Yinka Kayode-Popoola

01/13/2025

Don't Rush, just make every step count.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of achieving our goals quickly. We often find ourselves rushing through life, trying to tick off our to-do lists, and reaching for instant gratification. However, this approach can lead to burnout, mistakes, and a sense of unfulfillment.

As we navigate the 12 months of the year, it's essential to remember that every step counts. Rather than rushing through life, let's focus on making intentional, deliberate progress towards our goals.

The Problem with Rushing

Rushing through life can lead to:

1. MISTAKES: When we're in a hurry, we're more likely to make mistakes, overlook important details, and neglect critical steps.
2. BURNOUT: Constantly pushing ourselves to achieve more, faster, can lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
3. UNFULFILMENT: Rushing through life can leave us feeling unfulfilled, as we're not taking the time to appreciate the journey, learn from our experiences, and enjoy the process.

The Power of Intentional Progress

By focusing on making every step count, we can:

1. Build momentum: Consistent, intentional progress helps build momentum, making it easier to achieve our goals.
2. Learn and grow: Taking the time to reflect on our experiences, learn from our mistakes, and adjust our approach helps us grow both personally and professionally.
3. Enjoy the journey: When we focus on the process, rather than just the end result, we can appreciate the beauty of the journey, enjoy the company of those around us, and find joy in the everyday moments.

Making Every Step Count

So, how can we make every step count in our 12-month journey? Here are a few strategies to get you started:

1. Set intentional goals: Take the time to reflect on what you want to achieve, and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
2. Break it down: Divide your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and focus on making progress one step at a time.
3. Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small it may seem.
4. Learn from mistakes: When you make mistakes, take the time to reflect on what went wrong, and use that knowledge to adjust your approach moving forward.
5. Stay present: Focus on the present moment, and enjoy the journey, rather than getting caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.

Conclusively, as we journey through the 12 months of the year, remember that every step counts. By focusing on intentional progress rather than rushing through life, we can build momentum, learn and grow, and enjoy the journey. So, take a deep breath, stay present, and make every step count.

Take a BREATHER, alaye.







YKP

01/13/2025

Happy Monday! Happy New Week!

Seeing the dawn of a new day is a great privilege that we do not take for granted.
I pray for you today as I pray for myself 🙏

May this new week bring you renewed strength, fresh hope, and abundant joy.

As you start this new week, remember that every day is a fresh chance to start again, to dream big, and to make a difference."
May this week bring you opportunities to grow, to learn, and to shine.

May God's peace, love, and joy be your portion this week and always.

01/13/2025

The Great Dance-Off with Change

In the bustling neighborhood of Surulere, everyone knew Ayo. She was the queen of old-school tailoring, famous for her perfectly stitched Ankara outfits and her love for jollof rice. But while Ayo could sew like a dream, there was one thing she avoided like an overcooked pot of beans—change.

One sunny afternoon, while Ayo was expertly sewing a customer’s agbada, her younger cousin, Kemi, barged in. "Ayo, have you seen these new fashion influencers on Instagram? They’re taking over! You need to get with the times, girl!" Kemi exclaimed, flashing her phone screen.

Ayo squinted at the screen. "Instagram? Kemi, I don’t even know how to use a smartphone properly. What’s next? You want me to sew dresses on Mars?"

Kemi laughed. "Ayo, you’re hilarious! But seriously, you could reach so many more people online. There's even a workshop this weekend about digital fashion design."

Ayo rolled her eyes. "Digital what?

Kemi, I’m a tailor, not a tech wizard."

Despite her protests, Kemi convinced Ayo to attend the workshop.

The moment Ayo walked in, she felt like a fish out of water. Everyone was tapping away on laptops, talking about "hashtags" and "algorithms."

It sounded like alien language to her. But then, something unexpected happened.

The workshop instructor announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, to make this fun, we’re having a Digital Design Dance-Off!

Each team will create a design and present it through a dance routine. The winning team gets a free online marketing course!"

Ayo’s eyes widened.

"A dance-off? You’ve got to be kidding me!"

But her competitive spirit kicked in. Teaming up with Kemi and a few others, Ayo found herself learning not only about digital design but also practicing dance moves in between.

It was chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly fun. Ayo even managed to create her first digital design—a vibrant, modern twist on traditional Ankara.

When the time came for the dance-off, Ayo’s team performed a mix of traditional Nigerian dance and funky modern moves.

To everyone’s surprise, Ayo stole the show with her energetic performance, blending her tailoring skills with her newfound tech-savviness.

The crowd cheered, and the judges were impressed. Ayo’s team won the dance-off!

More importantly, Ayo realized that change wasn’t the enemy—it was just a new dance she had to learn.

Back at her shop, Ayo began incorporating her new skills. She created an Instagram page called "Ayo’s Ankara Adventures," where she shared her designs and funny dance videos. Her page quickly gained followers, and soon, her shop was busier than ever.

Ayo’s journey became the talk of Surulere. She was no longer just the queen of tailoring; she was also the queen of adaptability and fun. Her story inspired many to embrace change with a little humor and a lot of heart.

Moral of the Story:

Change doesn’t have to be scary or boring—it can be a fun dance-off!

With the right attitude and a sense of humor, even the most daunting challenges can become exciting adventures.

Follow this page for more information
Yinka Kayode-Popoola

01/12/2025

More story about my Saturday - this was really my first time of watching adult gymnastics meet in-person. It was so amazing to watching.
As I sat there watching, it occurred to me that some of these girls that are now in their 20s have been doing gymnastics training since they were like 3. All the years of practice, traveling for competitions and missing on other things that their age mates were doing have led them to this point.

I thought about some life lessons we could take from gymnastics. These are some important life lessons I found relevant -

# 1. Resilience and Perseverance
Gymnastics teaches you to fall, get back up, and try again. This lesson translates to life, where you'll face setbacks and failures. Learning to bounce back and persevere is essential for achieving success.

# 2. Discipline and Hard Work
Gymnastics requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. Practicing regularly, perfecting techniques, and pushing yourself to new heights are essential skills that can be applied to various areas of life.

# 3. Confidence and Self-Belief
Gymnastics helps build confidence and self-belief as you master new skills and overcome challenges. This confidence can translate to other areas of life, such as public speaking, leadership, or pursuing new opportunities.

# 4. Risk-Taking and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Gymnastics encourages you to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone. This lesson can be applied to life, where taking risks and embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth and new experiences.

# 5. Mental Toughness and Focus
Gymnastics requires mental toughness, focus, and concentration. Learning to stay focused under pressure, manage nerves, and maintain a positive mindset can benefit you in various aspects of life, from academics to career and personal relationships.

These lessons can benefit you throughout your life, both on and off the gymnastics floor.

01/12/2025

Saturday was a family outing day for us. We set out early to attend a gymnastics meet at Oregon state university to support one of Dola’s friends who was competing for Oregon State University against BYU.

There were 20 girls on the team and it was so amazing to see how they supported and cheered each other on. When a team mate fell, they were there to lift their morale and watch them try the same event again and win. When a team mate won, they were there to cheer and rejoice with the person. Imagine for every time someone performed, there were 19 team members waiting to high-five, hug and congratulate the person. It was just so amazing the positive energy and the support system.

Below is a video of Jade Carey a member of the OSU gymnastics and a 2x Olympic medalist. The OSU team performed well and they won! ❤️🥰

It is easy to succeed in life when you are surround by the right people

Kindness is a language everyone understands.

01/11/2025

Join the call

01/11/2025

Happy Saturday Fam! The weekend has finally arrived. Initially, it felt like Saturday was taking forever to come.

Getting through the first week back to work after a long vacation is usually the toughest. But we did it! The first work week of 2025 did not break us. We showed up! We did it!
What did you struggle with this week? Your resiliency is worth celebrating.
Now we can relax and enjoy the weekend!
See you at 9pm. Be kind enough to invite a friend.

01/10/2025

Good morning my people! Please let’s lift the state of California up in our prayers, let the fire cease oh God! Protect and comfort all those that are affected.

01/09/2025

“A goal without a vision is just a dream” - John C. Maxwell

Write the vision for 2025 and make it plain!

In 2019, I started doing vision board at the end of the year for the new year or at beginning of the new year. I will go to the store and buy a cardboard paper or use a cut out part of a box (carton). I will then print pictures of my desired goals for the new year. For example I will have things like “buy a new house” with a picture of a house on my vision board, “laser-focus” with a picture that represents focusing on a project, “networking/build new connections”, “travel”, “read books”, “professional training” with a picture that represents each vision and so on. Then, I will put my vision board on my mirror in the bathroom. This is intentional so that my vision board is placed strategically in a place that I go into and look at several times a day. When I am washing my hands in the bathroom, I am looking at my vision board, when I am
brushing my teeth, my vision board is there reminding me of my goals.

As I am looking at my vision board, I am praying and engraving the images on my mind. Over the years, I have seen each of these visions come to fulfillment.
Try it if you are interested. It will cost you nothing to flatten a carton or get a cardboard, get some magazines with pictures, cut the pictures that represent your visions out and place them on the vision board. You can get creative and also draw or hand write some of your goals on the cardboard. If you can see it, then you can have it. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision” - Helen Keller.

With these I will like to invite you to an interesting EBB live show on FB this Saturday at 9pm WAT. The topic is “Creating a Vision Board for Your Future”. Our guest speaker is Joseph Omojo Obaje

Keep learning! Keep Growing! Invite your friends.

Kindness is a language everyone understands.


゚

01/09/2025

Somebody in my office gave me this decoration as part of a Christmas gift that she put together for me and other people in my office.
I took a second look at the wordings on the decor and realized that “wow! This is true!” Most times we let the happenings around us and the challenges of life make us forget that we are truly awesome.

So this is for you ————, sometimes you forget that you are AWESOME so this is your reminder.

As you go through your day, give yourself the pep talk to boost your confidence and encourage yourself. Here is mine
YKP you’re awesome and today is going to be a great day ❤️

Put your own pep talk in the comment below. I am cheering you on is don’t ever forget that you are awesome ❤️❤️



゚

01/08/2025

Happy National Career Coach day!

Hope you help to coach the youths around you about different careers and the reason why they should study certain courses at the university level? Or are you team “ it doesn’t matter?”


゚

01/07/2025

PART 2

Tunde was always the guy who seemed to be in a perpetual race against the clock. His days were filled with back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and a growing to-do list that seemed to have a life of its own.

He often found himself staying late at the office, missing family dinners, and sacrificing his personal time to catch up on work. The stress was beginning to take a toll, and he knew something had to change.

One evening, after missing his daughter’s school play, Tunde sat down at his cluttered desk and reflected. "There has to be a better way," he thought. Determined to reclaim his life, he decided to dive into effective time management strategies.

The first step was Goal Setting.

Tunde realized he needed clear, achievable targets. Instead of vague ambitions, he started setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, rather than just aiming to "get better at managing time," he set a goal to "reduce overtime by two hours a week within the next month."

Next, he tackled Prioritization.

A mentor introduced him to the Eisenhower Matrix, and it was a game changer. He sat down with a fresh sheet of paper and began sorting his tasks:

1. The report for the board meeting (Urgent and Important) was tackled first thing in the morning.

2. Strategic planning (Not Urgent but Important) was scheduled for a quiet afternoon.

3. Responding to non-critical emails (Urgent but Not Important) was delegated to his assistant.

4. Social media scrolling (Neither Urgent nor Important) was limited to his commute home.

He also discovered the ABCD Method.

Ranking tasks from A (must-do) to D (can be deferred) helped him focus on what truly mattered.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, Tunde implemented Time Blocking.

He color-coded his calendar, assigning specific time slots to different tasks. Mornings were reserved for deep work, while afternoons were for meetings and planning. He embraced the Pomodoro Technique, working in 25-minute bursts with 5-minute breaks.

This not only boosted his productivity but also gave him mini-rewards to look forward to.

Perhaps the most surprising revelation for Tunde was the power of Avoiding Multitasking. He used to pride himself on juggling multiple tasks, but he soon realized this was counterproductive. By focusing on one task at a time, he noticed a significant improvement in the quality of his work and felt less mentally drained.

Within weeks, the changes were evident. Tunde was leaving the office on time, enjoying dinner with his family, and even finding moments to relax. He attended his daughter’s next school event, cheering her on with pride.

Tunde's journey wasn't just about managing time; it was about reclaiming his life.

The newfound balance brought a sense of fulfillment, and he became an advocate for effective time management, sharing his story with colleagues and friends, inspiring them to take control of their time too.

Watch out for part 3

Reflect on how you can effectively manage your time!

Have a great day ahead

゚

01/06/2025

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great start to the new week today? I also returned to work today after a four-week vacation 😀😀👍 and it has been a great day so far. Here is wishing you a wonderful week full of accomplishments and joyful happenings.

Still on my watchword for 2025 - laser focus.

01/06/2025

FIRST OF ALL

I am aware that it is a tradition in Africa to go to church on the New year eve. A very alarming number of us obviously went with our new year prayer and resolution.

My new year resolution is .......
New year, new me ....
In this new year, I will be this, I will be that...

I see them as wishful lists and daydream antiques.

I am not saying it's not good. As a matter of fact, it is better to have a new year resolution than to just walk into the year empty and without a vision.

Remember, it is just the same 365days with 24 hours of time and 7 days a week. What happens in those times and days is up to God and you.

The future you don't picture, you will not feature, says Bishop Oyedepo.

It has now been discovered that, only few percent of those who wrote their new year resolution bring it to pass.

What ĥappened to others.

Some are defeated from.the very first day of the year.

Some of us have not even recovered from the lost of last year, and now we have started counting the lost of last year in the new year.

The resolution does not mean anything until you make it mean something to you.

Until you are ready to be intentional about the way you dazzle the path of life, you will find yourself in that church again, repeating the same prayer.

You can go from bad to worse.
And yes, you can go from worst to best.

It's not a gimmick. It not a magic. You have to put in the work.

As a member of EBB, it is a year that we make things happen and not watch things happen.
We catalyst for success.
Where other standout, we set a standard.

That is what we make us resolute to our visions.

It is not in the saying, but in the doings.

For every action there is a reaction. When you do nothing, nothing will happen. But when you do something, something must happen no matter how bad the situation is, it will change.

The ship is good and safe at the shore. But, that was not its function.

The functionality of your personality is your responsibility to be successful in reality.

The start of a new year is a time for reflection, goal-setting, and fresh beginnings. As the clock strikes midnight, many of us feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the possibilities that lie ahead. But, as the celebrations die down and reality sets in, it's essential to take deliberate action to set yourself up for success in the new year.

Let's explore first things to do in the new year to ensure you're on track to achieving your goals and making the most of the next 12 months.

1. Reflect on the PAST YEAR
Before diving into the new year, take time to reflect on the past year. What were your accomplishments? What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn? This reflection will help you identify areas for improvement, acknowledge your progress, and gain valuable insights to inform your goals for the new year.

2. SET CLEAR AND ACHIEVABLE GOALS
Goal-setting is a crucial step in making the most of the new year. Take time to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to help you stay focused and motivated.

3. CREATE A BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PLAN
The new year is an excellent time to review your finances, create a budget, and set a financial plan. Take stock of your income, expenses, debts, and savings. Make adjustments as needed to ensure you're on track to achieving your financial goals.

4. ESTABLISH A MORNING ROUTINE
Starting your day on a positive note can set the tone for the rest of the year. Establish a consistent morning routine that works for you, whether it's exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace.

5. DECLUtTTER AND ORGANIZE YOUR SPACE
A cluttered and disorganized living or work space can be overwhelming and stifling. Take time to declutter, organize, and create a peaceful environment that inspires productivity and creativity.

6. REACH OUT TO LOVED ONES AND RECONNECT
The new year is a great opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, whether it's a family member, friend, or colleague. Reach out, schedule a call or meeting, and make amends if needed.

7. TAKE CARE OF YOUR Physical and Mental Health
Lastly, don't forget to PRIORITIZE YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH.
Schedule a health check-up, commit to a regular exercise routine, and make time for self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

In conclusion, the start of a new year is a time for renewal, reflection, and goal-setting. By taking these first steps, you'll be well on your way to making the most of the next 12 months. Remember to be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of the new year.

YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!





YKP

01/06/2025

The Tale of Tunde’s Time Management Turnaround

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Lagos, there lived a young man named Tunde. Like many of us, Tunde had dreams of achieving great things, but he always found himself running out of time.

His days were a whirlwind of activities, yet at the end of each day, his to-do list seemed to grow instead of shrink.

One morning, Tunde missed an important meeting because he overslept after staying up late watching movies.

Frustrated with himself, he realized it was time to make a change. Determined to turn things around, Tunde decided to learn the art of time management.

He started by identifying his biggest challenges—procrastination, constant distractions from social media, and overcommitting to tasks he couldn't realistically handle.

Tunde set small goals for himself: he would spend the first hour of each day planning his tasks, limit social media use to 15-minute breaks, and learn to say no to additional responsibilities.

At first, it wasn't easy. Old habits die hard, and Tunde often found himself slipping back into procrastination. But with persistence, he began to see progress.

By prioritizing his tasks, he noticed he was accomplishing more and feeling less stressed. He even had time to enjoy hobbies he had long neglected.

One day, Tunde's boss called him into the office. Expecting to be reprimanded for missing the earlier meeting, he was surprised to hear praise instead. "Tunde," his boss said, "your work has improved significantly. You've become one of our most reliable employees."

Tunde smiled, knowing that mastering time management had not only improved his work life but also brought balance and peace to his personal life.

He learned that time, when managed well, becomes an ally rather than an enemy.

Are you like Tunde?
Drop your comment

To be continued.......

Yinka Kayode-Popoola

01/05/2025

Good morning fam! Happy Sunday! How are you today?

“Every moment is a fresh beginning” T.S Eliot

We had an amazing time on our EBB live show yesterday. The topic was “ New Beginning: Focus”. We spent some time looking at each person’s watchword for 2025 and why each of us chose those words.

Nevertheless, make sure you have your watchword to guide your actions, intentions and dreams this year. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” - Eleanor Roosevelt.

Do you believe in the beauty of your dream? Do you even have a dream? You must be passionate, excited and hopeful about fulfilling your dreams. You must be ready to make changes where necessary. You cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different result.

Some of the “difference makers” in attendance on the live show shared their watchwords for 2025 with us. It is so interesting how these different words are so important to each individual and at the same time connected to the watchword of others. That is to show that great minds think alike.

Here are some of those 2025 watchwords :
- Laser-focus
- Consistency
- Intentionality
- Positivity
- Excellence
- Value - move with people who value you & you value.

Here is to New Beginning 🥂

Do you have a watchword that will be your guiding principle in 2025? Share with us in the comment below. Thank you!

Follow us on YouTube


゚

01/04/2025