I would like to share my current experience with you. Early this year, I had a lot of plans and goals to achieve. Not only did I have them written down, but was working aggressively towards achieving them. So far, I have achieved some and still working toward others. While some are looking unachievable.
Will I stop? No Do I feel unexcited to work some days? Yes Will I continue to pursue my goals? Yes
We do not quit until we win. We grind till we win.
Like flowers opening to morning light, growth begins quietly before it’s seen.
This morning, on my way to the gym, I found myself reflecting on how the little things truly make the difference.
Last year, I set a modest goal: to walk daily, reach at least 10,000 steps, and eat a little healthier. It wasn’t about drastic transformations or rigid routines; just intentional, consistent habits. Within the first quarter of the year, I had lost 10 pounds. But what made me happiest wasn’t the number on the scale; it was how I felt.
My body listened to me. It responded to care, discipline, and nourishment. I noticed my skin looked healthier, my energy was higher, and my confidence returned. I felt happier—like I was finally working with my body instead of against it. And that’s when it hit me: the small things truly count.
Sometimes we underestimate the value of the small, consistent steps we take toward becoming better. We think progress must always look intense, loud, or visible to others. People might say, “Walking isn’t enough—you should lift weights, run miles, or do more.” Sure, those things help, but what truly moves us forward is consistency. Even a simple walk, done faithfully, carries power.
Each step, however ordinary, carries the quiet rhythm of progress.
Earlier this week, a few moments made me think about other “small wins” in my life—those quiet decisions that seem insignificant at first but slowly shape who I am becoming. Volunteering. Submitting that application. Showing up for an opportunity, even when unsure. These acts are rarely celebrated, but they are the seeds of growth.
Every choice to keep going adds up. Each time you choose courage over comfort, you are rewriting your story. And here’s the beautiful thing: people notice. The world notices. You may think your little achievements are invisible, but they aren’t. People see your courage, your perseverance, and your quiet pursuit of excellence.
So here’s a gentle reminder—for you, and for me: The small wins count.
Keep showing up. Be consistent. Keep doing the small things that align with the person you want to become. Even when it feels slow, even when no one claps. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize that you didn’t just arrive somewhere—you became someone.
Every small win is a seed that grows into who you are becoming.
Don’t be discouraged if the accolades haven’t come yet. They will. In the meantime, keep walking, keep building, keep believing. Do it scared. Do it tired. Do it consistently.
Because every step counts, and one day, all those small wins will tell a bigger story— one of becoming, one of growth, one of you. 🌿
Today, I want to open up and share something more personal — life lessons drawn from my ongoing PhD journey. If you’re in the middle of your own pursuit, feeling stuck or defeated, I believe this reflection will be worth your time.
Have you ever noticed how people often celebrate milestones without asking what it took to get there? The applause, the congratulations, the glowing announcements — they rarely reflect the messy, painful, and complicated road that led to success. And yet, that road is where the true story lies.
Over the past three years, I’ve been working on a project that tested me repeatedly. It failed more times than I care to count. I remember one setback so vividly — it took me months to recover. At the time, it felt like the end of everything I’d built. I didn’t know it then, but that painful moment was preparing me for something greater. It hurt. Deeply. But looking back now, I see how every crack let in the light.
When the successes finally came — the wins, the messages of congratulations, the recognition — yes, it felt good. But part of me wished people knew the backstory. The late nights. The rejections. The doubt. The tears. The internal battle between giving up and pushing on. We don’t often talk about that part enough. But it matters.
I want to tell you something, especially if you’re struggling: there is purpose in the painful process. I’ve learned this firsthand.
Let me share a bit more…
In 2022, I was offered a fully funded master’s program in the U.S. I was thrilled. But then, my visa application was delayed. Twice. It was a crushing experience — one I’ll never forget. I pushed through the pain and decided to shift my focus. I already had a master’s degree, so I started applying for PhD programs instead. Months later, I got an offer from a much higher-ranked university, with full funding. And this time, my visa was approved.
Another chapter of this story is tied to my master’s thesis. I had the chance to publish in an entry-level journal after graduation, but I aimed higher. I submitted to more advanced journals — and got rejected. Brutally. The comments I received were disheartening and left me demoralized for weeks. I abandoned the manuscript for a whole year. I questioned whether I even belonged in academia. But something in me refused to quit. I picked it up again. And just recently, my thesis was published in a globally recognized journal.
Telling these stories is exhilarating, but remembering the process still brings a lump to my throat. None of it was easy. All of it was worth it.
So if you’re in a valley right now, feeling lost or questioning your competence — please know it’s a phase. A necessary, refining, and sometimes brutal phase in the journey of becoming. Your story isn’t over. Your breakthrough is coming. And one day, you’ll tell your story — not from a place of pain, but of purpose.
I’m rooting for you. Always.
Don’t forget: life comes in phases. Some days we laugh, some days we cry — but we keep going. Chin up. Cheer up. Your story is still being written.
Have you ever tried reading while flying? For the first time in my life, I tried it a few weeks ago. What an experience it was!
I was flying to another state (in the US) to celebrate with a friend who was getting married. It was about six hours trip and I wondered, “In what productive way can I put this time to use?”
You probably know that I lead a book club where we read and jointly review a particular book monthly. I recall I had yet to read the book of the month due to the huge workload clogging my schedules for the month. So I decided to spend the flight time reading on the plane.
I began reading and I was glued till I got to the last page. As I kept reading, I had a strong feeling not to set the book aside. The experience was exhilarating and life-changing, I would say! I needed those words at that exact time. The feeling, the connection and the quietness all made it exciting. It was a short and inspiring book. No other way could have been a good use of those six hours of the flight, every second was worth it. I am also glad I chose to read.
A picture of me on the plane heading to my friend’s wedding
Now, you are probably curious about the book. It is titled, “The Gift of Imperfection” written by Dr. Bren Brown.
Have you ever read a book while on the plane? How was your experience? Will you try reading on the plane when next you’re flying? Would be nice to read your thoughts. Please share in the comment box. Have a great week!
Over the years, I’ve come to realize the importance and relevance of Planning and Execution, as I have seen it produce results. Reminiscing through my undergraduate days, no semester came without me planning about what I would like to achieve in various aspects of my life and luckily for me,I was able to achieve about 80% or more of my goals after each semester. Similarly, I plan also for the year and I want you to do so too. I have written out my goals for this year already and I have started executing them, one of which is blogging which I am doing now.
What is Planning? Wikipedia defined planning as the process of thinking about the activities required to achieve the desired goal. It is the first and foremost activity to achieve the desired result. To achieve results in 2021, it is important to plan. Ensure to pen down whatever your thoughts and desires are. Don’t let your mind deceive you that you know them. The more you write, the more you remember things you needed to achieve. It helps you to recall your goal as much as it is imperative to review your goals often.
Ensure your goals are SMART- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. Make it simple, have a deadline, use figures, for example, Save 150,000 naira at the end of June, Add 2kg of weight by the end of March. As important as planning is, you can’t achieve your goals when you don’t execute.
SMART GOAL
What is Execution?
Execution is carrying out a plan, order, or course of action. Without execution, “vision” is just another word for hallucination, said Mark V. Hurd. Planning is different from execution and it is easier compared to executing. There is a price to pay.
To execute, you need to be disciplined, dogged, committed, and unrelenting. For example, cutting down on your budget list to save more might not be an easy thing to do. There is a need to do more, it could be uncomfortable or painful but it is worth it. Planning only is not enough, things happen when you execute.
I believe having done these two things, it will be a fulfilling and fantastic 2021. I wish you a Happy New Year.
The word ‘original’ (used as a noun) is defined by Merriam Webster dictionary as a person who is different from other people in an appealing or interesting way. It is also defined as a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity. In a layman’s term, it means something that is correct or authentic, something which can be tested and trusted. Being original is ability to bring out new and captivating ideas that is unique and exquisite.
‘If you want to be original just try being yourself, because God has never made two people exactly alike.’ -Bernard Meltzer
Being original means being you, giving full expression of yourself. It is the capability to be you in all you do. The way you do things definitely is different from the next person. There is no one like you, there is no one that has the same or total identity as you. You are different and distinct. The way you think is different from another as well as the way you do things are different.
“If you look like others, then something very important is missing in you: Originality!” -Mehmet Murat ildan
Trying to be someone else robs you of your growth. It inhibits the potentials in you. Being you means giving full expression of yourself in everything you do. There is a gift, talent and potentials in you that no one has. Being original is indispensable and priceless. It means you have great stuff in you.
Here are some importance of being original; • It makes you look attractive • It gives room for growth and brings out the sweetness in you • It paves way for you • It makes you evolve in various dimensions • It makes people truly appreciate and seek for you
People love new inventory, new ways of doing things, new style etc. Being yourself makes you evolve and grow. In life, tendency to want to be like some else or copy others is high as a result of pursuit for success or fame. Trying to be another forfeit your growth and don’t make you grow which means you are burying the potential and talents you are born with.
Being original doesn’t mean; you can’t learn from others. Learn and be you. Let me share an experience with you as an academia. There is a term called plagiarism, one of the things we ought to avoid while writing your own article or book. Plagiarism means copying a phrase, sentence or idea from someone’s article or book to yours without acknowledging the source. When an idea is taken from an article to be used while writing yours, it is important to quote or cite the source, which makes your article unique and gives it originality. No one is an island of knowledge. We should learn from others but not to copy.
Suzy Kassem said “An original is worth more than a copy.”
In all of your doing, do well to be you, BE ORIGINAL. I hope you got value from this. Share your thought in the comment box. Thanks for reading and have a blessed week ahead.
Attention: Mr. Godwin Obaseki Governor of Edo State Benin City, Nigeria
YAWC NETWORK, NIGERIA CHAPTER’S PETITION TO THE EDO STATE GOVERNOR, NIGERIA ON THE BATTERY, RAPE AND MURDER OF OWA OMOZUWA
It has been widely reported in the news of a 22-year old freshly admitted level 100 student of the University of Benin, Edo State in Nigeria who was battered, raped and murdered under one of the most brutal and bizarre circumstances known in the world today – the incident which is said to have taken place inside a church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The Nigeria Chapter of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network wishes to express our deepest condolence to the family and all loved ones of the victim, Owa Omozuwa. However, more importantly, we want the world to know that we are completely outraged by the incident and we will not relent until justice is duly served. We are ready to go to as deep, even to the bottomless bottom of this matter to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
We also want to declare to the world and to all potential perpetrators of such heinous crimes that there is no and can never be any justification for rape or any form of violence against women and girls. We will push for more intense punishment for such crimes and work hard to ensure that any form of threat of violence is dealt with appropriately before it becomes reality.
Uma was just a girl trying to enrich her capacity to impact her world, but it will only take a society where men feel they have the right over the bodies of women to destroy such aspirations. This incidence is not only a crime against Uwa, it is a crime against all women and girls who without any cause could be found preys for just pursuing their genuine interest. Yes! It is a crime against humanity.
A society that must constantly remind its people not to rape is a degraded society. Sadly, that is our reality.
There is already a hashtag trending, seeking #JusticeforUwa. We join hands with our sisters and brothers in this rather unfortunate trend that has had to emerge because of the blatant disregard in many circumstances in protecting the rights of women in our dispensation.
We do not want to see trends like these and that is why #JusticeforUwa must bear a strong message and must be bold: Enough is Enough!!! This is the last we want to hear or know of.
To ensure this, we call on the Nigeria Police Force to employ all their skills and resources in bringing the perpetrators to book. Nonetheless, we also want to see the efforts of the Edo State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria paramount in dealing with this heinous crime and put measures in place to protect women and girls against violence in general.
To our fellow women out there who do not know their fate, who cannot tell who is next, we invite you to this walk. Join us with your voice. Let us keep #JusticeforUwa trending, let us prepare to protest any lack of action on the part of the powers that be. Justice denied now is justice denied forever.
We recognise the effort of our brothers and fathers, who with clean conscience have joined the demand for justice all over the world and especially in Africa. The world will be a better place indeed if we walk together in condemning what is wrong and taking further action to truly stop it.
Once again, we want to assure the family of Uwa that they are not alone in this grievous moment. We stand with them.
YAWCdemandsJustice4Uwa
StopRape!
NoJustification4Rape
YAWCNetworkNigeria
Signed Mary Ogundimu Leader, YAWC Network Nigeria Chapter
CC: The Federal Government of Nigeria Edo State Police Force
I would say congratulations and welcome to this new phase of life. This is the phase you’ll face the realities of life and would only be sweet to those who plan and execute.
Here are some tips to make NYSC year worthwhile. There is this adage that says ‘NYSC is a scam’, for me I would say it depends on how you see it and how you decide to make the best use of it.
Identify what you want for your life: It begins with where you see yourself immediately after service year. Whatever you desire can be achieved, it depend on how you plan during the service year. I’ll share my experience after i discuss the tips so ensure you read till the end.
Ask questions: The reason I started with knowing what you want is because after knowing what you want you then know what to ask. Ask questions on what to do, how to do, when and where to achieve your goals. This then helps you to plan.
Plan and Act: Planing saves time and resources. Begin to plan and execute from the information you’ve gathered.
Have an accountability partner: This is someone who is interested in your growth and achievement and he/she is not scared to tell you the truth to your face.
God factor: so far in life I have seen the place of God in my achievement. God is the author of your life and he is the one that directs it wherever he wills so involve him in your plans.
University of Cape coast, Ghana
Let me share briefly with you my experience; I wanted a masters scholarship immediately after my service year. I shared my desire and asked questions from some senior colleagues and I was informed on what documents I’ll need for a scholarship applications this is also applicable if you want a job, ensure you have gathered enough skills for the job you’re aspiring for.
On the basis of the information, I knew I need to save to get the documents in time and just before the 6th month in service year. I had gotten the documents I needed including international passport. I applied to about 5 scholarships and got one. I got a mail just a day when I was leaving for Lagos that I was being selected. You can only imagine my joy. In addition, I had an accountability partner who severally challenges me and that spur me to be serious and intentional. Above all, God is involved , at every step. I involve God and he guides me at every steps. He knows the best and want the best for you.
I wish you God’s best as you do your best to achieve your goals. Congrats once again. Follow us and register to receive information on subsequent post@marysoetaninitiative.home.blog.Love you all
Youthspark Pan African Development Foundation is a nonprofit youth organization that is building and empowering a community of young leaders and changemakers across Africa through transformation and character development programs.
We are passionate about building platforms that connect, empower and support young people with skills and innovative strategies that enable them to identify, deploy and sustain solutions to emerging socio-economic problems across various communities in Africa. Youthspark Pan African Development Foundation held it previous editions in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana respectively and constantly seeks to provide opportunities for its members to leverage and harness the opportunities in Global communities, thereby building strong networks and economic expansion.
The program aims to create opportunities for exceptionally passionate and qualified youth to come together to discuss and proffer solutions to engaging youth development issues. This year’s edition of the Youthspark Global Leadership Bootcamp holds in Lagos, Nigeria from April 22nd -24th. Delegates from different parts of the world are welcomed. Detailed address will be sent to all successful registrants.
Kindly follow this link to apply or call 07037163991 for more details.
Google Business Group (GBG) Yaba is set to host the largest gathering of Startup founders, SME owners, Business Executives, developers and entrepreneurs in Yaba.
Google Business Groups (GBGs) are independent community-led groups formed by passionate business professionals and company owners who share knowledge about Google products and web technologies for local business success.
The GBG Yaba event, known as “Bizfest” is an annual “Festival of Businesses” organised in 35 countries across 63 cities of the world where there are GBG communities.
This Year’sBizFest with the theme“Scale your business with technology” will be held on Saturday 9th November 2019 at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), 6 edmund close, Yaba, and is expected to focus on tech tools and tips that can aid and catalyse business growth with workshops on Android for startups, Growth Hacking, Entrepreneurship Tips, Design Thinking and #IamRemarkable.
Fola Olatunji-David, who is the head of Start-up Success For Google in Nigeria, will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Adewale Yusuf, CEO, Techpoint Africa, Abasiama Idaresit (CEO, Wild Fusions), Kaosiso Anaekwe, (Country Champion, GBG Nigeria), Simbo Olatoregun (Product Marketing Manager SSA, Grow with Google), Olusegun Odufuwa (Founder, EventPrime), Ngozi Aderibigbe, (Partner, Jackson Etti & Edu) and Egwu Sarah, (Senior Product Designer, GidiMobile).
According to the Lead, Google Business Group Yaba, Afolayan Daniel,“The GBG Yaba Bizfest is expected to have about 400 startup owners, business professionals and enthusiasts who want to get informed about how they build and grow their business with the latest tech tools and platforms available. To make the event interactive, there will be a design thinking session where entrepreneurs will learn how to design practical and innovative solution-driven products and services using human-centred, iterative processes.
This kind of event is very apt for Yaba because it is the hup of the startup ecosystem in Nigeria. Like you know it is called ‘the Yabacon valley’, Nigeria’s version of Silicon Valley. So it will be of great benefit to the startup owners and entrepreneurs in Yaba and environs.”
This year’s BizFest is sponsored by Google, Malta Guinness and Nestle are the Official beverage partners while media partners include BusinessDay, Eventprime.co, cameraman.ng, Marquess Photography and 3gkr8tiph studio in a bid to make the event successful and impactful.
Here is an opportunity to learn and add to your skills. Don’t be told!
Mary Soetan Initiative 