Little Shifts: Little Shifts Series, #1

By Wole Sosanya

In the words of late American author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, 'People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.'  

This book is a collection of 366 motivational posts on personal growth. This is Volume 1 in the series, Little Shifts. The book encourages little changes, little improvement over a longer period to achieve a lasting, sustainable personal growth. Changes in life (even if you don't do anything) are inevitable but personal growth is optional. It will be worth your while to steer life changes to your advantages, towards your personal growth. Like the popular saying, we grow in our struggle - only if we dare grow through the process and not allow life to just happen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wole Sosanya
• Release date: Dec 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310946592

Book preview

ALSO BY WOLE SOSANYA

Little Details Big Shift

LITTLE SHIFTS

DailyReading for Personal Growth

Volume 1

Little Shifts Series

Copyright 2015 by Wole Sosanya

First Published in UK as an ebook, free to download and distribute.

The right of Wole Sosanya to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988.

Book cover by Ana Maria Villanueva

Author's Note

In the words of late American author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, 'People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.'

This eBook is a collection of motivational posts I sent to a group of people daily in 2012 and the words remain relevant and applicable to everyone keen on personal growth and personal responsibility. This is the first series of the book, Little Shifts that encourages little steps and changes over a longer period to achieve a lasting, sustainable personal growth. Changes in life (even if you don't do anything) are inevitable but personal growth is optional. It will be worth your while to steer life changes to your advantages, towards your personal growth. Like the popular saying, we grow in our struggle - only if we dare grow through the process and not allow life to just happen.

I hope this book will be of help to anyone interested in personal growth and stir you up to love your life and make the most of it. One of my favourite writers Jeff Goins said recently, 'Don't think so much about what could have been instead look at what is and try to make the most of it.' This ebook can support you to make the most of what you have as you read it daily.

January 1

Talk Is Cheap

I was meditating yesterday, preparing for the New Year. My mind raced quickly through January to December last year and concluded that there were so many things l could have done differently for better results. My commitment is to ensure l do at least three constructive things that will contribute positively to my purpose and future this New Year. One of them is daily journal blog which was reformatted to this ebook

Its New Year's day, We (my family and I) just woke up after the wonderful Watch-Night Service and my daughter said something profound and I wondered: did she just say that? Oreofe (she was seven years old at the time but so mature, full of words and always wanting to play the big sister.

We were potty-training Joshua and my wife, Toyin coined a slogan for him: 'Big boys wee wee in the -' his response will be: 'Toilet'. As he settled down to eat his cereal on the bed, my wife said, 'big boys wee wee in the' and Joshua responded 'toilet'. Immediately, Ofy said to her little brother: 'You always say that but you don't do it!' That's true because Joshua most times still finds it difficult to know when he needs to visit the toilet.

I realised that this is what we do most times even as adults; we don't do what we say! TALK IS CHEAP.

Quick reflection: there are so many things l said l would do last year but did not. Being ACTION oriented requires self-discipline. This is my New Year lesson, l will follow through all l set out to do daily. Remember, the future does not happen suddenly but daily.

Little Shifts:

1. Think about things you said you would do last year but never got round to.

2. What were the reasons you think they were not carried out and what could you have done differently?

3. List three things you would like to commit to and accomplish this year.

4. Prove to yourself that you can commit to something for a long time. Every day, do something towards the goals.

January 2

Your Prescription Is Ready

It’s quite amazing; it’s the second of 365 days in this year already. The holidays are over, it is time to roll-up your sleeves and get back to serious work. Never think there is still time. This is what you said all through last year and the days were spent without any attempt to move on or change things. It’s so easy for us to make

excuses for not doing what we set out to do or what we know we ought to do. Or maybe you’re suffering from the ‘l-will-do-it-tomorrow’ syndrome; you are living in self-denial. I suffered a lot from this wide-spread disease last year. I have summoned courage to take my prescription from yesterday, the first day of the year. Guess what? I'm feeling a lot better already after a dose of ACTION. You reading this is a sign that the symptoms are easing-off gradually. You don't need to make an appointment with your doctor to get this prescription. You have it stored in your soul; look for the one with the label description: ACTION.

I was chatting with a dear friend yesterday (New Year’s Day) and we were discussing the need to take action. This is what he said, 'God asked me to list my regrets and let's start fixing it. Many times we regret actions we didn't take and some we took wrongly'. You may want to list your own regrets or actions you did not take last year and begin to work on them, one at a time.

You can make this year your best ever. The choice is yours. I'm off to take today's dose of my prescription

Little Shifts:

1. What prescription do you think you need this year?

2. What do you need to start fixing in your life one after the other?

January 3

Too Much, Too Little

I am sorry that l have to remind you that today is the third day of the year. We have 362 days left. Time is ticking; it waits for no one. You can't stop it, store it or carry it over. Now, enough rattling about time!

In the build-up to the New Year, l stumbled on an Italian proverb that got me thinking about being focused. It says, ‘Often, he who does too much does too little.’ The truth of the matter is that we are too distracted. Distracted from our goals, purpose, tasks, family, responsibilities and studies... the list is endless.  If you are like me, you will have so many files opened or minimised on your laptop by the end of each day, trying to do so much at the same time. Eventually, l end up doing so little, with many uncompleted tasks because of divided attention. 

It is not just enough for us to take an action, but a focus-oriented action is required. A CONCENTRATED EFFORT to achieve a specific goal or target. Science has proven that concentrated sunlight through a magnifying glass can set paper on fire. Focused effort is that powerful. Give it a try; focus on each issue or task one at a time and you will be amazed at the quality of the result.

Little Shifts:

1. What will help you be more focused with your actions?

2. How can you cut out or reduce preventable distractions?

3. Always remember to do what’s necessary and important to the task at hand.

January 4

Closed but Reopened!

I was watching the news and a subsequent documentary on Stephen Lawrence’s murder last night and I was moved close to tears. Despite all the evidences available to them at the time of the crime in April 1993, the Met Police were unable to convict the five suspects. 

There were a series of mistakes and errors committed on the case by the Met Police that the authority admitted later. The prime suspects were prosecuted twice but acquitted and freed. The British Law even protected them at the time, which means they couldn't be charged and prosecuted again for the same case. The Lawrence family, despite the verdict, did not give up seeking justice for their son. I learnt he was to study architecture in the university. What a promising young man whose life was cut short prematurely. 

The family did not waver in their pursuit of justice. It was 18 long years of sorrow, bitterness, helplessness, grief, disappointment but finally justice and truth prevailed. Don't give up on what you believe; the process may be hard and tough, but your conviction and faith will keep you going. The case was reopened like a cold case and new evidences were discovered.

In the process of their campaign for justice, many positive things happened to them: they met with the Prime Minister and several cabinet members; they met with Nelson Mandela who supported their cause and spoke openly on their behalf in London. They were also honoured by her Majesty Queen of England with an OBE; the father spoke at different seminars, and schools, creating awareness against knife crime. There is a HARVEST IN EVERY SEASON OF LIFE. See beyond that situation; something positive can happen in the mess.

Little Shifts:

1. What did you believe in before but gave up because of obstacles?

2. What do you think you can do differently today?

3. Always remember, there is something good in the mess. What could it be for you?

January 5

Don’t Chicken Out

A friend recently sent me a story of a man who built a successful business but suddenly lost everything. The company was drowning in debt; he was depressed and could not face or bear the change. He finally convinced himself to commit suicide. As he prepared for his final moment, he decided to take one last walk to his favourite park and just enjoy the view of nature. 

He sat next to an old man on the bench just south of the park. The old man started a conversation with him; he was not interested but he did not want to be rude. Out of frustration, he began to tell the senior citizen about his business and life's failure. The old man allowed him to finish his story without interrupting. 

The old man in response said he is a very successful wealthy businessman but the only regret he has is not having a child he could pass the multi-billion company to. He told the young man he liked him and would be happy to hand over his successful business venture to him based on one condition; 'go and turn your business around, make it profitable in one year and my business empire will be yours.'

The once depressed, suicidal man was so happy and shook the elderly man's hand as a sign of sealed agreement. Adrenaline was rushing through his system; he left the park with great motivation and immediately set the ball rolling. He called all his creditors; made a deal with them, restructured the business. Exactly 12 months from his meeting at the park, he managed to turn the supposedly dead business into a profitable one.

It is quite amazing how good news or prospects can change things for you and in you. I believe the depressed businessman woke up every day of the process, motivated because of the promised fortune. Zig Ziglar once observed, 'People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.' Don't lose sight of your purpose in life, you have something to live and die for. That's your purpose? When you seem defeated, look towards your purpose and pick yourself up. You need the right motivation daily. And that’s the main goal of this book.

Little Shifts:

1. What have you given up or what are you about to give up because it failed?

2. If you have all the resources, how can you turn the result around?

3. What you may lack is the motivation; the problem is not the failed job, marriage, or business. What can motivate you to action?

January 6

One Amongst Many

There is a question that has been playing in my head for a few days now. And it seems everything this year will be dependent on the answer. I guess you may identify with the question as well, especially in your pursuits this year. It will help you chart a clear direction. There is nothing like knowing where you are going, and what you are doing. It breeds a higher level of confidence in you.

Yes, the question: What is the 'one thing' that, if achieved, could change your life dramatically this year? The 'one thing' that could make this year the best of your life so far? I know there are so many things you would love to happen but you only need to figure out one thing that will have a huge impact upon every aspect of your life. It's a serious mental exercise. One of my favourite authors, Brian Tracy said, ‘There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing.’

As you pray and strategise for this year, ask yourself, what is the 'ONE THING' or the MOST IMPORTANT that can cause a ripple effect and affect my whole life positively? Your answer is what you need to focus your effort on. Your focused action should be on that 'one thing'.

Little Shifts:

1. List seven things you would like to do this year that can dramatically change your life

2. Out of the seven, narrow it down to three most important.

3. Out of the three, narrow it down to the one that can affect the others.

January 7

The Ideal Condition

Seasons are part of our lives. Irrespective of global warming and its impact, we will still experience all the seasons in a year. The duration may be short compared to the average time-frame but you will surely experience it. People living in Europe will tell you they prefer to have summer all year. Winter can be very harsh but that will not stop daily activities.

Unfortunately in life, we associate and blame a change of seasons for our failures and inadequacies. I once heard a preacher say, you don't fight a season, you flow with it. Every stage in life has its challenges but that should not stop you. I started writing my first book during the most difficult time of my life in 2009. Dirk Benedic said, ‘If we wait until our lives are free from sorrow or difficulty, then we wait forever and miss the entire point.’ You probably have waited too long for the ideal condition before you make a move. I don't mean to disappoint you, but the ideal condition will not surface. Do what you have to do.

Helen Keller, born 1880, became blind and deaf at 19 months when she contracted an illness described as 'an acute congestion of the stomach and brain'. She became the first deaf and blind person to earn a B.A degree. She was a successful author, political activist and lecturer. A deaf and blind person! Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can do.

Little Shifts:

1. What have you always wanted to do that you are waiting for the ideal time to do?

2. What will be the ideal time? Describe ideal.

3. What can you do to make now ideal?

January 8

Not Time To Stop

Do you realise a week has been spent already out of the 52 we have in this year? That's how the weeks will go by unnoticed. Don't be caught unawares! We all need to stay focused to achieve anything meaningful this year.

Looking back into last year, you would have experienced success in one area of your life. I believe one of the best ways to have continuous breakthrough in life is to build on your success. Don't sit on it. 

All the great gadgets and technology we use today are a result of continuous improvement. Building on the last discoveries and innovation. The first apple computer was the greatest of its time. But can you compare it to an iPad tablet or the Mac notebook? I recently watched a documentary posted by Microsoft on YouTube about the future technology. You will be amazed. Today's tablets and iPads will become child's play.    

There is so much yet to be discovered even in your life. Who would have imagined that the caterpillar can be transformed into a beautiful butterfly? Don't plateau on your last discovery or success. Thank God and rejoice for your last breakthrough but don't sit on it. Move to the next one. We all can always aspire to break our own records. 

Little Shifts:

1. What was your last great accomplishment?

2. Do you consider it to be your best and think there is no need to try anything new?

3. What's one thing you would like to improve on in your life? Focus your energy on that one thing.

January 9

You Are Not Out Of Reach

I woke up with thoughts of compassion and the love of a father. It's so strong and full of mercy. What would it be like if our world was full of compassion?

Everyday I learn life's lessons from my two 'profs' (my kids), Ofy and Josh. I may be really cross with them for being naughty one minute, and the next minute, we are cuddling and playing again. This just reminds me of the love of God. Every one of us is a child of God, whether you believe in His existence or not. 

Today, you may be out of God's will because of your naughtiness but guess what? You are not out of HIS REACH. He is always ready to help us back into His will for our lives. Like the prodigal son, you can return home.  God has sacrificed so much for us not to let us go our destructive ways. I can't stand watching my 'profs' put themselves in a vulnerable position that could hurt them. I scream my head off to help them avoid such situations. That's the love of the father, my friend. It protects, preserves, prevents, and promotes.

God loves you and wants to be your father forever. You may be out of his Will but definitely not out of his Reach! Have a great day.  

Little Shifts:

1. Would you consider yourself out of reach or in God’s Will?

2. What can you do to get back into the Will or remain in the Will?

3. How will you know that God loves you?

January 10

Be Prepared

A great man was about to die and his protégé, Adele, spent his last moments with him. ‘You have been a great mentor and the father that l never had", Adele said to the man. He looked at the dying man and asked, ‘What would be your last word of wisdom to me?’ Helpless and struggling to breathe, he summoned his last strength, looked at Adele and said, ‘Everyday, opportunities are either coming or leaving your way. No opportunity is ever lost! That's because someone will always take the one you missed.’ After he finished the statement, he passed away.

Everyday presents opportunities, but only the prepared seize them. You don't wait for the opportunity to prepare yourself. Opportunities maximised moves us to the future we desire. Muhammed Ali, when asked about his training regime, said: 'I hated every minute of the training, but l said, don't quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' Food for thought!

I'm preparing myself as the man in the picture of my future; best-selling author, successful businessman and of course servant of the most High God, helping many to discover their purpose in life. Who do you see in the picture of your future? Begin to prepare to be that personality. People around you may think you are crazy. Never mind! Remember, 'Greatness can take a lifetime but can be achieved in a moment.' Don't miss your moment because you are not prepared.

Little Shifts:

1. Can you remember one opportunity you missed because you were not prepared or equipped for it?

2. Can you describe the person in your dream?

3. How can you prepare to be that person?

January 11 

What You Want Vs What You Need

I was chatting with one of the young people in our church just before Christmas and he said Christmas was just an excuse for people to spend money they don't have. I agreed with him to some degree. I wanted to buy myself a new suit for Christmas and l asked myself, ‘Do l really need a new suit?’ Sincerely, l didn't need one, so l didn't buy one. What you want is not what you need. Don't allow your want to become a need. 

Only spend your money on your core needs; the essentials, not on what you can do without. Remember the way you spend your money is the way you spend your life. Your time is your life. You exchanged your time for the money you get by way of salary or profit from a business. Hence, your money represents a measure of your life spent on good cause.  

Learn the act of saving at least 10% of your income for investment purposes instead of spending it on things you can do without. The ancient land of Egypt saved 20% of all the produce of the land during the boom for seven years to feed the nation for the next seven years of recession (famine). Think about it. You will be amazed at what a reserve can do in the days of shortage.

Little Shifts

1. Can you list three things you bought recently that you can do without?

2. What was the motivating factor that encouraged you to buy those things you don't need but want?

3. How much can you save regularly to build up a reserve? You can start saving today!

January 12

Find Simplicity

It is quite amazing how you can collect and build up junk and clutter in your apartment in 12 months. This we do unconsciously. March 2012 makes the 8th year since we moved into our current house; I sometimes ask myself, where did all the boxes and bags come from?

My daughter's room which also serves as the guest room was filled with bags, boxes and clothes. In plain language, it was full of clutter.

After two days of massive clear out; painting, fixing a bigger wardrobe to store away clothes and bags, repositioning of the bed, l was amazed at the result. I couldn't believe it was the same room! It now looks bigger, a lot tidier and presentable. That's what reviewing, re-inventing, renovating, repositioning, reconditioning can do for you and your situation. In Albert Einstein words, ‘Out of clutter, find simplicity.’

All the work in the room was initiated after a quick discussion with my wife a few days before on what could be done to give the room a 'facelift'. Before you give-up on that situation, I encourage you to speak to someone who cares about you and seek their wisdom. You have not exhausted all options available to you just yet.

Little Shifts:

1. What baggage is clogging up your life?

2. What would you like to do with them? How can you simplify the clutter in your life?

3. Could you do with some reviewing, re-inventing or repositioning?

January 13

Hotel Beds

Have you ever noticed something about hotel beds, especially across Europe and America? They seem better and more comfortable than the ones at home. Though, we have not gone on a family holiday in recent times, the highlight for me during our holidays most times is, l get to sleep, if allowed, all day. I do not even bother about breakfast. There must be something about those beds! 

Ironically, bad habits are like a comfortable bed; they are easy to get into, but hard to get out of. It's so easy to develop habits - especially bad ones - but so difficult to break free of them. Bad habits have ruined lives and destinies, cut short purposes and limited potentials. It usually starts out as an unarmed action, just indulging oneself. The negative impacts on lives build over time and become a great giant to contend with. 

Don't be ruled and controlled by bad habits. Rather be controlled by good habits. The only way to fight and stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. Nicotine inhalers (resembling a cigarrette) was developed for smokers determined to stop smoking. You need something else to replace the old habit. OLD HABITS DIE HARD!

Little Shifts:

1. What is (or are) that old bad habit(s) you need to get rid of?

2. What can you replace it (them) with?

3. What's that new bad habit you are building right now that you can put an abrupt end to?

January 14

Aren't you tired?

Growing up in Africa, we were taught to accept things as they were without question or changing the status quo. On my last trip to Nigeria in Africa, my friend was really pleased (and l was as well) that they had constant supply of electricity for three days. I thought: this should be a normal thing. Abnormal has been accepted as normal and normal accepted as a privilege. What a way to live! 

I was not surprised with what happened in Nigeria in January 2012. The nation, with one voice is saying, 'Enough is enough.' Enough of mismanagement, corruption, incompetence! Whatever you can tolerate, you can't change. The nation couldn't tolerate the mismanagement anymore, hence calling and campaigning for change.

This is what happens in our personal lives as well. As long as you can tolerate something (even though you know change is required), you will live with it. When you can't tolerate it anymore, then you will swing into action. Don't wait until the doctor says your weight is posing a big threat to