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<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1586899028174-e7098604235b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHx0diUyMHNob3dzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMjMzMDUyM3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="black flat screen tv turned on displaying 11" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@molliesivaram">Mollie Sivaram</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>As the weather warms up and we find ourselves spending more time indoors, there's no better time to dive into some fresh, exciting television. This spring, streaming platforms are offering up a smorgasbord of new and returning series that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning viewer. From laugh-out-loud comedies to pulse-pounding dramas, here are eight shows that should be on your radar.First up is "Girls5eva," a delightful musical comedy that recently made the jump from Peacock to Netflix. The series follows a one-hit-wonder girl group from the '90s as they reunite for another shot at fame. With a cast that includes Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, and Paula Pell, "Girls5eva" is a joyful, nostalgic romp that will have you humming its catchy tunes for days. <figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/04b158258fffbc1a798abd236c551930df9183b276bc52fb4fb2a321b3866543.girls5eva-5fc752f58e542822ab7748f89aabbf94afe4c4a2-s1600-c85.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">The ladies of Girls5eva: Gloria (Paula Pell), Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry), and Summer (Busy Philipps). Heidi Gutman/Peacock</figcaption></figure>If you loved Tina Fey's brand of humour in '30 Rock' and 'Mean Girls', you'll adore 'Girls5eva'. This hilarious gem follows a washed-up 90s girl group attempting a comeback. Expect ridiculous situations, catchy tunes, and a whole lot of female empowerment. It's the perfect pick-me-up for those days when you need a good guffaw.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/887524ce54a9fc335bd1146daec67c5f1d1c2367c904d25256998adfdc48a730.eo-3.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">The cast of Hulu's "Extraordinary" (flying man in the background included)</figcaption></figure>For those in the mood for something a bit quirkier, Hulu's "Extraordinary" is a must-watch. Set in a world where everyone develops a superpower on their 18th birthday, the series follows a young woman who remains powerless as she navigates the challenges of being ordinary in an extraordinary world. With its clever premise and charming cast, "Extraordinary" is a refreshing take on the superhero genre. Extraordinary' offers a hilarious and heartwarming look at finding your place. Feeling like a loser in her twenties? Jen's your girl. This show blends British wit with superhero tropes for a refreshingly unique and surprisingly moving watch.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/c1e134cf3258295e45f833c5f0bf199d1924710ffc96c367d66b20a6d2963a4c.hero-image.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod will break your heart about 14 times. Credit: Matt Towers / Netflix</figcaption></figure>Netflix's "One Day," based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls, is a sweeping romantic drama that chronicles the lives of two people who meet on the same day every year for two decades. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall deliver stunning performances as Emma and Dexter, making you root for their love story despite the obstacles they face. <figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/3371fca69e7995a3e1b11d89bdcfbe19b64f660407b7b2ae457d80bc6d3df262.image001.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Courtesy of Max</figcaption></figure>For fans of gritty crime dramas, the second season of "Tokyo Vice" on Max is not to be missed. The series, which stars Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe, dives deeper into the seedy underworld of 1990s Tokyo, with stylish cinematography and complex characters that will keep you hooked.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/40970033b50c9e03b7945956c4b394766cfc4556ca7ba59d82575cf638acb32e.shogun-poster-cropped-featured.avif" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>History buffs and samurai enthusiasts alike will be captivated by "Shōgun," a new limited series that transports viewers to feudal Japan. Boasting an extremely talented cast, gorgeous visuals, and a masterful blend of history and fiction, "Shōgun" is a cinematic triumph that should not be missed. An epic saga set in feudal Japan, 'Shōgun' follows an English navigator caught in a power struggle. Expect stunning visuals, intricate plotlines, and a captivating glimpse into a fascinating historical era.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/9dd1aaecb7a248e79e33d7015b3351740424b7b617c82141c336fc8217b72939.Criminal_Record_Photo_010301.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Courtesy of Apple TV+</figcaption></figure>Apple TV+ is getting in on the action with "Criminal Record," a gripping British crime drama about two detectives with a complicated history who must work together to solve a high-profile murder case. With twists and turns at every corner, "Criminal Record" is sure to keep you guessing until the very end.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/0bacb204c9d6a2dcb3181d40e6a80d8601e4e5ec955c5c6a3d7abc3143e585b4.MAMS_S1_UT_1_220613_LEEDAV_00096RC_1_3000.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Courtesy of Prime Video</figcaption></figure>Prime Video is offering up two exciting series this spring: "Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith," a modern reboot of the classic spy comedy about married assassins hired to kill each other, and a new season of "Alex Rider," the popular YA spy thriller set to premiere on April 5th.<h2>Bonus Gem: 'Alex Rider' (New season out on April 5th)</h2><figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/8c969304f94164451f61eb2dea9e21a69e070be28751629377fd2197f7d31ece.AR_103-20190325-DW_372_RT-1604986843.webp" id="figure-2mt3a" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">COURTESY OF Prime Video</figcaption></figure>Teenage spy Alex Rider returns for another round of high-stakes missions. If you crave action, gadgets, and thrilling escapes, this series based on the beloved books won't disappoint.So, there you have it! Cancel your weekend plans, stock up on snacks, and get ready for a binge-watching extravaganza. These shows offer a little bit of everything: big laughs, heart-wrenching moments, and edge-of-your-seat thrills. Let the binge begin!

8 Must-See Shows to Add to Your Watchlist

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/e16f02c76e4ff3e902ab1f8983249ac3c946fc8ddd9a65b06859b12a1998d8ff.baobab.png" id="figure-y8mxi" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>Baobab Network, a leading pan-African venture capital firm and startup accelerator, has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest in 1,000 tech startups across Africa over the next 10 years.The Nairobi-based firm aims to deploy over $100 million in funding to fuel innovation and support entrepreneurship across the continent. This bold vision comes as global VC heavyweight Y Combinator scales back its Africa operations, creating a strategic opportunity for Baobab to cement itself as a dominant early-stage investor in the region.<h2>Over $50M Deployed Since 2019</h2>Founded in 2016 by Toby Hanington and Tom Fairburn, Baobab Network has been one of Africa's most active pre-seed and seed-stage investors. The firm runs a highly competitive 12-week accelerator program, providing each startup with $100,000 in funding, intensive mentoring and access to its broad network of partners.Since launching the accelerator in 2019, Baobab has already backed over 45 companies across 15 African countries. The agritech startup Lentera and the digital freight forwarder Tripitaca, both of which were successful exits from its portfolio, were both purchased by Global Shipping Business Network.To date, the firm has deployed over $50 million into Africa's tech ecosystem. But it's just getting started, with its new commitment to scale up its investing activity exponentially over the next decade.<h2>Stepping In As YC Steps Back</h2>Baobab's declaration comes on the heels of Y Combinator announcing its partial retreat from Africa. While YC's exit created a gap in early-stage funding options, Baobab saw it as a strategic opportunity. With its extensive experience investing in African startups and running accelerator programs locally, it is well-positioned to drive more capital to promising ventures across the continent.<h2>$100K Funding Pool Boosts Recent Cohort</h2>Baobab Network's cohort showcases the diversity and depth of African entrepreneurship.Each company received $50,000 directly from Baobab, plus access to an additional $50,000 via the firm's new co-investment vehicle. This $100K funding pool offers a vital boost for early-stage ventures facing a cooling investment climate.While Africa has not been immune to global funding headwinds, Baobab has remained active. It has already closed 10 deals this year, with more in the pipeline for Q4 2023.<h2>Appointment of Niama El Bassunie Accelerates Growth</h2>To help achieve its goal of investing in 1,000 startups, Baobab Network has expanded its team. It recently appointed Niama El Bassunie as Managing Partner, leveraging her experience as a Y Combinator alumnus and one of Africa's few female startup founders with a big exit.El Bassunie co-founded WaystoCap, a B2B marketplace for Africa that raised over $11 million. Her hands-on expertise in scaling startups and raising venture funding will be an asset to Baobab.With its expanded leadership, targeted co-investment vehicle and bold vision to catalyze 1,000 startups, Baobab Network is cementing its dominance in African tech. Despite turbulent times, its conviction highlights the immense growth potential of African innovation.

Baobab Network Commits $100M to Invest in 1,000 African Tech Startups

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560275615-1af1065a393c?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxzZWxmfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwNTMyMjE1MXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="woman wearing floral dress standing on brown grassland" id="figure-1rycy" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@jacksondavid">Jackson David</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Self-reliance is the ability to live life on your own terms. Self-reliance means being able to make your own decisions, solve your own problems and manage your own life. Self-reliance also means being independent and not relying on others to take care of you or solve your problems in other words, not expecting other people to do things for you when you can do them yourself.<h2>Take care of your own emotions.</h2>Emotions can be difficult to deal with, especially when you’re feeling them on a daily basis. But taking care of your own emotions is important if you want to be self-reliant.<ul class="list-disc"><li>Don’t let them control you. When your emotions are in charge, they can dictate what you do and how you think—and that can get in the way of being able to take care of yourself. For example, if you have a bad day at work and come home feeling stressed out and anxious about money, it might be hard for you to relax enough for sleep or eat dinner properly. By allowing your emotions free reign over your actions (or lack thereof), you set yourself up for failure as well as making life harder than it needs to be—which isn't helpful either!</li><li>Don't be afraid of expressing them either; just make sure that doing so doesn't stop whatever needs doing from being done because someone else needs attention instead! In other words: don't get stuck on one thing when there's something else equally important waiting in line behind it--because trust me when I say this happens more often than not...</li></ul><h2>Never ignore your instincts.</h2>You should always listen to your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, it probably is. If you feel something is right, it probably is. And if you feel something isn't right, trust that hunch and don't ignore it.If your gut tells you something isn't right with a person or situation—and they're not doing anything illegal or immoral enough to justify ignoring that feeling in the moment—then start looking for ways out of whatever situation they're involved in.<h2>Learn a new skill.</h2>Learning a new skill can be fun and rewarding, but it can also help you become more self-reliant. You’ll be able to get jobs that pay well, or even start your own business. Here are some skills that are good for self-reliance:<ul class="list-disc"><li>Cooking</li><li>Sewing</li><li>Carpentry</li><li>Plumbing</li></ul><h2>Don't depend on others for the fulfilment of your needs and desires.</h2>You may find your life easier if you don't depend on others for the fulfilment of your needs and desires.Why? Because it's not likely to happen.People are busy, distracted, and often self-absorbed; some of them are downright unreliable. They are also not mind readers who can magically know what you want or need without having to ask or tell.So don’t wait for others to do things for you—do them yourself instead! If someone in your life is chronically late, then show up at the appointed time yourself—and if they still aren’t there yet (or have forgotten), leave without waiting around any longer than necessary. If a friend always cancels plans on you at the last minute because something else came up that was more important at the time (and isn't likely now either), stop making plans with them until they learn how important their word is—and until they realize how much better it feels when people keep their promises instead of breaking them over and over again!<h2>If something needs doing, do it yourself, don't get someone else to do it for you.</h2>If something needs doing, do it yourself, don't get someone else to do it for you.If you need help in a particular area of your life and can't find anyone who knows how to do it better than you, then go ahead: take a class or ask someone who knows more about the subject than you do. But if there are many people around who have more experience than you and are willing to help, why not let them? The reason I say this is because when we're independent enough that we can rely on ourselves instead of others (even if those others are experts), then we can start making our own decisions about what's best for us instead of always having someone else decide what's best for us.<h2>Never let go of your long-term needs and desires.</h2>To be self-reliant, you have to keep your eye on the longer term. Don't get distracted by short-term pleasures or problems that don't ultimately affect you or your goals. If someone else is having a problem, it's not your responsibility to fix it for them (if there aren't any other options). You can help them find solutions and support them along the way, but don't let their problems become yours.<h2>Never waste time; always be productive with what you are doing, or learning a new skill.</h2>In order to be self-reliant, you must use your time wisely. This means not wasting time on things that don't matter to you or that someone else can do for you. It also means not wasting time on things that are not important for your life, such as checking social media every hour of the day or watching television all the time. You should only be spending time doing things that make your life better in some way and help advance towards a goal of yours. For example: if you're trying to learn a new skill, learn what skills are most important for survival such as gardening/farming (these will help grow food), fishing (this will provide protein), hunting animals (this can provide both meat and fur), etc...<h2>Do not fall into the trap of instant gratification; look to the future as well as the present.</h2>Don't fall into the trap of instant gratification; look to the future as well as the present. Many people spend money on unnecessary things, and then wonder why they have no money left over at the end of each month. If you are going to buy something, make sure that it is something that will bring value and utility for a long time to come.For example, if your car breaks down and needs repairs, buy one with quality parts so that it stays in good shape longer (which saves you on maintenance costs). You may also want to invest in tools or equipment that can save time—you can use this extra time later when needed!<h2>Self-reliant people are also more enjoyable to be around because they don't make their lives other people's problems.</h2>When you're self-reliant, you don't need anyone else to solve your problems. You can do that yourself. That's why being self-reliant is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It might be hard at first, but once you get used to it, it'll be easy!When people can solve their problems by themselves and not depend on others for help or guidance, they feel more confident and secure about themselves—and this makes them happier overall. They also tend not to want help from friends or family when things go wrong because they know that they’re capable of figuring things out themselves (or asking someone who knows how).<h2>Conclusion</h2>With these tips, you will be able to start becoming more self-reliant, and with that, you will also start feeling more confident in your ability to take care of yourself. It's all about taking responsibility for your own life and not expecting others to do it for you!Like this content? follow for more.

How to be self-reliant

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/b4796773191d15001d6b3b0f16e45ec38cd04031afb6f50cf4575a2b802b5f57.adebiri.png" alt="Edebiri thank you speech " id="figure-ys6wms" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Ayo Edebiri Thank you speech. </figcaption></figure>Ayo Edebiri cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood with a historic Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2023 Emmy Awards on January 16th. She was recognized for her acclaimed performance as Sydney Adamu in the hit FX series "The Bear", becoming only the third Black actress to ever win this category in the award show's 75-year history.Edebiri beat out a highly competitive group of nominees, including comedy veterans like Alex Borstein and Hannah Waddingham. But her heartfelt acceptance speech is what truly captivated audiences. "<blockquote>This is a show about family and found family and real family,” she said, before joking that she made her parents “sit kind of far away” from her. </blockquote>She thanked them for their love and support, getting emotional as she added, <blockquote>“Thank you so much for loving me and letting me feel beautiful and Black and proud of all of that.”</blockquote><figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/97ec35c91a2371e07341fbf68d71051476777de351adaab1dc3c9cc97eecf006.BEAR_S1_106_MD_00200Photo_Matt_Dinerstein_f.webp" id="figure-ys6wms" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Edebiri in "The Bear" (Image credit: FX Networks)</figcaption></figure><h3>An Unlikely Emmy Contender</h3>Just a few years ago, Edebiri was relatively unknown, working odd jobs while trying to break through in the comedy world. Born in Boston to immigrant parents from Nigeria and Barbados, she became interested in performing as a kid through school plays and improv club. She studied dramatic writing in college while interning at the famous Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. After graduation, Edebiri struggled to find steady work, at one point working as a production assistant on “Broad City.” She slowly gained recognition through stand-up comedy sets and her comedic web series “Ayo and Rachel Are Single." But her big break came in 2020 when she joined the voice cast of Netflix's hit animated series “Big Mouth.” Her ascent since then has been meteoric. After stand-out voice roles in shows like “Dickinson,” Edebiri landed a lead part in 2022’s critically-acclaimed “The Bear." Her performance as the competent and ambitious Sydney, striving to transform an unruly restaurant kitchen, earned universal praise. Along with her Emmy, she has won both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award this year for the role.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/5824ee0ee17ab77a3d7b6db1811c03c862f8a927807ad72c7071ec21444b40f4.ap2659bd5fc0c31c.jpg" id="figure-ys6wms" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure><h3>Making Emmy History </h3>With her Emmy victory, Edebiri becomes only the third Black actress to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in the award’s history. The first was Jackée Harry in 1987 for the sitcom “227”, followed by Sheryl Lee Ralph last year for “Abbott Elementary.” In her speech, Edebiri reflected on this historic significance. “Probably not a dream to immigrate to this country and to have your kid be like, ‘I want to do improv,'" she quipped. "But you're real ones.”Her win caps a breakout year for Black women at the Emmys, with Quinta Brunson also taking home Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary” on the same night. <figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/35e8fa998ed89854c2c1331aa52999c934aa66f33b2bc31662d0493c3d3364bb.THE_BEAR_201_0254R-e1687459936794.webp" id="figure-ys6wms" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Edebiri as Sydney Adamu in the kitchen of "The Bear" (Image credit: Variety)</figcaption></figure><h3>What’s Next for the Rising Star</h3>With two critically-acclaimed seasons of “The Bear” under her belt and major awards now in hand, the sky seems the limit for Ayo Edebiri. She has described her sudden career highs as “delusional”, but she is already lining up major projects to prove she is no flash in the pan. Later this year, she will appear in the indie romantic comedy “Bottoms” acclaimed to be premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. And she is set to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a key role in 2024’s “Blade” starring Mahershala Ali. As her star continues to rise, her hilarious and heartfelt Emmy speech showed that Edebiri remains grounded by family. Her historic win has also cemented her as an inspiration for young Black girls with dreams of making it in Hollywood.

Ayo Edebiri Makes History with 2023 Emmy Win for Outstanding Supporting Actress

“Americans are getting stronger. Twenty years ago, it took two people to carry ten dollars’ worth of groceries. Today, a five-year-old can do it.” – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henny_Youngman">Henny Youngman</a>, comedian“Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for the ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars when you had hair.” – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://home.kleppnett.no/ewing/p8.htm">Sam Ewing</a>, writer and humoristInflation has been low in recent years. However, with many retirements lasting 30+ years inflation can be a big problem even at today’s low rates.In fact, retirement expert <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moshe_Milevsky">Moshe Milevsky </a>believes low inflation can be especially insidious because it lulls us into a false sense of complacency. Milevsky writes, “I believe that the relatively low inflation rates we have experienced in the last quarter century might actually be just as dangerous as the hyperinflation rates I grew up with in Latin America. This is because low numbers can be easily ignored. Yet over long horizons they can be just as deadly.”Add to this the fact there is no guarantee inflation will remain low in the future and it becomes clear that everyone preparing for retirement must consider inflation in their plan. Social Security is indexed to inflation, which gives everyone some protection. However, you also need a plan to protect the part of your income not covered by Social Security from losing its purchasing power over time.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/90e892f6170329688d754a37a474c45e79cc430f889c444e009113dbdc8d6dd3.download.jpg" id="figure-0suirl" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>

Inflation Reminders

MARK-DAN OKRAH

Bareconnect needs to run you a check Sameera! Lol
I hadn't heard about them till today. 

Customer relations is a dicey topic though. Trick is to know your target audience and what makes them happy.

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1664575602276-acd073f104c1?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxidXNpbmVzc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDQ4MDExNTV8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="a person sitting at a table with a laptop" id="figure-y4bmjh" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@microsoft365">Microsoft 365</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>The words “DM to order” or “DM for price” are easy methods to sell to customers but let me tell you this, they are hard to work with.Let me give you an example: a customer DMs you on Instagram or Twitter to purchase a product. Of course, they ask you for the price and the availability of the product or whether they are in stock. You answer all their questions, they go offline for a bit — let’s say 30 minutes, they come back with more questions — you answer all of them — only for them to end the conversation with either, “I will get back to you”, “I don’t think I want these colours”, “I can’t afford it”, etc. and leave you on read.What? It’s frustrating, innit? Do you want to know what’s worse? When they ask for your payment details but do not send the money to confirm payment. LMFAOAs a business owner in the 21st century, especially in 2024, one of your smart moves should be how to be innovative to solve problems like these, digitally.Have a website! Create a website yourself or pay someone to create it for you.Your website will have all the information customers will need before making a purchase. The website will have a variety of delivery /dispatch and payment options for your customers to choose from. The goal of the website is to make buying and selling super easy and simple for both you and the customer — you get your money and they get their products or services depending on what you do as a business owner.If you are the business owner wearing all the hats and by hats I mean you being the accountant, finance manager, customer service representative, procurement manager, etc you know it all — then creating a website yourself without having to pay someone to do it for you, shouldn’t be a something you can’t do. Yes, yes I know…I know you have zero coding skills. It’s not a problem.I found a website platform where you can create a website for your business. It’s similar to Shopify, Wix, Square-space, WooCommerce, etc but cheaper.The website platform is called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 af lz" href="http://bareconnect.com/">Bareconnect</a>. I use Bareconnect for my business (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 af lz" href="http://shoparimas.com/">Shop Arimas</a>). For someone who switched from Shopify to Bareconnect, trust me! when I say it’s cheaper and easier to create a website there. Their templates are free and super easy to use and edit to your preference and satisfaction.Oh and did I mention that it takes less than an hour to create your website on Bareconnect? Well, yes. Less than an hour!If you are unable to create the website yourself, you can pay someone to do it for you using Bareconnect. I can do it for you — at a cost of course.Their basic plan is $9 for a month. Now tell me whether that isn’t cheaper. Plus you can buy your domain on there too.This isn’t an ad, but I’d love for Bareconnect to run me a cheque. LolSwitch from selling on DMs to websites. Less interaction with customers because all the information about your product or service will be on your website. It is always better to use a website. It saves time and energy for both parties — you and the customers.

MOVING FROM DM TO ORDER TO CREATING A WEBSITE | PART 1

Business Development | Entrepreneur | Business Tech Enthusiast 

Samira Awal

<figure class="stories_selected__I6_3m"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dgzsdbrlc/image/upload/v1698055096/fenerlh2x9mrtqskiixi.png" id="figure-24i16" selected="true" draggable="false" contenteditable="false"><figcaption title="Your image caption goes here" contenteditable="true" data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Brands and what they can take © Buzzedison </figcaption></figure>Trying to appeal to everyone is tough for brands these days because people have so many different views. Instead of going after some imaginary "mainstream" audience, brands should focus on connecting with the communities that really care about them. That's the best way to find real success How can brands identify the communities that really care about them? Check out what people are saying about your stuff on social media - the hashtags, posts, all of it. The people chatting about your brand are showing they care. <h3>Talk to them! Notice who's liking, commenting on, and sharing your stuff online. </h3>Those are your brand super fans right there! If your product has a hardcore following or community, connect with them through forums, influencers, events, X communities, Facebook groups - you name it. Find the leaders in those communities. Look at the data on your customers to see who your MVPs are - the ones who buy from you all the time and love your brand. Ask them what makes them tick. Pay attention to who shows up when you've got stuff happening in the real world. The folks making the effort to be there are telling you they care. Check out reviews, unboxings, tutorials, all that jazz featuring your products. The people making that content have you on their mind! Don't forget all the people who hit up your customer service wanting to chat. They care enough to reach out! The big idea is to spot who genuinely cares about your brand by how they act and talk about your stuff. Then you can show them love back!<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://www.buzzedison.com">Learn more</a>

Trying to appeal to everyone is tough for brands these days.

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/bc5cea5ab882e5244b6d596f7f79b5852f694630669007ced202e25db085b753.buzzedison_The_Wrong_Way_to_Change_Your_Companys_Culture_1a7fe0f2-237f-4e56-9caa-54c9a441b00a.png" alt="The Trailblazer amongst conformity." id="figure-pz6k6" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">The Trailblazer amongst conformity. © Buzzedison</figcaption></figure>If you want to transform your company's culture, the biggest mistake you can make is to treat it like a marketing campaign. Many companies do exactly this - they announce a big "culture change initiative" complete with a catchy slogan, mandatory training sessions, and glossy posters in the break rooms. Then they sit back and wait for the results to roll in.Unsurprisingly, this almost never works. Employees see right through the superficial trappings and recognise it for what it is—a top-down edict forcing an unwanted change on them. At best, they smile and nod while secretly carrying on exactly as before. At worst, they actively resist and sabotage the effort. Either way, the company ends up right back where it started, only poorer in time, money, and morale.The reason this approach fails is that it fundamentally misunderstands how cultural change happens. You can't dictate it from on high and expect it to take root. Lasting change has to grow from the bottom up, and it has to be voluntary.The Law of Diffusion of Innovations, popularised by Everett Rogers, explains how this works. Any time a new idea is introduced to a group, people naturally sort themselves along a bell curve of adoption. A few innovators and early adopters jump on board immediately. A few laggards and sceptics reject it outright. The majority fall somewhere in the middle - the early and late majority - who will come around eventually if given time and exposure.The mistake companies make is focusing their efforts on the wrong part of the curve. They think if they can just convince the mass of people in the middle, the battle will be won. So they focus all their energy there, trying to persuade and cajole and win over the doubters.But that's like trying to light a wet log. You can blow on it all day long and it will never catch fire. The people in the middle won't budge until they see others adopting the change first. No amount of management dictates or slick presentations will change that.The trick is to ignore the middle and focus on the kindling - the early adopters. These are the people who are naturally inclined to embrace change. They're excited by new ideas and eager to try new things. If you can get them on board, they'll light the fire that eventually spreads to the rest of the organisation.So instead of a big flashy rollout, the best way to start a cultural transformation is quietly, with a small group of volunteers. Identify the people who are already exhibiting the behaviours and values you want to promote. Bring them together and empower them to be ambassadors and role models for the rest of the company.Give them the tools and resources they need to succeed. Remove obstacles and barriers in their way. Celebrate their successes and hold them up as examples for others to follow. Most importantly, listen to their feedback and let them help shape the direction of the change.As these early adopters begin to have an impact, others will naturally start to follow their lead. People in the middle of the adoption curve may not be willing to take the lead themselves, but they'll happily follow once they see others doing it. Slowly but surely, the change will spread throughout the organisation.This is not a quick process. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to let things develop organically. You have to be prepared for setbacks and reversals. You have to resist the urge to mandate compliance or revert to the old command-and-control approach.But if you stick with it, the results can be transformative. You'll end up with a culture that is authentic, resilient, and self-perpetuating. One that is truly owned by the employees, not just imposed from above.The key is to work with human nature, not against it. Understand how people adopt new ideas and use that knowledge to your advantage. Focus on the early adopters and let them lead the way. Be patient and persistent and let the change spread naturally.It's not as flashy as a big marketing campaign. But it's the only way to achieve lasting cultural transformation. Anything else is just an expensive exercise in futility.<h2>How to Start a Cultural Transformation the Right Way</h2><ol class="list-decimal"><li>Identify your early adopters. Look for people who are already living the values and behaviours you want to promote. They may be at any level of the organization, not just management.</li><li>Bring them together. Create a forum for these early adopters to connect with each other, share ideas, and build momentum. This could be a regular meeting, an online community, or a special project team.</li><li>Empower them to lead. Give your early adopters the autonomy and resources they need to start making changes in their own areas. Remove red tape and roadblocks that stand in their way.</li><li>Communicate their successes. As your early adopters start to have an impact, make sure the rest of the organisation knows about it. Celebrate their wins and hold them up as examples for others to follow.</li><li>Listen and iterate. Your early adopters will have valuable insights and feedback about what's working and what's not. Listen closely and be willing to adjust your approach based on what you learn.</li><li>Be patient. Remember that cultural change is a slow process. Don't expect overnight results, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Keep supporting your early adopters and trust that their influence will spread over time.</li><li>Resist the urge to mandate. As more people start to adopt the new behaviours, you may be tempted to speed things up by making them mandatory. Resist this urge. Forced compliance will only breed resentment and undermine the authentic change you're trying to achieve.</li><li>Reinforce and institutionalise. As the new culture takes hold, look for ways to reinforce and institutionalise it. This could mean changing hiring practices, performance evaluations, or reward systems to align with the new values.</li></ol>To initiate a genuine and long-lasting cultural change within your organisation, you can follow the steps outlined. While it may not be the fastest or most trendy strategy, it is the only one that will truly be accepted by your employees.

The Wrong Way to Change Your Company's Culture

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1616531770192-6eaea74c2456?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxzeXN0ZW1zfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwNDI3NzYxMXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="black flat screen tv turned on near green plant" id="figure-0dt6bl" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@sigmund">Sigmund</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>We need to talk about systemic bias in business. I know it’s an uncomfortable topic, but pretending these biases don’t exist or just aren’t “a big deal” doesn’t make the problem go away. And let’s be real — systemic biases are a huge deal. They negatively impact people’s lives and careers every single day.So what exactly are systemic biases? Essentially, they are patterns of unfair policies, practices, and decisions that disadvantage certain groups. And they permeate many aspects of the workplace.Now, I’m not accusing anyone here of being intentionally discriminatory. Most systemic biases are unintentional or even unconscious. They stem from our cognitive limitations as human beings, organizational cultures and routines, and social norms and expectations.But even if the biases aren’t conscious or deliberate, their effects are still incredibly harmful. Systemic biases restrict opportunities and advancement for marginalized groups. They also have major consequences for businesses — reduced innovation, turnover of talented employees, legal vulnerability, reputational risks, etc.So let’s talk specifics. What kinds of systemic biases crop up frequently in workplaces? Well, there’s affinity bias — our tendency to favour people like ourselves without even realizing we’re doing it. Think about it — if the leadership team at a company is predominately one demographic, they’re probably going to gravitate towards candidates from similar backgrounds.Along the same lines, people often suffer from confirmation bias — seeking out and trusting information that matches what they already believe. Once we have an assumption or belief about someone, it’s tough to change our minds…even if we’re dead wrong.Then there’s performance bias — judging certain groups of employees more critically and setting them up to fail by not providing the same growth opportunities. For instance, not assigning high-potential projects to working moms because you assume they’ll be too busy with family responsibilities.And let’s not forget about good old maternal wall bias — straight-up discrimination against mothers and other primary caregivers that blocks them from advancing their careers. Like assuming being a mom makes you less committed to your job and passing you over for promotions.These kinds of systemic biases have no place in a modern, ethical company. So what can be done? Well, first step is getting educated. Leaders and managers should invest time understanding subtle biases, microaggressions, and how to spot systemic discrimination.From there, you’ve gotta run bias audits using analytics to diagnose unfair policies and practices. Look closely at metrics for hiring, compensation, performance ratings, attrition, etc. The data doesn’t lie.When you find biased systems, reform them. Adopt structured, skills-based hiring practices that minimize bias. Revise narrow definitions of “merit” and “success” that exclude certain groups.On top of removing biases already embedded in your culture, actively promote inclusion day-to-day. Foster psychological safety so employees feel empowered to speak up if they encounter unfair treatment.I know recognizing systemic biases can be uncomfortable. It’s human nature to resist criticism about biases and discrimination, even if unintended. But ignoring or denying the problem won’t make it go away. And it won’t unlock your team and company’s full potential.So let’s keep this conversation going. I’m happy to brainstorm more ideas for addressing biases and barriers in our workplace. Because creating a company culture built on equity and inclusion will benefit all of us. Our differences make us stronger as a team. But we have to put in consistent, conscious work to get there.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://medium.com/@ewuranna/the-invisible-barriers-holding-us-back-7d335687dddc">Medium saw it first</a>

The Invisible Barriers Holding Us Back. 
Exposing Systemic Biases In The Workplace

Why would we keep quiet? Let's tell the world our story!

Digital Technology Specialist | Passionate about driving innovation and leveraging technology to create positive change

Ewuranna Smith-Quayson

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1491555103944-7c647fd857e6?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxzdWNjZXNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwMDU4MTY0NXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="person in red hoodie standing on snowy mountain during daytime" id="figure-ano2zp" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@joshuaearle">Joshua Earle</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>let’s start by unraveling the big question: What’s success? We’ve all got our own versions of it, right? For some, it’s climbing the corporate ladder, making a ton of money, or having a fancy title…And then, there’s character, the stuff that makes you, well, you. It’s your values, your principles, the way you treat others when no one’s watching… it’s the true essence of who you are…Now, why are we diving into this? Well, because we’re gonna chat about something pretty interesting today. We’re gonna explore this idea that your character, the “you” on the inside, might just be more valuable than all those trophies of success…Sit tight because we’re about to take a little journey into the heart of this age-old debate.<h3>Different interpretations of&nbsp;success</h3>Success is one of those words that can wear a thousand different hats, depending on who you ask. For some, it’s all about the corner office, the power suits, and the impressive paycheck. It’s the stuff that gets you on the cover of Forbes.But for others, success wears a more casual attire. It’s the ability to spend quality time with family, make a difference in your community, or pursue your passion without checking your bank balance every five minutes.What success means to you might be worlds apart from your best friend, your neighbor, or even a total stranger.<h3>The external and internal dimensions of&nbsp;success</h3>Now, success comes with a twin, let’s call it the “Inside Scoop.” There’s the external success that you can flaunt the fancy job titles, the luxurious vacations, the shiny gadgets… all the stuff you can see and touch. It’s like the frosting on a cake, making life sweet and visually appealing.But the true magic happens on the inside. It’s about that inner peace, that contentment that bubbles up when you’re in harmony with your values and passions. It’s not about what you show the world; it’s about how you feel when nobody’s watching.In other words, while external success might make your Instagram followers green with envy, internal success is what fills your heart with joy and your life with meaning.<h3>Society’s perception of&nbsp;success</h3>Society often has its own script for what success should look like, It’s like the pressures to climb the career ladder, buy a house, and be a certain someone by a certain age. You might feel like you’re racing to meet these expectations set by others, but here’s the deal: Your success story should be written by you, not by society’s standards.So, while society might have a say, remember, your journey is your own. What makes your heart skip a beat, what makes you feel truly accomplished that’s what defines success for you.<h3>The Role of Character</h3>let’s talk character. It’s like the hidden code that makes you, well, you. It is the sum total of your ethical and moral values, the essence of who you are at your core. It’s a bit like a puzzle made up of various pieces, where each piece represents a different facet of your character.Integrity, honesty, empathy, and resilience are some of the fundamental components that form your character. It’s the combination of these traits that guides your behavior and choices in life. Character isn’t just a passive observer in the grand play of life, it’s an active participant. Your character is the silent advisor that whispers in your ear when you stand at a crossroads. It influences the decisions you make, steering you toward choices that align with your values.It’s akin to a moral compass that keeps you on the path of integrity, urging you to consider not just the outcome of your actions but also the means by which you achieve them. Your character is the rudder that helps you navigate the moral waters and stay true to your principles.<h3>The conflict between pursuing success and maintaining character</h3>The tussle between success and character. It’s like trying to balance on a seesaw with one end labeled “Success” and the other “Character.” Sometimes, it feels like a tightrope act.The dilemma arises when the pursuit of success seems to demand compromises on your character. It might pressure you into making choices that make your gut clench. The big question is, how do you navigate this tricky terrain? How do you stay true to your values while striving for success?We’ve all heard stories, haven’t we? Tales of people who climbed the ladder of success but left their character at the bottom rung. It’s like they were so focused on reaching the summit that they lost sight of their moral compass. From corporate scandals to political downfalls, history is sprinkled with examples of individuals who chose to compromise their character in the name of success.<h3>The consequences of prioritizing success over character</h3>What happens when you put success on a pedestal, above your character?it might seem impressive for a while, but sooner or later, it all comes crashing down. The consequences can range from tarnished reputations and broken relationships to an inner sense of hollowness and regret. When character is sacrificed for success, it often leaves a trail of collateral damage in its wake. We’ll explore these outcomes, providing insight into the real costs of prioritizing success at any cost.<h3>The Long-Term Benefits of Character</h3>Building trust and credibility: Think of character as the currency of trust; the more you have, the richer your relationships become. When you consistently act in alignment with your values, people notice. They start to trust your word, your actions, and your intentions. This trust is like a safety net, one that can make professional and personal collaborations smoother and more effective. It’s the kind of equity that pays lifelong dividends.Fostering meaningful and lasting relationships: Authentic friendships and genuine connections are nurtured through shared values and mutual respect. These relationships aren’t fleeting, they stand the test of time. They’re the kind where you can pick up right where you left off, no matter how much time has passed. And they’re the support system that helps you weather life’s storms.Personal growth and fulfillment: Character isn’t just about how you interact with the world; it’s also about how you grow as a person. When you prioritize character, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Character challenges you to become a better version of yourself. It’s like a coach cheering you on to reach your full potential. The fulfillment you find in being true to your principles, in making a positive impact, and in living authentically is a reward that no amount of external success can match.<h3>Success and Character: Striking a&nbsp;Balance</h3>So, how do you find that sweet spot where success and character coexist harmoniously? It starts with setting clear ethical boundaries. Having well-defined principles helps you make choices that align with your character, even in challenging situations. It’s about knowing your limits and having the courage to say, “This is where I draw the line.”<h3>Balancing ambition and integrity</h3>Balancing ambition and integrity can be a bit of a tightrope walk, but it’s not impossible. Your ambition fuels your drive, pushing you to achieve your goals, while your integrity keeps you rooted in your values. You can pursue success with vigor, but ensure that your journey is guided by ethical principles, not shortcuts or compromises.<h3>Nurturing character while striving for&nbsp;success</h3>Striving for success doesn’t mean abandoning your character; it means taking it along for the ride. Nurturing character while on the road to success involves continuous self-reflection, accountability, and a commitment to growth.It’s a journey of self-improvement, where you learn from your mistakes, uphold your values, and adapt to the evolving landscape of your life. Balancing character and success is a dynamic process that requires dedication, but the rewards in terms of personal growth and genuine achievements are immeasurable.<hr>If you found this interesting, make sure to get my dose of inspiration to your inbox

Character is More Important than Success

Voracious reader, Love People! Unlearning and re-learning

Heartwill

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1546410531-bb4caa6b424d?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxsZWFybmluZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTk3MDA5OTl8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="love to learn pencil signage on wall near walking man" id="figure-ptifxq" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@timmossholder">Tim Mossholder</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Remember as a kid when learning was pure adventure? Every fact or skill unlocked new worlds. Each lesson was a journey into the unknown.School was thrilling.Somewhere along the way, that wide-eyed wonder faded. Education became just another box to check. Textbooks felt like chores, not tickets to explore.It doesn’t have to be this way. Learning can recapture that magical spark — at any age.<h2 style="text-align: start">5 ways to rekindle your curiosity</h2>Learn What Fascinates YouFollow your interests and passions. Don’t just study what looks good on a resume. If astronomy lights you up, dive in. If coding grabs you, start building. When you learn what you truly love, eagerness comes easy.Question EverythingStay curious. Keep asking why and how. Even settled topics have deeper layers waiting to be uncovered. Look for new angles. Challenge conventional thinking. Never stop probing below the surface.Teach Concepts to OthersExplaining ideas out loud helps cement mastery. If you can break down tough concepts into easy-to-grasp nuggets, you know you’ve got it. Teaching takes learning to the next level.Learn by DoingDon’t just memorize facts. Apply knowledge through real projects that make it stick. Conduct experiments. Build something new. Learning leaps from theory into reality when we get hands-on.Make ConnectionsLook for links between ideas from different fields. How does ecology relate to economics? Linguistics to music? Blend concepts across subject silos. Synthesize broader perspectives.Learning is a lifelong adventure of discovering yourself and the world. So, reignite your curiosity. Make education a joy again. Recapture that childhood thrill of intellectual possibility.The learning journey never ends — and that is what makes it meaningful. Enjoy the ride.

How to Fall in Love with Learning

Source: Widely distributed WhatsApp message<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/c0f805f0e1afde82e4fc6c5096ddd286e5d16640021e42f80ca0c0d175eea1d3.Flag_of_Ghana.svg" id="figure-wsb9hn" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Flag of Ghana</figcaption></figure> 1.⁠ ⁠<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana">Ghana</a> is located in West Africa and gained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957. 2.⁠ ⁠Precolonial states in Ghana included the Ashanti Empire, the Kingdom of Dagbon, the Kingdom of Gonja, the Kingdom of Denkyira, and the Fante Confederacy. 3.⁠ ⁠Ghana has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Forts and Castles of Ghana and the Asante Traditional Buildings. 4.⁠ ⁠The tallest waterfall in Ghana is the Wli Waterfall, standing at a height of approximately 1,600 feet (485 meters). 5.⁠ ⁠Some of the rivers in Ghana include the Volta River, the Pra River, the Ankobra River, the Densu River, and the Tano River. 6.⁠ ⁠Ghana is home to diverse forests such as the Kakum National Park, Bia National Park, and Mole National Park. 7.⁠ ⁠Ghana's GDP in 2021 was approximately $72 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. 8.⁠ ⁠One of the most interesting things to see in Accra, Ghana's capital, is the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park. 9.⁠ ⁠In Kumasi, the cultural center of Ghana, the Kumasi Fort and Military Museum offer fascinating insights into the Ashanti Kingdom's history.10.⁠ ⁠The most interesting festival held in Ghana is the Ghanaian Carnival, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture.11.⁠ ⁠Marriage customs in Ghana typically involve elaborate ceremonies, including traditional rites, dowry negotiations, and communal celebrations.12.⁠ ⁠Kente cloths are handwoven fabrics made by the Ashanti and Ewe people in Ghana, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns, often worn on special occasions or ceremonies.13.⁠ ⁠Adinkra symbols are visual representations of concepts or aphorisms originating from the Akan people, used on textiles, pottery, and walls to convey messages or symbolism.14.⁠ ⁠Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, is considered one of the most popular presidents in its history.

Facts about Ghana 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭

A Writer

Truly relevant! The user gets missing in the solution design when the user is the person whose problem we are solving! How does that even work?

Truly the purpose of service design is the people. Love this. Thank yoiu for such a relevant article!

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/ee59d5e511894f5aacfdf9ac40d97838dc06929da3b18c6e51df14b4642b1da3.closeup-eye-man.jpg" alt="A picture of a man's eye" id="figure-or36if" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">focus. Source: Freepik</figcaption></figure>In today's trend, there's a common inclination to develop apps as solutions to various problems, aiming to enhance existing services by digitizing them for improved client experience. In Ghana, there's notably been a surge in delivery services, catering to the growing demand for convenience. However, amidst this rush towards digitalisation, it's crucial to question how much consideration is given to solving problems in a way that truly benefits the end-users. Are their needs and perspectives actively incorporated into the development process, or are decisions made hastily once an idea is conceived? It's essential to ensure that the people for whom these solutions are intended are genuinely involved in the process, rather than being an afterthought in the pursuit of innovation.Designing a service is the process of creating and improving services to make it easier for customers to achieve their goals without facing unnecessary costs or risks. It involves understanding what customers need and want and designing the entire service experience to effectively and efficiently meet those needs.<blockquote>The focus of service design is the people, the customers whom we are trying hard to solve the problem for.</blockquote>Service design considers every aspect of the service, from how it's delivered to how customers interact with it, to make the experience as seamless and valuable as possible.These are a few models in the service industry that people capitalise on<ol class="list-decimal"><li>Subscription-based services</li><li>On-Demand services</li><li>Pay-per-use Services</li><li>Support as a service</li></ol>Example of Support as a serviceSupport as a Service is a model where businesses provide assistance or help to customers as a service, just like any other product or service they offer. It's similar to the example provided earlier, where the focus is on enabling customers to achieve their desired outcomes without them having to worry about all the costs and risks involved in obtaining that support.For instance, imagine a company that offers technical support for software products. Instead of customers having to manage the hassle of troubleshooting issues on their own, they can subscribe to a support service where they can reach out to experts whenever they encounter problems. The company handles the costs and risks associated with providing that support, such as maintaining a Helpdesk team or developing customer resources. In contrast, customers can focus on using the software effectively without worrying about technical difficulties.In essence, Support as a Service aims to make it easier and more convenient for customers to get the assistance they need, without the burden of managing the support process themselves.<h2 style="text-align: start">Examples of everyday services we use</h2><h2 style="text-align: start">Subscription-based</h2>You pay recurring fees to access a ServiceMovie streaming apps-Netflix-Hulu-Akwaaba magic-GoTVMusic Streaming Platforms-Spotify-Audiomack-Apple Music-Boomplay-Aftown<h2 style="text-align: start">On-Demand</h2>Service platforms (digital or mobile) that connect time-sensitive customers with independent service providersFood delivery apps-Hubtel-Glovo-JumiaTransportation services-Bolt-Uber-Shaxi-YangoTask-Based apps<h2 style="text-align: start">Pay-per-use</h2>Customers pay based on their usage or consumption of a service.Utility apps-ECG Prepaid-GWCL appRide-sharing/Transportation apps-Uber-Shaxi-Yango-Bolt<h2 style="text-align: start">Managed Services</h2>Service providers take responsibility for managing and delivering a particular service on behalf of the customerIT Managed Services-ITSM Software-Remote management softwareHR Managed Services- AchievePayroll (Payroll)- BambooHR (Recruitment)-SageHR (Workforce management)Financial managed services-TurboTax(for taxes)- Vena (Analytics and Business Intelligence) In summary, the foundation of any service lies with its people. Thus, the critical question becomes: How can we enhance services to better serve them? As someone aptly pointed out, even with digital enhancements, if a service fails to meet people's needs, it will struggle to attract patronage.

Putting People First: The Essence of Service Design

Hello there, Nice to meet you!
I am Afia, and I am on a journey.  I love to pen down things I observe and my thoughts on issues. Because I am on a journey to discover myself, I read a lot of psychology and development books. I would love for you to be on this journey with me.

Afia_Kyssi

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/5ea5e27891df4745c691a8ca9d2f81183c27d4318cacded83a89c7dfa2ccc621.1000074288.jpg" id="figure-aocqlh" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>During my undergraduate studies, I struggled to find data for my research. However, while assisting a professor with COVID-19 research during my MBA in Canada, I discovered a wealth of data on platforms like Simply Analytics, Statista, and IBISWorld. This experience made me question why research in Africa lacks adequate infrastructure and platforms. Supervising 30 teams at an AI4GOOD hackathon in Ghana, I saw firsthand the struggle due to the absence of African-specific data. This led to our reliance on Western data, introducing bias in predictions. While young people and especially the female demographics is motivated towards a focus on STEM education and tech entrepreneurship, the question is how do we create a thriving ecosystem for them without the availability of data? These experiences reinforced my mission: to enhance research and innovation by streamlining access to relevant data. How do we build analytics platforms linked to ethically sourced African data repository? THE WICKED PROBLEM Level 1: Data Gap &amp; Slow Adoption Rate in Africa Data analytics and science are booming in developed economies, but Africa is lagging. The 2020 Kaggle survey showed no African countries among the top 10 early adopters of AI and ML. Unlike the West, Africa lacks non-aggregated consumer data for analysis and decision making. Organizations such as the World Bank Group, OECD and companies like Statista tend to hold pieces of aggregated economic data on Africa such as GDP growth rate, population demographics, education distribution or the split between private and public companies. However, most desired business insights relating to new product development, test data to train algorithms to solve health and wellbeing challenges, market entry data for tech startups etc. and more granular data about the African market is currently unavailable – and that’s the problem to be solved. Level 2: Subpar Quality of Business Decisions In the developed world, businesses harness data analytics and AI for informed decisions, enhancing productivity, marketing, customer service, and product development. In contrast, African businesses predominantly rely on traditional methods and intuition, lacking adequate data for decision-making. In Africa’s evolving startup ecosystem, data-driven insights are essential for market entry and growth. While data isn’t the end-all-be-all in business decision-making, it’s an indispensable component for leadership teams striving to make informed decisions in our dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Level 3: A Hindrance to Socio-economic Development The lack of technology adoption in Africa affects not only businesses but also governments and non-profits, hindering the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Unlike in the US, where a zip code search provides essential demographic and economic data, Africa faces significant data gaps that obstruct progress monitoring. In 2017, Ghana adopted the postal code system where digital addresses could be gotten for any 5-metre square radius, yet, unlike in the US, a google search of any Ghanaian digital address will not provide that level of insight. Level 4: A Limitation on STEM Education The scarcity of data on Africa affects STEM education as well. Many governments and education ministries, like Kenya’s Ministry of Education in partnership with UNESCO, are intensifying efforts to enhance STEM education. They aim to foster every learner’s/girl’s potential in STEM for sustainable development, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030. Ghana’s Ministry of Education’s STEM Policy Advisor advocates equipping students with ICT skills to prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While data analytics education falls under STEM, there’s a lack of student-focused analytics platforms with non-aggregated consumer data for educators. Western institutions like Cornell University, UCLA, and the University of British Columbia use platforms like Simply Analytics, which primarily source data from the western population. While databases like Kaggle &amp; GitHub contain vast amounts of data, little pertains to or is sourced from Africa. Without relevant African data and a dedicated analytics platform to support the continent’s STEM goals, the market gap will persist, potentially hindering economic development.How do we solve this data problem in Africa, watch out for Part 2 on this.

A future where there is data for innovation in Africa. (I)

Abby Aidoo

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560305527-51dc8ad5a8f8?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxQSE9ORSUyMENBTEx8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzA5NjYyMjkzfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="person holding black smartphone" id="figure-1ux81q" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@jaehunpark">Jae Park</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Ever wondered why a phone call makes you feel more intimately connected with someone than texting back and forth? It turns out there’s solid science behind why voice conversations build bonds differently than written messages. Let me break down what researchers have discovered.Let's start with the biggest reason: hearing someone’s actual voice conveys a boatload of social and emotional info through vocal cues—we’re talking tone, volume, pacing, silences, even the way someone breathes.Our brains soak up all these details without even trying and instantly analyzes them to decode the other person’s feelings and intentions. Studies using neural imaging prove that our minds recognize voices as equivalent to an in-person conversation. Cool, right? Compared to flat text, voice gives our social instincts way more subtle data to work with.On top of that, scientists have identified that hearing voices activates “mirror neurons” in our brains that mimic the vocal emotions we hear. So we “internally simulate” what the other person is feeling, helping us empathize. This is real powerful stuff for bonding! Text, not so much—our brains just process those words without emotion. And it’s way easier to misinterpret what someone writes than it is to misinterpret spoken words.Oh, and get this: researchers found that turn-taking flows way more smoothly when we talk out loud rather than over text. No more annoying overlaps where you both text at the same time! With an actual conversation, you get natural back-and-forth rhythm. And when the turn-taking feels easy, scientists observe that makes people more engaged, present, and less distracted overall...which are all key ingredients for cooking up that sense of connection.The bottom line is voice chats—either live or recorded—stimulate our brain’s super-complex social functions in a way written communication can’t touch. Texting has its uses, but if you’re craving quality time with someone you care about, embrace the vintage technology of a phone call! Our minds still haven’t evolved past recognizing voice as the sound of real human bonds. The science says it all!

How Audio Conversations Unlock Deeper Connection

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556484687-30636164638b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxkaXZlcnNpdHl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzA2Mjg2MzM3fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="five human hands on brown surface" id="figure-3bmpn7" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@claybanks">Clay Banks</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Technology should be for everyone — but all too often, that’s just not the case. Products, apps, and platforms tend to cater to the same narrow slice of users — typically those who are young, able-bodied, tech-savvy, and speak English.But with over 7 billion diverse people in the world, that approach leaves a whole lot of users behind. And here’s the thing — exclusion isn’t just unethical, it’s bad business.Companies that embrace diversity and practice inclusive design aren’t just doing good — they’re fueling innovation and driving profits.<h2>You Can’t Solve a Problem You Don’t Understand</h2>Most product teams genuinely want to help people. But if everyone on your team comes from a similar background, it’s hard to even see the problems other users face, let alone design solutions for them.Take voice assistants, for example. Their speech recognition tech was originally built to understand middle-aged, American-accented English. So they still struggle with children’s voices, heavy accents, even regional dialects. And it’s not malicious — the engineers just designed for users like themselves.But the impact is exclusion. That’s why championing diversity within product teams is so vital.Bringing in people with disabilities, those from minority backgrounds, non-native speakers — they naturally advocate for users like them.But even diverse teams can have blind spots. So you also need to continually engage with a wide range of actual users.Run feedback sessions, usability tests, surveys — invite them to collaboratively shape products from the start.With more perspectives shaping each design decision, you spot more potential barriers and uncover more innovative ways to eliminate them.<h2>Constraints Cultivate Creativity</h2>Inclusive design sets new constraints — but that spurs, not stifles, innovation. By challenging assumptions and aiming to accommodate diverse users, product teams invent all sorts of creative solutions.Take curb cuts, the small ramps connecting sidewalks to crosswalks. Originally created to assist wheelchair users, they’ve proven invaluable for so many more — people with strollers or luggage, delivery staff, even skateboarders.Or video calling apps. Captioning was introduced for deaf users, but also helps in loud places. Virtual backgrounds limit distracting backdrops.Features for low-vision users like screen readers and magnification benefit people working on tiny phone screens too.Often, the “edge case” users that inclusive design focuses on reveal core flaws in products for everyone.By testing concepts with people facing the most barriers, you uncover underlying issues, and the solutions better serve all users. And the compound effect of each barrier removed opens products to wider and wider audiences.<h2>Accessibility Drives Innovation</h2>Some companies still see inclusive design as just an ethical obligation or regulatory box to tick. But the most innovative leaders recognize it as a vital competitive advantage.Because the unexpected challenges accessibility introduces push product teams to their creative limits. And serving excluded users doesn’t just expand the market — it often carves out entirely new opportunities.Microsoft, for example, developed the Xbox Adaptive Controller to accommodate gamers with limited mobility. But it sparked and brought to life a whole new hardware category and a community of creative add-ons.Similarly, voice tech was initially focused on hands-free help for people with mobility issues. But virtual assistants are now re-shaping our homes, cars, and workplaces.And tools built for blind users like screen readers, Braille displays and audio navigation have found new uses — from operating devices in the dark to discreet communication in public spaces.In our increasingly diverse world, inclusive design is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a competitive necessity to drive the next wave of breakthrough products.<h2>No One Left Behind</h2>Technology moves incredibly fast. But too often, disabled, marginalized and minority users are left playing catch-up. Inclusive design flips that script — putting their needs first inspires novel solutions that benefit all users.And embracing constraints with creativity reveals opportunities we’d otherwise miss.By welcoming a diversity of perspectives to collaboratively shape products, we can proactively eliminate barriers. And opening doors to wider audiences drives the innovation that changes lives.No user left behind. No insight overlooked. No opportunity ignored. That’s how embracing diversity transforms “edge cases” into mainstream breakthroughs that move the world forward.So let’s build the future together.

No User Left Behind: How Embracing Diversity Fuels Innovation in Product Design

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1472740378865-80aab8e73251?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzNnx8bWFraW5nJTIwYSUyMGNob2ljZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMxNzU4OTB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="man wearing gray T-shirt standing on forest" id="figure-jip6gzv" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@gcalebjones">Caleb Jones</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>One of the first things you do when you want to legalise your business is to have it registered at your state’s agency as a legal entity. The state usually requires that your business is registered with a name that is different from all the others that have been registered already. That name will be your unique identity. A domain name is the online equivalent of your business name with the state. It is your unique identity on the internet. It’s your business address. When you’ve decided to get a website for your brand; whether it’s a business, a passion project or a personal website, one of the first things to decide on is your domain name. It’s easy to buy any name you want but there are best practices. I’ll share a few things you should look out for to help you make that decision.<h2 style="text-align: start">Keep your domain name simple and short</h2>Some people are tempted to go for long names that explain what they do or who they seek to serve but it is important to keep your domain name simple and short. Something people can remember and easily register in their minds when they look at it.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://twitter.com/"> Twitter</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a> . All these popular social media platforms have simple domain names! You can easily remember them without having to think too much about them.<h2 style="text-align: start">Make sure your domain name is in line with your brand name</h2>As much as possible your domain name must be your brand name or a name closely linked to it. Example: If your brand name is Turnips, you should look for a “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://turnip.com">turnip.com</a>” or “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://turnipstudio.com">turnipstudio.com</a>” (if Turnip is the name of a photography, music, or beauty studio). It’s pretty rare to find brands that choose domain names that have nothing to do with their brand name. As a part of brand building, it is advisable to stick to your brand name or something close to it. It establishes your brand name (and identity) on the internet. You have spent time and money deliberating and researching the best name for your brand. You’ve spent money promoting the brand name and getting your clients familiar with it. Why veer away from it? Using your brand name also helps your website to rank well in searches for your brand name. That means that your website appears higher on the list when people search for your brand name.If your brand name is taken you can add some keywords to your brand name. Here’s an example: A barbering shop with the brand name Fresh Cut would prefer to use “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://freshcut.com">freshcut.com</a>” as a domain name. If they check for it and it’s not available, they can opt for “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="http://freshcutbarbers.com">freshcutbarbers.com</a>” which includes a keyword they would want to be ranked for (barbers).<h2 style="text-align: start">Consider including a keyword</h2>While a brand domain name is strong, you can also consider adding a keyword. This is not a foolproof way of increasing your search rankings but it will definitely boost them. This works just as well as having one with a brand name. That is why I suggest that if your brand name is taken, add a keyword to create the perfect domain name. But don’t neglect the fact that we need to keep it short and simple.<h2 style="text-align: start">The Extension of your domain name</h2>The extension is the word that comes after the full stop(.). You know the popular ones like .com, .org, .net. Those are the first few that were created in the ’80s so they have gained popularity over the years. As these extensions became crowded, new extensions propped up like “.io” “.me” “.live ” and “.shop”.With over 400 extensions created in the system, you have a myriad of options to pick from. Bear in mind that there’s a “best use case” for every extension. Let’s look at a few..com is the most popular extension and it can be used for any website but was initially used for commercial websites. (recommended).net is the next best option and can also be used for a variety of websites now especially if you’re in the tech industry as “net” stands for networking and technology..org is best used for organisations and non-profit or social enterprises. Do not use this if you are a commercial business..me is best used for personal websites such as blogs.edu is used primarily for educational institutions<h2 style="text-align: start">Check the spelling</h2>A domain name is more often than not, a one-time investment. There’s no joy in buying a domain name you don’t want and won’t use because you spelt it wrongly the first time. Double-check the spelling of your domain name before clicking to pay.<h2 style="text-align: start">Avoid Hyphens, Double Letters, and Abbreviations</h2>Unless your brand name is abbreviated and popularly known by its abbreviations, do not pick an abbreviation of your brand name as your domain name. An example of an abbreviated domain name is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://www.wgts919.com/">https://www.wgts919.com/</a>. This radio is popularly known as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://www.wgts919.com/">WGTS</a> and most of its listeners barely know that that abbreviation stands for “Washington’s Gateway To Service”. In this case, WGTS chose a domain name that their audience was accustomed to and one that resonated with their brand: from their jingles right down to their paraphernalia. If your brand name is an abbreviation all your clients are used to, go ahead and use it. Otherwise, do not use an abbreviation for your domain name. Also, try to avoid hyphens and double letters. Remember we want something that can easily be read, and pronounced (in ads), and something that is easy to remember.<h2 style="text-align: start">Buy it fast</h2>Once you find the perfect domain name, purchase it quickly! They do not stay on the market for long. Think about the fact that people all around the world are thinking about new ideas and coming up with new business names that need to be registered. The price of some domain names also increases with time. The earlier you secure the perfect name you find, the better.Now that you know all the tricks, go ahead and secure that domain name for your brand today while it’s still available and cheap. Want to check if your domain name is available? You can search for them on any of these domain name registration sites. I recommend either <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://www.godaddy.com/pro">GoDaddy</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://namecheap.pxf.io/buzzedison">NameCheap</a>.First published on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://ewuranna.com/7-most-important-tips-for-picking-the-perfect-domain-name/">my webiste</a>

7 Most Important Tips For Picking The Perfect Domain Name

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558427400-bc691467a8a9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxkcmVhbXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDI1NjM5NDJ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="person seated on grass" id="figure-10seis" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@elliotm">Илья Мельниченко</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>I met him one rainy day in June; at a party that. He was wearing a denim shirt and tailored blue paisely pants. It was his smile that caught my eye; he had the brightest smile ever; there was a certain mischief and playfulness to his eyes whenever he smiled. And when he laughed? It felt like a choir of angels had come down to grace us with the most melodious of harmonies. Sometimes I wonder what life would have been had I taken that first step and approached him. I wonder what life would have been if I had just walked up to him instead of sending smiles across the floor like a 12 year old who was too shy to speak to her crush.It’s too late now though. All I can do now is to reminisce that moment and daydream of what might have been.

Wishing Upon a He

Adwoa Paintsil

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1615842046979-04758f282d12?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxhZnJpY2FuJTIwZHJ1bW1lcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDI1NjM4MzB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="man in white dress shirt playing drum set" id="figure-qvl7eo" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@salakoay_ola">Ayoola Salako</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Akwete gazed out the window of the quantum physics lab, her eyes trailing a pair of colourful agama lizards darting up the red clay walls of the compound. She took a deep breath, welcoming the earthy aroma that reminded her of home. Home was Enugu, Nigeria where she grew up chasing chatterbox grasshoppers and listening to her grandmother, Amaka, spin tales of mischievous tortoises after she’d served them some eba and egusi stew for supper. Amaka wove technology into her stories too, enthusing about the medicinal nano-robots she helped code at Zikora Labs, Nigeria's leading innovation hub. "Our ancestors used plant wisdom to heal. Now we can code tiny tech helpers to boost the medicines!" Amaka would say. Her tales ignited Akwete's fascination with using science for good. By age 10, Akwete was building mini solar grid kits with her community tech club. By 15, she was interning at Zikora Labs, absorbing all she could about Africa's tech revolution. And when a technology scholarship took her to MIT for quantum computing studies, she vowed to return home one day. Now as a pioneer in quantum AI, Akwete was living out her grandmother's legacy. She glanced proudly around the bustling lab she co-founded at Baobab Tech in Accra, Ghana. Her gaze rested on Kofi, her engineering partner whose passion and brilliance awed her daily. She met Kofi at a gathering of African tech students at MIT. He was a Ghanaian quantum physicist presenting his University of Cape Coast thesis on photon entanglement pathways. As they bonded over chin-chin (called atsomo in Ghana), their shared vision took root. They imagined an African-led quantum future, a network of super-advanced computing hubs accelerating development. Together, they would code the neural networks for the continent's first quantum computer. Its processing power would far surpass existing supercomputers, unleashing new frontiers in medicine, climate science and space travel. Upon graduating MIT, they turned down Silicon Valley jobs to return home, pitching their startup to Ghana's government and Zikora Labs. Both were eager to fund their ambitious venture, positioning Ghana and Africa as global AI trailblazers. Now hand-in-hand with Kofi, Akwete led a gifted pan-African team. Their breakthrough work was set to headline an upcoming UN tech summit. Glancing around the lab, Akwete saw her brilliant colleagues refining photon capture chambers, testing liquid helium cooling tanks and reviewing that morning's progress. Her chest swelled with pride. Two decades ago when she was Eshe's age, African innovations were dismissed at best and exploited at worst. But today African creators were directing the world's tech future on their own terms. The revolution was well underway! Just then, the entrance swung open and in marched the lab's summer intern, Eshe, her braided locks swishing energetically. Though only 12 years old, Eshe was already an inventor and outspoken advocate for technology ethics. Akwete still chuckled remembering Eshe's opening speech during her intern interview: "Technology rocks! But it must respect people's dignity - especially us girls and women. Our brains deserve tech that empowers our choices." Kofi smiled, walking over to give Eshe a high-five. "My bright young friend! What have you got for us today?" "I have great news, Dr. Kofi! My girls-in-tech workshop at the community center was full house. And I demonstrated my prototype Period Pal app for menstrual health tracking. The girls loved it!" "Eshe, that's wonderful!" said Akwete. "You're already impacting your generation." "Yes, we need more innovators like you, Eshe," Kofi said. The girl beamed, skipping towards her worktable which boasted a virtual reality module, 3D printer, and open source coding station – a tinkerer's paradise. Akwete watched her fondly before returning her attention to the computer simulation on her screen - a digital 3D model of the lab's new quantum core processor which would power the quantum computer. She tweaked and tested the core's intricate details, assessing photon flows and qubit energy levels. About an hour later, her concentration was broken by the distant sound of drums pounding out crisp rhythms from the streets below. Intrigued, she walked back to the window that looked out towards the open-air market. Down on the dusty road, a procession of traditionally dressed drummers and dancers were parading, their rolls of rich fabric glinting brightly. "Ah, the festival is here!" said Kofi excitedly, joining her. "I almost forgot. This is a big one – the Yam Festival celebrating the annual yam harvest and the story of the legendary Ananse spider." Eshe skipped over to see, her face lighting up. "Wow! Can we go watch the festival, Doctors?" Akwete and Kofi exchanged amused smiles. "Well, I think the quantum core can wait awhile. We definitely should experience the culture that shaped many ingenuity traditions here...including our own innovations," Akwete said. Eshe whooped, racing out the door. Chuckling, Akwete and Kofi followed at a more dignified pace. Out on the street, the air pulsed with the heady rhythms of talking drums, cajoling all to join the crowds flocking towards the festival. Under fluttering banners, vendors beckoned visitors towards tables burdened with yams, kelewele and khebabs. Eshe was already far ahead, weaving through the growing crowds. Akwete hastened to catch up, the rich sights and sounds kindling nostalgic memories. She inhaled the smokey aroma of grilled meat skewers that transported her to Lagos marketplaces with Grandma Amaka. There under the shade of an ancient baobab tree was a circle of rapt children listening to a grinning storyteller conjuring folk tales with dramatic gestures. Behind them, elderly nodders remarked "Truly spoken!" enjoying the timeless tales. In an adjacent stall decked with woven flutes and cowrie shells, a wizened woman demonstrated the Talking Book, a device that spoke proverbs aloud when buttons were pressed. "Ah, I remember my Grandma Amaka's talking tortoise book!" exclaimed Eshe. "The button for 'I will eat all the yams!' was my favorite." They walked on through streets lined with stalls displaying fierce yet regal carved masks, vibrant wax-print fabrics fluttering like flags, and handcrafted marimba xylophones – all testaments to Ghana's artisanal genius. Young artists spray painted robotic motifs onto pottery in Afrofuturism styles, envisioning an African sci-fi renaissance. "Look there!" said Eshe, pointing down a side lane. Beneath leafy neem trees, teenage girls presented community needs apps and games they coded to women elders assembled on stools. "Excellent! They're showing intergenerational technology projects," remarked Kofi approvingly. Akwete made a mental note to invite the kids to demonstrate their work at Baobab Tech. They wandered through arbors fluttering with cotton buntings towards the beating heart of the festival – the vast cobblestoned plaza. All around them, colorfully garbed chiefs, drummers, maidens and farmers danced in flowing formations. The ageless rhythms pulsed as women spun with baskets of yams perfectly balanced on their heads. Regal hornblowers heralded each contingent with rousing trumpets. Dignitaries shaded by parasols nodded in approval. And in the midst of twirling, stomping dancers was a 10-foot spider totem borne aloft on poles by sweating yet grinning men. "It's an Ananse statue for the legendary folk hero!" gasped Eshe. "Isn't he magnificent?" Kofi and Akwete nodded, equally awed by the spectacle. The mythical spider's carved wooden frame was ringed by a halo of intricate brasswork symbolizing his famed webs of strategy. His smiling face and multiple arms evoked cunning and craft – traits Ananse relied on to outwit those who dismissed him for his small size. Just then, drums halted as an elder in a carved stool-chair was slowly carried into the plaza by attendants. A reverent hush descended on the crowds. "It's Chief Abeeku, holder of tribal knowledge," murmured Kofi respectfully. "He rarely appears in public now due to age." The Chief began speaking in a voice strengthened by unseen forces - sharing timeless tales about Ananse as a teacher of wisdom. The giant spider floated closer, now spiraling through the crowds on its paid bearers so all could hear the Chief's cracking yet rhythmic voice. Eshe listened, rapt. Akwete found herself leaning forward too, stirred by Chief Abeeku's vivid retelling of the folk hero's exploits. She marveled at how Ananse's ancient lessons of using cunning, skill and leveraged pressure to outflank bigger foes still resonated today. She thought of how their lab's quantum computer design relied on similar principles at the atomic level – manipulating the probabilities of infinitesimal particles to achieve exponential processing power. Truly, Africa's great knowledge traditions from Ananse's tales to Adinkra symbols were woven into her team's groundbreaking innovation work. As afternoon lengthened, Chief Abeeku finished his last story. Attendants respectfully returned him towards his quarters amidst hand-claps. The drums resumed as crowds dispersed seeking shade and refreshments. Walking back slowly, Eshe turned to Akwete, her face thoughtful. "Doctor, do you think one day tales will be told about us tech pioneers too - like Ananse the Spider?" Kofi answered gently, "Eshe, change-makers like you are already shaping the stories of your generation. And by creating an empowering future with technology guided by Africa's wisdom, your tales can positively shape youth everywhere!" Eshe blinked, letting his words sink in. Then she grinned. "You're right, Dr Kofi! We're all pioneers in ways big or small. Our dreams can uplift communities." Akwete smiled at the girl who embodied hope. "Yes, Eshe! Keep leading the way with your big ideas...and even bigger heart!" Back at the lab as the sun dipped low, Akwete gazed out the window at the glowing dusk sky. Somewhere children were begging elders for one more tale and women gathered the last yams into baskets. From all around her, the drums spoke – voices that tied the past to this moment bridging into Africa's high-tech future. She listened to their resilient rhythms, letting them stir her pioneering spirit once more. She had quantum systems to refine and a new computing era to help build – thanks to the ancestors who came before and to the young generation now reaching to carry the drums forward. Over the next weeks, Akwete often glimpsed Eshe on the sidewalk below, leading community coding workshops. The girl's empathy and patience with students awed and inspired Akwete. Surely Eshe would groom many future innovators. In the quantum lab, Akwete reviewed the last stages of the trailblazing project with her team. Soon they would integrate the quantum core processor into the computer mainframe. Then exhaustive testing would begin, tweaking and trialing the continental supercomputer they nicknamed Ananse. The day they powered up Ananse for its first full systems check was one Akwete would never forgot. As the tall server bank whirred and the monitor screens flickered with the machine awakening, she grasped Kofi and Eshe's hands tightly. Years of vision culminating in this moment! They held their breath watching the boot-up sequence...waiting as code unfurled faster than eyes could follow. But Ananse was performing perfectly! Complex data visualization and climate models unfolded with dazzling speed. Excited cheers erupted in the lab. They had succeeded! Over the next year as news spread of Ananse's launch, Africa's innovators flocked to the lab. Young coders and biotech designers alike were soon harnessing the quantum computer's revolutionary processing power for their projects. Forward-thinking companies invested eagerly in African quantum startups emerging at Baobab Tech's incubator, encouraged by Ananse's success. And global tech firms arrived seeking partnerships, bringing venture capital and opportunities. During a visit by UN sustainability experts assessing Ananse's planet-healing potential, Eshe demonstrated how her new climate change edtech tools engaged students worldwide. Impressed delegates spoke of nominating her for the Technology Peace Prize. Watching the girl glow under the international praise, Akwete again reflected on how far Africa had come. Barely 15 years ago, she might have had to battle outsiders attempting to seize control of her innovations. But today Africa owned its technological future - one carved out by its own young geniuses. When Akwete returned to Nigeria to launch an Ananse quantum hub at Zikora Labs, Grandma Amaka was front row at the opening gala. Watching the magnificent computer boot up, Amaka turned with tears in her eyes. "Our ancestors spoke of this day, my girl! But I'm here to see it thanks to you." Back home some weeks later, Akwete sat with Amaka, the two generations bookending either side of this quantum age. Late into the night, they savored jollof rice and chin-chin cookies while Amaka recalled village tales of wise spiders. Tomorrow Akwete would visit local schools with their newly donated Ananse quantum laptops. But for now teacher and student sat together, speaking of dreams turned real...and the next leaps to come. Listening to Grandma spin familiar stories with pride, Akwete felt the eternal drumbeats resonating once more - flowing from past to present to future in an unbroken rhyme. And in their reflection she glimpsed Eshe's young smiling face, a generation already reaching further to carry the drums forward again.

The Drums of Change 

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/6ef332ef56d5edb43b7bc5cd3973020db5090b0af9fb8bf502d1a5f3be019f76.wale2.png" id="figure-a0pqal" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">A scene of Grief in Breath of Live movie. © Buzzedison </figcaption></figure>The recently released Nigerian drama "Breath of Life" is a poignant exploration of life's purpose and the connections that give it meaning. Directed by BB Sasore and starring Wale Ojo, Chimezie Imo, and Ademola Adedoyin, the film centers on Timi (Ojo), a once spiritually devoted man who loses his faith and zeal for life after his family is killed in a tragic accident. We first meet Timi years later, a bitter recluse numbed by grief and anger. He wants nothing to do with the outside world until Elijah (Imo) comes into his life. An optimistic orphan seeking work, Elijah's persistent kindness slowly chips away at Timi's hardened exterior. Their unlikely friendship develops into a profound bond that reawakens Timi's passion for living.Shot with a desaturated palette, Sasore deftly establishes a somber tone befitting of Timi's emotional state. The camera often lingers in closeups, emphasizing the subtle shifts in Ojo's expressions as Elijah's presence thaws his icy veneer. Imo provides the perfect counterbalance with his warm sensitivity, realizing Elijah as a sympathetic anchor for both Timi and the audience. Timi's emotional thaw is visually punctuated when the film's color palette begins incorporating warmer hues. Sasore handles this gradual transition with care, mirroring the measured development of Timi and Elijah's relationship. The rich symbolism and patient storytelling reveal a director in command of his craft.The film explores weighty themes of grief, resentment, and finding meaning through anguish. Sasore gives these emotional arcs room to breathe while steering clear of maudlin territory. A restrained hand prevents the movie from ever feeling cloying or manipulative.Well-placed moments of levity also help leaven the film's heavier subject matter. A humorous sequence involving the attempted courting of a young woman offers delightful insight into Timi and Elijah's endearing dynamic. Their awkwardness and bumbling rapport inject the story with pockets of lightness when needed.The movie's thoughtful narrative builds towards a powerful climax centered on Timi's ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Some may find the ending predictable, but its emotional impact remains undiminished thanks to the strong foundations laid by Sasore's assured direction and the principal actors' moving performances. "Breath of Life" succeeds as a life-affirming story of rediscovering meaning and the connective tissue that makes existence worthwhile. Sasore has crafted an affecting drama unafraid to explore life's darker recesses while ultimately emerging with a message of hope and redemption. It's a confident feature debut announcing the arrival of a director possessing both vision and heart.<h2>An Emotional Journey Anchored by Strong Performances</h2>At its core, "Breath of Life" works so well because of the powerful performances by its leads. Wale Ojo is tasked with portraying a complex emotional arc as the embittered Timi, and he rises to the challenge with an intense yet nuanced turn. Through subtle gestures and piercing glares, Ojo wordlessly conveys years of buried anguish that have hardened Timi's soul.As Timi's emotional walls slowly crumble when confronted with Elijah's empathy and compassion, Ojo carefully modulates his performance to show the light reentering Timi's darkened worldview. It's a moving portrayal of a man reconnecting with his sense of purpose.Chimezie Imo beautifully complements Ojo's performance with his heartwarming depiction of Elijah. Exuding guileless optimism and gentle wisdom beyond his years, Imo realizes Elijah as a catalyst for change in Timi's life. Small flourishes like Elijah's impulsive laughter or moments of quiet contemplation give the character additional dimension. Together, Ojo and Imo form the beating heart of "Breath of Life." Their chemistry fuels the film's emotional core, giving resonance to Timi's spiritual reawakening. Audiences will find it impossible not to invest in their relationship.Buoyed by Ojo and Imo's outstanding performances, first-time director BB Sasore shows impressive command in his feature debut. His deft handling of the film's tonal shifts and symbolic elements belies his freshman status. Combined with strong technical chops, Sasore announces himself as a director to watch.<h2>An Uplifting Tale of Self-Discovery</h2>At only 114 minutes, "Breath of Life" manages to pack an emotionally satisfying journey of self-discovery and catharsis. Sasore's tight script keeps the action moving efficiently without wasting time on tangents. Each scene directly services the main narrative or provides insight into the principal characters.The film's central themes of wrestling with grief and finding renewed purpose in life's hardships resonate with poignancy and grace. Despite the story's tragic underpinnings, an uplifting tone permeates the film thanks to its ultimate message of hope and redemption.Flawed yet relatable characters like Timi allow the audience to empathize with his internal conflicts. This emotional investment pays off beautifully when Timi reconnects with his passion for helping others, set in motion by his transformative relationship with Elijah."Breath of Life" also offers some commentary on Nigeria's class divides, portrayed through Timi's initial indifference toward people he perceives as beneath him. This hierarchy evaporates through Timi and Elijah's friendship, providing another avenue for the film's themes of empathy and human connection to play out.While not breaking significant new ground narratively, Sasore infuses the familiar story with enough fresh perspective and strong filmmaking to make "Breath of Life" feel like a welcome addition to the genre. Uplifting without ever being cloying, the movie earns its emotional swells through strong performances and confident direction.<h2>An Auspicious Debut for Sasore</h2>As a debut feature, "Breath of Life" announces BB Sasore as a director with both vision and talent. His restraint prevents the film from ever feeling manipulative while allowing space for the story's poignant emotional undercurrents to shine through. Favoring subtle gestures over showy camerawork, Sasore puts his faith in the audience to connect the story's thematic dots.Working with cinematographer John Demps, Sasore bathes the film in shadow and desaturated hues to reinforce Timi's bleak emotional state. As Timi begins reengaging with life, the sun breaks through both metaphorically and visually with the introduction of warmer colors. It's just one example of Sasore's grasp of cinematic language to reinforce his narrative.The director also demonstrates a keen eye for striking compositions. He frequently positions his characters to seem small and isolated amidst the imposing Nigerian landscapes. Other times he'll frame them staring out windows as if trapped behind self-constructed barriers mirroring their internal turmoil.From a technical perspective, "Breath of Life" displays polish belying its modest budget. Careful shot selection, smooth editing, and purposeful music cues point to Sasore's natural directing instincts. Combined with his ability to elicit affecting performances, he exhibits the tools to enjoy a promising career.With its emotional sensitivity and narrative efficiency, "Breath of Life" heralds the arrival of a talented filmmaker in BB Sasore. His restraint and command over the material suggest even greater works ahead as he matures as a director. For now, his feature debut provides a satisfying journey well worth taking.

Exploring Life's Purpose in "Breath of Life"- Movie Review

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/87f70aae9bfe28edbbb8cb8be4bbfc2d475d8c3cd1206dcd6e828fa59d769d8a.taylor.png" id="figure-c7n76" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">At the 2024 Grammys, Taylor Swift accepted 'Midnights' Album of the Year. Johnny Nunez/GETTY IMAGES</figcaption></figure>The 66th Annual Grammy Awards took place on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony, dubbed "Music's Biggest Night," saw music's biggest stars come together to celebrate the best and brightest the industry has to offer. While there were show-stopping performances from SZA, Billy Joel, and Joni Mitchell, the night ultimately belonged to the winners, who etched their names onto the coveted golden gramophone.<h3>Taylor Swift Makes History, Again</h3>The pop icon, Taylor Swift, continued her reign at the Grammys, taking home the prestigious Album of the Year award for her critically acclaimed album, "Midnights." This win marks her fourth time winning the category, solidifying her position as one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history. Additionally, Swift's song "Anti-Hero" was nominated for Record of the Year, further cementing her dominance in the industry.<h3>Miley Cyrus Blooms with "Flowers"</h3>Miley Cyrus surprised many by winning Record of the Year for her emotional ballad, "Flowers." The song, a raw and powerful reflection on self-love and growth, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. This win marks a significant comeback for Cyrus, who has experimented with various sounds throughout her career but always remained a captivating performer.<h3>Phoebe Bridgers: The Underdog's Night</h3>Indie rocker Phoebe Bridgers emerged as the unlikely hero of the night, taking home a staggering four awards. Three of her wins came with her band boygenius, for Best Alternative Music Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance. Additionally, Bridgers won Best Alternative Vocal Album for her solo project, "Reunion." Her wins prove that artistic integrity and raw talent can still triumph in the mainstream music industry.Other Notable Winners:<ul class="list-disc"><li>Song of the Year: "Kill Bill" by SZA</li><li>Best New Artist: Omar Apollo</li><li>Best Pop Vocal Album: "Sweet Talker" by Harry Styles</li><li>Best R&amp;B Album: "Liberation" by Tiana Major9</li><li>Best Country Album: "Wildwood Flower" by The Chicks</li></ul><h3>A Night of Diversity and Inclusion</h3>The 2024 Grammys continued the trend of recognizing diverse voices and talents. From the wins of Latin music sensation Omar Apollo to the soulful sounds of Tiana Major9, the ceremony highlighted the richness and vibrancy of contemporary music. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that the Grammys remain relevant and representative of the ever-evolving musical landscape.While some may debate the choices and snubs, the 2024 Grammys undoubtedly provided a night of memorable performances, emotional speeches, and well-deserved recognition for some of music's most talented artists. The ceremony served as a reminder of the power of music to connect us, inspire us, and move us in profound ways. As the music industry continues to evolve, the Grammys will hopefully continue to reflect its diversity and celebrate the artists who push boundaries and shape the sound of our generation.<h3>See full list of winners here:</h3>Here are the 2024 Grammys winners and nominees:<h2 style="text-align: start">Best pop solo performance</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>Miley Cyrus, "Flowers" — Winner</li><li>Doja Cat, "Paint the Town Red"</li><li>Billie Eilish,"What Was I Made For?"</li><li>Taylor Swift, "Anti-Hero"</li><li>Olivia Rodrigo, "Vampire"</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Best música urbana album</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>Karol G, "Mañana Será Bonito" — Winner</li><li>Rauw Alejandro, "Saturno"&nbsp;</li><li>Tainy, "Data"</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Best country album</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>Lainey Wilson,&nbsp;"Bell Bottom Country"&nbsp; — Winner</li><li>Kelsea Ballerini, "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat"</li><li>Brothers Osborne, "Brothers Osborne"</li><li>Zach Bryan, "Zach Bryan"</li><li>Tyler Childers, "Rustin' in the Rain"</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Best R&amp;B song</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>SZA, "Snooze" — Winner</li><li>Victoria Monét, "On My Mama" &nbsp;</li><li>Coco Jones, "ICU"</li><li>Robert Glasper Featuring SiR &amp; Alex Isley, "Back to Love"</li><li>Halle, "Angel" &nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Best pop vocal album</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>Taylor Swift, "Midnights" — Winner</li><li>Kelly Clarkson, "chemistry"</li><li>Miley Cyrus, "Endless Summer Vacation"</li><li>Olivia Rodrigo, "GUTS"</li><li>Ed Sheeran, "- (Subtract)"</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Song of the year</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>"What Was I Made For?" (from the motion picture "Barbie")&nbsp;– Billie Eilish O'Connell &amp; Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) — Winner</li><li>"A&amp;W"&nbsp;– Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey &amp; Sam Dew, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)</li><li>"Anti-Hero" – Jack Antonoff &amp; Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)</li><li>"Butterfly" – Jon Batiste &amp; Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)</li><li>"Dance the Night" (from "Barbie The Album")&nbsp;– Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson &amp; Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)</li><li>"Flowers"&nbsp;– Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein &amp; Michael Pollack, songwriters (Miley Cyrus)</li><li>"Kill Bill"&nbsp;– Rob Bisel, Carter Lang &amp; Solána Rowe, songwriters (SZA)</li><li>"vampire" – Daniel Nigro &amp; Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Oliva Rodrigo)</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Best new artist</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>Victoria Monét — Winner</li><li>Gracie Abrams</li><li>Fred again..</li><li>Ice Spice</li><li>Jelly Roll</li><li>Coco Jones</li><li>Noah Kahan</li><li>The War and Treaty</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Record of the year</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>"Flowers" – Miley Cyrus — Winner</li><li>"Worship" – Jon Batiste</li><li>"Not Strong Enough" – boygenius</li><li>"What Was I Made For?" [from the motion picture "Barbie"] – Billie Eilish</li><li>"On My Mama" – Victoria Monét</li><li>"vampire" – Olivia Rodrigo</li><li>"Anti-Hero" – Taylor Swift</li><li>"Kill Bill" – SZA</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start">Album of the year</h2><ul class="list-disc"><li>"Midnights," Taylor Swift — Winner</li><li>"World Music Radio," Jon Batiste</li><li>"the record," boygenius</li><li>"Endless Summer Vacation," Miley Cyrus</li><li>"Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd," Lana Del Rey</li><li>"The Age of Pleasure," Janelle Monáe</li><li>"GUTS," Olivia Rodrigo</li><li>"SOS," SZA</li></ul>

Music's Biggest Night: Taylor Swift Makes History, Miley Cyrus Blooms & Phoebe Bridgers Sweeps at the 2024  Grammys 

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/3266bdb2c80d4820344f5b4d32b0b61faf6f8b9a42b885a00ffa11cf67a0ffd8.angola2.jpeg" id="figure-xv1pt" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>Angola announced it is leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) after being part of the oil cartel for 16 years, the state-owned Jornal de Angola reported Dec. 21, citing Mineral Resources Minister Diamantino Azevedo. The decision comes after OPEC slashed Angola's oil production quota for 2024 during a meeting on Nov. 30. Angola's quota was cut to 1.11 million barrels per day, around 25% below its previous level of 1.48 million barrels per day.Angola rejected the new lower quota, with the governor to OPEC Estevao Pedro stating the country did not plan to comply with it. This disagreement contributed to a delay in the wider OPEC+ meeting earlier this month. Angola decided leaving OPEC was in its best interests. "We feel that at this moment Angola gains nothing by remaining in the organization and, in defence of its interests, it decided to leave," Azevedo told state broadcaster TPA.<h2>Impact on OPEC and Oil Markets Seen as Limited</h2>Angola's departure leaves OPEC with 12 members and is a blow to the group's unity. However, the impact on global oil supplies and prices is expected to be limited."There is no impact on supply forecasts as Angola is already producing at full capacity rather than limiting output due to OPEC+ quotas," said Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects. Oil prices dipped around 1% after the announcement before recovering slightly. Brent crude was trading just under $79 per barrel on Dec. 21.<h2>Angola's Oil Output Has Plummeted 40%</h2>Angola's oil production has dropped sharply in recent years as its offshore fields mature and international oil companies cut back investment amid lower profits.The country pumped over 1.8 million barrels per day as recently as 2015. But output has plunged around 40% over the last eight years, with Angola now producing around 1.14 million barrels per day. The decline made Angola's initial 2024 quota of 1.48 million barrels per day seem unrealistic. The country protested after the November meeting slashed the quota even further to 1.11 million barrels per day.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/e8e12029a0358d8d8ef9e1ff26a74730ad8116d06bd3a26c69909df902406f77.angola.jpeg" id="figure-xv1pt" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>Rather than accept cuts it could not meet, Angola decided leaving OPEC and pumping at capacity was its best option. <h2>OPEC Tries to Boost Prices Amid Growth Concerns</h2>OPEC and its allies known as OPEC+ have been trying to support oil prices through supply cuts amid fears of an economic slowdown sapping crude demand next year. The group is aiming to balance the market after prices plunged below $80 per barrel in recent months from as high as $139 in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. OPEC+ agreed to cut oil production targets by 2 million barrels per day from November through 2023, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries shouldering the bulk of reductions.While Angola's departure dents OPEC's image, it is unlikely to stop the group's efforts to manage supply and put a floor under plunging oil prices.

Angola Exits OPEC After 16 Years Amid Quota Dispute

Hey, let me know if you have any questions for me

<img src="https://facts.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/16-captivating-facts-about-environmental-stewardship-1696409492.jpg" alt="16 Captivating Facts About Environmental Stewardship - Facts.net">Genesis 1:26-28And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion(take care) over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.&nbsp;A steward is typically a person who is responsible for the management, care, or supervision of something, such as a household, organization, or resources. In various contexts, a steward may be tasked with overseeing and ensuring the proper use of resources, maintaining order, or acting as a representative for a group's interests. - chatgptThis implies we are all stewards whether you are a parent, student, lawyer, doctor, manager, entrepreneur, etc.&nbsp;If you are a parent it is your responsibility to train up our children in the way of the Lord. proverb 22:6.&nbsp;Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present&nbsp;him before the&nbsp;Lord, and he will live there always. 1Samuel 1:22Hannah made a promise to God but I believe every parent should make this promise to God. I believe is much easier to raise our kids in the way of the Lord than to leave them on their own. having dominion also means work. -&nbsp;Genesis 2:4-25

Stewardship

Love this. God cares about us. Sometimes we worry, but we don’t need to. He always has our best interest

Afia’s Christian Journey<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/112eb99d504baf04588527ac4114e0443a27b96206e34593c1730f7287bf2e26.AFIA_1.jpg" id="figure-0cjngd" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Afia</figcaption></figure>I have been a Christian since infancy, but my conscious journey with Christ began eleven years ago when a broken heart led me to God (a story for another day). Initially, inspired by testimonies of God’s intervention upon pledging money, time, or valuables, I committed to doing the same. At times, it yielded results, yet often I found myself frustrated when God seemingly did not fulfil our agreements. Many of us have faced this dilemma, questioning if we prayed correctly or if our sacrifices were insufficient.<blockquote>In my later years, I realised I would pledge just because—not for a favour, but just because...</blockquote>The uncertainty prompted me to ponder: should I persist in pledging and praying, or should I desist? The weariness led to moments of exasperation, questioning when God would answer my prayers after praying for so long and following trusted methods people have used? The fatigue from unanswered prayers raised a fundamental question: Why do I worship God?While I seek God for peace of mind, reliance for battles I cannot fight, and a father figure in my life, the lingering question persisted. I recall a prayer born out of frustration, urging God to do as He pleased. Not an act of surrender but one of despair. It prompted me to ask: if God never answered my prayers, would I still go to church and believe in Him with joy and enthusiasm? The resolute answer emerged: I would choose Him repeatedly, ha! empowered by the Holy Spirit.When things got confusing, I turned to the Bible to figure out who God is and what He’s all about. As I read Jesus’ words and the call to study the Scriptures, I learned that they talk about God and what He can do, no matter what’s going on. My perspective shifted from thinking my promises and words should make things happen to realise they should actually change me. I understood that my promises and sacrifices weren’t meant to control God’s actions but to change who I am. I can’t bribe God; it’s about letting go of what I cherish the most.Diving into Scripture, I discovered three profound truths. Firstly, God created me (Psalm 139) and loves me more intimately than I love myself, knowing my innermost thoughts and desires. Despite this, He extends an invitation for a daily relationship. Secondly, His wisdom surpasses mine, urging me to approach His throne with openness, seeking His perspective on my plans. I am living out His purpose, not my own. Lastly, I resolved to avoid a transactional relationship with God, embracing the potential for painful losses while choosing to trust His guidance, even when it is incomprehensible.In answering the pivotal question, I affirm that even if circumstances don’t align with my desires, God remains sovereign. Even in perceived silence, I choose to trust. Though weariness may arise, I trust the Holy Spirit to fortify my faith. This resolve is challenging, yet I believe it is and will be worthwhile.

Commitment or Transaction? Reflections on “Unanswered Prayers”

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1580541832626-2a7131ee809f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxjaGVzc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTkzNzQ1ODR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="black chess piece on chess board" id="figure-4hyz7" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@hpzworkz">Hassan Pasha</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>In your life story, I saw a tale, With ups and downs, like a winding trail. Each turn of the page showed your journey’s flow, In a world where you couldn’t always know.The first page marked your gentle birth, Like an empty canvas with infinite worth. Year by year, you showed your might, With courage and strength, you faced the fight.The following page, school days and more, Filled with laughter, tears, and lessons galore. Through the complex maze of learning, you strayed, Discovering that both joys and challenges are part of the trade.Then came times of hardship and strife, Moments of stumbling in your life. But in those tough spots, you found your grace, And your strength grew at a steady pace.As pages turned, your adventures would shine, With trips to new places, embracing the fine. You let the world teach you a great deal, In its diverse tapestry, you found your zeal.Through love and family, you found your place, Creating portraits of care and embrace. In the warmth of those bonds, you’d share, The solace of hearts, showing you care.In your life’s story, I also saw mistakes, And from them, you learned, for goodness’ sake. In errors, wisdom found a space, And through growth, you embraced life’s embrace.In your portfolio, your dreams took flight, A roadmap to the future, shining so bright. With determination and goals to uphold, You chase your dreams, like glittering gold.As the last page approaches, the story’s not done, With each passing year, you’re still on the run. It’s clear to see as the story we near, You’re your own friend, dear and near.In your life’s story, I find inspiration, A testament to the human spirit’s dedication. A life’s journey, a wonderful creation, In the ever-unfolding book of your narration.

 The Portfolio Of You

I enjoyed reading this. Do not let fear stop you. When you get going, action beats fear.

Three years ago I wanted to learn how to sail a boat but my biggest hurdle was that I couldn't swim.So I needed to get the basicsLearn how to swim<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/62ecb05201b101d442fd224af5678b543cf248ab25e02d311d7d971bb2d66805.1000100935.jpg" id="figure-9x0oly" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure>But my previous instance or tries had all been an epic fail in the past.I had nearly drowned in a river in the town where I grew up in and on two occasions fought for my dear life after being pushed into a big pool.So here I was standing in a pool that was barely 3 feet and just above my waist and I was as stiff as a log. I could loosen up or shake the fear away even though I knew I could stand in it.The fear in my body made me sink any time I tried to stay afloat.Then I realized I hadn't taken in my surroundingsJumping around me were kids barely half the height of the pool n they were playing and floating without care.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/cb66659e5daa3c81e46010a7ef2ed5df5956fdff766233cff539951eee99cfe6.1000100936.jpg" id="figure-9x0oly" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Kids having fun in a pool</figcaption></figure>I had to remind myself there were so many lifeguards around who would come to my rescue but once again this was a stationary mass of water, not like the river back in my town.My body had stopped shaking, the fear that had paralyzed me initially was leaving my body and I gradually mastered the courage to swim. Since then I've had to rationalize this to any friend I took to the pool to teach how to swim.The only thing standing between them and the other end of the pool wasn't the water. It was their fear.Some year ago, I sat in a car to learn how to drive and the rush of an accident I had been in back in school came rushing to me. Every time I sat behind a wheel, it was as if my life flashed before me."Even my cousin who is younger and not as adventurous as I was, had learnt how to drive. If they can do it, then I too can", I kept repeating to myself over and over againAnd yes I didDo I constantly feel a tingle and the hair on my neck stand whenever I get a flash of that fateful night I crashed back in college and get scared whenever I sit behind a wheel? YesDoes it stop me from driving? No.I remind myself I have mastered this.I rationalize and reason myself out of the fear so it doesn't cripple me.When fear takes hold of your mind, defeat it with reason. With the facts. Fear is a feeling your cognitive abilities can overcome. Remind yourself, the work, experience and just the tenacity you have to overcome.So get on that stageDo that presentationLaunch that start-upApply for that role or promotionRationalize yourself out of that fear that has been stopping you and holding you back for far too long!Don't let fear get a hold of you and stop you from getting to the other end of the poolRelax your head, breath, and you'll soon realize you can float!<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/435ea231c85d9bd28de88f6df4516b7c6262a5d68f690635bcf85d5f03872be9.1000100937.jpg" id="figure-9x0oly" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Floating on water (photo credit: Cathrin_Manning on Pinterest)</figcaption></figure>

Reasoning yourself out of fear

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507652955-f3dcef5a3be5?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHx3aGF0JTIwbWF0dGVyc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDMyNDY2MzV8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="brown dried leaves on sand" id="figure-ty0jk" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@srz">sydney Rae</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>I've been digging deep lately on this notion of "living purposefully."What does that really entail, even mean?I used to think living with purpose was just some fluffy concept. Like only self-actualized gurus are enlightened enough to discover their capital "P" Purpose and spend each day in perfect alignment.But as I've given more thought to the idea of purposeful living, I've realized it's much more grounded than I assumed. It's simply about getting really clear on what matters most to you - identifying your core values - and making decisions that align with who you truly are.Easier said than done of course! I had no clue where to even start with getting clarity around my personal values.That's where some soul-searching conversations with friends helped me out. I started asking myself broader questions first - what activities give me energy and joy? The times when I feel most alive and enthusiastic?For me, that's things like creating something from scratch, pushing my boundaries, being adventurous, and connecting with others on a deeper level.Then I got more specific - what themes or qualities run through all those peak experiences in my life? Things like authenticity, growth, community, freedom, and creativity started jumping out.I realized - this is what matters! This is what guides my inner compass! Identifying those values was a big milestone.But values themselves don't automatically provide direction or purpose.The next step was getting clear on my life purpose - figuring out how I want to live by and express my core values.How can I build a purpose around things like creativity, growth, community, etc?For example, maybe my purpose includes things like constantly learning new skills, forming meaningful connections without pretence, expressing myself boldly through writing, always stretching beyond my comfort zone.Now when it comes to goals and daily decisions, I have a framework for checking alignment.Am I spending time and energy on things that fulfil my purpose and reflect what I value? Or am I operating on auto-pilot and ignoring that inner compass?It's a journey for sure, but so worth it to gain clarity around who I am at my core and what I want this one life to stand for.I don't have it all figured out, but I'm excited to continue building a purposeful life centred around my values. It makes life feel more meaningful, ya know?I’d love to keep chatting more about this idea of living intentionally. What kinds of things give you a sense of purpose and meaning? Have you given thought to what really matters most?<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="https://ewuranna.medium.com/getting-clear-on-what-matters-most-762bba72f346?source=user_profile---------31----------------------------">Medium saw this first</a>

Getting Clear on What Matters Most

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1577326646609-7257a07b810b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxJbm5lciUyMGNyaXRpY3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDMyMzU2OTZ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="man sitting on a concrete bench overlooking the beach" id="figure-dr1ds9" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@morsha">Mor Shani</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>We all have an inner critic - that nagging, judgemental voice in our heads that is quick to point out our flaws and mistakes. The inner critic sets impossibly high standards and is never satisfied with our efforts. This constant negativity erodes self-esteem and fuels anxiety, depression and burnout.Where does this inner critic come from? Often it stems from childhood experiences where parents or other authority figures were highly critical. Or it may be a product of a society that values achievement and perfectionism. Whatever its origin, the inner critic aims to motivate us by criticism rather than encouragement.Unfortunately, this method does more harm than good. A barrage of negative self-talk floods our mind and keeps us stuck in anxiety and despair. But we don't have to be bullied by our inner critic. With some effort, we can break free of its grip and treat ourselves with the kindness and compassion we deserve.Here are some tips to quiet your inner critic and practice self-compassion:<h2 style="text-align: start">Identify and Challenge Critical Thoughts</h2>The first step is to become aware of self-critical thoughts as they occur. What kind of language does your inner critic use? Is it reasonable or overly harsh? Ask yourself if a friend spoke to you this way, would you accept it? Whenever you notice self-judgement, visualize your inner critic as an external voice that you can choose to accept or reject.A powerful strategy is to write down the criticisms and then refute them point by point. List examples and evidence that counter the attacks. This puts you back in a position of control rather than feeling battered by negativity.<h2 style="text-align: start">Set Boundaries and Limit Time with Your Inner Critic</h2>You can set boundaries with your inner critic, much like dealing with a toxic person. Limit the time you give it - perhaps 5-10 minutes daily to air its concerns. When the allotted time is up, gently say good-bye and move on.It also helps to identify situations that trigger the inner critic - like preparing for an exam or presentation. Before and after, do an affirming activity to bookend the criticism. This might be meditating, listening to uplifting music, writing in a gratitude journal, or repeating affirmations.<h2 style="text-align: start">Cultivate Self-Compassion</h2>Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness, care, and understanding you would show a good friend. It stands in direct contrast to the inner critic's harsh judgement. Read books on self-compassion or take courses.Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of an unconditionally loving friend. What advice would they give? Adopt a nurturing tone and provide encouragement. Re-read this letter often as an antidote to inner critic attacks.<h2 style="text-align: start">Challenge Perfectionism</h2>For many, the inner critic is fueled by perfectionism - the compulsive need to meet sky-high standards and avoid mistakes. Perfectionism is rooted in the belief our worth depends on accomplishments and meeting external benchmarks. In fact, our inherent worth remains unchanged, regardless of what we achieve.To counter perfectionism, focus on the journey rather than the outcome. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a draft. Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. Reject the myth that making mistakes equals failure. Remind yourself, “I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love, belonging, and happiness.”<h2 style="text-align: start">Practice Mindfulness</h2>Mindfulness quiets the inner critic by cultivating non-judgemental awareness and living in the present. Notice feelings and self-talk without getting carried away by them. Meditation develops distance from your thoughts, so they have less power over you.Start small - aim for 5 minutes per day of focusing on your breath, senses, or an affirmation like "I am enough." Over time, mindfulness reduces self-criticism and negative rumination. It lets you become an impartial observer of your inner critic rather than feeling attacked.<h2 style="text-align: start">Forgive Yourself</h2>Self-criticism often springs from deep-rooted shame about past actions. The inner critic reminds us of these transgressions to fuel feelings of unworthiness. In reality, harshly judging ourselves changes nothing - it only causes more suffering.To break free of shame, practice self-forgiveness. Consider whether you would hold a grudge against a loved one who made similar mistakes. Recognize that remorse and self-punishment will not erase what happened. Instead, learn from the experience and commit to making changes that align with your values. Be patient and allow self-forgiveness to unfold over time.<h2 style="text-align: start">Surround Yourself with Supportive Voices</h2>Cut back on media, social media, or people who reinforce perfectionism and make self-criticism worse. Instead, spend time with people who see your innate worth and speak to you with compassion. Their positive outlook can help drown out the voices of self-doubt. Read biographies of people who overcame hardship with perseverance. Remember you have inherent value outside of what you accomplish.On the journey to quiet your inner critic, be patient with yourself. Old habits of negative self-talk take time to unravel. Think of it as a partnership - avoid struggling against your inner critic and instead work collaboratively. As you consistently counter criticisms with self-compassion, its harmful power will diminish. Soon your inner voice will become a source of motivation through encouragement rather than cruelty.

Quieting your inner critic 

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1584449879552-d4a37ce5e5c1?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1MXx8bW90aXZhdGV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzAyOTEzOTE4fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="black and white UNK street sign" id="figure-2etzk" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@jannerboy62">Nick Fewings</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>We all have unique ways of feeling inspired, driven, and motivated. Just as people give and receive love differently in relationships, we each respond best to different "motivation love languages" – the words, actions, and behaviours that spur us on towards success. Identifying these motivation languages in yourself and others is key so you can offer the right kind of encouragement, support and inspiration to the people you care about. Let's explore the main motivation styles: <h2>Words of Praise People </h2>Some folks feel fueled by verbal validation and feedback. Hearing “You’re doing great!” or “I’m proud of you!” helps this group feel confident as they pursue goals. Even small doses of praise, cheerleading and positive language keep them enthusiastic and remind them their efforts matter. If you have affirmation-seeking friends, compliment them often. Send motivational texts to share you believe in them. Verbalize the progress you see, and celebrate wins big and small. Your words have the power to uplift! <h2>Quality Time Devotees </h2>Nothing sparks drive for this group quite like one-on-one bonding. Sharing meaningful conversations, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest allows them to feel understood and supported. Processing thoughts with someone fully present stokes internal fires. Make space to really listen and be available to the quality-time folks in your circle. Check in often even if just to say “How are you?” Put phones away, ask follow-up questions and offer advice if asked. They’ll feel your care. <h2>Acts of Service Assistants </h2>Some people feel significantly motivated when others physically help lighten their load. Any tasks you can take off their overflowing plates inspire them to keep tackling big goals. Even small assists like bringing coffee, cooking dinner or handling chores cheers them on. Look for opportunities large and small to pitch in for service-motivated friends. Offer to swing by the grocery store for them when you go or help assemble furniture. As you lend a hand, you also lend motivation! <h2>Thoughtful Gifts Givers </h2>This group beams when received little pick-me-ups like their favourite snack or self-care product “just because.” The gesture and surprise of an unexpected present makes them feel seen and celebrates progress. Gifts motivate by providing tangible reinforcement. Brighten a gift-lover's day with sweet deliveries: flowers, a funny mug, and bike accessories with an inspirational note. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and want to fuel more success! Thoughtfulness means the world. The next time you want to motivate someone you care about, pause and think – what speaks to their heart? Learn their motivation love language, then offer the praise, quality time, acts of service or gifts that will inspire them best in their own unique way.

What Drives You? Understanding Motivation Love Languages

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524509717343-7930b0d384b9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHx2dWxuZXJhYmxlfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwMTEwMDIyMXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="a man laying on the ground with his hands on his knees" id="figure-rrehk" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@24k">KirstenMarie</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Do you ever feel like you’re always wearing different “masks”? At work you put on your serious professional persona. With old friends you slip into this carefree party animal kind of vibe, laughing too loud. On first dates, a slightly altered polished and witty version of yourself comes out. But sometimes when you’re alone staring in the mirror you wonder - who even is the real me amongst all these performances?I totally empathize if authenticity feels hard. Growing up, I learned early on that people didn’t always appreciate the full, unfiltered me. My loud intense emotions were too much. My nerdy interests marked me as weird. I gained some painful lessons that maybe it was safer being a chameleon, always changing my colors to suit the situation. But the thing about wearing all those masks is it’s utterly exhausting. You have to closely monitor everything you share, filter out anything too personal that might be judged. It’s alienating too - no one can truly see you and you don’t let anyone close enough that they could. Eventually as more walls go up to guard your secret authentic self, loneliness sinks in even when surrounded by acquaintances. My wake up call came after an epic crying meltdown home alone one night. Pushing down my feelings and true self constantly felt crushing suddenly. I longed to stop hiding and building up this fake image everywhere I went. I daydreamed about throwing off all those suffocating masks and finally breathing freely as just me. But could I handle people seeing and potentially rejecting my unpolished edges?As I slowly began opening up more with trusted friends, I realized something surprising. Being candid about my struggles or geeky passions actually connected me with others like never before. My story resonated with friends’ experiences too. Those who truly cared about me weren’t scared away by my sensitivity or fiery emotions either as I had feared. They accepted all of me - that was the belonging I had craved.Of course, I still worry about being too much sometimes. Old habits die hard. But what keeps me taking courageous risks to continue revealing my authentic self is remembering how freeing that feels, like taking off a corset I’d long outgrown. I know now there will always be people who “get” me as I am - flaws, passions, hopes, anxieties and all. And if someone judges the real me, that’s more a reflection of our lack of alignment, not some personal failing needing to be hidden. I hope in sharing my own vulnerable journey you’ll feel inspired to take off your own masks too, despite any lingering worries or fears. Who knows what beautiful connections could be waiting on the other side of embracing the courage to be authentic? I promise you don’t need to traverse this path alone - many of us are searching for that solidarity in our unfiltered humanity. So next time you feel the temptation to put on a performance, I encourage you to instead open up.

How Vulnerability Can Set You Free

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589666564459-93cdd3ab856a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxpbnZlc3RtZW50fGVufDB8fHx8MTY5OTk1Njg1OXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="brown and white paper bag" id="figure-01gssne" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@polarmermaid">Anne Nygård</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Ever wondered what self-investment really means? It's more than just a fancy term. It's about investing in the most important asset you've got... you! But, I get it, life can be crazy... with bills to pay, deadlines to meet, and a never-ending to-do list...So, why bother with self-investment? Well, let me ask you this: Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a rut? Or perhaps you've had that nagging feeling that you're capable of so much more? If you nodded along to any of that, you're in the right place.We're about to dive into some tips that'll help you kickstart your self-investment journey. These are like those little secrets that successful, happy folks have been using for years... but nobody told you about them... until now.So, are you ready? Ready to unlock your full potential, to seize your dreams, and to turn 'what ifs' into 'heck yes!'? Great, because we're about to embark on a journey that's all about you... yes, you, the hero of your story. We're in this together, so let's dive into those 10 game-changing tips.<h2>Tip 1 : Setting Clear Goals</h2>Alright, let's talk about the first tip on our self-investment journey...You ever tried hitting a bullseye blindfolded? Probably not, because that's a tough shot to make, right? Goals in your self-investment journey are like your bullseye... the clearer they are, the better your chances of hitting 'em...So, why are clear goals such a big deal? Well, they're like your roadmap. Without 'em, you're driving with your eyes closed... not very safe, is it? It's about giving you direction, purpose, and a sense of achievement.Now, let's get down to business... how do you define and prioritize your self-investment goals? Well, it's a bit like making a to-do list, Ask yourself: What do you really want to achieve? What's burning in your heart? Take a minute, close your eyes, and imagine the life you desire...Got it? Good. Now, write it down. Yep, it's that simple... pen and paper, digital notes, whatever works for you. Make it crystal clear...But here's the thing: make it realistic, too. If you aim to become a billionaire by next Tuesday, you might set yourself up for frustration. It's cool to aim high, just don't aim so high you can't even see the target.So, what do well-defined self-investment goals look like? They're like this: "In the next year, I'll improve my public speaking skills by attending courses, practicing every week, and delivering a successful presentation at work."See how clear that is? No vague mumbo-jumbo... just a straight-up game plan to transform yourself into a public speaking champ.And remember, your goals are unique, just like you... They don't have to match anyone else's dreams. So, take a moment to think... what's your bullseye? Your unique, thrilling goal? Write it down, and let's get ready to hit it. 🎯<h2>Tip 2 : Embracing Continuous Learning</h2>Alright, let's dive into tip number two on our self-investment journey...Ever hear the saying that "knowledge is power"? Well, it's true, my friend. In the game of self-investment, education and continuous learning are your secret weapons.So, what's the deal with learning? It's like putting coins in your piggy bank... the more you gather, the richer you become. Your journey is your classroom, and every experience is a lesson.But how do you keep the flame of curiosity alive? How do you make learning a part of your everyday life? Here's the scoop: Stay curious, my friend. Ask questions, explore, and never stop being fascinated by the world around you.Oh, and don't forget to read... books, articles, blogs, whatever tickles your fancy. Expand your horizons and gain new perspectives. Join webinars, take online courses, or attend workshops. Learning isn't just about formal education; it's about growing every day.Now, if you're wondering where to find these golden nuggets of wisdom, fear not. There's a treasure trove of resources out there for self-learners like you. Websites, podcasts, and online courses are a click away. Explore platforms like Coursera, edX, or even good old YouTube. They're like the X on your treasure map.And remember, it's not just about collecting knowledge, it's about applying it. So, ask yourself: What's something you've always wanted to learn? What's been tugging at your curiosity strings? Find your passion, seek knowledge, and let the learning begin. 📚✨<h2>Tip 3</h2>Let's journey into tip number three on our path to self-investment: Cultivating Self-Awareness.Have you ever felt like you're on autopilot, just cruising through life without really knowing where you're headed? Well, my friend, you're not alone. But the good news is, self-awareness is like the compass that can help you find your true north.So, what's the big deal with self-awareness? It's like turning on the lights in a dark room. When you understand yourself better, you're better equipped to make choices that align with your goals and values.But how do you cultivate this magical self-awareness? It's not about gazing at your navel in a cave somewhere. It's about asking yourself some tough questions. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What sets your soul on fire, and what puts you to sleep? And, it's about being honest with your answers. Self-awareness starts with self-honesty.Now, here's a tip within a tip: Journaling can be your best friend in this journey. It's like having a heart-to-heart with yourself on paper. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and reflections. Over time, patterns emerge, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of who you are.Also, don't hesitate to ask for feedback from those who know you well. Sometimes, others see things about us that we might miss.But remember, self-awareness is a lifelong journey. You're not aiming for perfection; you're aiming to understand yourself better with each passing day. So, embrace the quirks, the strengths, and the weaknesses that make you uniquely you.Are you ready to shine a light on the intricate labyrinth of your own thoughts and emotions? It's a journey worth taking, my friend, and it starts with a single step toward self-awareness. 🌟🧭

3 tips to kickstart your self investment journey

The best or worst moment<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1476611317561-60117649dd94?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxtb21lbnRzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwMjU1ODIxNHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="woman standing outdoor surrounded by bobbles during daytime" id="figure-loya57" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@a2_foto">Alex Alvarez</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Moments, Tiny fragments of time, that cannot be recovered. The most precious records of our memories, savoured when we reflect on times, times or bad.Defining Moments stand out, they influence us, cause us to rethink our direction, re-shape the trajectory of our lives. How to we recall experiences or moments? Research has found that in recalling an experience, we ignore most of what happened and focus instead on a few particular moments.When people assess an experience, they tend to forget of ignore its length- a phenomenon called “duration neglect” Instead, they seem to rate the experience based on two Key moments:<ol class="list-decimal"><li>The best or worst moment, known as the “peak”</li><li>the ending</li></ol>Psychologists call this the “peak-end-rule”<h2>Elements that create defining moments</h2>A defining moment must include at least one of these elements - It does not have to include all four.<ul class="list-disc"><li>Elevation - The peak of our experiences</li><li>Insight - The way we understand ourselves or the world</li><li>Pride - Moments that find us at our best</li><li>Connection - the social connections we form with others</li></ul><h2>Thinking in Moments</h2>Three situations constitute natural defining moments<ul class="list-disc"><li>Transitions : They seem so natural that they are almost always marked with some sort of “coming of age” ritual. Eg: weddings, first day of of college, promotions , end of projects etc.</li><li>Milestones : Birthdays are the most obvious milestones, ( 1st , 18th , 21st , 30th , 40th ,50th, 60th , 100th ) , retirement and unheralded achievements. eg: A sales man’s 20 million dollar of revenue</li><li>Pits : They are the opposite of peaks, i.e negative defining moments, moments of hardship or pain or anxiety.</li></ul><figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1606656298954-386647379dfe?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMHx8bW9tZW50c3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDI1NTgyMTR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="man in black jacket and blue denim jeans standing on road under starry night" id="figure-loya57" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@kencheungphoto">Ken Cheung</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><h2>Treasures of Defining moments</h2><h3>Build peaks</h3>Peaks do not emerge naturally, They must be built.To elevate a moment, do these there things:<ul class="list-disc"><li>Boost sensory appeal</li><li>Raise the stakes</li><li>Break the script ( Breaking the script means to violate expectations about an experience )</li></ul><h3>Multiply Milestones</h3>Hitting a milestone sparks pride. It should also spark a celebration - a moment of elevation. milestones deserve peaks.To identify a milestone, ask yourself:What is inherently motivating?What would be worth celebrating that might only take a few weeks or months of work?What is a hidden accomplishment that is worth surfacing and celebrating.<h3>Practice Courage</h3>It can be hard to be courageous, In fact it is hard t be courageous, but it is easier when you’ve practiced. Being in the know and having ample knowledge allows you to have confidence in the outcome of the situation. Practicing courage also allows you to manage fear. Exposing yourself is a critical part of building courage. You out yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to act and be courageous.Moments, when we display courage, make us proud. We never know when courage will be demanded, but we can practice to ensure we are ready.

The Power of Moments

Millie

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/5f8b28e8ca4b623c632aa694e6987dc4b7c398454114a852433d04c3a571e8fe.buzzedison_A_layered_onion_with_labels_or_arrows_pointing_inwar_9a1a9c7d-3483-4e11-b6f4-d4837afadb6e.png" alt="A layered onion with labels or arrows pointing inward," id="figure-1o34x" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">A layered onion with labels or arrows pointing inward,</figcaption></figure>Most problems are like onions. Peel away the layers, and you'll eventually get to the smelly core that makes you cry. In business, these "smelly cores" are the root causes of recurring issues that sap your productivity, damage morale, and eat up resources. Yet surprisingly, few companies actively dig for those root causes.The temptation is always to slap on a Band-Aid. Problem flaring up? Throw more people at it, redesign the flashy part that customers see, or issue a strongly worded memo. But chronic problems are a sign that your Band-Aid solutions aren't cutting it. They're a symptom, not the disease.<h2>That's where the '5 Whys' method comes in. It sounds childishly simple, but it's incredibly potent when used correctly.</h2>Here's the gist:<ol class="list-decimal"><li>State the problem clearly. (e.g., "Our website keeps crashing during peak hours.")</li><li>Ask "Why?" (e.g., "Why does the website crash?" Answer: "The servers get overloaded.")</li><li>Keep drilling down. "Why do the servers get overloaded?" …and so on.</li></ol>The magic isn't in the number five. Sometimes you'll hit the root cause sooner; sometimes it takes more digging. The power is in forcing yourself to think beyond the immediate, superficial layer and to keep asking until you find the thing that, if fixed, would make the whole issue vanish.The 5 Why method is a powerful tool for uncovering the underlying causes of a problem. Developed by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries, it is a simple yet effective method for conducting root cause analysis. The 5 Why method is designed to help organizations identify the underlying causes of a problem by repeatedly asking the question "why" until the root cause is identified. The method is particularly useful for identifying systemic problems, as it forces you to look beyond the symptoms of the problem and delve deeper into the underlying causes. By using the 5 Why method, organizations can quickly identify and address the root causes of problems, rather than simply treating the symptoms. <h2>Why Bother?</h2>"Don't have time for this," you might say, "We've got fires to put out!" Precisely why this technique is critical. Let's consider a few scenarios:<ul class="list-disc"><li>The Stubborn Bug: Your software has a nasty quirk that keeps upsetting users. Engineers keep patching it, but it re-emerges in slightly different forms. 5 Whys might reveal that the original codebase was designed on flawed assumptions, and no amount of patching will help until the underlying architecture is reworked.</li><li>The Manufacturing Bottleneck: One stage of production always lags behind. You've tried throwing overtime at it, replacing the machine, nothing works long-term. Turns out, using the 5 Whys, the bottleneck is caused by an unnecessary quality-control step much earlier in the process, forcing reworks downstream.</li><li>The Churning Customers: You're losing customers at an alarming rate. Desperate, you offer discounts, but it doesn't help. The 5 Whys expose a painful onboarding process that leaves new customers confused and unsupported.</li></ul>In each case, the obvious "solution" was ineffective because it didn't target the root cause.<h2>The Power of the Child</h2>The beauty of the 5 Whys is its simplicity. A bright child could do it, which is perhaps why many businesses overlook it. The key is relentless curiosity and a refusal to accept pat answers. Here's how it might play out in a real-world example:Problem: Low employee morale is affecting productivity.<ul class="list-disc"><li>Why #1: Are people unhappy with their pay? Answer: Pay is market rate.</li><li>Why #2: Do they feel overworked? Answer: Workload is manageable.</li><li>Why #3: Is there a lack of opportunity for advancement? Answer: Some feel that way.</li><li>Why #4 Why do they feel there's no advancement? Answer: Performance reviews are poorly structured, offering little helpful feedback.</li><li>Why #5 Why are reviews unhelpful? Answer: Managers lack adequate training to conduct them effectively.</li></ul><h2>Aha! You've hit upon the potential root cause: inadequate manager training. Investing in that is probably a better morale booster than across-the-board raises.</h2>Caveats and ConsiderationsThe 5 Whys isn't foolproof. Here's what to be mindful of:<ul class="list-disc"><li>Don't get sidetracked: Each "Why" should follow logically from the previous answer. Beware of tangents.</li><li>Humans are messy: Sometimes there is no single, clean root cause, but rather a tangle of contributing factors.</li><li>It's a tool, not a religion: The 5 Whys is useful for diagnosis, not necessarily for deciding on the solution.</li></ul>The 5 Whys won't make hard problems magically disappear, but it can save you from wasting time and energy on ineffective quick fixes. If you're tired of recurring problems, learn to channel your inner five-year-old and start asking "Why?".

The Power of the 5 Why Method. A Guide to Root Cause Analysis.

<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/9e58a88184dfc65e94c55c52413885eaeed50938d6bc9532df89997f5c4827a7.ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg" id="figure-jzm864" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure><h1>pro·duc·tiv·i·ty</h1>/ˌprōˌdəkˈtivədē,ˌprädəkˈtivədē/noun<ol class="list-decimal"><li>the state or quality of producing something, especially crops."the long-term productivity of land"<ul class="list-disc"><li>the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input."workers have boosted productivity by 30 percent"</li></ul></li></ol>Productivity is a philosophy of life, a state of mind. Being efficient means doing, at every moment, what we consciously choose to do and not what we feel we are doing forced by circumstances. Productivity means&nbsp;adopting an attitude for continued improvement.What if I told you it was a myth? would you still believe me? Let me prove it to you.Being productive appears to be the focal point of most of our lives these days. Everyday we’re thinking about how much we can get done, within the shortest possible time. On some days it seems 24 hours is never enough.So here’s the paradox: Americans are working 10 percent fewer total hours than they did before the recession, due to layoffs and shortened workdays, but we are producing nearly as many goods and services as we did back in the full employment days of 2007.What does productivity mean to you? Tasks? Getting more tasks accomplished — say writing and responding to scores of emails in between other activities — may technically represent higher productivity, but it doesn’t necessarily mean adding greater value. If you have ever questioned this then here is your answerIt is human nature to crave for more productivity because it is no less than a secret to stay on top of your work and claim back to back success.However being productive in itself is associated with a lot of myths and we will touch on a few of them.<h3>Myth 1. Multitasking Can Kill Productivity</h3>Yes, the concept of task switching—constantly jumping from one to-do to another—does have some pretty dire effects on your productivity. It’s important to note, however, that task switching isn’t as multitasking.there are some positive manifestations of multitasking:<ul class="list-disc"><li>Rehearsing your elevator pitch while you’re washing dishes or</li><li>Listening to that inspirational music while you write that business plan</li></ul>Multitasking actually serves to maximize your time and, in many cases, improve performance.&nbsp;The key is that the tasks are complementary rather than competitive, requiring the same cognitive effort or type of focus.So, the next time someone tries to tell you that your affinity for multitasking is sending your productivity levels into a nosedive, You can easily brush them off.<figure class=""><img src="https://crowdpen-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/48ba1434aba505e465b2f444ea49c4942a7b80128ff9fb1406fa91c9684d62c7.sales-productivity.png" id="figure-jzm864" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here"></figcaption></figure><h3>MYTH 2 : The early bird gets the worm</h3>Another Myth morning people are more productive. Research suggests that there is no real difference between the early birds and the night owls.<h3>MYTH 3 : Doing All the Critical Tasks at the End of the Day</h3>Most people think that doing small and easy tasks at the start of the day will help them deal with critical tasks more effectively because their confidence level will increase by viewing the number of tasks they have already done for the day. However, according to Psychologists, doing critical tasks first sets you up for a productive and fulfilling day.<h3>MYTH 4: Productivity Is About Getting Everything Done</h3>Getting a checklist done does not necessarily mean you have been productive. Productivity must yield tangible results. Being productive also means doing what you can within your designated time frame. Not bound by an obligation to finish everything but bound by the quality of results and impact your work brings.<h3>MYTH 5 : Doing All By Yourself Makes You Productive</h3>It’s like thinking as a one-man army. It might make you feel confident about you and your abilities, but as far as productivity is concerned, it is on the lower side. Instead of doing a one-man show you should focus on task delegation because it provides you some extra time which you can invest in finding more positive ways to amplify your productivity and tap the growth. Well, to be honest, task delegation is not a piece of cake because you have to trust the capabilities of someone else but with time and patience you can master hoe to delegate tasks.<h3>MYTH 6: Working under Pressure Increases Productivity</h3>The Idea of working intensely and under pressure is one of the most misguided notion when it comes to productivity. Some people have a concept that they perform better under strict conditions because it helps them become more creative and they can finish their tasks well before time. But, the reality is different because working under pressure creates more chances of errors because the extra stress brings more cognitive load and makes it difficult for your brain to perform better. While it may heighten your anxiety it may not necessarily make you productive.<h3>MYTH 7 : Assuming a work Technique should work for everyone.</h3>Usually, working in an office, you see some people using different working techniques, and they work well for them. It can be because they are used to it, or they have trained themselves being more productive using that certain technique. However Copying a colleauges work style might actually be a recipe for disaster, because the fact that it is working for worker A does not mean it will work for you.<h3>MYTH 8: Sleep Is For Lazy People and Not For Productivity Seekers</h3>Did Toyota do itself or its customers any good by finding a way to&nbsp;accelerate production and expand sales over the past decade? As its president&nbsp;Akio Toyoda Acknowledged in a speech to his leaders: “Some executives just got too big-headed and focused too excessively on profit.” What suffered was the reliability and quality of Toyota’s cars a reputation that took years to build but only days to unravel.When you think about your productivity, what comes to mind? So the next time you think about productivity do not let myths rule your efforts and make you fall way off the charts. Own your method.

Productivity Is A Myth. Here is why You’ve Had It All Wrong

<figure class=""><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613186187553-0efb12fa0c90?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3w0NTg5NzZ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0Mnx8cm91dGluZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDU5MzMxMzN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="woman in white t-shirt lying on bed" id="figure-vwt8nq" selected="false" draggable="false" contenteditable="false" class="stories_my_image__jvUq5"><figcaption data-placeholder="Your image caption goes here">Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/@ideanaire">Natasha Hall</a> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3 stories_link__04_Yy stories_link__04_Yy" href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>I don't know about you, but I struggle with routines. I'll get motivated, plan out a perfect schedule to exercise more, eat healthier, and get work done. But inevitably, after a few days, or maybe a couple of weeks if I'm lucky, things fall apart. Suddenly I'm back to my old habits, wondering where all that motivation went. If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="stories_link__PhUe3" href="(https://www.wondermind.com/article/daily-routine/)">Studies</a> show that only about 20% of people are able to successfully form a new habit and stick with it long-term. So why is it so hard? There are a few key reasons. <h2>Reason 1: Your Routine Is Too Ambitious </h2>When we first set out to change our habits, we tend to be overly ambitious. We want to exercise 5 days a week, completely overhaul our diet, and implement a whole new morning routine. It seems doable when we're feeling motivated, but it's just not realistic. It's much easier to stick to small, incremental changes. So instead of revamping everything, pick 1-2 habits you want to work on, like going for a 30 minute walk 3 days a week and eating a vegetable at every meal. Once those stick, you can build from there. Baby steps! <h2>Reason 2: You Don't Have Enough Accountability </h2>Sticking to something long-term requires accountability. But when you try to implement changes solo, it's easy to make excuses, hit snooze, and bail on your plans. Getting an accountability partner, joining a gym, or even just telling friends and family about your routine can encourage you to actually follow through. You feel like you have to answer to someone else, which provides external motivation on those days when your internal drive is lagging. <h2> Reason 3: Your Routine Doesn't Fit Your Lifestyle </h2>Routines fail when they don't align with your day-to-day life. If you hate mornings, trying to become an early riser probably won't work. And if you have young kids or an unpredictable job, a rigid schedule may be impossible. Look at your current commitments and preferences to find the best time and way to fit in new habits. Maybe you could meal prep on Sundays instead of trying to cook every night after work. Or do short bodyweight workouts during TV commercial breaks rather than dragging yourself to the gym at 5 a.m. Tailor it to you! <h2>Reason 4: You Don't Find Enjoyment in the Routine </h2>Let's be honest - a lot of healthy habits kind of suck at first. Running is hard, kale doesn't taste like chocolate, and meditation takes serious self-control when you want to grab your phone. But if there's no enjoyment or satisfaction mixed in, it's really tough to power through. Focus on habits and activities you like or want to learn to like. Make exercise social by joining a recreational sports team, for example. Have one "treat" meal a week so you still look forward to eating out. And track your progress with habits like weight lifting so you feel a sense of accomplishment. <h2>Reason 5: You Don't Plan for Disruptions </h2>Vacations, holidays, work deadlines - life sometimes gets in the way of routines. And when you don't have a plan for handling disruptions, one missed workout or late night can snowball into abandoning your routine altogether. But with some flexibility and forethought, you can get back on track. Have a backup alarm across the room, meal prep freezer meals for busy weeks, and schedule workouts in your calendar to block off time. Expect that slip ups will happen and have a damage control strategy in place. <h2>Reason 6: You Lack Intrinsic Motivation </h2>Here's the truth - motivation is fleeting. Relying on willpower, inspiration, and the perfect conditions to stick to a routine often backfires. Motivation gets you started, but you need intrinsic motivation to keep going long-term. Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It's the deep-down desire to write that book, train for a marathon, or learn a new language because it aligns with your values, interests, and sense of identity. It persists through obstacles, rejections, inconveniences, because it's rooted in meaning, not momentary inspiration. So dig deep. Why do you REALLY want the change you set out to make? How does this habit help you become who you want to be and live how you want to live? When you know your why and connect with purpose, you have fuel that lasts. <h2>Wrapping up </h2>I know firsthand that it can be frustrating when routines continually fall apart. But don't be so hard on yourself! Changing lifelong habits is genuinely difficult stuff. Hopefully understanding some of the common pitfalls can help you reframe the process and try again. Start small, make it enjoyable, expect bumps, and reconnect with your intrinsic motivations. You've got this! It may take some trial and error to make lasting changes. But don't give up - creating healthy, sustainable routines is totally possible if you find the right strategy for YOU. Now go out there and make it happen!

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