August 2020 - Zamai Banje

August 30, 2020 / 9 Comments

Chadwick Boseman: How to Have a Black Excellent Life

In 2018, Black Panther became the highest-grossing solo superhero film. The movie also became the second-highest-grossing film the same year. The lead character, T’Challa was beautifully portrayed by American actor, Chadwick Boseman.

As we anticipated the sequel to the blockbuster movie, we got the shocking news of the death of Chadwick Boseman. He died of colon cancer on August 28, 2020. His family pronounced that Chadwick battled this disease for four years till his death.

Despite dying at an early age, Chadwick Boseman truly lived a life of grace and black excellence. He constantly poured out his heart, soul and life into the characters he played. These movies include Marshall, 42, 21 Bridges, Get On Up and many more. Greatly loved and admired by all, the final tweet on his account just became the most liked post in Twitter history.

As we continue to celebrate this king and legend, here are 5 things you can learn from his life too:

1. Live with a sense of purpose

Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed.
To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.
Barack Obama on CHADWICK BOSEMAN

Unknown to the public eye, Chadwick visited and encouraged kids with cancer while facing his own battle with same cancer. In his movies, he also had this grace, presence, beauty and elegance when playing a character.

This is a constant reminder for you to be a hero too. Live each day with kindness and purpose. Be intentional. Live a life full of positivity and laughter.

Mr Boseman levelled the playing field while fighting for his life… That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game…
Robert Downey Jr ON Chadwick boseman

2. Live a Quiet Life

Chadwick was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, per reports. During that time, he gave us Civil War, Marshall, Black Panther, Infinity War, Endgame, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. Lord only knows what he was going through on a daily basis.
Jemele hill on Chadwick boseman

Chadwick gives an exemplary example of balancing personal life and work. He never allowed his inner battles to affect his work ethic or creative approach to acting. Chadwick’s family said he had filmed many of his recent movies while undergoing “countless surgeries”. He thoroughly played his movie roles to the very end.

This act is a reminder to do and say only what matters most. Not everyone needs to hear about your troubles or struggles. Never let your darkness or inner demons prevent you from becoming the light you are. Always shine and showcase your talents till the very end.

What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like.
Oprah Winfrey on Chadwick Boseman

3. Live with true friends who support you

Chadwick had the chance to act life-changing roles because he had people to support him during his last years on Earth. His family. The group of close friends. His fellow co-actors. They were always there to appreciate his work and give him the chance to laugh till the end.

This is a reminder to choose your friends carefully. Have a select few who can guard your secrets and still build a healthy relationship with you. Maintain friendships that empower you on a positive level.

Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.
Chris Evans on Chadwick boseman

4. Live Life to the Fullest

This is clearly evident from the eulogies received on the internet and by his family. Chadwick Boseman gave his all while living a life of grace, elegance and heroism.

This is a reminder for you to live to the fullest too. Constantly develop your talents. Share your story in whatever you can. Most importantly, don’t die empty.

Yes this was our king. Not because we served him or because he ruled. But because of how he served us in everything he did. He played a hero on screen and lived like one in real life. He made so many of us proud of who we are. Hamba kahle Chadwick…Sizoku bona phambili.
Trevor Noah on Chadwick Boseman

5. Live in accordance with God’s will

“I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly,” Coogler wrote. “He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that see much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.”
Ryan Coogler on Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman once said he prayed for the role of BLACK panther before he got it. He always looked different. Sounded different. I guess this can be linked to his Christian faith. Because Chadwick has also given a speech at a Christian gathering. This is also supported by his pastor who says Chadwick Boseman sustained his faith till the very end.

This is a constant reminder to always communicate with God in whatever you do. Sustain and stay strong in your faith with Him. Always remember Him in your youth. Let Him guide and lead you all the days of your life.

Yeah. So those are the five tips on living a black excellent life like Chadwick Boseman.

Rest in Power, King.

Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness.
Russo Brothers on Chadwick Boseman

August 30, 2020 / 1 Comment

Seven Golden Rules of Creativity: How to Stay in Touch with your Creative Self

Does creativity work best with rules? Creativity is always seen as an unstoppable force unhinged by principles. Yet, most creatives acknowledge they only produce astonishing works through discipline and a set of guidelines. And I am here to share some of these guidelines.

In this article, I am sharing seven rules you can apply in your creative thinking. By the end of this post, you will learn these techniques of creativity often applied by other people. These rules are extremely important for a modern and ambitious millennial like you.

7 Golden Rules of Creativity by Zamai Banje — Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

1. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU CREATE

You have probably heard of the philosophy to create as freely and wildly as you can. In most cases, this is counterintuitive. Some creatives fall into an abyss of mediocrity after dabbling into negative creativity. This negative innovation includes creating information that harms others or influence users into negative habits.

Using these products eventually affect the creator. Be careful what you create. Creativity must always come from a source of positivity and the drive to help others.

2. TRUST IN YOUR WORK

Be a firm believer in what you do and create. You are your biggest fan. People will only trust you if they see the passion and drive you put in your creative process.

Trust that your work is good for someone out there to see. Learn to trust in the process. Constantly hone your craft with a strong belief in yourself and your talents.

3. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS

Creativity comes from a source of tranquillity and serenity. A disorganized mind leaves no room for genuine creativity. When your thoughts are messy and cluttered, you tend to create mediocre stuff. Search yourself; the facts don’t lie.

Learn to organize your thoughts. Get a notebook or dedicated app to start jotting down your thoughts. Your thoughts often range from ideas, strategies, conversations to ramblings. Learn to segment them using journals.

To learn more about journaling, read this article: Journaling: How To Constantly Channel and Control Your Thoughts

4. OBSERVE WITH CHILDLIKE CURIOSITY

Don’t just be curious. Be curious like a child. Begin every day with the urge to learn something new. View each interaction as an opportunity to get inspired. Be happy no matter the circumstances. This kind of lifestyle will positively increase your creativity.

Curiosity keeps you focused on trends and new improvements in your chosen craft and purpose. Curiosity allows you stay on the path where passion falters.

5. STAY BORED

Boredom is first allowed before creativity comes in. We often create to break out of a rut or to experience something new. This invariably means boredom always precedes creativity. Learn to acknowledge that boredom is necessary for originality and innovation to exist.

Remember to stay bored once in a while. Then use this phase to experience a fresh bout of creativity in your craft.

6. SHARE YOUR WORK

Sharing your work is an integral part when applying these golden rules of creativity. After building trust in yourself and your talents; showcase your work shamelessly. If you are a bit shy, start small by showing your work to a close group of friends and family. This is how I started too.

Learn to appreciate the good feedback. Pick out points to improve from negative and constructive feedback too. You can only do this when you share your work.

7. BELIEVE IN SOMETHING BIGGER

This is the last golden rule of creativity but it is arguably the most important. Constantly remind yourself that you are part of something bigger. Your talents, abilities and work impact more lives than you can imagine. You are a vessel, not the source. Learn to view your creative style from a source of endless inspiration and innovation. This is the only way to keep creating excellent work.

Most importantly, believe in the Creator, have faith and have a sense of purpose.

Cheers to your creative self.

August 30, 2020 / 0 Comments

Solitude: The Only Validation You Need is Within Yourself

What runs through your mind when you see or hear this word? For most people, they define solitude as loneliness, sadness or even depression. In a way, they are right. The word Solitude originally comes from the Latin word solus which means alone.

Yet, there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. Loneliness is a negative state of isolation. On the other hand, solitude is a positive state where you choose yourself.

Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self
May Sarton

In a world of overwhelming information and search for public validation; solitude is now more important than ever. Everyone seeks to grab your attention ranging from obsessive ads from companies and internet entrepreneurs to a casual friend asking you to hang out. You must have had your own fair share of these attention stealers.

WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC VALIDATION?

What about public validation? This comes from you. It is the tendency to seek attention from others. The compulsive need to gain likes and shares on your social media posts. The need to be adored by a special partner. Or even the urge to constantly gain favour and approval from your seniors, peers and juniors. Yes, you must have had your own fair share of seeking public validation too.

It’s easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone.
Mahatma Gandhi

These things are not bad. Adverts inform you about certain products. A casual hangout can lead to influential relationships in the long run. Even those likes and shares increase awareness about your brand or business. However, when these activities distract you from the things that matter most, that is when the problems start.

This is where the practice of solitude comes in.

Without solitude, no plant or animal can survive, no soil can remain productive, no child can learn about life, no artist can create, no work can grow and be transformed.
Paulo Coelho, manuscript found in Accra

Photo by **eberhard grossgasteiger** from **Pexels**

WHY YOU NEED SOLITUDE

Knowing yourself gives room for reflection. It is the only time you can give honest feedback and seek ways to improve your talent and work ethic. Solitude actually enhances creativity and productivity too.

Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.
Pablo Picasso

Practising solitude also gives you the opportunity to know yourself more. Mental strength, empathy is best built in this optimized state of knowing yourself. In this state, you make independent decisions free of external influences. These decisions help you develop more insights into becoming a better person in varying aspects of your life.

Solitude is not the absence of company, but the moment when our soul is free to speak to us and help us decide what to do with our life.
Paulo Coelho, Manuscript found in Accra

HOW TO KNOW YOURSELF BETTER

There are different ways to practice solitude and know yourself better. Here are five major ways I have tried and these steps are highly recommended too:

Communicate and pray to the Creator. This allows you to build a personal relationship with God.
Meditate. This sounds like an ancient technique, but there are now modern apps for meditation. (I have used the Calm app and it worked really well. It is available on app stores)
Read books. Books are little powerhouses of knowledge. Learn to apply knowledge got from these books into your life.
Take a personality test. This is science’s way of knowing your strengths and areas you can improve. You can take one of these tests via this LINK
Journal and jot down your thoughts. This gives you clarity and a sense of organization around your activities (I wrote an article on how to journal perfectly: Journaling: How To Constantly Channel and Control Your Thoughts)

Yeah, you made it to the end. Practice solitude, know yourself more and you will definitely see the world differently.

Month: August 2020 (page 1 of 3)