To be honest, when I was much younger I used to roll my eyes at books such as “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. So even in high school when everyone seemed into “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” I just often shrugged and hardly bothered to get my hands on a copy. I still haven’t read them, but I won’t be surprised if you shrugged when you saw the title of this post.
Such self help pieces sometimes seem to say things we already know and it’s hard to feel the impact.
So it’s either I’ve gotten older (and boring enough to now be interested in these) or I’ve realised that we often need to re-iterate these things to ourselves everyday! Please humour me and tell me the latter is the case. Same reason we (should) take a bath everyday. Motivation and Inspiration don’t quite last long.
So this new month, I think these are great habits to adopt, and hopefully it sticks with us!
First, let me share a funny story. A couple of my friends were dating – and then broke up. Unfortunately, they were both invited to a mutual friend’s dinner. The guy made the mistake of sitting at the dinner chair, slouching. Whether he was somewhat depressed at the break up or simply showing bad table manners, his ex couldn’t take it. And from across the table, beckoned him to “Sit Up”! The morale therefore is, no matter the situation we need to stand tall. It definitely shows confidence, like you can take over the world – without fear. I often slouch because it sometimes appears to be more comfortable. But, I’m making a decision to stop, so join me! A correct upright posture is one where your back and bum are kind of in a straight line. Asides the confidence boost, this helps reduce aches and pains.
Every time my mum chose to walk instead of drive, a nosy neighbour was sure to exclaim “Madam wetin do your car”* To be honest, I didn’t quite blame them. Because likewise I’m often disinterested when someone says “it’s just a 20 minute walk”. Yesterday however I was reminded (for the umpteenth time) of the need to walk more often, when my thighs got sore and really itchy after a barely 5 minute walk. Let’s try to consciously walk more often – particularly at work where we tend to sit most of the time – by getting off our desks at intervals. And remember, longer walks are one of the productive things to do on a slow day at work. Having a daily target is a good way to start. Shall we say 5000 steps for starters?
Eating slow means you’ll often eat less quantities – which we mostly desire to do! Plus it generally aids digestion and hydration, and helps you truly enjoy both the food and the moment! There’s so much advantage to eating slow – in fact there’s a like an Eat Slow movement and staunch advocates who preach this. The only downside is that if you have a partner like me (who gobbles up food so quickly), such person will be sure to dip into yours. Deal with it though. Spouses should share food!
Talking slow is one of the necessary tips for slaying a presentation or public speech. But much more than that, sometimes I think we all try to talk too hurriedly! Not paying attention to what it is we are actually saying and loosing the art of conversation! Talking slowly helps us avoid “diarrhoea of the mouth”, sound more eloquent and be in touch with your emotions when speaking. If you read my last post to the end, you’ll agree I could talk a lot when I’m in the mood. The thing is sometimes I tend to ramble and ask myself “what did I just say”. So I’m making a conscious effort to talk slowly particularly at work so I can pass across my message effectively! Plus it def makes you sound more confident. This quote kind of shows my point.
Direction is much more important than speed. A lot of people are going nowhere fast
Remember Steve my driving instructor? He said I must enjoy living life on the fast lane as I get to the train station a few minutes before my train, often walking briskly on the platform and trying to find my train ticket. So, I know how difficult this gets. But still, I’m sure we secretly admire people who are on time. There’s something so warming about knowing that if they tell you 4’oclock, they’ll be there. Making an attempt to be punctual will in most cases involve being a morning person and including a little bit of extra time for unforeseen events. I think we need to get rid of the mentality that being 5 minutes late is not such a big deal, or that other people will be late as well, or at the worst, they’ll wait.
There’s always this tendency to throw caution to the wind, just because we’re home or simply popping down to the corner shop to buy some sugar. And even some fashion bloggers admit that if you catch them on a random day, they may not look so dressed up. I also often reserve certain clothes ‘for special occasions’. But then these occasions hardly come and the clothes gather dust at the bottom of my closet. Point is, we should all be intentional about dressing well and looking good. This doesn’t in any way translate to expensive. But well put together and clean. But if you ran into your crush or potential business investor, will you happily step up? Or wish you had 5 minutes for a quick change of clothes?
Now, your turn! Did you ever read the books I spoke of? What do you think of these kind of posts?
Which of these are you good at, and which (if any) are you going to adopt!? What challenges are there to adopting these? You know I love to hear from you!
Finally, please share.
Love,
Kachee… Xx
AB x MeeMee
September 7, 2016 at 12:30I’ve always talked fast, and eating fast is one habit that has stayed with me since boarding school. I eat fast, walk fast, baff fast. Thankfully, I don’t eat too much- so, #3 isn’t one I’ll do something about.I walk to and from lunch, on most days.What I do need to work on sha, is dressing well when I don’t have somewhere important to get to. Looking good at all times will not kill. It was one of my goals for 2016. I have done better than last year, I think- but haven’t achieved the goal proper.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 16:55Interestingly I think I ate slower in QC – The food wasn’t that great to make me eat it up. I eat lunch at my desk half the time. So bad! Same here re dressing. I’ve def done better than last year, but there’s still some work to be done!
Ekene Oh
September 7, 2016 at 12:53I eat fast, walk fast,talk fast(and talk too much), and I read both books longggggggg time ago (10years ago).I should read them again!Need to talk less and slow, and eat slow too because #FitFam. Working on my punctuality too; I hate rushing and sweating yet I’m always late and rushing and sweating.LoL. From tomorrow,I won’t snooze my alarm. I’d at least stand up, take a bath then pray because I usually remain on my bed, ‘pray’ and wake up an hour after🙈🙈.I don’t have a roomie as at yet so, talking less.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 8, 2016 at 08:46You make it sound like the books were worth it! I don’t really think we shoul;d talk less oh. talking may be your gift. But i think just not too fast, so it’s effective. LOL! I hate rushing too, but I’m almost always rushing!And hey. Today is the tomorrow oh. Did you snooze your alarm and did you pray or just do a quick sign of the cross and general ‘Lord thank you for this morning?’… Looool!
Tamie
September 7, 2016 at 15:08Yeah I rolled my eyes at those bookS and never read them. Then I took an online course on leadership and management early in the year and guess the book of interest ….yup, Seven habits of highly effective people. I now carried myself to buy it. Didn’t find in al the places I checked that the book was now scarce. Say what? Book that that in see my face each time I stopped by a book store. Well, I had to with the excerpts from e course material. So I still haven’t read the book.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 7, 2016 at 15:10Now, you’re making me want to find the book. I’m curious!!
Sky
September 7, 2016 at 15:54i sit/stand/walk decently tall, so no issues there.One of the good things about not being rich is that you walk everywhere lol (while waiting on the car God will give me in the fewcha..)I eat somewhat slowly or at a normal pace, not fast. As for talking, as a stutterer, we either talk very quietly and slowly for control or super fast to get the words out while we can, so it depends on my mood and the situation.I’m ashamed to say that i go to church ridiculously late while being relatively punctual to other things, so i have to work on that, starting this weekend.I’m fuss-free and not fancy with my dressing (hence the blog name), but i keep it clean and comfortable, so yeah.Nice post Kachee!SNF Taking Stock: 08
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 12:26Sky, it’s not just you. Last week Tee still said that I can be ready for work in 5 minutes, but church, I’ll be taking my time. Lol. We need to re-evaluate oh. I didn’t think you stuttered oh. Def didn’t show when we met!Thanks a lot love!
Sky
September 14, 2016 at 15:56Oh I do stutter, It was waaayyy worse when i was younger, i’ve just gotten better at controlling it :)x.
Omowumi Oguntuase
September 8, 2016 at 08:36Ugh! I never read those books and the only reason I opened this is because I was sure it would be fun as it is coming from you LOL. Let me start from Number 1- GUILTY, like I have constant back aches and I had to change my chair at work so I would have no choice than to sit straight, I walk & stand straight though, it boosts my confidence. Number 2, I really have no choice because it helps reduce my back pain and then where I take bus to work is quite a distance so I gotta walk every morning/evening. Number 3, I eat slow but talk too fast (talkative problems), I am learning though cos my bf keeps saying ‘ehn’ when I finish a long monologue and it’s annoying LOL. Number 4, errrr I am on the 5 minutes late side cos all my friends are late-comers so I still end up being the first but I am learning too cos the Mr. is an early person (spoilsport). Number 5, even on bad days, this is not something I joke with, I always endeavor to look presentable, its major key! Forgive the long comment jare *covers face*https://wumituase.wordpress…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 8, 2016 at 08:43LOL! No need to apologise. Me I love long comments!I have backaches as well! Since like forever. I.m always requesting daily back massages. Lol. That’s why I’m making a conscious effort to sit and walk straight – plus it does boost confidence! Office chairs can be a pain.Loool @ bf saying ehn! I’ve watched your IG story and it doesn’t look like you talk too fast ohh. As for number 5, you keep slaying! Couldn’t get over the fact that you wore socks and shoe to work few days ago! Like, real fashionista! Thanks for reading, despite the title! Lol.
Funke olotu
September 8, 2016 at 14:42I think am guilty of everything really, wait apart from walking well I walk well but the others, I am going to work on themhttps://funkeolotu.com/2016… – 5 Tips for oily skin
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 8, 2016 at 15:19Let’s work on these! I think it’s necessary!
Bubu Green
September 8, 2016 at 16:51Lovely post dear. It’s good to reiterate these things. I think I’m good with all except eating slow. I Learnt how to eat fast from boarding school and I’ve tried to unlearn it but mehhnn my cutlery seems to go way ahead of my thoughts. Well, Life! http://www.bubusboulevard.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 8, 2016 at 16:58I’m with you! I literally hit publish on this post and spent the next few seconds eating fast. Trying to get it into my head.
Amakamedia
September 8, 2016 at 16:54I . . . li . . . ke this . . . . post. (I said that slowly. Lol)Being punctual is a matter of self-discipline. It is a virtue that most of us have thrown to the wind, but we can get it back. Amen?Personal trick: Overestimate the time it’ll take to get there.amakamedia.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 12:22Hahahaha. You’re funny!It is indeed self discipline. I’m so planning to get ti back. Amen! I think I sometimes underestimate how much time I NEED to get ready. I’ll be like ah ah “is it not just a quick shower”.
favour moyse
September 9, 2016 at 08:37Eat slow???? In this life???? Hehehehe…FAVOURMOYSE BLOG
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 12:21Loooool!!! Honestly, I struggle with it as well.
Bababi
September 9, 2016 at 11:50Sit straight? Isn’t that painful? Hian too uncomfortable any time I try it.Walk more, I always do that. My younger brother always says I like suffer head because 5 out of 7days in a week I’ll rather walk and catch a bus/ okada instead of using my car.Eat slow? That can’t work in my family. We grew up believing “if you eat slow you consider the food to be a decoration. So the other people who knew the real worth of food will eat theirs and take over yours”. So no, I’m fine with eating fast. He hehe. Talking slow though – those who have heard me talk should tell me what I sound like; a mosquito buzzing or an NTA news caster.Be punctual! Be punctual. This is me saying this to all readers. Please always be punctual. I’m ALWAYS on time. Everyone who knows me well knows my 7am is 7am. I hate waiting for people. I went for a friend’s birthday one time and the celebrant didn’t arrive until 5 hours after the so called time of the party. I’ve sworn never to attend any of her events again. I’ll send my love from afar.Dress well- hahaha please I only do that when I’m going to work/ church/ party/ special event. I can’t seem to understand why people “deck up” to go to the market/ see a movie at the cinema/ go to the mall to buy something. 😂😂😂 I just can’t understand it. I doubt I’ll ever understand it.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 15, 2016 at 10:11Since I wrote this post, I’ve been sitting straight at work and on the trains and it’s not painful oh. You’ll eventually get used to it. Ofcourse sometimes I still want to slouch, but…Lol. I think Many Nigerian families had to eat fast. Honestly. But we possibly end up eating too much. Maybe. As for talking slow, just when you’re trying to get your point across of give a presentation. I’ve noticed most orators talk slowish.Sigh!. I know I have to work on punctuality, so thank you for stressing it further. Not deck up like that now, but still not looking overly ratchet. Thanks Munwa!!
Demilade
September 9, 2016 at 14:52Yess, love all these tips Kachee! I always try my very best to be punctual, it’s something I take very seriously most times. Eating slowly is something I’m trying to develop, it’s not easy o lol. Great post. xxcocobellablog.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 16:54Eating slow is actually a genuine challenge for me. Lol! If we consciously think about it, we’ll be fine.
Precious
September 9, 2016 at 15:55Kachee, that bit on direction more important than speed is so on point! God has been asking me to slow down because I was basically living life in a hurry which does no good. This quote by Lysa Terkeust in her book, Uninvited ministered to me greatly:”Jesus doesn’t participate in the rat race. He’s into the slower rhythms of life like abiding, delighting and dwelling.”Awesome tips, dear!PreciousCore.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 16:53I agree with you! Sometimes we need to consciously slow down! And I love that quote, thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend darling!
DamiLoves
September 9, 2016 at 17:36This is so on point; punctuality is so important, but I still find myself falling short. Oh well God day! It’s a matter of discipline just like every accomplishment in life. Seven habits is a must read; it changed my perspective about so many choices we make in our quest for greatness.What are you putting up your vagina?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 9, 2016 at 17:40Dami! I literally was planning to open your blog after seeing your post on IG, and then your comment comes in. I’ll actually try to find Seven Habits! and as for punctuality, we keep trying! xx
ifunanya Dibiaezue
September 10, 2016 at 06:38Girl, I am not even gonna lie I rolled my eyes all the way to the back of my head but curiosity got the best of me and I am glad it did.I totally agree with all of these, personally I cant stand people that cant keep to time. That has to be my biggest turn off in a person, and I live in Nigeria so pity me 🙁 sadly I still struggle with eating slowly myself, maybe it is the fast pace of Lagos hustle. LoL.Nice read….xxxhttp://www.sunlightdreamer….
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 11, 2016 at 18:46Hahahahahahaha @ roll to the back of your head. I’m working on punctuality and in the past couple of days, I’ve literally said to myself “Kachi, eat slow”. Thanks for giving in to curiosity and reading! Xx
Toluwalade Toyin-Kehinde
September 10, 2016 at 09:31I am a very punctual person so it really annoys me when people keep me waiting for no good reason or they try to blame it on traffic (you know there’s always going to be traffic so no, bye). That eating slow is very necessary, I used to be such a fast eater before ayee but now I’m so slow I’m tired of myself lol. Sometimes I really want to dress well because who knows I might see my future husband that day but sometimes I just want to be ratchet.. The battle continues.www.toyinwithfashion.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 15, 2016 at 10:07I can’t even imagine you being ratchet babe. You look like one of those people that have no off days biko! I need to learn to eat slow oh. These extra inches on my waist line gotta go! Punctuality is one I’m working on seriously. I always blame it on something. Looool!
Sauniya
September 13, 2016 at 13:54You chose some great points. the punctuality part is the one i have to work on the most. I don’t like to have to wait so i tend arrive right on time and end up being a lil late at times. I’m working on that thoughReally good post! :)xoSauniya | Find Your Bliss
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 15, 2016 at 10:16Punctuality is also the most important one I have to work on. Like you I really hate waiting and even if I’ve just waited for five minutes, it seems like an hour.Thanks for reading and dropping a comment. Hope you stick around! xx
Oyindamola Abbatty
September 14, 2016 at 17:02Funny enough, I don’t know how to keep clothes for ‘special occasions’. When I buy something new. I usually can’t get over the temptation of wearing it soon. And sometimes when going out and I look hideous, I think, “what if I run into someone?” Then smoothen up a little. When it comes to punctuality, I wake up very early but spend a lot of time getting ready for work so I’m always a few minutes late. Need to work on my punctuality.http://yorubachic.com/strip…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 15, 2016 at 10:21I don’t exactly keep them for special occasions. It’s just i often think Ill be way too overdressed. But better to be overdressed than under dressed. Punctuality is definitely one to work on. Thanks for your comment Oyin!
mide
September 17, 2016 at 22:29I love the first and last point, confidence is beautiful. I already eat slowly so I might have to pass on that one🙊 I’m also a very punctual person but I think a lot of people need to really adopt this and stop keeping people waiting.This was a Great Post! http://www.portableisthenewhot.blo...
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 17, 2016 at 23:12Hahaha. Please pass on eating any slower! I’m def needing to work on 1 and 5 as well. Thanks a lot!
Portia
September 21, 2016 at 12:08I’m always punctual. That’s one habit boarding school embedded into my brain!Immediately I read the first habit ‘Sit up’ I realized I was slouching and sat up at once! Lolhttp://justporsh.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 23, 2016 at 08:50Hahahaha. The sit up bit is always in myhead these days as well. So, I’m slouching less! Thanks for stopping by!
Ngumabi
October 30, 2016 at 16:49Great tips. Im still struggling with being punctual though. Lol. Thanks for sharing!ngraffi.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 1, 2016 at 19:06You’re welcome!
Live In Ibadan
November 4, 2016 at 19:28I absolutely love this!www.liveinibadan.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 13:40Thank you!!