Red Pill or Blue Pill: Choosing the Maverick Mindset over Victimhood or Heroism

In the movie "The Matrix", the main character Neo is offered a choice between a red pill and a blue pill. The red pill represents the truth, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. The blue pill represents comfort and security, but it also means living in ignorance. This choice is a metaphor for the decisions we make in life. Do we choose to face the truth and take responsibility for our lives, or do we choose to live in a state of victimhood or wait for someone else to save us?

The victim mentality and savior mindset are two ways of looking at the world that can have a profound impact on our lives. Many of us have been conditioned to wait for a savior - someone who is bigger, stronger, smarter, and more awesome - to come and rescue us. We've been taught to believe that we are powerless to change our circumstances, and that we need someone else to come and fix things for us. On the other hand, some of us believe that we are the saviors, and that it is our responsibility to save others. This mentality can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and an inability to take care of ourselves.

Both of these mindsets are limiting and can have extremely destructive consequences in our own lives. In this blog, we will explore how to break free from these patterns and become a maverick - someone who takes responsibility for their life, makes tough decisions, and is willing to go against the grain. It's not always easy, and it can be uncomfortable at times, but it is necessary for growth and progress. So, are you ready to take the red pill and face the truth, or will you choose the blue pill and stay in your comfort zone? The choice is yours.

The concept of adopting a victim mindset vs the saviour complex has been on my mind lately. My observations lead me to believe that this information is put out through education, media, and entertainment systems and is reinforced through our trust circles; families, friendships, and even religious communities.

To understand the relevant mechanisms we first need to understand propaganda.  Propaganda plays a huge role in this conditioning process. Contrary to popular belief, propaganda is not 100% lies. In fact, it is mostly facts. It has enough facts to make it believable. A lie is actually a small component, so small that it goes undetected. However, the lie is so destructive that it can ruin generations.

Earlier we mentioned religion. It's important to note that in my opinion it's not religious books themselves that are the source of propaganda, but rather the teachings of their respective teachers who have adopted terrible philosophical approaches fueled by a poor world view and a lack of understanding of basic principles of how the world actually functions. They were subjected to bad teachings which they never took the time to do the due diligence on. Now they spread propaganda instead of wholesome spiritual teaching. Please don't get me not every religious leaders is spreading Propoganda. Yes the are those who have a healthy understanding of what they are teaching and are a good source of spiritual guidance.

However we need to be alert as both the victim mentality and the savior mindset can have extremely destructive consequences in your own life. I can bear witness to how both of these philosophies have captured different components of my life. Thankfully, I have identified and interrupted the pattern. I am now transforming my thinking so that my life can progress in the manner in it should and can be the man of impact I was designed to be.

Becoming Maverick is a beautiful and rewarding process, but it's hard work. It can be uncomfortable at times, and you have to make tough decisions. Yes! you're going to go against the grain and be controversial. Yes!  This will upset some people. Yes! Some might call you rebellious when you question things. Someone might label you a conspiracy theorist. And, yes, when you start teaching others, there will be those who attempt to discredit you. I know I've been there.

The truth can be uncomfortable when you have accepted a lie or incomplete theory as a fact. Truth challenges you to change your behavior. Humans don't like to change, but it's necessary for growth and progress. 

In future blogs, we will unpack the victim and savior mentalities in more detail. But until then, enjoy the Maverick journey. It's important to be discerning with the information we consume, and to make choices that lead to growth and enlightenment, rather than ignorance and enslavement. So let's be Mavericks, and encourage others to join us on this journey towards truth and progress. Share this blog with your friends, and let's continue to inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves.

 Shalom!

Challenging Outdated Parenting: A Maverick Approach to Raising the Next Generation

Challenging Outdated Parenting: A Maverick Approach to Raising the Next Generation

Becoming Maverick is a journey toward intentional living, personal growth, and greatness. It is about breaking free from inherited patterns, questioning what we’ve accepted as “normal,” and choosing a more conscious path forward.

As we walk this journey, one truth becomes unavoidable: how we parent matters. Parenting is not a side quest—it shapes future generations, cultures, and the world our children will one day lead. To become Maverick is to examine not only our careers, beliefs, and habits, but also the way we raise our children.

This reflection challenges outdated parenting models and invites a more progressive, intentional approach—one that allows us to live and love beyond limits.

Love Isn’t the Problem — Unexamined Tradition Is

Parents love their children. At least, we assume they do—and in most cases, they genuinely try their best.

So how do we end up harming the very people we love most?

Paradoxically, we often harm our children because we love them. In our desire to protect, provide, and preserve, we sometimes pass on habits, beliefs, and practices that no longer serve them. Love without reflection can become limitation.

Consider food—something essential, pleasurable, and deeply cultural. It can nourish, but it can also slowly poison when choices are driven by tradition rather than understanding. The same principle applies to parenting.

This idea echoes the haunting truth behind the song “Killing Me Softly.” Made famous globally by the Fugees in 1996, the phrase captures something uncomfortable: harm doesn’t always come loudly or violently. Sometimes, it comes gently—wrapped in love, familiarity, and good intentions.

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Parenting with Outdated Information

Most parents do not intentionally damage their children. They parent using the information available to them—information passed down through generations, reinforced by society, culture, and personal experience.

Here’s the challenge: much of that information is outdated.

In medicine, it can take over a decade for new discoveries to reach textbooks and training institutions. Professionals who don’t actively update themselves often practice with yesterday’s knowledge. Parenting is no different.

Without intentional learning and self-renewal, we default to what we were taught:

• “This worked for me.”

• “This is how I was raised.”

• “This is how it’s always been done.”

But what worked in one era may quietly fail in another.

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Universal Principles vs. Evolving Application

Some principles are timeless. Gravity still works. Human development still follows patterns. Children still need love, boundaries, safety, and affirmation.

What does change is how we apply those principles.

There was a time when humanity believed flight was impossible. The sky was the limit—literally. Today, we fly across continents and leave Earth’s atmosphere entirely. The laws of physics didn’t change; our understanding did.

Parenting is the same. Love remains essential. Guidance remains necessary. Discipline still matters. But the methods, awareness, and psychological insight must evolve.

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A Maverick Call to Progressive Parenting

To parent as a Maverick is not to reject the past entirely—but to question it wisely. It is to honour what still works while courageously upgrading what no longer serves.

Progressive parenting requires:

• Intentional learning

• Emotional intelligence

• Self-reflection

• Willingness to unlearn

• Openness to new research and perspectives

It asks us to parent not only for today, but for our children’s children—and generations beyond.

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Living and Loving Beyond Limits

Let us continue to parent to the best of our ability—but let us also be brave enough to grow.

Be kind to the third, fourth, fifth generation, and beyond. Challenge inherited limitations. Renew your mindset. Upgrade your understanding.

This is the Maverick way.

Live consciously. Love intentionally. Parent beyond limits.

Living with Intention: My Path to Becoming Maverick

Welcome back to "Becoming Maverick," a blog where I unpack my personal journey through life, sharing the lessons I've learned and the challenges I've overcome. It's a story of resilience, courage, and growth, inspired by the origin of the word "Maverick."

The term "Maverick" originated from the name of a Texas rancher, Samuel Maverick, who was known for his independent spirit and refusal to brand his cattle. He allowed his cattle to roam freely and unbranded, which went against the common practice of the time. Samuel Maverick's non-conformity and individuality led to the term "Maverick" being used to describe someone who is independent, unconventional, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

In this blog, I share some personal experiences, insights, and reflections as I've embraced my own Maverick mindset and navigated through life's challenges and opportunities. I'll be candid about the lessons I've learned, the mistakes I've made, and the wisdom I've gained along the way. My aim is to give hope and inspiration to those who may be facing their own challenges or seeking guidance on their own journey towards success.

Through my journey, I've come to realize that Becoming Maverick is about more than just being independent and unconventional. It's also about giving purpose and meaning to life. As Earl Nightingale once said, "A life without purpose is like a ship without a guidance system." So many people simply let life happen to them, without actively pursuing their passions, dreams, and goals. But being a Maverick is about living life with intention, purpose, and direction.

In this blog, I also explore how finding purpose and meaning in life has been a driving force behind my journey of Becoming Maverick. I share some of my passions, setting clear goals, and aligning my actions with my values have given my life direction and helped me navigate through challenges and setbacks. I will also discuss how embracing change, taking risks, and learning from failures have been essential in my pursuit of purposeful living.

To all the regular readers, thank you for your continued support and engagement. Your encouragement and feedback have been invaluable on this journey of Becoming Maverick. I hope our diverse perspectives and insights will inspired you and provided you with encouragement and motivation.

For those who are new to the blog, welcome! I encourage you to return and join us on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and purposeful living. As John C. Maxwell once said, "You don't have to be intentional to exist, but you do have to be intentional to live." If you resonate with our message of embracing challenges, living with intention, and finding meaning in life, I invite you to share this blog with anyone who could benefit from diverse perspectives or needs some encouragement on their own journey.

Together, let's continue to explore the joys and challenges of life, uncover the power of purpose, and embrace the Maverick mindset. Thank you for being a part of our community, and I look forward to sharing more insights and lessons with you in the future.

 Please feel free to leave comment, I would appreciate your perspective.

With gratitude,

Steven WAYNE Nicholls

Why Boys Need Fathers: Rebuilding Society by Raising Healthy Boys

What is a Father?

A father—from the Latin pater, meaning protector and source—has historically been more than a provider. Boys need fathers who offer accountability, affirmation, and presence, shaping healthy identities, strong families, and resilient societies.

Why Boys Need Fathers: Rebuilding Society by Raising Healthy Boys

I recently had the opportunity to spend time on a mountaintop with a group of boys from the Zandrift community. Experiences like these always reaffirm a conviction that sits deep in my soul: boys matter, and fatherhood matters even more.

My work allows me to engage with people from many walks of life—educators, social development practitioners, spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, and elders rich with hard-earned wisdom. Each conversation is a privilege. Yet, among them all, boys remain closest to my heart.

Why? Because I am convinced that if we raise boys who are physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy, we raise healthy families. Healthy families build healthy communities. Healthy communities shape cities, nations, and ultimately the world.

This is not a popular opinion in an age of gender wars and emotionally charged narratives. But if we pause the rhetoric, silence the extremes, and actually fact-check the data, it becomes clear: the crisis facing boys is profound and largely ignored.

Repairing Society Starts With Repairing Boys

Let me be clear—this is not an attempt to minimise the seriousness of gender-based violence. On the contrary, it is an invitation to confront its root causes.

Unaddressed childhood trauma in boys does not disappear with age. It mutates.
A wounded boy often grows into a wounded man—and wounded men become society’s most expensive problems: incarceration, addiction, violence, and broken families.

We often abandon boys when they are young, fail to nurture them emotionally, and then condemn them as adults for the very damage we refused to heal. That feels deeply unjust.

If we want safer communities, we must intervene earlier. We must stop asking, “What’s wrong with men?” and start asking, “What happened to them as boys?”

Why Fatherhood Is Non-Negotiable

As a father of two daughters, this issue is deeply personal. One day, I will welcome sons-in-law into my family. I imagine them to be men of discipline, honour, integrity, and moral courage.

I pray for my daughters’ future husbands. But prayer without action is incomplete. Scripture teaches us that faith requires participation. We must collaborate with God by showing up where it matters most—fatherhood.

Historically, society has reduced the role of fathers to one primary function: financial provision. While provision is important, it is incomplete.

In the pursuit of success, status, and survival, many men have overlooked the true value of fatherhood.

The Two Roles Boys Desperately Need From Fathers

I would argue that accountability and affirmation should sit at the top of a father’s responsibility list.

• Accountability teaches boys boundaries, discipline, and self-control.

• Affirmation builds identity, confidence, and emotional security.

A father can provide wealth, property, and privilege—but if he withholds affirmation and refuses to hold his children accountable, he has failed in his highest calling. And society eventually pays the price.

Both boys and girls need this from their fathers. But boys, in particular, crave a strong, present male figure who says:

• “I see you.”

• “I’m proud of you.”

• “Your actions matter.”

A Call to Leaders, Fathers, and Mentors

Leadership is influence. Whether you are a father, mentor, coach, pastor, teacher, or community leader—your presence matters.

Let us raise boys who know who they are.
Let us hold them accountable without crushing their spirits.
Let us affirm them without excusing destructive behaviour.

May we learn to echo the words of our Heavenly Father:

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Because when boys know they are seen, guided, and loved, they become men capable of changing the world for the better.

Enjoy your journey of Becoming Maverick.

Shalom!

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https://biblehub.com/matthew/3-17.htm

Building Your Dream Occupation: How to Find Purpose, Fulfillment, and Success at Work

Occupation Defined

Your occupation is more than just a job—it’s the way you engage with the world daily, the role you play, and the impact you make. It is the expression of your purpose, skills, and passion, shaping both your life and the lives of others.

 

Building the Dream Occupation

What Drives Us to Work

Why do we work? At its core, work is a pursuit of happiness. But what is happiness? It’s personal, unique to each individual, yet it rests on two foundational principles:

1. Societal Contribution: The work we do must create value in the world, leaving a positive impact on others.

2. Personal Fulfillment: The effort we invest must bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

In essence, true satisfaction comes when what we give to the world is returned in a meaningful way.

Every person has a purpose—a “Why”—that lives in their heart. Until you pursue your goals, your true dreams, you cannot feel complete in your occupation. Purpose fuels resilience. It provides hope. And hope is the most powerful tool a human being possesses. Without it, we stagnate; with it, we can overcome any obstacle.

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Defining Work

Let’s examine the term occupation. It comes from the root word “occupied”. Your occupation is what fills your days—your consistent engagement, contribution, and labor.

• Some devote themselves to educating others, sharing knowledge, skills, and wisdom.

• Others bring joy through entertainment and creativity.

• Avoid being occupied with destructive or illegal activities.

Your occupation is anything you actively engage in, so choose wisely.

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Seek Knowledge

To fulfill your purpose, education is essential. Knowledge empowers you to serve effectively. As the Hebrew prophet Hosea said, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.”

But knowledge alone is not enough—it must be applied. Education is holistic, touching body, mind, and spirit:

• Spirit: Understand your true identity. Know who you are.

• Mind: Clarify your goals. Understand what you aim to achieve.

• Body: Master the skills and take the actions required to reach your goals.

This requires a commitment to both formal and informal learning, without limits. Study relentlessly, apply your knowledge, and grow continuously.

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Last Word

Never allow your environment to define your potential. Use whatever resources are available—your skills, your tools, your creativity—to grow, build, and advance. Every step you take brings you closer to creating the occupation of your dreams.

 Shalom!

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From Failure to Success: Mastering the 5 P’s to Create Thriving Businesses

What is Success?

Success is the consistent pursuit of goals with courage, focus, and adaptability. On the Maverick journey, it’s measured by growth, impact, and the ability to turn setbacks into opportunities.

 

The 5 P’s Every Maverick Entrepreneur Must Master

Starting a business is not just theory—it’s lived experience. Over the past two decades, I’ve had both failures and successes while creating and growing enterprises. What I’ve learned is that success consistently ties back to five critical factors, commonly called the 5 P’s. Understand what you control and how to adapt to your environment, and you’ll progress faster toward your goals, becoming more productive on your journey of Becoming Maverick.

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1. Product – Solve Real Problems

Your product or service must address a real need. It doesn’t matter how innovative it is—if it doesn’t solve a problem, it won’t sell. My failures often came from products that weren’t desired; my successes came when I truly understood customer needs. Always focus on value.

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2. Place – Position for Visibility

Where you sell matters. Whether it’s an online store, a physical shop, or a hybrid model, the right place amplifies your chances of success. Choose locations or platforms where your target audience already spends time. Poor placement can kill a business quickly.

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3. Price – Balance Value and Profit

Pricing is more than numbers; it communicates value. Too high and you risk losing customers; too low and you undermine your brand and profitability. Research, test, and adapt your pricing strategy. My lessons here came from both underpricing and overpricing mistakes—but adapting fast made all the difference.

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4. Promotion – Communicate Value Authentically

Promotion isn’t about tricking customers—it’s about informing, educating, and building trust. Manipulative marketing may yield a quick sale, but loyal, long-term relationships drive sustainable growth. Customer retention beats one-time wins every time.

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5. People – The Most Critical P

Without people, your business is dead. This includes customers, employees, partners, and even seemingly small connections. Some of my biggest opportunities came from unexpected relationships. Treat everyone with respect; nurture your network—it’s the lifeblood of your enterprise.

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Key Takeaways from My Journey

• Experiment and Adapt: No two businesses are identical; the environment changes constantly.

• Learn from Failure: Every mistake teaches which P needs attention or adjustment.

• Control What You Can: Focus on what’s within your influence, and adapt to what you can’t control.

• Start Now: Delay gives competitors the chance to capture the opportunity.

Success in business isn’t a straight path—it’s a journey of learning, adapting, and applying the 5 P’s in every decision. Master them, and you’ll create enterprises that thrive while progressing in your personal journey of Becoming Maverick.

Final Thought: Your Maverick Moment

The 5 P’s are more than business principles—they are your map to freedom, growth, and impact. You have the power to shape your journey, learn from every setback, and turn every challenge into an opportunity.

So, don’t wait for the perfect moment or the “right conditions.” Start now. Test, adapt, and keep moving forward. Every small action compounds into progress.

Mavericks don’t just dream—they act. Take control of your product, your place, your price, your promotion, and most importantly, your people. Build something that matters. Leave a mark. And remember: the world needs your unique contribution—so step boldly, act wisely, and become the Maverick you were born to be.

Shalom!

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Image source: https://www.pexels.com/@august-de-richelieu/

You can read more on these P's  in an article by ALEXANDRA TWIN published on Investopia.

See the link below.

https://www.investopedia.com/contributors/54405/

The Key to Life: Faith, Relationships, and Favour

The Key to Life: Faith, Relationships, and Favour

In psychology and social science, love is defined as a committed pattern of care, attachment, and action that seeks the good of another. Scripture echoes this truth: love and faithfulness are not emotions to feel but virtues to live. Proverbs 3:3 teaches that when love is embodied and expressed through our relationships and work, it shapes character, builds trust, and brings favour with God and people.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” — Proverbs 3:3

There Is a Formula for Favour

In the Christian faith, Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of life. His death and resurrection stand at the very centre of Christianity, not only as theological truths but as living principles that shape how we engage with the world.

God is extraordinary.

Yet God is also both natural and supernatural.

As God’s children, we are called to understand both natural truths and spiritual truths if we are to live effectively on this side of paradise. Faith is not disconnected from real life; it is meant to inform how we work, relate, lead, and serve.

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The Cross as the Key to Life

For a moment, imagine “The Key to Life” shaped like a cross.

According to Scripture, Jesus died on a cross, and throughout history Christians have used the cross as a symbol of devotion, sacrifice, and redemption. But beyond symbolism, the cross carries a powerful relational lesson.

The vertical beam represents humanity’s relationship with the Creator.

The horizontal beam represents our relationship with other people.

These are the two primary relationships every human being must navigate.

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Taking a Closer Look at the Horizontal Beam

Let’s zoom in on the horizontal line of the cross.

This line represents interpersonal relationships — how we treat people, how we build trust, and how we steward connection.

We often underestimate just how important relationships are.

If you were asked what you need to start a business, you would likely list capital, skills, strategy, or resources. Financing would probably be at the top.

But I would argue that the most important item on that list should be relationships.

The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life.

This truth applies just as much in the corporate world as it does in personal life. The old saying, “It’s not so much what you know, but who you know,” may sound uncomfortable — but it contains a great deal of truth.

Everything flows from and is sustained by relationships. When money is no longer an option, when systems fail, and when plans collapse, relationships are often what carry us through.

If you pause long enough to reflect, you will likely reach the same conclusion.

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Let’s Get Personal

When I look back on my life, I can clearly see that people have played a direct role in both the highs and the lows I’ve experienced.

Modern systems increasingly push us away from human interaction and toward screens, platforms, and devices. Yet no app has ever replaced the power of genuine human connection.

Every system, device, and piece of software is ultimately designed, owned, and operated by a person.

The last few years have been especially challenging. However, because of the relationships my wife and I have intentionally nurtured over time — both personally and professionally — we didn’t just survive the storms of life.

We triumphed.

We grew in resilience, perspective, and depth. Was it easy? No. But it was progressive.

Out of respect for those relationships, I won’t share specific examples on a public platform. Their integrity matters too.

(A deeper conversation can take place during our next Coffee session.)

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A Call to Live with Intentional Integrity

Let me leave you with this encouragement:

Treat every human being with love, dignity, and respect.

Let your actions give weight to your words.

Live with high integrity and pursue quality in all areas of life.

Get personal. Pay attention to the small details in the lives of those you interact with — both professionally and personally. Those details matter more than we realise.

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Meditate on This

Proverbs 3:1–6

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Engage

Take a moment to reflect on these verses. How are you living out love, faithfulness, and integrity in your relationships and work? Share your thoughts in the comments below — your perspective can inspire others on their Maverick journey.

We've all come to learn.

Please be kind and express your thoughts in the comments.

Shalom!

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