BLOOM AND GROW

How do you get started on a continuous learning journey? You decide to make learning a part of your life going forward.  Knowledge is a fundamental resource in our lives and usually, the more we can gather and apply new knowledge, the better we are. For me, it's beyond just acquiring degrees. Acquiring new degrees will push you to a certain point, don't get me wrong, however, what really counts is being able to apply what we learn. So, continuous learning is important whatever job you work. My sister who is a fashion designer ( here ) is a prime example:  She has completed an enterprise course at Lagos Business School,  Has participated in several International fellowships, Has a diploma in merchandising from London School of Fashion and Design,   Has completed several marketing courses (fellowships) on Facebook,  And is currently engaged in two business programs.  Again, whatever your occupation, continuous learning is key However, learning is expensive. Not only does it requi

When it comes to learning, I think  audio-visuals are just as important as print media. I use Youtube mainly for entertainment but I know it's also a fantastic platform for learning. Here are my five go-to Youtube channels for all things relating to personal development  1. School of Life: This channel shares content bordering on maturing emotionally, developing relationships, dealing with anxiety issues, and so on.  It's basically cartoon illustrated content with a voice-over. Also, what's being shared is so insightful that I'm sure it's based on a lot of literature research.  2. Matt D'Avella:   Actually, in a world where so many motivational speakers tell us, "you just have to do it...remember why you started... (rolls eyes). It's always refreshing to find someone who just says calm down.  I love Matt's content because it is witty and relatable. He focuses on minimalism and uses that to teach important lessons on work, family, and lifestyle.  3.

A while ago, I was part of a mentoring session with Ms. Folake Odediran, the General Manager for the pharmaceutical company, Sanofi Nigeria, Ghana. And as she took her seat to start her session, She looked around the table and said, "I want you all to remember this: you learn to cut trees by cutting trees. " She went on to explain that performing a task over and over again, makes us better at doing that task in the Long run.  However cliche, the truth is that Practice makes perfect.  For example,  I try to read some of my old articles sometimes and I sincerely can't believe how awful they are. For real. Over time and through practice,  I've been able to find my own writing voice and I know for sure that I am better at writing now than I was, a few years ago.  I also remember clearly when my sister first started out as a fashion designer. For a while, the only thing she could make by herself was an A-line skirt and a bustier top. But now, her fashion brand can pretty m

I can't overemphasize the importance of learning. The fact is that knowledge will open doors for you.  I love to learn by reading books (especially non-fiction books), by observing other people, and by taking courses (I love certificates)  I have interacted with so many successful people and what I know for sure is that we (hehe, had to include myself in the pronoun) all share an interest in learning.  If you don't enjoy reading books, you could watch or listen to educational videos or podcasts respectively. What's important is that you are gaining new knowledge.  There are actually so many options to choose from (who knew?) but here are a few good places to look at first.  1. Coursera:  The free courses cover health care, the arts, finance, and technology. I found a few courses that I liked and I believe I would be completing at least one of them in the coming weeks. I would share a review of that process after I am done.  2. LinkedIn Learning.  Linkedin Learning has a on

A few years ago, I did a styling gig for a major boutique brand in Lagos and it flopped! The next day I couldn't get out of bed because I could not believe how bad I messed up.   After that incident, I took a break from fashion styling for about six months. I would have quit for good if not for my fashion designer sister who asked me to style her summer collection a few months later. The summer collection went on to be a hit and I've continued styling since then.  We have all experienced setbacks before. At work, at home, and in our various relationships. I've had my fair share as well.  However, being unable to accept the fact that something unbecoming happened to us, is the worst thing we can do to ourselves.  No one is promised a life free of adversity or challenges. So being in denial of our shortcomings would prevent us from growing. Looking back, I realize that I couldn't deal with the embarrassment of failing even after I had taken responsibility for my work.  Ho

1. According to  Gustavo Razzetti  of Physchologytoday.com, "everything in life has a beginning and an ending. You don't need to continue rehashing your past to keep it alive. Make peace with the end, especially if it was ugly, and move on." 2. Stop playing the victim because that mentality will keep you stuck. Instead, let that experience propel you forward. You can always make lemonade when life hands you lemons.  3. Recognize our human imperfections. Everyone is flawed in some type of way so expect people to mess up some times 4. Make sure the past does not repeat itself.  "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time". Regardless of the pain or disappointment of the past, you should still be courageous enough to venture into social relationships again. However, be careful so that you are not repeatedly being hurt by the same person. 5. Have the courage to speak up. When someone does something you don't like, be upfront about it, otherwi

Learning to be independent is a continuous process for me. And I am broadly referring to independence as it relates to the various parts of our lives. You can be very independent at work and this might not necessarily be the case on the home front. It's important to know that if there is no one around you, you can take care of yourself.  Emotional independence is important because when it comes to dating, you have to be a whole person without someone else being around you. You must be able to enjoy your own company. That way you can ask yourself important questions like why is this person in my life?  So, what I am highlighting here is the fact that our relationships have to go beyond the mindset of "so that they wouldn't say I don't have anybody" Financial independence is being able to meet your needs. It really does not matter how much you earn. What matters is that you are not at the mercy of money.  Relying on other people excessively can be detrimental to our