{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1","title":"Stephen Ajulu","home_page_url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/","feed_url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/tags/life/feed.json","description":"Hello, I'm Stephen Ajulu, a seasoned multidisciplinary tech professional with over a decade of experience. I build impactful solutions using design, tech, and engineering in the pursuit of impact.","icon":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/me.jpg","authors":[{"name":"Stephen Ajulu","url":"https://stephenajulu.com","avatar":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/me.jpg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/how-to-improve-your-life/","url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/how-to-improve-your-life/","title":"How To Improve Your Life","summary":"Here are a few things that will improve your life:\nLove yourself (become selfish) Commit to nofap Work out at least 3 times a week Invest your money (crypto, stocks, real estate, etfs, funds) Stop bad habits (snoozing, gossiping, procrastinating) Plan your days Learn how to cook and eat healthier meals Weekly walks (in nature, no headphones/airpods/music/distractions) Drink water daily (1-2 liters) Read at least 5-10 pages of an (e)book Quit drugs/alcohol (you don\u0026rsquo;t need that bs) Meditate or practice the wim hof method Give to the less fortunate Cut out bad friends \u0026amp; family Practice minimalism Learning a skill (coding, music, designing, marketing, storytelling) Build something valuable (a business, podcast, blog, vlog, brand, product) Protect your family Embrace traditional gender roles Talk to your Creator Take cold showers Drink something bitter once in a while Take risks and be adventurous Conquer a fear Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHere are a few things that will improve your life:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"love-yourself-become-selfish\"\u003eLove yourself (become selfish)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"commit-to-nofap\"\u003eCommit to nofap\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"work-out-at-least-3-times-a-week\"\u003eWork out at least 3 times a week\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"invest-your-money-crypto-stocks-real-estate-etfs-funds\"\u003eInvest your money (crypto, stocks, real estate, etfs, funds)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"stop-bad-habits-snoozing-gossiping-procrastinating\"\u003eStop bad habits (snoozing, gossiping, procrastinating)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"plan-your-days\"\u003ePlan your days\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"learn-how-to-cook-and-eat-healthier-meals\"\u003eLearn how to cook and eat healthier meals\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"weekly-walks-in-nature-no-headphonesairpodsmusicdistractions\"\u003eWeekly walks (in nature, no headphones/airpods/music/distractions)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"drink-water-daily-1-2-liters\"\u003eDrink water daily (1-2 liters)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"read-at-least-5-10-pages-of-an-ebook\"\u003eRead at least 5-10 pages of an (e)book\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"quit-drugsalcohol-you-dont-need-that-bs\"\u003eQuit drugs/alcohol (you don\u0026rsquo;t need that bs)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"meditate-or-practice-the-wim-hof-method\"\u003eMeditate or practice the wim hof method\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"give-to-the-less-fortunate\"\u003eGive to the less fortunate\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"cut-out-bad-friends--family\"\u003eCut out bad friends \u0026amp; family\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"practice-minimalism\"\u003ePractice minimalism\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"learning-a-skill-coding-music-designing-marketing-storytelling\"\u003eLearning a skill (coding, music, designing, marketing, storytelling)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"build-something-valuable-a-business-podcast-blog-vlog-brand-product\"\u003eBuild something valuable (a business, podcast, blog, vlog, brand, product)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"protect-your-family\"\u003eProtect your family\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"embrace-traditional-gender-roles\"\u003eEmbrace traditional gender roles\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"talk-to-your-creator\"\u003eTalk to your Creator\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"take-cold-showers\"\u003eTake cold showers\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"drink-something-bitter-once-in-a-while\"\u003eDrink something bitter once in a while\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"take-risks-and-be-adventurous\"\u003eTake risks and be adventurous\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"conquer-a-fear\"\u003eConquer a fear\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto by \u003ca href=\"https://unsplash.com/@coopery?utm_source=unsplash\u0026amp;utm_medium=referral\u0026amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\"\u003eMohamed Nohassi\u003c/a\u003e on \u003ca href=\"https://unsplash.com/s/photos/life?utm_source=unsplash\u0026amp;utm_medium=referral\u0026amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\"\u003eUnsplash\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2022-04-23T20:26:00+03:00","image":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/mohamed-nohassi-odxb5oig_ia-unsplash.jpg","tags":["life","lifestyle"]},{"id":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/the-importance-of-creating-a-masculine-character/","url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/the-importance-of-creating-a-masculine-character/","title":"The Importance of Building Your Masculinity","summary":"Hi guys, how are you doing?\nNB: This article will trigger a lot of people. Continue reading if you would like to learn why and create your masculine character.\nI\u0026rsquo;d like to begin by first defining masculinity. What it is and what it\u0026rsquo;s not according to me. Then I\u0026rsquo;ll cover the traits and characteristics you need to integrate and work on.\nI believe greatness is coming to all the people who read this and understand it. Feel free to share your thoughts down below in the comments.\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHi guys, how are you doing?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNB:\u003c/strong\u003e This article will trigger a lot of people. Continue reading if you would like to learn why and create your masculine character.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;d like to begin by first defining masculinity. What it is and what it\u0026rsquo;s not according to me. Then I\u0026rsquo;ll cover the traits and characteristics you need to integrate and work on.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI believe greatness is coming to all the people who read this and understand it. Feel free to share your thoughts down below in the comments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"masculinity\"\u003eMasculinity\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMasculinity is the lost art of being a strong, confident, intelligent, skillful, and manly character that is focused on the pursuit of an ultimate goal bigger than himself, women, and those around him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMasculinity is not toxic, aggressive, and overly sexual. On the contrary, it\u0026rsquo;s a man who is in constant pursuit of things far greater than himself. Constantly improving himself and those around him. A true high-value man who is solving problems and creating things for the benefit of himself and others.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA man is destined to be a protector and provider. He understands his roles and follows the ways of his ancestors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this age of betas, white knights, simps, and soy boys, a masculine man sets himself apart by being a strong, charismatic, and useful member of society.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTell me who are the first people to respond and react in times of danger? Who makes up the large percentage of protectors? Who provides the most? Who are the most willing to lay down their lives for others?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever before has masculinity been this demonized. By no means am I saying that Toxic Masculinity doesn\u0026rsquo;t exist, what I am saying is that a large percentage of so-called feminists have bundled up good/necessary masculinity and toxic masculinity into one thing. Toxic Feminism has made attacking men/masculinity its sole purpose and they are winning! How do I know this? Look at the crime rates. Look at the no of fatherless children. These are the consequences of the erosion of masculinity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut I like a quote by \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/PathToManliness\"\u003eThe Path To Manliness\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"when-the-barbarians-are-at-the-gates-suddenly-masculinity-is-no-longer-toxic\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;When the barbarians are at the gates, suddenly masculinity is no longer toxic.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"how-to-create-your-own-masculine-character-and-live-up-to-it\"\u003eHow to create your own masculine character and live up to it\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo create one, we first must know the characteristics of one. Here are a few examples. Remember we are working towards becoming a truly high-value man, not faking it. Go against the grain. Pick some characteristics, give yourself a time frame or a deadline then put in the work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhysically, Emotionally and Mentally Strong\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and Highly Skilled\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalm, Collected, and Stoic\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHaving the ability to exercise extreme violence but remaining virtuous - A controlled monster. The true meaning of morality, virtue, and humility. \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ5oqgJWJyw\"\u003eDefinition first coined by Jordan Peterson\u003c/a\u003e. A harmless person is not a virtuous person. When a harmless person tastes power, they cease to be virtuous as they become drunk with it and begin showing their true colors.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelf Control\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Risk Taker\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKind and Generous\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayful and Charismatic\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssertive and Dominant but not arrogant\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndependence\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeadership\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmbition\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocialized\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell Dressed and Groomed\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRespectful\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDangerous\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocused\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSexual - At the appropriate time\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysterious\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCapable of transmuting sexual energy instead of spilling it carelessly\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are but a few examples. To create your own hyper-masculine character, I\u0026rsquo;d suggest you pick 5 then work on them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhysical Strength and Virtue are a must. They ensure you are capable of protecting the things that are important to you without being a bully/brute. You don\u0026rsquo;t want to be a brute who bullies people in an attempt to garner respect. You want to be a protector. One who is naturally respected.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkillfulness ensures you are capable of providing for your family.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMake sure that whatever you pick leads you down a path that will guarantee you can provide and protect. As these 2 things are key.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am no different from beta males. Growing up mostly fatherless is hurting society.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut I am changing things, I am on the journey of becoming a masculine and high-value man. You have to remember it starts with you. Be the change you want to see in society. Don\u0026rsquo;t just spill your seed carelessly. The world doesn\u0026rsquo;t need more fatherless children, soy boys, betas, simps, and white knights.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt needs masculine role models willing to take the lead.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am working on myself, constantly trying to put to death the less desirable traits within me. It\u0026rsquo;s a battle. But it\u0026rsquo;s one that I know I can win.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"what-about-you\"\u003eWhat about you?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;d like to end with a quote: \u0026ldquo;Strong Men and Feminine Women Create Good Times, Good Times Create Soft Men and Masculine Women, Soft Men and Masculine Women Create Hard Times, and Repeat\u0026rdquo; It\u0026rsquo;s a modification of the original quote. Gender roles were created for a purpose. Find out what that purpose is and integrate. We are experiencing gender role reversal and it\u0026rsquo;s causing damage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShare your thoughts in the comments and if this triggered you, I\u0026rsquo;d like to know why, so do due diligence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd of course. Do due diligence, raise your testosterone, and research. I\u0026rsquo;ve written a plethora of \u003ca href=\"https://stephenajulu.com/blog\"\u003earticles\u003c/a\u003e that can help you in your journey. Go read them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave a great day!\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2021-12-11T09:51:00+03:00","image":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/simone-pellegrini-l3qg_oblut0-unsplash.jpg","tags":["masculinity","masculine","manhood","man","men","guys","life","self improvement","Personal development","masculinity saturday"]},{"id":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/invest-in-yourself-old-post/","url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/invest-in-yourself-old-post/","title":"Invest In Yourself(Old Post)","summary":"Hey guys, what’s up? It’s your guy, Stephen Ajulu. And today’s topic is Investing in yourself, now I am in no way a certified advise-man, but this is something many self-made recognize and encourage. This is what Warren Buffet said,\n“The most important investment you can make is in yourself. Very few people get anything like their potential horsepower translated into the actual horsepower of their output in life. Potential exceeds realization for many people…The best asset is your own self. You can become to an enormous degree the person you want to be. “\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHey guys, what’s up? It’s your guy, Stephen Ajulu. And today’s topic is Investing in yourself, now I am in no way a certified advise-man, but this is something many self-made recognize and encourage. This is what Warren Buffet said,\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“The most important investment you can make is in yourself\u003c/strong\u003e. Very few people get anything like their potential horsepower translated into the actual horsepower of their output in life. Potential exceeds realization for many people…\u003cstrong\u003eThe best asset is your own self. You can become to an enormous degree the person you want to be.\u003c/strong\u003e “\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarren Buffett\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe very best investment you can make is one that “you can’t beat,” can’t be taxed and not even inflation can take away from you. And that is you!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout working on ourselves and improving ourselves every day, it would be unrealistic for us to expect a much different future from the one we have right now, it would also be unrealistic for us to perform better in the future because we will be no different tomorrow from the person we are today.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThat is why YOU and GOD are the most important people you can place your time and money on.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn investment in yourself is a great example of self-love, and may very well be the most profitable investment you will ever make.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe worst thing you can do that will self-sabotage the ‘future” you is continuing to do the same thing and assuming that you will automatically improve and advance to where you wish to be. That is definitely wishful thinking. Let’s not forget that madness is doing something over and over expecting the same good results.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo improvement in our lives will happen automatically without us working on them. If we want to get better then we have to work on it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd no one is exempt from this fact.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a powerful CEO wanting to expand his company and build his legacy or an employee at the lowest point in the corporate ladder wishing to climb it faster, self-investment, therefore making yourself become more valuable to others around you is what will make you achieve those objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you are bold enough to take steps that will improve your performance and overall well-being, the universe will respond by granting you amazing results.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe effort you put into consistently investing in yourself will also play a large role in determining the quality of your life now and in the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surest way to achieve a better quality life, to be successful, productive, and satisfied is to place a priority on investing in both personal and professional growth. The effort you put into consistently investing in yourself plays a large role in determining the quality of your life now and in the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https://ajulusthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/bronzeman.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider these:-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"1-develop-your-skills\"\u003e1. Develop Your Skills\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproving your skills doesn’t always mean investing in higher education, though that’s surely an option, and perhaps a necessary one depending upon your career field. Investing in your knowledge and skills can take many forms. We live in the information age, you can literary learn and grow your career for free. Think YouTube, Curiosity(The App), Lifehack, etc\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, expanding your level of knowledge and skill isn’t limited to the business arena and doesn’t necessarily need to be formal. There are many “skill investment” avenues.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdvance your education – extra classes, advanced degrees, relevant certifications, are all valuable investments. Take classes, either in person or online. (Lifehack also offers this Masterclass that helps you to break free from limitations.)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUtilize available training – enroll in workshops, attend conferences or participate in webinars.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpand your knowledge – there’s a lot of information available on nearly any subject imaginable. Read books, articles, white papers, anything related to the talent or skill you want to work on.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep current – stay abreast of the latest trends or advancements. Subscribe to publications, read blogs of experts, and follow the latest news.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStay tuned to my blog \u003cimg src=\"https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/svg/1f609.svg\" alt=\"😉\"\u003e – I post on topics touching Technology, Cybersecurity, Self Improvement, Fitness, Fashion, and Lifestyle. Subscribe!\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"2-explore-your-creative-side\"\u003e2. Explore Your Creative Side\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a fountain of creativity within most of us that has never been tapped or certainly hasn’t been used to its highest potential. We may need to unearth and hone our individual creativity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreativity, in any form, helps us to grow personally and professionally, to view problems and solutions in different ways, and to utilize other parts of our mind that may have been previously untapped. It’s important to keep in mind that creativity has many faces. It’s far broader than being a painter or sculptor; it’s also about trying new things.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn a new language – take a class or use language training software.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTry gourmet cooking – enroll in a formal class, buy a new cookbook, or ask someone you know who enjoys cooking in a different way.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite something – a book, short stories, poetry, anything.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore the outside world – try gardening, bird watching, or landscape photography.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnjoy music – play an instrument, learn a new one or join a music group of some kind.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate something tangible – paint, sculpt, make pottery, make jewelry or design your own clothes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose some form of activity that you have never tried, haven’t practiced in years, or have never explored fully.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"3-nurture-your-mind-and-body\"\u003e3. Nurture Your Mind and Body\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNurturing both your mind and body allows you to have more to give now and in the future — more energy, more knowledge, more compassion, more ideas, greater strength, physical and mental endurance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpand your mind.\u003c/strong\u003e Learning new things and keeping your mind active even in simple ways helps to grow and maintain your mental ability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead – anything and everything.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore culture – attend performances, listen to different music, travel, or join an organization or group comprised of people from different backgrounds.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen your mind – engage in conversations with those who disagree with you. Look at an argument and try to make a case for the opposing point of view.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep your mind active – play word games, (yes, even Words with Friends counts,) board games that include strategy, or try using your brain to perform simple calculations rather than relying on a calculator.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSLEEP – Yes sleep is important. It helps consolidate memories. Helps heal the brain. Helps the brain eliminate toxins. Improves focus, attention, retention, and clarity. Skipping even an hour is detrimental to your overall health. 8 hours is recommended. If you can 10 hours. And just like junk food, its effects seem nonexistent, at first but as the days and years go by things start becoming worse. Just adding 1 hour of sleep to your 8-hour schedule increases your lifespan. So stop listening to your parents. Use your “software”. Keep it up to date and “patched” otherwise you’ll end up using your “hardware”.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeditation – Try it, am sure you are already well acquainted with the word.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrink water, take a little more sodium(salt), and if possible add some Omega 3s.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare for your body.\u003c/strong\u003e Your body is like a well-oiled machine. If you care for it in the way that you might maintain an expensive car, it will perform marvelously and last for a very long time. Remember the basics:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive it high-quality fuel – meaning to make healthy food choices as often as possible. What you eat does play a large role in your energy and ability to perform. You truly are what you eat.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t push it too hard – meaning to rest and relax often, slow down, and don’t overload your system. Also, don’t shift gears too quickly; it causes stress and damage to “your machine,” A.K.A. your body.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGet regular and necessary maintenance – meaning to go to the doctor when you’re sick – don’t put it off until you totally break down. Better yet, use preventative maintenance; get check-ups, take appropriate vitamins and pay attention to irregular or erratic behavior.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolish the exterior – meaning to take care of the outside too. Many people dismiss this as frivolous and self-indulgent, but it’s not as long as you don’t go overboard. We’re not talking about facelifts and Botox, we’re talking about getting a fabulous haircut, and wearing clothes that make you feel confident and attractive.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"4-invest-in-your-finances\"\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eInvest in your finances\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lot of people say that money won’t bring you any happiness, and that may very well be true, but you can’t ignore the fact that being financially independent will give you the freedom to do the things you love a lot more.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that definitely does bring a measure of fulfillment and happiness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt does pay to be financially independent, that is why you must invest time in maintaining and managing your finances wisely.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs many financial planners will tell you, building wealth is a process made of many small actions that add up over time. So if you want to see your bank account grow over the next year, adopting new money and lifestyle habits now is a smart way to start.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo learn how to save more, read on and talk to the people who are successful financially, and devote 10 minutes a day to building a new financial skill. This will be of great value to you throughout your entire lifetime.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"5-invest-in-your-self-confidence\"\u003e5. \u003cstrong\u003eInvest in your self-confidence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eConfidence in yourself will take you places\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelf-confidence will determine whether you stand up for yourself or not. It will determine whether you find the courage to leave a dysfunctional relationship or continue staying in one. It will make you act on your business plan or not. And it will mostly be the determining factor in whether you succeed or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo find the time to invest in building your self-confidence. Learn to have the courage to speak your truth. The more you love yourself and own the value that you offer, the more confident you will become in sharing it with others.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvesting in your personal confidence is a great investment that will even inspire others to do the same.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"6-invest-in-your-relationships\"\u003e6. \u003cstrong\u003eInvest in your relationships\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing we can’t use an \u003cem\u003e‘instant results’\u003c/em\u003e business model on and expect it to flourish is ‘our personal relationships’.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelationships add more value to who we are and they take time to build. Your priceless most valuable relationships won’t take one day to build; they will take years and years. But they are also not built automatically without us putting in any effort. Go out there build your communication skills. Keep in touch with friends, family, and acquaintances. Unfortunately for me, I sweat and get anxious at the thought of starting conversations especially with people i don\u0026rsquo;t know so well. I am an Introvert and an INFJ to be more specific. Still, I can be quite the blabbermouth when I genuinely and truly know someone and they do me.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe need to work on building them all the time otherwise they will slowly fade and die off.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies to business relationships as well.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe benefits reaped from building our relationships can be measured and seen over their lifetime value. The more they grow, the more value they will have and the more valuable benefits you will see.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"final-thoughts\"\u003eFINAL THOUGHTS\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvesting in yourself emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially truly makes a difference in your life, your well-being, and your ability to thrive and perform to the best of your ability. The extent to which you invest in yourself, mind and body, not only shapes the way you interact with the outside world, it often reflects the opinion you have of yourself and this will affect your chances of success in the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour future is in large part determined by your willingness and ability to invest in yourself now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important rules in life is for you to \u003cem\u003e“Invest in yourself”\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eIf you don’t, who else will?\u003c/strong\u003e You and only you have to be proactive enough to take that responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe yourself, and do what you can to make yourself the best you can be.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003c/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"if-you-are-a-man-then-you-must-absolutely-do-this-as-the-world-demands-it-we-are-called-to-be-builders-and-providers\"\u003eIf you are a man then you must absolutely do this as the world demands it. We are called to be builders and providers.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo invest in yourself, because your future depends on it. R\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat’s it for today, have a wonderful day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2021-08-09T05:17:00+03:00","image":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/bronzeman.jpeg","tags":["life","lifestyle","self improvement"]},{"id":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/5-simple-steps-to-achieve-flow-state-and-achieve-deep-work/","url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/5-simple-steps-to-achieve-flow-state-and-achieve-deep-work/","title":"5 Simple Steps To Achieve Flow State and achieve Deep Work","summary":"Here\u0026rsquo;s how I achieve flow state and do deep work/study and how you can too.\nFirst of all\nWhat is Flow State? Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity. Positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi describes flow as a state of complete immersion in an activity.\nWhile in this mental state, people are completely involved and focused on what they are doing.\nThe ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you\u0026rsquo;re using your skills to the utmost,\u0026quot; Csíkszentmihályi said in an interview with Wired magazine.\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s how I achieve flow state and do deep work/study and how you can too.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst of all\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-flow-state\"\u003eWhat is Flow State?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlow is a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity. Positive psychologist \u003ca href=\"https://www.verywellmind.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-biography-2795517\"\u003eMihály Csíkszentmihályi\u003c/a\u003e describes flow as a state of complete immersion in an activity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile in this mental state, people are completely involved and focused on what they are doing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you\u0026rsquo;re using your skills to the utmost,\u0026quot; Csíkszentmihályi said in an interview with \u003cem\u003eWired\u003c/em\u003e magazine.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"benefitscharacteristics-of-flow-state\"\u003eBenefits/Characteristics of Flow State\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA heavy sense of concentration\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSense of clarity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreater happiness\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased engagement\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproved performance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore creativity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreater enjoyment and fulfillment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are the steps of achieving flow state or deep work as others like to call it:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"1-remove-distractions\"\u003e1. Remove Distractions\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEliminate all distractions:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch off your phone or put it in airplane mode\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClose your room door\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut on some headphones\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure you are well hydrated and have eating to your fill\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJournal to avoid internal distractions\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"2-challenge-and-skill-balance\"\u003e2. Challenge and Skill Balance\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlow state requires a balance between one’s skills and the challenge at hand: if the challenge is too demanding, we become disheartened and can experience negative emotions such as anxiety. Conversely, if a task is too easy, we become disinterested and indifferent – when we experience flow we are actively engaged but not overwhelmed by a challenge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"3-try-some-music\"\u003e3. Try Some Music\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLoFi, Jazz, Classical Music(Mozart, Beethoven), and White Noise have all been shown(scientifically) to increase mental performance, focus and boost concentration. Try finding something that\u0026rsquo;s not too complicated or with lyrics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are some examples:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ks9FWJ7COA\"\u003eInspire Yourself by Neotic\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOy3G65VoRA\u0026amp;pp=sAQA\"\u003eMonday Jazz by Jazz and Bossa Collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qap5aO4i9A\"\u003eLoFi HipHop Radio - Beats to relax/study/work to by Lofi Girl\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgpJVI3tDbY\u0026amp;t=7463s\"\u003eBest of Classical Music by Just Instrumental Music\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMfPqeZjc2c\"\u003eWhite Noise by Relaxing White Noise\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"4-set-up-your-environment\"\u003e4. Set Up Your Environment\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMake sure:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere\u0026rsquo;s water and quick snacks\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe time is perfect when you are at your biological peak - Mine\u0026rsquo;s early in the morning before anyone has woken up or late at night when everyone\u0026rsquo;s asleep. Notice the trend. People are often sleeping hence conquers rule no 1, no distractions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight some candles, incense, or some diffuser of sorts - This prepares the mood and sets the stage. Research more about the kind of scents that make your brain more in tune with work. My fragrance/scent of choice is Sandalwood. Got some sandalwood + natural pyrethrum incense sticks. This clears 2 steps 1. eliminating distractions: mosquitos and 2. propping up my environment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure everything you\u0026rsquo;ll need is at arm\u0026rsquo;s length\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep a small notebook to jot down things you may encounter as during flow state you may realize a sharp rise in the brain\u0026rsquo;s ability to find solutions and ideas.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"5-dont-multitask-or-procrastinate\"\u003e5. Don\u0026rsquo;t Multitask or Procrastinate\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultitasking and Procrastinating kill flow state.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave a todo list\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid doing 2 things at a time\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart with an easier task then slowly do more challenging tasks(not too challenging read step no 2)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTry the Pomodoro technique or the alternative \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUjGZJIgse0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnimedoro technique\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"our-partner-of-today-santa-lucia-fragrance\"\u003eOur partner of today: \u003ca href=\"https://santaluciafragrance.com/?ref=kuzqn53jomp-\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSanta Lucia Fragrance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanta Lucia Fragrance has an oil diffusing kit that will help you achieve flow state. Especially if you choose their \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Work\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e scent. This goes a long way to helping you achieve flow state and boost your confidence. Aside from their oil diffuser, they also sell 3 unique and different fragrances for Work/Office/To Conquering, Play/Sensual/Come Closer, and Everyday.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd they are giving you \u003cstrong\u003e10% off all their products\u003c/strong\u003e. Better hurry, their products sell out fast. Linked down below are their oil diffuser kit, car diffuser kit, and their 3 fragrances. \u003cstrong\u003eThe coupon code is: STEPHENAJULU\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://santaluciafragrance.com/products/home-diffuser?ref=kuzqn53jomp-\u0026amp;variant=40258955575467\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSanta Lucia Fragrance Oil Diffuser Kit\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://santaluciafragrance.com/products/car-diffuser?ref=kuzqn53jomp-\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSanta Lucia Fragrance Car Diffuser Kit\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://santaluciafragrance.com/collections/all-fragrances/products/set-of-3?ref=kuzqn53jomp-\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSanta Lucia Fragrance 3 Perfume Kit\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck out their other products and learn more about the science that went into the designing of their scent: \u003ca href=\"https://santaluciafragrance.com/?ref=kuzqn53jomp-\"\u003eSanta Lucia Fragrance\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://santaluciafragrance.com/pages/science-of-scent\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScience of Their Scent\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2021-08-02T12:51:00+03:00","image":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/flow-state-diagram.jpg","tags":["flow state","deep work","life"]},{"id":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/solving-the-worlds-relationship-marriage-crisis/","url":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/posts/solving-the-worlds-relationship-marriage-crisis/","title":"Solving The Worlds Relationship \u0026 Marriage Crisis","summary":"Here\u0026rsquo;s a solution to all the issues mankind is facing in relationships + tips for a successful relationship and marriage.\nMen Guys, women want the following:\nConfidence Intelligence/Competence \u0026amp; Wisdom Assertiveness \u0026amp; Leadership Protection Maturity Emotional Support Financial Support Good Sex Playful Banter Love and Care Commitment(Kill Oneitis though) Integrity A balance of a Miser and Spendthrift Age(Older is better) Women Ladies, men want the following\nLove \u0026amp; Care Femininity(Not the modern feminist) Teachability Submission Respect Beauty Intelligence Cleanliness \u0026amp; Assiduousness Not Quarrelsome/Naggy Integrity \u0026amp; Wisdom Stewardship(Be good with money) The trick to making a relationship work once you have all these down is to create a platform where one can air views and complaints in a mature and civil manner.\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s a solution to all the issues mankind is facing in relationships + tips for a successful relationship and marriage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"men\"\u003eMen\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuys, women want the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligence/Competence \u0026amp; Wisdom\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssertiveness \u0026amp; Leadership\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtection\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaturity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmotional Support\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinancial Support\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood Sex\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayful Banter\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLove and Care\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommitment(Kill Oneitis though)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA balance of a Miser and Spendthrift\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge(Older is better)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"women\"\u003eWomen\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLadies, men want the following\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLove \u0026amp; Care\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFemininity(Not the modern feminist)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeachability\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubmission\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRespect\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeauty\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligence\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleanliness \u0026amp; Assiduousness\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot Quarrelsome/Naggy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrity \u0026amp; Wisdom\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStewardship(Be good with money)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe trick to making a relationship work\u003c/strong\u003e once you have all these down is to create a platform where one can air views and complaints in a mature and civil manner.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto by \u003ca href=\"https://unsplash.com/@loic?utm_source=unsplash\u0026amp;utm_medium=referral\u0026amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\"\u003eDjim Loic\u003c/a\u003e on \u003ca href=\"https://unsplash.com/s/photos/relationship?utm_source=unsplash\u0026amp;utm_medium=referral\u0026amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\"\u003eUnsplash\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2021-08-02T12:08:00+03:00","image":"https://ajulu.netlify.app/images/djim-loic-hl4mrleyqxu-unsplash.jpg","tags":["Relationships","Life","Marriage"]}]}