Ready, Set, Checkbox! Do you have a Hack?

Is it true that music is what mathematics dreams of being? Surely, that is sweet melody for the cochlea. Otherwise, it would have been a calculation.

Where should I start? That's the lingering question at the back of my mind. The proverbial saying about curiosity and what led the feline astray comes to mind, but let's set that aside for now. A song can be fleeting or echo through generations. There are those tunes that hit you once, dazzle for a season, and then fade away like summer's fireflies. Their message became a fad, leaving you tapping your feet and nodding your head for a brief moment before moving on to other melodies. 

But there's another kind of song—the ageless kind. These melodies resonate across time, they defy trends and capture your heart with their timeless echo. They have become part of our collective memory, our playlist, woven into the fabric of our lives. Perhaps it's the lyrics, the tune, or the emotions they evoke—the reasons vary. Regardless, these songs remain etched in our souls long after other tunes have faded away.

Each of us is granted the same 24 hours in a day, and how we choose to spend that time defines our journey. Each sunrise ushers in the potential for new epiphanies, waiting to be unearthed through our active engagement with the world. Nature nurtures, and there's a distinct beauty in subtly achieving a goal without overt effort, as well as in allowing nature to take its course while you pursue your objectives. 

In recent weeks, I've been exploring the factors that distinguish consistently successful individuals from those in pursuit of excellence. It's not a matter of time, luck, or education; rather, it's the sheer determination to succeed that sculpts one's perspective on the world. Some achieve effortlessly, propelled by passion. Others face hurdles and have to "push through the wall," fueled by a calculated drive to overcome them. However, the fervor and fire in our hearts to overcome obstacles propels us to persistently push forward.

I'm the kind of person who revels in the spontaneity of my decisions. As much as I plan, it doesn't fit neatly into my schedule. It's the unexpected phone call to a friend, the impromptu detour through the park on a sunny afternoon while on a random walk, or the surprise visit to a relative. It's the little things that count.

Life, with its inherent unpredictability, offers an adventure in the unexpected outcomes of our actions. There's a natural inclination to be carefree. We are naturally wired to abhor obligation. More so, that which tends to be pushy. It's the reason we dislike bosses, who impose rules and regulations that seem to force us into a robotic mindset, even though, at times, such structure is necessary for progress. Many of us resist accountability, particularly when it is self-imposed. Our lives lack a clearly defined destination, and we don't meticulously plan every step of the way.

Listening to people's stories, it has become evident that incorporating "checkboxes" can serve as a valuable tool for assessing your progress. While I won't cite specific examples, it's clear that if you aspire to succeed, daily reminders about what you should do in your life are essential.

It's equally crucial to establish a foundation when starting from scratch, rather than simply picking up without a robust base to shield you from life's uncertainties. You can't afford to be rigid.

Some daily tasks may seem insignificant but contribute to the overall overarching objective. Additionally, there are short-term goals that need to be met. For instance, my weekly goal is to write a blog. However, I have not laid out a plan for the next 3 to 6 months about what to write since it would stifle my creative juices. On an annual scale, my goal is to have at least 50 posts, even if I take leave at the end of the year. I would have asked about yours if I were writing a motivational book. Am not!  

A couple of factors contribute to our success. Key among them is the ability to visualize if you are making any inroads or not. If you know you quit easily, then you need to work on your patience. Once you achieve a milestone, just tick that checkbox! 

I don't have a checklist, and I didn't plan to have one. This blog post has been a revelation. I need to have one.

I am the wishy-washy type! I thought I could write on weekends and have my article ready to post by Tuesday or Wednesday. But guess what? All I have now are vibes and "inshallah!"  I not only disregard routine; instead, I haphazardly follow my indecisively self-set preferences.

Most people don't like to be confronted by direct questions, especially from strangers. Yet if you ask, you gain insight into the lens through which they view the world and can empathize with their experiences. Sometimes, I yearn to be a curious questioner, engaging others in conversation and actively listening to their stories. People crave the opportunity to share their narratives rather than merely hearing someone else's opinion. After all, life without stories would be utterly devoid of meaning! 

Hasta La Vista, Baby.

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A win is a win

Amidst all the challenges and obstacles in our lives, we all have an inherent desire to shine and excel in what we do. We want to achieve success and victory, and it is not easy to become the "absolute best" in a broad societal context. Imagine if we focused on incremental "wins" and celebrated each step forward as a contributing factor to our ultimate success. However, we are a microwave generation that strives for instant gratification, which overshadows the beauty of the journey itself.

But is it really important to be the crème de la crème in society? The perspective varies. The answer, as always, is...it depends!

Sometimes, you can achieve one-off excellence, feel a rush of excitement, and spark a sense of accomplishment. Which motivates you to consistently deliver impressive results and garner the admiration of others. While at it, you may push too hard and try to outshine everyone else. In the process, you might inadvertently offend or upset others and cross boundaries that should have been respected.

One of the perks of being at the top of your game is the admiration and respect you receive from those who look up to you. This recognition fuels your pride and bolsters your confidence, a testament to the fact that you have achieved more than others. As always, the higher you climb, the stronger the wind is against you. The flip side of triumph is that the pressure to stay ahead can be overwhelming. To uphold your status, you must cultivate unwavering resilience, a readiness to push boundaries and embrace pressure as a catalyst for continued growth.

Africa is home to more than a billion people, each with their own unique story. We want the world to lend us an ear and respect our voices. We want to shape our narrative and communicate our achievements and challenges in an African manner. Regrettably, historical prejudice and bias have hindered our ability to fully realize this aspiration. Consequently, there's a sense of resignation, accepting the distorted views as if to say, "Who cares?"

Africa is frequently generalized as a single entity, overlooking the vibrant spectrum of cultures and traditions across various countries. In Kenya, we take pride in our identity as a hub of innovation, yet our success stories are often relegated to the sidelines and fringes, rarely becoming the main focus. This tendency can stifle the recognition of potential ideas, hindering the broader acknowledgment of our accomplishments. Sadly, the script never changes. We are stereotyped as a dark continent with a promising future yet to be harnessed.

Transforming an idea into a widely accepted reality is a marathon, not a sprint. Each tweak and iteration of your idea provides invaluable lessons. The raw and incendiary aspect of our success stories is never documented. Even by ourselves.

As a country, Kenya is a trailblazer in mobile banking and tech startups. Our innovation mirrors the diversity of our backgrounds and experiences. We try to come up with solutions to our existential challenges. But every solution introduces new problems to address.

I realized a vice had gripped us, though on a small scale: the ingrained mentality to exploit systems rather than work within them to create positive change. Our innovative digital payment platform, designed to tackle community-specific issues, exemplifies this shift. By developing solutions tailored to our unique circumstances, we can break free and build a thriving, equitable society.

While we consistently strive to tailor our solutions to align with the daily challenges we encounter, substantial barriers hold us back. A significant portion of the population faces dire financial constraints, and there's a disconnect between skilled individuals and platforms that offer meaningful income opportunities.

There is a window of vile opportunity that has been created. Clever and intelligent individuals develop schemes to outsmart the system using various counterfeit and fraudulent applications. In my recent experience with my cousin, he demonstrated how Mpesa was manipulated through a message-sending app, which serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable our systems are. 

He, among others, was a guinea pig in a racketing scheme that aimed to hoodwink recipients of cash. Mostly, we have to show the Mpesa message on our phone, and the recipient is satisfied.

When viewed on their phones, the message indicates that they've made the payment, even though, in reality, they haven't. Strikingly, this information does not appear on the recipient's phone. There is trust recipients have with an Mpesa message. In certain instances, deceptive apps created by individuals facilitate the transmission of messages to all parties involved, yet the recipient's account remains uncredited. Woe unto you, though, if you are caught.

In my cousin's case, I presumed that being a college student, he would likely return and boast to his peers about how he exploited the discovered loophole to outsmart the system. It proved successful in his situation.

Several days later, while on public transportation, the conductor instructed us to show him the payment confirmation message we had received, which he also counterchecked on his end. As I presented the message, it brought to mind my cousin and his questionable methods. In my mind, I wish I had the app my cousin had to try and put it into use.

The public transportation system we utilized was designed in such a manner that the conductor also had an application, enabling him to receive messages from passengers who made payments. This allowed him to verify whether each individual had paid the correct amount. And he was generous enough to show us the transactions that were done by all passengers.

I concluded that the strategy devised to combat chicanery had, to some extent, proven effective. Nevertheless, it is only a question of time before cunning individuals find a way to outsmart that system, as they are likely to achieve it in the long run.

Hasta La Vista Baby.

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Whats in an education

Historically, attending school served as a stepping stone for navigating the established pathways toward employment and potentially, a normative and well-satiated domestic life.  In the current dispensation, the complexities of life may no longer reflect the diverse aspirations and realities of individuals today. Ideally, individual priorities and definitions of success have become more diverse.

This is how the educational system used to operate: your primary goal was simply to pass exams as a gateway to securing positions with prestigious private companies or the government. Knowledge acquisition was seen as a launchpad for a successful career.  That was the old model that promised smooth sailing. You would apply the knowledge you acquired, and your career would effortlessly ascend.

Times have changed; it appears that we neglected the importance of planning among other important facets of life. The absence of a well-thought-out plan has resulted in disappointment, and unfortunately, that is the reality for our generation. Consequently, new professions have emerged spontaneously, while others have become obsolete. Were we even prepared to be open-minded? Your guess is as good as mine.

The expectations for our upbringing were clear-cut and simple: academic excellence, adherence to norms, and a secure career equaled success and happiness. While this perspective continues to influence many, it's important to acknowledge the evolving definition of a meaningful life.

The world has undergone many transformations. While networking remains valuable, success requires more than just contacts.  However, hard work is essential. If you do not cultivate your skills, demonstrate competence, and embrace creativity you will remain stuck while others advance in their careers. Even if you are volunteering and offering your services for a song. Don't just blend in; stand out to truly thrive. 

Back in the day, a good school used to guarantee success. That's what our parents wanted for us, emphasizing quality education as a key to unlocking stable employment for their children. University degrees were golden tickets to prestigious careers, with higher qualifications promising even more doors to open. However, relying solely on academic qualifications in our dynamic job market isn't enough.

If your parents had a college education, they aspired for you to surpass their achievements by attending university and taking pride in your success. Parents typically experience immense pride when their sons and daughters graduate. They consider it a moment to affirm their wise decision of providing value in the form of an educational investment.

Universities, traditionally known for broad-based education, have shifted towards fostering specialization. Regardless of your academic discipline, being successful in the job market requires identifying a specific specialty to gain a competitive advantage.

Numerous students are unaware of the abundance of free online courses available for part-time enrollment, offering an opportunity to enhance their employability. These learning platforms provide insights into the expectations of the job market. The instructors teach not only the theories but also the practical applications of the concepts.

The most effective way to learn is to put the knowledge into practice. Of course, some skills are still essential such as; communication skills, decision-making, creative thinking, interpersonal relationship skills, self-awareness-building skills, empathy, and coping with stress and emotions, and the expertise of the job you are doing, whether you are a doctor, nurse, or athlete. The reality is that every industry now looks for individuals who have a specific skill investment and completing professional papers can make a big difference. 

I have faced some challenges in pursuit of the field I desired because I did not do well in professional papers. Which are not equally a walk in the park. I failed and that derailed my efforts to pursue my passions in the field I desired.

Success in today's world hinges on fulfilling your commitments and demonstrating the impact and value of your work. For instance, as a graphic designer, it's essential to impress and exceed client expectations with creative solutions. However, success extends beyond individual brilliance; seamless collaboration with diverse professionals and staying abreast of industry trends are equally vital to remain at the top.

To expedite your career growth, consider working autonomously. Employment offers the advantage of acquiring industry-relevant skills and knowledge. Once you've gained proficiency, actively seek opportunities to address the issues that society faces.

The question that begs is: Is your job fueling your ambition or just offering comfortable inertia? That's if you have one because you may be jobless. You need to dream bigger than promotions! If a job ignites your entrepreneurial spirit, embrace it! This doesn't imply competition with their current employer, but rather a pursuit of independent creative expression. However, the allure of stability and comfort often leads most to prioritize existing roles, seeking growth within the established structure through promotions and acquired knowledge.

That said, "The job market is characterized by numerous dynamics, and the ability to innovate and identify progressive opportunities is essential. Established companies understand that the team plays a pivotal role in the success of the organization."

In the current landscape, various roles emerge in the workplace as revenue streams expand, and the nature of these roles becomes increasingly dynamic.

The days of cruising on a prestigious degree alone are gone. In today's specialized world, complacency is a losing strategy. Tangible results and proactive initiative are key currency. Be ready to answer: what impact have you made, what value do you add, and how have you improved efficiency? These are just a few examples of the inquiries that demand thoughtful responses in the current professional landscape.

In contemporary times, graduating from an Ivy League institution alone is insufficient. Despite engaging in simulations and running mock companies, it is the practical experience in real-life settings that truly counts. When it comes to actual scenarios, no one will handle your tasks for you, especially when they involve tasks like running a company or providing tested and working solutions. No one wants trial and error.

The world is continually evolving, and to achieve success, you must explore new ventures, hobbies, or skills that allow you to assist others. Starting a company is particularly advantageous. I often emphasize that individuals who establish companies become the true success stories, surpassing those who secure good jobs. A company has the potential to employ a significant number of people, whereas a job might not, though it can generate additional roles.

Hasta La Vista, Baby.

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Just a little bit of patience

The truth is that Blogger's interaction lags and its promotional tools hinder a wider reach. That said, its user-friendly interface impressed me from the word go. I experimented with the designs and their customizable nature. It was particularly appealing and charming. Nonetheless, it falls short of providing the necessary tools to promote your work and ensure broader exposure.

Initially, I considered ending my use of this platform, but as soon as I observed the increasing numbers, I found a compelling reason to stay on. Surging growth numbers reignited my enthusiasm. Numbers excite me in a way.  Though, I am still sitting on the fence. Should I stay or reconsider its long-term suitability? I am tempted to stay. My initial disillusionment grapples with this growth concern.

Ready to abandon ship, I eyed Medium as my new harbor. However, unexpectedly, a surge of views occurred, making me hesitant to make the switch. Last month, I achieved a record-breaking 1300 views, and I realize now that I should have written this prior. This very post, perfectly primed for that moment, never saw the light of day, a missed chance that still stings.

It would have culminated in 4 posts done in January. I wish I had a virtual assistant to blare the siren and remind me to post.

Normally, my blog chugs along with a modest 100–200 views every month. I could reach a much bigger audience if I got a shout-out from a famous blogger. The views might increase 1000-fold. Certain authors have a Midas touch and the charisma to draw readers globally. They wield a powerful blend of adopter advantage and possess captivating talent. They are always ahead of the curve, and they know how to engage their fans and followers. I would love to learn from them and gain their endorsement. Someday, I could replicate their success.

Feeling discouraged by Blogger's inability to attract even a small, loyal readership, I started to reflect.  I had set a realistic goal of 20 loyal readers, picturing them as a dedicated class I could build upon. Witnessing successful blogs grow organically taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the platform isn't the problem, I needed to refine my content and outreach efforts.

I'm acquainted with over 100 individuals who own smartphones; a simple alert, and they're instantly delving into my thoughts. I must admit, I fall into the category of those who feel a bit self-conscious, reserved, and insecure.  Questions that linger in my mind include. What if they don't like what I write? What if they find it lacking in quality or deem it mediocre? That would bruise my ego, and it does affect my spirits to some extent. 

The lack of comments and likes, coupled with anonymous views, makes it difficult to find motivation. A few chaps read my blog. They may be faceless, but they have eyes and ears. They are my audience, and they give me a reason to keep going. Even if it's a single view.

They say charity begins at home. And the best people to cheer you on is your family. They offer kindness and support. They can serve as advocates who not only appreciate your work but also recommend it to others. The potential for exponential growth lies in their recommendations.

I love writing and sharing my thoughts online. It's my passion and my work. All I have to do is write something interesting and post it on my blog. That's it. Simple, right? Then Blogger takes care of the rest. It recognizes my quality content and attracts readers to my blog. But building a readership involves more than just publishing, something I'm still learning as it takes active effort.

Ultimately, my interest lies beyond the monetary aspect. If I find myself deeply engaged, I might consider commercializing my writing and adhering to the constraints, as expected by Blogger. The reason for my initial desire to leave was the notice I received. They gave me a warning I had no idea about.

I'm not like most bloggers or YouTubers, who have thousands of followers and viewers. I align more with someone whose YouTube videos typically garner 10–100 views. You might click away quickly because you think that person is a Moff. But you'd be missing out on something unique and amazing. Don't dismiss me as a small-time creator, instead dive in and discover something special.

As much as I want to switch allegiance, I feel anchored even as I dream of fresh pastures. It's like saying goodbye to a part of myself. I've invested so much time and energy here, the sunk costs, let's say inertia wins this time round. Economists call this switching costs. It means I have to start from scratch if I move somewhere else.

I can acknowledge that change will eventually come. My respectful relationship with Blogger will end someday. I don't know when. And I will sing "Jamaican Farewell" by Harry Belafonte. But I'm not ready to let go. Am still here, clinging on like a skilled worker stuck in a rut. I prefer the familiar over the unknown, even if it means missing out on potential avalanches of opportunity.

Well, I realized that Chatbots can make my work more fun and engaging. I admit that I rely on tools like Bard, Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, and others to improve and enhance my writing style. That might make me less original, but hey, even singers use autotune. And they still have fans who love them.

As a result, I may have lost my casual, conversational style that lends my writing its natural, spoken quality—the subtle nuances of language. 

I'm not sure why Blogger Algorithm doesn't prominently feature my blog. But who cares? It could be due to perceived mediocrity, I copy too much from others, or perhaps I've been cautioned for unknowingly violating platform guidelines. But you know what? I don't care! I love writing and sharing my thoughts with the world. Furthermore, I'm passionate about what I do, and I hope you are too.

Hasta La Vista, Baby.

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The Early Bird

If you're a keyboard warrior, 800 words in 30 minutes is your jam. But for most folks, variations exist. And it can be a bit more of a stretch. Let's just say coffee is involved.

The proverb "the early bird catches the worm" holds. Sleep in? Miss out! Rising early unlocks a world of achievement. The way trusty Google Calendar can boost your morning mojo, rule the roost, crush to-do lists, empower you to conquer your day like a champ, and have a productive day. It's an unsung virtual assistant, right? You know what's on your plate.

Over the last few weeks, I've attempted to adhere to the deadlines I've established for myself, yet it appears that I merely glance at them and utter, "I'll take action tomorrow." As the saying goes, procrastination can turn "soon" into "never."

Well, it's not without a doubt that I have this peculiar routine where I stare, scoff, and then resort to the idea that "tomorrow" sounds lovely.

How is that the case? I tend to believe I am a brilliant planner, while in actuality I am a master procrastinator with a PhD in YouTube tutorials. I have this tendency to think that if I watch, I will execute. That is a fallacy. "Knowledge gained is power harnessed only when put into practice."

My planning skills are Olympic-worthy. Only then do I watch videos, and they assure me that the deed will be fulfilled. But when it comes to execution, that is where the smooth roads turn into gravel-filled rollercoasters.

As an individual, I consistently ensure that my calendar serves as a reminder of my tasks. However, its alerts often go unnoticed, and it's not as if I'm compensated to strictly adhere to them. Occasionally, I make an effort, but more often than not, the tasks feel like "view once" WhatsApp messages. I glance at them, and once they vanish from my notification bar, I swiftly move on. Like a boss.

Utilizing time effectively often goes underappreciated. Dave Crenshaw's captivating YouTube series on time management is worth every bit. I stumbled upon it on LinkedIn and knew it was valuable. He unpacks not just time itself but the whole time-verse, offering powerful insights you won't find elsewhere. It's also engaging.

At the moment, time management is my current productivity quest, not my durante vita and this course seemed tailor-made for it.

Do you know what? Those time management tutorials beckon like sirens, yet I haven't found the time to dive back in. I only watched them once. Maybe it's the same for everyone—they seem as essential as college, but life keeps getting in the way. As a result, it appears the videos will just gather dust in the vast wasteland of YouTube's Google Cloud Storage.

Up to this point, I have been lax in optimizing my time usage, and the lethargy has reached a significant level. I believe I can improve. In life, reinforcement plays a crucial role; you acquire knowledge, but the tendency to forget remains notably high.

I guess it's time to ditch the "watch later" attitude and dive in!

What does an early bird do? They greet the dawn with open arms, not a groan. They seize the day while the rest of the world still sleeps, forging ahead with focused energy and quiet satisfaction.

When I was in school, I could always wake up and stick to my school routine. Maybe it's because if you did not wake up, the cane would follow suit.

Not anymore. The challenge now is rediscovering that inner spark and reclaiming the magic of those productive mornings. However, the effortless energy is no more.

The problem comes at wake-up time. Naturally, after sleeping for 5 hours, I am usually awake. But tearing myself from the cozy embrace of sleep is a daily battle. I usually give myself another chance. Reluctantly, I sleep again.

And that is the folly I have. In the current world, many prioritize activities with tangible financial returns, leaving pursuits without immediate monetary value. They are often overlooked or undervalued. The temporary discount bias is there.

Back in the day, when the money factor was not an issue, we would help out with so much ease. That ceased. Instead, we are hell-bent on what we shall do to make our lives better.

You have your regular job and also have a side hustle. The regular job is what pays the bills. The side hustle is what you do to improve your life beyond the ordinary. Otherwise, you'd be stuck somewhere you wouldn't be caught dead in or facing a commute you hate.

The early bird knows where to go to pick the worm. It is prudent to have an understanding of what makes you tick. Stick to that time. You may not be an early bird, but it can help. In so many ways.

Hasta La Vista Baby.

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No Pain, No Gain

Why do we usually associate pain with physical exercises?

Occasionally, you need to embark on a purposeful journey where dedication becomes your driving force. It is prudent to commit to a cause, be it your health, education, physical fitness, or any endeavor close to your heart. Embrace sacrifice as an indispensable element in your pursuit of excellence. Establish a well-structured routine, meticulously planned to pave the way for your success in every facet of life. Don’t be content with the shiny veneer of success. Be relentless.

Mastering time is the key to unlocking your best self, influencing whether you procrastinate negatively or positively. Each podcast you listen to, each muscle toned, each page turned – mark you, these are not mere tasks, but stepping stones on a relentless climb towards becoming your highest self. The goal remains self-improvement over regression. While at it, it is paramount to seize the opportunities presented on the ladder of progress, using each rung to ascend and enhance your journey.

Frequently, when you are faced with the difficulty of unmet life goals, you tend to abandon them, attributing the failure to their inherent challenges. It's so easy to dismiss challenging goals as "not meant to be." Which we normally use as an excuse. However, meaningful change often arises from navigating challenges, dismantling fear brick by brick, and dealing with anxiety and excessive worry. True change and growth emerge from grappling with adversity.

The key to overcoming obstacles lies in initiating progress with small, deliberate steps. A mustard seed sprouts to a tree. Take the extra step, and if it feels uncomfortable, persist. Repeat the process until familiarity sets in. You know what a painter does. He picks up his brushes and messes up at the beginning. That becomes a brushstroke of experience, and then voilà, he paints a masterpiece revered by all and sundry. Isn't that a life well lived?

That's the recipe for building resilience and achieving seemingly impossible things. Most of the time, life presents a spectrum of challenges, each requiring a determined effort to surmount.

Your reminder about the multitude of challenges life throws your way is also important. It's not a one-time feat; it's a continuous process of learning and adapting. Each challenge, tackled with the right mindset and approach, becomes a stepping stone to a stronger, more capable version of ourselves. The setbacks may sting, but they cannot extinguish the flame of our resolve.

The fear that hinders you from trying is usually innate. You need a reason that will propel you to success. And that is to turn up and try to conquer your defeatist mindset. As an individual, you are supposed to face the spectrum of challenges with unwavering spirit, knowing that each hurdle scaled not only conquers the present but strengthens you for the tapestry yet to be woven.

This sounds like a motivational ode. The one that aims to encourage you to ignore failure. Not at all. In most cases, we give up rather than try. We are quick to yield to the siren of inertia. One day you need to wake up and dust off the remnants of your ambitions, breathe life back into forgotten pursuits, and paint the canvas of your life with strokes of determined action.

Rather than accomplishing triumphs, in certain instances, the situation can take a turn for the worse. They present us with unexpected curveballs that are unforeseen, which results in difficulties and disappointments. Even with meticulous planning and unwavering efforts, dips may momentarily come our way. As much as we falter, the spirit of perseverance should endure.

Strive for consistency and maintain persistence. Those proficient in execution often hold mastery over setbacks. Despite facing obstacles, they refused to relent. Take the necessary initiative to propel your dreams forward. It starts with you taking initiative.

Sometimes, the desire for quick results can lead us to seek shortcuts. You want to get things done fast so you can lie around like a beached starfish. While it's tempting to just relax afterward, it's also important to find ways to use our free time productively or meaningfully. As much as we normally want leisure time, many of us find ourselves inept at idleness. Eventually, we get engaged in some activity that will bring satisfaction.

Finally, the more we do, the greater the strides of achievement we make. It is the only way to expand our capabilities and open doors to new possibilities. It’s like iteration; what you did builds upon the last. You easily get the flow and momentum to push on amidst setbacks. What I have learned is that if you persist and continue moving forward, you will conquer insurmountable challenges.

When you feel like you want to stop, take a break. Just do nothing. Then you will get an incentive to surge on, refreshed and energized.

Hasta La Vista Baby.

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Rekindling Hearts: Embracing the Journey Back to Love

Over the past five years, numerous changes have unfolded since my last blog post. At times, one desires a witty and charming anecdotal introduction — a punchy and thought-provoking opening that signals substance. Allow me to navigate through this endeavor, perhaps with a touch of sentimental flair or a gripping hook that leaves you hanging on the edge, reluctant for the narrative to reach its conclusion.

Who is a better lover? The ingredients of a strong connection vary. It includes intimacy, friendship, humor, commitment, and other components that strengthen a good relationship. When you are committed, it does not matter the circumstances that you are in, you will always find a reason to storm the weather. A silent motivator is what your fixation is.

When I ceased writing, I thought that I would never mend fences with my first love. Look at me now, am back. This time around more mature and experienced in life. What I learned is to always prepare to die for what you are passionate about. It may not mean much however tiny the contribution is to society. But to you, there is joy that thrills when you think about what you have gone through.

We all have our shortcomings as individuals. As you age, you become a master of sorts. You may never espouse intelligence but you will at all times increase your sage. In law, they say anyone who has front-run you in being an advocate is your learned senior notwithstanding that person’s age. In the same way, you go to elders for advice. They have experience and as much as they may not have documented the lessons they learned along the way, they still retain the experiences and what they have witnessed at the back of their minds.

This is the first time that I have decided to write on a computer after a long while. The sojourn taken was renascent. It feels like yesterday. I told myself, “I am not limited. I will wake up and conjure what I will write about once I start writing.” True to word, what happened is, I tried to stick to rote and deviated a little bit.

When the alarm rang, I wanted to wake up but lolled a bit before I felt like I needed to pee. Once I was out of bed, it was a sign to embark on devotion. When you type, there is a feeling of pleasure, though handwritten words soothe and pacify. “This is what am made of” is what comes out when you take a pen and go in black and white mode.

This is a déjà vu moment. The potential for this reconnection is immense. What I can build is much greater if I stick to the course. I was longing for this day. There are happy memories that create a spark when I remember the good old days when I used to immerse myself in penmanship. It feels like a retreat to rekindle, recharge, and rejuvenate the lost love. I needed room to think if this was what I wanted. Turns out, I need it. Through writing, you discover flaws in thinking and strengthen those muscles.

To create a delightful moment, you need yourself to realize that it takes you to be happy. There are times when you need to be at peace, times when you want to shout and want the world to tear you apart. Then there are moments of excitement and jubilation. “It’s little things that matter.” When you take time to pursue an endeavor, the result is growth and development.

Times you have to rekindle the memories of the past. What is without doubt is that the past we can rectify but for tomorrow, we have no idea what it holds. I say so because I hope that there will be drastic changes in my life this year. Let’s say, among the changes I have since made is to write an article weekly this year.

That is tantamount to resuscitating a chequered and fading career. It may not have wilted, but it just needed to be revitalized. When it picks up from where you left off, you revel in the baby steps you are taking once more in life. Hobbies need to be taken seriously.

I thought about retirement and it is real. It has been 10 years and counting since I started this blog and I have grown in various facets that I may end up referring to in the coming days. Then I was young and fledgling. Now am sagacious and experienced. Every day has its challenges and obstacles. Going forward I need to set boundaries and remain cautious to ensure I have a healthy writing relationship.

P/S: This title was borrowed from Chat GPT. 

Hasta La Vista, Baby.

[Image Source: FreePik]

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123 MONEY MATTERS

Sometimes you end up realizing that you have achieved nothing considerable as a writer when the year terminates because you ended up being in love with money. It has been a long since I took the time to update this blog (I only did 6 posts last year). I got entangled in a bittersweet relationship that was kinda toxic. Karma. Yes, I have been on a money quest. I killed my ambition because of money. Then I become a slave. In another world, an employee is a slave whose value is the salary she gets. Once in a money cell, you do as the employer wants, not as you want. Money has no emotions. Well, you can never get enough when it comes to money. It is a merry-go-round. You make, use it, and then like an addiction, you go where you can easily get it. Because that is where you get satisfaction. Yet you deny that you are not a slave.

In addition, you become convicted in a solitary cell. You feel like pursuing your dreams but, well, money killed your dreams. Therefore, like the average Joe, you resign to fate. Lackadaisical at seeing your vision come true. Then, at the back of your mind, you start nursing the dreams of what you had wanted. Dreams without a personal will to see them to the next level are like a train without an engine. They never go anywhere even if you have money. Therefore, to reduce the friction, money becomes the catalyst and chemical in the reaction. Which is not good when it comes to chemistry. I know that does not make sense chemically speaking.

I really miss the good old days when I needed not to worry myself sick about where the next mullahs will come from other than the fact that I needed to be comfortable in my own skin. Those days are long gone. Man must make money. The only difference is, I make money that is not reflected in my lifestyle. When I look at my bank statements and the way I have to struggle to make the cash to sustain a debt-ridden lifestyle, I thought I needed a break. To restrategize, I have been a money seeker at the expense of being an idea generator. If only I made the money that appears on my statements with ease, I would have quickly been financially secure. I live in a bubble. I am broke but my statements say I am doing well.

A fortnight ago, I read that when it comes to money, more is better than less. True that, to some extent (sic). Therefore, I have been struggling to get more every day. Yet, that is the most devilish idea one can ever engage in. There is one thing that remains; nothing changes even after getting what you want monetarily. Scaling comes with existential problems like broken relationships, pretentious lifestyles, and an assertion of self-confidence. However, we live in an illusory world where we want to be ‘seen’ as doing well because society loves people who have money. Material things with a housefly life. Who does not love money?

Actually, they say, money is the root of all evil. Money is power. Money is sweet. Nevertheless, when it is all said and done, we shall live everything that we worked hard for to those who never did. That does not mean we fail to pursue our monetary goals. Failure is fatal. You end up not having what you want because, well, money has a global language. It attracts and brings fake relationships. Once you get it, it brings out the character that you never wanted to acknowledge. Ati, you are a true exemplification once you get money. Methinks, it still creates false characters. Just a feeling of wanting justification then you return to default settings when you are done with the hullabaloo. Because, at some point you realize, even with the much you thought was a lot, it’s like peanuts to someone who has more and does not display a larger than life personality that the nouveau riche display. Old money is silent in speech but robust in action. It demarcates the difference.

Can I really be thankful of the effort I put in making money and the kind of freedom I have lost? That is food for thought. I will take a break, go look for answers, and write about it. I have itchy palms. Perhaps they are telling me, Omera, I am feeling like I should have been making money now. However, I have let my bundles lapse. I am tired of the hustle. If only I could get someone to employ me to write with a pay cheque that is equal to what I make on my side hustle, I would quickly choose the former. Ain’t people paid to be passionate and do their hearts desires with ease? Yaani, like the way you can be a runner. You love running. And no amount of petty talk breaks your bone. You soldier on, and when you finish a race feeling as if you want to vomit blood, you pick yourself up, ask for glucose and re-energize.

Then like a real hero, you start practicing to be the best. Being the best is as easy as ABC. All you need is practice, the right coaches and finally, the commitment to succeed. When you gear yourself to the race, no amount of drawbacks will let you quit. However, consistency is a virtue that makes one scale faster.

Now about my money quest. I am still worth a mere $5 an hour according to my actual speed on my side hustle. At times, I go down. Other times I mushroom. Yes, I started with kedo $0.5. With time, I scaled it because I learnt from those who knew the tricks of the game. Maybe, one day, I will learn from buggers who know how to make money online writing first hand content that has been stolen from minds of others because an artist should be a thief. Content plagiarism is permissible in artistry because, it is not academic where you need citation and gikmakamago.

Perhaps the best thing out of money persuasion is financial independence. One day, when I will be financially independent, that is, when I am not obliged to take a mobi-loan that charges me for being a bad financial manager, I will look back and say, ‘Here is that guy who made it through the ups and downs of bad financial decisions’. 

Here is a brief twist. When I got a job that I almost love, I thought it was what I needed while in reality, it cannot sustain my love for being a spendthrift. I am a reformed economist not a miser. Apparently, one of the best things in life is to have your own money that you can spend with ease knowing no one is on your sleeves or funds your spending. Overall, money does not give the entire fulfillment one desires. It only gives a spur-of-the-moment thing. Yet having it is still good for a person’s ego and status in society. It makes us go to great strides in search of it. Finally yet importantly, it determines our place in society. The echelons we have created are because of everything to do with money. When you have it, you definitely have authority over another. So strive to make it in abundance. The repertoire you get if you have money is different from things like academic scholarship because none ever notices that. However, when you have mullahs, even if you adorn like a commoner, your relationship manager at the bank will treat you with utmost respect as opposed to that guy in a suit who does not have kakitu in his account.

Back to basics, during one unofficial banter at work, we decided to display our financial muscles via money we received in our Mpesa accounts. I met a guy who showed me that he had received over 80,000 in a certain month when I was operating with less than 50k. I got irked, because I thought I was on a higher pedestal because well, I mean, who does not want to be seen as having more money. So, I took up the mantle of making money each day. And with that, I forgot that I had exams to prepare for, I failed to nail that exam. I had to prove my worth to match this guy. So, even though I am broke like a church mouse, My Mpesa statistics show that I handled 1 million when in reality, I probably made less than 500k. Hence, other than my 8-4 job, I also had a ka side hustle that could give me at least 1k per day if I was very persistent. Nevertheless, I came to realize that it is not that easy to multitask on two jobs at once. 

You end up having to sacrifice something that you really loved due to exhaution. Like writing, monitoring the stock market on a daily basis, reading blogs that invigorate the mind into being volatile and updated, and generally living the life you thought would materialize before hitting the third floor. Here I am almost hitting it and I can well say that I have lost so much yet gained so little in my aspiration. That is why I usually say, Bora Uhai or Pambana na Hali Yako. 

Like life is never a straight path, plus it’s never that serious. You finish school (I mean undergrad), realize you love writing, then you start doing that dem thing and five years down the line, you have not yet broke even as a pen pusher. You are still making headwinds thinking one day things will work out. But, you are also very secretive and kind of a recluse while most people think you have a bubbly personality that is robust and easy going. Because you love making jokes, and laughing out loud. You do it because you feel like engaging in an intellectual discourse is boring and makes you look like a geek sorry a jerk. 

Then someone tells you that we do not need to Google stuff because it has been written by a guy like you and I. Hitherto, you had trusted google as the number correct platform until this guy brainwashes you into believing that everyone has an opinion. And when that case is closed, you start discussing about ladies with big booties (Vera and Corazon) and those that are really beautiful at work. All men discuss about ladies irrespective of race, age and status. Unless the dude is of the homosexuality. Well, you end up talking to a couple of those sexy ladies who guys call slay queens, the big booty ones, the light skins, the melanin damsels with shiny skins who are beautiful a guy tells you are on point if know those beautiful ladies because they look like guzzlers. 

Mind you, you have a meagre income. But you see them as colleagues who you never have a thing for because, well you got hooked to this lady who ended up going mute and then you felt like, well let me give this ladies thing a break. Lakini, I know that, when it comes to ladies, one trick that works is to have a nice rapport with other ladies even if they are not very pretty, that way you will easily have your way with a pretty lady even if huwezi muingiza box. Then there are those you realize have something queer they want from you. Damn, there is this chic who stalked me and because she was beautiful, I could not go telling guys that I noticed her following me at work during five different occasions. She left before I could tell her, “Ile siku, ukiwa umevaa mini ukakaa mbele yangu.” Any sane guy can relate unless you have switched off those ginene especially when she has pretty yellow thayos.   

I am a zealot when it comes to spending money especially when it regards pleasing the opposite sex. Yes, we must acknowledge our weakness sometimes. But ideally, I don’t spend much on ladies though. I spent most of my money paying debt to Tala, Branch, Mshwari, Timiza and KCB Mpesa. Actually, there was only one lady that made me spend on her. It was this bartender that even offered me free sex but, I guess am not the randy type of guy who easily gets bamboozled into engaging in the devil’s dance with just anyone. In addition, I have come to hate free things. So, I am officially single in 2019. And that folks, is my money story. It is shallow and less precise. Well, I had intended to put it on my blog more than three months ago but, things happened and you know what, I am updating it now. 

Hasta la vista, baby.

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A Clear Vision

Spock and McCoy, my two lovely children reawakened my hitherto torpid state. Men, guess am still weather beaten (nimechapa) and bereft when it comes to ideation.  Let me now try to take on the water regarding my capsizing boat and steer it to safety before it sinks deeper in the event it ends up being buffeted by powerful winds that may make me unable to steer the boat to safety. Mine is a duck boat that navigates both waters and land.

The conditions I am in have deteriorated rapidly. I wish I had the will power to lever the situation that is looking bleak for the myopic mind. The genesis was a quest that has led to total neglect of McCoy. And now he is all naughty, grumpy and attention seeking. He wants his share of parental love now that I am out of the woods.

It has been more than quarter a year ever since I went for sabbatical. Now I am back but looks like I have lost the sheen and impetus to write again. I need time off, to go and process a lot that is in my mind. I need a sanctuary like aura. Quiet and ethereal. But most of all, it’s time to reflect about the future. To meditate and chart the way forward. Probably about destiny and but most of all, rejuvenating the severed creativity.

It’s called starting the journey again. The sojourn was quite good, no pressure that pierces. It reminds me of a certain pretty lady I met who wowed me but because I don’t like commitment and breaking people’s hearts, I ducked to safety. Ladies can be pursuant. Like this bartender who is into me and I think I am not that interested. I don’t know the best way to tell her that I don’t want this to end badly so I am subtly killing communication and that’s it. She will notice and won’t push it any further. She is hot, and I am one guy who my friend calls a defender. He said he is a striker. Perhaps, that’s the reason why he is not a keeper.

For once, I had the guts to tell a certain babe who only calls me when in financial distress that I could not lend her the money she wanted. It was such a paltry figure I wondered why she was even requesting it. Well, I had the money, but I don’t want her to be obsessed with the idea that I am only a money lending machine as opposed to our platonic friend given that I don’t expect anything in return as she does not shoulder my emotional debris. It’s just a friend thing and nothing much. Plus, I hate to say this, If I give your money, petty cash, not more than 5k and you don’t return it. Trust you me, I will not bother asking you for it because I can work my ass out and make that money. What I don’t expect is that you will have the nerves to borrow again. My friend, hapo ndio mi hukutoka na kukuzidi. I aint your papa. Once is just enough. And If you don’t return the cash the better because I am not Branch or Tala or Mshwari.

I still want a thing with the bartender though. I want her to tell me the wild things she has seen in the line of duty and the good times when patrons have treated her so well. Those moment s when she does not feel like working or taking orders, but she still gets the urge because she has bills to pay. The times when she pockets easily surcharges those highly inebriated and those who hit on her and she doesn’t feel their vibes, but they still try hard because men are macho and give up when they realize it’s time to go home.

About McCoy, I think I have even forgotten how to visualize good graphics and elucidate the image into fustian and flowery words that seal the message once and for all. I wish I could just give up this whole writing thing all together. But, like a coke addict, I cannot. It will take a rehab to restore the factory settings into the previous unadulterated state. Which is practically impossible given I am a student? More so like a child with a parent. Only that this child will be with me till the end of time when I cannot be able to breathe anymore.

Does death ever ring a bell? It never, it just happens and even those with divine grip on matters spiritual fear the most. We all want to live, like forever, but it’s practically impossible. Because you never know what tomorrow holds or has in store for you. After all, we are only guaranteed today. There is never a tomorrow. Because if tomorrow ever comes, I will be a hero of the latter-day saints. Since am not, allow me to stick to my lane. And that is being who I am because I love being me. The laid-back scribe who fears the unknown of the unknown.

Looks like I am slowly gaining my groove back. But it will take time to reawaken the fallen giant. To get to that level where I was before. Where things were in a steady state equilibrium. Say, I want my mean reverting level when it comes to the whole concept of blogging. Good that I have accepted that I am in bad health and need assistance to go about this whole journey of rebuilding my solid state. But I have not liquefied totally given that it has been cold for some time now. Oh, just a thought. Perhaps I may find a new home for my blog. I plan to do it in the next one year when all systems are ready and Inshallah, if I can successfully ensure Spock has graduated to a fine environment where he will not have to be bothered by the demands of his persuasions.

Hasta La Vista Baby.

[Picture Source: Deviant Art]

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HOPE

Against all odds.

Two seasoned colleagues were having some silly banter and I was listening to them in autopilot mode almost chocking with laughter while they were discussing about 'us'. Apparently, we were the latest guys to head hunted for some serious job and we were as such newbies in this out of the world corporation by Kenyan standards. We had to pass like 6 assessments to land this job and that is why we are what we call an elite group of employees. Actually, we are basically machines that reproduce what is already in black and white for analytical purposes by experienced analysts. Someone should teach us programming so that we can be analysts instead of digital transcribers. Even our employer knows that we are wired to work that way and since man must earn, we must get a life by constantly working like all those who make this world a better ( red bitter) place. The little you get is better than nothing at the end of the day. Mbona ukae idle kama kuna kazi hata kama ni peanuts unapewa. Is that not an adage for those who have been looking for gainful employment but can’t find when they find one?


Allow me to allude about a campus graduate I was having a conversation with, she was a girl I knew from my time as a student but she recently graduated. She was like, is the money we are supposed to be earning only enough for transport and rent. Nothing like entertainment or something. In my heart, I remembered how I had ambitions of earning a six figure salary when I had finished high school. Now, I am at the base of that pyramid of life working towards attaining self actualization in the later years of my life. I should have told her that you need to start from a certain point where you cannot be shaken when things go haywire. Obviously, that was an afterthought.

So, this two jamaas were literally talking behind my back and I could hear what they were saying. Let’s call the first dude Simba, and the second dude Picha.

Simba goes, “Kwa hawa watu wapya, ni mtu mgani unaona anakaa daktari daktari hivi, ule jamaa serious kuruka. Anadunga job ni kama hio tu ndio alikujia hapa?” 

My instincts were telling me that they were referring to me because I was seated alone away from guys we had been recruited with because the previous day, they told me they could not concentrate as I was breaking their ribs with constant punches of real anecdotes they thought were probably fabricated or something. I remember a colleague just laughing every other time I said something silly. Like I was telling them that sometimes a stray bullet by the boys in blue may hit you and instead of your family being aggrieved, you end up paying the police for the ammunition they used on you. God forbid, if you die, you end up being a state body before your copse is transferred to a morgue of your family's choice. It is something I saw with a relative who kissed the bullet here in Nairobi for abetting crime. Police were compensated when he was gunned down even though this was a case of mistaken identity. In the end, you sometimes end up saying, 'Ni mapenzi yake Jalali'. But deep down, you hurt and feel like 'shot to kill orders' should be applied to thugs fleeing in a getaway vehicle, not unarmed individuals like this guy who was gunned down even if he was in what police say was attempted robbery.

Another colleague even referred to me as a Mathare case. I had to take cover. I have since moved and love my new home. Away from making guys think I am a court jester. And ever since I moved from them, I have been having success with my earnings. Guess, sometimes we have to hive ourselves off when the going gets tough. Just for a few.

You see, I like making fun sometimes, like, when I am not being serious, I can really get petty and raunchy, and dirty. I think it’s a guy thing to be dirty dirty.

“Kwa hawa watu wako kwa hii room, unaona mseee mgani anakaa mwalimu. Hata si mwalimu tu, mode wa kitu kama CRE CRE hivi, unajua tu hao wasee. Hawakai kuwa na haraka na Maisha, wako tu.” Simba was telling Picha.

Picha then retorts back, “Unaona tule tudem tumekaa pale.” I think he was pointing them using his mouth or his eyes were darting in that direction in response to Simba’s question, "Hao ndio pefectet definition ya mode wa CRE, kwanza wale wa primary school hujifanya kuokoka na hakuna kitu wanajua. Wanashindda tu kuwaaambia story zile hakuna."

Damn, I was almost breaking into a wild one and because I was also sweating (the result of a held laugh), I decided to go to the loo to get sane again. Luckily, there is always water and tissue papers in plenty, you wash your face and wipe them wish tissue when things are hot under the visage. How else do you expect me to contain the simmering laughter when they were talking crass like class three pupils who had just seen two newcomers in their class? Kwani, men can be this petty, malingering behind someones back like wale mamathe wa ploti. 


I guess I looked more focused than I should have been. Perhaps, they should have found me during one of my theatrical days, combining fake and wild ideophones with gestures while speaking. When I am free and willing to let loose those thoughts that I harbor in my medulla oblongata flow, I can really get nasty. Never mind my non-biological use of that organ inside our head, guess I thought it refers to the cortex(memory organ) in the brain.

I think there is only one thing one must never lose in this world and that is hope for something good or a better tomorrow. We thus need motivation for the same. Constant motivation daily makes us forget our woes even when we are so much burdened and having a hard life. A life that only you know about, unless you let it be known to others who want to know the same about. The struggles we have to endure, the patience we have to stomach, the downfalls and pitfalls that make us strong, the victories that we conquer and are behind us, and always keeping hope alive. Because once you are hopeful, even the world will realize that you need something and it will slowly come to you.

We all have hope. At some point in life, I was hopeless, I was having those moments that I thought would last longer than they should. I was low and downcast. But when I look back, I should have not let those instances take the better of me. They should have been a lesson that I learn from. I am still on a learning pedestal. The only difference with ages ago is that I am more seasoned in the game than ever before.

What is there to hope for in life? Yes, the first thing is to be able to see tomorrow that never comes. Another thing is that when you see it, you will have money to spend after satiating your basic needs. We hope we will find it in abundance that we cannot spend all at once. Yet, we are never getting enough of it. It’s not a coincidence that those who get money are those who don’t have money problems. They are wealthy guys who want to maintain the status quo and keep their dynasty steadfast.


I sometimes hate money. Not the spending part though, I hate the part where it is the root of all our problems. I wish I could not have to work for the money bit. I wish I worked for personal fulfillment through meaningful work that is more geared towards bettering humanity and less of having capitalistic tenets. But we are in a world where money matters, I robustly admire moneyed guys, they make me want to be like them, yet I always tell myself, just be patient, things will look up and you will get it when the right time comes. It's a notion that I have to really disengage from like yesterday. Guess that is the reason why I am never in a hurry. Unlucky me. Tomorrow I will be a lucky guy, Inshallah.

Hasta La Vista Baby

[Photo Source: Pixabay]

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