Joyful Living – The way of life !

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s not so difficult to find and experience joy in your life. Most of the time people think joy is momentary. May be because they don’t know how to make JOY a way of life, in everything they do !

Know your purpose. Nothing will bring you joy more than knowing what it is that you are about on this earth. Not knowing brings sadness, wondering, fear and lack of fulfillment. Above all, find out what your unique purpose is here on this earth – then fulfill it ! As you do, you will experience joy !

Live purposefully. This is a follow up to number one. It is one thing to know your purpose, but then you need to live according to that purpose. This is a matter of priorities. Let your actions and schedule reflect your purpose. Don’t react to circumstances and let them cause you to live without your purpose fully. Living without your purpose will cause frustration. Living purposefully will bring you deep satisfaction and joy !

Stretch yourself. Don’t settle into the status quo. That will leave you unfulfilled. Always look to stretch yourself. Whatever you are doing, stretch yourself to do more! Stretching yourself will break the limits you have set for yourself and will cause you to find joy in your expanded horizons !

Give more than you take. It brings happiness to accumulate. It brings joy to give away. Sure, buying a new car or a bigger house you worked hard for, will bring you a sense of satisfaction and even happiness. But it won’t bring you joy. Giving something away to the less fortunate will bring you deep, abiding joy.

Surprise yourself and others too. The words here are spontaneity and surprise! Every once in a while, do the unexpected. It will cause everybody to sit back and say, “Wow, where did that come from?” It will put a little joy in your life, and theirs.

Laugh a little – no, a lot ! Most people are just too serious. We need to laugh a little ! Learn to laugh daily, even if you have to learn to laugh in bad situations. This life is to be enjoyed ! Watch comedy shows, movies and let loose !  Let yourself laugh !

Joy can be yours! Look for it, pursue it and enjoy it !

Tough Times Never Last, but Tough People Do !

Every one or every organization, some or the other time  goes through tough and challenging times. At times, you can’t even predict or stop this. Instead prepare & perform some extraordinary leadership, that can help you come out stronger.

Robert Schuller has said it beautifully — Tough Times Never Last, but Tough People Do !

Keep Your Eye on the Big Picture.

When things get tough, everybody’s temptation is to become acutely focused on the problem. The Leader, however, will keep his/her eye on the big picture. This doesn’t mean that we don’t address the problem. In fact, we have to address the problem. But don’t get caught up in the problem. The leader sees the big picture and keeps moving toward the vision.

Don’t Get Caught in the War or the Friendly Fire.

When it gets tough, sometimes your own people can be tempted to start shooting at each other. Rather than focusing on the real challenge, they would pose questions or find more criticalities that they normally would not do. It’s important and in only up to the leaders to keep an eye on the big picture and act rationally and objectively. This way, they take fewer arrows and they set the example for their followers. The Leader understands this and rises above it.

Remain Calm.

Leader takes time out regularly to think the issues through so they can remain calm. They remind themselves all is not lost and there will be another day. Being calm will enable them to make the right decisions. Panic only leads to disaster, while calm leads to victory.

Motivate.

In tough and challenging times, people are naturally down and tend to be pessimistic. They can’t see how it is all going to work out. Thus, they have a hard time getting going. The Leader knows this and will focus in on being the optimistic motivator. Above all else, they seek to show how the end result will be good – and with this they motivate their teams to continue on, braving the current storms, and on to their shared destiny.

Create Small Wins.

A Leader creates opportunities for the team to win, even if they are small. They set smaller, more achievable goals and remind and reward the team members when they hit those goals. With each small win, the leader is building the esteem and attitude of his followers, digging them out of their self-created hole of fear.

Keep a Sense of Humor.

Leader knows that even if there are big loses or sacrifices, we still go home to our families and live a life of love with them. The Extraordinary Leader keeps perspective that we humans act irrationally when we get scared and fail, and sometimes that is humorous. The know – when you smile, the world smiles with you.

So going ahead while you aspire for more challenges and success, be prepared for the tough times and keep an attitude that will beat the tough times.

Success Is Easy, But So Is Neglect …

We often see that some people become success, rather extremely success while many others cannot.  How ?

The answer is simple: The things that achievers find easy to do,  others find them difficult or impossible at times. Let’s look at some common examples;

Achievers find it easy to set the goals that could change my life. Others find it easy not to. Achievers are fond of reading books that could affect their thinking and ideas.

Others found that easy not to. Achievers find it easy to attend the lectures, seminars, and to get around other successful people. Others say – how does it matter ?. If I had to sum it up, I would say achievers find it easy to do, others find it easy not to do. This makes achievers wealth creators .. while others blame it on the luck , company policies, the economy, the government … and yet they neglect to do the basic, easy things.

In fact, the primary reason most people are not doing as well as they could and should, can be summed up in a single word: neglect. It is not the lack of money – banks are full of money. It is not the lack of opportunity –  world is full of opportunities. Everything we would ever need to become rich and powerful and sophisticated is within our reach. The major reason that so few take advantage of all that we have is simply neglect.

Neglect is like an infection. Left unchecked it will spread throughout our entire system of disciplines and eventually lead to a complete breakdown of a potentially joy-filled and prosperous human life.  

Not doing the things we know we should do causes us to feel guilty and guilt leads to an erosion of self-confidence. As our self-confidence diminishes, so does the level of our activity. And as our activity diminishes, our results inevitably decline. And as our results suffer, our attitude begins to weaken. And as our attitude begins the slow shift from positive to negative, our self-confidence diminishes even more… and on and on it goes.

So make a choice today and do not neglect to do the simple, basic, “easy”; but potentially life-changing activities and disciplines.

Intevnt & Define Yourself For 2008 !!!

Over the next few days people all over the world will make resolutions to figure out how to make 2008 a better 2007. It’s also commonly seen, most of the new year resolution fizzle out by end of January. So when you resolve, don’t forget to re-invent yourself. When you plan, make sure you are preparing yourself.

When you will resolve to do more so you ‘get more’, don’t forget to think define your own philosophy of ‘give more’ to get more joy of life.

Design Your Happiness.

Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want. Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for. Happiness is something you design.  How sad to see someone with money and no joy. People study economics, technology and business management, but never study happiness.  The greatest source of unhappiness comes from inside. Happiness is the art of learning how to get joy from your substance. Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.

Be Clear Not Fuzzy.

Successful people are successful because they are very clear about their values. Unsuccessful people are fuzzy or unsure. Complete failures have no real values at all.  Economic disaster begins with a philosophy of doing less and wanting more. If you want to amend your errors, you must begin by amending your philosophy.  Your philosophy determines whether you will go for the disciplines or continue the errors. If you learn to set a good sail, the wind that blows will always take you to the dreams you want, the income you want, and the treasures of mind, purse, and soul you want.

Determine Your Values.

Personal strategic planning begins with your determining what it is you believe in and stand for-your values. Your values lie at the very core of everything you are as a human being. Your values are the unifying principles and core beliefs of your personality and your character. The virtues and qualities that you stand for are what constitute the person you have become from the beginning of your life to this moment. Your values, virtues and inner beliefs are the axle around which the wheel of your life turns. All improvement in your life begins with you clarifying your true values and then committing yourself to live consistent with them.

Develop Your Own Philosophy.

Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out.  Only human beings can reorder their lives any day they choose by refining their philosophy. The key factor that will determine your financial future is not the economy; the key factor is your philosophy. Don’t borrow someone else’s plan. Develop your own philosophy and it will lead you to unique places.

Build Confidence, That Builds Your Self-Esteem.

Values clarification is the beginning exercise in building self-confidence, self-esteem and personal character. When you take the time to think through your fundamental values, and then commit yourself to living your life consistent with them, you feel a surge of mental strength and well-being. You feel stronger and more capable. You feel more centered in the universe and more competent of accomplishing the goals you set for yourself.

So at the beginning of 2008, decide for yourself what makes you truly happy and then organize your life around it. Begin with your values by deciding what it is you stand for and believe in. Commit yourself to live consistent with your inner most convictions – and you’ll never make another mistake.

My best wishes to you, your family and your business .. Have A Wonderful Year 2008 Ahead !!!

HAPPINESS

HAPPINESS Five signs that you are a happy person: 5.  Upside down people all wonder why you are frowning.4.  Everywhere you go, you see people smiling back at you.3.  Your mirror is the happiest person you’ve met all day.2.  Actually, you’ve heard nothing but positive news all week.

1.  Your tummy is still warm from the last hug.

Discover The Winner Inside You !

The battle for your success is fought and won nowhere else but in your mind.

Your success or failure is does not necessarily depend upon where you are born or brought up, your bank balance or also your level of formal education. Although, I am a proponent of the value of a good education, I’ll always weigh a sharp mind, determination, ethics and perseverance over a good education every time. Your success or failure does not depend upon what your family, your friends, your peers or your co-workers feel are your chances.

I know for sure there is scope for debate on every point that’s mentioned. The point is – Your success depends on what you have inside. Let’s think and find some answers of tough question – Are you a winner?

Can you withstand failure? Because most winners fail. In fact, a great many winners fail over and over and over again. Are you able to be knocked down or knocked out in your attempts to succeed, but have enough courage and tenacity to get up time and time again, brush yourself off, figure out what went wrong, what you did wrong, and then start again?

Are you able to withstand humiliation? In the midst of failing, can you endure your closest family, friends or loved ones saying “I told you so”, “I knew you couldn’t do it”, “I don’t even know why you wasted your time/money/effort”, when you know in your heart that you are capable and you can achieve the success you so desire?

Can you humble yourself? Can you face customers, partners, or investors when all your resources has run out and you still haven’t made a go of it, yet you have to go ahead with more resources, because you know it will work?

Can you cope with the loneliness and isolation that is often an inherent part of leadership, because no one else shares your vision or can see the future the way in which you see it?

Are you strong enough to break through or break free of limitations you put upon yourself or that others have placed on you? Are you able to lift yourself beyond your current circumstances? Can you drive yourself forward, even when it means challenging and overcoming immense fear?

Are you a winner? Not everyone is, you know. Winning is a hard, difficult business. If it was so easy, everybody would be winners. People get tired, people get lazy, people change their minds about what they want and what they’re willing to settle for.

Are you a winner? I don’t know, but I believe you have what it takes to succeed or you wouldn’t be here. I believe that there is a reason and a time and a place for everything. I believe that’s why you’re reading these words right now.

Are you a winner?

Only you can answer that question.

Hunting or Fishing

“Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.”

 For instance, as yourself a question – Are you a hunter or a fisherman ? It’s not actually about hunting and fishing .. but the analogy that hunting and fishing provides us as it relates to success in general – leadership and influence specifically.

 Generally there are two kinds of people: those who hunt (and are constantly tracking down success), and those who fish (or let success and leadership come to them). So with this analogy. Fishing is about attraction. It is about magnetically having success and influence come to you. When you are hunting, everything just runs away !

How do you fish rather than hunt?

 Good question. Fishing is all about presenting great bait.  So what is the bait? —  YOU YOURSELF  !

 That is why personal development is so important. The more we improve, the more attractive we become to others and to success ! We should make it an everyday goal to develop ourselves and improve so as to become the best people we can be. As we do that, we will begin to see success come our way with less effort than if we just sat in the same old spot personally all the time.

Become a fisherman of success and influence.

 Stop Chasing success… Attract it !

Be Happy!!!

 Happiness has always been seen as too vague as a concept.  what really makes us happy? Make your own list of what makes you happy, and then compare it with the list made by behavioral scientists and psychologists. Most of the experts agree with the following conclusions: 

1. Wealth and fortune do not contribute to happiness. There is a lot of evidence that being richer isn’t making us happier, which is fair! The research suggests that once you have shelter or modest home, basic food and clothes, then extra money does not seem to make people much happier. Now we have evidence: we can be happy without being rich, therefore no more excuses for being unhappy because you don’t have a lot of money.

The standard of living in many countries has increased dramatically but not necessarily the happiness levels, and in some cases has diminished slightly. Despite all the massive increase in wealth, our levels of happiness have not increased. We know the reason: it is our intention to adapt to pleasure. For example, buying a new car or purchasing a new home can give us a quick feeling of pleasure and at the same time can quickly wear off. Those kinds of pleasures have limitations and they gradually lose their power. Pretty dark statement from the scientific point of view, isn’t it?

2. Health, family and friends are the most important factors for our happiness. If you are healthy person in relatively a good shape, with good family and personal relationships, consider yourself a happy and a lucky person. Happy people have a lot of friends, and they make very close friendships, too.

 Just as a reminder: as stress can trigger ill health, friendship and happiness can have a protective effect. Now we know that our brain control many of the mechanisms in our bodies which are responsible for disease. What we learn from positive psychology is: friendship has a much bigger effect on happiness than a typical person’s income. This is one more reason to believe that we can be happy despite having to struggle with a difficult financial situation. At this moment scientists cannot prove causation; whether, for example, people are healthy because they are happy, or whether people are happy because they are healthy.

3. Having goals and a meaning life, a belief in something bigger than us – from religion, spirituality or a philosophy of life is crucial for our happiness. Finding meaning in life is like finding gold mine. Dig it and you will find your lost goals and your lost happiness. With meaning and goals in your life, you will be always on the track. The theory sounds good, but what’s the reality? The question is: whether we can actually use our knowledge of what makes us happy to lift our levels of happiness permanently?  

We need to accept the reality: life is not always all about happiness. Unhappiness is a part of life, too. Life is unpredictable with no guarantee for happiness. The mind rises and falls and illness can shift happiness into sadness. If you expect to be happy all the time you are making an unrealistic goal. The best you can do is to make an effort and learn what makes you a happy person.  

Fusion of personal & professional life, creates a happy life !

I was recently talking to someone on ‘planning success’. What  struck me was, many a times people live personal & professional life in isolation. They think, most of the things in life are not ‘my choice’ and ultimately become a victims of surroundings. What can help people overcome the ‘helpless’ attitude ?

Everything you do is an attempt to enhance the quality of your life.  Happiness is a state of mind in which our thinking is pleasant most of the time.

First think about what you think about. And if you catch yourself thinking about wrong things, “change the channel” and think about what you want to happen !

# Desire for happy relationships.

You want to love and be loved by others. You want to get along well with the people around you, and you want to earn the respect of the people you respect. Understand, you don’t “catch” depression and you don’t “catch” happiness. you “create” it by the “thoughts” you put into your mind. Carefully choose what you read, listen to, people and the work you associate with.

# Desire for interesting and challenging work.

You want to make a good living, of course, but more than that, you want to really enjoy your occupation. The very best times of your life are when you are completely absorbed in your work. And don’t wait for an invitation, start it yourself from today !

Remember, Failure is a choice made by the undisciplined. Failing to meet your objectives, regardless of what they are, is a choice, because something else has been given higher priority. If you fail, it is because you choose to fail. Success is all about long way hard-work, and there is no shortcuts.

#  Desire for financial independence.

You want to achieve a certain financial state so that you can retire in comfort and never have to be concerned about whether or not you have enough money to support your lifestyle.  If you save and invest regularly throughout your working life, you will eventually reach the point where you will never have to work again.

Life is very much a study of attention. Whatever you dwell upon and think about grows and expands in your life. The more you pay attention to your relationships, the quality and quantity of your work, your finances and your health, the better they will become and the happier you will be.

Make It  Happy Life Ahead !

SPEED really COUNTS !

I believe that SPEED applied to many areas of life can make a significant difference in developing your character, building your self-esteem and ultimately steering your way successfully through the game of life. The best business deals as well as personal success are result of deciding quickly when the opportunity arose and closing immediately while others were still pondering. On other hand, over-analyzing, worrying and procrastination will paralyze you and keep you from acting. Being slow to react will cause you to look back with regrets for letting great deals escape your grasp. Throughout your school years, you always knew which kids finished their homework assignments on time, or finished their tests and quizzes quickly. You always knew who was quick answering questions and conscientious and quick regarding their studies. You also knew who the class clowns were who came to school unprepared. These lessons learned early, can play a great role in shaping ones attitude and lifestyle in the future. Think about it ! Another good example of how speed pays off big is displayed by the incredible success of the Apple’s i-pod, which was first to market recently with an exciting consumer product. Apple sold over 10 million i-pods in the last couple of years and currently own 65% of the market. Their competitors include heavyweights like Sony and Samsung who are five times their size in sales and are doing everything possible to catch them. Speed and first to market is usually a distinct advantage, but never one to be taken for granted. If you do so, you can move from first to last quickly. Speed in setting and accomplishing goals and objectives have also proven to be a winning strategy. Speed is recognized as a personal strength in school, sports, business and your personal life. Sluggishness or neglect is usually viewed as a personal weakness. Most people have the ability to make a choice when it comes to getting things done quickly or putting them off or even neglecting them completely. Employers know which employees are quick and conscientious and usually promote them to higher positions. These same individuals, who accomplish tasks with speed and efficiency, often do so by enlisting the assistance of others and become proficient in delegating responsibilities. They tend to work their way quickly toward positions of leadership. Speed in performance also sets a good example in your personal life. No one enjoys associating with lazy or sluggish individuals. When tasks need to be accomplished, get them done quickly. Respond to challenges quickly – be it starting work on long awaited resolutions (generally made on birthdays and new years) or get your fitness in order, or handling the day to day tasks. Get your monkeys off your back quickly.