What is it that you achieved in the past year?
What did you not finish in the past year?
What books did you read?
Who are the new people you met or reconnected with?
What did you buy?
What were your proudest moments?
What was your lowest moment?
Answer these questions and go forward into the New Year being the best you possibly can with the talents you have been given.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
10 days till the New Year - what are you going to do with your life?
As the year is coming to a close it is a time for reflection of the year that is soon to pass, the things we have done, the things we should have done, the things we could have done.
How many of us can look back on the year and say 'Boy, was I on fire!' and be satisfied that they gave the year all his or her best and no matter what the results have shown on the 31st December ( 10 days is still sufficent time for major breakthroughs to occur), what matters is giving one hunderd and ten percent to the year so that no days have been wasted.
As we get older we realise that there are less days left in our lives and therefore how important it is to make each day valuable.
If we have accomplished something of importance to us during this year we should celebrate the achievements and thank God for making it come to fruition.
If we keep in mind that anything is possible we can truly look forward to the coming year with anticipation that change is coming our way and be ready for it.
Another wonderful 365 days that God is going to bless us with. How we choose to fill our days is up to us. Unlike other resources such as money, time is of limited supply and we should guard it well.
I smile as I think of my list of things to do for the coming year :
1. Meet my soulmate and marry him
2. Take my business to another level
3. Travel all over the world to conferences, seminars and meet interesting people who are involved in exciting projects
4. Take care of my parents and spend more time with my daughter
5. Spiritually grow and become closer to God
What is your list of things to do for the coming year? Does the list include things which will bring you closer to the things you want to do with your life? For example if you have always thought of starting your own business , why not make a plan in these last ten days left of the year of the series of actions you need to take .
1.Identify your goals, for example starting a business or becoming the chief executive of an organisation
2.Ask yourself why it is important for you to achieve that goal. Make sure your reasons are not for pleasing other people eg you want to become the chief executive of a certain organisation because you want to make your father proud, ask yourself do you really , really want to be a chief executive? Too often we confuse what other people want for us as something we want for ourselves.
3. Draw up an action plan. If you are starting a business think of all the resources you need and how to get them , for example people whose help you need to enlist, arranging finance, knowledge and expertise. It is important not to dwell too long in drawing up this action plan but to get moving as soon as the basics are in place.
4. Break down each action into a series of tasks and put them in your diary , ticking the tasks off as they are accomplished. Remember you can eat an elephant one bite at a time.
5. Keep a log of your progress on a daily basis. If things are working do more of it, if it is not then change and see what happens. Test and tweak all the time.
6. Keep your eye firmly on the ball that is marked 'This is where the money is' . Activity does not equal productivity. Make sure you know which activities bring you the money and do more of it. Of course you should enjoy this activity which brings you the money, otherwise leave it. You should feel alive when you are engaged in this pursuit which not only makes money but adds value to ther peoples' lives.
So get going today ! Make your list of things to do, followed by your action plan and start filling in next year's diary with all the tasks tha are part of the action plan. At the end of next year, ten days before the year end you can look through your diary and amaze yourself that you are far more capable than you ever thought youself to be!
How many of us can look back on the year and say 'Boy, was I on fire!' and be satisfied that they gave the year all his or her best and no matter what the results have shown on the 31st December ( 10 days is still sufficent time for major breakthroughs to occur), what matters is giving one hunderd and ten percent to the year so that no days have been wasted.
As we get older we realise that there are less days left in our lives and therefore how important it is to make each day valuable.
If we have accomplished something of importance to us during this year we should celebrate the achievements and thank God for making it come to fruition.
If we keep in mind that anything is possible we can truly look forward to the coming year with anticipation that change is coming our way and be ready for it.
Another wonderful 365 days that God is going to bless us with. How we choose to fill our days is up to us. Unlike other resources such as money, time is of limited supply and we should guard it well.
I smile as I think of my list of things to do for the coming year :
1. Meet my soulmate and marry him
2. Take my business to another level
3. Travel all over the world to conferences, seminars and meet interesting people who are involved in exciting projects
4. Take care of my parents and spend more time with my daughter
5. Spiritually grow and become closer to God
What is your list of things to do for the coming year? Does the list include things which will bring you closer to the things you want to do with your life? For example if you have always thought of starting your own business , why not make a plan in these last ten days left of the year of the series of actions you need to take .
1.Identify your goals, for example starting a business or becoming the chief executive of an organisation
2.Ask yourself why it is important for you to achieve that goal. Make sure your reasons are not for pleasing other people eg you want to become the chief executive of a certain organisation because you want to make your father proud, ask yourself do you really , really want to be a chief executive? Too often we confuse what other people want for us as something we want for ourselves.
3. Draw up an action plan. If you are starting a business think of all the resources you need and how to get them , for example people whose help you need to enlist, arranging finance, knowledge and expertise. It is important not to dwell too long in drawing up this action plan but to get moving as soon as the basics are in place.
4. Break down each action into a series of tasks and put them in your diary , ticking the tasks off as they are accomplished. Remember you can eat an elephant one bite at a time.
5. Keep a log of your progress on a daily basis. If things are working do more of it, if it is not then change and see what happens. Test and tweak all the time.
6. Keep your eye firmly on the ball that is marked 'This is where the money is' . Activity does not equal productivity. Make sure you know which activities bring you the money and do more of it. Of course you should enjoy this activity which brings you the money, otherwise leave it. You should feel alive when you are engaged in this pursuit which not only makes money but adds value to ther peoples' lives.
So get going today ! Make your list of things to do, followed by your action plan and start filling in next year's diary with all the tasks tha are part of the action plan. At the end of next year, ten days before the year end you can look through your diary and amaze yourself that you are far more capable than you ever thought youself to be!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Digital Natives
Digital natives don't just use technology differently, they live their lives differently because of what they can do with technology.
These were the words of the speaker in one of the seminars held at the online information Conference yesterday. The words rang so true in my ears especially after this week's momentous events where I defied my own expectations by accomplishing what I thought was merely a dream. My screen had started showing the dollar signs which I could not believe. It was truly magic.
When a technology is sufficiently advanced it is akin to magic as Arthur C Clarke said.
I imagined all the little angels sitting on the shoulders of the surfers in the US and the litle cherubs telling them to click and they click. All I know is that it is from God.
God gives to whom He wills without stint says the Quran when Zachariah enters Mary's room and finds that food has magically appeared next to her. I read this passage in Surah Imran this morning.
The world is full of money. Some of it has your name written on it. All you have to do is collect it. Felix Dennis writes.
If we start thinking of money like oxygen something which is in abundant supply and will never run out , and is merely an exchange of energy, we will start looking at money differently.
We will start attracting money into our life when we start thinking it is in plentiful supply and God will give to whom He wills.
These were the words of the speaker in one of the seminars held at the online information Conference yesterday. The words rang so true in my ears especially after this week's momentous events where I defied my own expectations by accomplishing what I thought was merely a dream. My screen had started showing the dollar signs which I could not believe. It was truly magic.
When a technology is sufficiently advanced it is akin to magic as Arthur C Clarke said.
I imagined all the little angels sitting on the shoulders of the surfers in the US and the litle cherubs telling them to click and they click. All I know is that it is from God.
God gives to whom He wills without stint says the Quran when Zachariah enters Mary's room and finds that food has magically appeared next to her. I read this passage in Surah Imran this morning.
The world is full of money. Some of it has your name written on it. All you have to do is collect it. Felix Dennis writes.
If we start thinking of money like oxygen something which is in abundant supply and will never run out , and is merely an exchange of energy, we will start looking at money differently.
We will start attracting money into our life when we start thinking it is in plentiful supply and God will give to whom He wills.
Friday, December 07, 2007
60 Minutes to Live
I came across Dan Gilbert's book Stumbling Upon Happiness in which he asks the question what you would do if you had ten minutes to live. There isn't much you can do in ten minutes but if you have 60 minutes to live you can do something meaningful with that time. Most people I gather would say they would get together with their family. I would jump into my car , pick my daughter from school assuming I am given this sudden news while working at home during the day and rush to my parents place 20 minutes drive away which is aso near where my other siblings and their families are. When we ask ourselves this question it brings home to us what is the most thing important thing in your life. Its your family and your loved ones and some close friends that you want to be close by when it is time to say goodbye. The last hour would also be time to reflect on the journey one would be taking to the next stage and whether during the brief time on this earth whether one reminded oneself sufficient times that this place is a temporary abode for a very short time and the time had come for one's return to his Creator.
If we remind ourselves every day that the last hour for each of us is inevitable, then it would puts everythinh we need to do that day and whatever we may be experiencing during that day into a new perspective. The new perspective is that we should stop sweating the small stuff and its all small stuff.
If we remind ourselves every day that the last hour for each of us is inevitable, then it would puts everythinh we need to do that day and whatever we may be experiencing during that day into a new perspective. The new perspective is that we should stop sweating the small stuff and its all small stuff.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Today is a Gift
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift from God and that is why it is called the present. Bill Keane
Quite a long break !
Gosh, I can't believe I have been away for so long from my blog. Three and a half months to be precise. In mitigation I have to say that during this time I have written an e book on all things about how to lead your life, something I can leave behind for my daughter some of the principles that she would know that her mother tried to apply in her life.
Personal development is an interest I seem to be returning again and again. I am almost hooked to it. I must admit that sometimes I need to take time away from it and return with a refreshed mind with new ideas. Instead of blogging I have kept a journal noting down thoughts that have come fleetingly, stayed for a while, some incubated, perhaps fodder for some future writing and rumination.
Writing is something I love to do . When it is a daily exercise, no matter how many brick walls I have to tackle it somehow makes me smile and a sense of calmness permeates my being with the knowledge that everything is going to be alright.
Its after ten at night, on a Sunday, my mac is on my lap , I am reclined on my comfy sofa with the quilt covering me and a hot mug of tea on the coffeee table next to me. What could be more bliss than this. And I am doing what I love to do. The joy that fills every cell of my body makes me realise what little it takes to be so happy. When we make time to do the things we love there is no greater joy.
I am glad that I took the road to self employment three and a half years ago but those who are working at a 9 to 5 job, instead of feeling 'oh no tomorrow is Monday again' it is just as easy to say that tomorrow after work when I return home I will do the thing that gives me joy instead of sitting in front of the TV for three hours. When we make time for what makes our heart sing life holds a new meaning. We are in flow and we lose sense of time and space. Whether it be painting, composing a piece of music, writing or building something, this act of creative effort triggers something within us which touches the core of our being and we are at one with something greater than ourselves. The creative forces within us makes us create something which in itself becomes an act of worship guided by the divine hand. I have come to this place I do not know how but what I do know is that where I am now is perfect . Everything is unfolding as it should and it is an ongoing journey that I am relishing. Its never too late to be what you wanted to be, said George Eliot, and we should heed her words .
What is it that you love doing? Even if it is for half an hour do it now and say to yourself that you will do it every day and see what a difference it makes to your life.
Personal development is an interest I seem to be returning again and again. I am almost hooked to it. I must admit that sometimes I need to take time away from it and return with a refreshed mind with new ideas. Instead of blogging I have kept a journal noting down thoughts that have come fleetingly, stayed for a while, some incubated, perhaps fodder for some future writing and rumination.
Writing is something I love to do . When it is a daily exercise, no matter how many brick walls I have to tackle it somehow makes me smile and a sense of calmness permeates my being with the knowledge that everything is going to be alright.
Its after ten at night, on a Sunday, my mac is on my lap , I am reclined on my comfy sofa with the quilt covering me and a hot mug of tea on the coffeee table next to me. What could be more bliss than this. And I am doing what I love to do. The joy that fills every cell of my body makes me realise what little it takes to be so happy. When we make time to do the things we love there is no greater joy.
I am glad that I took the road to self employment three and a half years ago but those who are working at a 9 to 5 job, instead of feeling 'oh no tomorrow is Monday again' it is just as easy to say that tomorrow after work when I return home I will do the thing that gives me joy instead of sitting in front of the TV for three hours. When we make time for what makes our heart sing life holds a new meaning. We are in flow and we lose sense of time and space. Whether it be painting, composing a piece of music, writing or building something, this act of creative effort triggers something within us which touches the core of our being and we are at one with something greater than ourselves. The creative forces within us makes us create something which in itself becomes an act of worship guided by the divine hand. I have come to this place I do not know how but what I do know is that where I am now is perfect . Everything is unfolding as it should and it is an ongoing journey that I am relishing. Its never too late to be what you wanted to be, said George Eliot, and we should heed her words .
What is it that you love doing? Even if it is for half an hour do it now and say to yourself that you will do it every day and see what a difference it makes to your life.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Amaze yourself
One of the secrets to getting more done is to create a master to do list and then tick the items as they are completed. You will be amazed at how much you have accomplished !
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Creating space
We all need space for ideas to blossom and creativity to come into play and that is why physical surroundings are also very important. The more we declutter , the more space we make for creative thought.
My bedrooms and my living room is full of shelevs with books and magazines most of which I have not referred to during the last year. Take some large boxes label them 1,2, 3... and start putting the items away recording or writng somewhere what items you are putting in each box so if you do need to refer to it in the future you can easily retrieve it. I did this over the weekend and I feel so much lighter.
My bedrooms and my living room is full of shelevs with books and magazines most of which I have not referred to during the last year. Take some large boxes label them 1,2, 3... and start putting the items away recording or writng somewhere what items you are putting in each box so if you do need to refer to it in the future you can easily retrieve it. I did this over the weekend and I feel so much lighter.
Intend your day
Start your day by saying 'I intend to have an exciting and exhilirating day' and feel the excitement and exhiliration. Even simple things like going to the park can be exhilirating if you intend it to be , so before you set off say to yourself that you intend to have an exhilirating time while at the park. You will be amazed how by the end of the day you will feel so pleased with yoursef for having a wonderful day simply by making intentions during the day before embarking on an activity.
Focus on the day at hand
Forget what happened yesterday, forget what may happen tomorrow, just focus on the tasks at hand today. Do as much as you can without overexerting yourself or being in a hurry. Do not neglect the small things and do all that needs to be done today. And then have a smile on your face because you did not waste the precious 24 hours that God has given you. Let the first part of your day be righteousness, the middle part , attainment, and the last part success.
The Source of Wealth
The source of all wealth is our Creator. The closer we are to the Source the greater our chances of having whatever we desire. That is why it is important to develop a close relationship with our Creator. The more grateful we are towards our Creator for all that He has already given us , the more he will shower us from His Bounty. If we walk towards Him , He will run towards us.
No matter what
'No matter what, never let go' the last words of Jack to Rose in Titanic as he lay in the cold waters of the Atlantic after the Titanic had sunk and had managed to get Rose onto a plank of wood.
'There is always a way out' Jack had also said when Rose is faced with despair when she is faced with having to marry someone she does not love.
'He saved me in more ways than one' says the Rose when recounting the story. Its a story of love, hope and hanging on . You go on , no matter what. In the last scene, we see Rose lying on her bed and the sepia pictures on her bedside of her as a rider , as an aviator indicating that she had lived a full life.
Titanic is a story of hope, love and new beginnings. No matter what we should never give up but carry on,. If we fall, we should dust ourselves off and get up again and the person who gets up the most times is the winner.
'There is always a way out' Jack had also said when Rose is faced with despair when she is faced with having to marry someone she does not love.
'He saved me in more ways than one' says the Rose when recounting the story. Its a story of love, hope and hanging on . You go on , no matter what. In the last scene, we see Rose lying on her bed and the sepia pictures on her bedside of her as a rider , as an aviator indicating that she had lived a full life.
Titanic is a story of hope, love and new beginnings. No matter what we should never give up but carry on,. If we fall, we should dust ourselves off and get up again and the person who gets up the most times is the winner.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Spiritual Growth
Life is an empty, barren wasteland if we we do not allow ourselves to grow in the direction towards God. We should indeed consider it a blessing if we are surrounded by friends and family who aid us along this path for it is so easy to become materially inclined our direction being shaped by the subtle influences around us. At the end of the journey we would be where we began and recognise the place for the first time.
Trading Time
Time is the most important commodity and despite this knowledge sometimes we are faced with dilemmas in our lives as how we are going to treat the time allotted to us. The usual exchange that takes place is that we trade our time in return for money. There is nothing wrong in working for a regular paycheck except when it interferes with our ability to make what we ae actually capable of making which is usually far more. Alex Haley, the author of Roots, was faced with the same dilemma when he was offered to work part time at a job which would comfortably pay his expenses while he wrote his book on a part time basis. In fact he wanted to write full time and consequently turned the job offer down and subsequently went on to write the international bestseller, Roots. Okay, so you may become broke , it is a gamble you will be taking. So what , you deal with it and move on but never sell out on your dream.
Life is a journey
The past few days I have been discovering the joys of facebook having looked up a few old school friends and recognising the names and faces. Through our journey in life we meet lots of differnt people , some stay for a little while then leave,some stay for a longer period and we never see them and some we are reunited with again. Out of the seven billion people in the world God has selected certain people to be in our lives and they are all there for a reason and to teach us something valuable about life.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mini sabbaticals
I prefer the term mini sabbaticals rather than mini retirements due to the fact that retirement has a connoation of finishing with one's work when we should never finish with work because there is so much to do for each of us on this earth. Perhaps we should have a short break once in a while to take stock of our life so far and how we can develop and grow spiritually. The time out gives us the space to evaluate ,reassess and forge new directions if need be and connect at a deeper level with our Creator.
Retirement is a flawed concept
I received an email today from a childhood friend of mine who is looking to create a new life for herself after the break up of her marriage. She thanked me in the email for inspiring her to go for her dreams. We spoke about starting a business and how it could really give her the financial freedom and how it is important to pursue something that one enjoys. And if one enjoys one's work then there is no question of retirement because you continue doing what you love until the end. We spoke about microfinance an area I am excited about due to its potential to change many lives by giving the poor a hand up rather than a handout.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Making the first dollar
A common mistake we tend to make when we set ourselves a goal fo example of a million dollars to make, we keep thinking about the million dollars. It is much easier to focus on making the first dollar. Once you make the first dollar , you know that you will be able to make your first million. The effort required to make the first dollar is greater than the effort required to make the leap to the millon dollar. Because once you have cracked the code the rest is easy.
The Apprentice
The best way to get started in an area that is your passion is to become an apprentice. Find someone who has already been there and who is going to guide you along the way. As a student, you can learn so much from your mentor. Once you are comfortable the next stage is to progress to become an affiliate and then a partner . View your apprenticeship as a long time worthwhile investment. An apprenticeship will help you get to your goal much faster than if you decide not to go through this route.
Philanthropy
We should all work towards accumulating wealth in order to give it away. Of course once we achieve the financial freedom , there is only so much one can consume so we need to think of ways in which we can put this wealth to use. After all the wealth is really not ours , if it is money we are talking about it is trust that has been given to us by our Creator to put into good use.
We can start working on our philanthropy straight away, and not wait until we make our millions Remember to use whatever resources you have to make a difference to the world. If your $10 a month goes to make a differerence to a family on the other side of the world this small amount would have made a huge difference in 5 years time. Cultivate your philanthropic tendencies and be oriented towards not giving a handout but a hand up. Don't give him the fish but teach him how to fish.
We can start working on our philanthropy straight away, and not wait until we make our millions Remember to use whatever resources you have to make a difference to the world. If your $10 a month goes to make a differerence to a family on the other side of the world this small amount would have made a huge difference in 5 years time. Cultivate your philanthropic tendencies and be oriented towards not giving a handout but a hand up. Don't give him the fish but teach him how to fish.
Stay the course
Longevity tends to make us get off course. We need to review from time to time that we are not geting off track. Its good to review the day at he end of the day for about 15 minutes and ask yourself what did I learn, what did I do that went well and how I can repeat that in the future, what did not go so well and how could I rectify it in the future.
Also spend a couple of hours on Sunday and do a weekly review. What did I achieve during the week ? Am I geeting closer to reaching my goals. If not, why not? Where do I need to take more action? Am I on track or am I allowing myself to be distracted?
Know how to distinguish between distractions and the actions that are taking you closer to your goals.
Also spend half a day doing a monthly review.
Also spend a couple of hours on Sunday and do a weekly review. What did I achieve during the week ? Am I geeting closer to reaching my goals. If not, why not? Where do I need to take more action? Am I on track or am I allowing myself to be distracted?
Know how to distinguish between distractions and the actions that are taking you closer to your goals.
Also spend half a day doing a monthly review.
The wonder called you
Do you know how powerful you are? Can you see the magnificence within you? Do you know the limits of the human potential? Our mind is an incredible gift that our Creator has bestowed on us and we can use it to have whatever we want. The trouble is so few of us utilise this resource and for most of us we go through life , allowing it to lie dormant and thus not knowng what we could have become. Our mind is the last frontier and whatever thoughts we throw into our mind just as planting seeds on a piece of land, it will bear the fruit. So if you have good thoughts and you want to create value for the world you can bring about incredible results. Think in terms of the next twenty years and imagine what you can achieve if you start working on your goals today.
Act quickly
He who hesitates is lost. There is a lot of truth in the saying. When your instincts tell you to go for something, go for it. Don't waste time analysing it too much because the universe likes speed. If you like someone, go and tell that person how you feel about him. Don't wait until it is too late. Don't let the moment slip away. You are a wonderful human being and you deserve to be loved.If you want to start a business , don't just think about it. Start gathering information and getting to know people who can help you achieve your dream. Act today!
The power of leveraging
As human beings we are forgetful. We forget what resources we already possess and how we can leverage those resources.
Time, money,information and relationships can be leveraged to take us to a place we never could imagine. We may complain that we don't have enough time. Its an excuse. We all have the same amount of time. A millionaire doesn't have more time than someone who is not a millionaire. We all have 24 hours in a day. Its up to us how we choose to use that time that has been guven to us. Time is the most important resource and we should use it wisely because the tme that has been used up can never be recovered again. You may say that you work nine to five and is exhausted after you return from work to start working on your dream. Then why not get up a couple of hours earlier in the morning than you normally do and work on your dream then. The early hours of the morning has a lot of blessings as most people find that during these golden hours they are most effective. Experiment and find out when you work your best and reseve that time to work on your dream. If you cannot get up in the morning and you are too tired in the evening them you need to ask yourself whether you are in the right job if it tires you out. You should look for something which leaves you with excitement at the end of the day to continue working on your dream.
Time and money are our capital and what we do with it will determine our success. Time is life, so consider what you are doing with your time and consequently your life. Don't fritter time away, it is the most important resource and you will never get it back. As for money, when people say that do not have money to start on their dream , it is another excuse. Use what you have. That is very important. Take stock of all the resouces you have in terms of time , money , informtion and relationships and put them to full use. Its amazing how we can be blind to all the resources that we have lying in front of us. Even if you have $500 , go and buy that course you have always wanted to buy. You don't know the manifold times that you will be repaid by that small investment.
As for information you will be astonished to discover how much you have stored in the powerhouse of your brain. Do a mind map to recall all the information you have gathered over the years through your work, travels, hobbies, skills and consider what you can offer to the world . Rememeber always that it is only by providing people with value that you can be whatever you want.
The last and final thing to leverage is your relationships. Always seek to build long term relationships. Think in terms of what you can do for the person rather than what the person can do for you. If you start thinking that way you will start attracting people who want to help you. Remember the joy is in the giving and God will in return give you many times over.
Time, money,information and relationships can be leveraged to take us to a place we never could imagine. We may complain that we don't have enough time. Its an excuse. We all have the same amount of time. A millionaire doesn't have more time than someone who is not a millionaire. We all have 24 hours in a day. Its up to us how we choose to use that time that has been guven to us. Time is the most important resource and we should use it wisely because the tme that has been used up can never be recovered again. You may say that you work nine to five and is exhausted after you return from work to start working on your dream. Then why not get up a couple of hours earlier in the morning than you normally do and work on your dream then. The early hours of the morning has a lot of blessings as most people find that during these golden hours they are most effective. Experiment and find out when you work your best and reseve that time to work on your dream. If you cannot get up in the morning and you are too tired in the evening them you need to ask yourself whether you are in the right job if it tires you out. You should look for something which leaves you with excitement at the end of the day to continue working on your dream.
Time and money are our capital and what we do with it will determine our success. Time is life, so consider what you are doing with your time and consequently your life. Don't fritter time away, it is the most important resource and you will never get it back. As for money, when people say that do not have money to start on their dream , it is another excuse. Use what you have. That is very important. Take stock of all the resouces you have in terms of time , money , informtion and relationships and put them to full use. Its amazing how we can be blind to all the resources that we have lying in front of us. Even if you have $500 , go and buy that course you have always wanted to buy. You don't know the manifold times that you will be repaid by that small investment.
As for information you will be astonished to discover how much you have stored in the powerhouse of your brain. Do a mind map to recall all the information you have gathered over the years through your work, travels, hobbies, skills and consider what you can offer to the world . Rememeber always that it is only by providing people with value that you can be whatever you want.
The last and final thing to leverage is your relationships. Always seek to build long term relationships. Think in terms of what you can do for the person rather than what the person can do for you. If you start thinking that way you will start attracting people who want to help you. Remember the joy is in the giving and God will in return give you many times over.
Friday, April 20, 2007
The Challenge
Let others lead small lives but not you
Let others argue over small things but not you
Let others cry over small hurts but not you
Let others leave their future in someone else's hand but not you.
Jim Rohn
Let others argue over small things but not you
Let others cry over small hurts but not you
Let others leave their future in someone else's hand but not you.
Jim Rohn
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The Simple Joys
My day started in an excellent manner with the twenty five minute walk to the tube station on a beautiful sunny April morning.
The clean air, the cool , fresh breeze on one side of my face and the gentle sun touching the other side. I breathe in the air and exhale gently. The Cafe with the black tinted floor length glass front and the chrome and wicker tables and chairs laid out on the pavement. The little charity shop, a garage , a boutique , a pizza place all standing cheek by jowl. The whish of traffic accompanies my walk to the station. The upholstery shop nextto the bus stop , the biscuit coloured clock tower with the golden dials on a bright blue background the Edwardian edifices with the shops on the ground floor , the estate agents, the banks , the Post Office , the Korean restaurant.
I enter the station as a red double decker bus moves slowly pass the station, and a crow flies in the distance.
The clean air, the cool , fresh breeze on one side of my face and the gentle sun touching the other side. I breathe in the air and exhale gently. The Cafe with the black tinted floor length glass front and the chrome and wicker tables and chairs laid out on the pavement. The little charity shop, a garage , a boutique , a pizza place all standing cheek by jowl. The whish of traffic accompanies my walk to the station. The upholstery shop nextto the bus stop , the biscuit coloured clock tower with the golden dials on a bright blue background the Edwardian edifices with the shops on the ground floor , the estate agents, the banks , the Post Office , the Korean restaurant.
I enter the station as a red double decker bus moves slowly pass the station, and a crow flies in the distance.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Planning
Do you find sometimes when you visualise the coming day you have it divided into two main slots- the time you are going to be at work and the time you ae going to be at home. What about the amount of time put into planning those slots.Do you actually write down how you are going to fill those slots. To give some structure I find it useful to use the three stone , sand and jar model.
List three important things you need to do in each slot. More than three, it can become overwhelming just like if you are trying to fill the sand before the stones. The idea is to prioritise, do the most important things first. We need to get the stones into the jar followed by the sand and not the other way round.
List three important things you need to do in each slot. More than three, it can become overwhelming just like if you are trying to fill the sand before the stones. The idea is to prioritise, do the most important things first. We need to get the stones into the jar followed by the sand and not the other way round.
Be the change
The world will only change when you change yourself.
Embracing change is essential for our continued personal growth . The key is to learning how to transform any perceived problem into a force for positive change. As human beings we have an inifinite capacity to dig deep and transform which most often occurs in those periods when we are feeling stuck or fearful.
Sometimes in life we have to take the long way to reach our destination but it is the long way which is often the shorter way. It is wise not to swim against the tide because it expends too much energy but instead let the tide take you where you are supposed to go and then after you have reached the bank , walk to your original destination.
Work on yourself to be the change instead of trying to change others. Only when you change the world will change.
Embracing change is essential for our continued personal growth . The key is to learning how to transform any perceived problem into a force for positive change. As human beings we have an inifinite capacity to dig deep and transform which most often occurs in those periods when we are feeling stuck or fearful.
Sometimes in life we have to take the long way to reach our destination but it is the long way which is often the shorter way. It is wise not to swim against the tide because it expends too much energy but instead let the tide take you where you are supposed to go and then after you have reached the bank , walk to your original destination.
Work on yourself to be the change instead of trying to change others. Only when you change the world will change.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Secret
The new DVD and book 'The Secret' is based on the Law of Attraction which purports that thoughts are things and they become reality. Our thoughts bring about vibrations and this manifests into reality. Whatever we focus our attention towards and our intention, it manifests itself.
There are some practical tips. For example if you would like to bring someone in to your life to share your life with that person then begin by making space for that person. For example you would always lie on your side of the bed leaving the other side empty for that person. Similarly you should clear half the space in your cupboard to make room for the clothes for the person you are intending to come into your life. Hmmm!!
As regarding financial freedom, repeat affirmations such as 'money comes to me easily and frequently' . Visulaise cheques coming in through the post rather than having thoughts and stomach churning feeling thinking they are bills.
I read somewhere that when we visualise we should think of ourselves after what we wish for has happened. For example, when looking for parking space most of us visualise an empty space but instead we should have the picture in our mind of our car already parke in that space.
There are some practical tips. For example if you would like to bring someone in to your life to share your life with that person then begin by making space for that person. For example you would always lie on your side of the bed leaving the other side empty for that person. Similarly you should clear half the space in your cupboard to make room for the clothes for the person you are intending to come into your life. Hmmm!!
As regarding financial freedom, repeat affirmations such as 'money comes to me easily and frequently' . Visulaise cheques coming in through the post rather than having thoughts and stomach churning feeling thinking they are bills.
I read somewhere that when we visualise we should think of ourselves after what we wish for has happened. For example, when looking for parking space most of us visualise an empty space but instead we should have the picture in our mind of our car already parke in that space.
Doing more important than outcome
The most important thing is the doing rather than the outcome.
Arthur Ashe
Practice the law of detachment. Just keep doing what you are meant to do and don't worry about the results. Wisdom lies in the lessons you learn while you are on the journey rather than arriving at the destination.
Arthur Ashe
Practice the law of detachment. Just keep doing what you are meant to do and don't worry about the results. Wisdom lies in the lessons you learn while you are on the journey rather than arriving at the destination.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Let go
Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river....Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, and resisting the current was what each had learned from birth. But one creature said at last , 'I am tired of clinging. Though I cannot see it with my eyes, I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let go , and let it take me where it will. Clinging I shall die of boredom. ' The other creatures laughed and said 'Fool! Let go and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed acrss the rocks, and you will die quicker than boredom'. But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath did let go , and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks. Yet in time, as the creature refused to cling again , the current lifted him free from the bottom, and he was bruised and hurt no more. And the creatures downstream to whom he was a stranger, cried, 'See , a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies!'... And the one carried in the current said 'The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure.'
Excerpt from Richard Bach's Illusions.
Excerpt from Richard Bach's Illusions.
No man is an island
We write not to inform but to connect. No man is an island, we do all need each other. A hundred years from now most of now on this earth will pass on to the next world and it will be our children to whom we pass on the mantle. While we are here , should we not just give out some of our love we hold within us to our fellow human beings. Show kindness and be gentle for there is nothing greater than gentleness.
Come and play
When you put your trust in your Creator and know that everything is unfolding as it should you learn to enjoy the present moment. You start to find joy in the ordinary things, the sound of children playing outside, the hum of the cars in the distance , the comforting glow of a declining spring day and the knowledge that you spent your hours just the way you wished. You give thanks that you had three glorious days of sunshine to mitigate the low temperatures felt before.
When you shut out all the chatter in your head, stop all thinking and access the stillness within you, and hold on to it as long as you can , then there is no greater joy. You are a part of this world yet you are not. You take part in this world but you are also of another world.
The daffodils are in bloom , a blackbird flies past, the grass feels alive, the skeletal branches of the trees are no more but a mass of bottle green baby leaves and pink flowers. The wispy clouds sail through the cerulean sky and the warm sun smiles benignly on the children below.
I want to join with their play. Why is it that we do not let the child within us come out more often?
Play rejuvenates and revitalises us and the best by product of play is laughter. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, our body's natural painkillers and results in a general sense of well being.
Laughter is inner jogging. Norman Cousins
When you shut out all the chatter in your head, stop all thinking and access the stillness within you, and hold on to it as long as you can , then there is no greater joy. You are a part of this world yet you are not. You take part in this world but you are also of another world.
The daffodils are in bloom , a blackbird flies past, the grass feels alive, the skeletal branches of the trees are no more but a mass of bottle green baby leaves and pink flowers. The wispy clouds sail through the cerulean sky and the warm sun smiles benignly on the children below.
I want to join with their play. Why is it that we do not let the child within us come out more often?
Play rejuvenates and revitalises us and the best by product of play is laughter. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, our body's natural painkillers and results in a general sense of well being.
Laughter is inner jogging. Norman Cousins
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Radiate happiness and joy
You can be, do, have anything you want. Give love to everyone you meet , only do what gives you joy, and things and people wil become attracted towards you like a magnet all conspiring to make your dreams a reality. Whatever you ask for is already there , you just need to manifest it and that is through your actions. Thoughts are things. Your thoughts create your feelings which in turn will translate into action. So be mindful of what you are thinking. Monitor your thoughts constantly and shun any trace of negativity. When you focus on what you want and not on what you don't want all the forces will be unleashed to make your dream a reality.
Whether it is your dream home, or you dream partner, or your children getting top grades , or earning a fantastic living doing what you love to do, or being radiantly healthy you can have it all. You just need to make the decision and then committ yourself to action. Small steps on a daily basis working towards your life goals will eventually get you there. Think what you can accomplish in five years, ten years, twenty years or even thirty years. The sky is your limit and the world really is your oyster. This magnificent universe is full of abundance so claim your share in it. Remember that God wants you to have what your heart desires.
The first step you can take is to express your gratitude to your Creator who has already given you so much. You are already wealthy except that you do not know it and God wants to shower you with more blessings , wealth , health and happiness.
The secret is in being , being the person that God wants you to be . We tend to look at life in the wrong order. We think that if we had lots of money then we can do whatever we want and then we will be happy. In fact it works the other way round. You have to be first , then do, then have . If you work on being the wonderful human being that you really are and cast off all the grime that has gathered around you over the years through limiitng beliefs and needless baggage you can now shed it to reveal the true diamond that you really are. Or think of yourself as the perfect sculpture like Michaelangelo whom David sculpted to bring to the world the beautiful piece of art that was always there in the stone.
Act as if. If you want the perfect relationship , then imagine that you are already in the perfect relationship and he or she is already in your life. If you want financial freedom act as if you already have enormous wealth. Never use phrases such as 'I can't afford...'
Set yourself a goal that YOU believe you can achieve. The motivational speaker, Jack Canfield set himself a goal of earning $100,000 by the end of the year after attending seminar given by W. Stone. He was onl earning $8000 per annum as a teacher but he set himeself this huge goal to see if it works. After four weeks he got his first idea to make the $100,000 . He had written a book and he thought to himself that if he could sell it to enough people he could reach his target. At the end of the year he made $92,000 and combined with his teacher's salary it amounted to $100,000.
Seek and you shall find. Ask and it will be given.
Live your life form the future backwards.
Whether it is your dream home, or you dream partner, or your children getting top grades , or earning a fantastic living doing what you love to do, or being radiantly healthy you can have it all. You just need to make the decision and then committ yourself to action. Small steps on a daily basis working towards your life goals will eventually get you there. Think what you can accomplish in five years, ten years, twenty years or even thirty years. The sky is your limit and the world really is your oyster. This magnificent universe is full of abundance so claim your share in it. Remember that God wants you to have what your heart desires.
The first step you can take is to express your gratitude to your Creator who has already given you so much. You are already wealthy except that you do not know it and God wants to shower you with more blessings , wealth , health and happiness.
The secret is in being , being the person that God wants you to be . We tend to look at life in the wrong order. We think that if we had lots of money then we can do whatever we want and then we will be happy. In fact it works the other way round. You have to be first , then do, then have . If you work on being the wonderful human being that you really are and cast off all the grime that has gathered around you over the years through limiitng beliefs and needless baggage you can now shed it to reveal the true diamond that you really are. Or think of yourself as the perfect sculpture like Michaelangelo whom David sculpted to bring to the world the beautiful piece of art that was always there in the stone.
Act as if. If you want the perfect relationship , then imagine that you are already in the perfect relationship and he or she is already in your life. If you want financial freedom act as if you already have enormous wealth. Never use phrases such as 'I can't afford...'
Set yourself a goal that YOU believe you can achieve. The motivational speaker, Jack Canfield set himself a goal of earning $100,000 by the end of the year after attending seminar given by W. Stone. He was onl earning $8000 per annum as a teacher but he set himeself this huge goal to see if it works. After four weeks he got his first idea to make the $100,000 . He had written a book and he thought to himself that if he could sell it to enough people he could reach his target. At the end of the year he made $92,000 and combined with his teacher's salary it amounted to $100,000.
Seek and you shall find. Ask and it will be given.
Live your life form the future backwards.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Food and books
Two things you should never skimp on. Good food and good books are nourishment for the body and mind respectively. That is why I spend more on food which is healthy and wholesome and organic although it may cost slightly more. Also in terms of books, whenever I visit a bookshop or am browsing through Amazon, anything that catches my interest I do not hesitate to buy. Your intuition has guided you to that book, perhaps it contains a valuable piece of information which could have a huge impact on you life. Is the $10 or £10 you may decide not to spend worth giving up the possibility of that information that could have been so useful? That is why I now read voraciously and continuously buy books such that in every room in my place there are shelves of books. I derive great joy being surrounded by these books which have provided me with many delightful hours of good companionship.
Neil's Pearls
We all know Neil Armstong's famous words as he landed on the moon 'One small step for a man , a giant leap for mankind'.
A succession of small steps can lead to a giant leap over a length of time. If we decide to take a small step today, another small step tomorrow another one the day after eventually we will reach our goal. If everyday we take one small action towards a life goal then the natural laws of the universe will ensure that we reach that goal.
A succession of small steps can lead to a giant leap over a length of time. If we decide to take a small step today, another small step tomorrow another one the day after eventually we will reach our goal. If everyday we take one small action towards a life goal then the natural laws of the universe will ensure that we reach that goal.
For the wrong reasons
Sometimes in life we do things for the wrong reasons but they turn out to be one of the best decisions in our life. For example, one of the best decisions in my life was starting to volunteer for a certain project because someone who picqued my interest happened to be involved in that project too! Although my interest waned after a while, I met some wonderful people who were to become lifelong friends.
So if you have any doubts and question yourself about why you are doing something, if it is a good thing overall then it will lead you to uncharted territory that you never imagined. Go for it and let destiny take you where you were meant to go.
So if you have any doubts and question yourself about why you are doing something, if it is a good thing overall then it will lead you to uncharted territory that you never imagined. Go for it and let destiny take you where you were meant to go.
Expanding Horizons
Expanding horizon, expanding possibilities. I could add the words of TS Eliot about seeing with new eyes and having arrived at the place we already know but I will not dwell on that as it has been covered extensively in other books and websites.
Reading is extremely important and not only in your own field but try to read on a wide range of genres. Read magazines, read books , listen to audio tapes, attend courses, attend events, don't miss out on anything.
Make it a year in which you decide to be extraordinary and you will be amazed at the momentum you create and the extraordinary people you draw into your life and at the end of it unable to believe thatyou really did do all that and towards the end of the year when anyone asks you how was your year , you can relply 'I was truly on fire!'
Committment is important, and once you make the decision to committ all these synchronicities will occurr which will drive you to unprecedented directions.
I should know - I remember specifically two years in which I really was on fire. Six years ago, in January I started volunteering. I joined as a volunteer teacher in a supplementary school which ran in a community centre on Saturdays helping children from disdvantaged immigrant communities with their homework as they were more likely to come from homes where the parents did not know much English. These classes ran from ten o clock in the morning to about one thirty in the afternoon. I received tremendous satisfaction from being with the children but the greatest benefit i derived was that it opened up a new world for me in which I met some extraordinary people who were to become very close friends.
Wouldn't it be great if at the end of every year we can look back and say 'Boy , was I on fire again!'
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