Think with Purpose, Grow with Passion, Succeed with Impact ,

Finding Purpose in Trials: The Wisdom of an Examined Life Finding Purpose in Trials: The Wisdom of an Examined Life By Desalegn Terecha Life is a journey filled with trials, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, these challenges are not without purpose. As Socrates famously declared, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Just as a ship is safest at the shore but meant to sail the vast oceans, we, too, are designed to face the tempests of life and emerge stronger. The Beauty of Struggle in Wisdom Books Throughout history, great thinkers, philosophers, and writers have examined the idea of finding meaning in struggles. Here are some powerful lessons from books that explore this theme: 1. "Man’s Search for Meaning" – Viktor E. Frankl A Holocaust su...

Embracing Transience: Faith in the Journey of Life Embracing Transience: Faith in the Journey of Life By Desalegn Terecha In existence, nothing remains static. Our challenges, our joy—even our very situations—are perpetually changing. Each obstacle we confront and every delight we encounter is merely a fleeting instance in an ongoing adventure. This reality resonates not just in contemporary self-improvement and corporate strategies but also in the enduring insights of ancient Greek philosophy. The Fleeting Nature of Existence From the ancient Stoics to the pre-Socratic thinkers, the notion that “nothing lasts forever” has been a foundation of understanding. Heraclitus, one of the earliest Greek sages, famously observed that "No man steps in the same river twice." His statement serves as a reminder that transformation is not merely na...

 Embracing Change: Build Windmills, Not Walls Desalegn Terecha Change is inevitable. Whether in business, technology, or personal life, transformation is a constant force shaping our world. Yet, how we respond to change determines whether we thrive or struggle. The Chinese proverb, "When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills," offers a powerful metaphor for our approach to uncertainty and evolution. The Fear of Change: Building Walls Many people instinctively resist change. They build metaphorical walls to shield themselves from uncertainty, hoping to preserve the status quo. Fear of the unknown, comfort in familiarity, and reluctance to learn new skills often drive this reaction. However, history has shown that resisting change rarely leads to success. Businesses that fail to innovate become obsolete, and individuals who refuse to adapt find themselves left behind in an ever-evolving world. Robert S. Kaplan, in Lead with Strategy (Kapl...

 "Friendship is precious like a diamond, but there are certain types of people you should steer clear of."   Friendship is considered a precious asset in life, comparable to a diamond in its rarity, strength, and longevity.   However, not everyone deserves to be labeled as a genuine friend.   Various ancient traditions, such as those found in the Bible, Buddhism, Shinto, Greek philosophy, and African wisdom, offer cautionary advice about individuals who may bring harm instead of support.   Here is a list of people to steer clear of in your circle of friends.     1. The individual known as The Perpetual Complainer is characterized by their constantly negative outlook and propensity to vocalize complaints.    Bible verse Philippians 2:14 instructs us to perform tasks without complaining or disagreeing.    "Buddhism teaches that negative energy can cloud the mind and hinder spiritual enlightenment."    The...

 "Concentrate on Your Personal Development:  Insights from History, Opportunities in the Now, and Inspirations for What Lies Ahead"    Desalegn Terecha  Life is an ongoing process of acquiring knowledge, gaining experiences, and striving for improvement.   In order to progress, individuals need to learn from their past, value the present, and be motivated by what the future holds.   Eleanor Roosevelt's famous quote emphasizes that those who have faith in their dreams will lead the way to success.    Drawing lessons from previous experiences is the cornerstone of personal development and progress.    The past serves as a teacher rather than a burden.   Resilience and wisdom are cultivated through mistakes, failures, and experiences.   Instead of fixating on obstacles, successful individuals view them as opportunities for growth and advancement.    In his book "The 7 Habits of Highly E...

The Ingredients of Success in Your Journey Success is not accidental—it is a product of deliberate effort, perseverance, and strategic action. The road to success demands six essential elements: Hard Work, Sacrifice, Struggle, Faith, Patience, and Passion. These principles have been consistently emphasized by leading entrepreneurs and business thinkers. Let’s explore each with examples from renowned books on business and entrepreneurship. 1. Hard Work – The Foundation of Success Hard work is the cornerstone of success. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the “10,000-hour rule,” suggesting that mastery in any field requires a significant investment of time and effort. Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have famously worked grueling hours to build their empires, demonstrating that talent alone is not enough—relentless effort is required to achieve greatness. 2. Sacrifice – The Price You Pay Success comes at a cost, often requiring personal and financial sacri...

The Art of Team Leadership: Essential Skills for Every Stage of Team Building Desalegn Terechs Building a strong, high-performing team is not an overnight process. It follows a series of stages, as outlined in Bruce Tuckman’s famous “Stages of Team Development” (1965): Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. At each stage, leaders must apply unique skills to ensure their team works in unison toward success. Below is an analysis of key leadership skills required at each stage, supported by insights from renowned books on leadership and teamwork. 1. Forming Stage – Setting the Foundation At this initial stage, team members are just getting to know each other. They may feel uncertain about their roles and responsibilities. According to Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, establishing trust from the beginning is crucial. Key Skills for Leaders: Visionary Leadership: Clearly define the team’s purpose and objectives. (Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek) A...

The Power of Wisdom: A Guide to Success in Life and Society Desalegn Terecha Wisdom has been elevated across history and cultures as the key to a successful and satisfying life. It is a principle of direction for personal growth, healthy relationships, business success, good governance, and spiritual enlightenment. In ancient scriptures to modern books, wisdom is presented as the foundation of good decision-making and the ability to handle life's adversities with prudence. Wisdom in Ancient, Classical, and Modern Thought Over time, wisdom has been investigated in numerous texts, teachings, and philosophies. Below are some of the most important sources: The Bible (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, James) – The Bible places great emphasis on wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Jesus also used parables, such as the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–27), to illustrate ...

 The Significance of Mentorship for Startups, MSMEs, and Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Africa Desalegn Terecha Africa's entrepreneurial landscape has been rapidly evolving in recent years, with an increasing number of startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) emerging across the continent. These businesses are vital to Africa’s economic growth, creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering economic development. However, many of these businesses face significant challenges as they navigate their early stages, often struggling with issues such as limited access to funding, a lack of expertise, and insufficient networks. This is where mentorship plays a crucial role. For aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa, mentorship can be the difference between success and failure. Through guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing, mentors can help entrepreneurs and MSMEs avoid common pitfalls, make better decisions, and access resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of r...

 Blowing Out Someone Else’s Candle Won’t Make Yours Shine Brighter: A Lesson in Fairness and Compassion Desalegn Terecha     In life, we often find ourselves in situations where others' success or happiness can make us feel insecure. Whether in personal relationships, business partnerships, or even casual interactions with coworkers, the temptation to undermine others can be strong. However, as the saying goes, “blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine brighter.” This is a powerful reminder that success, happiness, and fulfillment come from lifting others up, not from putting them down. Fairness in Partnership, Friendship, and Social Life In both personal and business relationships, fairness is key to building trust, respect, and long-term success. Many books on personal and business development emphasize the importance of working with others in ways that foster mutual growth. For example, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Co...

The Power of 'Think Win-Win': Achieving Mutual Success in Every Interaction The Power of 'Think Win-Win': Achieving Mutual Success in Every Interaction Author: Desalegn Terecha | Date: April 24, 2025 What Does "Think Win-Win" Mean? At its core, "Think Win-Win" is a philosophy of human interaction based on the belief that there is enough success and opportunity for everyone. It's not a zero-sum game, where one person’s gain comes at the expense of another. Instead, it’s about fostering a mindset where all parties can win. A Win-Win mindset encourages individuals to look beyond their own needs and consider the well-being of others. This shift in perspective can improve communication, build trust, and create long-lasting, meaningful relationships. The Benefits of "Think Win-Win" The benefits of thinking Win-Win go far beyond simple negoti...

 How Businesses Can Effectively Reach, Retain, and Increase Customers for Growth and Profitability Desalegn Terecha In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding customer needs and expectations is crucial for growth and profitability. Companies that prioritize customer satisfaction build strong relationships, enhance brand loyalty, and boost their return on investment (ROI). But how can businesses effectively reach, retain, and increase their customer base? 1. Reaching Customers: Expanding Market Presence To attract customers, businesses must adopt innovative and strategic approaches. Some key methods include: Digital Marketing: Leveraging social media, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and paid advertising ensures businesses connect with potential customers wherever they are. Platforms like Braze (Braze, 2025) offer customer engagement solutions that help businesses personalize their outreach effectively. Personalized Marketing: Using customer data anal...

 How Things Fall Apart Inspires African Youth to Solve Modern Challenges By Desalegn Terecha Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) is more than a novel—it’s a timeless piece of African literature that continues to inspire and educate generations. At its core, the novel explores themes of change, leadership, cultural identity, and resilience. These themes remain highly relevant today as Africa faces rapid globalization, technological advancements, and socio-economic challenges. But how can Things Fall Apart provide solutions to real-world issues facing African youth today? Let’s explore five key lessons and their practical applications in solving Africa’s modern problems. --- 1. Embracing Change Without Losing Identity One of the biggest challenges faced by Okonkwo, the novel’s protagonist, was his inability to adapt to a changing world. He clung to traditional values and refused to accept new ideas, which ultimately led to his downfall. Similarly, African societies today face th...

 Maximize Your Wealth: Financial Planning for a Prosperous 2025 Desalegn Terecha Financial planning is the cornerstone of long-term prosperity. As we enter 2025, the landscape of personal finance is evolving with digital investments, inflationary concerns, and global economic shifts. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or working professional, strategic financial planning can help you build wealth and achieve financial security. 1. The Power of Budgeting and Saving One of the greatest financial minds, Warren Buffett, emphasizes the importance of saving before spending. “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving,” he advises. A practical approach to budgeting includes: Allocating at least 20% of income to savings and investments Using budgeting tools like Mint or YNAB Reducing unnecessary expenses while maintaining essential spending 2. Investing Wisely for Long-Term Wealth Investment legends like Benjamin Graham and Ray Dalio stress the sign...

 The Power of Words: The Wisdom of Silence and Mindful Speech Desalegn Terecha Words hold immense power. They can build or destroy, heal or wound, uplift or bring despair. Across cultures and centuries, proverbs and wisdom literature emphasize the significance of guarding one’s tongue. As the ancient saying goes, “The tongue has no bones but is strong enough to break bones.” This highlights how words can be as damaging as physical blows, shaping destinies, relationships, and even entire societies. The Wisdom of Silence Many traditions uphold the virtue of silence as a sign of wisdom and strength. In African proverbs, we find: "A fool speaks, a wise man listens." "A fish with its mouth open gets caught." These proverbs align with the biblical verse from Proverbs 17:28: "Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise; and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." The lesson here is clear—silence is often more powerful than speech. In...

The Power of Calmness: Ancient Wisdom for a Chaotic World By Desalegn Terecha Introduction: The Strength in Stillness In today’s fast-paced world, chaos feels like the norm. People are caught in a cycle of stress, distractions, and endless pursuit of success. Yet, ancient wisdom across cultures—from Christianity and Buddhism to Stoicism and Hindu philosophy—teaches that true power lies in calmness. As the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wisely stated: "The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength." This article explores profound teachings on calmness from ancient Christianity, Stoic philosophy, Eastern spirituality, and timeless books like As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. These insights remind us that inner peace is the foundation of wisdom, resilience, and true fulfillment. --- 1. The Christian Path to Inner Peace: Faith Over Fear Christianity emphasizes that true peace is rooted in faith and trust in God. Calmness is not about avoiding life’s storms bu...

 Mastering Life’s Challenges: A Journey of Growth, Resilience, and Leadership In the pursuit of personal development, numerous books provide invaluable insights, real-life examples, and timeless wisdom. Combining the teachings from these works with traditional proverbs, we uncover powerful lessons on ownership, leadership, happiness, and the mindset needed to succeed. Here’s how we can apply the insights from these motivational books to create a better, more resilient self. 1. Extreme Ownership: Taking Full Responsibility for Your Life Key Insight: True leaders take full ownership of their actions, no matter the circumstances. Real-life Example: Jocko Willink’s story of leading a Navy SEAL mission teaches us that a leader’s responsibility goes beyond success—it also includes owning up to failure and learning from it. Traditional Wisdom: “The man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it, is committing another mistake.” — Confucius 2. The Power of Now: Mastering the Present...