**The Silent Professional: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace** ## The Invisible Barrier to Professional Excellence Do you recognize yourself in these scenarios? Perhaps you refrain from contributing valuable insights during crucial meetings. Maybe you downplay your achievements during performance evaluations. Or you might find yourself reluctant to pursue advancement opportunities that align with your capabilities. These behaviors aren't merely personality quirks—they're manifestations of a phenomenon that affects countless high-potential professionals: imposter syndrome. The indicators are subtle yet powerful: * Hesitation to articulate your perspectives in collaborative settings * Persistent self-doubt despite objective evidence of competence * Avoidance of challenging assignments that could showcase your abilities * Perfectionism that paralyzes decision-making * Defensive reactions to constructive feedback * Self-sabotaging internal dialogue * Disproportionate anxiety around potential missteps or evaluation * Reluctance to engage with high-visibility responsibilities * Unfavorable self-comparison with colleagues * Allowing past setbacks to define your professional identity * Strategic self-deprecation to manage others' expectations * Tolerance of detrimental workplace dynamics ## Constructing a Framework for Professional Confidence If these patterns resonate with your experience, consider implementing these transformative strategies: ### Reclaim Your Professional Voice Your silence isn't a natural state—it's a learned response. Remember that your employment is predicated on your ability to contribute solutions and perspectives. When intimidation silences you, both you and your organization suffer the consequences. ### Acknowledge Your Value Proposition If inadequacy is your dominant narrative, examine two possibilities: insufficient preparation or unrecognized strengths. The former requires strategic action; the latter demands a perceptual shift. ### Implement the "One Meeting-One Voice" Principle While not every gathering requires your input, your primary meetings should consistently feature your voice. Question the value of your attendance if your perspective remains unshared. ### Execute a Weekly Empowerment Protocol Restructure your upcoming week with intentional focus on meaningful contribution. Establish metrics to evaluate your progress by week's end, celebrating incremental improvements in your professional presence. ## Beyond the Basics: Your Transformation Journey Professional confidence isn't achieved through isolated tactics but through sustained practice and mindset reconstruction. The strategies outlined here represent the foundation of a comprehensive approach to reclaiming your professional authority. For those committed to substantive change in this dimension of their career development, additional resources await your engagement. These tools will facilitate a deeper transformation in how you perceive and present your professional capabilities. The workplace needs your authentic contribution. Your voice matters. Your insights create value. Today, choose to embody the professional confidence that aligns with your true capabilities. #happiness #AWESOMEGOD

Believe in yourself.

#ATTENDENT #GODSUNSHINE13 #FAVOUR START WITH BELIEVING YOURSELF BEFORE ANYONE DOES !!!

The best motivation you can have is self motivation. Where do you want to be 3, 4, 5 years from now? #attendance #username

"The Loud Friend" Sade was always available, helping everyone. But her own to-do list? Forgotten. Lesson: Serving others is noble—but don’t abandon yourself. #Favour #Bisi28

A woman is most powerful when she stops chasing love and starts embodying it. True power doesn't come from seeking external validation, but from awakening the love already within her. A woman who chooses to embody love-no matter the circumstances- becomes a force of nature. She is magnetic, not because of her appearance, but because of the light that radiates from her soul. It's a glow that can't be dimmed, a presence that can't be ignored. Divinity itself sees her, and the world feels it. When you stop chasing and start becoming, that's when you step into your true power. A woman is most powerful when she stops chasing love and starts embodying it. True power doesn't come from seeking external validation, but from awakening the love already within her. A woman who chooses to embody love-no matter the circumstances- becomes a force of nature. She is magnetic, not because of her appearance, but because of the light that radiates from her soul. It's a glow that can't be dimmed, a presence that can't be ignored. Divinity itself sees her, and the world feels it. When you stop chasing and start becoming, that's when you step into your true power

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION FOR OUR CHILDREN/STUDENTS TODAY! I am enough, and I believe in myself. I choose kindness, gratitude, and positivity every day. Challenges help me grow stronger and wiser. I create my own happiness and success. Today is a fresh start, full of new opportunities. Remember to repeat it today with your child.❤️ #Grateful

Hi family ✋ Here's my daily gem for 2day Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s. That’s not failure, it’s uniqueness. Keep going. Don't stop, believe in your self more and you'll be shocked at how much progress you'll make. Bye lovessss #grace #lilywealth

The best motivation is from within. Motivate yourself to be better. #selfmotivation.

PUNCH Newspaper *The unseen crisis facing Nigerian men (moment Otunba Kunle Akinyele collapsed)* *Message not just for Men alone, but for everyone* 5th May 2025. Ganiyu Olowu *When Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a respected hotelier in Lagos, slumped and died at his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving, the nation gasped in disbelief. One moment, he was celebrating life and love; the next, he lay lifeless at the altar of joy*. The video is haunting — *a man gesturing, gasping, reaching for help in a sacred space, surrounded by those he loved but alone in his final battle.* This was not just a death. It was a metaphor of silent suffering, buried exhaustion, and what men have come to normalise in the name of strength. Akinyele’s case is not isolated. It is one of many chilling examples of how Nigerian men, particularly in their mid- to late years, are collapsing under the weight of responsibilities, unspoken pain, and undiagnosed illnesses. According to the World Health Organisation, men in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are 2.4 times more likely to die prematurely from preventable causes than women. This alarming disparity is fuelled by cultural and behavioural factors: men are less likely to seek medical help, more likely to suppress emotional turmoil, and often glorify suffering in silence. In Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and untreated mental health conditions are among the leading causes of sudden deaths in men. So This Happened (215) Reviews Death Of Lagos... In 2019, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya—admired for his strength and spiritual leadership—passed away quietly after years of enduring deep emotional losses and reportedly ongoing health complications. His resilience was legendary, but it masked what many now see as untreated grief, intense stress, and likely silent medical conditions. Then came the sudden death of veteran broadcaster Ayo Oduleye, better known as MC Loyo, who slumped while compering an event in Ibadan. His charm and humour lit up stages, but in the blink of an eye, the microphone fell silent. Just like that. Similarly, the passing of Mr Ibu (John Okafor) in early 2024, after months of battling illness, reminded the country of how many male entertainers struggle financially and physically behind the scenes, putting on a show while their bodies deteriorate. Masculinity, when warped, can become a silent weapon—not just against others, but against oneself. *ENDEAVOUR TO TAKE GOOD REST PLEASE* Globally, the story remains the same. In 2014, beloved comedian Robin Williams died by suicide, a victim of masked depression. And in 2022, cricket legend Shane Warne died suddenly of a heart attack, a casualty of silent coronary disease and an overstretched lifestyle. Yet while statistics shock and headlines haunt, the everyday grind of the average Nigerian man tells an even sadder tale. Take Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital—the city that never sleeps, and where many men now barely do. A significant number of working-class men reside on the mainland or in Ogun border towns like Mowe, Ikorodu, Sango Ota, or Ibafo but must commute to the Island for work—a journey that often begins by 4:00 a.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. on return. This is no exaggeration. Studies from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority reveal that Lagosians spend an average of four to six hours daily in traffic—with many men doing these five to six times a week. That is over 1,400 hours a year lost in gridlock—time stolen from rest, from family, from reflection. For these men, the day begins before the rooster crows. They rush into overcrowded buses, endure fumes of frustration, only to return home when their children are already asleep. There is no room for hobbies, hardly any time for checkups, no outlet for pain. Sleep is a luxury. Rest is a myth. And joy is rationed, like fuel in a scarcity season. This modern man is constantly running on empty—physically present but emotionally absent, financially committed but spiritually depleted. And society applauds his hustle, without asking at what cost. The idiom says, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” but what if the crown is invisible, made not of gold but of expectations, bills, unspoken grief, and sacrificial silence? Men are praised for providing, for showing up, for being “rocks”. But even rocks erode—silently, slowly, and then all at once. The greatest tragedy is not that they die, but that they are dying unseen. Consider the tragic case of a 42 year old engineer in Port Harcourt who collapsed at his workstation after weeks of working overtime to meet project deadlines. His colleagues described him as “dedicated to a fault”, but his sudden death revealed the dangers of ignoring signs of burnout and hypertension. Another heartbreaking example is the story of a young entrepreneur in Enugu who passed away in his sleep after complaining of chest pains for weeks. Despite his family’s pleas, he refused to visit a doctor, citing his busy schedule and financial obligations. His autopsy later revealed undiagnosed cardiovascular disease—a silent killer that could have been managed with timely intervention. One unforgettable story is that of Samuel Okwaraji, the gifted footballer and patriot who gave everything to his country on the football pitch. In 1989, during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, Okwaraji collapsed and tragically died of congestive heart failure at just 25 years old. His life, so full of promises, was cut short under the intense demands of national expectation. The harsh conditions of the game that day, combined with the immense physical and psychological pressures he faced, ultimately proved too much. These stories compel us to ask: What are we doing to ourselves in the name of strength? Why does the world celebrate silent suffering but frown upon seeking help? Dr Salawu Abiola, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, offers critical advice for men navigating these pressures. He emphasises the importance of prioritising rest, adequate sleep, and regular health checkups. “If you work and die today, someone will replace you at the workplace, but no one replaces you in the family,” he warns. Abiola advocates setting realistic goals, managing time effectively, and creating moments of joy and relaxation amid life’s challenges. He also highlights the need for men to engage in positive activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socialising with supportive people, to release built-up tension and foster mental well-being. Check your vitals before you check your wallet. Monthly profit means nothing if your heart gives out unexpectedly. Your strength is not in how much you carry but in how well you manage your load. Therapy is not weakness. It is a repair. Just like a car needs servicing, your mind and soul need realignment. Build relationships where you are more than a provider—where you are allowed to cry, collapse, confess. A good name is better than riches, but good health is the foundation of both. As Chinua Achebe once said, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must also change.” The drumbeat of life today is faster, louder, and less forgiving. Men must adjust their rhythm. Health is the new wealth. Silence is no longer golden; it is dangerous. *Ganiyu Olowu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos*. punchng.com ©️ 1971- 2025 Punch Nigeria Limited *MAY WE ALL LIVE LONG IN JESUS NAME* 🙏 CULLED #olufaderomi #grace

You are your own little plants ☘️ water 🌊💦 yourself, speak to yourself nicely and bloom #PeaceOfMind

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: Tuesday MAY 6TH 2025 THEME: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION III MEMORIZE: The counsel of f the LORD Standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Psalm 33:11 READ: Genesis 50:16-20 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. MESSAGE As I conclude the teaching I started two days ago, I want you to take special note of today’s memory verse. It tells us that God’s counsel will stand forever. This implies that no matter what anyone tries, God’s plan for your life can never be changed. Isaiah 46:10 says, “…My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” When things that do not seem to align with God’s plan for your life start happening to you, don’t despair; trust God and be confident that He is able to make all things work together for your good. For example, in the Bible, God showed Joseph a glimpse of His plan for his life in two dreams (Genesis 37:5-9). However, instead of keeping his mouth shut, he announced the dreams to his brothers and parents. His brothers got angry and sold him into slavery. They thought they were destroying him, but little did they know that they were helping Him towards his destiny. After he was brought into Potiphar’s house, tragedy struck again, and he found himself in prison. I’m sure the devil must have mocked him and asked, “Now, what has become of your big dreams?” However, God never fails to bring His word to pass; He hastens His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). The bigger the challenges, the more He will showcase His mighty power. God had a great destiny prepared for David, but the moment the oil came upon his head and he was anointed as king, it seemed all hell was let loose upon him. He became a fugitive for 13 years, moving from one hideout to another. In his psalms, he recorded how he felt during that season (Psalm 88:15, Psalm 25:16). However, despite all he faced, he still became Israel’s king as God ordained. I am sure that was why he said, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Beloved, no matter how much the enemy tries to stop you from achieving that glorious destiny that God has prepared for you, I want you to know that all things will work together for your good when you love God, and you are aligned with His purpose (Romans 8:28). Loving God means that you must obey all His commands (John 14:15). Don’t lose hope when negative circumstances come your way. Trust in God, obey all His commandments, and He will surely bring you to a glorious end in Him. KEY POINT No matter the difficulties you may be facing in your life, God is able to make all things work together for your good. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 24-26 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 2 Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay; not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. 3 But we never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor he shows, for the joy he bestows, are for them who will trust and obey. 4 Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet, or we'll walk by his side in the way; what he says we will do, where he sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey. #olufaderomi #grace