CAPACITY BUILDING OR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

The mere fact you chose to read this article means you’re thinking you could be a better person. And who couldn’t? It’s not whether we need to be better, but whether we choose to be better. Becoming a better person means changing habits, taking some risks and thinking differently in the future. What an exciting challenge. Will other people notice? Sure they will! Will you like yourself more? You definitely will! So, what are you waiting for?

    CAPACITY BUILDING is a simple process through which an individual or group of persons gets, grows and sustain a skill, knowledge, materials needed for growth and competence in themselves first and in their fields.
   There are steps and processes to every level and height in life; let's look at INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUILDING. How can you develop your capacity as an individual, be you student, public or private worker.
#STEP 1_ What can you really do as an individual and what are their impacts on others? This is a very important question we should always ask ourselves as individuals with quest to grow.
Of course you must have passion for some things but do they really add value to others life? Do they make positive impacts on the people around? Can you really step up with those passions? If yes! Then you're on the right track for its the first step towards been a better YOU.

STEP 2_Think Before You Act; Think Before You Speak.
The fastest way to prevent errors is to Sit, Think, Think, and Think with ypur Ind focused Before Acting.
And the fastest way to prevent hurting people around is to think of the Ramification of your words.
So many persons have been beaten down by their own errors of jumping into actions without firstly thinking of the after effect. And many great results are birthed forth from minds fully focused on ideas that went through a thorough research. You have that brain! Use it widely; THINK BEFORE YOU ACT, THINK BEFORE YOU SAY AND NEVER SPEAK IMPULSIVELY.

#STEP 3_  Be Humanitarian, Be Teachable.
If you cultivate this habit of giving out, this habit of teaching, your journey to self capacity building has begun. You tend to learn more when you give out the knowledge you have.
Be Humanitarian, serving others around you immediately makes you better- you don't get better only in their eyes but also in your own eyes as well. The feelings that goes along with helping others will help you grow in ways you can't imagine.

Do you know that "Teenagers who struggle with self-esteem issues and identity problems grow in confidence when put in a position to serve other people". It flows naturally, you see yourself becoming g better when you are at others service.

Step 4 – Make Good Use Of Your Strengths And Abilities.
First is to discover it,so; what are your strengths? What are your abilities? What can you do and how best are you doing g it?
Many persons died in their old age with virgin potentials, untouched abilities and great Strengths.
They could have been better if they had made good use of it.

Sometimes our fear could be what people would say or think, but do they matter? Yes thee do matter but should that stop you from taking a step into greatness? No they shouldn't.
Make a list of what you do well and figure out how to use it in creative ways. Don’t neglect your natural abilities or talents because they belong to you.

Step 5 – Recognize Your Weaknesses.
Addressing your weaknesses is a huge step toward becoming a better person, but remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s the striving to improve, that makes us better people.

Without being overly self-critical, make a list of your weaknesses. Note ways to strengthen those weaknesses when you have time. Focus on one at a time and create specific strategies for improvement. For example, if you tend to overwork, set aside time to relax and play. This will improve your attitude and your health.

If you have difficulty recognizing weaknesses, ask a close friend or loved one to gently break a few of them to you. Personally, I can be over critical in my tone.
I have asked my loved ones to let me know when I slip, but they are kind enough to do it in a loving way before I hurt someone. As they point it out, I am less inclined to do it. If necessary, ask a friend or family member to help you be accountable. Make sure you let them know that you don’t want a master list of everything you’ve ever done wrong.
Change takes time and you should revel in small victories along the way. Always remember that you are a work in progress.

Step 6 – Take Better Care of Yourself
Women have a serious tendency to neglect themselves at times. Whether it is stress induced, relationship issues or poor self-esteem, we let ourselves go. It can even happen when we’re comfortable in a relationship.

When you take care of yourself, you demonstrate respect for yourself. Women who are concerned about their health and appearance on a regular basis tend to do a better job of interacting and serving other people. Your family, your spouse and your friends will all appreciate it.

Step 7 – Show Your Appreciation.
It’s easy to take other people for granted. Your friends sacrifices a lot for you all the time, Your spouse always picks up the kids from school and spends Saturdays beautifying your home. Your best friend never forgets your birthday and will make you feel special at the last minute. Your parents did the best they could and love you despite your weaknesses. Your employees work hard for you every single day.  The people you suddenly only meet, the not-too-friends all hold you together on a daily basis. There are so many people who make our lives comfortable and complete, some of whom we rarely even see. How could you thank them? All it takes is a nice note, a hug, a plate of food or even a gift, kind words and gestures.

And the last but never the least
Step 8 – Explore Your Spirituality
Faith allows me to get through some pretty challenging days. It also encourages me to improve myself and strive to make a positive impact on those around me. If you don’t have a spiritual life, consider exploring that option. Prayer, meditation, removing your thoughts from yourself and loving your fellow man can greatly improve who you are.

Following any or all of the eight steps can help you make major changes. Just remember to take on a little at a time, and do small things well before leaping into big changes. As you create positive habits in your life, you will become a better person. Soon you won’t even realize you’re doing it. The exciting part is that other people will definitely notice!