Believing is seeing

Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Friday, December 13, 2019

Let the leaven of passion raise the dough of your projects

Let the leaven of passion raise the dough of your projects

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Passion worked miracles in the life of a woman born into poverty to a teenage mother in a segregated ethnic group. Obviously, the deck was stacked against her and she seemed destined to a destitute life. However, her passion for helping people through communication and motivation made her the richest African-American of the 20th century and the US first black multi-billionaire. Oprah Winfrey embodies the transformational power of passion.

Oprah says, “You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that.”

Passion frees knowledge and technique of their bounds. You may rack up all the other ingredients for a great life, but only the leaven of passion will raise the dough of your existence and your pursuits. So many people know what to do and how to do it, but do nothing or just enough to preserve their situation. Passion finds the requisite hot air or gas to float the balloon of your goals and dreams. Passion empowers you to beat the sun in the morning, overcome the pain of persistent hard work and conquer the fear of others, the unknown and tomorrow.

Passion breeds credibility. The level of energy you invest in your project and the sacrifice you enthusiastically accept send a strong signal about you. Everybody perceives that you mean business and you are not ready to accept anything less than success. Then you win a followership that will catapult your influence, your sales, and your march toward the top.

Passion will bounce you back like the reed and generate such resilience that no storm can keep you in a hole, no mountain rise too high to climb and no bridge spread too long to build. Make passion the leaven of you assignments, it will raise the dough of your achievements.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, December 6, 2019

Cherish you ability to wonder

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


A radio talk show out of Guyana, the only English speaking country in South America, has caught the attention of thousands of listeners over the years mainly by means of the title of the program, “Have you ever wondered?”. The host dons a booming voice and, in an effort to educate and entertain,  shares relevant information on an array of topics. The question, “Have you ever wondered?”, turns our attention to many facets of life that we often take at face value without trying to understand.

A decreasing ability to wonder often points to getting old. My friend Gisele says that her son Al wants to know everything inside a toy. He would take it apart, study and touch the pieces and put it back together. Gisele attributes to Al’s curiosity and sense of wonder his great ability to absorb and process information. In general, adults baulk at this kind exploratory process because it is messy. They have stored a wealth of information, beliefs and habits they hold on to and would not dare to challenge.

Likewise, maturing people tend to form opinions about everything even without proper knowledge. They often mistakenly proceed by assimilation treating an issue new to them the same way they would something they already know. I am amazed to see many laymen analyze issues such as global warming, health epidemics or the traffic on the road and offer solutions off the top of their heads. Sometimes, they are even more confident than the experts.

What if you nurture your ability to wonder, question more often and seek to understand more deeply? Your curiosity would create more opportunities for personal growth, bring effective solutions to the challenges of your communities and spur innovation in numerous fields. Wouldn’t it? So cherish your ability to wonder.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.


Friday, November 29, 2019

Get the most of your solitude

Get the most of your solitude

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


One of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, distinguished himself by his technical mastery and his creativity. His universal influence flows from art pieces such as Guernica and the cubism movement. Picasso associated his outstanding achievements with solitude by saying, “Without great solitude, no serious work is possible”. 

Like a seed germinates isolated in the soil, great successes incubate in creative solitude. Like Picasso, you can lay a rock solid foundation for your life if you use your solitude to study, practice or master a skill and to envision how best your future can turn.

Almost everyone has private moments. Countless bodies shun these solitude periods. However, numerous souls, including great visionaries and world innovators, embrace them as a godsend. Well used solitude helps to refresh and re-energize your brain. You process knowledge more efficiently, especially after learning or working in a group setting. Filter solitude of its boredom shade or its scary shadow and you get an excellent fertilizer of ideas and generator of expertise.

Use your precious time of solitude to develop yourself and prepare for challenges ahead. Plan some bold initiative. See how you can encourage and assist someone. Solitude helps you to channel the water of your thoughts to irrigate the valley of your responsibilities at work, at home and in your community. 

How long should you engage in solitude? It depends on your circumstances; preferably in moderation. Most importantly, altruism should remain at the center of your engagement, because you improve yourself to serve others better and make a difference around you. This approach will cause you to make the most of your solitude.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Keep your goals in sight

Keep your goals in sight

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Italian football manager Paolo Di Canio once pointed out, “It’s just a couple of posts and a crossbar, but for a footballer, it’s paradise”. All the beauty and excitement of the football game sums up in getting the ball pass the goal line. Goals make champions of good teams such as Brazil and award players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Neymar with golden ball trophies. Like sports, every activity or initiative in life, consciously or not, aims at the finish line, a reward or a feeling. Knowing the goal and its value in advance helps in getting organized, staying motivated and focused.

How would you identify success without a goal? Or are you in the business of aiming at nothing lest you get disappointed? The best secret to achieving anything important in life hides in designing a goal before you start implementing your project. Not only a goal equips you with landmarks or progress markers, but also it mobilizes your energy and brainpower in the pursuit of your journey. 

The hare lost sight of the goal and spent time relaxing and savoring overconfidence. The turtle kept moving slowing but consistently toward the goal. Guess who won? When you lose sight of the goal, your talents, your comparative advantages and your self-confidence get wasted. Consequently, you may still believe you are winning when in reality the race award ceremony is already done.

Setting goals takes early thinking and preparation. If you let your impulsivity loose and have no goal in sight, you run the risk of engaging in conflicting projects, thus neutralizing your efforts. Therefore, you must know why you do what you do. This simple notion spells control over your life and maximizes your chances of success. Keep your goals in sight.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Ensure proper healing

Ensure proper healing

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Several decades ago, my dad was surprised to see a stubborn wound on his right leg. In the beginning, he attributed it to his farming activities and expected it to heal soonest. However, the injury played the yo-yo with him for a long while. At some point, He made up his mind to get rid of the intermittent wound and sought treatment. He got properly diagnosed and the injury finally healed following assiduous efforts and adequate remedy. Can healing take place as a matter of course? Not as often as you would wish.

Most disruptions of the body and the mind, breaches in relationships or career failures require a conscious decision to start healing. If you value the philosophy “ignore it and it will go away”, then you are in for a brutal awakening. Your disturbance will either deteriorate or come and go until you invest some thought and effort into it. When nature does not work its miracles in time, it’s time to take healing seriously.

Usually, you discern an alert to your life disruptions through pain, discomfort or embarrassment. An unattended alert from the cause leads to the worsening of the effect. Even when you deal timely with the alert, healing may be slow in showing up. So goes the saying “trouble comes riding a horse and leaves walking”. The sooner you address your issues, the less delayed are your desired results.

Paying timely attention takes you halfway through. You need effective diagnosis, remedy and procedure to get through. In many cases, seeking professional advice will form the backbone of your healing strategy. In all cases, educating yourself about your issues will enhance your sense of control and keep you on the right path.

Noticing abnormalities in your life? Ensure proper healing soonest.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Look beyond your loss

Look beyond your loss

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


A few months ago, while enjoying a breezy Sunday morning, I played one tennis set with an opponent known for his consistency. I lost the first game for no apparent reason. The loss disturbed me and kept me thinking as the set progressed. While I lingered in this frame of mind, my opponent took advantage and was leading 4 games to one at some point. Then I decided to let go of my losses, regain my focus, and guess what? I captured 5 games in a row to win the set. 

We all face situations of loss at some point in our life. Are you bogged down in a loss rut? Stop wasting precious energy and time. Your loss is likely to consume your attention and become a source of distraction in your life. Your capacity to deliver great results might diminish as you experience fear, sadness or anger. The time you take to perform simple tasks may extend and you risk to engage in self-doubt. Lingering on your loss works as a trap.

Prompt recovery from losses offers a bridge to experience, growth and resilience. All the more reason to look beyond the somber occurrences. Sunlight comes after the darkness of the night, fair weather after the storm and Sunday resurrection after Friday crucifixion. This life cycle offers hope and empowers you to press on toward your dreams and goals.

No matter how good you are in life or in our field, you will incur loss. Likewise, no matter how devastating your losses, you can bounce back as long as you embrace hope. Instead of dwelling on yesterday’s loss, focus on today’s opportunities and tomorrow's promise. This change in focus opens up the way to success and great achievements. Therefore, look promptly beyond your loss.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Make pain work for you

Make pain work for you

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

The story of Ashlyn Blocker of California points to the value of pain in our lives. One day, 13 year old Ashlyn who could not feel pain dipped her right hand into a boiling pot of ramen noodles to retrieve a spoon. She got burned without feeling anything. Her mother had to take care of the burn on the hand of the happy child and to remain vigilant to prevent further occurrences. Some pain would have helped Ashlyn to prevent cuts, burns and other injuries. 

Pain protects us as a good ally, setting off an alarm to withdraw from danger or rectify a harmful situation. The noise of a fire alarm may be annoying, but it helps us to take measures to prevent a fire.

Pain also performs the function of progress indicator. When we begin exercising for a marathon, we run out of breath quickly. We build resistance to the pain by taking some extra steps despite our discomfort. The same goes for the habit of reading. In short, the longer it takes to feel unbearable pain when we practice a skill, the more advanced we have become in our field. 

Unnecessary pain should be avoided though. Masochism or gratification from pain elevates no one to heroism. If a social environment becomes irremediably toxic to the point of inducing continuing useless suffering, then the time has come to consider your options and sign up for better company or network. Likewise, you benefit from the habit of not inflicting pain on other people.

Understanding pain is crucial to managing it. Are you trying to shun pain at all costs? Then how will you reach the top of the ladder or the summit of the mountain? Make pain work for you.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Struggle your way to success

Struggle your way to success

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


I have always enjoyed the story of the boy who meant to help a butterfly come out of its cocoon without the painful struggle it was going through. With scissors he snipped the cocoon to a larger hole allowing the butterfly to emerge quickly. To the boy’s disappointment, the butterfly could not fly as it displayed a swollen body and shriveled wings. He learned later that the struggle of the butterfly to come out of the cocoon channels the body fluid into the wings to strengthen them. There is no flying without struggle.

Our bent to shun pain often leads us to cut short our struggle by giving up or blaming others. Doing so interferes with the process of developing wisdom, experience and success. Because greatness matures in the crucible of our struggles, many people settle for average results and a life in their comfort zone. However, enduring the pain of our struggle and reaching out higher bring in the long run endless benefits to ourselves, our loved ones and humanity. 

We cannot know what will happen in 10 or 20 years. However, we can set our vision, develop requisite skills and persistently go through our ups and downs. Businesspeople often learn as they go, adjust and work under pressure. Overnight success takes many years of preparation and failure.

Abraham Lincoln exemplifies the value of struggle. He was defeated again and again until he became President of the US in 1860. He faced the civil war with no guarantee of winning. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation amid much controversy. All this struggle made him a legendary US President. He who much struggles is equipped to soar to high places.

Currently struggling? Perhaps you are growing wings that will fly you to success.

Jean Ricot Dormeus


If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Let education grow on you

Let education grow on you

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

The saga of Malala Yousafzai has inspired millions around the world to advance their education and made her the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She bravely faced the obscurantism of extremists in Pakistan, got shot on her head for promoting education for girls and had to migrate to the UK for  her life. Because ruthless people and groups have always used ignorance to consolidate their power and dominance, we must be willing to make the utmost sacrifice to get educated. Education guarantees our freedom and blazes a path to success.

Education rises us over the limitations of nature. We read books, fly airplanes and play music because we mostly belong to the spiritual realm. And the real difference between human beings is the development level of their minds. It is not surprising that families in which at least one of the members holds a university degree are more likely to overcome poverty. Education elevates us closer to the image of God.

It is ironic that most people are yet to grasp the value of reading, writing and counting. This situation affects even those whose forefathers were severely punished if they tried to learn. It takes determination to move from our comfort zone, to ingrain the habit of studying and to internalize new skills. When we taste the satisfaction of knowledge, there is no turning back. No one can improve their education and remain in the same situation.

Check what happens to illiterate people. How can you reach your potential if you refuse to read and are like those who cannot read? How can you find effective solutions to your finance, family or job problems without knowledge? Improve your life, let education grow on you.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Reap the benefits of equality

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Sally used to work as a domestic worker with a well-off family in a rural area. Aida, the mistress of the property always treated her with respect saying often: “we all share the same human nature, but just play different roles in society”. Then one day, misfortune swooped on the Aida’s family causing her two children to move in with relatives after her husband suddenly passed away. Aida ended up moving in Sally’s apartment in the city where she took a job. This reversal of fortune signals the importance of treating everyone on an equal footing regardless of our position.

Free and thriving societies appreciate the value of equality. When we level the ground in our families, schools, courts, public offices, businesses, we create the conditions for the full expression of genius, talents and individual efforts. A leadership gifted woman in a male controlled country would have no opportunity to uplift her community. A well educated immigrant would have little chance to serve successfully in a xenophobic society.

Liberty, fraternity and justice lie on the bedrock of equality. Equality promotes learning, sustains growth, and supports private initiatives. It is in our best interest to treat others as equals although our good breaks may lead us to think otherwise. Our good attitude will pay off, especially if we get the short end of the stick at some point. 

When Bernard became CEO of his company, his friend Jake told him: “You must be better than the others to reach the pinnacle”. However, he retorted: “Actually, I got there because people way better than me supported me”. Sage Solomon said, “The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong”. If we uphold equality, we will reap its benefits.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Carry beauty with you

Carry beauty with you

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Danish poet Hans Christian Anderson wrote a memorable piece about beauty and transformation, “the ugly duckling”. The little bird was born in a barnyard and suffered contempt, verbal and physical abuse from the others because of her appearance. She had to live a lonely life fleeing from one place to another until the day came when she joined a flock of swans and realized she was one of them with the same beauty. This story speaks to billions around the world who cannot see their own beauty and are subject to mockery and disdain from others. 

Every human being shares in God’s glory, because we are all made in his image. No physical distortion or damage can destroy this glorious signature. However, our beauty may be overshadowed by an undesirable inner life marked by evil thoughts and emotions. When we start seeing beauty in everyone, we end up developing awareness of our own.

Culture assigns degrees of attractiveness to different physical features. These standards usually do not stand the vagaries of life and the patina of time. The gold standard of beauty is a good spirit. Only a good spirit elevates us to appreciate our neighbor, a melodious piece of music, or a great painting. While visible beauty withers, inner beauty remains forever.

Genuine beauty lies in our hearts and minds and reflects in our attitude. A character imbued with love, grace, peace and diligence will always be beautiful. We seek to express our beauty with garments, ornaments and fragrance. We naturally project beauty through our character. Emerson got it right: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.”

Jean Ricot Dormeus


If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, September 27, 2019

The art of letting go

The art of letting go

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Single mother Bertie experienced frequent bouts of anger and depression. She couldn’t sustain long-term harmonious relationships, even with her children. She often brought up memories of unfair treatment at the hands of her step mother. As a result, she saw herself as a victim and had difficulty trusting anybody. She adopted a negative and judgmental attitude with fear and and anxiety dominating her emotions.

It took Bertie several therapy sessions, self-help reading and a connection with the Bible to turn her life around. She realized that her inability to live a happy life derived from unforgiveness toward the people who hurt her in the past. In the end, she  freed herself of this trap as she developed a more positive mindset.

Few people go through life without any incident that seared unfairness and pain on their mind. Our interpretation of what happened makes the difference. Either we learn from it or we suffer from it. In most cases, past experiences meant to grow our emotional muscles. No bodybuilder can be successful without tolerance to pain. The guitar player may have calluses at his fingertips, but without resilient fingers, there is no producing inspiring melodious music.

Letting go of past grievances brings along manifold benefits. Conflicts tend to be relegated in the past and give way to more harmonious relationships and a desire to please. The mind declutters for a better capacity to focus. Thenceforth, learning becomes easier and the present more enjoyable. We develop a sense of well-being as we suspend judgment on people, events and things.

It takes practice to make the art of letting go second nature. Pause often, bring your attention to the present and enjoy a better life.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Get past your obstacles

Get past your obstacles

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Kerby, an energetic young man in his thirties, worked for a small store for over ten years. He often struggled to make ends meet. At some point, he became comfortable in his workplace despite the challenges and lack of upward mobility. A friend of his encouraged him to apply for a data processing job that would increase his salary by 50%. He just had to pass a proficiency test and get certified. 

The test turned into an obstacle as Kerby could not develop quickly enough the habit of reading and learning. Only after a long time and many attempts did he get through and and seize the new job opportunity. The hardships he experienced instilled in him the desire to change his lifestyle and cultivate his mind.

No important journey comes through without obstacles or hardships. Often, the traveler has to conquer multiple giants, including the fear of failure, the fear of uncertainty and the resistance to change. In this case, the desire to succeed and reach destination must trump the reluctance to face these giants. The attractiveness of the goal has to surpass the appeal for security. Getting out of the comfort zone requires strategy, patience and effort.

Hardships have their place. How could we grow muscles with pain and resistance, or fly a plane without gravity? These obstacles, far from discouraging and pushing to resignation, mobilize our cognitive resources and unleash our creativity. Often, challenges, trials and tribulations are allies in disguise.

To slay these giants, you have no choice but to learn more and better, design effective plans and strategies, enlist a team and develop a positive mindset. With these arrows in your quiver, you will get past your obstacles.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Choose your allies

Choose your allies

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Alliance conjures up entities joining forces in the face of a common challenge. In times of war, countries team up to get an edge and in times of peace, they unite to dissuade potential enemies. Organizations, businesses, families and individuals also have allies they count on to advance their interests or to protect themselves. If you need advice or financial support to seize a business opportunity, you will immediately think of someone you can address. Likewise, if an emergency takes you to the hospital, you will want to advise a set of persons immediately.

Sometimes, we form alliances and make friends by default, without strategic thinking. For example, sharing a neighborhood or attending the same school might be a factor. However, lasting alliances require more in depth consideration such as affinity of goals, values and principles. If you strive to be a level headed person, an irritable and aggressive ally may derail your efforts. If you are passionate about working, an ally prone to pleasure or idleness might not be ideal.  And if you like to build, you may not consider a destructive ally.

Therefore, it is crucial to explore your motives and identify the interest you pursue within an alliance. You will be in a better place if you weigh the advantages and inconveniences and make the pertinent choice. Thoughtless relationships or alliances may prove useless and even harmful. When you need them, they may elude you.

Also, depriving yourself of alliances may not amount to a good strategy. Good allies will build you up, rejoice in your success and extend a hand in difficult times. When an alliance runs its course, consider your options and make the requisite change. For the sake of your future, choose the right allies.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Pursue your vocation

Pursue you vocation

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Gert was a renowned architect in the Caribbean and would catch the attention of any art lover and beauty conscious observer with the appeal, shimmering style and gracious features of the buildings he designed. The art came to him naturally and he pursued it with pleasure and passion. 

A while ago, Gert migrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. However, he received no attractive offer in his field. This situation prompted him to try his hand at computer science. He worked hard but was not able to reach the success or the level of satisfaction he enjoyed in architecture. He realized that architecture was his vocation.

Everyone possesses natural dispositions to perform some specific activities with ease and excellence. Work in such a context procures much satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Coworkers, friends and family members would express admiration and encouragement for the quality of the product or service that the gifted person produces. Think of Michael Angelo or Beethoven and countless great minds that have marked universal history. Their touch was simply exceptional.

When you enjoy your trade, the learning curve is embraced with gusto, hard work amounts to a breeze, the time dedicated to a piece seems to fly. No complaints, no vexing, no quitting, because challenges take special meaning. Internal motivation reaches its peak. And money becomes secondary despite its importance.

Culture, life circumstances and the need to make a living may not open you the gate to your vocation. However, take some time to assess your situation. If you know what your vocation is, by all means pursue it, even part time in the beginning. Not all roads lead to the Rome of a satisfying life.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Let your environment lift you up

Let your environment lift you up

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

A fish in the water, a bird in the air or an earthworm in the ground shows how every lifeform adapts and thrives in a particular environment. Our survival and success correlates with the quality of our environment. Reason why it is imperative to keep our surroundings as accommodating as possible. 

Parameters such as temperature, noise level, and cleanliness play an important role in our productivity and well-being. Other psychological factors like calm, hope and generosity expand our drive and success. Both external and internal stimuli deserve to be managed well to optimize the quality of our life.

Nature ecosystems with trees, flowers, rivers and animals help define our dispositions and play an important role in our development. Take a walk in a forest or a natural park, and you will feel better. Spend some time in a chaotic and filthy place, and you may experience the opposite feelings as people will be more inclined to anger and aggressiveness.

Like it or not, we receive the influence of people around us. If you fight an addiction, you will gain in avoiding companies that would act as enablers. Likewise, if you are irritable or prone to cursing, try to be in a peaceful social setting.

It is true your willpower can find ways to overcome any challenge, but with the right environment on your side, half of the battle is already won. Start adopting small tidiness habits such as making your bed regularly, organizing your drawers, get everything in its place, before you know it, you will feel empowered to effect greater change in your life. Let your environment lift you up.

Jean Ricot Dormeus


If this blog resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk in the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Practice impartiality

Practice impartiality

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Well balanced and thriving societies often take roots on fairness and respect for everyone, including the most vulnerable. They know that bias based on physical features, lack of education or economic status, impacts on progress, overlooks imperceptible genius and stifles an environment conducive to peace and harmony. Consequently, such societies advocate policies and attitudes that leave no one behind. Genuine freedom empowers us to uphold the dignity of every human being.

The United Nations and other international organizations promote a zero discrimination world. This promotion flows from the realization that intolerance, prejudice and racism wreak havoc as they justify abuse to other people, sometimes even unconsciously.

On the other hand, impartiality attaches great value to human life and helps us to keep our emotions in check. So we give credit where it is due despite our preferences, we extend a helping hand to the differently abled and we see our fellow men as our equals regardless of their appearance or circumstances.

Impartiality earns us the respect and appreciation of others in the long run. Our children, co-workers and friends give weight to our word and judgment. Further, we accept it when our team loses as we recognize that the opponent played better or had a good break. Even though we suffer some loss, impartiality empowers us to prepare better and win in the future.

Impartiality represents the substance of justice. When we uphold the rights of others and stand for the truth, someone will return us the favor in time of need. At the same time, we contribute to an environment of stability, peace and progress in our communities. Isn't this outcome a good enough reason to practice impartiality, zero prejudice and zero discrimination?

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check my book "Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future" for more tips on developing self and nation.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Solitude or time to develop yourself?

Solitude or time to develop yourself?

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


42 years old Marly finds herself alone often and confides that she experienced some trouble making the most of it. At some point, she made up her mind that solitude provides a great opportunity to develop herself. She has embarked on a program for learning, fitness and skills building. Now every moment she is alone has become an occasion to plant seeds for her future, and as such adds quality and class to her life.

Managing solitude or worse loneliness may present serious challenges. Mental traps abound such as idleness and boredom, or TV binge watching and frequent long phone conversations. However, amazing potential gains counterbalance those risks. If we invest a portion of our solitude time in thinking, learning and planning, in just a short while we will see much improvement in our life circumstances.

However, it takes a clear purpose to build such habits. Climbing up a mountain often requires a compelling reason, determination and perseverance. It compares to swimming or paddling upstream. The effort becomes bearable in proportion of the reward we derive from reaching our destination. The higher our expectations, the more motivated we get to put our downtime to good use. Purpose remains a determining factor.

The good use of solitude allows us to contemplate what we can become. Instead of getting sad or depressed, let's regain energy to move forward. Instead of killing time, let's make the best investment ever, an investment in our mind. Instead of engaging in empty entertainment, let's take pleasure in preparing our future.

If you have experienced trouble with solitude, put this special moment to work for you as a time to develop yourself.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book "Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future" for more tips on developing self and nation.



Friday, August 9, 2019

Integrity pays off

Integrity pays off

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


The royal palm tree offers a majestic illustration of integrity. No tropism, whether from light, gravity or other sources, would get it to bend. This tree stands tall even in the face of devastating events, such as hurricanes. Wouldn't it be beneficial to mirror a similar level of integrity in our lives? Can we align our beliefs, values and lifestyle irrespective of our circumstances? A focus on integrity prevents giving in to the appeal of self-indulgence or ill-advised shortcuts.

Integrity may not come naturally, because most of the time, it goes against our human nature and our culture. Also we often fall for easy solutions and instant gratification. Behaving the right way even when no one is looking may be our goal, but it takes commitment and a conducive environment.

Integrity fosters a clear conscience and boosts our self-confidence. If you do your best at work, show discipline and abide by the rules, you are more likely to exert influence and contribute to a well organized and well functioning institution. Your productivity increases as peace and harmony take stronger roots.

Further, integrity prepares the way to risk taking and resilience. In the Bible, Daniel's integrity empowered him to take the risk of saying no first to the king's diet, then to a requirement intended to prevent him from praying to God.

Leadership and management with integrity display excellence and inspire people to achieve their potential as leaders take full responsibility for the results of their team. 

In the end,  corrupt communities tend to decay and work at cross-purposes, while an honesty based society moves forward and upward. Integrity really pays off.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book "Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future" for more tips on developing self and nation.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

No pain no gain

No pain no gain

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Most people pursue pleasure and avoid pain. In fact, happiness features as a supreme value because our efforts in life aim at such a state. Contrary to feeling motivated at the thought of joy and success, we dread even the perspective of suffering and loss. Hence the question, "is pain all that bad?"

It is amazing that the dichotomy between pleasure and pain often fades away. The pain we experience when we study or work out at the gym precedes skills or fitness. The process of working smart and hard leads to success and financial achievements. And long hours practicing the piano or tennis prepare for great performance.

In other words, we grow when we embrace productive suffering. Process related pain throws a bridge that gets us to the bank of results on the other side of the river. Sometimes those who balk at efforts and focus fall into the trap of superficial, fake and fleeting happiness that produces  permanent or deeper pain in the future. The long-term result on the narrow road of building resilience always trumps the short-term profit on the highway of shortcuts and instant gratification.

Accepting procedural pain doesn't mean we should embrace masochism. We should not live in needless pain as it would deteriorate the quality and meaning of our lives.

The pain we take helps us face fears, threats and dangers. It gives us courage to stick to the task at hand until completion and brings out a sense of mission. It creates confidence and boosts energy to keep moving forward.

Do you crave success and happiness? Take some procedural pain and build resilience, because no pain no gain.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book "Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future" for more tips on developing self and nation.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Transform your world, start with yourself

Transform your world, start with yourself

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

We often strive to transform and improve our circumstances, our world. We proceed by applying external factors. We move objects by using force, we drive a car by bringing to bear a set of techniques and when we want others to behave in a determined way, we ask, teach, direct or even dictate. To our surprise, many times those around us do not respond as expected. So we wonder.

"We reap what we sow" is a principle that predominates in life. Usually, we receive kindness from being kind, we get heard from listening, and we lead by understanding and following. Desires matter, but may not suffice to produce the results we are after.

Our world reflects our mindset, knowledge level and expectations. Can a teacher with low expectations for her students stoke passion in them and extract brilliance from them? Not so sure. What if we consider ignorance as bliss and use it to better our societies? Well, chaos would ensue. What about negativity as a strategy to reach our goals? This strategy may be a recipe for failure.

No matter how we look at it, transformation starts with ourselves. The more we improve our skills and broaden our understanding, the more we contribute to change and better our world. The more productive relationships we build, the more harmonious become our families and communities.

We gain in developing awareness that we hold the key to achieving transformation goals. If we choose to work on ourselves, we will be surprised how people around us mirror what they see in us.

Do you want a more peaceful and prosperous world? Start practicing peace and pursuing prosperity today.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book "Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future" for more tips on developing self and nation.

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Keeping calm matters

Keeping calm matters

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Calm and gentleness carry power. The victory of the sun over the wind to get a man remove his coat in Aesop's fable brings this point home.

Often it feels counterintuitive to keep our calm in the face of major challenges, anger or insults. Many people respond in kind and oppose frustration or more anger to anger, offense to insult, and panic to honor or life threatening situations. They mistakenly equate to a show of force their responses to undesirable stimuli.

Keeping calm goes a long way. Intrinsic strength and control come out. Confidence is projected. And emerge conditions conducive to good relationships and desired results. In the end, we are better equipped to deal with difficult people or crises.

Staying calm allows us to protect our long-term interests against short-term satisfaction. The star of the future twinkles brighter to our eyes when we keep our emotional storms out of the way. Thus we are able to remain positive and marshal focus and energy to stick to hope.

Maturity and leadership sound hollow without composure. Others will pick up quickly your state of insecurity and show less inclination to trust and follow. All bark and no bite may not stave off the prowling wolf of low morale or lack of purpose. Right perception, knowing what to do and how to do it is the remedy to many vexing issues.

Keeping calm facilitates professional development, helps maintain good health and boosts productivity. However, it may not come naturally. The fruit of keeping calm results from watering the roots of good habits, reflection and understanding. Composure is worth your investment in terms of time and effort, because keeping calm matters.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book "Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future" for more tips on developing self and nation.