confidence in some areas and not in others; that’s how it works for most of us. Draw from those areas where you’re self assured.

via youthprofessionaltz

If you feel inadequate in professional situations, recall how it feels physically when you’re confident in relationships. If you’re insecure in love, access what you feel when you’re comfortable around friends.Above all, remember you are capable and worthy—just as much as anyone else, regardless of what you've achieved, regardless of what mistakes you've made. Knowing that intellectually is the first step to believing it in your heart. Believing it is the key to living it. And living it is the key to reaching your potential. Have your at the e-mail belo

Why materialistic?.

via youthprofessionaltz

     Are today’s youth really more materialistic and less motivated than past generations, or do adults tend to perceive moral weakness in the next generation?San Diego State University psychology professor has set out to answer that question.

via youthprofessionaltz

                            In a study published today by Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Twenge shows that there is in fact a growing gap for today's young adults between materialism and the desire to work hard. “Compared to previous generations, recent high school graduates are more likely to want lots of money and nice things, but less likely to say they’re willing to work hard to earn them,” said Twenge, author of the book “Generation Me. “That type of 'fantasy gap' is consistent with other studies showing a generational increase in narcissism and entitlement,” Twenge said.

Twenge drew from a nationally representative survey of 355,000 high school seniors conducted from 1976 to 2007. The survey examines the materialistic values of three generations with questions focused on the perceived importance of having a lot of money and material goods, as well as the willingness to work hard.

The fantasy gap                                                                                                                         

via youthprofessionaltz

Compared to Baby Boomers graduating from high school in the 1970's, recent high school students are more materialistic — 62 percent of students surveyed in 2005-07 think it’s important to have a lot of money, while just 48 percent had the same belief in 1976-78.Sixty-nine percent of recent high school graduates thought it was important to own a home, compared to just 55 percent in 1976-78. Materialism peaked in the 80's and 90's with Generation X and has continued to stay high.As for work ethic, 39 percent of students surveyed in 2005-07 admitted they didn't want to work hard, compared to only 25 percent in 1976-78.The researchers also found that adolescents’ materialism was highest when advertising spending made up a greater percentage of the economy.

“This suggests that advertising may play a crucial role in the development of youth materialism,” said Twenge. “It also might explain the gap between materialism and the work ethic, as advertising rarely shows the work necessary to earn the money necessary to pay for the advertised products                     

 Why it matters                                                                                                                           

via youthprofessionaltz

Understanding generational trends in materialism among youth is important because placing a strong priority on money and possessions is associated with a variety of problems, including depression and anxiety, according to earlier research performed by Kasser. “This study shows how the social environment shapes adolescents attitudes,” said Twenge.  “When family life and economic conditions are unstable, youth may turn to material things for comfort. And when our society funds large amounts of advertising, youth are more likely to believe that 'the good life' is 'the goods life'

A purpose.

via youthprofessionaltz.com

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”  do work you love in your life says Mugisha

Make yours..

via youthprofessionaltz.com

This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul-mate  You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about

via youthprofessionaltz.com

Direction.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

via youthprofessionaltz.com

Advise of the day.

I believe that success is dreaming, setting goals and working HARD to achieve those goals consistently. If you are not sure what you want to do, just start working toward SOMETHING until you find your passion. The key to success is persistence and determination. Just do it…because YOU can! No excuses.

"I would say to our youth:

First of all: YOU ALL HAVE GREATNESS INSIDE OF YOU! There is a purpose in each and every one of you, and you must complete the greatness that you were sent on Earth to complete. And this greatness of yours, MAY or MAY NOT be with you making the NBA or becoming a rap/singing star. If it does not involve playing sports or being an entertainer, that’s cool.

Plus, get the best education that you possibly can; whether that’s setting your sights on a four-year college, two-year college or trade school. But, push yourself to do a little more than you think you can do. An example of this would be to look at a four-year college, although you really have your sight set on a two-year institution. At least be aware of what it takes to get into a four-year college. And this awareness should start as early as your eighth grade school school.

For young brothers: If you are in the “drug and guns game,” be careful. Many of our young men thought they could beat the system only to find out that they could not when they lost control. For example, they murdered someone by shooting them after losing their temper and ended up doing major time in prison. Can you imagine yourself doing 20, 25 or 35+ years in prison? The time that’s being handed out by the courts is SERIOUS. Many of the cats that accidentally murdered someone did not wake-up until it was too late. They are now spending most of their lives in prison (many times with major mental sickness).

For young sisters: Maintain your virtue and confidence. You don’t need a young man that’s not treating you right to be complete and fulfilled. You ALREADY are complete. Get busy with the vision (plan) that you have for your life."

" I would say that you need to have a vision and a thankful attitude. Where do you see yourself a year from now? Three years from now? How ’bout when you become a grown-up? Dream as big as you can! Don’t worry about what you don’t have right now but rather be thankful for this moment. Being grateful is a very powerful step to getting where you want to go. When we are thankful for where we are right now, whether that is a 1 bedroom apartment on the 27th floor in the Bronx or in a two family house in Newark, be grateful and watch what happens. Being grateful brings more good things into your life. The more thankful you are, the more great things you attract to yourself; therefore, attracting the right people, teachers and mentors to you and your well-being. I know cause it’s happening to me right now.

Every morning I get up (and before my feet touch the floor) I start giving thanks. Before I became a children’s book illustrator, I would say, ” Thank you Lord that I am a published writer and children’s book illustrator.” I would say it all the time. Now, I am doing just what I said, and I am thankful.

Finally, get around people with good energy who will support you and encourage you. Stay away from those who poo-poo your dreams. Remember, you can’t put a SUPER LARGE VISION in a small mind, or into a mind that isn’t thinking as BIG as you are. It just ain’t gonna work. Keep pressing forward to your vision"

Hope of gain

Most of us are familiar with the saying, “haters are going to hate.”  But one thing a lot of people don’t talk about is how to handle when everyone wants to see you fail.  Rumors, gossip, and hearsay can be a bitch especially when it comes from those close to you.  Over the last several months both Edson and I have posted blog posts on how the fear of loss is much greater than the hope of gain.

Through social media and other mass mediums our culture has become very materialistic.  Often times those that have succeeded in business are viewed “better than” someone who is making an “average” living. Let’s take a look at reality television for a moment.  How many shows are on the cable networks now days where individuals are made famous simply because the way they act on television.  Living in their big mansions, driving their luxury cars, with their biggest problem of the day being who said what while drinking bottles of liquor at the club.  I personally feel that some of this is getting ridiculous!  Seriously what is wrong with people?!

Working online I have had the privilege of seeing some individuals find success in a very short period of time.  It’s not that working online is easy but it’s scalable because you’re not surrounded by four walls and limited to local business.  Depending on your product or service you can have customers around the globe. Look at the powerhouses: Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.  They all have visitors around the globe clicking ads and interacting on their properties.  Mark Zuckerberg had a great idea but he was able to scale so big because his service reached a global audience and with the Internet he had no boundaries. The same goes with many online businesses.  If the product or service is useful and does not suck then it has the potential to reach great revenues sometimes even hitting a “snowball” effect.

via hope.com

Unfortunately success also brings along jealousy and envy.  Using affiliate marketing as an example, how fun is it to see the person you sat beside in college get out and scale their business to millions of dollars a year while you’re still working for “the man” making the modest Tz 600,000 a year?  This irks some people because they wonder “why not them.”  Sometimes this makes them jealous or very envious.  To your face they’re nice to you and praise you for your success but secretly they lie awake at night just waiting for the second you fail.  They may even give it a shot themselves to see if they can’t achieve your level of success but quickly get frustrated and give up when they don’t see results.

A lot of affiliates remember the “rebill days” in 2008 – 2009.  People that had never made a dollar before online quickly scaled to hundreds of thousands of dollars a month.  Profits were very large and quickly lifestyles changed.  Some took this opportunity to invest in other projects and quickly diversify creating very long term business models.  Others spent the money as quick as it came in.  Stemming from a number of changes in the industry unfortunately those that didn’t diversify their businesses and had their eggs all in one basket were found going back out and getting a 9-5 job or latching on to whatever they can to try and avoid having to go “back to work.”  How satisfied to you think many of the haters out there are when they see something like this?  They’re going to be quick to troll you anywa

y they can because they feel a sense of gratitude.

Starting your own business is very challenging.  It can take a toll on your mentally and physically because the hours are never set in stone.  You’re going to have to get up early and stay up late.  While everyone is out on the weekends you’re going to be stuck in dealing with the growing pains especially when you really start to gain leverage.  With all of this going against you it can be very challenging if you don’t have the support of everyone around you.  Rather it be your spouse, your family, or your best friend it’s important to develop a support, but if that’s not possible then you need to be able to block what others say, keep your head up, and focus on the big picture.

Those of you out there reading this that are thinking about starting your own business I want to provide you with a bit of encouragement.  You cannot control actions of those around you but you can control your actions.  Keep focused on your goal and work as hard as possible.  In my experience of working online for the last 2 years, I have never included “can’t” in my vocabulary.  I always say “how can I.”  Those that doubt me are just background noise.  I don’t let them get to me and I continue doing what I love everyday.  Those of you out there reading this that are already successful growing your business, congratulations!  Let those that doubt you continue to talk while you remain focused on growing your future and career!

Never give up..

via alternet

 

For many years the person who has been hindering our growth in our live passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in .

In the beginning, they all got sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to know who was that man who hindered the growth of my colleagues.

The excitement in the room was such that security agents were ordered to control the crowd within the room. The more people reached the room, the more the excitement heated up. Everyone thought: Who is this guy who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he died!
One by one the thrilled colleagues got closer to the coffin, and when they looked inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood nearby the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul. There was a enough inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside it could see himself.

There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: IT IS YOU. You are the only person who can revolutionize your life. You are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization and your success. You are the only person who can help yourself.
Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your teachers change, when your partner changes, when your company changes. Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that you are the only one responsible for your life.

The most important relationship you can have, is the one you have with yourself. Examine yourself, watch yourself. Don't be afraid of difficulties, impossibilities and losses: be a winner, build yourself and your reality.

The world is like a reflection: it gives back to anyone the reflection of the thoughts in which one has strongly believed. The world and your reality are like mirrors laying in ahead of us, which show to any individual the death of his divine capability to imagine and create his happiness and his success.

It's the way you face Life that makes the difference! If an egg is broken from outside force... life ends. If an egg is broken from inside force... life begins. Great things always begin from our inside always in that in your mind and archive your dreams ...

via inspire aspire