Lessons from Outliers: The story of Success

At one time or the other, we wonder where the best and brightest people in the world come from. We wonder, "What were they like as kids?" and "What is their back story?" Malcolm Gladwell answers these questions in his new book, "Outliers: The Story of Success". In this book, he guides us through the journeys of the most successful business people, professional athletes and entertainers in the world. Malcolm defines an outlier as a person who is so out of the ordinary that their level of success is beyond our level of understanding. He indicates what their culture is like, their families and the unique nature of how they grew up. The author divulges the secrets of billionaires in the field of Information Technology as well as the practices of the greatest soccer players. He investigates why specific groups of people are great at particular skills and why some entertainers are simply a cut above the rest. This book is bound to reveal the inner workings of the world's greatest minds and inspire you. Read on to learn some lessons we learned from "Outliers: The Story of Success". 1. Opportunity is exponential in nature The author explains that opportunity is exponential. Majority of people quickly overlook the many opportunities and advantages that cause outliers to shine more than everyone else. Normally, success is attributed to individual characteristics such as the ability to work hard, have natural talent and be highly motivated. However, Gladwell indicates that outliers have all these and an extra special characteristic on top. They naturally have access to some opportunities that their competitors don't. He illustrates this through an example about professional hockey players. While considering the roster of a youth hockey team in Canada in 2007, a psychologist noticed that the most successful players were born in the first three months of the year instead of the last three. This made them achieve the next age bracket earlier than other kids born later in the year. This accelerated style of maturity made it so that they were selected for senior teams earlier than their competitors due to having achieved the cutoff age earlier. In most cases, they found themselves being the youngest ones in the senior teams. Thus, they were pushed to excel and the pattern of high performance continued into their older ages and eventually their professional careers. Thus, by being born at the right time, they had access to opportunities that their peers did not have access to. This eventually made them outliers. 2. The 10,000 hour rule Malcolm Gladwell is one of the authors around the world who has made the 10,000 hour rule more popular. He attributes the exceptional performance of prodigies and mega stars like The Beatles, Bill Gates and Wolfgang Mozart to this rule. According to Gladwell, you need a lot more than just natural talent to achieve the success of an outlier. It is well documented that these individuals have tremendous amounts of natural talent.  However, they need to complete their 10,000 hours so as to achieve complete mastery of their skills. The author indicates that you need to complete this number of hours performing deliberate practice in a particular skill before you can master it and make it second nature. He goes ahead to indicate that you need to complete even more hours so as to become a certified outlier. 3. A high Intelligence Quotient (IQ) does not signify guaranteed success It is generally accepted that people who have a high IQ are likely to be more successful than those with a lower one. Gladwell challenges this assumption. He cites a study conducted by a psychology professor named Lewis Terman. The professor observed 1500 children with a genius IQ of over 150. He concluded that although there is definitely a relationship between a high IQ and excellent performance in life, this relationship diminishes and disappears beyond the IQ level of 120. IQ is measured using tests. Normally, they are convergence tests. They require the performer to pick out one solution out of a number of options. Gladwell suggests another form of testing known as divergent testing. It requires the performers to come up with as many solutions as possible to a problem as they can. This requires creative thinking. When a group of very high IQ students and another group of average students were put to a divergent test, the average students scored much higher than their counterparts. This is because they were simply more creative and had a broader view of the situation described in the test than the high IQ students. Therefore, high IQ does not automatically mean that you will be successful. It only means that you may have a higher chance at success. On the other hand, those with an average or low IQ still have a great chance of being successful by relying on their creative thinking ability. 4. How to achieve fulfillment in your life If you want to experience fulfillment in your work or vocation, there are three main factors that it must give you. First of all, it should give you the autonomy which you need to work. After that, it should be complex enough to give you the necessary mental or physical challenge. Last but not least, there should be a connection between your efforts and the rewards that you get. When these three factors are present in your work, Malcolm guarantees that you will enjoy fulfillment as you perform it. The Important Take Away  Outliers are the captains of industry today. They are famous, filthy rich and are seen as role models for the rest of us. Despite looking and sounding like us, they have achieved levels of success that many of us only dream of. Malcolm Gladwell interacted with them and discovered what makes them tick. He found out what their foundation was like and how we can transform ours to have a chance at joining this elite club. He uses an honest tone and explains his concepts clearly. Above are some of the lessons from his book, "Outliers: The Story of Success". You can learn them and grow into an outlier yourself.

Culledfrom http://www.greatperformersacademy.com

Rising Star 🌟 🌟

I should apologize for not posting this on Saturday as per my usual schedule. Reason? Life happened. As with every "life happened" experience, I learnt my lessons and I am gladly moving on. 

Our rising star is Karimot Isiaka. She is a creative writer, public speaker,personal development strategist, a columnist at 9ineteen Magazine and an assistant community manager at Total Makeover program. She has also been featured on several national television programs. It seems everytime I come across her name somewhere, she has added another feather to her cap. She recently uploaded her first YouTube video and launched the first edition of her podcast titled, Becoming More.

Karimot Isiaka 

Why am I celebrating Karimot? Well,  she authored a book, Be More than a Potential. 

I received a copy of the book from Karimot and I am pleased to announce that the book is available for download here

According to Karimot, "my book (Be More Than A Potential) was written to get people to realize they have great abilities to contribute to making this world better, and also to push them to utilize this abilities.  This book describes a person who is a potential as a person who can make things happen, but isn’t. Everyone who needs to read it, it is a short book with great contents". 

"I teach individuals who are willing to become progressively better, strategies that can help them become better version of themselves.I started all these because I love to teach, I don’t like to see people make avoidable mistakes. Teaching comes to me naturally. When I say teaching , I don’t mean teaching Academics , like some mathematics formula or a  subject like Literature."

"My passion to add intangible value to lives drives me. My desire to make this world a better place drives me. Wanting to see people live up to their potential. The joy I derive from seeing lives get transformed drives me".

"I struggled with low self esteem, lack of confidence and unnecessary fear. These took a lot from me, and I would love to keep helping people having the same issues overcome them. No one deserves to suffer from all these, they are dream killers, they keep a lot of people average.I am on a mission to Inspire greatness and Impact positively, many lives across the world . To make individuals see the need to embrace personal development".

I am greatly inspired by Karimot because she is consistent and always seeking to do more. 

Please download the book for a mind lifting experience.

Have an awesome day 😊🙋

Book Review- 6 years to becoming, my Uplevel story

Hey, 

Remember my post on this here

Well, I have had the opportunity to receive and read an advance copy of the book, and also review it. I know this sounds cliche but trust me, this book is going to change your life. It has changed mine and the good news is....... drum roll.......the book is available for sale. 

Allow me to share with you feedback received from other readers and my humble self. 

Nigerian A-list actor ,Mona Lisa Chinda Coker         endorsing the Uplevel book.

There will be a workshop on the 25th of March, 2017 where some successful women in business will be sharing their Uplevel stories. It promises to be an awesome experience.See picture below for details, go to the website www.talealimi.com/uplevelworkshop or follow the hashtag on facebook #uplevelbook for more details.

The review is still ongoing and I promise to share with you the review of subsequent chapters but why wait when you can get your own copy now!?!!

Click here to order for your own e-book for just 2,000 Naira only. The download link will be sent to you immediately after payment. 

A little about the author, 'Tale Alimi

Tale Alimi is the Lead coach and CEO of Tale Alimi Global. She is a foremost entrepreneurial thought leader, business growth expert, business coach and strategist. 

She is on a mission to raise a new generation of value conscious entrepreneurs that would bring about change and transformation. She guides business owners to up-level their businesses and revenues so they can uplevel their lives. She has over 13 years corporate experience in Technology, consulting and telecommunications where she built and managed some high performing business development and sales teams. She has a first degree in Accounting, an MBA from the Prestigious Lagos business school and a Certificate in personal coaching from The Coaching Academy UK.

‘Tale provides transformational knowledge through her business programs, products and coaching that enable people to start and create authentically successful businesses.She has trained and spoken to over 5,000 business owners in the last 5 years. ‘Tale is a regular contributor  in Bella Naija, Genevieve, Spreadmedia, Connect Nigeria and Salestar Africa websites. She used to host The Entrepreneurs Journey an interview radio show showcasing inspiring entrepreneurs on WFM 91.7. She is also a TEEP(Tony Elumelu Enterprise program) Mentor. 

Her mission is to guide aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs in Africa to create businesses they can enjoy and that adds value to the economy.

Leverage your way to Success!!

"Give me a lever long enough and a place to stand and I can rule the world"-Archimedes (Greek Philosopher).

His words have universal application and as you will read in this article, you too can use the principle of leverage to expand the reach of your talents and strengths. By fully developing this principle in your career or business, you can achieve vastly more than you ever could on your own.

In their book TurboCoach : A powerful system for achieving breakthrough career success, Brian Tracy and Campbell Fraser talked about the seven forms of leverage that can help you expand the reach of your own talents and strengths. Each leverage involves building on the work, talents, experience, and contacts of other people.

                       

1. Leverage on other people’s energy.

The most productive people make sure they have time for the few things that give them the highest payoff by routinely seeking to delegate and outsource their lower-value activities.

2. Leverage on other people’s knowledge.

Applying one simple piece of key knowledge to your situation can make a big difference in your life. So follow the lead of successful people by reading books, magazines, tapes, articles, and conferences for ideas and insights you can use to help you achieve your goals faster. Thanks to the Internet, the task of researching other people’s knowledge is faster and simpler than ever.

3. Leverage on other people’s successes.

Study the successes that other people and companies have achieved to gain insights into their challenges and solutions. Most successful people have paid their dues in terms of money, energy, commitment, and even failure to arrive at the top of their fields.

Do not forget that success always leave some clues . So learn from their experiences and study their success stories to see if there are lessons there that can save you considerable time and trouble.

Do not hesitate to seek out current role models and ask their advice. You may be surprised to find that many people who have achieved success take great pleasure in helping others who are committed to making a mark in the same field.

Once you have realized your own goals, remember to do what you can to return the favor to those coming along behind you.

          

4. Leverage on other people’s money.

Knowing how and when to take advantage of other people’s money by borrowing or otherwise tapping into other people’s financial resources empowers you to achieve things that would be beyond your reach if you relied solely on your own resources.

In the world of financial market, many companies have borrowed funds to enable them expand, develop new products or projects. In fact, a firm could be at the risk of takeover if its management failed to leverage on their balance sheet.

You should seek out opportunities to borrow and invest, achieving returns in excess of the cost of the borrowed funds.

5. Leverage on other people’s failures.

As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘‘Man can either buy his wisdom or borrow it.

By buying it, he pays full price in personal time and treasure. But by borrowing it, he capitalizes on the lessons learned from the failures of others.’’

History is marked by great successes born of the careful study of the failures of other people in the same or similar fields. The valuable lessons taken from others’ failures can lead the way to better, more informed choices in your own career or business. Watch and listen carefully to the stories some of the world famous failures .

Those who genuinely wish to support you will share with you their failures as well as their successes. Their stories of disappointments and failures can be very valuable to you.

6. Leverage on other people’s ideas

                      

A single good idea like Facebook, Apple etc were developed with passion and commitment and have given birth to a fortunes. The greater your exposure to a range of ideas gained through reading, studying,interaction and experimentation, the greater the chance you will come across one that will lead you to enduring success.

The idea can be your own or one that comes to light from your research. Whatever its source, the right idea in the hands of person who is willing to commit energy and resources to developing it can lead to substantial rewards.

7. Leverage on other people’s contacts or other people’s credibility.

Everyone you know has friends, acquaintances, and professional contacts. Many of these people can make a positive impact on your career or business. Among all the people you know or are connected to in some way, who might open doors for you? Who can introduce you to people who will help you achieve your goals faster? One key introduction can make all the difference in your life.

Leveraging on other people’s network is yet another easiest and most cost-effective ways to grow your business.

                

               

Mastering these seven forms of leverage will give you a tremendous edge toward turbocharging your productivity. Study and, most important, apply the seven forms of leverage. Watch your confidence, influence, and prospects grow!

Culled from http://www.successvalues.com

6 years to becoming.. My Uplevel story

Hey guys, 

I am glad to share this good news with you. I received an email from Tale Alimi, a business coach I follow and learn from on Facebook. She is an amazing woman who is eager to share her knowledge and help people grow.  

The email stated details on a book she has written  (yaaaay🎉🎉🎉) and I volunteered to serve as a social media ambassador to promote her book. The title of the book is "Uplevel - find your niche, share your story, build your tribe and profit from your passion ".

Excerpts from her mail below 

"Uplevel is a call to action to raise your standards in life, to live and serve the world to your highest potential.

I provide both inspiration and practical exercises that will guide you to find your niche,  teach you how to craft a compelling story, show you how to build a tribe of raving fans and customers and then guide you to profit from your passion as you serve the world at your highest potential. Uplevel is a call for you to raise your standards, to awaken that part of you that 'life happened' has shut down. It is also a practical guide to show you how to do this. 


Visit www.talealimi.com/uplevelbook to pre-order the book and start your journey today!