Self-improvement of oneself is a noble cause.
It allows us to grow to contribute and share.
Learning comes with an objective.
"Where will the learning be applied?" takes the main role in every development.
However, in real life, do we really follow what is mentioned above?
We go for training every now and then.
We learn new things, picked up new knowledge, and return back to where we are and then ....
We filled up our minds with unnecessary things as a result.
If we do not make use of our learning, then why are we learning?
Learning has to have deliverable.
It gets us working through the effort we put into developing ourselves.
If there is learning, but no application for it, we have only one thing to do.
That is, DO NOT attend the learning.
To keep us clear-minded and focus on the current, we have to stay clear in our thoughts.
All the saying of upgrading and improving ourselves do not hold water if we go for these "trainings" and come back status quo.
It is simply plain wastage of time and money (if any).
It causes our brain to create a false impression of ourselves improving.
The end result should be the applications of what we have picked up and situation changes for the better.
This is true learning.
Hence, go for improvement when you have a real need for it.
That is the purpose of learning, a simple logic.
Cheers! :-)
.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Benefits of Pain for Self-improvement
Getting and welcoming pain?
This is a horrible question to ask!
Who likes to have pain?
It is uncomfortable.
It makes one uneasy.
Nobody likes pain.
We know that.
However, do you also know that we will react upon getting pain?
We will tend to find all sort of solutions or excuses to avoid getting pain.
It keeps you on your toe.
It helps you fight your way out of feeling terrible.
You see the benefit of pain now?
Yes, pain does helps, in the proper sense, of course.
No pain no gain. Remember?
Sometimes it is pain that drives us strongly towards being a better person and a better life.
To break out of poverty, to break out of stagnation, we will force ourselves to work hard and to discover new ways of doing things, new technology, new friends, new knowledge, etc.
The catch is to find that pain to improve yourself.
I have come across many people who stay happy go lucky in life. Good for them.
However, do you want this type of life?
It is your choice.
For me, I feel bored after some time. I feel rotten. I feel that I should be more than present.
Where then is the pain?
There are few ways.
My humble suggestions as follows:-
They are to throw some light to you.
They are to wake you up.
Don't dwell in fantasy. Seek the pain, the good pain that cures your inertia, physical or mental.
Improve yourself means improving your surroundings too.
This surroundings are your family members, your friends, your company, your community, and your country. The list will go on.
The impact is great.
I seem to be talking BIG. But give a moment to reflect on this post. Give me your feedback in the comment section, if you have. I welcome them.
But remember, the wise man's "No pain No gain" still exist.
:-) or rather :-(
.
This is a horrible question to ask!
Who likes to have pain?
It is uncomfortable.
It makes one uneasy.
Nobody likes pain.
We know that.
However, do you also know that we will react upon getting pain?
We will tend to find all sort of solutions or excuses to avoid getting pain.
It keeps you on your toe.
It helps you fight your way out of feeling terrible.
You see the benefit of pain now?
Yes, pain does helps, in the proper sense, of course.
No pain no gain. Remember?
Sometimes it is pain that drives us strongly towards being a better person and a better life.
To break out of poverty, to break out of stagnation, we will force ourselves to work hard and to discover new ways of doing things, new technology, new friends, new knowledge, etc.
The catch is to find that pain to improve yourself.
I have come across many people who stay happy go lucky in life. Good for them.
However, do you want this type of life?
It is your choice.
For me, I feel bored after some time. I feel rotten. I feel that I should be more than present.
Where then is the pain?
There are few ways.
My humble suggestions as follows:-
- You may compare with your peer. See where they are now, and where are you compared with them. By salary, by status, by achievement, by number of kids, you name it....
- You may check out (online) what is the latest know-how in your area of expertise. How do you fair compared with them? Do you feel embarrassed after the comparison?
- Think of your past achievements and check your present status. Have you grown better? Or have your stayed as-it-is since the past 5 years?
They are to throw some light to you.
They are to wake you up.
Don't dwell in fantasy. Seek the pain, the good pain that cures your inertia, physical or mental.
Improve yourself means improving your surroundings too.
This surroundings are your family members, your friends, your company, your community, and your country. The list will go on.
The impact is great.
I seem to be talking BIG. But give a moment to reflect on this post. Give me your feedback in the comment section, if you have. I welcome them.
But remember, the wise man's "No pain No gain" still exist.
:-) or rather :-(
.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Living in Relativity
Life is a complex blend of happiness and sadness. At one time, we are happy and the next, we may be sad.
However, to reflect clearly, it all comes from our relative comparisons and expectations.
We think that we are unfortunate in some instance. But is it really true?
By comparing to a “better” person, we are unfortunate. But if we set our reference to one that is worst, are we fortunate?
Thus, our mind calls the shot. We select how we feel
If we are physically ill, do we give up and let nature takes it course?
Cancer, stroke or heart problems are common nowadays.
How do we deal with it? Brighten up or dim off?
Help is always at hand and provided we are keen to know the issue.
Self-improvement is a continuous process regardless of mental or physical state.
I am lucky to know of a person, Jackie Clark, who has enlightened me on the issue of cancer.
It sort of waked me up to the relative state we are constantly in.
Here I present to you her sharing on how a cancer diagnosis changes a person's life.
How a Cancer Diagnosis Changes a Person's Life
By: Jackie Clark
Cancer is a disease that people do not truly understand unless it happens to them. Every year, there are millions of people who hear the scary words "you have cancer." Prostate, breast, colon and cervix are some of the most common forms of cancer being diagnosed today. Mesothelioma is one of the least common forms of cancer, but the number of people being diagnosed with has increased drastically in the past few years. The mesothelioma life expectancy is only about eighteen months, but the prognosis depends greatly on the patient.
People who have cancer are afraid because they do not know what their future holds. They do not know whether they will be able to do the things they once enjoyed. Cancer patients do not even know if they will wake up the next morning. Loved ones of a cancer patient are also affected. Sadly, cancer does not just affect the patient but others around them as well. Losing a friend, spouse, mother, father or child is a pain that cannot be described. Those who are close to someone who has cancer worry constantly about their loved one.
People who have cancer have to endure months and perhaps years of painful treatments. Cancer also causes hair and weight loss, which can make a person feel self-conscious. Many cancer patients also feel guilty because they feel as though they are being a burden to their family and friends.
There is no way that the pain of a cancer diagnosis can be taken away. However, one of the things that cancer patients can do that can potentially be beneficial is seeing a life coach. Life coaches are trained professionals who help people deal with the challenges of life. Life coaches can help cancer patients overcome depression. They can also help the patients develop a more positive self-image. The family members of cancer patients can also potentially benefit from life coaching. The benefits of a life coach seem never ending. The guidance and insight these professionals provide truly help cancer patients and their family members heal both physically and mentally.
People who have heard the devastating words "you have cancer" know that their lives will never be the same. Cancer patients, face a world of uncertainty, but fortunately they do not have to go down that road alone. Family members, friends and life coaches are available to help people go through that terrifying ordeal.
:-) Count your blessings.
.
However, to reflect clearly, it all comes from our relative comparisons and expectations.
We think that we are unfortunate in some instance. But is it really true?
By comparing to a “better” person, we are unfortunate. But if we set our reference to one that is worst, are we fortunate?
Thus, our mind calls the shot. We select how we feel
If we are physically ill, do we give up and let nature takes it course?
Cancer, stroke or heart problems are common nowadays.
How do we deal with it? Brighten up or dim off?
Help is always at hand and provided we are keen to know the issue.
Self-improvement is a continuous process regardless of mental or physical state.
I am lucky to know of a person, Jackie Clark, who has enlightened me on the issue of cancer.
It sort of waked me up to the relative state we are constantly in.
Here I present to you her sharing on how a cancer diagnosis changes a person's life.
How a Cancer Diagnosis Changes a Person's Life
By: Jackie Clark
Cancer is a disease that people do not truly understand unless it happens to them. Every year, there are millions of people who hear the scary words "you have cancer." Prostate, breast, colon and cervix are some of the most common forms of cancer being diagnosed today. Mesothelioma is one of the least common forms of cancer, but the number of people being diagnosed with has increased drastically in the past few years. The mesothelioma life expectancy is only about eighteen months, but the prognosis depends greatly on the patient.
People who have cancer are afraid because they do not know what their future holds. They do not know whether they will be able to do the things they once enjoyed. Cancer patients do not even know if they will wake up the next morning. Loved ones of a cancer patient are also affected. Sadly, cancer does not just affect the patient but others around them as well. Losing a friend, spouse, mother, father or child is a pain that cannot be described. Those who are close to someone who has cancer worry constantly about their loved one.
People who have cancer have to endure months and perhaps years of painful treatments. Cancer also causes hair and weight loss, which can make a person feel self-conscious. Many cancer patients also feel guilty because they feel as though they are being a burden to their family and friends.
There is no way that the pain of a cancer diagnosis can be taken away. However, one of the things that cancer patients can do that can potentially be beneficial is seeing a life coach. Life coaches are trained professionals who help people deal with the challenges of life. Life coaches can help cancer patients overcome depression. They can also help the patients develop a more positive self-image. The family members of cancer patients can also potentially benefit from life coaching. The benefits of a life coach seem never ending. The guidance and insight these professionals provide truly help cancer patients and their family members heal both physically and mentally.
People who have heard the devastating words "you have cancer" know that their lives will never be the same. Cancer patients, face a world of uncertainty, but fortunately they do not have to go down that road alone. Family members, friends and life coaches are available to help people go through that terrifying ordeal.
:-) Count your blessings.
.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Doing Meaningful Things
In a mad rush to complete things, we are sometimes, if not every time, caught doing tasks that we do not understand why they exist in the first place.
This occurs frequently and is picking up fast these days. Be mindful.
Example: Too many leaders or bosses giving differing directions.
It makes one wonder whether do the leaders themselves know what they want.
I believe you have come across this type of scenario before.
It makes you wonder what is wrong and a burning desire to stop moving in this direction.
What to do and how to react?
The first and foremost step, I suppose, is to be clear in one's mind.
Are you doing things for a reason, or blindly doing it since everyone else is doing it too.
Give meaning to the tasks. If you cannot find one, then why are you doing it?
Seek out the reason or understand the needs to do it.
However, in the working life, sometimes we are caught in between.
To secure the current job and completing a task that may not lead to your own personal goals but only to serve others' goals. (Sound familiar?)
In this situation, since we are living in a community, the better approach is to complete it as fast as you can, but of course within acceptable quality and standard, as agreed.
This will rid you of hanging onto tasks that carry "no" meaning (to you).
If possible, try to negotiate or convince the other party to align or attach true reasons for doing the work.
In short, do not waste time doing things that do not serve you in the long run. Be prudence.
Do meaningful things.
Stay truly alive. :-)
This occurs frequently and is picking up fast these days. Be mindful.
Example: Too many leaders or bosses giving differing directions.
It makes one wonder whether do the leaders themselves know what they want.
I believe you have come across this type of scenario before.
It makes you wonder what is wrong and a burning desire to stop moving in this direction.
What to do and how to react?
The first and foremost step, I suppose, is to be clear in one's mind.
Are you doing things for a reason, or blindly doing it since everyone else is doing it too.
Give meaning to the tasks. If you cannot find one, then why are you doing it?
Seek out the reason or understand the needs to do it.
However, in the working life, sometimes we are caught in between.
To secure the current job and completing a task that may not lead to your own personal goals but only to serve others' goals. (Sound familiar?)
In this situation, since we are living in a community, the better approach is to complete it as fast as you can, but of course within acceptable quality and standard, as agreed.
This will rid you of hanging onto tasks that carry "no" meaning (to you).
If possible, try to negotiate or convince the other party to align or attach true reasons for doing the work.
In short, do not waste time doing things that do not serve you in the long run. Be prudence.
Do meaningful things.
Stay truly alive. :-)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
All Action Has Consequences
In life, we are always presented with choices. These choices will require actions to reach a certain objectives or goals.
Deciding which is the correct choice becomes a challenge.
Taking a wrong action results in reaching the wrong destination.
While taking a correct one helps us fulfill our wish.
All action has thus a consequence, or consequences.
To be a better person, we has therefore to acquire a suite of self-improvement tools.
One of them will be the ability to decide properly the actions to be taken for a certain purpose.
Thinking and deciding skills becomes critical for that matter.
How do we think?
This question seems "cute" to some.
But if you really dig into this question, you will find that it is not an easy question to answer.
I do not have the answer.
But I strongly believe that if you can connect as many facts or experience together, you will likely be able to achieve a suitable result through proper actions.
If someone anger you, what do you do?
Do you shout back at him?
Do you start throw any objects you can reach at him?
Or do you cool down and review the situation before you react?
Different actions taken by you will produce different consequence.
Sometimes it is the emotional part that overwrite your mental part.
Which is the correct or suitable cause of actions is more of being aware, at that point in time, of your desire.
You have to go through a few incidence before you can really master that quick decision for the suitable type of actions.
This maybe what we call "experience".
In short, be aware that any action you take, you will have to face some form of consequence, be it good or bad ones.
However, if you are unsure, go for the kind and unhurting style. It should not go wrong.
(Even if it is wrong, you will know that you did it with good intention, :-) )
.Cheers.
Deciding which is the correct choice becomes a challenge.
Taking a wrong action results in reaching the wrong destination.
While taking a correct one helps us fulfill our wish.
All action has thus a consequence, or consequences.
To be a better person, we has therefore to acquire a suite of self-improvement tools.
One of them will be the ability to decide properly the actions to be taken for a certain purpose.
Thinking and deciding skills becomes critical for that matter.
How do we think?
This question seems "cute" to some.
But if you really dig into this question, you will find that it is not an easy question to answer.
I do not have the answer.
But I strongly believe that if you can connect as many facts or experience together, you will likely be able to achieve a suitable result through proper actions.
If someone anger you, what do you do?
Do you shout back at him?
Do you start throw any objects you can reach at him?
Or do you cool down and review the situation before you react?
Different actions taken by you will produce different consequence.
Sometimes it is the emotional part that overwrite your mental part.
Which is the correct or suitable cause of actions is more of being aware, at that point in time, of your desire.
You have to go through a few incidence before you can really master that quick decision for the suitable type of actions.
This maybe what we call "experience".
In short, be aware that any action you take, you will have to face some form of consequence, be it good or bad ones.
However, if you are unsure, go for the kind and unhurting style. It should not go wrong.
(Even if it is wrong, you will know that you did it with good intention, :-) )
.Cheers.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Be True to Your Belief
On a daily basis we are bombarded with many comments and views from others.
Some are encouraging while some are destructive.
Did you get demoralised?
Stay strong, if you have the urge to submit to the latter.
Why?
It is because if you go the way of accepting that you are "bad", you will lost your esteem as well as confidence.
Stay true to your own belief if you think that what you do is for the good of self and others.
Think and review your intention and desire for certain things that you have been doing that have gotten the red eye of others.
We cannot avoid the "speech" of people around us but we can choose to ignore or filter the "speech".
Believe in yourself.
It will make you trust yourself better and happier as a result.
Overtime, with much practice, you will find that you will have the strength to overturn the bad impact and smile over it.
So stay tune to your belief and stay sincere to your goodness self.
Cheers and forever happy. :-)
.
Some are encouraging while some are destructive.
Did you get demoralised?
Stay strong, if you have the urge to submit to the latter.
Why?
It is because if you go the way of accepting that you are "bad", you will lost your esteem as well as confidence.
Stay true to your own belief if you think that what you do is for the good of self and others.
Think and review your intention and desire for certain things that you have been doing that have gotten the red eye of others.
We cannot avoid the "speech" of people around us but we can choose to ignore or filter the "speech".
Believe in yourself.
It will make you trust yourself better and happier as a result.
Overtime, with much practice, you will find that you will have the strength to overturn the bad impact and smile over it.
So stay tune to your belief and stay sincere to your goodness self.
Cheers and forever happy. :-)
.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Viewing Failure as Feedback
Have you really looked at how people walk to their destination?
Or how a boat reaches its final point?
Along the way, aiming for that particular end point, we encounter many "disturbances" that cause us to deviate from the main flow.
While walking, you will notice, if you pay attention, that we continuously skew away from the straight line to the destination.
BUT we managed to steer back and continue walking to our final target.
Some people call these deviations "Failures".
Some call them "Feedbacks".
What is the differences?
Definitely the latter perception is a positive one.
It generates interest in moving forward, taking the message as input for correction.
When you view the deviation (input) as failure, you hammered yourself down into the ground.
You will not enjoy the journey, whether walking or rowing the boat.
Staying positive amidst all the disturbances keep you enthusiastic about finding more.
It keeps you informed. It helps you reach your goals.
It is a matter of viewing the message.
It is possible to change your mindset and perception of things.
Therefore it will be good if you start looking at things on the bright side, viewing feedbacks without "failures" starting today.
Do you agree with me this is a better choice?
Happy feedbacks. Cheers!
.
Or how a boat reaches its final point?
Along the way, aiming for that particular end point, we encounter many "disturbances" that cause us to deviate from the main flow.
While walking, you will notice, if you pay attention, that we continuously skew away from the straight line to the destination.
BUT we managed to steer back and continue walking to our final target.
Some people call these deviations "Failures".
Some call them "Feedbacks".
What is the differences?
Definitely the latter perception is a positive one.
It generates interest in moving forward, taking the message as input for correction.
When you view the deviation (input) as failure, you hammered yourself down into the ground.
You will not enjoy the journey, whether walking or rowing the boat.
Staying positive amidst all the disturbances keep you enthusiastic about finding more.
It keeps you informed. It helps you reach your goals.
It is a matter of viewing the message.
It is possible to change your mindset and perception of things.
Therefore it will be good if you start looking at things on the bright side, viewing feedbacks without "failures" starting today.
Do you agree with me this is a better choice?
Happy feedbacks. Cheers!
.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Knowledge And Application
Have you ever wondered why you remain the same after attending many upgrading courses or reading tons of materials?
You find that the action taken by you, for the sake of improvement, did not reap the desired or expected results.
Why?
You have understood the materials read or learned. And even been awarded a certification for the course attended.
You are suppose to be the expert now.
You are better informed and knowledgeable.
But why the poor performance?
One answer may lies in that you are keeping the information or knowledge picked up.
You are not using it.
You are just storing the newly acquired knowledge in your brain literally.
To be a better person, a renewed person, you have to use the information.
You have to apply the knowledge gained somewhere.
That "somewhere" has to be an area whereby you can demonstrate and monitor the results after application of the knowledge.
Keeping everything will just be that. Status quo, no change or minimum change.
You need to make use of the information, review its application and do modification or customise the usage to add value to the knowledge.
You need to process the materials acquired. You need to "test" the information through some applications.
Examples:
Taking action and using the knowledge or skill improves productive and allows you to be efficient.
Keep trying and use information. Do not stop at "just knowing".
Learn ==> Use ==> Re-learn ==> Use
Through this concept of applying new knowledge, your desire to self-improve will definitely reap results.
The results may not be what you expected, but it will still be an answer to an action taken by you. And this is valuable feedback for further actions.
That is what self-improvement is all about. Don't you agree?
Cheers to a better you!
.
You find that the action taken by you, for the sake of improvement, did not reap the desired or expected results.
Why?
You have understood the materials read or learned. And even been awarded a certification for the course attended.
You are suppose to be the expert now.
You are better informed and knowledgeable.
But why the poor performance?
One answer may lies in that you are keeping the information or knowledge picked up.
You are not using it.
You are just storing the newly acquired knowledge in your brain literally.
To be a better person, a renewed person, you have to use the information.
You have to apply the knowledge gained somewhere.
That "somewhere" has to be an area whereby you can demonstrate and monitor the results after application of the knowledge.
Keeping everything will just be that. Status quo, no change or minimum change.
You need to make use of the information, review its application and do modification or customise the usage to add value to the knowledge.
You need to process the materials acquired. You need to "test" the information through some applications.
Examples:
- Do a project after picking up some programming language.
- Perform a dance after learning some new steps.
- Teach and be challenged by students / colleagues after discovering some new techniques.
Taking action and using the knowledge or skill improves productive and allows you to be efficient.
Keep trying and use information. Do not stop at "just knowing".
Learn ==> Use ==> Re-learn ==> Use
Through this concept of applying new knowledge, your desire to self-improve will definitely reap results.
The results may not be what you expected, but it will still be an answer to an action taken by you. And this is valuable feedback for further actions.
That is what self-improvement is all about. Don't you agree?
Cheers to a better you!
.
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