DON’T RUSH THE PROCESS :THE OIL COMES AFTER THE CRUSHING

We live in a world that celebrates results but hides the process. Everyone wants the crown, but few are willing to bear the weight of it. Everyone wants the shine, but not the shaping that makes it last.But here’s a truth that never expires and  every great thing is forged in time and tension.

Every diamond was once just a stone under pressure. Every success story you admire was once a chapter of waiting, trying, failing, and trying again.

You cannot microwave destiny.

You cannot skip the growing pains and expect maturity to show up overnight.

The process you’re running from is the very thing designed to equip you for what you’ve been asking for.

The oil only flows after the crushing.It’s the crushing that brings out what’s pure. The pressing that releases what’s hidden. The breaking that reveals the strength you didn’t know you had. You can’t have greatness without growth, and you can’t have growth without pressure. So don’t rush what’s shaping you.

Sometimes, life will feel like a delay  but it’s actually a divine pause to prepare you for more. The doors that don’t open right away are often saving you from rooms you’re not ready to manage. The opportunities that seem to slip away are usually making room for the ones that won’t slip through your fingers.

You don’t need to force what’s still forming. You don’t need to prove what time will reveal.Patience is not weakness. It’s quiet strength the kind that refuses to trade long-term greatness for short-term gratification.

Then nothing seems to be working, don’t panic  you’re not being buried; you’re being planted. Seeds don’t grow on display. They grow underground, in silence, where no one can see them. But when the time is right, they break through the soil  stronger, deeper, and ready to bear fruit.

Your Gift Will Make Room for You But You Must Sharpen It First.

 

Everyone has a gift, although  not everyone uses it and even fewer people sharpen it.The truth is, your gift can open doors that talent alone never could but only if you treat it with respect, discipline and refinement. Many people pray for opportunities, yet they ignore the responsibility to prepare for the very blessing they’re asking for.

A gift is like a raw diamond. It holds great value, but it only shines when cut, shaped, and polished through pressure. You can be called, chosen and talented  but if you refuse to grow, to stretch, to practice, your gift will stay hidden in the shadows of almost. 

Your gift is powerful, but power without polish is potential wasted.

It’s true   that your gift will make room for you. But only if you’re ready for the room it opens.

A gift is like a blade and  the sharper it gets, the deeper it cuts. Many people have brilliance buried inside them, yet they remain unseen because they never trained, practiced or pushed their gift beyond comfort. Talent is a seed while  work is the water that waters the seed to grow . Without the effort to sharpen it, your talent will remain dull and forgotten.

The spotlight does not create greatness it only reveals preparation. The question is not whether you have a gift, it’s whether you’re willing to grow it.

Study more, practice daily ,fail forward and refine relentlessly.

Opportunities will always find the sharpened and shapen you . When your skill becomes undeniable, doors you once knocked on will start opening by themselves.

So stop waiting for luck rather   work your gift until it becomes your signature.Because when excellence speaks, even kings will listen.

Everyone has a gift, but not everyone honors it. Your gift is the thing that sets your soul on fire  and  the thing you do effortlessly while others struggle. But having a gift isn’t enough. A gift unsharpened feel like  a burden, it will rust in the dark while others with less talent rise simply because they worked harder.

You can’t pray for opportunities you’re not prepared for. The world rewards refinement, not raw potential. The stage will not wait for you to be ready   you must make yourself ready before the curtain lifts.

Your gift is your key, but the  lock only opens to consistency, discipline and excellence. Study your craft and master it. Improve daily  while learning  from those ahead of you. Work until what was once ordinary becomes extraordinary.

When you sharpen your gift, you no longer chase doors ,  doors chase you.

So, don’t just rely on what you were born with. Polish it, train it, master it and build on it . Because when your gift becomes razor it will become sharp, it won’t just make room for you  rather  it will make history with you.

Here Is The Illusion of Talent

We often admire the results of others without understanding their refinement process.

You see a great speaker and think, “They were born for this.

You hear a singer and assume, “It comes naturally to them.

You watch a successful business owner and whisper, “They’re just lucky.

But behind every public gift lies private grinding. The unseen nights, the failed attempts, the embarrassing starts and never giving up attitude ,  That’s where the sharpening happens.

Your gift will indeed make room for you  but it won’t drag you there unprepared. You must train it, trust it and toughen it.

Because an unsharpened gift is like a sword left in rust: impressive in name, useless in battle.

 Let Me Share A  Story About Nancy.

Nancy was born in Benin City  a town known for its rich culture and artistry. She grew up in a one room apartment with her mother, who sold snacks by the roadside. As a child, Nancy loved to draw on old newspapers, using charcoal from their cooking stove. Her sketches were so detailed that neighbors often stopped to watch her work.

One day, her mother told her, “Nancy, your hands carry something special. But you must not waste it., polish it, develop it, work on it and make use of it well.

Nancy believed her mother, but life didn’t make it easy.

She couldn’t afford art school and when she applied for a local art competition, she was rejected twice. She started doubting herself. Maybe her drawings weren’t good enough. Maybe talent wasn’t enough.

But instead of quitting, she made a decision by being determined that  she would sharpen her gift until no one could ignore it.

She began studying art tutorials on borrowed phones, watching videos at cyber cafés and practicing daily. She spent nights redrawing the same portraits until the shading felt alive. When she couldn’t afford real paints, she mixed colors from crushed leaves and chalk dust.

Nancy’s first big break came unexpectedly. A tourist stopped at her mother’s stall, noticed her drawings sketches  and bought one for ₦5,000. It was the first money she ever made from her art. Instead of celebrating, she reinvested every kobo by  buying better pencils, paper and one small set of watercolors.

Months passed. Her skill grew sharper.

Then, one day, she posted her paintings online. A local art page shared her work and within a week, she received a message from a gallery in Lagos. They wanted to feature her in an upcoming exhibition for young artists.

Nancy almost didn’t believe it. She had started from the ground, literally using charcoal and scraps  but now her art was being displayed under bright lights in Lagos. People came, admired and purchased her pieces.

When asked how she made it, she smiled and said,

“My gift was always there. But it started working for me the day I started working on it.”

Sharpening Is the Secret

Your gift is powerful, but it’s not automatic.

It demands discipline, humility, and patience.

A singer sharpens through daily practice, not just passion.

A writer sharpens through rewriting, not just inspiration.

A leader sharpens through service, not just position.

You can’t just wait for doors to open , you must build the skill that will keep you inside once they do. Opportunities don’t reward potential; they reward preparation.

There’s nothing worse than getting a platform you’re not ready for.

That’s why sharpening matters. The world might hand you a stage once, but if you’re not refined, you won’t keep it.

Don’t Pray for More If You’re Not Doing MoreMany people ask for greatness but refuse to grow.

They want visibility but hate accountability. They want success but ignore self-development.

If you’re not willing to sharpen your craft, you’re not ready for the spotlight.If you’re not consistent in private, you’ll crumble in public.

Stop waiting for luck.Stop comparing yourself to others and stop blaming your environment.

Your gift is the bridge between where you are and where you’re meant to be. But that bridge won’t build itself , it’s built through effort, learning, correction, and consistency.

The Lesson

Nancy didn’t become successful because she was the most talented.

She succeeded because she refused to stay unprepared.

She didn’t wait for someone to recognize her; she worked until they couldn’t ignore her.

Today, Nancy runs her own art studio in Benin City. She trains young artists from low income homes, teaching them that creativity isn’t limited by resources   only by effort. Her story reminds us that the gift isn’t enough. It must be sharpened until it becomes a weapon of excellence.

So, whatever your gift is  music, business, writing, teaching, leadership or any other things don’t hide it behind excuses.

Sharpen it and cultivate it

Polish it and develop it.

Protect it and above all, use it.

Because when your gift meets preparation, the world will make room for you  not out of pity, but out of respect.

Just like Nancy, your name will be mentioned in rooms you’ve never entered.

But only if you’re bold enough to pick up your gift  and sharpen it first.

Dreams Demand Work , Talent Will Fail If Effort Is Missing.

 

Everyone loves to talk about talent . People say, She’s naturally gifted or He was born with it as if success were written in someone’s DNA. But the truth is alent without effort is like a seed without soil it will never grow.

The world is filled with talented people who never became anything more than potential. Because talent might open the door, but only effort keeps you inside the room.

You can have the best ideas, the purest dreams or the brightest mind, but if you don’t work for it relentlessly, consistently, even when no one’s watching it dies as a fantasy. Dreams demand sweat, persistence and sacrifice. Talent might make things easier for a while, but effort makes them  possible  for a lifetime.

Chasing Your Dreams: Why You Must Follow Your Passion, No Matter the Odds

Your dreams aren’t just random wishes; they’re the quiet voice of your soul, pulling you toward something bigger. Too often, we silence those whispers, convincing ourselves that it’s too late, too risky, or too difficult. But the truth is, chasing your dreams is the most powerful thing you can do with your life.

Passion is the fuel that will keep you going when the world tries to extinguish your fire. It’s that unstoppable drive that carries you through sleepless nights, tough obstacles, and even those moments when doubt tries to break you. Your passion is the compass that guides you, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

From Victim to Victor : Empowering Yourself to Take Control

 

Life will always throw challenges your way. Your response is more important than whether you're going through tough times. Your circumstances may seem unfair, but they don't affect you. 

We all have stories, and sometimes, the chapters we face seem filled with struggles, setbacks, and pain. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling powerless, of believing that the odds are stacked against us and that we have no control over our fate. But the moment you decide to stop letting life happen to you, and instead, start creating your own path, you reclaim your power.

When you shift your mindset from victimhood to empowerment, you transform .You're the sum of your choices, strength, and resilience  . Every difficulty becomes an opportunity to rise higher and to build something stronger and more resilient within yourself. Your power lies in how you rise, in your ability to bounce back stronger each time life tries to knock you down. Each challenge is a battle, but it is also a chance to fortify your spirit and sharpen your will.

Your Mind is the Battleground

  Either Win inside or Lose out. 

The Real Fight Is Invisible

It is the dream that wins or loses in the world.

The battlefield isn’t always in front of you.

Confidence Comes From Keeping Promises to Yourself

Everyone talks about confidence like it’s something you’re born with.

But here’s the truth: Confidence is not inherited. It’s earned.

And you earn it in the quiet moments,when nobody’s watching, when quitting would be easy, and when every excuse sounds reasonable.

You don’t build confidence by faking it.

Turning Criticism into Growth

Criticism is often seen as negative, but it can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. The key lies in how we choose to view and respond to it. Rather than taking it personally, use criticism as a stepping stone to improve and evolve.

 Shift Your Perspective

Storms Don’t Break You,They Build You

The Reality of Life’s Storms

Life doesn’t always give a warning before the winds shift. Sometimes, the storms arrive without notice, financial collapse, heartbreak, betrayal, sickness, or sudden loss. They shake our confidence, test our faith, and leave us wondering if we’ll ever feel whole again.

Small Steps Still Move Mountains

Don’t let the world rush you.

Progress doesn’t always roar , sometimes, it whispers.

One quiet step. One tiny shift. One brave choice at a time.

Scars Tell the Story of Survival

Scars are not stains.

They are stories.

The signs are not of weakness, but rather the evidence that you were able to overcome what was meant to break you.

Silence Doesn’t Mean You’re Stuck, It Means You’re Being Shaped

Silence can feel like a punishment.

When doors don’t open.

When prayers feel unanswered.

When progress stalls.

Called, Even in the Chaos.

Life doesn't call you when you're silent. It makes noise, during storms and in the midst of chaos.' You're called even when everything seems to be going wrong. Not after everything is perfect. Not at the point when you are fully equipped. The route is not definite and the uncertainty fades.? But now. Right in the whirlwind. Despite the fact that the fragments are still scattered.' With questions still in your mind and hands shaking. Because calling isn't about conditions. It's about conviction. You feel a strong, unwavering urge to stay. The whisper beneath the worry. The flames blazing in the face of terror. The goal remains unaffected by the pressure it encounters. And here is the truth: You will be used by God if you are calm. He speaks through the thunder. He moves in the mess. During wilderness seasons, he creates world-changing individuals. He writes destiny through detours. Avoid self-discrimination as life is filled with loud and uncertain sounds. Stay grounded and avoid burying your calling in the chaos.'"... It was your intention to ascend this path. Clarity will come. Strength will grow. Peace will follow. Still, there are no prerequisites for stepping forward. Move forward, even with shaky legs.' Despite your discomfort, remain true to yourself. Don't be afraid to talk. Despite the discomfort, remain present.' You weren't just called upon to survive the chaos. You were tasked with shining brightly. As soon as the dust settles, It will become clear to you that the flames within you were always brighter than the storm.'

Comfort Kills Dreams

 We are raised in a world that instructs us to chase comfort.

To aim for ease.

To build a life buffered by routines, predictability, and low risk.

And yet, the fire that smolders deep inside you, the one that cries out for more, was never intended to be comfortable.

Let Your Art Speak for You

There will be times when words fail you.

When the ache in your chest is too deep to explain.

When joy bursts so bright, it shatters language.

When the truth of who you are cannot be neatly packaged into conversation.

And that’s where art steps in.

Breaking Free from Self-Limiting Beliefs.

 How to Identify and Break Through the Thoughts That Are Holding You Back

We all have dreams, desires, and hopes. But sometimes the biggest obstacle to achieving them isn't out there, it's inside of us. Our self-limiting beliefs about ourselves can at times be the biggest obstacle to success and happiness.

What Are Self-Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are ideas or beliefs we have concerning ourselves and the world that hold us back from being our potential and achieving our desires. Typically acquired when we are young, typically from previous experience, social expectations, or negative feedback we receive from others. Harmless enough at first, these convictions quietly restrain us until we are prevented from entering into our full potential.

Creating Your Own Definition of Success in a Noisy World

In today’s world, noise surrounds us like static , social media updates, news alerts, unsolicited opinions, and the ever-present pressure to “keep up” or “measure up.” Everyone seems to have a loud and flashy version of success, shouting for your attention. It’s tempting to absorb those ideas and feel compelled to chase someone else’s dream. But here’s the liberating truth: success is a deeply personal journey, not a public spectacle.

What does success really mean to you? Is it the corner office, the perfect relationship, a stable family, creative freedom, financial independence, spiritual peace, or simply waking up happy each morning? There is no universally correct answer , only the one that aligns with your values, passions, and life purpose.