As a result of my absence, I decided to drop a gift for you.😍 Did I hear you say "Awwwn"? Yeah, I did.😄 So this is it. We have been locked down as a result of the corona virus pandemic which affected the economy, world wide. A lot has happened during this period as we had to #stayathome and #quarantine ourselves. During this period, I got about 20 lessons or tips which could help you go a long way during the post pandemic period and beyond. These lessons are guides as well and have built me. So I will like to share them with you and I hope you find comfort and solace as you go through them.
Get a pen and a journal, if you can.📝😊 I have mine here too🤭
TOP 20 LOCKDOWN TIPS
1) Make your home your paradise: A lot of us are fed up with the Lockdown and stay-at-home process. It's very normal. The poor finances, the boredom, the loneliness and all that comes with it is frustrating. But have you ever thought of making it the beautiful serene environment you desire? I mean, you want ice cream? Watch some YouTube videos and make one. You want a space or time of your own? Create a timetable and make a space for your "me-time". I do have a timetable I follow and it makes my work easier for me. Try to get one for yourself. Do with what you have at home and turn it into your heaven. Think about it.
2) Daily Affirmation: In the book, "Psychology of Selling" by Brian Tracy, he emphaszied on talking to yourself. He said that it is like pumping yourself. He further gives an action which I noted. "As you wake up and get up from bed, begin to talk to yourself by saying, "I like myself... Saying this with belief and feeling is accepted by your subconscious mind." This is how powerful positive affirmation is. Personally, I have an alarm for positive affirmation.🤭 Oops! Did I say that out loud? Well, yeah. It's true. Before I do anything for the day, I walk up to the mirror and begin to say positive things like "I am great!", "I am beautiful!", "I am a successful entrepreneur..." and the list goes on. If you do this constantly, you begin to see yourself in a different light. No matter how bad your day is, you will always remember you are enough. So quit, listening to negative thoughts about you and begin to tell yourself otherwise. You are an amazing person, okay?🌹
3) The true definition of Family: Although this lockdown placed a hold on all your social activities, it did one good thing. We are reconnected back to our first family. I know the family house is not a safe haven for us all. The dramas, hate, disunity and all starts in our homes. This makes most people hate going home. Very fustrating. To be honest, I feel like that sometimes. The truth is this: Family is not just people related to you by blood anymore. Family are the ones who care about you, who check up on you, who correct you with love, laugh and share your sorrow with you. They protect you and pray for you. This is your family. So cherish them and keep them close for they are irreplaceable.💖
4) Books are necessary: I can't believe I am the one saying this.😂 I know how difficult it was for me to pick up a book when bored. I rather sleep. Ever since this lockdown started, I learnt it. The frustration and boredom gave me no choice. I purchased some e-books and began to read. And honestly, it has been an amazing journey. Books keep you informed. It also helps in vocabulary development. I love new words and books me on the track to get them. Try reading. Add it to your monthly goals and ensure you follow it up. You can read a book or two for a month. Luckily, technology has made it easier. You can get an e-book like me. Get on any topic at all and study. You will be glad you did.🤭
5) Be creative and innovative: This is one of my favorite tips. Creativity is simply a unique form of art. And graciously, we are all unique. So definitely, we are all entitled to creativity.
There is an upcycler I know of. He creates beautiful sets of art works using waste products such as papers and bottles with the aim of saving earth and reducing wastes. Out of these things, he turns them to flower vases, hats, key holders e.t.c. When you see these products you wouldn't know they are made from such waste. Mind-blowing, right? You can check him out on IG @jedomite
Have you heard of Besties Pancake? A breakfast and brunch outlet situated in Calabar. They make mouth watering pancakes with amazing toppings such as honey, peanut butter, jam, e.t.c Such creativity🔥😋🤤 It is not your regular kind of pancakes. You would need to try them.😋 Check them out on IG and FB @bestiespancak. You can place your order for two. Yourself and I😂
The point is this. If you want to start up something, try not to do the regular. People want something new. Do not overdo it but try to add your creativity inside. If you cook noodles the regular way, people will get tired of that taste. Add some spices and make it unique. Let it depict how different you are.😊
6) Be alert and vigilant: There is no better way of staying safe other than being alert. Alert, here is information and being informed saves life. There used to be a time when I do not like to watch news. News to me is so boring cause each time I turned it on, all I see is politics. But I found a better way to stay alert by reading blogs on my phone which is much more easier. So, I recommend this art of staying alert to all those who dislike watching the news just like I do. It keeps you updated and informed. Blogs such as: Instablog, LindaIkeji and the rest. You can try them.😄
7) Success requires rebellion: Did I just say rebellion? Yes, rebellion. Rebellion means to go against and this portrays a negative attitude. But to be succesful, you need it.
Most times, we tend to grow up following the orders of our guardians and fulilling their wishes and dreams in line with our career. But unfortunately, It is not what we want. You want to be a dancer but you are told to be a lawyer; a Public Speaker but you are told to be a Pastor...the list goes on. You are not given a chance to say your thoughts on it. You are just meant to follow order. Are you not tired? You have to begin to follow your passion. The world is in need of that art that you possess. Don't let "Yes, Ma/Sir" stop you from following your passion. Be rebellious about it. Be stubborn. Once they begin to see the results, they will come around. By the way, this is not a call to be violent or disobedient but a call to follow your dreams and passion. Do it fearlessly and shamelessly.🔥
8) There is no time: Look at your wristwatch. The clock is ticking. What does that tell you? Time is moving fast. It is not waiting for you or anyone. Whatever you want to achieve, you've go to do that now. Stop procrastinating. You want to ace your exams? Start reading now! You want to travel next week? Start packing your bags? You want to become an entrepreneur? Start drawing up your plans! The list goes on. There is really no time. So, just start. Don't let lack of no capital stop you from doing that. Look for means to start it up. Consistency and persistency will definitely pay off.
The clock is ticking. Tick Tock...🕐
9) You are the only one that can stop you: From the two stated above, you can say that the journey to success is definitely your drive. I had seen this quote at Besties Pancake outlet and it left a striking effect on me. I read it over and over again. At that stage of my life, I began to realize that most of the things I wanted to do, I had stopped myself through laziness, procrastination, fear and all. I always held myself back from doing what I knew I had to do. It has never been anyone's fault. Others just gave opinions and orders which made me stop. I had to drop those thoughts and begin to act upon what I want and not what they thought or opined.
Here is the point: It is truly up to you to decide to do something about your situation or not. No one will do it for you. You have to believe that. So choose because it is only you that can stop you.📝
10) Mentorship, Coaching and Accountability Partnership: This is one vital part of every successful person you know. On the journey to fulfilling your dreams and passion, you need a guide. It makes it easier for you and you would get to your destination faster.
Have you been to a zoo? As you get in, you are always introduced to a tour guide. His purpose is usually to show you around and guide you through each sections in the zoo so that you will not get lost. This is exact what you need in life. Now, let's take a look at the three.
A mentor is a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher whose job is to guide you in most areas of your life. A Coach is an instructor or trainer. He/she trains you to becoming what you desire. You do not have a choice. You have just have to listen to his/her instructions and attend his/her trainings. It is for your good. An accountability partner is like your study mate. You both help each other to achieve goals. In simple tems, you are accountable to each other.
With these few definitions, I have given you an idea of what guidance is all about. So, the question is this: Why don't you get a guide today? 🚶
Wow!! It is really lengthy but worth it and I am sure you can testify to that. I have given ten lockdown tips and I hope you really enjoyed it. I will be dropping the remaining ten soon. So stay tuned as it is going to draw curtains to the Month of May.💖
Feel free to drop your questions in the comment section. I will be available to answer.😊
