Articles You Want » Albert Mensah

When Good is not Good Enough

Albert Mensah — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:25:32 +0000

When is good not good enough? We usually think of such an expression in a negative light. We might think of a parent pushing his or her child to achieve greatness. We might also think of a company intimidating its employees telling them that a good performance doesn’t cut it and that they should be making more money. However, let’s try and rework that statement into a positive one.

Good is not good enough if you are unsatisfied. Now that is a mantra you can relate to. While you may be living a good life and have much to be thankful for, you may still feel unfulfilled. If you have exceptional talents or a world of experience that you want to use to help others then why should you be content to be “good” at what you do? Wouldn’t it be better to be great at something or to use your resources to bring great things to the world?

Unfortunately, many people remain “good” at what they do without ever dreaming of a better life. Perhaps they lack self-confidence. Perhaps they are browbeaten by others, or even by the media and popular stereotypes—the voices that say they will never amount to anything. Without encouragement it is very difficult to progress to anything beyond good.

You have to want it. You have to have the ambition before you can achieve greatness. Greatness is a general word used to describe something that is out of the ordinary. However, you are the one that will come up with the great ideas and put forth the effort to bring about these great changes.

Who wants to be considered good, or average, when they can reach for the stars and succeed? Remember, you are the one who makes your own destiny. You are the one who sets your limitations and who creates your dreams. Do not let other people define your measure of success. Do not let others dictate that you are “good” at something and relegate you to a role you don’t want to play.

Instead work on forming your own vision of success! There is no sin in having ambition and wanting more for yourself than the status quo. Besides, when you reach your pinnacle in life you are able to encourage others and give something back to the world. Never be content with good if you think greatness is within your reach!

Albert Mensah is a Certified Speaking Professional. Originally from the impoverished African nation of Ghana, Albert travels the country speaking, motivating and inspiring. He has performed as a keynote speaker for companies including Allstate Insurance, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing, John Deere Corporation, Wells Fargo and more. Visit AlbertMensah.com to learn more.

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You Are Never Too Old To Dream a New Dream

Albert Mensah — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:09:44 +0000

You are never too old to dream a new dream. Isn’t that a beautiful statement? Indeed, the thought of growing older is never appealing. Not only do we feel bad over the physical changes that take place, but with every passing year we look back and wonder what could have been. What could we have achieved if only we started getting serious about life when we were younger? What great things could we have done if only we had a good “start?”

How sad it must be to sit around and mope over lost time! However, what so many people do not understand is that age is just a number. Life is life and if you are alive then you have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to. So let’s say an older person, a senior citizen perhaps, resents young people for their energy and their youthful bodies. Why? Isn’t it safe to assume that most young people take their youth for granted?

Instead of doing these great things that you imagine, the majority of 20-somethings are watching TV, dating, playing sports, drinking alcohol and generally living it up. Why is a young person’s life any better than yours? You are the one that has time to accomplish things. You are the one that has wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience. You have friends, contacts and a world of knowledge that would take a younger person a lifetime to learn.

The problem is not your body or your mind—it’s the perception of society that our elders are incapable of great achievement. The media tells us that if you don’t achieve great things when you are young, then you never will. While such negativity does keep many older persons stifled, some people are strong enough to go against the current and find success anyway. And they succeed!

Did you know that author Harry Bernstein didn’t publish his first book (“The Invisible Wall”) until he was 96 years of age? Even in Hollywood, the cruelest business in the world, actors in their 70s and 80s like Fyvush Finkel and Ray Walston were still capable of winning praise and awards for their performances. Both stars remarked at the Emmy Awards that they waited a lifetime for their recognition.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old to start making changes in life—or that you are too old to change the world! If you have definite goals and a burning desire to achieve them then you have precisely what it takes to fulfill a dream. That is true whether you are 18 or 81!

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Recession Attitudes—Is It Really as Bad as We Think?

Albert Mensah — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:08:57 +0000

Everywhere in economics today you hear bad news. Even the ones who are claiming that our recession isn’t as bad as they tell you still acknowledge that it’s bad. With all of this negative energy floating around how could one possible stay motivated in business? What if you are a small to medium size business and are just barely staying afloat? Should you close up shop now and count your losses?

No! Because you are still in business and that means you have already made a great deal of progress. Think about all those business owners out there who have already filed for bankruptcy. They are not thinking about closing up shop—they have been asked to close shop by their creditors.

However, if you are still staying afloat in your market then you are still a “contender.” You are still in the game and have a natural advantage over companies that are in worse financial shape as well as the dozens of new startup companies on their way. The question is, how are you going to survive this recession?

While many people continue to sensationalize the recession happening, this does not change the fact that the American dollar is still worth something. It is still worth a high amount in parts of Europe, Asia and Central America and other famous vacation spots. There is still money being circulated throughout the states. People are still getting paid, and even the ones that lose their jobs are finding new opportunities in related fields.

So while one can speculate about the recession’s impact on global commerce for hours, it can safely be said that it’s really not as bad as many are making it out to be. What is happening in the country today is a survival of fittest test. Only the smart companies are surviving this test, while numerous other poorly managed companies are filing for bankruptcy.

What you must do to survive the recession (regardless of whether it gets worse or improves in 2010) is follow the market. The market is rapidly changing and you must follow it, always being open to new opportunities in business. There is bound to be some setbacks that will challenge your resolve. However, what matters is not how many times you fall but how you rebound and how you get back on course.

Commit yourself to your business and do not let yourself falter. Now is not the time to shrink back and pray for the recession to skip over you. Now is the time to aggressively market your business and grab a piece of the pie!

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Recession Attitudes—What Are the Steps You Need to Take and Why

Albert Mensah — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:07:59 +0000

So by now you have probably heard that we are in a recession. You have probably heard many pundits on TV lamenting our sad state of the union and are starting to get a little worried. Relax! There’s no reason to move to Costa Rica just yet. In fact, it’s safe to say that the recession is not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. After all, for every TV voice that reports negative figures for jobs and income there is also another source providing evidence that the recession is ending.

Regardless of whether the recession ends or continues through 2010, there are some things you can do to survive this time of crisis. Let’s consider five step-by-step points that are indisputable.

1. Work in a critical sector to avoid losing your job.
Who are the first people that are going to be laid off? The ones who perform the least amount of duties. Some of the most important industries right now are health care, food production, government jobs and military jobs. However, managerial retail jobs and construction jobs tend to be scarce. Your career path should be related to the most important industries.

2. Minimize spending as much as possible.
Now is not the time to be spending more money than you have. In fact, it’s best if you spend as little as possible so as to build a larger savings account for emergencies. Think about minimizing entertainment expenses, food expenses and fuel expenses. It might also help to make your own items when possible or fix broken items that you have.

3. Find a niche.
This is especially important if you own your own company. You must find a niche that can provide regular income, even if that customer base is small but fiercely loyal. When money is scarce, niche-trades (such as specific skills and services) grow. Side businesses are also very popular.

4. Keep bargain hunting.
In times of economic prosperity paying full price is not such a big deal. However, when the economy is down it’s time to start bargain hunting. Though this was very difficult during the depression era, affordable Internet services make it much easier to spend less. Buy in bulk when possible for a better deal on products.

5. Reduce your energy usage.
In coming years, the energy industry is going to go through some tremendous changes. Now is the time to learn conservation techniques. Limit the usage of your largest appliances and devices.

In short, try to live as if you were worse off than you are. If you take this attitude with you, you can survive the recession.

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The Age Limit of Success

Albert Mensah — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:06:57 +0000

Is there an age limit on success? Is there an age where you know you have either failed or made it? Some part of society seems to think so and hence we get many stereotypical depictions of seniors and retired homeowners living in loneliness and misery. We must arise above this negative imagery!

Aging is nothing but a “fact.” Some people view it as an obstacle; some people view it with contempt and despair. However, it is a fact that people age and nothing more. It is not indicative of a person’s value or of their ability to accomplish something great. When we age, we also grow in experience, wisdom and intelligence. After the burden of youth, we all tend to settle down and have more time and more effort to devote to our important pursuits.

Rather than view aging as the end, or the finish line, you should view it as just another obstacle to overcome. In fact, some people do not even view it in a negative light. They view it as a pleasure, a time to relax, and a peaceful time. If you are retired then you no longer have the obligation of raising children or working on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, people become so accustomed to the old lifestyle, whether or not they enjoy it, that they find themselves at a loss as to what they should do. This may be how you feel sometimes. Resist such negative thinking and instead ponder on the possibilities that wait for you.

You could use all this free time to achieve some of the dreams you once had. Whether these dreams are small or grand doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you commit yourself to fulfilling them. You don’t have to spend the rest of your life training for these dreams. You have already been taught a lifetime of experience. Use what you know to pursue your greatest ambitions.

If there are obstacles that stand in your way then accept them as obstacles, but do not let them destroy your mission. Find ways to sidestep these obstacles. Find ways around them and keep moving ever forward. You will never regret having taken a chance and failed but will always regret having let opportunity pass you by. This lesson becomes clearer as we mature in life.

Use your time and resources to achieve something monumental. There is no age limit of success. If you are motivated to take action then you can accomplish anything!

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Obstacles Are Opportunities in Disguise

Albert Mensah — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:30:48 +0000

If you wanted to you could find hundreds of obstacles for every successful path. Obstacles are easy to spot. When we feel afraid or are on the defensive we look for obstacles and challenges that will prevent us from reaching a destination. The more you look for these obstacles the more you will find.

Do you want to start a new business? What about finding capital? What about your family obligations? What about the risk? What about the recession, that major obstacle that has the world gripped in fear?

What might help is to visualize all of your obstacles in life, the things that prevent you from achieving something great, as large boulders that have fallen all over the “yellow brick road.” What do you do when you find obstacles blocking your path?

The majority of people panic and run back in the other direction. Lately, we see a lot of pundits, politicians and experts standing in place, stalling, over the great boulder that is the recession. Rather than go forward or backward they simply wait; they are waiting for the recession to destroy everything, or for other people to fix it.

What are you doing about it? Are you panicking over these obstacles or are you using your wits to find alternative routes so you can get to your destination? For every obstacle we find, there is an opportunity near by. For every boulder on the road there is an area you can squeeze through, or perhaps a patch of mud you can cross to get back on track.

Even in this troubled economy, there are ways to make money and find prosperity. You have to adapt to the market. Rather than sit on your hands and lament the changing of the times, you can choose to be aggressive in your marketing campaign. The market still exists and you can find it. Pay attention to the companies and the industries that are profiting. What are the marketing techniques that communicate with today’s frugal audience? What are the products, indeed, the subjects and themes that sell?

There is plenty of opportunity in this economy if you are offering something better than your competition. Wherever your competition is lacking this is your window of opportunity. You must have faith in your own abilities and keep a positive attitude to survive this testing time. You can survive this recession and come out better having learned important financial discipline!

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Learning the Formula to Your Success

Albert Mensah — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:30:19 +0000

Are you going to be successful in life? That always seems to be the popular question when talking to students in middle school and high school. What is success, anyway? What does it mean? Is a person with lots of money successful? Is a man with lots of women clinging to his arm a successful man? (Or vice versa!) Are you a success once you save someone’s life or once you win a prestigious award?

Indeed, what is success? This word has become hard to define in recent years. Society gives us clichés and stereotypes of people who are successful. However, even the most rich and powerful figureheads among us are not always happy, even inside their luxurious castles.

The truth is success is something that only you can define. Others cannot define it for you. You may have a vision of what type of life you want to live. You may have your own idea for a destiny. You may even have your own set of goals clearly in mind. Before you leave school, take these five reminders to heart.

1. Aim higher than what you currently are.
Do not be content with being average or with just getting by. Reach deep into your mind and discover your hidden talents and your passions. Don’t be afraid to dream anything. Be afraid not to act on your dream!

2. Learn from the actions of others.
Learn from all of the people you meet in life. Take something away from each and every person, from your worst enemy to your best friend. Learn from the mistakes of others and from the triumphs of others. It will help you to become a complete person.

3. Be yourself.
Do not spend half a lifetime figuring out who you are. Listen to your heart and discover what the heart wants. The mind will rationalize any path you choose. However, if you go against the heart’s wishes you will be unable to find peace.

4. Expect a lot from yourself.
Always challenge yourself and expect more than is reasonable. This is the only way to reach for the stars. Do not stifle your ambition. Do not assume that achievement is beyond your grasp. Do not dismiss your dreams because you feel you lack talent or knowledge. Believe in yourself and then expect a commitment from yourself.

5. Above all, trust yourself!
Many lives have changed in despairing ways because people didn’t have trust and faith in their own abilities. When part of your mind conjures up something worth doing, worth pursuing and winning, then have trust that the rest of your body can complete the task! Too many dreams have been shattered because of a lack of trust.

Heeding these five reminders will make sure you stay on a successful path!

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Is the Recession as Bad as Everyone Says?

Albert Mensah — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:29:50 +0000

Everywhere you turn, you hear doomsday prophecies of the U.S. economy. Some say it’s getting worse and some say it is stalling and will continue to be a plague to this country for years to come. Here is the bigger question though: what do you say? How do you view the recession? Is it the end or simply one great challenge to overcome?

The recession is what you might call one massive boulder, one that has been placed in front of you and prevents you from taking a straight road. What do you when an obstacle blocks your way? Do you turn around and walk the long road home? Or do you find a way around it? This is the attitude you have to take when combating against the recession. Right now, everybody from your neighbor to politicians in Washington are still in panic mode. Instead of finding a way around this obstacle, these people are standing still—right in front of the boulder you might say—and warning you about the big boulder.

Instead of joining them and harping about the big obstacle in your way, you should be looking to the future. The recession doesn’t mean that money has run out—it merely means that commerce has become far more competitive. Money is being saved, and budgets are being reduced. People are becoming more cautious about their expenses. People are working harder for their paychecks while employees who do less are being laid off. Brick and mortar stores are competing against Internet merchants and battles are being fought over the lowest available price.

This should emphasize to you that the recession era is not necessarily a bad thing. It makes the marketplace more competitive. Know that there is in fact plenty of opportunity in this economy if you offer something better! Focus on what exactly you are offering to your clients and customers. Are you aggressively marketing your skills and products? Or are you coasting, expecting the nation to take care of you with its surplus?

Now more than ever professionals need to add new skills to meet the demands of the new world that is forming. Investing in your personal growth is what you should be focusing on. For all the effort it takes to analyze the economy and worry about your findings, you could be making money buy following the market.

You are not just keeping an optimistic attitude—you are keeping up an attitude of persistence and survival. Face this challenge head on and you will find prosperity.

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How to Turn Obstacles into Opportunities

Albert Mensah — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:29:14 +0000

“If only…if only…” How many times have you felt that you could have been something great? How many times have you felt you could have accomplished something extraordinary “if only…” If only you had a better life, if only you had a break, if only you didn’t have this “thorn” in your side. These are the obstacles of our lives. As you look back and reflect on life, you will start to realize that opportunities to achieve great things are always there. However, these opportunities are cloaked by obstacles.

The keyword here is “cloaked.” These obstacles are illusions; they are not necessarily physical objects that prevent us from reaching out and doing more with our lives. Understanding this is one of the hardest life lessons to learn. In our minds, we build up obstacles to be so big and daunting that we run away from the opportunities that are waiting for us.

A productive person must learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities, rather than let obstacles deter him or her from accomplishing great things. Some of the most famous people in world history started their journey with heavy obstacles in their way. They were told they would never amount to anything. They were told that their impairments—in some cases, their handicaps—would be too much to overcome.

Some of the biggest names in American history were people who had numerous obstacles placed in front of them, from Abraham Lincoln to Nelson Mandela to Clark Gable and even Michael Jordan. Some of our nation’s leaders have come from very humble beginnings. Two recent presidents in George W. Bush and Barack Obama came from backgrounds that were not “royal blood” in the slightest.

This just proves that our obstacles in life are imagined and some of the attitudes we carry are self-defeating. Think about this illustration: if you are walking down a path at a steady pace but then suddenly find a large boulder blocking the rest of the way, what do you do? Do you turn back around and make excuses for the rest of your life that you were unable to walk past that boulder? Or, do you use your wits and find other ways around that obstacle?

If only more people could understand the implications of this simple statement, there would be many more happy people in this world—people who would be capable of fulfilling their dreams. Now that you understand this concept, feel free to spread it around and help brighten someone’s day!

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How to Take Your Business to the Highest Level

Albert Mensah — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:28:21 +0000

Just because you’re in business doesn’t necessarily mean you are making money. You know that as well as anyone. You should be commended that you are staying in business and have survived the tests of the first year and perhaps even the first three-years. Now that you have come so far you are wondering to yourself will I go up or will I sink back down? Will I take my company to new heights and expand my business or will I slowly go bankrupt because of a consistently negative cash flow?

The choice is yours. How is that possible? After all, who really knows if you can expand your business? Aren’t we as business owners limited by the market? Don’t we have the economy to blame for our losses? While all these factors must be taken into account, you are the one that determines the success of your business. You can take your business to the highest level starting now, even if you have seemingly stalled for months.

What is required to accelerate the growth of a business? You are responsible for expanding the business. If you observe that some aspect of the market is lacking then it’s time to take your business in another direction. There are four key thoughts to remember when planning for the prosperity of your business.

1. Learn from your losses.

Do not consider a loss a failure but a lesson in business. Take notes and analyze where the problem came from. Make an effort to improve the way you do business.

2. Write goals in sequential order.

Never stop writing goals and continuing your business plan. Make figuring out objectives and recording your progress a weekly or monthly assignment.

3. Regularly practice visualization and affirmation.

You cannot simply be in business and expect to prosper doing your daily routine. You must visualize your expansion. You must shape the future and determine how you will grow. Once you realize this vision and start working towards it you must continually affirm your progress. If you are your only employee then you must work twice as hard at keeping the “morale” of the team up.

4. Value your partners who support you and learn from bad habits.

Value the people around you that help to make your business successful. These people eventually become your contacts and can keep you afloat in hard times. Even those contacts or competitors with bad habits can teach you something about the businessperson you strive to be!

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