Sunday, April 9, 2017

3 Organizations That Have Aided My Personal Growth


Today, I will like to share with you three pivotal organizations that have oiled the wheel of my personal development over the past few years. These organizations are entirely not exclusive to a select few and have nothing to do with your job. I like to think of them as credible ‘pass time.’ To avoid all doubt, the list is by no means exhaustive. However, the goal is that this will make someone want to be a part of any of these three. Let’s go!

1. Toastmasters
Arguably the best association I have been a part of over the past few years. Toastmasters International is a place that provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. With its headquarters in the United States, there are about 16,000 clubs in over 140 countries of the world. I have learnt that by just having the gift of speaking, and exuding confidence while at it, will open tremendous doors. The beautiful thing about Toastmasters is that it will teach you how to make impromptu speeches, how to harness your thoughts and imagination in words, how to prepare manual speeches that is sublime and perhaps most importantly, it provides you feedback (which is a gift). The club also helps in developing your leadership skills. Each meeting is structured, the environment is devoid of criticism and I often wonder where I’d rather be on a Friday evening (And yes, I still have my Friday nights gig afterwards; should I crave ). So it’s simple, get online on the Toastmasters website and find the Toastmasters club nearest to you and be a part of it today!

2. The Book Club
It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who once said that ‘If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.’ So marvel no further when you see the likes of Chimamanda Adiche, Barack Obama, Pat Utomi among others. The caveat on this one is that I am a hopeless reader. It is a vital part of my life. From fiction, to self-help books, to autobiographies, to editorials, to motivationals, few things are more soothing. Belonging to a book club is the fastest and easiest way to sharpen your reading instincts. For me, it was until I joined a book club that I fully understood the latent power of books; particularly, African Writers Series. See, books are powerful and this is not just a cliché. Few things can illuminate your mind the way reading a book can. And when anyone ask me about the number one secret to being a good writer, I am quick to say ‘Being a hopeless reader.’ The reality is that anyone who says that we have only one life to live has not read a book before; for with books you have many lives, you go to many places and the narrative of your journey is richer and fuller. In a book club you find like minds, fellow addicts of books, lovers of words, masters of the pen. Again, it’s simple. Just go online and ask around for any good book club around you.

3. Motivators International
Now this one is close to my heart, primarily because there was a co-creation involvement in this one right from my University days. This organization was a brainchild of Chijindu Umunnakwe (friend & brother). To be honest, this club means many things to many people. However, the overriding goal is to create platforms for young people to harness their potentials in order to be the best they can be. The organization is focused on leadership and entrepreneurship development and is committed to maximizing the potential of young people, tackling poverty and unemployment through innovative development solutions. My philosophy of a potent organization is in the people and Motivators is replenished with a plethora of amazing young minds striving to make their world better than they met it. You can find out more and be a part of the group when you search online.

I hope this has helped. Have a smashing week friends!

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