what am I up to?

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What am I up to?

This question hits people half way.

For some this question completely turns their life around. 
For some this question baffles and paralyses.

What am I upto?

When de we ask this question?

·         When we do not know the direction of our work stream,

·         when we do not get the result that we want,

·         when the expected outcome seems to be far-fetched,

·         when  we feel fatigued over unproductive dull routine

·         when we don’t get the recognition that we want

·         when we are overwhelmed with current assignment

Some are really blessed to have been tied to settled pattern and they simply and happily go through the motion till the last without even thinking about what next.

Yet many who are into a process of achieving a specific outcome and want it to happen soon get this intriguing question at some point.

What we do then?

If you are committed to getting what you want, then this question allows you to take inventory of what you have been doing, reexamine the current methodology and amend ways of doing to getting what you want.

If you are one who does by initial momentum then chances are that you take rest awhile to consider resuming later if the work still gives hints of hope.

If you are dragging thus far and suddenly you hit this question , chances are you drop altogether what you have been doing so far.

Life gives choices

Nothing is guaranteed in life.
Nothing is promised for eternity.
Nothing lasts forever.
Nothing comes along with us all along.

It is the interesting part and also the frustrating part. This is the paradox of life.
We seek permanence in a world of impermanence.
Life does not dictate or command of us. Life is not accountable to us. We are accountable to life.

What is it that we are going to offer to life is what matters more than what we get from life,

We are given a chance to travel on earth for life time without any charge.

We are given a chance and choice to make the journey in the way we want it.  

It is a matter of choice, every day choice;

We choose every moment what to happen in our life.

Like it or not this is the fact. You are given choices.

Prudence lies in choosing what does well to you and to those around you.  

Persevere or suffer  

Those who have been intrigued by this question reaffirm their conviction and reassure their faith in the system and make suitable amendments to the process and persevere till they get the result.

They re-frame this question as an opportunity to set right the course of action according changing trends and adapt the methodology lest they may become obsolete.

Products and organizations that were busy with immediate activity without long term perspective became obsolete in the process and faded away.

Organizations that keep asking time to time ‘what am I upto?” is alert to changing trends and stay alive and grow.

“Expansion is life Contraction is death”   says Swami Vivekananda.

To expand grow in life this question becomes very important.

Hence next time when you hit upon this question,
“What am I up to?”
what answer will you give?

SELF ESTEEM

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SELF ESTEEM

Self-esteem refers to the way we see and think about ourselves. Self esteem is one’s own estimate of oneself; who you are what you are capable of, what is possible etc.,

Your self-esteem is made up of all the experiences and interpersonal relationships you’ve had in your life. The belief you have developed based on your experience, the belief that shape you after every event, your response based on belief.

Everyone you’ve ever met has added to or taken away from how you see yourself.

Self-esteem comes from every experience of your life.

How you view yourself affects everything you do in life

High self-esteem gives you a GOOD feeling about yourself.

Low self-esteem distorts your view of yourself.

Self-esteem can me improved!

 

People with high self-esteem possess the following characteristics:

·         -They like to meet new people.

·         -They don’t worry about how others will judge them.

·         -They have the courage to express themselves.

·         -Their lives are enriched with each new encounter.

·         -They are nicer to be around.

·         -Their ideas are met with interest because others want to hear what they have to say.

·         -They are magnets to positive opportunities!

·         People with high self-esteem have an “I think I can” attitude!

People with Low Self Esteem possess the following characteristic:

o   They don’t believe in themselves.

o   They see themselves failing before they begin.

o   They have a hard time forgiving their mistakes and make themselves pay the price forever.

o   They are afraid to show their creativity because they will be ridiculed.

o   They are dissatisfied with their lives.

o   They spend most of their time alone.

o   They complain and criticize.

o   They worry about everything and do nothing.

o   They believe they can never be as good as they should be or as others.

o   People with low self-esteem have an “I can’t do it” attitude.

 

12 Steps to High Self-Esteem

Step 1 -Forgive yourself for past mistakes. 

Step 2 -Focus on your positive attributes.

Step 3 -Follow the example of successful people.

Step 4 -Become a self talker.

Step 5 -Exhibit a good attitude.

Step 6 -Get plenty of rest.

Step 7 -Make your work skills your own

Step 8 -Practice your talent

Step  9-Become physically fit

Step 10 -Learn new thing

Step 11 -Improve your personal relationships

Step 12 -Dress well!

 

You are a unique individual. No one else is like you in the whole world. This makes you special already!

Our time in this world is limited.

Make it happen for you so you leave your mark in history!

Procrastination

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PROCRASTINATION

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today” goes an advice.
Yes; in principle everyone agree, that too expecting others to do a work for us.
When it comes to our work we have to do what sets in is our usual habit pattern called PROCRASTINATION.

“Procrastination is like a disease. It develops slowly, often over a long period of time.”

It can be like an anchor around your neck. We have to learn to deal with it if we are to become effective at whatever we choose to do. You see, procrastination is the breeding ground for incompetence. If we don’t learn to conquer it, we will not maximize our effectiveness and become everything we can be.

Experts have written that only twenty percent of employees reach the level of effectiveness based on individual potential. I believe that procrastination contributes to that negative statistic. Procrastination can drain your energy, affect your attitude and suppress your creativity.

Five Common Excuses
These five common excuses are crutches. They are— EXCUSES.

1. Overwhelmed
There’s never enough time.
“I don’t buy it. You need to make time or find time; establish priorities that lead to your success.”

2. Unfocussed
There are always so many distractions. Everything is urgent.
“Learn to prioritize based on importance. Attend to things that are in alignment with your objectives”

3. Stressed
I get tired of beating my head against the wall.
“Don’t lose your motivation, be persistent – don’t give up. Success may be right around the corner.”

4. Opinion conscious
What will my boss think? What will people say?
“Learn to ask for forgiveness instead of permission. If you have thought things through, done adequate research, go for it.”

5. Perfection syndrome.
Lack of confidence. It’s better to do nothing than to make a mistake.
“Believe in yourself. It isn’t a crime to make a mistake. “Good judgment is based on experience and experience is based on bad judgment.” (S. Kauffman)
A mistake is one of the greatest learning tools known to man.”
A mistake is just a missed take.

The key to success for anything you attempt is your ability to commit yourself with a passion.
A commitment with a passion suggests you are someone who would rather take action and make things happen, than sit around and worry about what could happen.
Without commitment you become someone who spends as much time avoiding the issue as others who just get it done.
Procrastination is a waste of time and time is something you never get back once you spend it.
Procrastination is the thief of time.
The easy way to get rid of procrastination is to procrastinate procrastination

Quotes of Jim Rohn

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  • Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion.
  • Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
  • Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.
  • Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.
  • Either you run the day or day runs you.
  • Failure is simply a few errors in judgment repeated every day.
  • For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward.
  • Formal education may make you a living ; self education will make you a fortune.
  • How long should you try? UNTIL.
  • If you don’t like things are change it; you are not a tree.
  • Make measurable progress in reasonable time.
  • Money is usually attracted; not pursued.
  • Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.
  • Without sense of urgency desire loses its value.
  • When you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you will find a way to get it.

LEADERSHIP

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Leadership: The Basis for Management
by William P. Fisher Ph.D.We all like to think we have some leadership qualities and strive to develop them. We look at leaders in all walks of life seeking to identify which qualities, traits and skills they possess so we can emulate them. A fundamental question remains “What is the essence of leadership that results in successful management, as opposed to failed management?” At least part of the answer can be found within the word itself.
1. Loyalty
Leadership starts with a loyalty quadrant: loyalty to one’s organization and its mission; loyalty to organizational superiors; loyalty to subordinates and loyalty to oneself. Loyalty is multi-directional, running upwards and downwards in the organization. When everyone practices it, “loyalty bonds” occur which drive high morale. Loyalty to oneself is based on maintaining a sound body, mind and spirit so one is always “riding the top of the wave” in service to others.
2. Excellence
Leaders know that excellence is a value, not an object. They strive for both excellence and success. Excellence is the measurement you make of yourself in assessing what you do and how well you do it. Success is an external perception that others have of you.

3. Assertiveness
Leaders possess a mental and physical intensity that causes them to seek control, take command, assume the mantle of responsibility and focus on the objective(s) . Leaders do not evidence self-doubt as they are comfortable within themselves that what they are doing is right which, in turn, gives them the courage to take action.4. Dedication
Leaders are dedicated in mind, body and spirit to their organization  and to achievement. They are action-oriented, not passive, and prefer purposeful activity to the status quo. They possess an aura or charisma that sets them apart from others with whom they interact,
always working in the best interests of their organization.5. Enthusiasm
Leaders are their own best cheerleaders on behalf of their organization and their people. They exude enthusiasm and instill it in others to the point of contagion. Their style may be one of poise, stability, clear vision and articulate speech, but their bristling enthusiasm underscores their every waking moment.6. Risk Management
Leaders realize that risk taking is part of their management perch. They manage risk rather than letting it manage them, knowing full well there are no guaranteed outcomes, no foregone conclusions, no pre-ordained results when one is dealing with the future. Nonetheless,  they measure risk, adapt to it, control it and surmount it.7. Strength
Leaders possess an inner fiber of stamina, fortitude and vibrancy that gives them a mental toughness, causing them to withstand interruption,  crises and unforeseen circumstances that would slow down or immobilize most people. Leaders become all the more energized in the face of surprises.

8. Honor
Leaders understand they will leave a legacy, be it good, bad or indifferent. True leaders recognize that all their relationships and actions are based on the highest standards of honor and integrity. They do the right things correctly, shun short-term improper expediency and set the example for others with high-mindedness,  professional bearing and unassailable character.

9. Inspiration
Leaders don’t exist without followers. People will follow leaders who inspire them to reach beyond the normal and ordinary to new levels of accomplishment, new heights of well-being and new platforms for individual, organizational and societal good. Inspiration is what
distinguishes a leader from a mere position holder, as the leader can touch the heart, mind and soul of others.

10.Performance
At the end of the day, leader/managers rise or fall on the most critical of all measurements – their performance. Results come first, but the way in which results are achieved is also crucial to sustaining a leader’s role. Many “dictators” don’t last despite results and many “charismatics” don’t last despite personal charm.

 
 Putting the ten elements together spell LEADERSHIP!
Always remember, if you want to develop a leadership quality act as though you already possess it![About the Author: William P. Fisher, Ph.D., a member of Cayuga Hospitality Advisors, is the Darden Chair in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.]

Qualities of a professional

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10 things that define a true professional

By Alan Norton,

Takeaway: You may be a brilliant developer, a highly skilled net admin, or a crackerjack DBA — but if you’re unprofessional, your career is likely to fall short. Alan Norton offers some attributes to strive for.

The term professional is thrown around quite a bit these days, perhaps too much. I do it myself. But what exactly does it mean to be a professional? As you read through the items below, consider how you compare with each trait.

1: Put customer satisfaction first

Understanding and satisfying your customer’s needs are the cornerstones of a successful business. Do what is necessary to meet those needs. After all, without the customer, there is no professional.

You may not view those you work with as your customers, but in many cases, they are. I remember when one of my managers perceived that I was overly stressed. He pulled me aside and sat me down in his office where he told me stories and jokes for the better part of half an hour. He recognized my needs and acted accordingly.

Professionals identify and satisfy their customer’s needs.

2: Make expertise your specialty

The very word professional implies that you are an expert. Technical competence is essential in IT.

Become an expert in the skills and tools necessary to do your job.

Always perform to the best of your abilities.

Keep your knowledge up to date.

Professionals know their trade.

3: Do more than expected

Professionals aren’t bound by a time clock. They are given wide latitude in their daily self-management. They are expected to manage their time and work habits. Don’t abuse the privilege. If you take an hour for personal needs, give back two hours.

The reality is that professionals are expected to exceed the standard 40-hour workweek. There are times when you may be asked to work weekends. You may have to forego a vacation or work 12-hour days to complete an important project. All are part of the job description of most professional positions.

Professionals are expected to produce results. Strive to complete deliverables before their due dates and under budget.

Professionals meet or exceed expectations whenever possible.

4: Do what you say and say what you can do

This is one of my favorite sayings especially in view of the fact that talking the talk is so prevalent and walking the walk so rare in this age of sound bites. You should “engage brain” before speaking — can you really do what you are about to say? If you can’t, the wizard behind the curtain will eventually be revealed and hard-earned trust can be lost.

Professionals deliver on promises made.

5: Communicate effectively

I go out of my way to patronize a dentist who has excellent communication skills. He takes the time to explain the available options, make recommendations, state the total costs, and promise a date when the work can be completed. I then feel empowered to make the right decisions.

I recently ordered Internet and phone service from the cable company. I told the salesman that the existing cable had been ripped out during a landscaping project. Perhaps I wasn’t clear or perhaps the salesman wasn’t listening — it doesn’t really matter. The message didn’t get through and the wrong person was sent to do the installation. As a result, Qwest, not the cable company, got my business. Not only did the commissioned salesman lose his sale, he and his company both looked unprofessional in my eyes.

Resist the urge to blame the customer when communication goes awry. Effective communication is ultimately your responsibility — not your customer’s.

Whether verbal or written, professionals communicate clearly, concisely, thoroughly, and accurately.

6: Follow exceptional guiding principles

Appreciate and support those you work with. Practice good manners and proper etiquette. Have high ethical and moral standards. Be honest and fair in all of your dealings with others. Obey the law. These may sound like the attributes of a Boy Scout, but they are basic values that all professionals should follow. Many companies have a document that outlines their operating principles. Have you read yours?

Professionals adhere to high values and principles.

7: Praise your peers not yourself

Respect and acknowledge the talents of your peers. There is nothing more unprofessional and self-serving than telling others how wonderful you are.

Professionals are humble and generous in their praise of others.

8: Share your knowledge

When I was hired at Hughes Aircraft, a second person with similar skills was hired with me. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that one of us wasn’t going to survive. The competitive nature of the situation was palpable. I am no stranger to the belief that it is not in your best interest to share your knowledge with your associates, AKA the competition.

It is easy to find yourself in that comfortable place with “unique” knowledge. If you are a hoarder of information and are of the opinion that all of the nuts you have squirreled away grant you immutable job security, think again. The harsh reality is that nobody is irreplaceable.

Information isn’t a limited resource. Contrary to what some might think, your mind won’t be emptied by giving away kernels of wisdom or experience. Think of knowledge as an ocean of facts and not a stream of data. It is possible to share what you know and still keep one step ahead of the competition — simply apply yourself and learn something new daily.

Professionals help their peers and are respected for doing so.

9: Say thank you

I always tried to find a way to thank others for their help. When their help was above and beyond the call of duty, I would buy them a Coke – a testament to the marketing power of Madison Avenue and Mean Joe Greene.

The items I value the most in my personnel file from Hughes Aircraft are two AVOs (Avoid Verbal Orders memos) to my manager from frontline employees. The AVOs thanked me for the support I provided that helped them do their job better.

Silly me — what was I thinking? I was sharing a Coke when I should have been sharing my thanks in a printed internal document to the employee’s manager.

Professionals thank others in a meaningful way that most benefits the recipient.

10: Keep a smile on your face and the right attitude in your heart

This has been the hardest item for me to do consistently over my working years. I believed I was lying to myself and the world by smiling when I was miserable or unhappy with an ongoing issue at work.

I now realize it’s not dishonest to be pleasant when you are having one of those lousy days. It is in fact thoughtful to care about how your attitude affects those you interact with. Share your unhappiness with your manager only. “Share the misery” is not the mark of a professional.

Professionals are pleasant even during trying times.

The final word

Working with professionals is a pleasure, and I have been fortunate to work with some truly exemplary ones. There have been a few who liked to be treated as professionals without having to work and act like one.

You don’t have to look any further than the medical profession to see examples of true professionals. Think back upon those doctors you’ve liked the most and model your professionalism after theirs.

So, how do you measure up? Don’t feel bad if you need some work in one or more areas. Demeanor that is less than professional can lead to an image problem for you and your company. Negative images are hard to shake. Recognize any shortcomings you might have and begin working on your professional image today.

About Alan Norton

Alan has worked at companies like Hughes Aircraft and CSC, where he developed client/server-based applications. Alan is currently semi-retired and starting a new career as a writer for TechRepublic.

Alan Norton began using PCs in 1981, when they were called microcomputers. He has worked at companies like Hughes Aircraft and CSC, where he developed client/server-based applications. Alan is currently semi-retired and starting a new career as a writer for TechRepublic.

 

Earl Nightingale Thoughts

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Earl Nightingale thoughts

 

  • You become what you think about
  • Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal
  • Your world is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind
  • A person needs to chip away everything that does not look like the person he or she most wants to become
  • For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction as Sir Issac Newton taught us in physics and the same rule operates unfailingly in our lives
  • Life doesn’t care whether we are rich or poor, sick or well, strong or weak. It is impartial and rigidly fair.
  • We have, we will always have, exactly what we earn: no more, no less
  • Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.

Earl NightingaleEarl Nightingale (March 12, 1921 – March 28, 1989) was an American Motivational Speaker  and author, known as the “Dean of Personal Development.

Qualities of a cousellor

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The potential to be a good cousellor  can be shown if certain qualities exist- bad-interview-main

Judgment

A good counselor is someone who can learn not to make judgments on behalf of the person being helped. Although counsellors have their own values, these should not be imposed on the client – and the counsellor must retain the ability to listen to and accept the views of clients with other standards.

Patience and Acceptance

A counselor rarely needs to use his or her self control in dealing with people, even those people who are not likeable.

Experience

Learning to grow into a more complete person from the experience of life’s hard knocks can be a valuable quality in a counselor.

Education

Formal degrees in psychology do not necessarily make good counsellors, but a common sense approach is not sufficient. Good counsellors are willing and able to learn about themselves and other people too.

Social Skills

It is not enough to be considered to be a good listener. Counselors learn through training how to perceive all aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication, and deliberately improve their listening skills by using appropriate techniques during counselling.

Genuineness and Warmth

Effective counsellors have a genuine interest in other people. This is often referred to as respect or unconditional positive regard for the person being helped. People who do not need others in their lives may find this sort of warmth to unknown people as being problematic.

Discretion

Counselors must show complete discretion, never revealing what others say or do within the counselling context. Confidentiality is paramount in counseling relationships.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Counseling requires a lot of training, followed by much practice. A current job that will allow the possibility of a helping role could be very useful to begin with.

( this article is gathered from net; source not known)

 

AFFIRMATIONS FOR ABUNDANCE

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DYNAMIC LAWS OF PROSPERITY by CATHERINE PONDER

AFFIRMATIONS FOR ABUNDANCE

  1. I give thanks that I am the ever renewing, the ever folding expressions of infinite life, health & energy.
  2. Let  there be peace within my walls and prosperity within my palace
  3. Every day in every way I am growing richer & richer
  4. I give thanks that I am now rich, well and happy and that my financial affairs are in divine order
  5. MONEY MONEY MONEY- manifest thyself in rich abundance
  6. I have faith that all that is mine by Divine Right now comes to me in rich abundance
  7. I am now activated by Divine Love and guided by Divine Power into my right work which I perform in a perfect way for a perfect pay
  8. Divine Intelligence is in charge of my life. I am now open receptive and obedient to its rich instruction and guidance
  9. Nothing but good can come into my life for God is in charge of my life
  10. Divine Intuition is now showing me the way; Divine Intuition is now working in and through me; Divine intuition is working in and through all concerned producing easily and quickly the perfect outcome, the perfect result.
  11. I can do all things through God who strengthens me. I am strong in the LORD and in the power of HIS might. The perfect result now appears.
  12. There is a divine solution to this situation; the divine solution is the sublime solution. I give thanks that the divine solution quickly appears now.
  13. I give thanks for the divine restoration in my business affairs.
  14. I now give thanks that every financial obligation is now being met in God’s own wise and wonderful way.
  15. I expect lavish abundance every day in every way in my life and affairs. I specifically expect and give thanks for lavish abundance today.
  16. I am now and receptive to rich Divine  ideas that perfectly initiate and sustain my business
  17. All the financial doors are open; all financial channels are free and endless bounty comes to me.
  18. Everything and everybody prosper me now; I prosper everything everybody now.
  19. My words are charged with prospering power.
  20. I am divinely equipped to accomplish great things in life with ease.

 

21 Effective Quotes of Swami Vivekananda

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21 Effective Quotations of Swami Vivekananda

 

1. If the mind is intensely eager, everything can be accomplished—mountains can be crumbled into atoms.

2. Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, and live on idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.

3. Come out into the universe of Light. Everything in the universe is yours, stretch out your arms and embrace it with love. If you every felt you wanted to do that, you have felt God.

4. All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind; the infinite library of the universe is in our own mind.

5. Stand up, be bold, and be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. All the strength and succor you want is within you. Therefore make your own future.

6. There is no help for you outside of yourself; you are the creator of the universe. Like the silkworm you have built a cocoon around yourself…. Burst your own cocoon and come out aw the beautiful butterfly, as the free soul. Then alone you will see Truth.

7. It is our own mental attitude which makes the world what it is for us. Our thought make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light. First, believe in this world, that there is meaning behind everything. Everything in the world is good, is holy and beautiful. If you see something evil, think that you do not understand it in the right light. Throw the burden on yourselves!

8. Hold to the idea, “I am not the mind, I see that I am thinking, I am watching my mind act,” and each day the identification of yourself with thoughts and feelings will grow less, until at last you can entirely separate yourself from the mind and actually know it to be apart from yourself.

9. All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction. Love is therefore the only law of life. He who loves lives, he who is selfish is dying. Therefore love for love’s sake, because it is law of life, just as you breathe to live.

10. Our duty is to encourage everyone in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.

11. Even the greatest fool can accomplish a task if it were after his or her heart. But the intelligent ones are those who can convert every work into one that suits their taste.

12. Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless your brothers and let them go their own way.

13. Each work has to pass through these stages—ridicule, opposition, and then acceptance. Those who think ahead of their time are sure to be misunderstood.

14. If you think that you are bound, you remain bound; you make your own bondage. If you know that you are free, you are free this moment. This is knowledge, knowledge of freedom. Freedom is the goal of all nature.

15. As long as we believe ourselves to be even the least different from God, fear remains with us; but when we know ourselves to be the One, fear goes; of what can we be afraid?

16. Your Atman is the support of the universe—whose support do you stand in need of? Wait with patience and love and strength. If helpers are not ready now, they will come in time. Why should we be in a hurry? The real working force of all great work is in its almost unperceived beginnings.

17. Learning and wisdom are superfluities, the surface glitter merely, but it is the heart that is the seat of all power. It is not in the brain but in the heart that the Atman, possessed of knowledge, power, and activity, has its seat.

18. Understanding human nature is the highest knowledge, and only by knowing it can we know God? It is also a fact that the knowledge of God is the highest knowledge, and only by knowing God can we understand human nature

19. Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success and, above all, love.

20. If you want to have life, you have to die every moment for it. Life and death are only different expressions of the same thing looked at from different standpoints; they are the falling and the rising of the same wave, and the two form one whole.

21. Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal. Do this either by work, or worship or psychic control or philosophy – by one or more or all of these and be free.