Self-Improvement

Purpose of Learning

2011-12-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

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! :-)

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Benefits of Pain for Self-improvement

2011-10-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

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:-

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?

All these suggestions are NOT to cut you down for low self-esteem.
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 :-(

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Living in Relativity

2011-10-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

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.

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Doing Meaningful Things

2011-09-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

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. :-)

All Action Has Consequences

2011-06-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Be True to Your Belief

2011-05-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

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. :-)

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Viewing Failure as Feedback

2011-03-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

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!

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Knowledge And Application

2011-02-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

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:

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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Being Brave In Times of Hardship

2010-05-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

'
Looking at imminent problems may be taxing when you know that they cannot be avoided or resolved.

Two things can be done then.
1) Completely ignore the fact and move on as though they did not exist
2) Face the fact and move on in reality

Choice one may be good in the short term, but may results in accumulated negative impact later.
Choice two is down to earth, feeling the pain upfront but growing stronger later.

Being brave takes energy.
Choice two needs a stronger amount of energy.

Being realistic reflects maturity. Shallowing pride demonstrates strength in understanding.

Failure to meet goals meant more hardwork to be factor in.
As such, failure meant delayed success.

Being brave will see results later.
Staying on track and remaining focus will be good objectives to keep one going.

Things will be brighter along the way.
There will go ups and downs, a cycling effect at play.

Just look forward and move on in times of hardship.
Select happiness and not drown yourself in sorrow.

You have a choice in life.
Being happy or sad.

Know that everyone goes through this one time or another.
Know that you are not alone.

Be brave.

Understanding Imperfection

2010-04-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

'
Since our school days, we are exposed to the number 100% which represents full mark or perfect score.

It is a wonderful thing to have. Almost everyone wants it.

Looking good is also a nice thing to have.
Barbie dolls are models for young girls to emulate.

We thus grow up in a "nice" world.

What then is imperfection?
Can you accept imperfection?

Demands in work for high standard these days aligns everyone for the perfection.
A slight deviation can be picked up and be the talk of the day.

To err is human.
Does this sound familiar?

Understanding imperfection is a realistic step to understanding people.

Though we do strive for the best, we need to know that we are not perfect.
A certain amount of slack will happen one time or another.

Do you blame yourself for any hiccups?
Try not.

Understand that you are afterall human.
You will feel better having this knowledge.

The key is to try your very best, but do not expect it to be perfect always.

Hope this article can lessen the pressure of daily life, and
to understand the meaning of being perfectly imperfect.

:-)

Removing Dependancy

2010-04-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

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When we were young, we looked towards our elders for guidance.
When we were school-going, we looked at our peers and teachers for direction.
When we are working now, who do we look for?

The dependacy mindset is always within us.
We look for support. We fear. We need help.

It becomes a mental block.
Without support, we cannot progress on our own.

We lose confidence.
We cannot do without given direction.

Now the question, "Is it healthy in the long run, habouring this type of mindset"?

Can we be guiding than being guided?
I believe we can.
It all depends on which option we prefer.

Removing dependacy, removes the need to seek direction from others.
We become a thinker, a planner and a leader.

We think out new ideas.
We plan for directions to achieve the ideas (objectives).
We lead towards our ideas.

Along the way, you will discover people following you.
People will look upon you to depend themselves on.
They seek advice from you.
You become their mentor.

Do you see the change with the removal of dependacy?

You grow.
You learn and improve through contemplating.
You self-explore and experiment new initiative never done before.

You will feel a more confident you.
You will be more daring.
You will find the fun of exploration.

You self-improve.

That is life.

Make full use of your life.
:-)

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Sincerity Towards Others

2010-04-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

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We live in a world of ever-changing environment.
We meet different people now and then.

They exist anywhere. Be it the office, the school, the market, or even your neighbour.

Do you treat them like strangers?
Or do you welcome them into your life?

Relations are build not in one day.
To have strong bond and rappor, we need to know each other.

To break the ice, (in a fast way), we need to be sincere.

Sincere in the sense that we do not view each other with suspicious motive.
Treat them as they are, and accept them and align as we go on.

Understand that every people has their own personality, their own character and behaviour.

Being sincere opens up our defence to others.
It is mutual.
It may not be instant, but it will come.

The respect and trust for each other is an important part of human relationship.

Time will always tell if the person is really sincere or plain entertaining.

To treasure a specific relationship, practice sincerity.
It matters.

People are social beings. The sincerity will reciprocate, though maybe in another form.
But it will come.

Happiness will also follow suit.

Have a happy sincere day ahead!
Cheers :-D

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Dwelling on the Past Instead of Future

2010-04-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

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It is very often that we look back into the past and wonder why some events happen only to us.

It is even more bitter when the events were not happy ones.

For those happenings, we tend to question the why's.
We cannot accept the fact that we are involved and not others.
We felt let down or demoralised.

But is it necessary to ask why?
Will it helps?

It may be better if we go for the "what" than the "why" for most of these instances.

What I meant is the learning part or the lesson to be picked up for those incidents.

Dwelling on the past and wondering "why" is just simply recalling the sad situation and remaining status quo.
No progress is made with such action.

Rather understand the happenings and seek the "what" to be learned.
This way improvement is made and you will be delighted with yourself for learning and experiencing life.

You will not be dragged down by the past but be boosted with new lesson learned.

Move forward after learning the lesson and strive for self-improvement.

Past is past, we have only the future to look forward to.

Cheers and ... don't forget to feed my cheerful and happy fishes (on the left ). Thanks.

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Side Effects Of Positive Thinking

2010-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

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Trying your best in whatever you do is an example of being positive.

Accepting new challenge or task is another example.

To be happy, one way is to help people. This is positive thinking.
But if you are helping too many people, will you still be happy and continuw to stay positive?

Moderation comes in.
Positive thinking is good if you balance your limit to it.

Overdoing and exceeding your buffer may do more harm.

If every single thing has to be accepted in the name of positive thinking, to improve or otherwise, we will go bersek.

It is counter-productive in nature if ignoring "negative" fact is deemed bad.

Information has to be reviewed and time buffer, and capability studied before going with new challenge.

It is against the objective if due to being positive, committment is agreed but cannot be fulfilled.

What then is positive thinking?
It will pull you down and makes you worried and sad.

Think twice.
Rejecting offer is good to yourself and others if you believe that you are not able to commit to the task.
It is fair to you and others too.

It even reflects maturity in your thinking.

Moderate whatever comes along and balance them with existing duties and roles.

Any thing we handle has side effects. There are always advantage and disadvantage in everything.

Be aware of this and less thing will go wrong.

Stay balance and happy , :-)

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Is Problems Useful?

2010-04-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

*
Ever heard of Problem-based learning?

It implies some usefulness in having problems.

Everyone dread problems. It irritates.
We are all human, and human tends to aim for comfort.

Problems forces us to re-evaluate our thinking and concept.

Problems disturb the norm and smooth-flowing of process.

So how do you perceive it as useful when it has so many negative impact psychologically?

There is no hard and fast rule of re-looking at problems.
They have to be felt.
They have to be experienced.

One good way is to reflect on the final outcome after encountering problems.
Do they improve your performance?
Do they change your mindset or thinking for the better?
Do they force you to be more hardworking to explore new areas?

Or do they simple demoralise you?

Balance the positive and the negative impacts they do to you.
My bet is that they improve more than wack you down!

Problems are here to stay whether we like it or not.
It will come back and "remind" you of any wrong-doings.

Probems are not brakes in life. Problems are guidelines.

They align your directions when you deviates unknowingly.
They recall you back, in a harsh way.

To reduce your anxiety towards them, see them as aids than foes.
Be aware that they improve situations.

They disturbs because we, as humans, have mental inertia.
Not that they are of no good.

Change your mindset towards problem and you will definitely see a brighter and cheerful you.

Try it, and experience it.
It wil not be immediate.
Give yourself some time over a defined period of time.
Be consistent and alert to its goodness.

Seek for the learning points in problems.
Treat them well
and you will treat yourself well.

Cheers

:D

Tips On Improving Your Kids Studies

2010-03-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

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Teaching a kid is a tough job for any teacher or parent.

The minds of kids are fluctuating now and then, even during studying.

We can't do much about the mind unless we apply stright discipline.
This cause resentment and rebellion.
The negative impact on the freedom demoralises the kid and make studying a chore.

What is a good tip then to "wake up" and encourage the kid in their study?

The answer lies in how we get them motivated.

How do you, in the first place, what others to motivate you?
Using the answer, you can apply it onto the kids.

One way, for me, is the feel of success.

Motivation comes when you discovered that a certain task assumed to be out-of-reach can be accomplished with some effort.

The "I made it!" conclusion stimulates.

Apply this aim onto the kids.

How to go about it?

1) Get the kids to start of simple. Some hand holding may be necessary.
2) Guide the kids closely. Showing examples or model answers if possible. This built confidence.
3) Let the kids pratice a few times of the same type of problems.
4) Summarise the steps or key points.
5) Request the kids to repeat your summarised steps.
6) Give a test question for them to try on their own.
7) Wait to see their SMILE.

Finally, you will be smiling with them.

Be consistent throughout the guidance.
They can read your mind if you are sincere about training them.

Kids are NOT stupid. They are sensing and testing water at times.
Show them you care. They will read you correctly.

Improving this skill and you will be having less resistance teaching your kids.

:-D Happy tutoring.

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Feeling Demoralised? Try This

2010-03-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

:-(

Feeling down one time or another?

It is normal though.

But what have you to do when you are really off your best?

Being demoralised can happen to anyone. Nobody can escape this fact.
Therefore, understand why you are facing this situation when you are down.

Many factors can be the contributors.
One example can be lack of energy due to depletion of sleep.
It could be that someone is talking bad about you.
It could be that you are not being appreciated after all the things you have done.
The list can go on........

But you are the one who could pull yourself OUT of the slope!

If you have ran out of ideas to boost yourself up, the below is one sure way to kick yourself UP.

***********************************
Always keep something that you like to do, and that you can do it well.
Reserve this task for time when you are down.

Do the task to bring up your excitement and happy "juice".
After sometime on this task, you will find an energetic you.

*************************************
This method works for me.

Hope it does to you too.

However, just remember one thing,
"If you want to be down, nobody else can pull you up. You are the best choice".

:-) All the Best !

*

Be The Solution and Not The Problem

2010-03-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

'
Problems abound but solutions are rare.

This is a known fact.

Thus to ease obstacles in your daily routine, seek to find solutions.

You will feel better and happier with this mindset.

Being of use to others is a great way to being happy.

Normally people reflect problems and simply wait for the solutions to them.
What will be done?
Nothing, if there is no intention to solve the issue.

Being the solution and getting rid of hindrance will serve us a long way.

Be proactive in looking for methods or techniques to create a conducive environment for life or work.

Change of mindset takes time.
But correct attitude has to come first.
With proper attitude, the inertia to start work will be lesser.

Hence, always remember
"BE the Solution and NOT the Problem".
Cheers!

:-)

Proper Coverage in Learning Stages

2010-03-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

'
Learning comes in many stages. Everyone knows that.

Irregardless of whether the training is the formal or informal type. The various stages are there.

One stage leads to another.

If one stage is not properly analyzed or content appropriately understood, their concepts and principles within may not see real results.

This gaps in learning will flow over to the following stages and disaster will happen.
It may not appear immediately, and may even appear in another stage.

What does this mean?

Simply put, outcomes will not be complete.
Concepts may have to be revisited again when mistakes are exposed.

Why do these gaps happen?

Many factors, as you may have guessed.

Yes, human beings are complex.
No one learning style covers all.
And no topic fits only one style.

It is a case by case issue.
Only the person learning knows what is best for himself.

Attitude towards learning is the guide.

But one crucial mistake that is rather common is the "short-cut" method.
Trying to pull a fast one to get an academic paper may be the objective.
Is it proper?
Is it a right thing to do?

When things are not covered properly to an acceptable level of understanding, flaws in execution using the newly-learned knowledge will be there.

It may have small impact, if you are lucky.
But what if the otherwise? It could be an explosion!

Learning is no small matter.
Seriousness counts.
Attitude counts.
And hardworking counts.

Trying to complete the studies in a short time and taking advantage of others is a dangerous move.
It do not strengthen the correct objectives of the learning.
It strengthens, however, the wrong things.

Be prudent.
It is our learning and our brain and mind that are affected.
This is more so when you are in self-improvement programme.
You are on your own.

Think proper.

:-)

Focusing On The Positive Aspect

2010-02-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

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Everyday do you find yourself being bombarded with new things?

Do you often feel overloaded with information?

Or are you asked to carry out tasks meaningless to you?

To stay sane and happy, there is one thing you have to do.

==> Focus on the POSITIVE side of things.

In any situation, some goodies are hidden. It is up to us to look for them.

Let me tell you a real life story of mine.

I was once asked to dismantle a number of test jigs. I felt rotten, being asked to do things not in line with the main job in the production line. I was a trainee then, and such, this is a starting point, I presumed.

I performed the given assignment.

However, as I was taking apart the panels and connectors, I found out that the test jigs were hooked up in a special way. At that moment I discovered that I have learned a new thing without a teacher.

If I had closed my mind and attitude towards the "meaningless" task given, I would be skimming through a pile of rubbish. I would not notice the good stuff.

Later, I was asked to connect up a new tester for a new product, with another technician. I applied the method I picked up while dismantling the test jigs.

And surprise, the tester that I hooked up worked!
And my counterpart didn't!

From that experience, I discovered that no matter what task you do, focus on the bright side of things as it is lurking there to be discovered by us.

Focus on the positive aspect and not dwell on the dull side.

Cheers.

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Honesty Removes Relational Barrier

2010-02-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why some people has more friends than others?

And that you find some people easier to talk to or you are comfortable talking to?

It may not be instantaneous, but comes after some period of knowing the person.

Why is it so?

One reason lies in that the person you dealt with consistently give you reliable and honest information. The information shared is straightly frank.

Or a honest answer without the need to dig into hidden agenda.

In these days of hectic and chaotic lifestyle, having a honest answer makes you feel comfortable. You need not have to think hard. There are more things and matters requiring your attention.

I believe all these scenarios are not unfamiliar to you.

Being truthful and honest has its value.

If you practice and believe in this form of behaviour, there is high chance that people will like you.
(This makes you happy).

You will have people approaching you for advice and help. You are deemed a "friend" where they can get reliable answer.

Honesty, thus, removes relational barrier. And indirectly it makes you a channel of communication.

This outcome do let you remain clean in your thoughts and behaviour towards others. People will move with you. They trust your feedback.

Hence to have good companion, do the correct things and automatically, good things will come for you, including people who value you.

Practice that, and you will understand what I mean.

Cheers to honesty, and self-improvement for a better future.

:-)

A Tip For Staying Happy

2010-01-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

'
Have you wondered what makes you unhappy or frustrated?

If you have not, do access the situation whereby your anger starts growing or your behaviour starts going chaotic.

One such instant may be due to time shortage.

To avoid this problem, make room for emergency situation.

This emergency situation may be, like, last minute assignment, falling sick, uninvited visitors, etc.

Thus to prevent getting out of your sense, create enough time freedom in your normal schedule so that you have breathing space.

It is a simple method that requires a bit of time planning.
This technique will have good benefits and will serve you happily if you keep that in mind.

Don't get pressed into a corner. This is the break-point where you get unhappy and frustrated.

Cheers! and Happy Time Planning.

:-)

Help Comes Only When Deserved

2010-01-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

'
I believe you may have encountered situations where you want to help someone but something is holding you back?

When you wanted to step in and lend a helping hand, something tells you that you should not be doing that.
You will re-look at the situation and then realise that the person you are aiming for may well be better off left alone to fence for himself. He does not deserve anyone's help!

There may be times or most of the times, this person has some negative actions that caused troubles or a drag to others.
It could be a one-way action on the part of the helper (always).
It could be a huge effort to help with a simple task.

As times goes by, people comes to realise that something is wrong.

To seek help, and to deserve help, thus, is not a simple matter.
The person deserving help has to be one deemed to be wanting to help himself first.

He has to put in the correct amount of effort first, and upon meeting obstacle, seek for help.
This practice will result in people noticing it, and then willing to help.

Before help can come, you have to work for it.
After receiving the help, show gratefulness.
If there is a chance, return the favour or help.
The favour or help may not be to the helper, it could be to others in need of similar help or the knowledge gained as a result of the help received.

Help comes and goes. It has to be circulated.
Keeping it and not sharing it, leads to others stopping the help.

Think over this.
It is just simple logic of give and be grateful.

It is a form of self-improvement.

I believe you agree.

Cheers, and Happy New Year!
.

Thinking With The Mind

2009-11-29T06:14:00.000-08:00

'
In life, we make many decisions through thinking.

Some affects our short term goals while some are long-termed.
Some are crucial to the extent that it involved many iterations to get to the correct or suitable conclusion.

How do you think?
Sounds funny, right?

No, I am not playing with you.

Some people think with hopes and wishes.
The wiser lot thinks with the mind!

If you hope for an outcome, you will hope forever.
If you wish for something to come true, it is equivalent to gambling.
It is putting your final outcome to chance.

Thinking with the mind does not involve taking pure chances or resting the decision or say onto others.

Thinking with the mind calls for proper co-ordination with actual proven facts, or dealing with calculated chance when facts are not available.

Do you think with emotion or does your emotion gets in the way of thinking?
We are human.
It is not wrong to sometime couples in emotion into thinking and decision making.

What is proper is that the outcome has to be rationally made based on facts and not visual illusion.
It will be good if you can know what you are driving at.

"Can it be realised?"
That's the question you have to constantly ask yourself along the way.
It checks your thinking against dreaming and hoping.

We dream alot as human. Tell me if you are not!

It is good to dream, but dreaming and thinking is totally different.
Dreaming allows us to aim for the future and maybe the currently impossible.
Thinking with the mind is to resolve or better a situation with facts and figures for a good future.

With this article, I hope I have gotten you thinking.
Or am I wish-thinking?

Any comments?

:-D

Dealing With Failures

2009-11-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone do encounter failure one time or another. Facing it is dreadful. It hurts.

Do you run away from it?
Do you stay strong and face it head-on?

Yes, you may be strong and accept this failure. But what next?

Being able to face and accept failure is good, but is that the end?

Picking up from failure is the key issue, not just staying strong in the face of failure.

Learning from the mistake made makes you a better person.
Being able to analyse the situation, and review the problem is enlightening to your future.
It makes you smarter.

It is the action taken after the failure that matters.
It is the standing up attitude after the fall that strengthens you.

Fear of failure is, thus, reduced if correct mental approach to it is practiced.

Understand that you cannot and surely cannot avoid making mistake.
Do not be shy.
Learn from sincere asking yourself whether you wish to hide from the fact or truth.

Keep learning and turn failure into a positive journey of self-improvement.

Happy learning.

:-D

Fear of Failure

2009-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

*
What is failure?
How do you view failure?

Failure is a frightening word anyone detest.
Yet it cannot be avoided.

Since we cannot avoid or prevent this from happening, we have to have the courage to face it when it comes along.

Having the courage requires a mindset change.

Does failure needs hopeless?
No. It means that the result did not meet the desired outcome.

Not meeting the targeted objectives does not mean all is lost.
The experience along the way is one good lesson we picked up.

Failure is just a deviation of the intended path.
There is nothing to fear other than the looks of the naives.

Avoid them, for they are the fearful lot.

Jumping into the unknown is a potential risk in meeting failure.
New experience and exposure will be encountered.
New outlook of a certain topic or area of interest will happen.

All this expand your knowledge.

Failure, hence, is a good starting point for you to review your procedures and technique in approaching a goal.

Face it with a positive attitude.
More is gained rather than lost.
Ironically it seems but true!

Fear not failure as it teaches.

Take up any challenge when it comes.
Avoiding it is a no-no strategy.
Avoiding it means you are reversing back to your original status. Status quo!

Do you want living life with no excitement and no new experience?
It is boring.

Think over it.
Think about failure.
Is it that dreadful?
What is the most you can lose? Access the siutation.

Self-improvement is important.
Pull yourself out of the well and look at the beautiful happenings around you.
Learn and face failure squarely.
Love it!

And life will be better.

:-D

*

Why Character Matters?

2009-10-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

*
Have you met people who are successful and rich?
Or people who are intellectually one up above you?

How is their character?
Do they give up easily?
Are they fighters?

Most of them, if you observe closely, stay true to their passion.
They do not give up as easily as others when they face obstacles.

They strike on. They read and find out answers.

Ultimately, everything boils down to character.

If you do strongly believe in yourself that you can make it, you will do whatever it takes.
This is character.

If you desire to be number one, and stay on to prepare and nurture with whatever material and resources you have, you have good self-improvement character.

It is the strength within yourself that pushes you on.
You eat humble pie to pursue knowledge.
This is not weakness but vision.

Clear vision comes from a determined character.
An inner voice within yourself calling for a meaningful life.

Hence do good not only to others but also to yourself.
Practice good behaviour and thought.
They will form into habits that will serve you into ripe age.

Therefore, aim for good character as it is the starting point for a better future.
:- D

.

Simple Way To Gain Trust

2009-10-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone look at each other everytime.

Some try to size you up when you are new to them.

Some may ignore you.

Even when they are your close friends or not-so-close friends, they still do monitor your behaviour and reaction to things and tasks.

What if you are assigned to lead them or mentor them?
Do they trust your ability?
Do they TRUST you?

I believe these are not new questions to you.

So how do you win their trust and get them to co-operate with you?

One simple way is to lead by example.
This, therefore, involves self-improvement.

When you are tasked to work on a project (for example) with a group of people, these team-mates of yours will scan you through thoroughly.
This is for sure!

Do not blame them as it is human nature.

To win their trust, and let them work with you, prove tothem that you can.
Prove to them that you are sincere in working out the role given to you.
Prove to them that you are able and can independently settle problems (within limits, of course).

When you are able to fulfill the above, chances are that you will be respected by them and trust will follow suit.

It is that simple!

Everyone likes to work with people who are deem not to be a burden to them.
Hence if you are able to perform, in their eyes, you will win their trust straight away.

Therefore, self-improve. Everyone is looking at you.

Hope you agree.

Any comments? .......

:-D

Finding Excuses

2009-09-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

*
Have you wonder why some people progress in life better than others?

Do you find them "action" people?

I personally find that they do produce results after some effort on their part. The result though may not be exceptionally good. But they do have outcomes!

Why then do some others stay put and make little progress if any?

I noticed that these latter group of people tend to find excuses to cover their lack of interest to upgrade.

They tend to give all sort of reasons to hide behind their weakness and pretend to be "great".

Some even go to the extend of openly declaring that they don't understand, therefore will not do anything.

What results is status quo! No progress is made.

What should be done is to remove the obstacles blocking the understanding. Pick up more fundamental subjects related to the topics. Read anything leading to the issue or ask for help. Take action!

Simply changing the mindset to clear any hindrance will be half a battle won.
The firm mindset to learn and self-improve will last a long time till old age.
This is a skill precious enough to set example for your predecessor. They will respect you!

Do not find any more excuses when you meet with obstacles. Take initiatives and move forward with a positive attitude. In summary be honest.

Hope this post will push anyone who stay put to jump start self-improvement.
Cheers!

.

State of Confusion

2009-09-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

*
Confused?
This is a word everyone dislike and will try to avoid at all cost.

It creates an internal fear, a mental one.
It brings out an insecurity to anyone experiencing it.

"Something is wrong!" The mind sends this message to its owner.

But is it that fearful?

I request you to think again.

If you know something is amiss, isn't it good?
Is it better than not even knowing something is getting misaligned?

A confused state is indirectly a good one.
It tells you that you have something to learn.

It prompts you to the fact that something in your mind does not match with another concept or fact that you already thought you understood.

The confusion is a signal for you to take action. It provides the chance for you to explore previous knowledge.

Hence when you are in a state of confusion, be happy! It is a good sign.
It sounds ironical. But this is not a joke!
I am sure anyone reading this understand my message.

Do not fear confusion if it happens.
Think back and try to piece up the puzzle.
If at any time you feel stressed, allow yourself time-off and come back again.

You have already won half the battle knowing that you are confused!

The answer or solution will come at an appropriate time if you did not give up.
Any way, if you have reached this state of confusion, you will not be someone who will give up the challenge easily.
Or am I wrong?
Comment please....

:D Have a nice day being confuse.

.

Solving Problems With a New Mindset

2009-08-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

*
Have you ever tried solving a sticking problem but went round and round without clearing the issue?

It makes you angry, right?
I bet!

But do not despair. It may be due to the approach that you applied.

When you encounter a problem, it is normally because your concept or technique is wrong or inappropriate.

When you use back the same mindset to solve the problem, you are actually using back the wrong tools that created the problem.

Maintaining the same level of mindset is also another mistake you made.

Holding back to the same level to solve the issue cannot allow you to see the issue at an elevated platform.
Sometimes, you need to stand higher up to link up a bigger picture before you can actually notice the error or loophole within.

Changing your mindset and its level to resolve issue is key to improving yourself.

Linking steps before and around the current situation is a skill that is needed to have a smooth and systematic approach to problem-solving.

Be aware that there are always many other ways to look at a problem.
Be flexible and look at things from many angles.

You will, then, find that solving problems an enjoyable challenge.

Cheers and many problem-solving! :)

.

A Simple Way to Exercise the Brain

2009-08-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Our brain needs exercise to develop the numerous "links" within the hemispheres.

One simple way that can be done anytime and anywhere is to think out small little challnege that is fun to yourself.

The purpose is to motivate you to THINK.

Thinking forces you to exercise the brain.

One example is shown below:

From the diagram shown, how many items can be deduced from it?

My answers:

window grilles
tic-tac-toe
tiles
rubik cubes
piles of boxes
walls (looking from the top)

Any more that you can think of?

This exercise can produce a genius out of anyone. The more items you can produce the better you are.
Try with other diagrams.
It will not change you overnight. You know better.
But over a certain period of time, you will definitely grow in the "intelligent" direction.

You will be able to see "more" things and reason better.

Have a try today... and please do share your answers of the above diagram through commenting.
Cheers!
.

Being Better With Instability

2009-08-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

'
Everyone likes to stay comfortable and safe. No change is best.

This mindset is fine last century, but not this one!

Having a stable life without constant change is good, temporary.
A long term stagnation, however, is not healthy.

It forces you to relax and becomes lathargic.

You have to understand that the world is changing everyday.
Everyone works hard to earn a living.
Everyone studies hard (or smart) to have a better life.
Everyone improves hoping to be better.

If you stay put and look at others go by, you will be left behind, relatively, even if you are not losing your ability.

People are always catching up. They are moving ahead each and every other day, hour and minute.

Be instable. Throw yourself out of your comfort zone. Be insecure!

Being instable makes you want to stabilise.
You start to compare and set reference.
You start to see things in details.
You want to catch up so that you will be on par.
You want to be the same as other, for the sake of comfort.
You move with them, the constntly improving ones.

Hence, being instable is actually being stable. Ironical, right?

Taking a break and resting (for a short while) is good. But too long a period becomes deterimental to your future.

Improve through being instable. It helps.

:D

Resting Is Beneficial To Us

2009-08-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

.
Given the demanding pace of this new era, everyone may at times feel tired and stressful.

This is normal if you are human.

"Look ahead to see if you can last long", this is a common question that pops up often either through yourself or through your colleagues.

Health and the mental mind goes hand in hand.

The body supports the mind, as well as the mind supports the body.
As long as one party fails, the other suffers.

To keep both in check, we NEED to rest.
Taking a break occasionally is good and a must.

When you feel restless, it is time to cool down and rest the body and mind.

Recover for the future.

Work will never end.
Homework will be forever.
Assignment will always be waiting for you.

Your health WILL end.
Our mission is to make it last longer.

Learn to stay physically and mentally fit.
Take a break regularly.
Tell yourself that you deserve it.
It is not cheating on others.
It is life and death.

It is good for your future, to last long to continue to contribute.
It is to rest so that you will enjoy the coming life.

Take care and stay happy.

:) :D :)
*

What Is Happiness?

2009-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

'
This is a simple question.

But not many can get the correct answer.

In fact, I do not think there is any correct answer.

Why so?

It is because I believe, happiness changes with time and is individual on a case-by-case basis.

Happiness is a journey and not an end.

Many factors come into making a person happy.
But they may not apply the next day.
They changes with the mood.

Realising this message will therefore be a good indicator of our mental and emotional behaviour besides that of other people we deal with.

We live in a society of people. Each individuals are unique. It is an amazing world we live in.

By looking on the bright side of things, we are better tuned to stay happy. If it is not so, at least, we are not that sad.

It is our mindset that plays with our emotion. We have a choice. We have a brain.
Unless we are unable to control our mental state, which at times are possible, we are "off" the track.

Keep this behavioural pattern in check, and practice with conscious awareness.

But all said, one important thing that will not change is "We are still human."

If you make any bad comments or mistakes that disturb others, sincerely apologise later on after you come back to normal.

This showed that you are human, and you will feel better (and happier). Others will respect you for it, as they also make mistakes and also wish to be forgiving and happy too.

:D

Happy Method | Remove Anything That Irritates

2009-07-24T08:11:00.001-07:00

'
Being happy is every one's wish.

Here you will learn one method that you can apply easily to head towards happiness.

Can you think of incidents that made you unhappy?

Does anyone of them involves things that irritate or annoy you?

I believe there must be some.

Examples of these are:
- people in the bus
- rubbish thrown round you
- naught kids making noise

Are they familiar examples?

I hope I make the point through.
Yes, things irritable make us agitated and uncomfortable.
This lead us to unhappiness.

So the cause of our unhappiness, in these incidents, are things that we do not want.

Knowing this, we can carry out our happiness generating method by removing these undesired items.

If your table is messed up with undone work, strive to tidy it up.
Remove the unwanted and place the wanted neatly in file holders or containers or equivalent.

If your kid is noisy and cannot be controlled, move to a quiet corner and rest your mind.
Stay there for a while to cool your nerve before thinking again.
Having an unclear mind to deal with uncontrollable things makes us unhappy.
Stay away from troubled places. "Out of sight, out of mind".

Be aware that things are all in our mind.
If we want to be unhappy, we will get it.
If we try our best to be happy, we will achieve it.

It is a matter of taking action.
Get rid of old habits if you find that they do you no good.
Remove Anything that irritates and destroy you.

We deserve a better live for we have only one life.

Cheers to us! Hip Hip Hooray!

:D

-

Happy Method | Target One Good Thing Everyday

2009-07-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

'
There are many ways to be happy.
However, if there is no plan and no focus, you will lost track of your happy vision.

One easy way to start the day is to have a target.
Choose a good thing that you want to achieve.
Just any random action or task that comes to your mind the instance you wake up.

It has to be comfortable and pleasant to do.
It could simply be a handshake to a new staff in your office, or a smile to the bus driver.

Just make it happen if given the chance.
Better still seize the chance, or create the opportunity if possible.

Action is the key word.
Make it happen, the good thing that you plan for.

You may start off having one, and growing to more if you like.

Over the days, you will find that you will have more "feedbacks".
These "feedbacks" are the paybacks that you planted all these days doing good things.

You will find yourself getting happier along the way.
It will be amazing. The outcome will be fantastic given the slight effort on your part.

This is a form of self-improvement.
An improvement on your mental health.

Try it today.
It's free.
It's easy.

It all depends on you.

Cheers! :)

Be happy.

:)

One Sure Way To Be HAPPY

2009-07-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

'
There are many ways to make a person happy.

But one sure way to be happy is ...

turn off the television or computer, and start talking to humans.

People, being social beings, need communication and idea sharing.

They like to pass message, one-way or both-way.

They like to share their feelings.
They like to show their affection and emotion.
They like to express.

Why is this so?

To communicate, you feel good.
We release some stress that may have accumulated through the working day.

To communicate, you can motivate others.
We need to show concern for our love ones, or the people we care for.

By showing and communicating our emotion to others, we are allowing others to show the same to us. It is mutual.

The television or computer cannot do that!

Therefore, to stay and be happy, cut down the number of hours in front of the television or computer. Talk to others. Act like a human being.

You will then feel like normal and being part of the human community.

You will be happy. This is a sure way.

Try it. Turn your computer off now and communicate to anyone around you.

.........

.........

Individual Strength In Us

2009-07-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

'
Have you ever looked and compared yourself with others?

It is human nature to do that. But after comparing, what is the impact?

Do you feel good when you learned that your reference is better?

Everyone will not feel good, I suppose.

Does that make you inferior?

It depends on how you see this matter.

We all have individual strengths, as well as weakness.

No one is inferior. It is only the area or scope of comparison.

You may be less capable in one field but competent in another.

The main issue is that sometimes we do not know that.
Thus, exposure to many areas will increase our chance to discover this hidden talents of ours.

Knowing this fact that we have our own individual strengths will lead us to a better future.
The reverse of focusing on the weakness will be doomsday-imminent!

Stay positive and strive forge. We have our own usefulness in society.
Just discover them and apply what is necessary.
And do not forget to self-improve.
Improving oneself is key in this fast pace and ever-changing society.

Finally, know that we have a choice. Choose the better option. Choose the appropriate mindset.

We are the best we want ourselves to be.

:D

Learning from Being Simple

2009-06-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

.

I believe that many of you encounter difficulties one time or another.

It may be work. It may be studies or it may be human relationship.

The process leading to the complication can be annoying.
The information at times, may be overwhelming and exploding to the limits.
The decision-making task can be taxing and frightening.

You may be crying out for something simpler.

Is it possible?

Why not?

How?

One method is to rid yourself of everything, and see if you can survive without the things you deem necessary.

Learning from simplicity can rewarding.

Make do with whatever you have.

Go to an empty room and start to make a cup of water. You will see that all else, the trouble you are facing in your work, your life, your studies, etc, dissipates with the minor task of just having a cup of water from an empty room.

You will notice that you have put in too many demands on yourself to the extend that you are indirectly taxing yourself, and shortening your life.

Make life simple if you can.
There are times when the unnecessary becomes the necessary.
Is it so?

Review your needs as your go about your work, your studies, or whatever you do.

Reflection along the way is a good way to capture the important versus the desired but unnecessary.

Stay simple not in the physical (material) sense but also in the mental sense.

Acquiring knowledge is good if done in a peaceful manner.
If it is done to the extend of overload, then beware.

"Learn from simplicity".

It is just that. And simply that!

:-)

Patience Helps

2009-05-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

'
Patience as the word implies means going slow.

In this days of neck-breaking pace of work and learning, we are squeezed out of our juices to deliver whatever we are expected to.

Is it healthy ultimately?

The answer may not be the same for everyone.

Thus, in order to stay sane, and healthy, physically and mentally, we need to constantly review our daily schedule and workload.

We know that this is common knowledge, and everyone is trying to do that or at least aiming for it. But how?

The solution may not be easy. It calls for some mindset and behavioural change.

We, as human, think. But if pressurized to perform, the thinking process may not be optimised.

The best solution is to slow down or in any word, practice patience.

Patience allows us to cool down and review the borders of any given tasks and challenges.
Patience let us see things in many angles.
Patience makes us a cautious person.

Having patience means that we can be efficient. By practicing it, we are able to avoid troubles and mistakes since we are able to see things in perspective as opposed to "rushing" out the assignments.

"Patience is a good virtue" as the www.digg.com website reflects.
It is very true.

Patience can guide us into being a better person, a natural way towards self-improvement.

In time of conflict of ideas, patience in speaking out and defending them, makes the difference between a practical, down to earth solution or agreement against a short term, "saving the face" outcome.

A person with patience demonstrates an elevated level of maturity and confidence.
It takes time, though, to achieve that.

In summary, amidst the fast pace living style nowadays, do remember to strive for patience to balance your inner self.

I hope you agree.
.

Mindset of Trying

2009-05-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a young girl one day about fish feeding.

She asked "Can we feed the fish using wooden sawdust?"

I was shocked at the question, and replied "No!, the fishes may die?"

She responded "Have you tried?"

This forced me to ponder for a moment.

What this young girl asked was a very important message in life.

Sometimes in life, if we do not try, we will not get the answer.

What surprised me further is the young girl's following statement...

She, with a clear voice, stated
"Sometimes a CAN becomes a CANNOT because we never try."

It rings a bell in my mind. A clear statement, and an intelligent one!

Yes, a mindset of trying is a valuable asset we need to embrace.
Without trying, everything remains the same. There will not be any improvement. Life goes on without excitement and new inventions.

But with trying, we can at least be assured that new things, concepts or ideas are generated. Even if they are not applied now, there will be in the future.

Think about it.

(I wonder if there is anymore such young girls around.)
.

Using Common Sense

2009-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone has the ability to reason logic in their thinking.
Some practice this often, while some hardly.

Sometimes, we meet with problems that are way beyond our comprehension, and to find a solution to them may take awhile.

What do you do then?
The answer is use your common sense.

Use what has been done many times and use what has been proven fine.

Our experience forms our common sense, though.
Common sense does not pop out from nothing.

It is the accumulation of daily happenings onto us that forms our knowledge base.
With different exposure, different experience forms.

Different people will come out different solution to a problem.

Hence, having varied exposure to many happenings help us come out suitable answer or solution.

Therefore to aid in your ability to come out answers to questions and challenges, strive to expose yourself to many changing environment and tasks. They will force you to think in a different scope and setting.

With varied constraints come varied outlook to problems. With different outlooks, come different experiences.

This is the skill need that will be long-lasting.

Thus, use your common sense to look at things. It widens your experience!

Cheers!
.

Treasure Every Moment You Live

2009-05-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

.
Any thing can come and go. We can choose to ignore them or appreciate them.

Kids when grown up can never go back to being babies again. The moment had passed.

When a strong breeze flows by, with the leaves gliding down, the unique moment can never be returned exactly as it was. The moment had passed.

When we deal with a person, the statement we said out can never be reversed without any implication.

Once any event ended, the event, literally, ended. It can never be made the same again.

Thus, treasure any moment we have.

I came across a post that touches my heart, and which triggers me to write this post.
Click here for this gorgeous post.

In life, we come across many occasions that are unique in itself. Think a bit and look at the things beside us. See and feel the people around us. Touch the items that we long by-pass for good. The feel itself can be marvellous.

Treasure every bite of food that we put into our mouth, for the taste may never come back exactly as it is.

Appreciation of things done for us and for others is a way to groom us to be a gentle and wholesome being.

Self-improve towards this direction and you will find a calmness within yourself.

Enjoy your moment.

:-)

Be Realistic With Yourself and Others

2009-05-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

There is a trap when you set goals for yourself and others.

Ambition and lack of patience may be the causes. Aiming too high without due concern for resources (time and necessary skills) can make or break the outcome.

Planning carefully, covering as many aspects of the objectives, will be a wiser approach when dealing with setting goals.

Ultimately, be realistic, especially when the outcome involves many others too.

Check the time frame to pick up new skills and the resources needed along the process.
Cater for the learning journey.
Factor in human behaviour towards challenging tasks.
Look into yourself,and your confidence level to complete the mission.

Be truly you.
Again, be realistic.

But what if the setting is fixed and has to progress on?

Firstly, do not point finger.
This will cause more harm than saving the situation. At times of this stressful condition, everyone needs motivation to get on.

Secondly, have an open communication.
Keeping to yourself and doing it alone will be tough. Communicate your ideas as you go along. Others may have better strategies to manage the problems or process. Open communication in the genuine sense, makes for better long-term rapport later on.
Even when no solutions can be found for the questions, as least you know that you have tried finding for one. Hunt for another approach. Internet, magazines, forum, etc are good places to get information leads.

Thirdly, know that you have to do it and avoid negative thoughts.
Staying positive is a good sign to progress. Negative thoughts will only pull you down or slow your down. Be strong. Know that you are a better person with every steps ahead. Even failure is a little lesson in itself. Staying stagnant, and blaming the situation is not productive. Things will not move forward if wrong thoughts fused into your thinking.

Being mature and realistic, though not easy, is also not difficult to handle. Just stay positive.
Self-motivate yourself consistently.

Even when the whole thing does not make it finally, I guarantee that you have achieve much internally through going the tough road. It is the strength within you that make a better you. Develop it!

Cheers to self-improvement!

.

Your Effort Is Yours To Keep

2009-04-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Have you put in much effort and wonder who will really appreciate it?

How do you feel when nobody knows of the hard work put in by you?

Do you work hard for others or yourself?

To make it clear, and also to please yourself, any little effort put in by you yourself is treasure.

This little effort came from the heart and soul within you. Nobody will know that!
Even when they are aware, they will forget after a period of time.

The only person who will remember the precious effort for a long time is you yourself.
But this is provide it is genuinely yours.

To come out some work, you need in-depth thinking and planning. They may not be complex thoughts, but simple little ideas. But they take effort and clearing mental inertia.

Only you yourself will truly understand the "hardship" pumped in.

Therefore you are the only one who will really appreciate your own effort.
Thus, any effort is yours to keep, and treasure.

:-) Stay happy.

.

Wasting Time By Worrying About Yesterday

2009-04-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

'
Do you notice that there are times when you worry about the events that happened yesterday?

You may have made some mistakes that cause you anxiety, or you may spoken something wrongly. They worried you.

You lost focused in your current work, dwelling on what was past. Your mind slipped now and then back to yesterday.

Is it healthy mentally for this to happen?

I supposed you know the answer.

What is actually lost is your time.

What happened in the past should be captured as learning points to be enhanced as experience.
This way of thinking will reduce your anxiety and will make you feel better and happier.

You have to treat mistakes made as treasure. They may not come back again.

Move on with this experience to create a better you. Focus on the present and improve.

To see the light of future is better than looking back in darkness. Dwelling in the past darkness causes you to lost precious time that will melt away with your unconscious knowledge, until it is too late.

Know that every event, whether present or past, that happens are important to you. But knowing that things have to move on regardless of the past is more important.

With this mentality and with constant practice, you will ultimately find yourself improving with a happy attitude. You will treat every little happenings you encountered that "highlights" of your life, which are very unique to any individuals.

Don't waste anymore time thinking and worrying about the yesterdays. They cannot come back.

Move on with joy. Cheers!

:-)

Personal Character Matters

2009-04-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come across someone who can do wonderful things, producing innovative products or speak very well?

Does he give you a good and deep impression?

Do you envy him for his work?

If all these came with the knowledge that he has bad character, how do you answer the above questions?

I believe everyone will like to have companion or friends that have good, acceptable personal character.

This is with disregard for his productivity or creativity.

If he is approachable and friendly, he will be accepted. Talking to him will be barrier-free.

When the person is nasty but can produce good results, he will only be treasure for his work. Nothing more beyond that. The respect accorded to him will be limited to the workplace.

Personal character matters and is a long term investment for anyone.

Example of caring for others and showing concern is a good virtue. It goes to show the internal beauty of a person. The character will be rewarded with sincere friends who will share their true views and opinion with you.

Good character is hard to come by, having to develop it through a long term consistent practice. It embeds into the mind of anyone who practice this.

Prudent people will value character more than actual outcome, besides business-sense.

:-D

Get Rid of Confusion, Aim for Clarity

2009-04-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

In life, we are bombarded with many information. Some information are there for the sake of attention. They are the unnecessary advertisements. They confuses!

To make sense of the information flow, we should direct only relevant item to the correct channel. The rest will, and should be, moved to the garbage area for disposal.

This is the way our mind should perform. Removing rubbish, while keeping the important.

Learn to differentiate the wanted from the unwanted.

Learn to clear the mental flow instead of clog up the information passage.
Aim for clarity and not confusion.

Staying focus is one method to doing the proper thing. Practice concentration technique to enhance this focusing.

One of these concentration technique is our "touch" typing. It forces you to look at your material instead of the keyboard.

Another example is to stare at an item for a defined period of time without care for the noise that goes round.

Building this skill to rid your mind of irrelevance saves you unnecessay time lost.
You can imagine a warehouse full of disorganised goods. How to locate the desired item?

Our brain, the warehouse inside our skull, is an invaluable asset we posses that decide our future. Fill it with good stuff and your life will be equally good, later.

Confused? I hope not!

Happy reading..

.

Self-Improvement | Doing for Your Good

2009-04-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

In this era of fast pace, high demanding life style, we are super robots to cater to many "wishes".

The "wishes" may come from our boss (if not only one), spouse, kids, colleagues, strangers, customers, and many more.

The constant demand to keep up with learning can be stressful at times.

"Why am I doing this?" is the common question residing behind the back of our mind.
"Have I to learn this?" is another popular question too.

The boss wants this and the customers want that.
The desire to satisfy the wants of people becomes meaningless if done improperly.

The proper way to think and handle this issue is to be clear of why we are doing this!

Whatever we learn, we learn it for ourselves.
It is to enable us to stay useful to society, especially in times of recession.
It allows us to contribute actively to our work and environment.

We are doing it for ourselves. We gain the value.
We feel complete.

We do not do it for our boss, and neither for others.

We learn to serve others through being productive and adding value.
We can do that only when we gain knowledge and skills.

It should be inner to external in approach.
The mindset should be to constantly improve and stay relevant.

This is the only guarantee for our meaningful stay on earth.
Do you agree?

:-)

Elder Does Not Mean Better

2009-04-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

As we grow older, we experienced more things and events. These causes us to have more knowledge and the ability to give good judgement and advise.

But does it necessary be true all the times?

This question crossed my mind when I witnessed a case involving a parent teaching her daughter upper elementary math.

The daughter was trying to avoid a certain math question that involves ratio. The mother seeing the problem confronted the kid and discover that the question was challenging.

She tried to work that out thinking that at an upper elementary level, the math question should not be difficult to solve,and was wondering why the kid was "running"away from it.

Half an hour passed by with the mother still struggling with the question. Some thing went really wrong!

What was surprising was that the daughter sensing that her mother wasn't able to solve it, took up the challenge instead of avoiding it now.

After staring at the paper for about 3 minutes or so, she wrote something out of logic, something not that mathematical, but with the answer from only 4 steps of working.

She outdid her mother!

What this event proved was that given the correct attitude, any person can come out better solution and idea. Experience is good but not all.

It also goes to show that one have to keep on learning and staying mentally active. It does not always mean that being elderly has the call and advantage.

It is a race and everyone can catch up with you at any time. Fierce message, right?

Do not despair. Just do what is right and proper. It is sufficient to keep you happy and comfortable. Cheers!

.

Purpose of Self-Improvement

2009-04-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

When you are a kid, you attend school to be taught new knowledge and skills.

When you are a grown-up, you base on the self-learning skill picked up in school to continue with upgrading.

Why do you keep on learning, even without a teacher?

Is it for money or power?
Is it for fame?

All the above may be true.

But what actually is the intrinsic reason for your motivation to better yourself?

It gives you a sense of living on this earth.
A sense that you understand the surrounding happenings.

Why does the sun rises and set?
Why does rainbow form after rain?
How does bacteria comes about?
How does plant grows?
How does electricity flow in a circuit board?
What are marbles make of?
Why are some people more nasty than others?

Knowing more information gives you ability to talk or chat with others, and share your views.
You are able to interact positively. It gives you social attachment.

Learning and improving yourself make you a "person", compared to a zombie.

The more you learn, the more you experience, whether through the hard way of making mistakes or smooth sailing.

You pass on the skills to younger generation for them to add value to existing.

You make the world move on by contributing through self-improvement.

With regards to rewards, they will come naturally (sooner or later).
Even when the rewards are little, the true rewards are the satisfaction of living well and proper.
The reward of seeing people you share knowledge smile is a big enough motivation to pick up new things.

Real improvement is internal and has to be initiated with good intention.
The purpose of self-improvement, is thus, to make the world a better place to live in.

Have a nice, happy stay. Cheers to self-improvement!

.

Resistance To New Learning Areas

2009-04-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

.
Everybody has some form of inertia within. The reluctance to move out of the comfort zone is a well-known fact.

This inhibits progress. This makes one stagnant in knowledge.

Information is ever-changing in this era of fast moving society. When you stop, you will lack behind with growing margin depending on stoppage duration. Frightening, right?

Never start, never learn. This is key to removing the resistance of learning.

Take it as a personal exposure disregarding any repercussion that may come along. Do not fear venturing into new areas. After all what can be lost compared to staying put?

Think on the positive side that you are looking for excitement. Excitement is the element that keeps the day fun and bright, besides making it meaningful.

Why hold yourself back?

Even making mistakes along the way is good lesson learnt. You will find fulfillment. Trust me (and yourself).

With information comes knowledge. With knowledge comes application. It is this process of thought within learning that propel you forward and making the "discomfort" zone comfortable.

Forming a habit to move on, picking up new things along the journey will reduce the inertia and resistance to see and experience fresh information.

Just remind yourself that there is nothing to lose by capturing knowledge that is abundant nowadays.

Feel free mentally. Remove the mental block and fly over any obstacle that lies ahead.

Happy self-improvement. Cheers!

:-)

Simple Trick To Stay Happy

2009-03-13T08:08:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder how people stay happy?

It is not that difficult if you know how.

First, you have to know what make you unhappy. Or just read your feeling and you know it.
Second, you need to know who will make you unhappy. Your feeling will tell you too.

After knowing all these, what do you do if you have no choice but to be around them?

Just shut them off, mentally.

If things are not to your taste and are disturbing, remove them.

- You can choose to simply ignore them, or courteously smile and move away.

- You can even "shut your ears" (the non-physical type), and pretend you are listening.

- You can temporary store what you hear and see when they are around, but flush them out after they are out of sight.

Stick with things you like and that will make you comfortable.
Comfort will relax your mind and body to sustain your energy for the day.

This action will make you happy.

This trick will keep you healthy for a long time.

Try it. Stay happy.

:-)

A Simple Way To Improve

2009-02-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

When you are lost in a small island, do you improve fast, if at all?

The answer is obviously NO.

Why?

It is because you are alone with limited resources.
What you have maybe, rocks, sands, trees, insects, etc.

Day in and day out, you will be looking at them.
Your mind will go stagnant with nothing changing day after day.

So to improve yourself, you need information.

The information can be the latest updates or past historical matters.

What drives you to think and improvise is knowledge.

Knowledge comes from information.
When there is lack of information, how else can you get knowledge?

Thus, it will be nice to capture as many information as you can to expand your database or knowledge base. And with that you will be on the way to being a better person and an improved one.

It is just that simple.

:-)

Honestly Living

2009-02-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

I believe everyone has done things against your conscious.

You are not willing, but circumstances forced you to do it.

How do you feel?
Do you feel good or rotten?

The answer is clear and obvious.

Why do you feel bad?
It is because you have a conscious. A knowledge that you are tied down by rules and regulations.

Then how?
Should you continue with it and stay on doing things against your wish?

You can choose to change your environment and rid yourself of the nasty tasks. But this may be temporary. Similar happenings may surface again in your new environment.

As long as there are people, you will face this sort of things sooner or later.

What is more permanent is the handling of your feelings.

Look towards the bright side of things.
Accepting that this is part of living.
Change your mindset towards the task.
Know that you are doing something fine though it is not to your liking.

Be honest with yourself. Seek understanding from yourself.

If the task is way above your ability to handle emotionally, drop it for the sake of a long-term merit.

Remember that practice makes perfect.
If you practice staying with things you dislike, you will perfect staying with things you dislike!

Live honestly. You have only one life. Be truthful with yourself.

Don't force yourself too much if the going is too tough for you to take, especially if it goes against your principles.

You may lost something temporarily from the defiance, but you stand to gain in the long-run.
Be prudence, though.
Stay rationale. Think before you leap.

"Be honest and live honestly with yourself" should be your guide.

.

Scaling New Heights

2009-02-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

When you remain in the same place too long, or is doing the same old things over and over again,
try something new.

It can also means travelling a different route, taking different bus, reading books written by another author, or simply listening to a song sung by another singer.

Why do that?

It will, of course, give you a different perspective to life. It will expose you to another new dimension to a perceived view. More information will be captured to give you that capability.

Scaling new heights is the keyword.

Reach for new level in your understanding of certain things, people, knowledge or any areas of personal interest.

The benefits are not limited to widening your view, it gives you more confidence in engaging in casual talks. It encourages you to meet more people. It widens your scope in life!

Looking at things from another angle is also a form of scaling new heights. Just a bit of mind-twisting, and you will discover a bright new picture never thought of.

Activate your sleepy mind. Do not allow it to freely run into the normally travelled path.

Kick your thinking and shift your thoughts to a side-walk, a path less travelled. Move it to explore new ideas and practice. You will discover that you can see and do interesting things. In fact, everyone can do it.

Only through effort comes rewards. And the rewards will be treasured by you, for they are discovered by tracking on new grounds. Break out from the conventional comfort zone!

:-)

Safe Way To React When Lost In Decision-Making

2009-01-31T06:28:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of decisions to be made daily. Some are critical while some as not.

Mentally the decisions may be easy or they may be tough.

Some decisions are for long-term purpose while some are short-term in nature.

Good decision making skill is therefore needed and crucial for anyone.

Experience is a major factor in making good decision that has less disruption and is effective.

But there are times when we are totally lost. It may be due to confusion, or not having a good rest the previous night,or there may be family problems, etc.

How should we handle this situation?

We are all human to start off. No blaming or negative thoughts to the inability to make a decision should come into the picture.

Understand the situation and the impact of the decision.

If it is not time critical, leave it for further consideration. Know that a quick and rush decision is not a good choice. Wait till more information can be gathered to assist in making the decision.
Ensure that the mind is clear before a good-quality direction can be decided.
Re-visit the consideration only when you are comfortable and fine, and ready.

Talk to more people involved with similar incidents, and analyse their experience.
Balance the pro and cons. Be "real" and honest.
Question whether you are able to absorb the failure when outcome does not meet expectation.

No point in getting through a decision-making for the sake to satisfy and close the case.
The outcome may come back and haunt you later on. Be realistic and be responsible.

When the decision is time-sensitive, use your available knowledge with advise from anyone present, if possible, to come out with a conclusion. A safe way is to give a temporary answer to move forward but allow for adjustment when more information pours in.

After that, realise that you have done your best, given the tight situation. Praise yourself and prepare to monitor the process.

In these days of hectic schedule, "trying your best" is a key word. Learn and gather as much information as possible during normal time for the purpose of making better decision when the time calls for it.

Do be honest and factor in realistic, down-to-earth information before committing to a decision.

Be happy after that.
Cheers to better decision-making.

.

Motivational Factor

2009-01-27T06:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs motivation at times.

This is especially so when you are exhausted and need a bit of an emotional push to get you on.

However, motivation come in two forms, namely, short term and the long term motivation.

Short term may be linked to completing a task or studies. You just need a praise from someone to get on with the work, or a token of appreciation to hammer on.

Long term motivation is the more critical form of the two.

This motivation is the one that drives you on throughout your life.

Is money a factor of motivation?
Or it is knowledge?
Does power and authority excites you?

These are some of the examples of motivation factors that you question yourself.

Until you know very well what drives you on, you will be confuse about your direction in life.

You may be wandering from getting power to capturing knowledge, and then moving on to earning more money. What is your dominant motivational factor?

To achieve self-improvement successful, you need to identify this crucial item in yourself.

Only through self-evaluation and reviewing of your interest and inclination, you can then know what really matter to you.

It can be a hybrid between all, but the one that ignites you, when you are down, has to be the one that you are comfortable with.

Thus to be on the path of improvement, seek this motivational factor of yours. This will then be your guiding beam to lead you onto the path of wonders.

Being truthful is happiness.

.

Understanding Others

2009-01-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Confucius once said " It is not the understanding of us by others, but the understanding of others by us that matters".

To know how others think and react is a skill everyone should have to live harmoniously together. We live in a community of people.

People have their own thoughts and interpretations of events happening daily. They form and educate themselves through these daily encounters.

Each and everyone, thus, grow in diversified direction with clash of ideas at times.

There is no right or wrong. Each has their own explanation to outcomes and happenings.

So how do we judge others?
Or should we let others judge us?

If you are honest and up-right, there is no fear of being mis-understood by others in the long run. They may get the wrong impression initially, but overtime, they will realise who you are.

Therefore, is it important to market ourselves aggressively and hope that others will appreciate us?

Rather than wanting people to understand us, why not spend time understanding others?

Knowing people around us and their in-depth personalities, will help us maintain a good relation with them. Rapport and mutual co-operation can then exist. Teamwork will be enhanced as a result. Frictions will be reduced through the close understanding of others and their behaviours.

Therefore , strive to look into others rather than creating opportunities for others to look into you. They will want to know you if they find your desirable. Fear not.

Stay happy and cheerful for a lively future....

:) Mary had a little lamb, little lamb........

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Avoidance Mindset

2009-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

It is human nature to avoid difficulties when given the chance.

We will find all sorts of excuses to cover our fears and weaknesses.

If there is a shortcut to get way or solve the issue, we will go for it.

We avoid problems!

However, are we doing ourselves a disservice?

Yes, we fear trouble.
We may not be able to face the consequences of failure.
We dare not accept the fact that we are weak. It affects our pride and confidence.

But, honestly, speaking, what do we get out of avoiding?

The answer is that we stay put. Status quo. No progress.

To move forward and accept whatever challenge that we face is in the long run, good for us.
We are moving closer to a better us. We may not reach it in one step, or in one assigned task or project.

But we are at least closer than if we avoid it totally.
We are improving at whatever pace, if we do not avoid the challenge.

Be brave and strive ahead in the name of self-improvement.
We will be happier in the end.

:-)

Loving Yourself

2009-01-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

Self-inflicted injuries means not loving yourself.

Why cause harm to yourself?

Don't you treasure yourself?

The injuries may not be physical but emotional.

Self-blame can cause injuries to your soul.

It is damaging. With constant blaming, you will spiral downwards.

Love yourself.

If you have tried your best, you will fully understand that whatever failure that follow suit can not be excused.

Even if others do not accept your excuse, you are the best person to accept it yourself.

No one is better in understanding you than yourself.

If you have your reason for doing a particular thing, you are the best person to know why.
No words can clearly express what you think.

Therefore, love yourself and take care of yourself.

You are the only one in the world. The are no TWO you.

As long as you think you are sincere and good in doing, praise yourself. No need for others to chip in. It will only be a bonus if they do that.

Having this mindset will enable you to love yourself well, independent of external factors.
In this way, you will strive to improve and treasure yourself more.

:-) (-:

Acknowledging That Not All Will Like You

2009-01-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Do you try to please everyone ?

Do you like to make friends by catering to their needs?

Do you wish to be liked by everyone?

Though the answer is a YES, it is not possible in real life.

Is it that important to be liked or loved?

We live in a world full of emotional people. People have their own likes and dislikes. We should not impose our desire onto others. Therefore, we should not expect others to do like us.

They have a choice.

Knowing this is good.

At least you will feel better.

But most importantly, LIKE YOURSELF.

This is the best that you can do.

:-) Cheers to yourself. Hurray!

.

Effects of Too Many "Why"s.

2009-01-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

Asking questions is a positive step to understand and learn about things.

You will find out more through the "why"s.

Whether you get any answer out of the asking does not matter. What matters is that you start to think. Through questioning, you start to piece up the whole picture.

But does that mean you can start asking "Why" to any subject?

Is it ok to question every steps of a purchasing process?
Is it ok to ask for reasons to every written statements in a report?

Any sane person will give a definite "No" to the above questions.

Why?

Because by answering every "why"s, you may take days to truly understand the whole picture.

If the process is for simple purchase, why dig deep to save a few dollars and waste unnecessary time and resources that can be make good in other area.

The saving in this simple purchase may not warrant the saving in man-hour pay!

Judgement in this decision-making area calls for careful thinking, balancing what is important over what is necessary.

Asking too many "why"s, sometimes hinder work flow, rendering frustration and causes inefficiency to the system.

Knowing when to question in a timely manner is a skill that has many benefits.
Strive to understand the elements of situational emphasis.

Is it money or time in this instance?
Is it a necessity or a desire for this matter?

Balance the conditions and place logic into the decision-making process.
This will help guide anyone to be a better self-improved person.

Prudence counts.

.

Better Late Than Never

2009-01-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

"Better Late Than Never".

This is a common saying that informs us of the importance of being there.

As long as you are not there, you will not be able to obtain first-hand information.

While the reverse, even when you are late, you can at least be better off than those who did not even turn up.

In life, this principle applies.

Do not think that when you are old, everything does not matter.
It still does!

Everything in this world moves and changes fast.
Staying stagnant means not being able to capture the latest.

Your kids will stay away from you.
Your grandson will avoid you.

Why?

You are out of synchronising with them.
They will find it hard to talk with you.
They live in a different era from you when you stay put.

For work-wise, technologies and way of working changes. Expectation changes.
Dare you stay still? You must be a hero! An extinct hero if you are.

Go for self-improvement!

Keep moving, mentally, even when you are slow. At least you are not far back.

Remember the race between the hare and tortoise.
With perseverance, the tortoise can still win the hare.

.

Worry Less or Not at all!

2008-12-29T07:32:00.000-08:00

A short message to all,

" If things are not within your control, why worry?

If the things are within your control, rid those things to eliminate the worries."

You need a plan and strategy to get rid of those worries, one by one, if not all at one shot.

Worrying is not good for mental health as well as physical health.

It ties you down.

Identify those problem areas and selectively remove them, starting with the most troublesome ones.

With the toughest one removed, you will find it easier to continue flushing away the rest.

It is easier said than done. New ones keep coming in.

Do not despair. Have confidence and press on.
If there is a will, there is always a way.

Happy New Year!

*** :D *****

.

Look for Long Term Benefits

2008-12-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

There are always cases where you have to decide for immediate gain or a short-term sacrifice for long-term benefits.

Buying things on offer is one example.
Do you go for offer stuff that you do not need now but saves a lot (immediate gain)?
Or do you go for stuff that you need but costs more than last time?

Or do you buy package deal at a discount or one item of the package at a higher price?

This a one case of decision making that affects immediate versus long-term gain.

Is it also the same in your learning journey?

You have to, sometimes, balance the chance of having more time with your kids versus the promotion you are eyeing for since last year.

What is your long-term goal?
Is the short-term sacrifices worth the long-term ones?

Building rapport is a long-term goal for anyone. Saving time by refusing to help is an immediate failure in certain situation. It causes a glitch in the relation.

Check if rejection is the only way out. If it is so, explain the reason(s) to avoid mis-understanding.

In many cases, do decide properly what benefits and what does not. Align these to match your goals. Looking for long-term benefits is still a better and safer choice. It will last longer than any immediate gains that you can get.

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Having a Cheerful Look Always

2008-12-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

I have went to a food place recently for a meal. I noticed that some stalls were hardly being patronised while some are busy serving customers.

What was the striking difference that I observed?

The facial expression of the stall owners.

They were smiling and cheerful in their outlook.

These impressed the people scouting for food to buy.

After all, who will buy food from a groomy and dull person?
He will not be able to digest the food if he got one from the owner!

Through this observation, I believe it can be applied to other matter as well.

When we deal with our surrounding colleagues, we have to have a positive attitude to serve and respond to them happily. This creates a positive feedback and willing co-operation from them as a result.

A cheerful look at all times may be hard to maintain, but the benefits can be apparent.

If there is a choice, why choose the undesirable look and appearance?
Be happy. It's free. It spreads.

You will gain more friends or contacts too.

:-)

.

Watch What Comes Out Of The Mouth

2008-12-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is not about bad breath. It is about verbal message that you send out through your mouth.

What you say reflects what you think at that instance.

If you utter nonsense, it shows that at that point in time, your mind is abnormal.

If you say beautiful words, it reflects your mood to be fine and pleasant, or maybe happy.

Thus, what comes out of your mouth is important.
It tells many thing besides the verbal message.

To gain trust, watch what your mouth says. This indirectly shows who you are, especially if you are talking to a stranger or a person you first meet.

Impression counts, not only through appearance, but also through verbal communication.

If you want to have a consistent respect from others, the words that comes out have to be consistent in meaning and behaviour too.

Therefore, do not let the mouth leaks out what you do not want others to know.

Better still, train yourself to have good thoughts and respect for others intrinsically.
In this way, what goes out through the gap of ours will be words of frank beauties.

The training to speak well and correctly is a form of self-improvement.

.

Reacting Versus Responding | Which is desired?

2008-12-19T06:58:00.001-08:00

Reacting and responding?

We deal with events that happen out of the norm differently.

Do you react to events more or response to the events more?

When you react to events, you are caught unprepared. You tend to get angry, frustrated and defensive at times.

However, when you response to those events, you are expecting them, though you wish that they would not happen.

Hiccups do occur now and then. To be prepared, you need to anticipate events and plan for action when they occur. This leads you to a better emotional dealing of the abnormal situations.
You response to them.

Reacting, on the other hand, is detrimental in that you are stressed up, being lost in plan to "attack" the unexpected occurrences.

Thus, to avoid going into a tight corner, you have to prepare for contingencies, especially when critical and important events are concerned.

You may train yourself starting with minor daily events, gaining experiences along the way. Move on to bigger events, learning to manage them after having more confidence.

This skill to response to circumstances allows you to be a better person in term of managing not only your personal life and work, but also do good to people around you.

.

Learn To Decide At The Correct Time

2008-12-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

Decision making is a good skill to have.

Everyone makes decisions everyday.

However making good decision (versus bad ones) needs experience.

And choosing the correct time to make decision is a decision itself.

The risk of not making a decision against making one has to be considered.

If nobody makes a decision regarding your future or direction in your job, do you stay passive?

Do you want anyone to decide your future?

Do you have the necessary information to guide you to an accurate direction?
Or let your boss decide for you, assuming that he has a better and clearer picture?

All these questions generate questions. It forces you to think and decide what next to do.

Balance the importance yourself, if you are caught in one.
However, do note the timing too.

A good decision made at an inappropriate time is as good as a bad one.

Do not despair though if you have made a wrong choice. We learn through mistake, and making an unsuitable decision is a learning experience that allow us to grow.

In short, do not forget to pick up this decision-making ability, for if you lack the skill, someone else will decide for you.

Happy deciding.

.

A Concluding Read-Through Is Beneficial

2008-11-28T19:57:00.000-08:00

This post is one good conclusion that I like to share with my readers about short time-frame learning.

I recently completed a short course on a technical subject. The course is a compressed one with extensive hands-on practice complemented with theoretical learning.

The time frame given is short for part-timers point of view.

These factors led me into a piece-by-piece sort of learning; gathering whatever comes to mind , and salvaging information from previous lectures to link up with current sections.

One thing that I always have during the learning phase is the lack of a comprehensive picture to the topics taught. I may understand the current topic, but its scope with relation to applications and other modules are not felt.

This is OK since I managed to pass all the topical tests and practical tests.

Did I master the subject?
At that time I did not think so, even though I cleared all the topical assessments. I lacked the confidence to embark onto a new project if given one. I did not have a complete picture!

But comes the FINAL EXAMINATION that is required to graduate. This is no longer topical, but encompasses all the knowledge picked up in the course.

This forced me to read through all the chapters and practical laboratory worksheets for a period of time at one go, continuously.

It is taxing and tedious!

But what did I discovered at the end?
It is an important learning experience that I will not understand and treasure if I did not do that.

I noticed that I slowly comprehended the topical materials of one chapter with other chapters, forming a bigger knowledge base. I am able to link up the practical works of one topic with another work in another section. All seems to match and form into "happy" and cohesive piece.

The concluding read-through, for the examination, had ensured a comprehensive summary of learning by combining the various topical knowledge captured. The complete run-through was beneficial as such.

A conclusive picture had formed and gave me more confidence of what I am picking up.

However, one thing that I have learned is the necessity to read through all materials again, combining all related points while the mind and memory (of them) are still fresh. This allow the topical lessons to grow into a more meaning bigger lesson.

It is the skill of learning that I like to share here.
It is useful.
More so when you are self-improving.

...

Watch Your Companion for Betterment

2008-10-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

"Monkey see, monkey do."

The above statement applies to your learning environment.

Who you mix with will determine what you do and think. You tend to follow your companion's behaviour due to social concern or peer bonding.

There may also be the case of vocational constraint. This is when you are in certain job where you mingle alot with people who are worse off than you.

Examples: Teacher, factory line leader, construction supervisor.

For self-improvement, you need the company of people better off than you. This allows you to have more opportunities to get fresh ideas and feedback. You will learn more from them since they are at a level higher than you presently are.

This involves identifying the area you wish to improve upon. After that, seek out those people who are recognised in that field for their capability. Mix or relate to them. Learn from them.

So, to have a better future through self-improvement, watch who your companion are. They will lead you or enable you to set a personal goal at a different platform than mixing with people of normal standard.

(However, do not forsake those who are your constant friendly partners or friends. They are still needed for your social networking.)

Message is to mix with a desire group of people who can support you for your betterment. The results of your selected companion are proof of it.

:D

Reliability of Learning Material

2008-10-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

In the matter of self-improvement, you are on your own, and is solely accountable for your own learning outcome.

This statement is heavy to the ear, but, it is true.

Learning is to get yourself better. Learning is picking up new information to be applied when the times come.

Information become a key issue in self-learning.

What if the information is biased?
What if the information is not reliable?

Information can be created from the framework of another person. This framework can be formed from the past experience and perceived view of that person. Is it appropriate?

When learning, you need to scout for the correctness of the information. How?

1) Look widely.

Read from more than one source. This, at least, allow you to identify the accuracy of the published information. Reading from many sources also enable you to pinpoint the essentials from the many irrelevances.

2) Trying out.

This is for practical, hands-on type of learning. Trying out directly proves the correctness of the information ( steps, or deductions).

3) Thinking about it and reasoning out the content.

This is a critical part of learning. Do not trust whatever is presented. Read with a questioning mind. This will ensure that all material are scrutinised before acceptance. Upon acceptance, the reversal will not be easy. Thus, think about the information carefully and whether they make sense. Some of the material may sound nice, but upon careful analysis, yields otherwise.

Learning takes time, and time is precious. Learning from an unreliable source, is therefore, unwanted.

Be wise when doing self-learning.

.

Huge Mistakes, Tiny Mistakes

2008-10-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

Mistakes can be big or small.
Some mistakes are more apparent than others.

Regardless of whether they are huge or tiny, apparent or hidden, they are still mistakes.

What is important is the treatment and attitude towards the mistakes. What will happen next depends on our view of the mistakes.

Some small, overlooked mistakes accumulated to produce a BIG and serious disaster.

Therefore, we should treat all mistakes with a serious view, and to access and channel action appropriate to their level.

Mistakes that are categorised as close-shaved, are normally put aside. They are put aside as they are not seen to have cause a problem, just an accidental incident that are deemed not to happen again.

This is dangerous when they are related to something of importance.

If you like to jay-walk and always get away with no accident or minor injuries, do you think you can escape this wrong-doing forever without any mishap?

If you like to take short-cut in accessing something to save cost, do you think no problem can happen if you constantly practice this technique?

All mistakes have implication. It is a matter of time where their accumulated effect occurs.

Thus, learning from mistakes as they come along, regardless of how tiny they may be, will serve you good in the long run. Dig out the truth of why they happen, dig out the reason how they lead to the outcome. Dig, dig and dig till you are satisfied, within constraints, of course.

After that, you can rest assure that you have done your part and can have a good night sleep. No mistake over this.

:D

Learning More Through Mistakes Made

2008-09-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Mistakes are things that many people tried to avoid in whatever they do. It is not wrong and having this attitude is good, conditionally.

Mistakes reflect badly on the person making it. People attach failure to them. No positive outcome may be included. Or is it?

Everything in life has two sides of a story. This includes making mistakes.

I have gone through a course recently, and it completes rather smoothly. But this smoothness, somehow or rather, gives me a bit of a nudge.

Why?

I found myself learning things that I have expected and able to learn on my own, through other resources (books, internet, etc).

What I have missed out is the chance to pick up adverse limit of the topic in the course. This limit(s) can be exposed if I made some mistakes. Mistakes, therefore, became a value that I unknowingly, wanted but had not gotten.

Frankly asking yourself, do you learn more through mistakes or through a topic that is "easy" on the mind without any upsets in it?

I, personally, retain more information about the mistakes made related to a topics, than the "good" stuffs that I have made. Surprising, right?

Our brain works in the harsh way. The tougher a material to pick up, the longer we can retain it. The longer we can retain the knowledge or information, the better the chancee we are able to link it with new incoming information.

Hence, making mistakes is not a bad thing afterall. However, prudence has to be applied here.
NOT all things can afford mistake. Take the throwing a genade for instance.

Make deliberate mistake for the sake of learning and exploring at a suitable time. Take cautions as you go along and review the results constantly. You will be amazed at the "weird" outcomes that you may have by-passed if you have choosen the conventional route.

Let mistakes be your teacher. Cheers!
;-)

Laziness and Arrogance Are NO! NO!

2008-09-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

This is a simple message,

"Our world does not reward laziness and arrogance."

In fact, it has a way to punish those who aim for them.

Being hardworking is a good virtue of life. You will get rewards ultimately, even though the results may not be immediate. This is a known fact, but always slipping out of the mind of the lazies.

Being arrogance is equally bad. By having this attitude, you are mentally preparing yourself for laziness and avoidance of challenges ahead. Your mind starts to slog.

What happens when you become casual in the thinking?
The answer is very simple. Things will begin to lose control and collapse.

If your watchdog system is in place, you will have hope to recover the disaster, otherwise, good luck!

Thus, it is good that you keep being hardworking in whatever matter you deal with. Stay humble to others and self. You will definitely move in the correct path to a better and successful life.

Bravo00000O!

Amount Of Effort In Life Is A Constant

2008-09-22T03:26:00.000-07:00

In science, you learn that all energy, regardless of their forms or states, remain a constant. They transfer from one state to another. One state loses in energy level means a gain in level of another form.

In a water dam system, the water-flow energy changes to electrical energy.
In an air-con system, electrical energy becomes heat (or reduction in temperature of the surrounding air).

Energy is, thus, a constant - a well known fact.

How about translating it to our human life, specifically in learning?

It is the same. Why?

Effort put into any matter results in expansion of the knowledge base. The inputs gathered over a period of time creates experiences that you can fall back on for application when deemed fit. They prepare you for the future. The more effort you put in, the more you have the resources to handle problems.

What does this implies?
It means that early efforts in your life give you a relaxed life later on. This is due to the knowledge and skill that you have picked up along the way.
Any upgrades later on would not pose a problem since your knowledge base has a solid foundation now. You will require less effort then.

What if you did not work much in your early life to create this much needed experience base?
You still can make it, but with more effort needed to make up for the vacuum. Age does catch up with anyone, including you. Memory power may be lacking, physical attention may not be held long compared to younger days. More commitments resulting in lack of focus, etc.

Thus, the less effort put in the early years results in less relaxation and more effort later on.

Therefore, the amount of effort in life does add up to a constant. It is a matter of choosing which way you want to exercise it.
:-)

Accepting Self-Ignorance

2008-09-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Not knowing much of a topic is really bad. It slows you down and taxes you mentally.
Nobody like to be ignorant in the positive sense. Of course, some people do, on purpose, feign ignorance.

However, for self-improvement to be effective, the first thing you have to do is to acknowledge that you cannot know everything.

Just by the very fact that you can say " I do not know this" is a clear signal to yourself that you are truthfully being honest with yourself. This is important and key to self-improvement.

To improve yourself, you need to recognise what you lack in. By knowing this vacuum, you can then patch up the space. Accepting ignorance, is thus, a good thing and should be practiced for the sake of bettering yourself.

Have you come across people who claim to know a certain topic but upon questioning, avoided giving the answer upfront?

Do you think they can learn and really pick up new skill?
They have assumed that they knew the topic and skill. It may be half-complete knowledge, that has blinded their mind. It is a path to be avoided. They are not being honest with themselves. It could be due to their self-pride, or some past experiences. But their learning is, hence, obstructed through this inappropriate mindset.

Therefore, to ensure continuous improvement, it is not wrong to claim ignorance and nothing to be shameful of. Stay positive and honest with yourself for the notion that once the knowledge and skill has been acquired, you are a better person. You gain respect as a result too.

Success Motivates, Failure Awakens

2008-09-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

It is very normal that when things are plain easy and smooth going, you tend to move towards complacency. You will reach your comfort zone sooner or later, and get stuck in it. This is a problem.

However, when you avoid this comfort zone totally, you will get demoralised finally as things do not "hit" targets. Too many bad things or unsatisfactory matters will actually move you away from your desire to reach the goals set initially.

Therefore, to keep on moving motivated, you need the important element of timely successes.

This so-called timely successes, will be the pushes for us to stay on track and not deviate out of the path set forth. Success, thus, motivates. And is needed at regular interval.

With this knowledge that success does motivates, you will then notice that when working in a team, you should always motivate your team members. This timely encouragement will go a long way towards achieving rapport and support for each other. Success will then follow suit. This will then motivates you and your team-mates to strive further.

But while success is good, failure is equally so. This is in the positive sense that failure awakens you to complacency. Failure, taken in the correct perspective, will actually tell you that when things are not managed properly, "something" undesirable will happen.

Failure, is thus, a useful wake-up call or a watchdog for you to stay on track.

Another benefit of failure is that it allows you to further dig into the matter for detail understanding. On the whole, therefore, having mistakes help in improving your knowledge.

What is needed here is correct and proper attitude towards success and failure. It calls for maturity in your thinking, and the desire to improve and better yourself.

.

Don't Be A Blamer!

2008-08-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

How do you react when there is a fault?
Do you get angry and push the blame to others?

It seems to be human nature to push the responsibilities to others and stay clean from any problems?

Self-improvement does not go with this.

Having faults and accepting them is one way to improve one's maturity to seeing issue at a higher level.

Can problem be solve by blaming?
Yes, the blamer will be rid of the problem, but it is still there, and with another person!

If you put a sweet on the table and it is "hijacked" by ants, do you blame yourself or the ants?
If your writing paper got blown off the table, do you blame the wind?

Take fault as a learning process and work to resolve it than wasting time on blaming.
If it is truly your fault, accept it. You will feel really good, internally.

Passing the issue to others is a short term way to handling problems. Looking at it and analysing the problem head-on, serves a long-term mission to character building. It is self-improvement.

.

It's Not About Winning

2008-08-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

People do like to win and hate to lose. This is human nature.

Through winning, we feel GREAT and wonderful.
Through winning, we find the confidence to move on.

There are many stories about winning.
Court cases, sports, examinations, lotteries are examples we are familiar with.

But do we REALLY need to win?
Is it a must so that others will take notice of us?
Is it an important ingredient for self-improvement?

The true fact is that winning is just an indication of success on the surface.

Winning has an underlying purpose.
The purpose of exceeding expectations, whether self-imposed or otherwise.

Sometimes, being the last person in a race has better exposure than the first competitor.
If the last person has given what it takes, no matter what happens along the way, if he completes the race, he has fulfilled the mission, and that is the true spirit of any event.

It is not the positioning that counts. It is the effort and the strength to complete the race that counts. It is the relative jump in exceeding the norm that matters ( and that causes surprises).

It is how you win. It is how you exceeded expectations.
You can be the winner even in the last position.

Think about it.

.

Travel The Unventured Path

2008-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

In this world, there are many people lost about what to do. They follow others. They see and scout out the successful to emulate.

They model after them to hopefully gain the same results. They "act" like them. They do what their targets do. They try to think the way they think. The hope is that, at least, the result is apparent and achievable, if they follow the method.

It is NOT wrong to do that.
It is fine and good for starters.
Everything is new and has value to these learners.

But to be really successful and unique in living in this world, you have to bear one thing in mind.
This one thing will have an everlasting impression on your experience.

What is this thing or message?

I would like to share it here.

"To be successful, do not follow the path set by others, the proven path once travelled by others.
Go travel the path that has yet to be ventured upon. Leave trail for others. Set the lead."

Creating the path for others means going into the unknown. A path of discoveries and mysteries proves to be real experience where you have to solve problem that may not have the solution.

You have to find the solutions! You have to break the unknown to form the known. Exciting isn't it!

Get out from the comfort zone and self-improve yourself. Travel the unventured path or journey and you will sure learn more than anyone in that selected area or field.

Any exposure will lead to learning and, definitely, new experience. This is so because everything within this unknown path will be new to you.

Thus, in conclusion, to travel a path that has yet to be set upon is a valuable learning journey that will create a better you. The bonus through the hard work is that you will leave trails for others to follow and you to be remember upon by others. How great that will be!

Cheers for learning.

:-)

Being Me

2008-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

We interact with many people daily.
We are influenced mentally somewhat with these numerous interactions carried out.

Do we change with these influences?
Inevitable, but to what extent, is the main issue.

Sometimes, we do wish to be like the best person we met on that particular day.
Sometimes, we do wish to be as pretty as that lady we met on the street.
Sometimes, we like to emulate the person we deem successful.

These wishes are not wrong. For a start, if I have to be clear.

Yes, we do want to be as pretty and successful as anyone of that category.

But are we then running our own life? Or living anther life?
Have we lost ourselves if we "pretend" to be like them?

For a start, in fact, it can be better if we can find a role model to follow and learn from. It will enable us to jump start the learning process and shorten the improvement phase as a result.

But after having achieve that, do we have to stick on with the emulated style?

Being me means living our own life. To be able to customised our desires and goals from the reference set by others.This reference is the role model that we have initially selected to follow and learned.

We can modify the approach to solving problems to suit our character and style. We can improved on the learned technique and re-define the scope from the initial reference.

However, being me is also being comfortable with our inner self. Not being able to catch up with the rest does not means we are not good. It means we DO NOT WANT to catch up in that direction.

Comparing ourselves with the "better" ones is good if we are only taking reference.
We are not going to be them.
We need to be ourselves.
This is the important message.

Self-improvement does not mean being better than others.
It means being better than our past self.

This way, we remain ourselves, and an improved self.

.

Being Useful

2008-07-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

What is the purpose of learning so much?

Wouldn't it be better if we can just relax and enjoy the day as it flows by?

Wouldn't life be simpler if we can choose to do what we like and ignore those that we are not able to handle?

Why keep up with the latest?

Why self-improve?

Self-improvement comes about to serve a meaningful objective.
This objective is to make our stay on this very Earth purposeful, before we call our end for the last time.

Being useful is the key word.

Why come to this world to do nothing meaningful?

Having the attitude to learn and pick up new skill and knowledge continuously, is a good virtue and habit that anyone should inculcate in themselves.

There are many things in this world that we can discover that suit our behaviour and aptitude. Explore them and choose whichever we like. Make ourselves useful!

On learning and mastering the new skill, we can contribute. We can contribute in any which way that improves life. This makes us feel wonderful; wonderful for a deserving life.

Thus self-improvement is not for fun.

It is to push us to a better future for our self and our next generation.

Work hard and work smart too! Hurray for us, the self-improver.

.

Fear of Failures | Overcoming it

2008-07-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

What is more demeaning than facing failure?

Do you like to be branded a successful person?

Have you experience failure?

We do not like failure, to be honest. But how to overcome it?

Let's look at why we fail.

Failing means not achieving what we set out for. Why did we not achieve it?

It is because we are not prepared! We did not find enough information to set out on the journey to achieve what we want. We did not plan according towards the goal(s). This may be time or hard resources.

Therefore to overcome this, we must be truly sincere to WANT to achieve it.

We failed due to lack of practice. From this lack of practice, we are not able to carry out the task properly.

Thus, the first step is to have more practices. With more practices, we can do the tasks better.

Being able to do the task better, we feel better. And feeling better doing the task, we replaces the fear with enjoyment. When we enjoy doing the task, we will stick on doing the task.

Therefore, overcoming the fear of failure by practicing more, we are able to change our destiny to a better one. When we enjoy doing the desired task, we tend to make less, if no, mistake.

It is a simple process of starting on the correct foot by consistent practicing to gain experience or exposure and doing a a good job. Nothing difficult.

Do not fear failure, overcome it! Good future lies ahead of those who practice hard and smart.

:-)

Developing Oneself Through Others

2008-07-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Self-improvement is the developing of oneself through self. It is self-initiated for a goal that satisfies one's development plan.

The process of developing oneself through self may take a longer time and at a slower pace. He need to analyse and digest the new knowledge alone. Resources are limited, whether it is time or physical materials. This method of self-improvement or development, however, give oneself the added self-confidence when one overcomes obstacles facing him along the way.

How about developing oneself through others?
Will the learners really learn, given the help from others?
Will the information digesting and analysing process be diluted when others are involved?

It is a known fact that discussion and co-operation may shorten the learning in term of time and resources. But how well understood is the knowledge picked up?

Take for example the case of doing a technical project.
If the solution came from a supplier of a hardware purchased for the project, will the person supposedly doing the project, learn when he is presented the solution?

Yes, he may know the solution to the current problem encountered, but can he solve future problems?

These few questions mentioned above, hopefully, do trigger some thoughts to proper learning.
Choose the correct path to acquire knowledge.

Learning a new skill and picking up new knowledge is a wonderful thing to have. Do treasure the process and journey to improve oneself. Ultimately, it is oneself who is the true beneficial to the effort put in.

Being happy is true to oneself and true to one's learning.
:)

Happy From A Correct Cause

2008-07-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Being happy is a wish everyone hopes for.

But what is real happiness?

We can achieve happiness through many ways.

We can help others.
We can donate to a good cause.
We may strike first prize in a lottery.
We may receive good comments about our blog postings.
........

The numbers of ways to get happy is endless.

But being happy ourselves, does it necessary mean happiness to others, especially those close-by or related to the happy event?

It may not be so!

Sometimes, happiness is obtained through cutting down others. Making other looks bad can make us feel a level higher. This feeling is good and leads to happiness within.

But is it real happiness?

True happiness has to come from a correct cause.

The cause has to be such that as many people as possible agree and share the happy moment together sincerely from the bottom of their hearts. This is a better way to real happiness.

It is the way to ensure that the community of friends stay intact with full trust of each others.

What if we like to share our happiness upon striking the top prize in a lottery?

Case by case. This differs from people to people.

I, personally, do not favour this type of happiness.

It is good to share a token of the award. But is it from a good cause.

If the money is hard-earned and given as a reward, my full support goes to it.

But if the money was gotten through wishful and "easy" means, I rather the person keep the earnings in the bank and stay happy himself. There is nothing to share as far as effort is concerned. It is luck, if you can pardon me.

True happiness to be shared are those that has improvement to a person's life or those related.

It is intrinsic and pure, with good intention from a good cause.

It can be small to others, but is big in the heart of the source.

Therefore, do not be blinded by immediate happiness. Understand the situation that leads to this happiness and where will it then leads to. If the forward path is improvement, happiness is there to stay and treasured.

Otherwise, this happiness will not be long-lasting and will soon be replaced.

:)

Multi-tasking | A Doubtful Impact to Learning

2008-07-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

What do you like, an efficiency way to do and complete many tasks at one go or serially taking longer time but with focus?

This is multi-tasking versus pipe-lining.

While multi-tasking is a very effective way to achieve goals within a shorter time frame and is sometimes used to judge efficiency in work appraisal, is it a suitable technique as far as learning is concerned?

Multi-tasking, as the word implies, means doing multiple tasks at the same time.

What happens to the mind?
What happens to the focus?
How long can a person sustain multi-tasking before quality of work degrades?

Frightening, right?

It may not be so when the tasks at hand are familiar ones. In fact, it will be a pleasure to complete these familiar tasks at one go and at the shortest possible time.

But when learning is the issue, where unfamiliar grounds are all around, multi-tasking and learning different topics at the same time seems to be detrimental.

How to focus into detail with full comprehension when the mind is searching and analysing many information, and converting them into useful knowledge?

Understanding one's learning limit becomes the key element here. While multi-tasking is good, it has its own weakness. The impact it has on learning is doubtful.

Concentration on learning and digesting facts need time and focus. Rushing into matters may lead to wrong understanding that can reveal itself in costly recovery.

When there are many tasks to be completed with pressing learning needs, one solution is to have proper time management and self-discipline.

Go for multi-tasking in work that are familiar in nature or potentially less problematic, while keeping to pipe-lining technique for learning.

In this way, you will have the best of both world, and will be less stressful. You may even find learning a satisfying experience. Practice prudence in multi-tasking.

Not Everything Will Go As Planned

2008-06-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

In these chaotic days, planning is important to guide us in whatever we want to do and achieve. We need the planning to give us foresight to where we are going. Checking on the results after different stages of our progress will indicate whether we are on track to see "light".

Knowing, therefore, the merits of planning, we SHOULD plan properly.

What do I mean?

Planning is easy, if the task is easy and non-complex. However, if the progress to achieve the goal, is complex with inter-links and external factors involved, planning takes on another dimension.

Anticipation becomes the key issue. Planning for failures or interruptions has to be within.

What if the plan or direction change along the way?
What if a higher-priority task comes along and has to be serviced fast?
What if...
What if...

Therefore, planning for schedule interruption is a need and a must nowadays.
Not everything will go as planned.

But what else has to be prepared with these interruptions?

Emotional matters.

With interrupts, everything gets upset. Flow of thoughts, flow of planning, flow of communication, all got messed up. These deviations lead to frustration!

One way to reduce this negative impact to interrupts is to accept them before the start of the journey. This mentally prepare us for deviations when they come along. This will pose less of a mental resistance when interruptions really appear.

Another way to be less frustrated is to be aware that there are times where we cannot take all.

We have to give some, and take some, at times. This is sharing of time and priorities.

We cannot "win" all the time. There are organisational goals, as well as personal goals. Accept that we are in an ever-moving community of people. Many goals and directions come forth every now and then.

Some tasks and people become the prime targets overnight, or within a short notice period. Arrangements, thus, have to be made, sometimes, unwillingly. But, ultimately, understanding is the key issue. With understanding of the situation, comes acceptance. With acceptance, mental resistance and emotional upset will reduce.

To be a better person, we need to be a thinking person. Knowing the surrounding and its situational operation is a good skill to pick up. This will finally lead us to an elevated platform for thinking and performance.

:-)

Silence Is Golden, Or Is it?

2008-05-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

The saying "Silence is golden" has long existed. Silence reduces conflicts. Silence prevents escalation of troubles. Silence .... Silence.... and silence.

No doubt, silence when applied appropriately at the correct instance, is golden. It may even be 100% pure!

But is it good to apply it at all times?

As far as learning is concerned, it may not be good, especially when help is available.

What good is there when questions in the mind are not answered, by keeping quiet? Lack of confidence or lack of self-esteem?

When questions are not answered, nothing new is being learned. Silence is detrimental here!

Some may think that by asking questions to clarify means revealing of stupidity. It may.

But do you want to be stupid for that moment only, or stupid for the rest of your life?

It takes courage to ask questions. It may diminish self-confidence when others stared at you.

But what does it matters when acquiring new knowledge is concerned?

Break the silence, and ask. It is free!

In fact, after the asking and getting a response, you will feel better and with confidence boosted.

ASKING is GOLDEN (in the learning context).

Practice Makes Perfect - Be careful!

2008-05-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

"Practice makes perfect", a well-known phrase to remind people of its importance, has to be taken care of in its correct sense.

What correct sense?

If we identified a skill to be perfected, we practice till it serves its purpose. We can finally apply the skill learned to other cause or solve problems with it. This is making correct sense of practising till perfection (if any near).

However, if we did not clearly identify the skill or goal to achieve, or the details to be mastered, and continue with the practice, we are aimlessly going into a dark tunnel. Practice what to perfection?

"Practice makes perfection" has meaning if we know what we are aiming at.

If we are unclear of the objectives, we may be practising the wrong thing. Practising with the wrong or unwanted skill to perfection is thus a wastage of effort and time.

"Practice makes perfect" therefore rightly saying is "Correct practice makes perfect".

This ensures that the end result will be a skill that is wanted and is perfect (or near to it).

Keep your mind clear.

Look On The Bright Side Of Things

2008-05-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

Many things affect us in our daily life. Work, friends, colleague, travel, emails, bosses, environment, and the list can go on.

There are, therefore, many ups and downs along the way.

The "ups" will brighten our days while the "downs" will dampen it.

Can we avoid them?

We cannot. But we can choose how to look at them.

We can select those that we like to see. There is the bright and the dark side of any thing.

Which do you prefer?

Look at the bright side!

This is easily said and most of us know it. But we do harbour the "bad" thoughts even when we know we should not.

How then do we REALLY look at the bright side?

Practice and constantly be aware of your mental state. Be discipline. It is your life!

It is hard sometimes to swallow negative feelings, but, with practice to focus on the nice side of things, the time taken to reverse the mental and emotional situation can be shortened.

Have always some memories of good incidence ready to replace any bad things that crops up. Flush the bad things out and fill the mind with quality stuff.

Stay away from the negative side or look at beautiful pictures or hum a silent tune.

Strive to change your mood when you are in the corner or finding imminent dark things coming your way. Your reaction towards these will be better handled with a cheerful heart.

We have only one life. Enjoy it through a bright outlook.

Cheers! Have a nice day aaaaahead!

Every Action Has Consequences

2008-05-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Action and reaction comes hand-in-hand.

The results that occur after an action may, however, not be predictable.

But consequences will result, however small (or big) it is.

To be a better person, we must know the above message.

A slight and tiny action of ours may cause a big "case" later on. Nobody knows!

If this "case" did appear immediately, it may appear later. And worse when the person causing it is already not around (or has resigned).

Therefore, though the consequences may not appear to the person's knowledge, and may seem not to exist, it is because somebody may have taken the "case".

The consequence may not be always bad though. It can also be a good "case". The credit therefore may end up with the lucky person.

Do think, thus, of any consequences, especially if it results in a bad one, before carrying out the action. Plan properly and with due consideration to the people around you.

A better person is not born overnight. It takes practice and understanding of people and the environment before a good action can be carried out with the least disruption to others.

Learn to consider. Cheers to a better and happy life!

Nobody Is Good At Everything

2008-05-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Have you try to be good at everything your friend is good at?

Have you seen and wish to emulate those people who seems to be good at anything?

Do you feel inferior to others because they are better than you?

My message is "Do not despair. We are not superhuman."

Each individuals are simply unique and different.

All human has weakness, as well as, strength.

Those that seem to be good at anything is not exactly what they appear to be. They seem to be good because they presented the good things! What they are weak at, they keep.

It is not wrong, though, to keep the weakness. It is because, since it is their weakness, what else can they do with it or contribute to the betterment of self or others?

They may be improving on it, getting it ready for "launch" at the appropriate time.

Therefore, do not be overly worried or stressed that you are below the mark. Nobody is good at everything. You have your own strength that may be the weakness of others. It is, thus, your duty to discover that unique strengths of yours, that you quietly possess, and to demonstrate them.

It is not for show that you apply these strength of yours. Use it to solve problems or improve on existing. Stay modest!

Know that you are human, and that you can be good at anything you choose and set target for.

We are equal.
:-)

Seeing Values In People Make Us A Better Person

2008-05-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

There are two categories of people when judging of others is concern.

The two types are:

Those who see fault in people
Those who see value in others

All people have strength and weakness. It is the proportion of these two elements that differentiate a person. The ratio, however, do varies from phase to phase in a person's life.

Judging a person's capability by identifying their fault is a one-sided view. If it is done fast, it become worse.

What do they gain?

Improve self-esteem at the expense of others? Or a sense of greatness by digging out faults of others?

Are they happy finally with sincere friends? I do not think so.

How about those that look for values in people?

I believe they are better accepted by others. In identifying the values of people, they are indirectly encouraging relationship building. They work towards team co-operation. They synergize.

Seeing values is equivalent to positiveness in one's outlook.

It enhances the belief in a person to move forward using his strength as oppose to focusing on his weakness which may hinder progress.

Therefore, looking out for values in a person is a good sign of self-improvement for oneself. It is a win-win case of working relationship.

Though people has their flaws in some matters, banking on this does no good to a long term relationship. Focus on what we and others can contribute with our strength or value is the ultimate aim.

It will ensure happy days ahead.

Happy People Attracts Others

2008-05-01T01:45:00.000-07:00

Have you been in a situation where there are hostile people around?

How about being around sad and grumpy people?

Or lively and happy people?

In all these situations, I believe, you will prefer to be always in the company of the latter category.

Why is it so?

We, as human, will always want peace of mind. We want people who can make us relax and happy.

As such, should we not be happy to have a surrounding of people who supports the same cause?

We may have friends who we can share woes with.

However, if we consistently share "bad personal news" with them, do you think they will stay with you long?

If we are temperament and have occasional mode swing, do you think people will be attracted to us?

No! They will support and understand our emotional hiccups once a while, but for a long period of these undesirable behaviour, they will definitely move away and avoid us. They have their own worries to take care of.

Being happy is thus a benefit in term of drawing friends or partners to you.

Even if there is nothing to be happy about, at least stay positive.

In the working world, we interact with many people. Having a good working relationship with people therefore becomes a must. Team-work is essential and getting people to work happily with us becomes crucial. A hostile and negative person will not have this merit.

An advice, then, for anyone having personal woes is to keep them at home and not always bringing them to the workplace or office. Stay happy and isolate personal matters from work.

Strive to be happy by resolving problems upfront or reducing those that cannot be controlled.

Just remember, "Happy people attracts others".

Say Hi! How are you?

2008-04-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Have you sat with a stranger in a public transport before?

What did you do then?

Did you talk to him, or keep to yourself?

In this ever-changing world, life has been tough on us. If we keep everything to our internal self, all things good and bad will accumulate within us. This is not a healthy direction to aim for.

Depending on our mode that day, we may be talking happily, without constraint, to the stranger sitting beside us. Or we may be keeping quiet throughout the journey (to a dull or unfulfilling vacuum).

Which is a better option?

I believe everyone will choose the former. Why? Because you feel better and happier.

Yes, talking sometimes bring out the special emotional transformation within us that brightens the day ahead. It "let" us go and rid us of the negative things building up upon us. Talking relaxes our mind at times. Why is it so?

This is so because by saying "Hi!" or "How are you?", we are breaking down the barrier between human, respecting the needs of human to communicate. We are making non-restricted mental friendship (though maybe for a short while).

Just a simple verbal gesture is actually enough to bring cheers to ourself and also to that stranger, provided he reciprocrates with the same manner.

Imagine the impact that goes along. You are freshened up, and he too is freshened up. Both meet others, and the brightness continues to spread. The people around you will sense the good "feeling" and this helps make the day a nice one.

One benefit this simple Hi! does is to give people a good impression that you can be a person to link up with. Even if he is a stranger, he may one day meet you and conversation starts again without any hiccups. Negative emotion will be dampened or overridened with just this fantastic little Hi!. Did you get the idea?

Hi! How are you?
Have a nice day.

:)

Be Prepared, Look Ahead

2008-04-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

In all things we do, we need to have a purpose. The purpose has also to meet our goals, our desires and has a positive impact on improving ourselves.

All things has a past, current and future stage.

Our past is history, and aids us in reviewing our action. It helps in expanding our experience and knowledge base. It allows us to look back and learn from mistakes we made. It also reflects the weakness or gap in our being that need to be patch up for the future. Our past will therefore set a reference for us to gauge our improvement and progress.

Current stage is the best time for action. We take reference from the past, and act upon it to achieve our goals. We can review our results and plan for strategies to better the outcomes. Treasure this current stage and appreciate all that happen as what is past cannot be recovered. It becomes history after that.

Future is the brightest that we can imagine. It has yet to happen, and therefore has the best possible results. It is where we aim for in the very first stage of any plan.

All the three stages are, thus, linked closely to each other. However, the last two stages has more impact towards our improvement and survival.

For survival, we need to see and think ahead. Be aware of current trend in all fields related to us, be it in education, career or family matters. Be prepared for the future!

Being prepared is the only way we can survive with the current pace of change affecting the world. See what is lacking in us or what is weakening or outdated. Strive to improve the standard of our skills and strengthen our mindset for continuous upgrading. Maintain our positive attitude towards things and seek always for new perspectives and deviations from current.

Look ahead is the key message. Take up any course or expose yourself to new skill to gain experience that will come in handy in line with the expected future development. With this preparation, we can at least be assured peace of mind when thing changes for the worst in our current stage. We are prepared!

Ingredients for Success

2008-04-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

What is SUCCESS?

Different people have different definition for success.

Is being rich considered successful?
Is being clever a success?
How about being famous?

There is no definite answer to this. I guess it much depends on the person to what he desires to achieve or target for.

However, regardless of the meaning of SUCCESS, a certain set of ingredients is needed for one to be considered successful.

What are these ingredients?

- Courage
- Discipline
- Hard work
- Integrity

Courage:
Guts are required to venture into areas that are not familiar to most people. With courage comes opportunities. With opportunities, come experiences. Those who dare to face challenges are those who will reap positive outcome (tangible or intangible).

Discipline:
To see things through, self-discipine is must. This is not only to make progress, but to re-inforce to the mind that it is possible. Discipline keeps the person on track and focuses on the target. It is a head-strong drive to strive for results.

Hard work:
Venturing into new areas is not an easy task. Obstacles layed aplenty on its path. To stay on track, one has to work hard to rid the journey of obstacles and problems that will arise along the way. Learning is a must also. Time management is important too. Mentally and physically, one has to maintain balance by covering most aspect of the plan and execution. Consistent following up with issues is critical, as well as monitoring to gather feedbacks for corrective actions.

Integrity:
Integrity makes or breaks a person's reputation and future dealings. If one is deemed reliable and trusted, his journey to achievement of results is in a better position than one that is not so. A person's character is therefore of utmost important and is a big influence to his teammate and partners.

With all these ingredients, chances of success will be better. Though some people may require more ingredients, these four are the basic anyone will at least requires to see favourable results.

:D