By Michael Rayel
"Some people dare to dream only for themselves. Mama dared to dream for the benefit of others. Mama willingly shared what she had and made others better off."
I shared these words of wisdom with relatives and friends as we bade Mama good-bye last year. It was a painful, difficult moment for us. However, her contributions to life overshadowed the hurt associated with her unexpected departure.
Even before I could fully recover, I decided to name an award to honor her memory and to celebrate her walk on this earth. "Oikos Global Award - Lourdes Gregorio Rayel Outstanding Youth Award" is a fitting tribute to a woman who made a difference in the lives of her family, relatives, and friends.
Perhaps you'd wonder, "Who is she?" "Does she deserve it?"
In 2001, Mama visited Clarenville and stayed with us for about six months. As she walked around the block with her grandkids, our neighbors would greet her with sweet smiles and warm hellos. She was amazed how kind people were. She just loved this place!
Let me tell you more about Mama and what I learned from her. In fact, I'd like to share with you eight life lessons that inspired me all these years. I believe that these lessons are Mama's legacy and I hope that we can all learn from her life.
First life lesson: Be Enthusiastic
Mama was always enthusiastic. She was enthusiastic as a teacher, as a businesswoman, and as a mother. A relative once commented that my mom was "a woman in a hurry" and "always busy." And yet you could always find a smile on her face, even during stressful times. It was her positive attitude and enthusiasm that helped her develop long-term friendships and business relationships all through the years.
Second life lesson: Pursue Your Priorities
When she got married, she committed to raise her family the best way she could. Mama was always willing to provide her precious time. We prayed, went to church, and had fun together as a family. Many times, she had to swallow her pride just to borrow Boy Scout uniform or rent formal attire so we could participate in school programs.
Early on, she made us aware of her mission -- to provide us with college education regardless of her financial circumstance. She considered education as the only way to prepare us for the future.
Third life lesson: Develop a Strong Focus
Mama worked hard. She used to wake up early (around 5 AM) despite going to bed late (around 1 or 2 AM) to prepare the store for the day. Aside from her day job as a teacher, she was a full-time businesswoman in the evenings. She took care of her small restaurant and barbershop after work. On school days, I saw her rush to work not just with a lesson plan but also with products in tow. Through hard work and focus, Mama and Papa expanded their farm and grew their small business.
Fourth life lesson: Establish Your Integrity
Mama's fellow teachers and friends talked about her integrity. Her words were consistently followed by appropriate actions. In short, her words were her actions and vice versa. No wonder, she gained the trust of her friends, relatives, and customers.
Fifth life lesson: Believe in Your Abilities
Mama made us believe that we could achieve our goals. I was only ten years old when she would announce to everyone how "intelligent" my siblings and I were. Mama was always proud of us. She valued us. She often reminded us that we had a bright future. Because of her unceasing praise and positive expectations, we have confidence and strong belief in ourselves.
Sixth life lesson: Practice Self-Reflection
As a teenager, I used to share with her my unconventional ideas about morality, religion, and politics. Instead of making comments, she would listen intently and made sure she understood me. Even during those times when I made mistakes, she never argued nor gave advice.
But I realized later that her "quiet" response allowed me to analyze and criticize my own thoughts and behavior during my quiet moments. Likewise, it allowed me to learn from my mistakes through self-reflection.
Seventh life lesson: Be Generous
Mama epitomizes a life of generosity. She gave even if she had little. I remember as a young boy when she had to borrow money so she could give to a relative or a close friend who needed urgent help. In addition, she sent some of our relatives' kids to school. She liked to help because she experienced the harsh reality of poverty when she was young. It was this profound sensitivity that endeared her to the hearts of others.
Eighth life lesson: Have Faith
Like any person who dealt with family problems, she suffered from sleepless nights and emotional pain. During challenging times, her only refuge was prayer. I saw her endure from many ordeals. She wept and lost weight. And yet through prayers, she maintained her equanimity and survived the worst storms in her life.
Life gave Mama its wonders and hardships, its opportunities and challenges, and its surprises and disappointments. No doubt, she embraced them all with acceptance and firm resolve.
Mama lived a life of purpose. She dared to dream so others can pursue their own dreams -- till the end.
Copyright © 2007. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (A 31-Day Series and First Aid to Mental Illness) psychiatrist, and inventor of emotional intelligence games -- The Oikos Game Series and The CEO. Since 2005, he has published Oikos’ Insights! ( http://www.oikosinsights.com ) as an online resource for personal development. For more information, visit http://www.oikosglobal.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Rayel
Monday, 19 November 2007
Self Observation And A Commitment To Change
By Shirley Carton
I NEVER KNEW I WAS BLIND...
BUT NOW I SEE."
When are we going to be ready to make a commitment to change, and stop making excuses ?
God grants me the Strength to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things that I can and the Power to live a life that matters.
Keep on doing wrong things and making bad decisions and you will live in complete chaos.
Life is a tightrope!
The secret is to learn how to balance it. To learn how to do more good and less bad. The only good things we can take with us when we die are our Good Deeds of Acceptance, Love, Compassion, Kindness and Giving.
Where are you right now in your humanity?
Is your heart open wide to all mankind?
Doing a Self-Observation exercise will enlighten you.
Writing gives you another ocean to swim in. Writing creates a powerful, brilliant, creative and healing energy.
Writing and Contemplation brings forth the real truth.
Below I have written a few questions to ask yourself for a self-observation challenge.
Write down all your answers, all your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and the things you need to change.
* How am I Thinking?
* How do I Treat People?
* Do I React to every little thing?
* Do I have Self control?
* Am I Impatient?
* Do I Criticize, Gossip, Assume or Judge People?
* Am I Selfish?
* Do I keep my word?
* Am I always truthful?
* Do I listen to what people say, or do I always butt in to express my thoughts and beliefs?
* Do things have to be done my way or no way?
* Do I complain about the way things are done most of the time?
* Do I assume I know what people want and need, or what is best for them?
* Do I have very high expectations of everyone?
* Do I want everything to be perfect?
* Am I Kind, Compassionate and Loving?
* Am I uplifting, contributing and praising to people in my choice of words and actions - or am I Contaminating?
* Do I look for the good in people - or do I find faults and pick on them?
* Do I appreciate people for who they are - or do I try to change them into who I want them to be?
* Do I live my life with integrity, honesty, high morals, values, and principles?
* Do I honour my commitments and promises?
* Do I Honour and Love Myself?
When you think about these self-observations, ask yourself one final question - What Changes Do I Need To Make?
Be a blessing to others and you will be blessed. Live your Life in Amazing Grace.
Do not let life discourage you. Everyone who got where they are, began where they were !!!!
Shirley is a teacher, counselor, public speaker and the author of the comprehensive self help manual "Discover the Power of Thoughts".
Visit Shirley's website www.stepswa.com.au
"Discover the Power of Thoughts." book by Shirley Carton. Published Author. Teacher. Life Coach. Founder of the Steps personal and spiritual development program and an expert on Positive Thinking, Intuition and Meditation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirley_Carton
I NEVER KNEW I WAS BLIND...
BUT NOW I SEE."
When are we going to be ready to make a commitment to change, and stop making excuses ?
God grants me the Strength to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things that I can and the Power to live a life that matters.
Keep on doing wrong things and making bad decisions and you will live in complete chaos.
Life is a tightrope!
The secret is to learn how to balance it. To learn how to do more good and less bad. The only good things we can take with us when we die are our Good Deeds of Acceptance, Love, Compassion, Kindness and Giving.
Where are you right now in your humanity?
Is your heart open wide to all mankind?
Doing a Self-Observation exercise will enlighten you.
Writing gives you another ocean to swim in. Writing creates a powerful, brilliant, creative and healing energy.
Writing and Contemplation brings forth the real truth.
Below I have written a few questions to ask yourself for a self-observation challenge.
Write down all your answers, all your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and the things you need to change.
* How am I Thinking?
* How do I Treat People?
* Do I React to every little thing?
* Do I have Self control?
* Am I Impatient?
* Do I Criticize, Gossip, Assume or Judge People?
* Am I Selfish?
* Do I keep my word?
* Am I always truthful?
* Do I listen to what people say, or do I always butt in to express my thoughts and beliefs?
* Do things have to be done my way or no way?
* Do I complain about the way things are done most of the time?
* Do I assume I know what people want and need, or what is best for them?
* Do I have very high expectations of everyone?
* Do I want everything to be perfect?
* Am I Kind, Compassionate and Loving?
* Am I uplifting, contributing and praising to people in my choice of words and actions - or am I Contaminating?
* Do I look for the good in people - or do I find faults and pick on them?
* Do I appreciate people for who they are - or do I try to change them into who I want them to be?
* Do I live my life with integrity, honesty, high morals, values, and principles?
* Do I honour my commitments and promises?
* Do I Honour and Love Myself?
When you think about these self-observations, ask yourself one final question - What Changes Do I Need To Make?
Be a blessing to others and you will be blessed. Live your Life in Amazing Grace.
Do not let life discourage you. Everyone who got where they are, began where they were !!!!
Shirley is a teacher, counselor, public speaker and the author of the comprehensive self help manual "Discover the Power of Thoughts".
Visit Shirley's website www.stepswa.com.au
"Discover the Power of Thoughts." book by Shirley Carton. Published Author. Teacher. Life Coach. Founder of the Steps personal and spiritual development program and an expert on Positive Thinking, Intuition and Meditation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirley_Carton
10 Ideas About Life Purpose
By Alvah Parker Platinum Quality Author
What is your life purpose? Is it helpful to know what it is? This list provides some ideas about life purpose that may be helpful to you if you have ever wondered about yours.
1. Your life purpose is something you have always known either consciously or unconsciously.
2. Your life purpose is unique to you. Others may use similar words to state their purpose but the expression of that purpose is different for each person.
3. Part of your life purpose includes the work that only you were meant to do. The world needs you to do it and if you choose not to, the world loses the benefit of that aspect of you.
4. When your goals and intentions are not consistent with your life purpose, they are difficult to achieve and result in fleeting gratification.
5. If you don't know your life purpose but believe you have one, then perhaps there is a part of you that knows that purpose. One way of finding your purpose includes discovering that part of you that knows your purpose.
6. When your work is aligned with your purpose it is easier to do and you attract more of it. (This is helpful for anyone who is marketing themselves. i.e. lawyers and job seekers.)
7. People often are fearful about finding their purpose. Often the fear concerns being forced to act on their life purpose. In fact everyone has the choice of whether to utilize that purpose or not. (See number 9)
8. Many people find their purpose accidentally. Some people find work and life experiences that use their purpose without really consciously knowing what that purpose is.
9. Some people choose to live a life without purpose. This may be a conscious choice or it could be because the person has other needs that have to be taken care of first i.e. food, shelter, safety.
10. Just because you find your purpose does not mean life will be without pain. Life has its ups and downs for everyone. Using your life purpose is a means to have a more satisfying life.
About Alvah Parker
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. To subscribe send an email to join-roadtosuccess@go.netatlantic.com
Parker works with successful attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their work and are willing to take action to create a more profitable practice and a more fulfilling life. Alvah also helps attorneys and others who want to change careers and find the work that is more meaningful and fulfilling. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alvah_Parker
What is your life purpose? Is it helpful to know what it is? This list provides some ideas about life purpose that may be helpful to you if you have ever wondered about yours.
1. Your life purpose is something you have always known either consciously or unconsciously.
2. Your life purpose is unique to you. Others may use similar words to state their purpose but the expression of that purpose is different for each person.
3. Part of your life purpose includes the work that only you were meant to do. The world needs you to do it and if you choose not to, the world loses the benefit of that aspect of you.
4. When your goals and intentions are not consistent with your life purpose, they are difficult to achieve and result in fleeting gratification.
5. If you don't know your life purpose but believe you have one, then perhaps there is a part of you that knows that purpose. One way of finding your purpose includes discovering that part of you that knows your purpose.
6. When your work is aligned with your purpose it is easier to do and you attract more of it. (This is helpful for anyone who is marketing themselves. i.e. lawyers and job seekers.)
7. People often are fearful about finding their purpose. Often the fear concerns being forced to act on their life purpose. In fact everyone has the choice of whether to utilize that purpose or not. (See number 9)
8. Many people find their purpose accidentally. Some people find work and life experiences that use their purpose without really consciously knowing what that purpose is.
9. Some people choose to live a life without purpose. This may be a conscious choice or it could be because the person has other needs that have to be taken care of first i.e. food, shelter, safety.
10. Just because you find your purpose does not mean life will be without pain. Life has its ups and downs for everyone. Using your life purpose is a means to have a more satisfying life.
About Alvah Parker
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. To subscribe send an email to join-roadtosuccess@go.netatlantic.com
Parker works with successful attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their work and are willing to take action to create a more profitable practice and a more fulfilling life. Alvah also helps attorneys and others who want to change careers and find the work that is more meaningful and fulfilling. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alvah_Parker
Self Motivation Test
By Munyaradzi Chinongoza
If you want to know what exactly motivates you then there is an online self motivation test designed to see all the different sources that motivate you that mainly focus on your professional goals and desires. If you know your motivation then you will be able to choose the correct career for yourself, you will be able to develop your career in the proper way and even be able to motivate yourself to complete the tasks you do not like to do.
There are various factors that determine your success such as money the respect from your friends and also adventure. By completing this test you will b e able to see what exactly motivates you and what you should actually do to achieve this success. There are 15 different sections in which motivation is divided into. Each category plays a role in your life.
The categories are power which is how much you like controlling other people, lifestyle which is do you need to have a comfortable lifestyle, creativity do you need a creative outlet, status do you hope to be on the higher end of society, respect is it important to you what other people think about your work.
Then there is stability which is how often do you want to change jobs, compensation is money your main motivator, location do you mind traveling far, intellectualism are you able to work on repetitive tasks, philanthropy are you eager to give back to the community, travel do you need adventure to travel?
The other categories are recognition do you want to be recognized by strangers, family is your family what motivates you, self-improvement how important it is for you to develop in your profession, and finally independence do you work better without a boss. When you have completed the self motivation test you will see your top motivational strengths and also your weaknesses.
If you want more FREE information on self motivation test, please visit our website: http://selfmotivation4life.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Munyaradzi_Chinongoza
If you want to know what exactly motivates you then there is an online self motivation test designed to see all the different sources that motivate you that mainly focus on your professional goals and desires. If you know your motivation then you will be able to choose the correct career for yourself, you will be able to develop your career in the proper way and even be able to motivate yourself to complete the tasks you do not like to do.
There are various factors that determine your success such as money the respect from your friends and also adventure. By completing this test you will b e able to see what exactly motivates you and what you should actually do to achieve this success. There are 15 different sections in which motivation is divided into. Each category plays a role in your life.
The categories are power which is how much you like controlling other people, lifestyle which is do you need to have a comfortable lifestyle, creativity do you need a creative outlet, status do you hope to be on the higher end of society, respect is it important to you what other people think about your work.
Then there is stability which is how often do you want to change jobs, compensation is money your main motivator, location do you mind traveling far, intellectualism are you able to work on repetitive tasks, philanthropy are you eager to give back to the community, travel do you need adventure to travel?
The other categories are recognition do you want to be recognized by strangers, family is your family what motivates you, self-improvement how important it is for you to develop in your profession, and finally independence do you work better without a boss. When you have completed the self motivation test you will see your top motivational strengths and also your weaknesses.
If you want more FREE information on self motivation test, please visit our website: http://selfmotivation4life.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Munyaradzi_Chinongoza
Are You Being The Best You?
By Mary Gardner
I recently spent some time reading a good friend, Simon T. Bailey's book, "Releasing Your Brilliance" last night and it got me thinking along that path. Although I am a coach and work with individuals daily to find their inner wisdom, and to always build on their strengths, I often fail at reaching my own inner brilliance.
A visit to my mentor coach, Dwight Bain, usually cures that. Dwight is working with me to focus on my strengths and not what drains me. My coaching session with Dwight made fireworks go off, and he challenged me to write the titles of my next 10 books. I'm happy to say that that exercise is done and I'm thrilled with what has developed.
I learned that we all have a fishing net that helps us capture opportunities or sales for our business. If there are holes in the fishing net, where systems aren't set up, then you're missing opportunities. I've got a few holes in my net, and part of that is wasting times on projects that aren't profitable.
What I've been learning is that when you play many roles in many peoples lives, there are times that you just have to take a breath, slow down, and regroup. Sometimes, there are going to be moments of question in your mind, moments of doubt and moments where you think, is it all really worth it and is this what I really want anyway? Other times, you'll think: "why did I just spend all that time doing that and it did absolutely nothing beneficial for me whatsoever".
Sometimes, the roles we play will take on more importance and we have to walk away or say, "not now" to the other roles we take an active role in during part of our lives. For instance, for the past 2 weeks and this coming week, I've been letting the role of mom dominate my time. I've been school shopping, and reading to my son, and visiting the library and squeezing in last minute play dates and fun times so he has fond memories of this summer. As a result, I haven't finished a few projects sitting on my desk, and have had to turn down some work that has come my way during this time. Do I want the money? Who doesn't? But my "role" this week is to be the best mom I can, so the money coming in doesn't make me a better mom.
I have other projects that are in the gestation stage and my partners' excitement is fun but again, I have to evaluate it and ask myself: "does this fit in to my life right now and is it a priority for me"? My coach asked me to use the word: WIIFM - What's In it For Me? He determined that I am a giver and often times give more than I've received. I have to agree that's been true. As a result, I've been able to step away and look at the energy and time that will be given to that project, and what profit will it bring and will it feed my values? If not, then I have to say no, or not now to the project. If it does work in, then I can set up my systems so it benefits my business.
So now, I ask myself the question: "does this fill part of my net? Is this activity furthering my values or a project that I hope to finish?" If not, then I have to put the activity in my social time, or exercise or another value driven activity. If it fits nowhere, I have to ask, is this the right thing for me to do at this time in my life?
What about you? Are you spending time doing things that don't fill your net? Are you wasting time or allowing it to drain away? Or are you spending time being with the people that fill you and doing activities that will aid you or others close to you in some way?
The challenge is to figure out what you want to accomplish. Is it to be the best mom in the world to your kids? What does that look like to you? If you were that, then what activities would you and your kids be doing? Would they be vegging out in front of the TV or computer, or would they be with you at the pool or exploring or learning a new activity? Do you want to be the top sales performer this quarter? How are you going to get there? Will it be by reading every single email that comes in your box or will it be to spend more time listening to motivational tapes?
This week, I'm being mom. I'm cooking, I'm nurturing, I'm reading, I'm exercising, and I'm shopping. I still have work to do, but I'll be doing it after hours. Next week, I'll be working on my products, and finding editors and writing and editing my book. I'll start to set up meetings with potential business partners and alliances.
Next Saturday, August 18, 2007, I'll be giving one of my favorite workshops: "Developing Your Inner Charisma" at The Knowledge Shop in Winter Park. (www.theknowledgeship.us) It's Saturday from 1-4PM. When you see me there, I'll be The Charisma Coach! I'll be cheering the participants on, and helping them to see where their special brilliance is located. And I will know that I will be experiencing mine: helping others find what works for them. I will feel that special feeling of loving being a coach, and know, that I was the best mom that I could be all week, and that's the best feeling to know... that I can do both!
Mary Gardner, Author of "The Insiders Guide to Professional and Motivational Speaking" , is an executive Communications Consultant and Coach. She is president of Lifestyles Communications, Inc. which helps individuals communicate in the new global and virtual world. Her website is http://www.marygardner.com Sign up for a free report on Sales Tips for the Non Sales Professional at http://www.marygardner.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Gardner
I recently spent some time reading a good friend, Simon T. Bailey's book, "Releasing Your Brilliance" last night and it got me thinking along that path. Although I am a coach and work with individuals daily to find their inner wisdom, and to always build on their strengths, I often fail at reaching my own inner brilliance.
A visit to my mentor coach, Dwight Bain, usually cures that. Dwight is working with me to focus on my strengths and not what drains me. My coaching session with Dwight made fireworks go off, and he challenged me to write the titles of my next 10 books. I'm happy to say that that exercise is done and I'm thrilled with what has developed.
I learned that we all have a fishing net that helps us capture opportunities or sales for our business. If there are holes in the fishing net, where systems aren't set up, then you're missing opportunities. I've got a few holes in my net, and part of that is wasting times on projects that aren't profitable.
What I've been learning is that when you play many roles in many peoples lives, there are times that you just have to take a breath, slow down, and regroup. Sometimes, there are going to be moments of question in your mind, moments of doubt and moments where you think, is it all really worth it and is this what I really want anyway? Other times, you'll think: "why did I just spend all that time doing that and it did absolutely nothing beneficial for me whatsoever".
Sometimes, the roles we play will take on more importance and we have to walk away or say, "not now" to the other roles we take an active role in during part of our lives. For instance, for the past 2 weeks and this coming week, I've been letting the role of mom dominate my time. I've been school shopping, and reading to my son, and visiting the library and squeezing in last minute play dates and fun times so he has fond memories of this summer. As a result, I haven't finished a few projects sitting on my desk, and have had to turn down some work that has come my way during this time. Do I want the money? Who doesn't? But my "role" this week is to be the best mom I can, so the money coming in doesn't make me a better mom.
I have other projects that are in the gestation stage and my partners' excitement is fun but again, I have to evaluate it and ask myself: "does this fit in to my life right now and is it a priority for me"? My coach asked me to use the word: WIIFM - What's In it For Me? He determined that I am a giver and often times give more than I've received. I have to agree that's been true. As a result, I've been able to step away and look at the energy and time that will be given to that project, and what profit will it bring and will it feed my values? If not, then I have to say no, or not now to the project. If it does work in, then I can set up my systems so it benefits my business.
So now, I ask myself the question: "does this fill part of my net? Is this activity furthering my values or a project that I hope to finish?" If not, then I have to put the activity in my social time, or exercise or another value driven activity. If it fits nowhere, I have to ask, is this the right thing for me to do at this time in my life?
What about you? Are you spending time doing things that don't fill your net? Are you wasting time or allowing it to drain away? Or are you spending time being with the people that fill you and doing activities that will aid you or others close to you in some way?
The challenge is to figure out what you want to accomplish. Is it to be the best mom in the world to your kids? What does that look like to you? If you were that, then what activities would you and your kids be doing? Would they be vegging out in front of the TV or computer, or would they be with you at the pool or exploring or learning a new activity? Do you want to be the top sales performer this quarter? How are you going to get there? Will it be by reading every single email that comes in your box or will it be to spend more time listening to motivational tapes?
This week, I'm being mom. I'm cooking, I'm nurturing, I'm reading, I'm exercising, and I'm shopping. I still have work to do, but I'll be doing it after hours. Next week, I'll be working on my products, and finding editors and writing and editing my book. I'll start to set up meetings with potential business partners and alliances.
Next Saturday, August 18, 2007, I'll be giving one of my favorite workshops: "Developing Your Inner Charisma" at The Knowledge Shop in Winter Park. (www.theknowledgeship.us) It's Saturday from 1-4PM. When you see me there, I'll be The Charisma Coach! I'll be cheering the participants on, and helping them to see where their special brilliance is located. And I will know that I will be experiencing mine: helping others find what works for them. I will feel that special feeling of loving being a coach, and know, that I was the best mom that I could be all week, and that's the best feeling to know... that I can do both!
Mary Gardner, Author of "The Insiders Guide to Professional and Motivational Speaking" , is an executive Communications Consultant and Coach. She is president of Lifestyles Communications, Inc. which helps individuals communicate in the new global and virtual world. Her website is http://www.marygardner.com Sign up for a free report on Sales Tips for the Non Sales Professional at http://www.marygardner.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Gardner
Change For The Better Is Good
By Lisa Page
Changing the way you do things can help you and your business grow. Don't ever settle for what you have. No matter how good it is, you can always do better. There is always room for improvement. Bill Gates wouldn't be where he is today, if he would have settled with windows 95. Change can only help you, if you know the right ways to change for the better.
Second opinions always work best. You may think everything is fine and dandy. Ask someone else who is looking inside the picture, instead of outside. You see, you may not find any flaws in your work or business, no matter how hard you look. It's always good to go with another pair of eyes, for some opinions to make things better. For instance, is the type blinding you on your website? Or is it too light and not readable. An outside opinion may let you know about these small details, that you don't notice all by yourself. Forums are a great place to get second opinions also.
Make sure you are upgrading, when you make change. This may sound silly, but some businesses downgrade without even knowing it. If you are upgrading, remember, sometimes less is more. Try and always keep things plain and simple. But at the same time, offer the customer a new and modern experience. The last thing a customer wants to do is, step backwards in technology. If there is new technology and you can get your hands on it, use it. You'll find if you are the first to show new technology, you will be remembered for always staying up-to-date.
Change is so important. Not just to change, but change for the better. I would rather buy a product that was made 2 months ago, instead of a product that was made a year or so ago. Same with websites; Don't you find yourself attracted to newer designs that show more technology? Nobody wants to see the same old thing. The same old thing, is just what it says, everyone has the same thing and it's old. When things feel and look old, it's time for a change.
Search around for ways you can improve. Ask people what you can improve. Ask them what can can change to make things better. Ask people what they don't like. Ask people you know, honest opinions without disagreement. Don't jump down someones throat if they say something you don't like. Just hear them out. They are helping you more than you know. You want to hear a wide vary of opinions. Not everyone one is going to like the way you are doing things. That's the best part, find out what they do and don't like. Then accommodate as many different people as possible using the information you gathered.
Learn how to start your own home business by following this amazing step-by-step guide. Want to be an Ebay Powerseller? This guide will help you. Check out my Daily Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Page
Changing the way you do things can help you and your business grow. Don't ever settle for what you have. No matter how good it is, you can always do better. There is always room for improvement. Bill Gates wouldn't be where he is today, if he would have settled with windows 95. Change can only help you, if you know the right ways to change for the better.
Second opinions always work best. You may think everything is fine and dandy. Ask someone else who is looking inside the picture, instead of outside. You see, you may not find any flaws in your work or business, no matter how hard you look. It's always good to go with another pair of eyes, for some opinions to make things better. For instance, is the type blinding you on your website? Or is it too light and not readable. An outside opinion may let you know about these small details, that you don't notice all by yourself. Forums are a great place to get second opinions also.
Make sure you are upgrading, when you make change. This may sound silly, but some businesses downgrade without even knowing it. If you are upgrading, remember, sometimes less is more. Try and always keep things plain and simple. But at the same time, offer the customer a new and modern experience. The last thing a customer wants to do is, step backwards in technology. If there is new technology and you can get your hands on it, use it. You'll find if you are the first to show new technology, you will be remembered for always staying up-to-date.
Change is so important. Not just to change, but change for the better. I would rather buy a product that was made 2 months ago, instead of a product that was made a year or so ago. Same with websites; Don't you find yourself attracted to newer designs that show more technology? Nobody wants to see the same old thing. The same old thing, is just what it says, everyone has the same thing and it's old. When things feel and look old, it's time for a change.
Search around for ways you can improve. Ask people what you can improve. Ask them what can can change to make things better. Ask people what they don't like. Ask people you know, honest opinions without disagreement. Don't jump down someones throat if they say something you don't like. Just hear them out. They are helping you more than you know. You want to hear a wide vary of opinions. Not everyone one is going to like the way you are doing things. That's the best part, find out what they do and don't like. Then accommodate as many different people as possible using the information you gathered.
Learn how to start your own home business by following this amazing step-by-step guide. Want to be an Ebay Powerseller? This guide will help you. Check out my Daily Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Page
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Volunteering - Should We and How Much?
By Chris King Platinum Quality Author
Gillian Anderson summed up the number one reason to volunteer, when she wrote, "Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need."
When we volunteer, however, we are not always helping someone in need. There are many other opportunities to volunteer for groups and organizations - and, yes, they are all in need of help - but will this give you and me a "feeling of empowerment" or just take time and energy away from other important endeavors?
If you are a natural volunteer like I am - when a group asks for someone to volunteer, my hand shoots up almost automatically - I think we need to reconsider our volunteering efforts.
In the past, I have always recommended volunteering. It is a terrific way to meet and work with other people. It has always served me well as I have served others. By doing a good job, we not only learn a lot, we also develop a good reputation for being dependable and more than competent.
Alexis Herman sums it up beautifully, "There is no substitute really for learning about the world of work and being in the world of work. You can do that through internships. You can do it through summer job experiences or even from volunteer jobs in your local community. Strive early to get some kind of practical work experience."
Now, I am going to discuss the downsides. As my business has grown, I have been forced to focus on how I am spending my discretionary minutes. I have realized that the percentage of time dedicated to volunteer efforts is too high. This doesn't mean in any way that I will stop volunteering. It just means that I need to think it through thoroughly before committing to any new volunteer opportunities.
What solidified this decision is a volunteer job that I accepted in early July. I was called by a woman whom I count as a friend to ask if I would be willing to be a member of the nominating committee for a group to which we both belong.
At one time, I was the editor of their bi-monthly e-newsletter, but had to pass it on because of my time limitations. She told me that the job would just "consist of a few phone calls." So, I broke down and said "yes."
Another woman, who is now the chairperson of the nominating committee has had the idea - and an excellent one too - that when we call members, we also find out if they would like to be on a committee and ask them for their suggestions for making the group better.
This is an international group, and our leader (there are only four of us on the committee) has decided that we will call 22 to 23 members a piece. I have told her, "no way" and that I could manage 8 or 9 calls tops, but, of course, I feel guilty.
Ron Burton puts it in perspective and quite succinctly, "In the business world and the volunteer world, each job has certain requirements that must be met in order for that job to be done properly and for that organization to survive and prosper."
I have learned a lesson. Don't say "yes" when you know in your heart-of-heart that you already have enough volunteer and business jobs on your plate.
Yes, it is difficult to find volunteers - let alone "good" volunteers who do the job properly. But, we don't always have to be or should be that volunteer.
Chris King is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com and her business website at http://www.CreativeKeys.biz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_King
Gillian Anderson summed up the number one reason to volunteer, when she wrote, "Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need."
When we volunteer, however, we are not always helping someone in need. There are many other opportunities to volunteer for groups and organizations - and, yes, they are all in need of help - but will this give you and me a "feeling of empowerment" or just take time and energy away from other important endeavors?
If you are a natural volunteer like I am - when a group asks for someone to volunteer, my hand shoots up almost automatically - I think we need to reconsider our volunteering efforts.
In the past, I have always recommended volunteering. It is a terrific way to meet and work with other people. It has always served me well as I have served others. By doing a good job, we not only learn a lot, we also develop a good reputation for being dependable and more than competent.
Alexis Herman sums it up beautifully, "There is no substitute really for learning about the world of work and being in the world of work. You can do that through internships. You can do it through summer job experiences or even from volunteer jobs in your local community. Strive early to get some kind of practical work experience."
Now, I am going to discuss the downsides. As my business has grown, I have been forced to focus on how I am spending my discretionary minutes. I have realized that the percentage of time dedicated to volunteer efforts is too high. This doesn't mean in any way that I will stop volunteering. It just means that I need to think it through thoroughly before committing to any new volunteer opportunities.
What solidified this decision is a volunteer job that I accepted in early July. I was called by a woman whom I count as a friend to ask if I would be willing to be a member of the nominating committee for a group to which we both belong.
At one time, I was the editor of their bi-monthly e-newsletter, but had to pass it on because of my time limitations. She told me that the job would just "consist of a few phone calls." So, I broke down and said "yes."
Another woman, who is now the chairperson of the nominating committee has had the idea - and an excellent one too - that when we call members, we also find out if they would like to be on a committee and ask them for their suggestions for making the group better.
This is an international group, and our leader (there are only four of us on the committee) has decided that we will call 22 to 23 members a piece. I have told her, "no way" and that I could manage 8 or 9 calls tops, but, of course, I feel guilty.
Ron Burton puts it in perspective and quite succinctly, "In the business world and the volunteer world, each job has certain requirements that must be met in order for that job to be done properly and for that organization to survive and prosper."
I have learned a lesson. Don't say "yes" when you know in your heart-of-heart that you already have enough volunteer and business jobs on your plate.
Yes, it is difficult to find volunteers - let alone "good" volunteers who do the job properly. But, we don't always have to be or should be that volunteer.
Chris King is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com and her business website at http://www.CreativeKeys.biz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_King
Perseverance and Commitment - Never Give Up
By Andrew Cox
Never give up. I just finished a terrific book - The Road by Cormac McCarthy. In it was a quote that struck me - it has to do with perseverance and commitment and dreams, and how you will know if you are pressing forward, or giving up..
"When your dreams are of some world that never was or of some world that never will be and you are happy again, then you will have given up."
Never never never give up. Very few people would argue with that statement. But giving up can be sneaky - it doesn't just happen. And that's what the quote means. It happens when your dreams don't come true, when you have been disappointed again and again, when that sale you were relying on so much didn't happen, when you start to trim back your goals, and start to let short term failure effect your energy and commitment and question your own ability and worthiness. Giving up can be masked by activity - actions taken that keep you busy, but when you analyze their value and are honest about it - you realize all that busyness doesn't amount to much. Giving up can be masked by dreams that don't mesh with reality - as in the book.
One of our greatest strengths as human beings is our flexibility - but it can be a weakness as well. When we flex to cope with failure, oftentimes we step back, not forward - and we do it without realizing it. And over time, we allow ourselves to accept much less than we had a right to expect.
There is the story of the entrepreneur that was failing, and he decided to take a day off and go fly fishing. He had the good fortune to hook a very large trout. His gear was designed for much smaller fish, so he very carefully played the fish, using just enough pressure to keep the fish irritated and moving until it finally lay, exhausted, in the water. He revived it and let it swim away. And then he realized - he was just like that fish - constantly irritated and annoyed and moved by small things, and they were exhausting him, and making him give up. He decided right then and there to stop letting the little things wear him down. He left the stream, he went to work on the few big things that would rescue his business, and he prospered.
Giving up comes in many disguises - check to see if you have your priorities and goals and actions in line with your dreams. Are you working to meet your goals, or are you using your dreams to avoid reality? It's an easy trap to fall into.
The good news is that you can release yourself from your trap - the secret is first knowing you're in it - that's where goals are so very important. Then take action to achieve the important things - and forget about all the little stuff that will always try to pull you down.
Start today - act on your important dreams - let the other stuff go - make your dreams be of where you will be - and feel accomplishment and progress - and be happy again.
Andy Cox is President of Cox Consulting Group LLC. The focus of his work is on helping organizations and their people increase their success in the hiring, developing and enhancing the performance of leaders and emerging leaders. Cox Consulting Group LLC was started in 1995, and has worked with a wide range of organizations, managers and leaders - helping them define success, achieve success and make the ability to change a competitive advantage. He can be reached at http://coxconsultgroup.com or at acox@coxconsultgroup.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Cox
Never give up. I just finished a terrific book - The Road by Cormac McCarthy. In it was a quote that struck me - it has to do with perseverance and commitment and dreams, and how you will know if you are pressing forward, or giving up..
"When your dreams are of some world that never was or of some world that never will be and you are happy again, then you will have given up."
Never never never give up. Very few people would argue with that statement. But giving up can be sneaky - it doesn't just happen. And that's what the quote means. It happens when your dreams don't come true, when you have been disappointed again and again, when that sale you were relying on so much didn't happen, when you start to trim back your goals, and start to let short term failure effect your energy and commitment and question your own ability and worthiness. Giving up can be masked by activity - actions taken that keep you busy, but when you analyze their value and are honest about it - you realize all that busyness doesn't amount to much. Giving up can be masked by dreams that don't mesh with reality - as in the book.
One of our greatest strengths as human beings is our flexibility - but it can be a weakness as well. When we flex to cope with failure, oftentimes we step back, not forward - and we do it without realizing it. And over time, we allow ourselves to accept much less than we had a right to expect.
There is the story of the entrepreneur that was failing, and he decided to take a day off and go fly fishing. He had the good fortune to hook a very large trout. His gear was designed for much smaller fish, so he very carefully played the fish, using just enough pressure to keep the fish irritated and moving until it finally lay, exhausted, in the water. He revived it and let it swim away. And then he realized - he was just like that fish - constantly irritated and annoyed and moved by small things, and they were exhausting him, and making him give up. He decided right then and there to stop letting the little things wear him down. He left the stream, he went to work on the few big things that would rescue his business, and he prospered.
Giving up comes in many disguises - check to see if you have your priorities and goals and actions in line with your dreams. Are you working to meet your goals, or are you using your dreams to avoid reality? It's an easy trap to fall into.
The good news is that you can release yourself from your trap - the secret is first knowing you're in it - that's where goals are so very important. Then take action to achieve the important things - and forget about all the little stuff that will always try to pull you down.
Start today - act on your important dreams - let the other stuff go - make your dreams be of where you will be - and feel accomplishment and progress - and be happy again.
Andy Cox is President of Cox Consulting Group LLC. The focus of his work is on helping organizations and their people increase their success in the hiring, developing and enhancing the performance of leaders and emerging leaders. Cox Consulting Group LLC was started in 1995, and has worked with a wide range of organizations, managers and leaders - helping them define success, achieve success and make the ability to change a competitive advantage. He can be reached at http://coxconsultgroup.com or at acox@coxconsultgroup.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Cox
What Is Intelligence?
By Deanna Mascle Platinum Quality Author
I frequently ask my college students to write about this subject. In part because the discussion is always fascinating and informative, but also because reaching a better understanding of what intelligence is also helps students become more focused and more effective learners. So what is intelligence? In my opinion, intelligence includes three distinct abilities -- ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications.
For example, let us use a skill that we are all familiar with -- walking. Young children learn to walk primarily through demonstration and experimentation. We can tell and show children how to walk all day long but until they begin experimenting and learn how to apply their knowledge they do not learn to walk. Most children then build upon that knowledge and experience to move from walking to running, skipping, and a variety of other movements.
When we think of learning we usually picture learning taking place in a classroom environment but we are continually learning all the time -- before and after formal education. In reality, the world is our classroom as we are receiving a stream of new information all the time. Sometimes we seek out information through formal instruction or reading, but other times we receive lessons from the people in our lives, from the media, and from the experience of living. Sometimes our learning is a passive experience that is forced upon us by circumstances but the most effective learning is done when we seek out new information whether for a specific purpose or for the simple pleasure of learning itself.
However as well all know from life experience, simple knowledge is not enough. You need to know how to apply that knowledge in a practical sense. Memorizing a cook book makes no sense if you never set foot in a kitchen and pick up a spatula. That does not mean knowledge without an immediate application is useless. Literature can help you understand history and human relations, for example, and so is never a waste. But it is a waste if you read the entire works of William Shakespeare and never stop to think about how much he says about the human condition is just as true today as it was in his time.
Finally, while learning and application are often demonstrated by people, I believe what truly separates the intelligent from the average person is taking the knowledge they gain to another level. Not only learning and applying that knowledge, but building upon that knowledge and experience to create new knowledge. These intelligent people include the engineers who create new machines, the surgeons who create new procedures, and the leaders who find new solutions to old problems.
Intelligent people are found in all walks of life and all aspects of society but are easily distinguished from those of average intelligence by looking for these three key abilities -- the ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications.
Deanna Mascle is a freelance writer and college instructor. Read more about how to live and learn direct and how to learn more at http://learn-more.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deanna_Mascle
I frequently ask my college students to write about this subject. In part because the discussion is always fascinating and informative, but also because reaching a better understanding of what intelligence is also helps students become more focused and more effective learners. So what is intelligence? In my opinion, intelligence includes three distinct abilities -- ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications.
For example, let us use a skill that we are all familiar with -- walking. Young children learn to walk primarily through demonstration and experimentation. We can tell and show children how to walk all day long but until they begin experimenting and learn how to apply their knowledge they do not learn to walk. Most children then build upon that knowledge and experience to move from walking to running, skipping, and a variety of other movements.
When we think of learning we usually picture learning taking place in a classroom environment but we are continually learning all the time -- before and after formal education. In reality, the world is our classroom as we are receiving a stream of new information all the time. Sometimes we seek out information through formal instruction or reading, but other times we receive lessons from the people in our lives, from the media, and from the experience of living. Sometimes our learning is a passive experience that is forced upon us by circumstances but the most effective learning is done when we seek out new information whether for a specific purpose or for the simple pleasure of learning itself.
However as well all know from life experience, simple knowledge is not enough. You need to know how to apply that knowledge in a practical sense. Memorizing a cook book makes no sense if you never set foot in a kitchen and pick up a spatula. That does not mean knowledge without an immediate application is useless. Literature can help you understand history and human relations, for example, and so is never a waste. But it is a waste if you read the entire works of William Shakespeare and never stop to think about how much he says about the human condition is just as true today as it was in his time.
Finally, while learning and application are often demonstrated by people, I believe what truly separates the intelligent from the average person is taking the knowledge they gain to another level. Not only learning and applying that knowledge, but building upon that knowledge and experience to create new knowledge. These intelligent people include the engineers who create new machines, the surgeons who create new procedures, and the leaders who find new solutions to old problems.
Intelligent people are found in all walks of life and all aspects of society but are easily distinguished from those of average intelligence by looking for these three key abilities -- the ability to learn, ability to apply that knowledge, and ability to build off that knowledge and application to create new knowledge and applications.
Deanna Mascle is a freelance writer and college instructor. Read more about how to live and learn direct and how to learn more at http://learn-more.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deanna_Mascle
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
For Things To Change You Must Change First
By Adam Khoo Platinum Quality Author
People always say, "What if it is really not my fault? What if the situation is totally out of my hands?"
In actual fact we always play a role in creating whatever is happening to us, whether consciously or subconsciously.
We create our experiences either through our thoughts or our actions. You can say something emphatically, but if you are thinking something else, people can pick up the vibes, or it will show up in your body language.
People who are in control of their lives believe that they create their world. If everything is going great, then they created it, not anybody else. If things are not going well, then they created it as well.
Some people tell me that they never get a good break. They never get lucky enough to land a great opportunity. They are never at the right place at the right time. I believe you create your own luck. Or I prefer the word opportunity or break.
If you never find any good opportunities, it could be because of your limiting beliefs and thoughts. If you believe that there are no opportunities around, your mind will tend to delete all the great opportunities, even if they are there right before you.
Once there was a woman who had been looking for the right partner for the last 20 years. She was in her late 30s and getting concerned she would never find her ideal guy.
When asked what she was looking for, she started describing this perfect man who had to be rich, handsome, humorous, sensitive and charming.
When asked bluntly, 'Would this man with all these traits want to marry you?' She had no answer.
If she wanted to attract the perfect man, she must first be that perfect woman to attract him!
One single most important message in this article is, for things to change, we must first change ourselves. When we take responsibility for what we get and change ourselves, everything and everybody else will change with us!
So, If you want to attract the best staff, be the best boss. If you want to have the best kids, be the best parent. If you want the perfect wife, then be that perfect husband. If you want the highest income, add the greatest value. If you want to attract the best customers, become the best company.
It will serve us well to remember that we are responsible for creating the events and results in our lives. To attract and get the results and situation s that we want in life, we will need to work and change ourselves in the process. Focus on yourself and success is sure to come.
Adam Khoo is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and a self-made millionaire by the age of 26. Discover his supercharged success secrets and claim your FREE bonus report 'Supercharge Your Success!' at Success With NLP.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Khoo
People always say, "What if it is really not my fault? What if the situation is totally out of my hands?"
In actual fact we always play a role in creating whatever is happening to us, whether consciously or subconsciously.
We create our experiences either through our thoughts or our actions. You can say something emphatically, but if you are thinking something else, people can pick up the vibes, or it will show up in your body language.
People who are in control of their lives believe that they create their world. If everything is going great, then they created it, not anybody else. If things are not going well, then they created it as well.
Some people tell me that they never get a good break. They never get lucky enough to land a great opportunity. They are never at the right place at the right time. I believe you create your own luck. Or I prefer the word opportunity or break.
If you never find any good opportunities, it could be because of your limiting beliefs and thoughts. If you believe that there are no opportunities around, your mind will tend to delete all the great opportunities, even if they are there right before you.
Once there was a woman who had been looking for the right partner for the last 20 years. She was in her late 30s and getting concerned she would never find her ideal guy.
When asked what she was looking for, she started describing this perfect man who had to be rich, handsome, humorous, sensitive and charming.
When asked bluntly, 'Would this man with all these traits want to marry you?' She had no answer.
If she wanted to attract the perfect man, she must first be that perfect woman to attract him!
One single most important message in this article is, for things to change, we must first change ourselves. When we take responsibility for what we get and change ourselves, everything and everybody else will change with us!
So, If you want to attract the best staff, be the best boss. If you want to have the best kids, be the best parent. If you want the perfect wife, then be that perfect husband. If you want the highest income, add the greatest value. If you want to attract the best customers, become the best company.
It will serve us well to remember that we are responsible for creating the events and results in our lives. To attract and get the results and situation s that we want in life, we will need to work and change ourselves in the process. Focus on yourself and success is sure to come.
Adam Khoo is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and a self-made millionaire by the age of 26. Discover his supercharged success secrets and claim your FREE bonus report 'Supercharge Your Success!' at Success With NLP.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Khoo
Why Humans Can Learn Almost Anything
By Martin Mak
Humans are capable of doing many things at the same time. For example, we can talk on the phone and watch television, drink a cup of coffee while reading the morning papers or sing our favorite song while ironing clothes. These are simple tasks that we can do simultaneously without difficulty. But not everyone develop the ability to do many things simultaneously in the same way. For example, a person may be good at the drums and the trumpet, but to play the drum while blowing a trumpet and honking a horn is another matter. Of course there are people who can do that, making a living out of being a one-man band, but these are experts in their chosen profession . To attain this mastery takes constant practice and determination. However, the brain can quickly adjust and synchronise all these skills into a rhythmic display. The skill level changes from conscious incompetence to unconscious competence.
Take for example the first time you were riding a bicycle. You had to balance yourself, then you had to paddle with your two feet and at the same time ensure you do not run over the neighbor's cat or crash into a tree. After a some time, you were so proud of your achievement, daring even to take your hands off the handle bar. A classic example of the progression from conscious incompetence to unconscious competence. And all it took was a few hours of practice.
Skills that we have practiced constantly and for a long time will be internalized and can be performed right into old age. Even if there is a period of non practice, it will usually take just a few minutes before the brain and the body "remembers" the skill.
Just like any skill that we have learned, the mastering of memory training or memory techniques follow the same rule of competency. It is no wonder that top practitioner of astounding memory feat practice their craft everyday. Able to remember long digits of numbers of hundreds or even thousands of digits long and to memories similar long list of unrelated words. The old tried and tested method of mastering any skill is practice.
There are many techniques that can help anyone with astounding memory feats. Some people use mnemonics will others use the loci method or associations. For example, you can use the familiarity of your house, the arrangement of furniture or the route you take to work to help you remember anything, like a grocery lists. With more imagination but basically using the same techniques can help you remember names to faces, mathematical formulas, scientific facts or historical dates.
Also, the training of the memory, like any physical exercise is good for the brain, it helps you stave off dementia or Alzheimer's disease. John Preston, aged 78 can remember every verse of the bible of the new testament, a feat he attributed to a technique he learnt when he was 65-years old young! "Not a day goes by without me putting my brain into practice", he smiles. And family and friends say he is one mean poker player too. So learn a new skill today and everyday for the rest of your life, it could be the fountain of youth that keeps us from losing the thing that makes us human-our memory, in old age.
Martin Mak has developed a new program to help you improve your memory and enhance your learning experience. Find out more with his popular and free ecourse. => http://www.mightymemory.com/memoryarticle.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Mak
Humans are capable of doing many things at the same time. For example, we can talk on the phone and watch television, drink a cup of coffee while reading the morning papers or sing our favorite song while ironing clothes. These are simple tasks that we can do simultaneously without difficulty. But not everyone develop the ability to do many things simultaneously in the same way. For example, a person may be good at the drums and the trumpet, but to play the drum while blowing a trumpet and honking a horn is another matter. Of course there are people who can do that, making a living out of being a one-man band, but these are experts in their chosen profession . To attain this mastery takes constant practice and determination. However, the brain can quickly adjust and synchronise all these skills into a rhythmic display. The skill level changes from conscious incompetence to unconscious competence.
Take for example the first time you were riding a bicycle. You had to balance yourself, then you had to paddle with your two feet and at the same time ensure you do not run over the neighbor's cat or crash into a tree. After a some time, you were so proud of your achievement, daring even to take your hands off the handle bar. A classic example of the progression from conscious incompetence to unconscious competence. And all it took was a few hours of practice.
Skills that we have practiced constantly and for a long time will be internalized and can be performed right into old age. Even if there is a period of non practice, it will usually take just a few minutes before the brain and the body "remembers" the skill.
Just like any skill that we have learned, the mastering of memory training or memory techniques follow the same rule of competency. It is no wonder that top practitioner of astounding memory feat practice their craft everyday. Able to remember long digits of numbers of hundreds or even thousands of digits long and to memories similar long list of unrelated words. The old tried and tested method of mastering any skill is practice.
There are many techniques that can help anyone with astounding memory feats. Some people use mnemonics will others use the loci method or associations. For example, you can use the familiarity of your house, the arrangement of furniture or the route you take to work to help you remember anything, like a grocery lists. With more imagination but basically using the same techniques can help you remember names to faces, mathematical formulas, scientific facts or historical dates.
Also, the training of the memory, like any physical exercise is good for the brain, it helps you stave off dementia or Alzheimer's disease. John Preston, aged 78 can remember every verse of the bible of the new testament, a feat he attributed to a technique he learnt when he was 65-years old young! "Not a day goes by without me putting my brain into practice", he smiles. And family and friends say he is one mean poker player too. So learn a new skill today and everyday for the rest of your life, it could be the fountain of youth that keeps us from losing the thing that makes us human-our memory, in old age.
Martin Mak has developed a new program to help you improve your memory and enhance your learning experience. Find out more with his popular and free ecourse. => http://www.mightymemory.com/memoryarticle.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Mak
Take Action Immediately
By Melisa Milonas
I have noticed one of the best ways to boost self-confidence is to act immediately. When you want to do something but you have a fear about it you will usually avoid and resist doing it. But when you choose to act in the moment in spite that your fear, you experience power and boost in self confidence.
When I am working with a client and they have an assignment or task to complete that is confronting to them I notice they always want to push it off doing it and put it toward the bottom of the list. And they put the easy things at the time of their priority list. So I always have to give them a little push and request that they do the scary thing first or soon. What happens when you put things off that you're afraid of doing, they become scarier over time. It is harder and harder to get yourself to do it.
It is important to do the things that you fear first, right away when you are starting your day. This approach as you feel powerful and confident and everything else you do seems like a breeze. Also when you are asked to do things that scare you, it will be easy for you to say yes and because you will have the confidence to know you can do it.
If you know there is something you want to do that scares you, do not choose to wait two weeks to do it. If you do you are giving your mind the opportunity to focus on the fears. You will start to find excuses for putting it off even longer. That is how procrastination starts. So many women tell me that they think they are lazy because they procrastinate. I have to re-educate them that they are not lazy. The problem is they believe their fears and excuses are real. They don't realize they are avoiding something that is confronting to them. Once they see that it is an irrational fear blocking them they choose to take action.
Have you notice when you have procrastinated, after you did what you were putting off you say things to yourself "it wasn't that bad, "I don't know what I was so worried about?" "That was easier than I thought." Those thoughts are signs that you feared something and it was stopping you from acting. The fear may be as simple as you feared it would take long, or the task would overwhelm you.
The next time you want to do something that is scary or confronting to you act immediately with out thinking about it. Even if you have some thoughts or fears that come up, accept them and say do it anyway. If you do it right away you will instantly feel confident. Surrender to not knowing everything or having enough time and do it, its ok, you will figure it out as you go. When you have this approach everything usually feels less threatening and more enjoyable.
I can not stress enough how important it is to act immediately, this is one of the best ways to boost yourself self-confidence. When you practice this you will become more decisive and know how to respond quickly to any situation. You unwavering trust about yourself.
Your assignment:
The next time you want to do something that you have fear do it right away. Do not let your mind talk you out of it. Look at the last two weeks and identify where you have put off doing something. See what excuses you have come up for not doing it. Ask yourself is it possible that this excuse came from a fear I have? Is that feat real or valid? Also ask yourself, If I did not have this fear would I have done it already? Then take care of it immediately.
Do you want FREE easy step by step instructions on what to do to boost your self-confidence? Get FREE weekly confidence tips by signing up at a http://www.aconfidentinspiredu.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melisa_Milonas
I have noticed one of the best ways to boost self-confidence is to act immediately. When you want to do something but you have a fear about it you will usually avoid and resist doing it. But when you choose to act in the moment in spite that your fear, you experience power and boost in self confidence.
When I am working with a client and they have an assignment or task to complete that is confronting to them I notice they always want to push it off doing it and put it toward the bottom of the list. And they put the easy things at the time of their priority list. So I always have to give them a little push and request that they do the scary thing first or soon. What happens when you put things off that you're afraid of doing, they become scarier over time. It is harder and harder to get yourself to do it.
It is important to do the things that you fear first, right away when you are starting your day. This approach as you feel powerful and confident and everything else you do seems like a breeze. Also when you are asked to do things that scare you, it will be easy for you to say yes and because you will have the confidence to know you can do it.
If you know there is something you want to do that scares you, do not choose to wait two weeks to do it. If you do you are giving your mind the opportunity to focus on the fears. You will start to find excuses for putting it off even longer. That is how procrastination starts. So many women tell me that they think they are lazy because they procrastinate. I have to re-educate them that they are not lazy. The problem is they believe their fears and excuses are real. They don't realize they are avoiding something that is confronting to them. Once they see that it is an irrational fear blocking them they choose to take action.
Have you notice when you have procrastinated, after you did what you were putting off you say things to yourself "it wasn't that bad, "I don't know what I was so worried about?" "That was easier than I thought." Those thoughts are signs that you feared something and it was stopping you from acting. The fear may be as simple as you feared it would take long, or the task would overwhelm you.
The next time you want to do something that is scary or confronting to you act immediately with out thinking about it. Even if you have some thoughts or fears that come up, accept them and say do it anyway. If you do it right away you will instantly feel confident. Surrender to not knowing everything or having enough time and do it, its ok, you will figure it out as you go. When you have this approach everything usually feels less threatening and more enjoyable.
I can not stress enough how important it is to act immediately, this is one of the best ways to boost yourself self-confidence. When you practice this you will become more decisive and know how to respond quickly to any situation. You unwavering trust about yourself.
Your assignment:
The next time you want to do something that you have fear do it right away. Do not let your mind talk you out of it. Look at the last two weeks and identify where you have put off doing something. See what excuses you have come up for not doing it. Ask yourself is it possible that this excuse came from a fear I have? Is that feat real or valid? Also ask yourself, If I did not have this fear would I have done it already? Then take care of it immediately.
Do you want FREE easy step by step instructions on what to do to boost your self-confidence? Get FREE weekly confidence tips by signing up at a http://www.aconfidentinspiredu.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melisa_Milonas
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Believe in Yourself
By Karen E Williams
It is important to believe that you can achieve anything you want to in your life. If you believe in yourself and your abilities, you will be successful and turn your dreams into reality. The only thing that may be holding you back is your belief.
The dictionary definition of a belief is "a principle accepted as true or real without proof. An opinion, a conviction".
They are the thoughts you hold about things in your life. They may be related to religion or spirituality, but in this context, I am looking at the beliefs that you hold about yourself and what you can achieve. As the Personal Development Guru, Tony Robbins said, "the most important opinion a person will ever hold is the one that they hold about themselves".
Many people hold negative beliefs, which prevent them from achieving what they want. They may be created from your experiences, what people have told you or how you feel about something. If you do have negative beliefs that hold you back, take some time to turn them into positive statements to help you to make fantastic, tangible change.
Consider any negative beliefs you have, and make a list of them. Take the most important, and ask yourself the following questions:
1. What have you not done because of this belief?
2. How has this limited your achievement?
3. How would your life be different if you let go of this belief?
4. What new positive beliefs could you develop to allow you to move your life forward?
5. What evidence do you have to support these new positive beliefs?
Consider how you can turn around anything that may be holding you back and how you can sustain your new positive beliefs in the longer term. Also, celebrate the great things about your life and what you can do.
Copyright Karen Williams 2007. All Rights Reserved
Karen Williams is a Life and Career Development Coach and runs her own coaching practice, Self Discovery Coaching. She has over ten years experience of working in Human Resources, training, coaching and management roles and is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
For more information and to sign up for the free Self Discovery newsletter and receive a free coaching report and life evaluator tool, go to http://www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_E_Williams
It is important to believe that you can achieve anything you want to in your life. If you believe in yourself and your abilities, you will be successful and turn your dreams into reality. The only thing that may be holding you back is your belief.
The dictionary definition of a belief is "a principle accepted as true or real without proof. An opinion, a conviction".
They are the thoughts you hold about things in your life. They may be related to religion or spirituality, but in this context, I am looking at the beliefs that you hold about yourself and what you can achieve. As the Personal Development Guru, Tony Robbins said, "the most important opinion a person will ever hold is the one that they hold about themselves".
Many people hold negative beliefs, which prevent them from achieving what they want. They may be created from your experiences, what people have told you or how you feel about something. If you do have negative beliefs that hold you back, take some time to turn them into positive statements to help you to make fantastic, tangible change.
Consider any negative beliefs you have, and make a list of them. Take the most important, and ask yourself the following questions:
1. What have you not done because of this belief?
2. How has this limited your achievement?
3. How would your life be different if you let go of this belief?
4. What new positive beliefs could you develop to allow you to move your life forward?
5. What evidence do you have to support these new positive beliefs?
Consider how you can turn around anything that may be holding you back and how you can sustain your new positive beliefs in the longer term. Also, celebrate the great things about your life and what you can do.
Copyright Karen Williams 2007. All Rights Reserved
Karen Williams is a Life and Career Development Coach and runs her own coaching practice, Self Discovery Coaching. She has over ten years experience of working in Human Resources, training, coaching and management roles and is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
For more information and to sign up for the free Self Discovery newsletter and receive a free coaching report and life evaluator tool, go to http://www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_E_Williams
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Three Easy Steps To Help You Get What You Want
By Robert Greenshields Platinum Quality Author
It's often said that the first step to getting what you want is knowing exactly what it is that you want.
But, once you have a clear objective in mind (whether it's a new career path or a personal goal), you need to figure out the simplest and most effective way to achieve it.
That means creating a solid plan, identifying key action steps, and planning for the unexpected.
Step 1: Breaking it Down Into Smaller Goals
Everything we build in life needs a foundation. Whether we're constructing a physical building or a new attitude, we need a solid base upon which to build.
If your new goal is to create a lucrative career as a professional singer, you need to know where to start. You might ask yourself questions like these:
- Do I already have the skill and talent needed?
- Have I had any formal training?
- Do I need formal training?
- Am I practiced enough to be a professional singer?
- Do I have any connections in the music industry?
- How can I get my music out there so people will know about me?
The answers to these questions will determine which smaller goals you should work on first.
- If you have no formal training as a singer, you might consider taking voice lessons.
- If you need more practice, you can set a schedule to refine your talent daily.
- If you are already practiced and trained, you can explore ways to get your music out in the public eye, or network with professionals in the music industry.
- If you are already networking with others, you may want to have a demo tape made so you have a way to promote yourself.
Step 2: Identifying Key Action Steps and Taking Them!
Once you've broken down your larger goal into smaller ones, you should see a clear series of actions that you need to take in order to achieve your goal.
Most often, these steps already have an obvious order. For example, if you have no formal training as a singer and you haven't practiced much, you would be wise to work on those aspects of your plan before you try to get your music out to the public or network with people in the music industry.
Simply keep things in order and you will steadily and surely move toward the achievement of your goal.
However, be sure you are working on the FOCUSED action steps that count. Don't let yourself be sidetracked by procrastination or fear.
Step 3: Planning for the Unexpected
While you're identifying your key action steps and forming a plan to tackle them, you may also want to give some thought to obstacles that may pop up and alternate plans to work through them.
Here's a good way to do this: consider one step of your plan. Think about the possible complications or obstacles that could arise from taking that step. Then come up with additional steps you can take to overcome those complications.
Example: One step of your plan involves getting your music out to the public. You decide that getting a job singing at a local establishment would give you some good exposure. But what will happen if you can't get a local singing job? By thinking ahead, you can come up with alternate plans, such as building a website with audio clips of your music, gathering other musicians together and renting a space to hold an informal musical event for your community, or researching local establishments that have open-mike nights.
You don't have to give this stage of planning an excessive amount of thought, but try to come up with a few different options for every stage of your plan. Then if you encounter obstacles, it's a simple matter of shifting gears and moving on to Plan B without a hitch.
Believe it or not, that's important. Too many goals are easily derailed when obstacles appear and the goal-seeker doesn't know what to do, so they do nothing. They give up. Don't let that be you.
Robert Greenshields is a marketing success coach who helps entrepreneurs and independent professionals transform their business results by changing their mindset. Download his free report on 7 Steps to a Success Mindset at www.SuccessMindsetPower.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Greenshields
Robert Greenshields - EzineArticles Expert Author
It's often said that the first step to getting what you want is knowing exactly what it is that you want.
But, once you have a clear objective in mind (whether it's a new career path or a personal goal), you need to figure out the simplest and most effective way to achieve it.
That means creating a solid plan, identifying key action steps, and planning for the unexpected.
Step 1: Breaking it Down Into Smaller Goals
Everything we build in life needs a foundation. Whether we're constructing a physical building or a new attitude, we need a solid base upon which to build.
If your new goal is to create a lucrative career as a professional singer, you need to know where to start. You might ask yourself questions like these:
- Do I already have the skill and talent needed?
- Have I had any formal training?
- Do I need formal training?
- Am I practiced enough to be a professional singer?
- Do I have any connections in the music industry?
- How can I get my music out there so people will know about me?
The answers to these questions will determine which smaller goals you should work on first.
- If you have no formal training as a singer, you might consider taking voice lessons.
- If you need more practice, you can set a schedule to refine your talent daily.
- If you are already practiced and trained, you can explore ways to get your music out in the public eye, or network with professionals in the music industry.
- If you are already networking with others, you may want to have a demo tape made so you have a way to promote yourself.
Step 2: Identifying Key Action Steps and Taking Them!
Once you've broken down your larger goal into smaller ones, you should see a clear series of actions that you need to take in order to achieve your goal.
Most often, these steps already have an obvious order. For example, if you have no formal training as a singer and you haven't practiced much, you would be wise to work on those aspects of your plan before you try to get your music out to the public or network with people in the music industry.
Simply keep things in order and you will steadily and surely move toward the achievement of your goal.
However, be sure you are working on the FOCUSED action steps that count. Don't let yourself be sidetracked by procrastination or fear.
Step 3: Planning for the Unexpected
While you're identifying your key action steps and forming a plan to tackle them, you may also want to give some thought to obstacles that may pop up and alternate plans to work through them.
Here's a good way to do this: consider one step of your plan. Think about the possible complications or obstacles that could arise from taking that step. Then come up with additional steps you can take to overcome those complications.
Example: One step of your plan involves getting your music out to the public. You decide that getting a job singing at a local establishment would give you some good exposure. But what will happen if you can't get a local singing job? By thinking ahead, you can come up with alternate plans, such as building a website with audio clips of your music, gathering other musicians together and renting a space to hold an informal musical event for your community, or researching local establishments that have open-mike nights.
You don't have to give this stage of planning an excessive amount of thought, but try to come up with a few different options for every stage of your plan. Then if you encounter obstacles, it's a simple matter of shifting gears and moving on to Plan B without a hitch.
Believe it or not, that's important. Too many goals are easily derailed when obstacles appear and the goal-seeker doesn't know what to do, so they do nothing. They give up. Don't let that be you.
Robert Greenshields is a marketing success coach who helps entrepreneurs and independent professionals transform their business results by changing their mindset. Download his free report on 7 Steps to a Success Mindset at www.SuccessMindsetPower.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Greenshields
Robert Greenshields - EzineArticles Expert Author
EMPOWER YOURSELF
By Okechukwu Chigbu
We as human beings have a lot of potentials in us,
But the problem we always have is that we find it difficult to find out the potentials in us.
Take out time to know the potentials you have, develop them and use them to empower yourself so that you can achieve the purpose of your life.
The Following questions will help you to to certain level find out your purpose on earth.
1. What are your talents,gifts and strengths?
2. What to do you love to do in your spare time?
3. What do you love doing with much passion and concentration?
I will elaborate on this in my next article and then give you more questions to consider.
By answering this questions you will be able to find out your potentials, develop them and use them to EMPOWER YOURSELF.
Okechukwu Chigbu talks on motivation, living a stress free life etc.
, www.stressreducingtips.blogspot.com,okeychigbu.blogspot.com
We as human beings have a lot of potentials in us,
But the problem we always have is that we find it difficult to find out the potentials in us.
Take out time to know the potentials you have, develop them and use them to empower yourself so that you can achieve the purpose of your life.
The Following questions will help you to to certain level find out your purpose on earth.
1. What are your talents,gifts and strengths?
2. What to do you love to do in your spare time?
3. What do you love doing with much passion and concentration?
I will elaborate on this in my next article and then give you more questions to consider.
By answering this questions you will be able to find out your potentials, develop them and use them to EMPOWER YOURSELF.
Okechukwu Chigbu talks on motivation, living a stress free life etc.
, www.stressreducingtips.blogspot.com,okeychigbu.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
