Taking one step at a time

Taking one step at a time is usually a hard thing for the human nature. The norm is that we always want it all here and now. But more often than not, this is never the case. Sometimes, it can get so disappointing that one may think it is the end. In reality, many would agree that at some point or another, they have come upon obstacles so challenging as to make them think that they have reached a dead end. At this point, many give up. However, a few often try to push harder not believing that it is the end. Always seeing a light at the end of the tunnel even when everybody else is seeing no hope, no future. That is the quality inherent in achievers. Those who never take no for answer. And that is what often separates the successful from the laggards.

A director with a national NGO in Kenya describing his earlier steps in starting an anti-drug abuse organizations recollects a period of disappointments, negative comments (from the most unlikely sources-friends and other close people). This did not deter him in his drive towards bringing something positive to the surface. 'It has never been done', came the darkened words, 'you wont make it', came another'...blablabla... A few years later (actually 3 years), his vision had blossomed into something tangible and serious. Within this short period, he had appeared on BBC, SABC (South African national station) among many other media anti-drug discussion panels. Similarly, he has brought hope to a number of those affected by drug addiction.

This further tells us that whatever it is that the heart is directed towards, nothing should stop you from pursuing it. Try all the channels possible. Knock all the doors, seek all the ways and ask all the questions. Just when you think all doors have been closed, God will open for you another window and that is not philosophy but something real. Something tangible. Something that is and will always be above human understanding. Keep on trying. Chase your dream. If you believe its what is meant for you then don't stop. It ain't over until its over. Never give up.

Managing your time effectively

You have just woken up, taken a shower and dressed up waiting to go to work. Suddenly, you remember, the work assignment or investment club meeting you were supposed to attend to. You take a look at your diary and find that the event is not keyed in. As well, you have to go to work and finish up some stuff. The first thing to do is to always have a diary or planner with you wherever you are. The planner or diary can serve the dual purposes of taking in your thoughts and schedules.

Always make sure you finish the easy assignments first. If all it requires is making a call. Do it and forget about it. Make sure you also take on your assignments in order of priority starting with the most important ones first. You will be amazed by how they get solved smoothly.

Anything positive you think of should always be put in writing (in your diary or planner). Avoid putting your thoughts on scattered pieces of paper. They are more than likely to disappear together with your thoughts and ideas. Never dismiss positive thoughts even as big as they might seem to you. The conscience putting them right there in your mind knows that you can pursue them, take them on and succeed in making them a reality. So be sure to have a planner or a diary next to you everytime waiting for that time when a flash of a bright idea or thought comes lingering on in your mind.

Writing and reporting for international media

Perhaps, the greatest challenge many budding writers meet along the way is the prospect of reporting or writing for international media. This is never easy considering the many qualified people who also apply for the postings. However, its also never impossible. Many of the reporters currently flying high in the world of international media such as CNN started somewhere and so can you. CNN Correspondent Zain Verjee, for example, started from a relatively small media house in Kenya back in the days (1990s). Her excellent work and dedication saw her submitting some reporting pieces for CNN, which ended up accepting them setting her current international media career path.
What of CNN Africa Correspondent Jeff Koinange? He too started in a small media house somewhere and look where he is a couple of years later. Success is a journey, not a destination, one adage goes. So the most important thing is to strive to be always one or more steps better than you were the previous day. Of course, its never easy, nobody says it is. But its never impossible either.