Shadray’s Top 5 Life Hacks

In life, everyone is trying out the next, nearest or easiest thing to make it through. Some go legit and others are living by the “fake it till you make it” code. As long as they get to their goals. But on your way in trying to get there, there are a number of factors I think one needs to consider;

1. Talent/ Skill/ Hobby

I would like to carry all the above three under one basket because none is hardly different from the other. When you master one, it may just as well pass off as the other. So, to the point, it is best in life for one to have a talent. It may be a sport like soccer, athletics, chess, tennis, fencing name it. It can be passive; like reading, oratory skills etc. and these are important because;

We are never sure how life turns out. Unless of course, usually, when your parents wield a lot of power that they can influence companies, organizations or government departments to slip you in. Or maybe, they stacked up a bank account for you with all the dollars. Ching*

Talents/ skills/ hobbies can act as alternatives in case one’s education career turns out different. We have all seen footballers start their careers at early ages of life and now they’re mega-rich. Musicians like Eddy Kenzo of Uganda. dropped out of school at a very tender age, did some odd jobs until he joined the music industry, and went on to be the first and probably the last Ugandan artist to win the BET which his fellow educated counterparts haven’t done yet and probably won’t do and he is at this moment the biggest music export Uganda has.

It can be a good means to keep fit as an exercise and keeping busy. Imagine all the calories you burn while trying to extinguish your opponent.

It can be an alternative in one’s retirement days when they cannot be employed anywhere.

It can get you a job where academic qualifications are not needed and we have over a million other examples of people who have ea rned and made it in life because of how far their talents, skills or hobbies have taken them like David Beckham, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Dennis Onyango Serena Williams, Adele, Beyoncé etc. therefore as much as we are pushing our children and friends or even ourselves to excel academically, we should also strive to discover, nurture and promote our talents.

However, we should not force people into it but one should discover it from within themselves because these are usually inbuilt and passion about it is a great attribute.

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” ― Benjamin Franklin

2. Education

In present day, you can hardly be successful anywhere without an education. However minimal it may be. At least you should know the basics. It is thus advised that much as you have a talent or any of the above, an education must also be in tow. It is the springboard to higher positions in life because it is one of the major things they look at when you want to take up more responsible and or bigger positions and projects in life.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey

3. Social Skills

How we relate with others can also determine how we far we fare in life or the distance our life is pushed forward. Poor social skills will at times get us into more trouble and back steps than forward therefore we should teach ourselves and especially the younger generations (Millennials) on how to relate with others because the world is becoming smaller and yet one giant global village. Unless you can get along with others, everyone is going to leave you behind and no one will miss you. Friends are important because;

• They can be there when you are sick or doing badly in life and financially.
• When you are looking for jobs or favors.
• In times you need company and companionship.
• When your life is going astray they can counsel you. The list is endless.

“It doesn’t matter how many A-levels you have, what kind of a degree you have, if you have good manners, people will like you.” Kate Reardon

4. Positive Energy

Sometimes our life is controlled around what our minds think of ourselves or perceive of the things around it. In case your mind is always negative when in situations where you are faced with favor, opportunity or grace, the outcome may just well be poor because your negative mind could not give you a positive feeling therefore, we are usually advised to wake up feeling good and then also stay away from people with negative ideologies and mentalities.

Always teach your children to be and think positive or good of themselves. It will reflect in their activities and outcomes.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” — Willie Nelson

5. God

And most importantly, we cannot forget or put aside the biggest factor in our life. That is God and always putting Him first. He is the holder and provider of everything so it is best that we always put our life before Him and our trust in Him because if it wasn’t for Him who knew us even before we were born then none of everything that we are would be. Teach everyone to be religious. Pray to the Lord you believe in always. He is the alpha and the omega of everything.

“Let your life reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God’s word, and trust the process.” ― Germany Kent

With these simple life hacks, I believe life can never go wrong, unless of course, if your fate is entirely doomed. Be blessed.  

“…..Life is a beautiful story but we’re the ones who determine it with our, Actions, Thoughts, Beliefs & Choices.” – Shadray