In 1769, Hungarian nobleman Wolfgang von Kempelen astonished Europe by building a mechanical chess-playing automaton that defeated nearly every opponent it faced. A life-sized wooden mannequin, adorned with a fur-trimmed robe and a turban, Kempelen’s “Turk” was seated behind a cabinet and toured Europe confounding such brilliant challengers as Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon Bonaparte. To persuade skeptical audiences, Kempelen would slide open the cabinet’s doors to reveal the intricate set of gears, cogs and springs that powered his invention. He convinced them that he had built a machine that made decisions using artificial intelligence. What they did not know was the secret behind the Mechanical Turk: a chess master cleverly concealed inside.

I was at the airport when a taxi driver approached me.

The first thing I noticed in the cab was a phrase, I soon read:

- Duck or Eagle?
You decide.

The second thing I noticed was a clean, shiny cab, the driver well dressed, white shirt and well pressed pants, with a tie.

The taxi driver got out, opened the door for me and said:

"I am John, your chauffeur.
While I'm putting your luggage away, I'd like you to read on this card what my mission is."

On the card was written:

John's Mission
- To get my clients to their destination quickly, safely and economically, while providing a friendly environment.

I was impressed.

The interior of the cab was equally clean.

John asked me:
"Would you like some coffee?"

Joking with him I said:
"No, I'd rather have a juice.

He immediately replied:
"no problem.
I have a thermos with regular juice and also diet juice, as well as water," he also told me:
"if you wish to read, I have today's newspaper and also some magazines."

As the race began John told me:
"These are the radio stations I have and this is the repertoire they play."

As if that wasn't enough, João even asked me if the temperature of the air conditioning was good.

Then he told me what was the best route to my destination and if I wanted to talk to him or if he preferred that I not be interrupted.

I asked:
"Do you always serve your customers like this?"

"No," he replied.
"Not always.
Only in the last two years.
My first few years as a taxi driver I spent most of my time complaining just like the other taxi drivers.

One day I listened to a doctor who was a specialist in personal development.
He wrote a book called :Who you are makes the difference!

He said:
If you get up in the morning expecting to have a lousy day, you certainly will.
Don't be a DUCK!
Be an eagle!

Ducks just make noise and complain, eagles soar above the pack.

I was all the time making noise and complaining.

So I decided to change my attitudes and be an eagle.

I looked at the other cabs and drivers.
The dirty cabs, the unfriendly drivers, and the dissatisfied customers.

I decided to make some changes.
Since my customers responded well, I made a few more changes.

In my first year as an eagle, I doubled my turnover.
This year, I have already quadrupled it.

You are lucky you took my cab today. I am no longer at the cab stand.
My customers book through my cell phone or send me a message.
If I can't pick up, I get a trusted "Eagle" taxi driver friend to do the job."

John was different.
He offered a limousine service in a regular cab.
John, the taxi driver, decided to stop making noise and complaining like ducks do and started flying over the group like eagles do.

It doesn't matter whether you work in an office, with maintenance, a teacher, a civil servant, a politician, an executive, an employee, a freelancer, or a taxi driver!
How do you behave?

Are you dedicated to making noise and complaining? Or are you elevating yourself above the others?

Remember: THE DECISION IS YOURS!

That key only opens from the inside!

AND YOU HAVE LESS AND LESS TIME TO CHANGE!

2025 will be nothing new if we don't have new attitudes!

May we be better Fathers,
Better Husbands
Better Wives,
Better Mothers,
Better Children,
Better Friends
Better Colleagues!

May we not repeat the mistakes of the past!

May we pray more, praise more, thank more!

May GOD Almighty give us the wisdom we need to be eagles, so that we can fly high and live in a better world of peace. !!!!

LET'S BE EAGLES 🦅 IN 2025 !

See you @ the Top

#mindsetseries #godeymyside
#nguvankyenge #johnmaxwellteam
#bedifferent #copied

Saviour

*Turning Goals into Reality: 7 Essential Steps for Success*

As we step into the new year, many of us have set ambitious goals for ourselves.
However, having goals is just the first step; turning them into reality requires a strategic plan and commitment.
In this article, we'll explore the essential steps to help you achieve your goals and make 2025 your year of grace and success.

*Step 1 *Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Ones*
Luke 14:27-32 reminds us to count the cost before embarking on a project. Breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks helps you identify the resources and time required to achieve them. Divide large goals into smaller tasks, create an action plan, and track your progress.

*Step 2: Create an Accountability System*
Proverbs 27:17 emphasizes the importance of having someone to sharpen and influence us. Share your goals with a trusted friend or family member and ask them to hold you accountable. Join a community that inspires and motivates you to achieve your goals.

*Step 3: Establish a Routine and Schedule*
Plan out your daily and weekly routine to ensure you have time for goal-oriented activities. Schedule specific times for tasks related to your goals, and remember to manage your time wisely.

*Step 4: Identify Potential Obstacles and Develop Contingency Plans*
Proverbs 22:3 and Matthew 26:41-42 remind us to anticipate potential problems and take proactive steps to avoid or mitigate them. Identify challenges that might hinder your progress, develop backup plans, and identify resources and support systems that can help you overcome obstacles.

*Step 5: Track Progress and Celebrate Small Wins*
Use a journal, spreadsheet, or mobile app to track your progress. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated and encouraged.

*Step 6: Review and Adjust Your Goals Regularly*
Regularly review your progress and adjust your goals as needed. Be flexible and willing to make changes to stay on track.

*Step 7: Seek God's Guidance and Trust Him for Grace*
Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit our plans to God and ask for His guidance and wisdom. Seek God's guidance, pray for strength, courage, and perseverance, and trust Him for His grace.
By following these 7 essential steps, you'll be well on your way to turning your goals into reality. Remember to stay focused, committed, and seek God's guidance and wisdom.

Declare 2025 as your year of grace and success (Grace the Game Changer!)

*Okey Sokay (The Multiplier)*

How To Build Your Personal Brand In 3 Easy Steps

Personal branding isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to stand out in today’s tech-infused world. Since Tom Peters’ groundbreaking manifesto, The Brand Called You, appeared in Fast Company nearly 28 years ago, personal branding has become a key component of career management. It has been integrated into talent development and leadership programs at many of the world’s most revered brands.

Why You Need To Build Your Personal Brand
As artificial intelligence and other tech advances continue to dominate the workplace, the human element—your personality, creativity, and unique value—is what makes you irreplaceable. Your personal brand doesn’t just help you land that next big gig, sign on new clients, or get you a promotion, it helps you find more happiness, purpose, and meaning in what you do every day. And in 2025, its importance is greater than ever (these 2025 personal branding trends will help you keep your brand relevant).


If personal branding sounds like a monumental task, don’t worry. Building your brand can be broken into three fun, actionable steps:

KNOW – Discover Your Personal Brand
SHOW – Tell Your Story
GROW – Expand Your Visibility And Value
Let’s dive into each step to help you craft a personal brand that’s authentic, unique, and memorable.

Step 1: KNOW – Discover Your Personal Brand
The first step to building a personal brand isn’t about creating an image to impress others. Instead, it’s about uncovering the real you. To build a strong, enduring brand, you must focus on authenticity–who you really are. That means it’s time to get to know yourself deeply through introspection and feedback. Let’s start with introspection.



Personal branding isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to stand out in today’s tech-infused world. Since Tom Peters’ groundbreaking manifesto, The Brand Called You, appeared in Fast Company nearly 28 years ago, personal branding has become a key component of career management. It has been integrated into talent development and leadership programs at many of the world’s most revered brands.

Why You Need To Build Your Personal Brand
As artificial intelligence and other tech advances continue to dominate the workplace, the human element—your personality, creativity, and unique value—is what makes you irreplaceable. Your personal brand doesn’t just help you land that next big gig, sign on new clients, or get you a promotion, it helps you find more happiness, purpose, and meaning in what you do every day. And in 2025, its importance is greater than ever (these 2025 personal branding trends will help you keep your brand relevant).

If personal branding sounds like a monumental task, don’t worry. Building your brand can be broken into three fun, actionable steps:

KNOW – Discover Your Personal Brand
SHOW – Tell Your Story
GROW – Expand Your Visibility And Value
Let’s dive into each step to help you craft a personal brand that’s authentic, unique, and memorable.

Step 1: KNOW – Discover Your Personal Brand
The first step to building a personal brand isn’t about creating an image to impress others. Instead, it’s about uncovering the real you. To build a strong, enduring brand, you must focus on authenticity–who you really are. That means it’s time to get to know yourself deeply through introspection and feedback. Let’s start with introspection.

Strong personal brands are clear about the six drivers of personal branding:

Purpose: What’s your “why”?
Goals: What do you want to achieve now and in the future?
Values: What principles do you live by?
Passions: What energizes and brings you joy?
Superpowers: What do you do better than your peers?
Differentiators: What sets you apart and makes you unique?
But discovering your brand goes beyond being self-reflective. In the KNOW phase, you must solicit feedback to validate your self-perceptions with feedback from others. After all, your brand–although authentic to you–is held in the hearts and minds of those who know you. The input you receive from others will help you clarify your brand.

Once you’ve gained brand clarity, it’s time to combine everything you’ve learned into a clear, compelling statement that captures who you are, what makes you unique, and why others should care.


1
Jan 5, 2025,060am EST
Updated Jan 5, 2025, 02:30pm EST
Confident man thinking about his personal brand
Photo credit getty
Personal branding isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to stand out in today’s tech-infused world. Since Tom Peters’ groundbreaking manifesto, The Brand Called You, appeared in Fast Company nearly 28 years ago, personal branding has become a key component of career management. It has been integrated into talent development and leadership programs at many of the world’s most revered brands.

Why You Need To Build Your Personal Brand
As artificial intelligence and other tech advances continue to dominate the workplace, the human element—your personality, creativity, and unique value—is what makes you irreplaceable. Your personal brand doesn’t just help you land that next big gig, sign on new clients, or get you a promotion, it helps you find more happiness, purpose, and meaning in what you do every day. And in 2025, its importance is greater than ever (these 2025 personal branding trends will help you keep your brand relevant).

If personal branding sounds like a monumental task, don’t worry. Building your brand can be broken into three fun, actionable steps:

KNOW – Discover Your Personal Brand
SHOW – Tell Your Story
GROW – Expand Your Visibility And Value
Let’s dive into each step to help you craft a personal brand that’s authentic, unique, and memorable.

Step 1: KNOW – Discover Your Personal Brand
The first step to building a personal brand isn’t about creating an image to impress others. Instead, it’s about uncovering the real you. To build a strong, enduring brand, you must focus on authenticity–who you really are. That means it’s time to get to know yourself deeply through introspection and feedback. Let’s start with introspection.

Strong personal brands are clear about the six drivers of personal branding:

Purpose: What’s your “why”?
Goals: What do you want to achieve now and in the future?
Values: What principles do you live by?
Passions: What energizes and brings you joy?
Superpowers: What do you do better than your peers?
Differentiators: What sets you apart and makes you unique?
But discovering your brand goes beyond being self-reflective. In the KNOW phase, you must solicit feedback to validate your self-perceptions with feedback from others. After all, your brand–although authentic to you–is held in the hearts and minds of those who know you. The input you receive from others will help you clarify your brand.

Once you’ve gained brand clarity, it’s time to combine everything you’ve learned into a clear, compelling statement that captures who you are, what makes you unique, and why others should care.




Step 2: SHOW – Tell Your Story
Now, it’s time to share your brand with the world—or at least with the people who matter most to your career (now and aspirationally). Think of your personal brand like a storybook. You’re the author. Crafting your narrative lets you connect deeply with others, making you memorable and relatable. These are the tools for telling your story:

Elevator Pitch
Your elevator pitch is your first impression. In 30 seconds or less, how can you spark curiosity and make someone want to learn more about you? In our world that’s becoming more and more virtual, your elevator pitch needs to work in both the real-world and online too. And the real and virtual versions must be congruent so that regardless of where someone meets you, they’re meeting the same exceptional person you are.

Branded Bio
Your branded bio is your career story told with personality. It’s not your resume, although it does include accomplishments and accolades. By highlighting your passions, purpose, and other human elements you make your bio emotionally connective. The most important version of your bio is your LinkedIn About. That’s because LinkedIn is where we go when we want to check out people in a professional capacity. Make sure your About has at least 30% personal content. People want to engage with people they can relate to.

Social Media Profiles
Optimize all the social media profiles you use to reflect your brand. Use a consistent tone and professional headshots that make people want to connect with you. Include a version of your branded bio that aligns with your authentic brand and makes people want to know more.

In today's competitive job market, it's not enough to just meet expectations and complete your assigned tasks. To stand out and make a lasting impression, it's important to go above and beyond the call of duty. Whether you're an employee or a business owner, going the extra mile can lead to greater success, recognition, and growth opportunities.

Hard work is an essential ingredient that leads to success. It means dedicating yourself to a task and putting in the effort and time required to achieve your goals. Whether it's for personal or professional growth, hard work is vital. It helps you develop skills, hone your talents, and overcome obstacles.

Hard work is the act of dedicating oneself to achieving a goal through persistence, determination, discipline, and sacrifice. It involves both physical and mental effort and can lead to personal growth, skill development, and greater opportunities for success. Achieving success requires strategic actions that involve much more than just working hard without direction or purpose. However, there is no denying that hard work is the stepping stone towards greatness.

Maintaining a positive attitude throughout your personal and professional life can help you find healthy coping mechanisms for stressors and challenges. With a positive attitude, you may be able overcome obstacles more easily, find more opportunities to express gratitude in your life and even forge actionable paths toward achieving your dreams. While fostering a positive outlook on a day-to-day basis can sometimes feel challenging, especially when you experience tension in your life, it's a worthwhile endeavor to undertake.

Striving for excellence is a critical aspect of achieving superior results in any field, be it personal or professional. It is the driving force behind progress and innovation, inspiring individuals to push beyond their limits and reach their full potential. The importance of striving for excellence cannot be overstated, and it applies to all areas of human endeavor, from science and technology to the arts, sports, and beyond. Excellence is not a destination but a journey, a continuous process of improvement that requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Discipline is the cornerstone of personal and professional success. It acts as the guiding force that shapes our behaviors, habits, and ultimately, our destinies. In every sphere of life, from personal development to career growth, maintaining discipline is the key to unlocking one’s full potential.

“The cost of Discipline is always less than the price of regrets, so self-discipline is always the biggest investment to success in life” - Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Curated from LinkedIn

To lay hold on your desire, understanding is required to turn your desire into its physical reality. Discovering of your hidden treasures will help you to grow your inner man faster. Subscribe to Ways to Shoppinglife and learn more. Visit my profile

Don't ever spend your time thinking on your negative past. Let you energy be on the goals and dreams you have in front of you.

No one succeed by accident, so it's your responsibility if you succeed or fails.

Here are the 4 things I expect will happen in the creator economy in 2025:

• The Supreme Court will uphold a U.S. law that could ban TikTok. After reporting on this story over the past four years and spending a lot of time speaking with legal experts, I expect the court to decide that national security concerns override worries that the ban violates the First Amendment, similar to the appeals court’s ruling. I think the Supreme Court will make a swift decision before the Jan. 19 deadline.

That won’t mean it’s game over for TikTok. President-elect Donald Trump, whose lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to delay its decision, wants to suspend the ban. And after the video app exhausts the legal route, I expect parent company ByteDance will hold discussions with buyers, though it may ultimately decide to shut the app down in the U.S. rather than strike a deal.
I predict Elon Musk will emerge as a suitor and try to buy the company.

• Instagram and YouTube will launch major shopping features to compete with TikTok Shop and take advantage of uncertainty around a ban. Individual creators on TikTok have made entire businesses around earning commissions through products they recommend, and they don’t have a great alternative if TikTok Shop disappears. Though Instagram in 2022 scaled back its shopping initiatives, I think it will revive these efforts in 2025, making it easier for creators to sell and recommend products. YouTube has also signaled shopping is a focus, including by recently expanding a partnership with Shopify.

• Hollywood goes even bigger on creators. Movie studios and streamers will work with more social media creators this year, both by casting them in traditional acting roles and by building new reality TV shows around them. They will also license their content and shows and launch more free, ad-supported streaming channels as they look to boost the amount of content available on their services. We could see deals featuring big stars, such as Alix Earle and Mark Rober.

• Direct investments in creators and their companies will rise. It’s not clear there’s a market for many startups focused on offering tools for creators. I expect more investors, from venture capitalists to private equity firms, to back the part of the creator economy that continues to grow: The influencers themselves, who have historically bootstrapped their companies. Creator-founded companies, particularly beauty brands started by influencers, could be targets for investments and acquisitions.

Plus, I grade last year's predictions and what I got right and wrong. (My prediction that creators would play a key role in the 2024 election was spot on. My prediction that X would rebrand back to Twitter -- not so much.