Jakky Bankong-Obi

 "Madiba" Mandela without doubt is one of the most inspiring figures to have lived on this earth. Although he wasn't some great general, inventor or founder of a religious faith, Mandela embodied the greatness of the human being. Rising above dire social, political and human limitations, Mandela showed that anyone with a simple belief and commitment to that belief can become great. With many examples of bad leadership, pervasive poverty and corruption, there is seemingly little that is inspiring about the African continent for many young African like me. Yet all over the continent, there are good people who by the example of their commitment to doing their best, continue to serve as inspiration for their families and communities. Nelson Mandela is one of such. By his beliefs and actions, Mandela and countless Africans show that anyone irrespective of their background can rise above any limitations to become great. Sacrificing the usual trappings of a normal life; freedom, family and personal comfort, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for daring to live up to his beliefs, speaking up for and insisting on the rights of other black South Africans. He underscores the importance of personal courage and sacrifice in the pursuit of our ideals and visions. Mandela's actions teach us to that it is our right and responsibility to live a truly authentic, vibrant and purposeful life. He teaches us to stay true to who we are, stretch the boundaries of personal limitations and social restrictions in order to live our best life. Gleaned from the example of his life, the ten lessons (plus one) in this e-book will inspire you to be the best version of yourself and live the life you were meant to live.

Sometimes we have to let go and just live. Life isn't always about being in control because an attitude of insistence and resistance keeps you stuck.

TRUST THE PROCESS: ON SETTING GOALS AND NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS As the year ends and we go about with the business of New Year resolutions, it is important that we do not forget that life itself is a process and the greatest happiness often comes from accepting where you are at this particular point in your journey and also in trusting that the overall process will turn out fine.

KEEP HOPE ALIVE Imagine that halfway through your birth, your mother decided she had had enough and stopped pushing. Then exasperated, the doctors, midwives, nurses and birthing assistants all quit.

Letting Go...Find Happiness in the Unexpected When we talk about letting go, people often relate it to forgiveness, letting go of grudges, resentments and anger.

Success is not a Competition Conventional wisdom teaches that to get ahead or succeed in life, you must compete with and win over other people, that is survival of the fittest.

Dealing with the Fear of Failure Anyone who has accomplished anything knows that they have to contend with the possibility of failure. Because despite our great ideas or good intentions, things don’t always go the way we want them to.

Speak With Your Own Voice From childhood, we are exposed and influenced by many voices – parents, family, friends, teacher, peers, etc who are constantly telling us what to do for “our own good”.

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