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Thursday 30 June 2016

Singles Hangout For 4 Days | June 30th – July 4th


Bold 24hoursStudies have shown that the level of success or personal accomplishment we attain in life is greatly affected by our choice of spouse and life partner. The challenge of choosing right and choosing well, especially in the times we are in, is real and it places an enormous burden on single people today.
Bearing the forgoing in mind, The Singles Fellowship cordially invites discerning singles, the young and the young at heart to The Bold and Confident Singles Conference from June 30 to July 4, 2016. This event promises to be truly life-changing with teachings and interactive sessions anchored by experienced speakers, mentors and life-coaches.
Venue is the New Auditorium of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju and conference speakers include Pastors Taiwo and Nomthi Odukoya, Bishop Feb Idahosa of Church of God Mission, Pastor Kunle Osunkunle and a host of others.
There will be breakout sessions for ladies and guys, where discussions will focus on offering practical wisdom to real issues and burning questions that participants may have but are unwilling to put forward in a general gathering. There will also be an anointing and impartation service for singles.
Programme Schedule:             
Date:  June 30th, July 1st, July 4th and July 2nd, 2016 
Time: 6pm daily  and 10am only on July 2nd
Venue: New Auditorium of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos
Attendance is absolutely FREE!
The Singles Fellowship of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos is not your typical gathering; it is a place where the tenets of Christian faith, purposeful singlehood and exemplary living are celebrated and encouraged.

Wednesday 29 June 2016

7 Ways to Be Unforgettable in Business and Life


7 Ways to Be Utterly Unforgettable in Business and LifeIf you think that your product, service or stellar reputation is going to stick in your client's or customer’s mind forever, you may want to think again.
Being forgettable can be toxic when it comes to success, says cognitive scientist Carmen Simon, author of Impossible to Ignore: Creating Memorable Content to Influence Decisions.
"[People] will likely forget up to 90 percent of what you communicate, and that means your brand, your message, your call to action, everything you want your listeners to act on, will be disregarded," she says. "To be on people’s minds, you must become part of their reflexes, habits and/or goals they consider valuable."
So how do you break through and leave a lasting impression? Instead of being known for something businesswise, strive to be more purposeful about the things you do and say.
Here are several ways you can stand out among your competition, and stay top of mind.

1. Truly connect.

A salesperson is programmed to sell their product by focusing on benefits and features. Create a twist on this doctrine and sell yourself with a true person-to-person connection. Begin by asking questions. Learn more about your client’s problems, concerns and needs before you ever mention your product or service. Think like a doctor; first you have to find out what ails your client before you can prescribe a solution. Don’t try to use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customizing builds memorable relationships.

2. Tell stories.

Many a prospect’s eyes have glazed over during a presentation chock full of charts, facts and numbers. While the bottom line numbers are important, stories are the most basic tool for connecting us to one another. People attend, remember and are transformed by stories. Offer true-life examples of how your product or service helped others, like case studies or testimonials. Or use your personal experiences to enhance your human-to-human bond. Even in the world of business, stories have a unique power to move people’s hearts, minds, feet and wallets in the storyteller’s intended direction.

3. Tell the truth.

Your credibility is based on your ability to be honest in all situations. Always tell the truth, even if it costs you the sale. Your client will appreciate your candor and remember your honesty. As a result, he or she is more likely to recommend you to another potential client or use your services in the future. The truth may occasionally hurt, but dishonesty is always destructive.

4. Don’t be afraid to say “no.”

A sure way to be forgotten quickly is to be known as a yes-man (or woman). Besides, it frustrates others when you agree with them all the time, especially if critical decisions are involved. If you see a problem, speak up. If you know a proposed solution won’t work, say “no” and offer your opinion as to why. It’s better to be distinguished as a trusted advisor rather than someone with a milk-toast personality.

5. Surprise someone.

Do something out of the ordinary that your client or customer would never expect. For example, instead of sending a text or an email, send a handwritten thank-you note, a gesture that is becoming more and more rare. Or stand out from the crowd by dressing differently than everyone else. Dress up and choose flattering colors and patterns. Wear a fashionable pair of shoes, socks, scarf or bowtie; anything that adds a bit of refinement, elegance and a splash of style to what might otherwise be a nondescript outfit.

6. Always do your best.

In today’s competitive business arena, just about anyone can match or beat prices and everyone promises great service. But one of the best ways to be remembered is to perform at levels that consistently go above and beyond normal expectations, often coming in under budget or ahead of deadlines. Try to look for ways to constantly improve your client or customers’ experience and be ready to interact in the highest professional manner.

7. Be helpful.

Zig Ziglar once said “The way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.” Be a mentor, make introductions, and recommend others. Go out of your way to share information and help others succeed, without being asked, and they will remember you and be grateful for years to come.
It’s called karma -- if you want people to share with you, share with them. What you give away will come back to you tenfold.
In summary, it’s the small touches that will set you apart and make it practically impossible to be derailed by your competitors.
If you think that your product, service or stellar reputation is going to stick in your client's or customer’s mind forever, you may want to think again.
Being forgettable can be toxic when it comes to success, says cognitive scientist Carmen Simon, author of Impossible to Ignore: Creating Memorable Content to Influence Decisions.
"[People] will likely forget up to 90 percent of what you communicate, and that means your brand, your message, your call to action, everything you want your listeners to act on, will be disregarded," she says. "To be on people’s minds, you must become part of their reflexes, habits and/or goals they consider valuable."
So how do you break through and leave a lasting impression? Instead of being known for something businesswise, strive to be more purposeful about the things you do and say.
Here are several ways you can stand out among your competition, and stay top of mind.

1. Truly connect.

A salesperson is programmed to sell their product by focusing on benefits and features. Create a twist on this doctrine and sell yourself with a true person-to-person connection. Begin by asking questions. Learn more about your client’s problems, concerns and needs before you ever mention your product or service. Think like a doctor; first you have to find out what ails your client before you can prescribe a solution. Don’t try to use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customizing builds memorable relationships.

2. Tell stories.

Many a prospect’s eyes have glazed over during a presentation chock full of charts, facts and numbers. While the bottom line numbers are important, stories are the most basic tool for connecting us to one another. People attend, remember and are transformed by stories. Offer true-life examples of how your product or service helped others, like case studies or testimonials. Or use your personal experiences to enhance your human-to-human bond. Even in the world of business, stories have a unique power to move people’s hearts, minds, feet and wallets in the storyteller’s intended direction.

3. Tell the truth.

Your credibility is based on your ability to be honest in all situations. Always tell the truth, even if it costs you the sale. Your client will appreciate your candor and remember your honesty. As a result, he or she is more likely to recommend you to another potential client or use your services in the future. The truth may occasionally hurt, but dishonesty is always destructive.

4. Don’t be afraid to say “no.”

A sure way to be forgotten quickly is to be known as a yes-man (or woman). Besides, it frustrates others when you agree with them all the time, especially if critical decisions are involved. If you see a problem, speak up. If you know a proposed solution won’t work, say “no” and offer your opinion as to why. It’s better to be distinguished as a trusted advisor rather than someone with a milk-toast personality.

5. Surprise someone.

Do something out of the ordinary that your client or customer would never expect. For example, instead of sending a text or an email, send a handwritten thank-you note, a gesture that is becoming more and more rare. Or stand out from the crowd by dressing differently than everyone else. Dress up and choose flattering colors and patterns. Wear a fashionable pair of shoes, socks, scarf or bowtie; anything that adds a bit of refinement, elegance and a splash of style to what might otherwise be a nondescript outfit.

6. Always do your best.

In today’s competitive business arena, just about anyone can match or beat prices and everyone promises great service. But one of the best ways to be remembered is to perform at levels that consistently go above and beyond normal expectations, often coming in under budget or ahead of deadlines. Try to look for ways to constantly improve your client or customers’ experience and be ready to interact in the highest professional manner.

7. Be helpful.

Zig Ziglar once said “The way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.” Be a mentor, make introductions, and recommend others. Go out of your way to share information and help others succeed, without being asked, and they will remember you and be grateful for years to come.
It’s called karma -- if you want people to share with you, share with them. What you give away will come back to you tenfold.
In summary, it’s the small touches that will set you apart and make it practically impossible to be derailed by your competitors.

This common mistake job seekers make is something you can easily avoid


woman thinking coffee shopWait at a nearby coffee shop until it's time to go in.Flickr/Tri Nguyen
While it's definitely not the worst offense you can commit during the interview process, showing up way too early for an interview is a very common — and easily avoidable — mistake that many job candidates make.
Amanda Augustine, a career-advice expert at TopResume, says:
"Most candidates who arrive very early do so because they're incredibly nervous and were afraid of being late, so they over-budget how long it will take them to get to the office. While you certainly don't want to arrive late to an interview, arriving way ahead of schedule isn't earning you any brownie points with the recruiter, either."

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Why it's not a good idea to arrive too early

Recruiters may read you showing up too early as a sign of desperation, she says:
"Much like in dating, you want to appear interested, but not desperate or overly eager. When you show up incredibly early for an interview, it's off-putting and sends the signal that you don't have anywhere else to be."
Also, showing up before your scheduled appointment may put some unnecessary pressure on them to rearrange their schedule or rush to finish up whatever they're doing. And you definitely do not want a flustered, annoyed hiring manager conducting your interview.
Augustine says:
"Remember, they likely have other appointments and meetings scheduled. When you show up too early, you could throw a curveball in the interviewer's schedule. Rather than wowing them with your punctuality, you could inadvertently frustrate the hiring manager before the interview even begins."

How to avoid showing up too early

If you're feeling nervous about getting there on time, then consider doing a dry run a day or two before the interview.
"Commute to the office location at the same time of day your interview is scheduled to take place so you are familiar with the route and can properly budget your travel time," Augustine says.
If that isn't an option, then take advantage of apps like Google Maps and Waze to plot your commute and take into account any reported traffic or travel delays. When in doubt, give yourself an extra 30 or so minutes to avoid showing up late because of an unforeseen issue.
If you arrive to the location more than 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment, then have a plan. Find a nearby coffee shop or park where you can hang out until you're ready to head into the building.

When you should arrive

Says Augustine:
"I usually recommend candidates show up at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. This way, you have a few minutes to check in with the receptionist, use the restroom to freshen up, and get your bearings before going into the interview."
Also, ask your point of contact with the company if you're expected to arrive ahead of your scheduled interview to fill out paperwork. Some recruiters will ask you to come in 20 to 30 minutes early for this reason

President Buhari Approves Payment Of N2.6bn To 638 YouWin Beneficiaries - See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2016/06/28/president-buhari-approves-payment-n2-6bn-638-youwin-beneficiaries/#sthash.5pxtY7Zo.dpuf

BUHARRRI-NLPresident Buhari recently approved the payment of N2.6bn to 638 YouWin awardees, reports say.

The minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun also announced that the program will be restructured to suit the change agenda.

Adeosun also added that the government will meet all its commitment to the program.

She said the overhauling of YouWin is aimed at making it more efficient, transparent and accountable.

YouWin was initiated by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The director of information at the ministry of information, Na’inna Dambatta, said “The third edition of the programme, which is still running with 1,500 beneficiaries has received the sum of N11.2 billion in funding.

“So far, grants totalling N7.4 billion have been disbursed to the awardees.”

Meanwhile, the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, during the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting, revealed that the Federal Government lost N16.2b in the month of May due to activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

- See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2016/06/28/president-buhari-approves-payment-n2-6bn-638-youwin-beneficiaries/#sthash.5pxtY7Zo.dpuf

Drinks That Will Get Your Belly Flat


There are plenty of refreshing sips that you can drink without guilt—and they may actually help you lose weight. Here are 4 ways to quench your thirst without packing on pounds
1 WATER
Staying hydrated is important when you’re trying to trim down. Sure, you can fool yourself into drinking more water, and research has proven that water helps your body maintain a proper fluid balance, stops water retention (a big cause of bloated bellies), and even increases the feeling of fullness so you eat less overall.
2 wATERMELON SMOOTHIE
smoothies are a guilt-free way to hydrate—and watermelon is a terrific, low-cal smoothie base. Not only is it a natural hydrator because of its water content, watermelon is also loaded with nutrients, including cancer-fighting lycopene
3 PINEAPPLE
pineapple itself contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein, ease digestion, and banish bloat.
4. GREEN TEA
Besides reducing your risk of cancer and heart disease, green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that studies show can help reduce belly fat. That’s right: Green tea can actually help you lose weight. If you sip a little before a workout, these compounds can also increase your fat burn during aerobic exercise.

Inspiring! Blind Lecturer Bags Phd in Education Psychology


dreamstime_l_31026893A visually-impaired man, Charles Onwubiko, who recently bagged a Doctorate in Education Psychology at the Abia State University, Uturu, said on Tuesday that he had no regrets being blind.
Onwubiko, who hails from Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri that in spite living with sight challenge, God had never disappointed him and his family.
He spoke on the sidelines of a Thanksgiving Service at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, Amakohia Uratta, in Owerri North Local Government Area of the state held in his honour.
Onwubiko said that the processes he went through before acquiring degree were not easy, especially in regards to gathering of educational materials, finance, and transportation.
“I am glad that God has been on my side. When I purchased my form in 2012, the school fees was about N50, 000, but before I completed the course in 2016, the fees had gone above N200, 000.
The issue of sourcing for materials became another challenge because in Nigeria and South-East in particular, we do not have enough materials in braille.
Reading, writing and speaking for PhD work is a huge challenge.
To buy tape recorders, braille books, braille papers and beg friends who volunteered to read these works before I converted them into braille, was not easy.
In spite of my visual impediment, I passed all my university programmes with Grade Point Average (GPA) of above four points,” he said.
He called for more conducive environment to support blind people and other physically-challenged persons to actualise their educational pursuits.
Onwubiko is a Lecturer in the Department of Education Psychology/Guardian and Counseling, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.

Tuesday 28 June 2016

How To Save Money Effectively During Recession


MONEY MONEY MANAGEMENTBY save money
When money is tight and it’s time to start cutting back on spending then targeting your grocery shopping is a great way to cut costs. It’s so easy to over-spend on good food and luxury items without really realising. Making a few changes to the way you grocery shop can save you so much money and will get you into good habits when searching out bargains.
Shopping cheap doesn’t have to mean eating low quality and unhealthy food; you can still eat delicious meals on a budget – it’s just about spending smart. Here are some great ways to save money without cutting on the quality.

1. Make A List

Sounds obvious but how many times do you have a list but buy loads more once you get to the supermarket? Most of the time we only write down what we know we’ve run out of and end up buying more on top of that. It will save you a lot of money if you sit down and make a plan of action to work out what kind of items you’re going to aim to get and making notes of what deals the stores are currently marketing. Write down your budget at the top and aim to stick to it as closely as possible.

2. Use Coupons Only When Necessary

Coupons can save us loads of money if we use them in the right way. Don’t use coupons on anything you don’t really need just because you want to use the coupon. It can be tempting to do this but we do just end up spending more than we need even though we think we may be getting a cheap deal. If the item is a necessity use it, if not throw that coupon away!

3. Check Unit Prices

It’s always a good habit to check the unit prices on the price label. We tend to forget to do this as it’s usually pretty small to see but you’ll be surprised just how much the cheaper option isn’t actually as cheap as you thought. You want to get as much as possible for your buck so make sure those unit prices add up; it may mean a little maths but it’s worth it!

4. Buy Own Brands

It’s very tempting to stick with brand named products because we’re under the illusion that these are of better quality. It’s been shown time and time again that shop-brand products have next to no difference in taste or quality, only in price. So just because the label doesn’t look as pretty or you’re not used to a different brand it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it. With brands you really are just paying extra for nothing so make the switch.

5. Don’t Shop Hungry

Always a good tip – never ever shop hungry. With blood sugar low, studies have found that you can actually spend up to 70% more when you’re hungry as opposed to not being hungry. Not only that but you will more likely buy the wrong kinds of foods which are always more expensive. So always go grocery shopping post-meal to save those pennies.

6. Plan Meals After You Buy

Sounds like a backwards habit, right? But planning exact meals and then shopping for them can cause you to spend more. If you know the recipe calls for cheap foods then it’s okay but if you like to make random recipes and buy the ingredients as you go you can end up buying more expensive items. It’s much better if you buy the cheaper foods and then plan meals around them later – it can be fun finding good and interesting recipes that you can use your ingredients for!

7. Look For Sale Items

Always a great habit to have. Supermarkets always have that shelf where they put all the food or other items that they need to get rid of. Either they’ll be going past their sell by date soon or the packaging will be damaged but it makes no difference other than the price!
Make sure you stop by and have a look to see what they have to offer. If the food is about to expire in the next day or two then it’s easy to just freeze it as soon as you get home. Of course try not to buy random items you don’t really need as this is counterproductive in saving the cash. So focus on rock bottom prices on items you know you’ll need or normally use.

8. Bulk Buy on Deals

Sometimes bulk buying can feel like you’re spending more money but think of it as an investment. If toilet rolls are on a ‘buy one get the second for half price’ deal then snap it up. You know you’re going to always need toilet rolls so it makes sense to stock up on this deal. Always be on the look out for deals on essential items or items you know you use a lot. You will save money in the long run.
Make sure you don’t get seduced on deals for luxury items or items you don’t usually use – it can be really tempting but you aren’t really saving money even though it may seem like it. Supermarkets love to market deals to make you think you’re saving money but most of the time you won’t be.

9. Stock Up on Versatile and Cheap Foods

Stocking up on food items that can be used in many weird and wonderful ways can save you loads of money. Take potatoes for example, they really are one of the most versatile things on our shopping list; they can be mashed, fried, boiled made into hash browns, potato wedges, fries, baked potatoes – so many amazing ways to use them. Lentils, beans and vegetables are also great at bulking out meals making them a healthy and cheap way to eat more without spending a lot.

10. Go Meat-Free At Least Once a Week

Meat can be expensive. Look out for good deals at the meat counter to save money but another alternative is to go meat-free for one or two days a week. No problem if you’re already a veggie or a vegan but for the meat-eaters out there, meat is a massive addition to your weekly shopping spend.
There are so many delicious recipes that don’t include meat and will leave you nicely satisfied; meat isn’t as much of a necessity as we may think. There are many cheap ways to add protein to a meal, for example eggs, lentils and pulses or soy.

Further Tips To Save Money

business-money-pink-coins
  • Invest in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are amazing because not only do they save you time but they save you money as well. You can throw the simplest of ingredients into it and it’ll make great warming stews, soups – pretty much anything. You can also make large amounts and make it last over a couple of days.
  • Your freezer is your best friend. A freezer is almost a necessity when it comes to cutting your spending on food. Freezing food found on the sale shelf to prolong its life can allow you the convenience of saving money and eating it at a later date. Bulk cooking and freezing meal-sized portions will extend the amount of meals you have and save you loads of money. Any deals you find on food that will easily go off can be separated into sizeable amounts and popped in the freezer for later. Basically if you want to save money, then freeze!
  • Research cheap recipes. Spending time researching delicious recipes that use cheap ingredients will give you an idea of what kind of items you should go for when shopping. There are loads of great websites out there that you can go to – thankfully eating cheap doesn’t mean eating noodles every night.
  • Eat leftovers for lunch. Never waste anything. If you have a small amount leftover then have it the next day for lunch.
  • Eat meals on smaller plates. The problem with large plates is that we can tend to make portions unnecessarily bigger resulting in eating more than we need to. Using smaller plates will keep the portion as it should be and therefore not eating too much into the budget!
  • Do food shopping at the end of the day. Shopping at the end of the day preferably after you’ve eaten is the best time to save money. You’re full from dinner and this is usually the time that supermarkets put their fresher items on sale so shop later for a bargain.
  • Try visiting ethnic food shops. Don’t just limit yourself to supermarkets. Ethnic shops are great for cheaper items and you can usually find unusual ingredients to make your meals a bit more fun.

Research Shows You Don’t Need To Be The Smartest To Be The Most Successful


PRODUCTIVITY SUCCESS BY 

What does it take to be successful? Is it a matter of being the “best and the brightest”?
Image result for GENIUSWe hear this term thrown around so often today that it seems as though intelligence is the gatekeeper to opportunities. This idea that inborn smarts and talent are the great divider causes us to hold certain beliefs about our world.
If we see someone performing better than ourselves, we’re quick to assume that the person must be smarter or naturally more talented. And when this happens, it creates an excuse for us to give up on our goals.
For example, have you ever thought to yourself…
  • “Wow, it’s amazing what that person accomplished. I could never do that.” [I’m not smart enough.]
  • “I really want to do that, but…” [I’m not talented enough.]
  • “How does that person stay in such good shape?” [I’m just not built like that.]
Notice how there’s a self-limiting belief at the end of each of these examples? We might not consciously think those words – after all, it would be painful to admit these things – but it’s there, hidden underneath what we tell ourselves. This negative train of thought then justifies our inaction.
Now, we can all agree that people aren’t born on equal footing. Some of us probably have a better ability to grasp certain skills naturally. But do you need to be a genius to be successful in a field?

Creativity and its Role in Success

Having an open attitude and putting yourself in environments that encourage growth are all part of finding good opportunities. Why? Because having those two things help us come up with new ideas. And, just as importantly, they encourage us to implement those ideas.
But before we get into that, let’s talk about the perception that good ideas only come to the lucky few who are born gifted. Do you have to be smartest person around to achieve great works? Well, the answer might surprise you.
In a study done on intelligence and creativity levels, here’s what researchers found:
“When investigating a liberal criterion of ideational originality (i.e., two original ideas), a threshold was detected at around 100 IQ points. In contrast, a threshold of 120 IQ points emerged when the criterion was more demanding (i.e., many original ideas).”
The average IQ score is 100. The average IQ for high school graduates is 105. It goes up to 115 for college graduates and then 125 for PhD degree holders.
That means if your intelligence is average, you can come up with at least a couple ideas. But if your average is 120, which is very smart but not at a genius level, you can come up with many ideas.
So if you meet a certain threshold to come up with new ideas, what differentiates those who do “okay” from those who excel in a creative field?
Here’s the second part of what the researchers said:
“In addition, we obtained evidence that once the intelligence threshold is met, personality factors become more predictive for creativity.”
What they found was that you don’t need to be an inherent genius to come up with great ideas. Once you reach a benchmark of above-average intelligence (but not exceptionally so), other factors come into play.

The Qualities to Excel

So what personality factors do you need to achieve success?
For one, the research above revealed that openness leads to higher creative potential. In other words, are you curious about learning new ideas and discovering the world around you?
Successful scientists, artists, and professionals that require creativity show higher openness levels. It’s not a surprise, especially since groundbreaking work means examining a topic from various angles and being willing to try something new. But all the intelligence and openness to experiences won’t help if you don’t bother to apply them. This is where perseverance comes in.
In order to improve at a skill, you need to do the same set of tasks consistently, even when it seems boring and there’s a low level of reward in the beginning. When you hit inevitable roadblocks, perseverance means that it’s not a question of “should I give up?”, but instead “how can I approach this?”.
Perseverance requires putting long-term rewards at a higher priority over short-term pain or discomfort. It’s like a game of chess. When expert players are stuck, they don’t get frustrated or walk away. They sit there quietly in deep thought and approach the problem in a calm, rational manner.
Expert chess players see the game using a long-term perspective and plan their moves two to three steps ahead. They’re not there for the short haul. They’re in it to win.
Temporary setbacks are just part of the journey.

Success Isn’t Magic

Sometimes people treat success like it’s some form of wizardry. One tap of the wand, and poof! – you’re blessed with talent.
Part of the magic is making something difficult look easy. But underneath that icing is the willingness to try something and to keep at it, day in and day out. To come up against a roadblock and find a way through. To practice when no one is looking.
The good news is that these things are within our control. They can be done by a person who’s willing to put in the effort. Now that’s true magic.
This article was originally published on JumpstartYourDreamLife.com.
Suggested reading: Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
Featured photo credit: Ed Gregory via stokpic.com