NOTHING BUT FOCUS!

A young woman sat on a park bench over lunch. And while she sat there she noticed a butterfly trying to come out of its cocoon. She watched it struggle and struggle for more than an hour. Eventually feeling sorry for it she reached for a small scissors, and gently used it to clip open the cocoon. To her surprise the butterfly that was released did not fly away it just sat there totally crippled. You see, what she did not realise was that the struggle a butterfly goes through, is what pumps blood into its wings so that it may be able to fly!

Isaiah 40:31 says “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” The eagle is an unusual bird, because it has mustered the ability to fly into a storm. It "mounts" strong winds as though it is going up a staircase. It is the only bird that you will find flying during a storm.

In the next half of the year, approach life with the majesty of an eagle! Do not be afraid of headwinds or opposition; use them; mount them like stairs for your success! The word “wait upon” comes from the Hebrew word, “qawah”, which denotes, someone who is “serving” as they wait. It is an active process and not passive. 

You might be struggling to get a job; you might be struggling to make your finances work; you might be struggling to fund your education; you might be struggling to make a small business successful; you might be struggling to get ahead in your job; you might even be going through viscous persecution, that even threatens your very life. Listen to me; from today, start thinking about it differently!

No matter how dark, no matter how challenging, you are not going under; you are going over...just don't give up! Be motivated by the small steps!!

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I believe in you.

THE NECESSITY OF CRITICISM

Although criticism is not desirable, we cannot do without it. It is more or less a necessary evil. 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt famously remarked that “To announce that there must be no criticism of the president...is morally treasonable to the American public.” When he said this, he was not inviting criticism. He was affirming the inevitability of criticism and acknowledgement of people's right to express their opinion. 

 

Another iconic leader, Winston Churchill also said “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It draws attention to an unhealthy state of things.” Don't resent criticism. Don't be angry when you are criticized. Learn to respond to criticism objectively and it could be your springboard for success to the next level.

THE RESPONSE TO CRITICISM

Whether you do what is right, wrong or do nothing, criticism will come. You cannot stop criticism from coming your way. Nevertheless, you can determine your response to criticism. 

First, consider the fact. Don't be in a hurry to accept or reject any form of criticism that comes your way. When a stone of criticism is hurled at you, your first action is to consider the substance of the criticism. Is it true? Is it fair? Is it really wrong? Just analyse everything before you arrive at a conclusion. 

Second, assess the critic. Consider where the criticism is coming from. If it's from a source you trust to be objective, then you may have to give an ear to that person. A trustworthy person may be someone with deep knowledge about what they criticize you about. If the person offering the criticism is someone whom you believe has your interest at heart, you may have to pay attention to them. You pay attention not merely to yield to them but to understand the basis of their criticism before you decide what to do. On the other hand, criticism from an acrimonious person may be disregarded. Even that, there will be times when you would have to yield if the facts are not in your favour. 

Third, subject criticism to your standard. Each one of us has a benchmark that determines the code by which we run our lives. It is upon this benchmark that we determine whether something is right or wrong. Each of us must be conscious of our standards. This will guide us and help us to have consistent lives. 

Fourth, don't take it personal. Most of the time, people criticize you for something you do or don't do. So when you are criticized, try not to make it an attack of your person. See it as feedback for an action or inaction. By all means, there will be times when people will deliberately attack your person to malign you. You can't stop that but you must not let it stop you from moving forward. 

My name is Kofi Anokye. From today, let’s all be extraordinary.

THE CHINESE BAMBOO TREE STORY

The Chinese bamboo tree story is a powerful metaphor for overcoming hard times and achieving success. The story goes like this:

Once upon a time, there was a farmer who decided to plant a Chinese bamboo tree.

He dug a hole in the ground, planted the seed, and watered it every day. However, after a year, there was no sign of the tree growing. He continued to water the soil, but after the second year, there was still no sign of the tree growing. The same thing happened for the third and fourth years.

The farmer was starting to get frustrated, but he continued to water the soil and take care of it. Then, in the fifth year, something amazing happened - the Chinese bamboo tree started to grow. In just five weeks, it grew over 80 feet tall!

What makes the Chinese bamboo tree unique is that during the first four years of its growth, it develops a complex system of roots beneath the soil. The roots continue to grow and strengthen, but nothing is visible above the ground. It's not until the fifth year that the tree finally breaks through the soil and grows rapidly.

Morale Lesson:
Success takes Time, Patience, and Persistence. During the hard times, it may seem like nothing is happening and that all your efforts are in vain. However, just like the Chinese bamboo tree, success may be just around the corner. If we keep watering the soil and nurturing our dreams, we may eventually achieve great success.

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I believe in you. Have a great month and never give up!