Hussein's Blog - Living Life To The Fullest

Men and Women - How are they Emotionally DIfferent

2012-02-24T14:47:00.004+05:30

Scientists are learning more and more all the time about significant brain differences between men and women. Men are single-focused, while women excel at multi-tasking. Men need to use only about 14,000 words to feel fully self-expressed at the end of the day, while women need to use about 46,000 words to feel fully self-expressed. Men's brains are superior when it comes to spatial object relationships, while women's brains are superior in attending to the subtle cues of non-verbal communication. Each gender has its own areas of brain strength – and weakness. Vive le difference!

When things go wrong, men and women also react differently. A woman looks first to herself as the source of the problem, "What's wrong with me that I can't (fill in the blank)?" It doesn't matter what the problem is – a woman will almost always blame herself. "What's wrong with me that I can't earn more money? What's wrong with me that my child isn't doing well in school? What am I doing wrong?"

A man, on the other hand, looks outward for the answer to problems in his life. "What's wrong here?" he'll ask. "What happened? Why didn't this work like I planned? What the heck happened?" He looks first to find the source of the problem in the situation, not himself.

These are generalizations, of course, but they are pretty typical of male/female differences in how we respond to life events. Some women with a problem feel inadequate within themselves, while a man with a problem feels frustrated by events or other people.

Is it any wonder, then, that we sometimes feel that we are the only one with a problem? We experience self-doubt about being good people; we feel inadequate to balance both work and family; we berate ourselves for what we think are "dumb mistakes." We are often our own worst critics – and to compound that harsh self-judgment, we keep our feelings to ourselves because we sometimes think that we are the only one who ever felt this way? It's a vicious cycle, to be sure.

The first step in soothing and reassuring ourselves that we're NOT alone in our feeling of incompetence is to share our experiences – our stories – with other people. For it is in this sharing that we discover that we're not alone ... and we're not all that incompetent.

Have a great weekend

Boost your mind, body and spirit

2012-02-20T12:13:00.001+05:30

Sometimes the pressures of life can take their toll on our minds and bodies, leaving us exhausted, depressed and lacking in energy. Here’s how to give your mind, body and spirit a lift.

Mind
Make sure you start every day on a positive note. Instead of reading the papers or watching the news which, let’s face it, generally leaves you feeling pretty miserable, read a book that inspires you instead. You can catch up on the news later in the day, but make sure the first thing you read leaves you feeling uplifted.

Sit and write down a list of simple pleasures that you enjoy and pledge to do one every day. This could be anything from lazing in the bath rather than having a quick shower, to having a bar of your favorite chocolate. The important thing is that it makes you feel good.

Make time each day to focus on a moment in your life when you felt successful and empowered. It doesn’t have to be a major achievement – it could be a moment when your boss congratulated you on doing a good job. Bring to mind how you felt at the time and re-live those feelings of accomplishment, knowing you can do that again.

Body
Breathing in a rapid, shallow way is known to create a state of stress in the body. So take time to make sure that you are breathing properly. Breathe deeply, inhaling into your abdomen and exhaling the breath fully. Repeat this five times and practice whenever you feel stressed or uneasy. It will quickly bring about a state of calm.

Ensure you take some form of exercise at least three times a week. If you normally drive to work, get the bus instead a couple of days a week and get off a stop early to fit in some walking. At lunchtimes go out for a 20-minute walk instead of sitting at your desk. Take up a new hobby that you really enjoy. Not everyone is suited to the gym, so why not try salsa dancing or cycling?

Most of us have something we don’t like about our bodies, but instead of focusing on your flaws, focus instead on the bits you do like. Look at yourself in the mirror and decide on what parts of your body you like and pledge to make the most of them. Ask a friend or a partner what your best feature is – you might be pleasantly surprised.

Spirit
Every day make a promise to yourself to undertake a random act of kindness. This could include making an anonymous donation to charity, paying a compliment to a friend or colleague, holding a door open for a stranger. Enjoy the fact that you are doing something good for others.

Challenge yourself to do something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be something as extreme as abseiling (unless you really want to!) Pushing your boundaries and stepping outside of your comfort zone gives you the belief that you can achieve your goals and cope with difficulties that come your way.

Make time to meditate every day – five or 10 minutes will make all the difference. Switch off the phone and sit somewhere with your back supported by a wall or chair. Close your eyes and relax. Start at the top of your head and work your way down your body, relaxing the different parts in turn. Breathe deeply, counting to five as you inhale and five as you exhale. Keep this up for five to 10 minutes, then slowly open your eyes.

Brick walls are not there to keep us out - Randy Pausch

2012-02-16T16:50:00.001+05:30

"The brick walls are not there to keep us out; the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something."
- Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch was 47 years old when he died from pancreatic cancer. He was, as the Independent of London put it, "the dying man who taught America how to live." His book, The Last Lecture, is an international best-seller and it offers many wonderful lessons about life.

Randy Pausch's "last lecture" was delivered in September 2007, at Carnegie Mellon University, where he taught computer science. The lecture began with him standing before a screen beaming down chilling CT images of tumors in his liver, under the title...The Elephant in the Room. He then said to a stunned audience, "I have about 6 months to live." He said, "I'm really in good shape, probably better shape than most of you," ... dropping to the floor to do push-ups.

He went on to say, "I'm dying and I'm having fun, and I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left." He talked about his childhood dreams and what they had taught him about life. He said, "If you live your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself ... your dreams will come to you."

Randy Pausch really was a dying man who has taught America how to live.

He died on July 25, 2008, but his wisdom, his passion, and his attitude are lasting sources of inspiration for all of us.

I love stories that can engage our hearts and our souls!

What about us! We are able bodies, but end up doing nothing with it, We constantly grumble and curse. Well I guess we don’t value all the things we are blessed with.

It’s better to appreciate the things we don’t have, than not appreciate the things we have.

Heart of a CAREGIVER

2012-02-13T13:55:00.002+05:30

Most of us at some point in our lives experience what it's like to be a Caregiver for a limited time ... caring for a small child or a family member who is either sick or is recovering from an accident or surgery, or helping with the care of an aging or disabled loved one. During such times we begin to understand the physical demands and emotional strain related to the constant CARE of another individual.

It helps us gain valuable insight into the level of patience, compassion and dedication required from the special people who make the choice to commit their lives in service to those who are hurting, to those who need comfort and encouragement and to those who need compassionate loving care 24/7.

The hours are long and exhausting. The work is hard and never-ending ... and there is personal pain and sacrifice involved in CARING. This is where true Heroes are found.

There is nothing to compare with the Beauty and Significance of this HEART that gives so unselfishly in service to others.

“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. It will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
~Mother Teresa

Make caring a habit today!, there is nothing better than having an attitude of giving without expecting anything in return.

If you are a CAREGIVER ... Thank you for making a difference in the lives you touch!

Which PO TATER Are you ?

2012-02-09T17:24:00.004+05:30

I came across this poster, Thought of sharing it with you all.

PO TATERS"
Some people never seem motivated to participate,
But are just content to watch while others do the work.
They are called "Spec Taters"
Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted
at finding fault with the way others do the work.
They are called "Comment Taters"
Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what
to do, but don't want to soil their own hands.
They are called "Dick Taters"
Some people are always looking to cause problems by
asking others to agree with them.
It is too hot or too cold, too sour or to sweet.
They are called "Agie Taters"
There are those who say they will help, but somehow
just never get around to actually doing the promised help.
They are called "Hezzie Taters"
Some people can put up a front and pretend to be
someone they are not.
They are called "Immy Taters"
Then there are those who love others and do what they
say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others.
They are called "Sweet Po Taters"

So what are you?

The Donkey Attitude!

2012-02-03T14:40:00.003+05:30

I came across this great story which has some great advice, how you benefit from this.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw with each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing, he would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Moral of the Story
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

It’s All In Your Mind!

2012-01-31T12:07:00.002+05:30

Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life is simply because they have trained their minds in the wrong direction. They have trained their minds to worry. They have trained their minds to complain. They have trained their minds to see the negative. But just as you can form these negative mindsets, you can retrain your mind form godly mindsets.

I believe one of the main keys to retraining your mind and developing a positive attitude is by learning to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what’s right rather than what’s wrong. The seed of the Word takes root in the good ground of your heart. This doesn’t happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.

Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy.

The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart.

Neither can bitterness, envy or strife.

So today, retrain your mind and be empowered with strength to overcome in every area of your life!

I am trying very hard to… what about you?

Living Life To The Fullest - The Cival Mills Story

2012-01-27T09:59:00.001+05:30

Many of us feel that life has been tough and feel down and disappointed. We forget to appreciate those small mercies in life that we are blessed with. Work pressure, Financial pressure, health and other issues sometimes makes us forget that we are lucky than many. We don’t make use of the circumstances we are blessed with, instead we grumble. There are many people who have made maximum use of their small mercies and look at life always from a positive perspective. Cival Mills is that one man and this is his story.

At 26 years old, Cival Mills had a great life. He had always been a high achiever, successful in both sports and academics. He had recently earned a medical degree and looked forward to a great future. It all changed on December 8th, 2000.

Only a couple of days away from finishing his hospital internship, he was driving to go see his girlfriend and got into an accident. When he woke up in the hospital, he found himself unable to move. Even though he was completely conscious, he wasn't able to move any muscle in his body except for his eyes. It was like a nightmare come true.

Nobody was aware he was conscious until he laughed at a cartoon his sister showed him. He was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome and started learning how to communicate with his eye movements using a spelling chart. His first sentence was "Love you mom". It took him 20 minutes to spell out.

Always be astonished by your abilities!

He challenged himself to reach the unreachable. The race to meet his goal would require one of the greatest medical and personal achievements ever.

In an ICU there is no day and no night; only the sound of people and machines trying to make the impossible possible. Cival Mills knew that with his intellect intact, he would one day be ready to live life again.

People from all walks of life were holding their breath as Cival Mills slowly started climbing the ladder back to life – away from the constant darkness of the unconscious mind. He started climbing up… In an effort to do the impossible… he started to breathe on his own, he started to swallow…

Cival Mills spent 22 months in hospital; he was one of only a few patients suffering from this syndrome around the world to make it out of the hospital. He brought back with him many memories of deadly anxiety, of suicidal despair, of indescribable frustration, suffocating sadness and utter loneliness – of a weight he could not describe nor measure.

Cival Mills was piloted back to life by the many people who loved and cared for him, orbiting around him for almost 2 years in an effort to bring him safely back. He arrived back with the knowledge that nothing in life “happens by accident.” Speechless, without any movement in his body except for some movement in his left hand, he never lost direction; he never gave up. After 2 years of physical therapy, he regained the ability to move his left thumb. With a gadget he invented himself; he managed to type out his first inspirational book, titled "This Too Shall Pass". He has since also managed to regain movement in his neck, left arm and partial movement in his legs. In 2009, he completed a 350- mile bike ride across South Africa on a specially adapted quad bike for charity. He also scuba dives as a hobby and has written another book called "The Truth about Wheels". He is currently working as a motivational speaker

Cival Mills has today grown into a man on the move and is living testimony to his motto:

“never… never… never give up.”

Are You An Inspired Leader?

2012-01-24T15:55:00.007+05:30

Dear Friends …

Every once in a while, as I’m reading, I come across a piece that is so powerful and thought provoking, I feel the need to share it – as is. No description … no explanation … no reinforcing of the message … no lesson from me. Just put it out there and let it speak for itself. Today is one of those times.

I encourage you to read it, remember it, and share it with your fellow leaders.

Leadership is not a top-down impulse but rather a bottom-up impact. The greatest leaders in history have not been dictators but rather directors – leadership maestros who used their gifts of vision, values and purpose to orchestrate actions that served a cause greater than themselves.

Giving orders is not leadership. Giving hope is. Leaders who serve the interests of those they lead earn far more than the obedience of their followers, they earn their respect.

Are you an inspired leader? It is good to reflect on how well we are living up to our own leadership challenges. How well are you serving your team and your organization? When was the last time you asked the people you lead how well you are meeting their professional needs? When was the last time that you took a few minutes to sit with each of your team members and asked them what you can do better to help them be more effective or more satisfied in their work? Have you ever asked your colleagues how you can inspire them to excel? Go ahead, ask the questions and do not fear the answers.

Inspired leadership is not about weak and strong; it’s about right and wrong. It’s about doing things the right way, for the right reasons and using your position of power, trust and influence to serve.

Serve as a facilitator to get things done. Serve as a mentor to grow your team members. Ultimately, the most inspired leaders serve as an example to others that the pinnacle of leadership is reached when you care more about others standing atop the summit than you do about your own view.

Cheers,

How to use the power of positive affirmations

2012-01-20T11:01:00.001+05:30

Since recently, I’ve been feeling a bit unfocused and unsure of what the future holds. In order to tackle this, I’ve started practicing positive affirmations; something I’ve always found useful in focusing my mind and combating any negative thoughts that creep in. So, for this blog post, I’m going to talk about affirmations: what are they, why should we practice them and how can they help us?

What are affirmations?
Put simply, affirmations are statements we make to ourselves, and these can be either positive or negative. Throughout the day our minds are filled with thoughts and chatter and this is, in effect, a stream of affirmations. For example, you might find yourself thinking: “I’m so broke. My paycheck never seems to last,” which is a negative affirmation. But at another time you might find yourself thinking something more positive like: “I love this weather. What a gorgeous day.”

Through these statements of fact that we make to ourselves we are subconsciously creating our life experiences. Our beliefs about life are just learned thought patterns which we have developed since childhood. Some of these may work to our advantage, but others can work against us, stopping us from achieving our potential. So every affirmation we make to ourselves is a reflection of our beliefs. If you find yourself constantly making negative affirmations it follows that your beliefs about life will be negative.

In order to turn this around, you could start practicing positive affirmations to train your subconscious mind towards a more positive state. It’s basically reprogramming your mind for the better.

How to create affirmations
Start by thinking about the different areas of your life that you would like to improve, eg health, finances, work, relationships, spiritual growth and so on. Think about each area in turn and write down a few positive statements summing up how you would like this area of your life to be. It’s important that the statements are in the present tense and are positive, focusing on what you DO want rather than what you DON’T want.

Here are some examples of positive affirmations, relating to different areas of life. You might want to try these yourself, but it’s much better to write your own as they are tailored specifically to you.

§ I have a healthy body and a happy mind.

§ I have plenty of energy.

§ My mind is calm and relaxed.

§ I have an enjoyable and fulfilling job.

§ Money flows easily and naturally into my life.

§ I radiate love and happiness.

§ I have a happy, loving relationship with my partner.

§ I am successful in all that I do.

How to use affirmations
The way to use affirmations is to repeat them on a constant, daily basis so that they sink into your subconscious. You could incorporate this as part of your daily routine. For example, as you are brushing your teeth or showering, remind yourself to repeat your affirmations. As you are doing your hair or dressing, look at yourself in the mirror and repeat your affirmations. This is a very powerful way of making these statements hit home.

Another idea is to write your affirmations on pieces of paper and leave them in places around your home where you will see them and be reminded of them. You could get together some cards and write a different affirmation on each one, place them in a bowl and draw one out each day, with the intention of focusing on that particular affirmation.

Why not use your imagination to come up with different ways to work with your affirmations?

Good luck and stay positive!

A Recipe on how to enjoy life better!

2012-01-17T14:27:00.005+05:30

In today's post you'll discover a simple recipe that can help you to triple your enjoyment of your life ahead.

After booking her dream holiday, Emily pushed open the door of the travel agent’s office, glanced down at her wristwatch and rushed back to work.

Later that evening she caught up with a few friends for dinner and mentioned her trip to her old school friend Amy.

“Wow – You must be so excited!” said Amy.

“Yeah but… it’s SO far away at the moment it’s kind of a bit depressing” replied Emily.

To make sure that she didn’t get disheartened by the fact that her trip was still six months away, Emily made a conscious effort to put it out of her mind and just focus on her work.

The only problem with this approach was that it worked a little too well!

Two weeks before her trip, Emily bumped into Amy at the supermarket.

“So are you looking forward to your big adventure?” asked Amy. “Yeah but… I’ve got SO much to do before I go – it’s crazy!“ replied Emily.

“I’m trying to get the new girl at work up to speed, which means I’m training her most of the day and still doing a full case load myself. Then I have to finalize my accommodation, sort out my credit cards, find someone to look after my cat, redirect my mail, and I haven’t even started thinking about packing!”

Emily’s last two weeks were a hectic blur of activity that left her feeling exhausted.

But finally – she was away…

Having waited so long for her trip, Emily was determined that she wasn’t going to miss anything. During her flight, she created a long list of things to see and do in each city she was visiting.

When she reached her first port of call, she was a woman on a mission.

Each morning she checked her list over breakfast and then got started. When she arrived at an attraction, she took lots of photos, had a quick look around and then immediately moved on to the next item on her list.

If she got delayed or wasn’t able to tick off everything on her list, Emily became frustrated by the interruption to her tight schedule.

By the end of her trip, Emily had crossed off almost every item on her list and taken over 800 photos, but she couldn’t help feel as though something was missing.

Emily felt as though she’d been on a sightseeing rollercoaster and now suddenly the ride was over and it was time to return to her normal life.

She had hoped that she’d feel rested and reenergized by her holiday, but instead she felt tired and grumpy.

When she returned to work and people asked about her trip, Emily replied that it had been fantastic and showed off some of her photos of famous landmarks. But somehow these landmarks already seemed like a distant dream.

That night, Emily lay in bed and tried to figure out why she was feeling so low. She’d just been on her dream holiday – why did she feel so frustrated and empty – what had she missed?

What Emily had missed on her holiday was an understanding of what creates true enjoyment in life. As this story illustrates, we can often get so caught up in our desire to record and capture our experiences that we forget to actually LIVE those experiences.

To help you avoid this trap, here is a simple but powerful three-part ‘Recipe for Enjoyment’ that can make a profound impact on the way you see and appreciate the world around you.

Ingredient #1: Embrace the thrill of anticipation

The first ingredient in the Recipe for Enjoyment is to embrace the thrill of anticipation. Instead of blocking things out of your mind, take the time to explore, investigate and anticipate upcoming events.

For example, instead of ignoring her trip for 5 months, Emily could have read about the culture and history of the places she was going to visit. This would have greatly increased her sense of anticipation and given her a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the attractions she was visiting.

Ingredient #2: Take time to stop and enjoy the moment

The second ingredient in the Recipe for Enjoyment is to always take time to stop, and just enjoy the moment. For example, Emily would have had a very different holiday if she had put her camera away for a few days, slowed down and really connected with the people and places she was visiting.

Ingredient #3: Reminisce about your experiences

When we reminisce, talk and write about our experiences we reinforce the neural pathways in our mind associated with those experiences and make them more vivid and real. Over time, this process of active reminiscing helps us to create fond memories that can last a lifetime.

For example, if Emily took her best photos and loaded them into a digital photo frame, they would continually remind her of her trip.
Additionally she could take the time to write an account of her trip while it is still fresh in her mind. In years to come, this travel diary would become more and more valuable and would help her to develop fond memories that she could treasure forever.

This Recipe for Enjoyment is not however limited to major events such as overseas holidays. It can also be used to improve your enjoyment of simple day-to-day events.

As this example demonstrates, by following the Recipe for Enjoyment you can triple your enjoyment of any event in your life.

First you enjoy the anticipation of the event.

Then you take time to stop and enjoy the event itself.

And finally you enjoy reminiscing about the event.

So today I’d like to encourage you to use this simple recipe in your own life for both major and minor events, because when you increase your enjoyment of the events in your life, you increase your enjoyment of life itself.

Speak Life

2012-01-13T19:40:00.001+05:30

Dear Friends,

It’s been a while since I last posted something on my blog. Most of us have the common problem with what comes out of our mouths, Here’s something for all of you to think about.

Maybe you aren’t where you want to be in life today. Could it be because of the words you’ve spoken in your past? Have you spoken words of death by saying things like, “I’ll never rise any higher; I’ve gone as far as I can go?” Or maybe you’ve said, “I’ll never break this addiction. I’ve had it too long; it’s too hard.” Now, you are eating the fruit of those words — you’re still in the same place.

If you are ready to change your situation, then it’s time to change what you say about your situation. If you want a different harvest, you have to change the seeds you are sowing. Today, choose to speak life over your future. Let your attitude be, “This may be the way it’s been in the past, but this is not the way it’s staying. I’m coming up higher. I may feel weak, but my declaration is that I am strong.” Speak life, choose life, and move forward in victory and blessing.

Cheers,

Do You Have A "Winning with Accountability" Attitude?

2012-01-06T16:24:00.004+05:30

Dear Friends,

There is no doubt that accountability is the hidden secret of high performing individuals and high performing organizations. And, here are some perspectives on accountability that you, as a leader, need to remember:

Webster’s Dictionary defines “accountability” as “the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.”

People deal with us based on what they think about us, not what we think they should think about us. So, when we make a commitment, we have to fulfill that commitment in the eyes of others. It is not good enough to fulfill the commitment in our eyes – we have to fulfill the commitment in the eyes of others. That is the tricky part.

When we’re accountable, it is necessary for us to go to our customers, our suppliers, and the people we work for – and yes, the people who work with us – and ask them, “How am I doing?” We allow them to hold us accountable – in their eyes – for our commitments. Accountability is – first and foremost – about being reliable. To get a good picture of your personal accountability, you may want to periodically ask yourself, “Can people count on me to do what I say I’ll do, as I said I would do it?”

Accountability is about high performance and not fear or stress. It’s about being willing to hold yourself to a standard that improves the performance of your organization and also having a willingness to be held accountable by others.

Give every person more in use value than you take from them in cash value.

2012-01-03T17:20:00.003+05:30

Dear Friends,

The fastest way to receive is to give, because giving starts the reciprocal action of receiving. We all receive according to how much we give. Give the best of you everywhere you go. Give a smile. Give thanks. Give kindness. Give love.

Your giving should be a giving without expectation of return – a giving for the sheer joy of it.

Cheers,

How to Rest Better and Enjoy Improved Well-being

2012-01-02T12:10:00.004+05:30

Dear Friends,

Stress has become a literal killer in the current economic environment. Even if you have managed to keep your job as millions have been laid-off, there’s no Easy Street in sight. Office workers are doing more with less and dealing with constant uncertainty and fear of job loss. To stay relevant in boss’ eyes, professionals are working longer hours and taking on more high-pressure projects.

All of this adds up to a high stress lifestyle. Unchecked, stress can cause insomnia; eating disorders, including anorexia and binge eating; ulcers; hypertension and high blood pressure. In some extreme cases, stress has been known to trigger cardiac arrest and strokes.

That’s the bad news. The good news is there is plenty you can do about it. Exercise, eating well, hobby-like diversions and other similar activities can go a long way in rejuvenating mind and body. But the single best thing you can do to reduce the negative effects of stress and improve overall well-being is to sleep longer and better. The irony of that statement is that fitful sleep is usually one of the first casualties of stress.

That doesn’t mean you should succumb to stress and accept 3 a.m. pacing as normal. There are simple ways you can create a more suitable environment that is conducive to getting the sleep you need. To help you get started, here are 5 simple ideas that will help you get better sleep:

Avoid substances that can make sleep difficult. Specific items to avoid – at least in the afternoon and evening – include drinks with caffeine or alcohol and anything with nicotine.

Make your bedroom a sanctuary. Remove electronics including televisions, smart phones and computers so that you can disengage and relax without distraction. Control lighting and other sound as needed.

Maintain proper diet. That’s right; food can affect how well you sleep. Eat balanced meals that avoid items that could cause indigestion or other stomach discomforts. Some scientists believe that food deficiencies can aid insomnia, so make sure vitamins and minerals are at proper levels.

Get on a schedule. If you go to sleep and rise at the same times each day, your body will become more accustomed to maintaining that schedule. If your sleep cycle is erratic, it’s not surprising that the body can become confused about when it is appropriate to sleep.

Therefore I have decided to take Challenges on a daily basis. "One day at a Time".

Hope 2012 will bring all of you success with good health and with less stress.

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-30T16:21:00.007+05:30

Dear Friends,

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. So here’s my top ten list.

1. Spend More Time with Family.
Recent polls shows that more than 50% vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Work shouldn't always come first!

2 Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of them.

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of adults are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions who made a New Year's commitment to shed the extra pounds.
4. Quit Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, so don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!

6. Quit Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop or reduce drinking, then don’t stop making it your new year’s resolution.

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. Oh yes one more thing, reduce the number of credit cards you carry. This will help.
8. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.

9. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child or helping your colleague, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help, or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills.

10. Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

So here’s wishing you all a prosperous New Year with good health and happiness.

What is Christmas Cheer?

2011-12-26T17:04:00.003+05:30

Posted by Husein Adamally

Being so much immersed into the material world and its civilization, sometimes it is so easy to pass Christmas season without making any sense. This is a good time to begin to ask what really makes Christmas. Thoughts of Christmas, necessarily, are a reflection of an individual’s own experiences as one follows a passage through life. The thoughts of joy and giving seem especially joined at Christmastime.

Thoughts of joy lead to thoughts of giving. Christmas, in spite of all the efforts of those who would destroy the joy, remains the season of giving.

The spirit of giving, particularly at Christmas, is one of personal fulfillment. It matters not the value of the gift; it is the thought of giving that provides the fulfillment.

Christmas is also a time to celebrate the gift of life to children everywhere.

But how many of you have the Christmas cheer? Spending time with the family, shopping with them, walking around town enjoying the beautiful lights that illuminate everything all around the town, listening to Christmas carols and going to church for midnight mass; are these included in your schedule? Or is it business as usual, late hours at work, business meetings, and deadlines, entertaining clients. Is this life or living? I seriously doubt it. I know many who cannot get away from this stronghold.

I know one family who father work till midnight, mother work late too. The only child in the family spends most of his time with grandparents. They are caught up in the world of money and career. What a pathetic life to live. Is this called family?

Get a reality check; Life is too short to just let it go by.

I know I am definitely blessed by a great wife and two wonderful kids. They make sure they take care of their parents and most of all help the needy. Did you know being generous is an attitude too, so have an attitude of giving.

Many say time is money, but I say time is life, so live it today!

Merry Chirstmas.

Does Motivation Work Miracles For You?

2011-12-23T09:26:00.005+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

Dear Friends,

To most of us, motivation means getting revved up when we're bored, bouncing back when we're rejected, or getting psyched up for an important sales call. Motivation means “life” to Morris Goodman. He mastered the art of positive thinking to become a "Top of the Table" member as an estate planner and insurance salesman. Then on March 10, 1981, his motivational goals went from sales to survival when his private plane crashed, leaving him near death. Today, Goodman is the author of The Miracle Man (Prentice-Hall, 1984) and a highly sought-after speaker who travels the world sharing his story with millions of people and teaching his philosophy on goal setting and personal growth and development. He has rebuilt his body - a fact that astounds the medical community - and wants to help others.

Whether you're dealing with a physical tragedy like his, or a sales problem, the following five motivational principles will get you over the rough spots and keep you moving toward a successful future.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It often opens new doors and offers new opportunities.

1. POSITIVE THOUGHTS BREED POSITIVE ACTION

"Many times my doctors told me that I was being unrealistic to expect full recovery," recalls Goodman. "In fact, they said that maybe I'd eventually be able to sit in a wheelchair - unable to breathe or eat without the aid of machines." But Goodman refused to be SNIOP'd (Susceptible to the Negative Influence of Other People). Instead, he constantly visualized himself as fully recovered. He communicated to everyone that he'd soon be back to his old self again.
Goodman's positive outlook generated the energy to work on and accomplish his goals. If he'd listened to the negative expectations of others, he might still be severely disabled.

2. BE THE FIRST
"My diaphragm was crushed in the accident so everyone said I'd never breathe on my own, no one could breathe without a diaphragm," Goodman explains. "But I kept remembering how no one was supposed to be able to run a mile in less than four minutes until Roger Bannister did it in 1954. Since then, lots of people have done it." Goodman practiced breathing in and out with his respirator until one day he started to breathe on his own. His stomach muscles took over the job of his irreparable diaphragm.

Morris was the first, and he hopes that others will follow. Just because something has never been done doesn't mean that it can't be done.

3. PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
"Relearning how to walk was an incredibly painful process," says Goodman, as he remembers his atrophied muscles, sense of imbalance, and feelings of defeat. "If I'd quit anywhere along the line, I'd still be in a bed, a wheelchair, or I'd need a walker or crutches. Because I promised myself I'd walk again, I kept at it and it was worth it." Surrounded by signs like "No Pain, No Gain," Goodman never lost sight of his goal to walk on his own.

Falls, pain, and frustration are now memories of the difficult path Goodman took. But his persistence paid off, today he walks around just as you and I do.

4. TAKE ONE GOAL AT A TIME
"Unless you have a plan, a goal to strive for, you end up going around in circles and you get nothing done," notes Goodman, who was deluged with major objectives like breathing, eating, speaking, and walking. "If I'd tried to accomplish everything at once, I'd still be working on most of my goals." Rather than tackle all of his problems, Goodman selected one at a time and committed himself to each one until it was achieved. As he reached each goal, his confidence soared, helping him throughout the next one. By breaking large, long term goals into smaller, short term tasks, you gain momentum and confidence, which motivates you to continue on toward your ultimate goal.

5. WHAT YOU GIVE OUT, YOU GET BACK
"The best motivation is not necessarily self directed," Goodman says. "Often, helping other people feel good or motivating them to meet their goals gives a super boost to your own morale." During his stays in hospitals and rehabilitation centres, Goodman shared his hope and his faith in people with the medical staff and fellow patients. Many of them say that he changed their outlook on life and he expanded their belief in what is "possible." Their positive feedback gives him the motivation to keep going.

Whether it's your life or your career that's on the line,

Motivation can work miracles.

WHY WE CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS.

2011-12-21T10:10:00.001+05:30

Do you know why we celebrate birthdays?

This social custom is really an astrological event - one that has been with us for millennia. In fact, birthdays - and the annual observance of these times both as a society and for individuals - is the oldest of celebratory rites, and one that arose in every culture as soon as they had any sort of calendar.

Naturally, the first real calendar has to do with the sun and the moon's position - the fundamental tools of astrologers today.

The ancients celebrated not because some edict said, "celebrate," but because of practical everyday experience, like all astrological lore. The wise men (and women) noticed that when the sun hit the same spot in the heavens (against the zodiac backdrop) that it held on a person's birthday ... well, that day turned out to be extremely fortunate.

Maybe a woman found a husband, a shepherd saved his sheep, a merchant sold his goods or an illness vanished. Plus, people gave to the birthday person instinctively. So presents were bestowed - both from others and from the universe. The wise elders saw this phenomenon happening all the time. And just as most basic astrological information came about based on these days, the astrologer/priests saw that a "pattern" was occurring.

This lucky pattern brought joy, and thus the birthday person wanted to celebrate. His or her friends naturally gave to them (thus the idea of presents) and the birthday celebrant wanted to share his or her pleasure, so a big gathering was held.

That's the reason that we celebrate birthdays today - as a tradition that came about because of repeated observations of luck on this day. The same kind of luck you can have right now.

Savvy astrologer buffs know that starting to do anything of major importance on a birthday has the extra solar boost of a once-a-year infusion of universal good will and luck. So before you celebrate, use this day to your advantage, then in the evening celebrate all the good things you did or set into motion.

Here's a three-part plan for the truly ambitious to use this day:

Decide to ask the universe for one thing this year. Be specific.

Graciously accept gifts and congratulations on this day. (Why? Because you will then set into motion a karmic pattern that intensifies your wish.)

Spend at least 20 minutes alone, revitalizing your body. That means taking a soothing bath, having a massage or just lying down listening to beautiful music. Remember this is a day to "tune-up" the body just as you'd do for a car after 50,000 miles. Ask your body to repair any mental, physical, emotional or spiritual damage that was done to this amazing vehicle (you!) and you'll make each year better and better.

STYLES OF COMMUNICATION OF THE 12 SIGNS

Each sign of the zodiac has its own way of communicating with the world. The sun sign is the prism through which we see things around us. Since everything in life is influenced by a person's point of view, the sun sign can show how the signs interpret events around them.

Remember there are not value judgments in astrology: Each sign has both strengths and weakness. What this list shows are the obvious choices that a person makes when talking or communicating with others.

Honest, sometimes blunt: Sagittarius, Aries, Aquarius.

Indirect, noncommittal: Taurus, Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces.

Quiet until they know you: Cancers, Scorpios, Pisces, Capricorns.

Witty jokesters: Geminis, Sagittarians, Leos, Virgos.

Shy, unless angry or happy: Taurus, Virgo, Pisces, Cancer.

Smooth-talking: Libras, Geminis, Aries.

Bold conversationalists: Leos, Aquarius, Geminis, Libras.

Great persuaders: Capricorns, Virgos, Scorpios, Geminis.

What Is Leadership?

2011-12-20T12:14:00.001+05:30

Hi Friends,

Here’s another piece of advice on leadership.

What is leadership? That’s a question leaders get asked all the time. Often, they respond with a single comment: “Action.” Leadership is action. In its most basic form, leadership involves moving people from one place to another, either physically or figuratively. And if you’re going to get people moving, you’d better be sure you know where you’re headed. You have to make decisions about your desired destination and how you’re going to get there. You need to make the right decisions, you need to make them stick, and you need to accept the consequences.

Why? Because when you lead, you act not just for yourself, but for the benefit of everyone who calls you “leader.” And when you act, you have to communicate. You can make the best decisions in the world, but if others don’t know about them, then both your actions and the results of those actions will likely be ineffective.

Leadership, therefore, involves not only action, but also clear and concise communication.

Here are some ideas on action and communication …

Ø Just do it! (Thanks, Nike, for giving us one of the best leadership slogans of all time.) A leader doesn’t wait to be told what to do or for others to act first. A leader does whatever it takes to ensure that good things happen for others as well as for the organization.

Ø AVOID THE BLAME GAME! Leaders look for ways out of problems, not ways to create more. Someone who looks for solutions is a person who wants creative input; someone who looks to place blame is a person looking for a scapegoat.

Ø Address people issues immediately. Get to the heart of the matter by asking questions. Don’t wait for people problems to fester … they can be poisonous to an organization.

When you make a mistake, admit it! Don’t try to hide it. And if you lose your cool, or snap sharply at someone, be quick to apologize. Rather than detract from your aura as a leader, your honesty will enhance it.

Lead well ... LEAD RIGHT

How To Build Ethics and Integrity Skills in Your Organization

2011-12-19T16:39:00.006+05:30

Dear Friends …

Ethics and integrity are commendable, individual and organizational aspirations…but must be followed up with actions. Ethical people are role models who walk their talk. These masters of integrity share similar characteristics.

Think of the most ethical people you know, most likely they:

• They Honor agreements.

• They Earn their good reputation daily.

• They are open in personal and business dealings.

• They are resourceful, loyal and dependable.

• Stand up for what is right and good.

• They do the right thing, even when it is difficult and no one would know otherwise.

• They Tell the truth and take action.

When it comes to individual and organizational ethics, everyone is responsible and … everything counts!

Do You Have Anxiety Issues?

2011-12-16T14:45:00.002+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

Hi friends,

I just returned from a trip to South Africa, I have not posted anything for about 5 days, so my apologies. Many are plagued by this topic that I am writing about today. Hope this will help anyone of you who have anxiety issues.

If there’s one thing in life that I’m really good at, it’s worrying. I’d get a gold star for it. Anxiety runs in my family and I often wonder whether it’s in my genes or whether it’s learned behavior. Whichever way you look at it though, I spend a lot of my time fretting about things. This is one of the reasons

Most people experience anxiety in some form or other, and in these uncertain times stress and worry are very much on the increase. But according to statistics, around one in 20 people are now thought to suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), where negative and anxious thoughts dominate daily life. Doctors dish out anti-depressants as a quick-fix for these problems but this doesn’t provide a long-term solution. Here are some techniques for tackling anxiety that I’ve found to be helpful, and I hope you find them helpful too.

5 self-help tips to beat anxiety.

1.Breathing exercises

If you are feeling anxious, a simple way to calm yourself down is through focusing on and regulating your breathing. When we feel nervous the in-breath becomes more dominant than the out-breath, so in order to restore a sense of calm we need to reverse this.
Focus on your breathing and try to breathe in for a count of five and breathe out for a count of five. Don’t worry about the speed at which you’re counting, just keep to a steady pace of five in and five out. Now start to extend the out-breath by holding the exhalation for an extra count of two. Don’t strain, just let the breath settle into a gentle rhythm. As your out-breath becomes longer your relaxation response will begin to take over. The only thing that will take you away from this are your thoughts and imagination. The more you practice this the more you will feel able to gain control of your anxiety.

2.Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool for calming the mind and reducing feelings of anxiety and nerves. A simple visualization exercise involves conjuring up in your mind an image of a ‘special place’, a place where you feel safe and free from fear. (I’ve used this very exercise during a harrowing visit to the dentist and I can tell you it got me through the ordeal.). Start by closing your eyes and bring to your mind an image of a place where you feel safe and happy. It might be a tropical beach, a meadow, a forest, or even your bed. It’s entirely up to you – just use your imagination. Make the image vivid in your mind by thinking about what you can see, hear, feel and smell. Use your senses to guide you to a state of calmness. Stay in this calm place until you notice that your breathing is more regular and your mind is calmer. When you feel ready, open your eyes and breathe deeply in and out.

3.Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique which originates from Buddhist meditation and it’s particularly effective in calming anxiety and focusing the mind. We spend so much of our time worrying about the future or agonizing about the past that we forget to enjoy the present moment. This is where mindfulness comes in as it encourages us to focus on the present without allowing our minds to get caught up in unhelpful thought patterns. Here’s a few ideas you might want to try:
Sit or lie somewhere comfortable and begin scanning through each part of your body, paying attention to all the physical sensations you feel. Start with your toes and move up your legs to your stomach, chest, shoulders, neck and head, gently easing away any tension you notice. Finish by taking a few long, deep breaths. When you are getting ready in the morning, really pay attention to everything you are doing, instead of worrying about what’s coming ahead in the day. When you’re in the shower, focus on the sound of the water and feel the sensation of it washing over your body. Enjoy the feeling of getting clean. When you’re brushing your teeth, focus all your attention on the task. Do the same with getting dressed and making breakfast. Each morning make sure you take five to 10 minutes to be quiet and meditate. Look out of the window, listen to the sounds you can hear and be aware of everything around you. Be aware of the stillness and enjoy the quietening of your mind.

4.Dietary changes
stabilizing your blood sugar is an important factor in keeping anxiety at bay. Nervousness and a rapid heartbeat can often kick in when blood sugar levels become too low. The trick is to eat little and often, aiming for three meals and two snacks per day, and try to eat some protein with every meal. Good sources include fish, chicken, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu and eggs.

5.Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
This is an interesting technique which is based on similar principles to acupuncture in that it addresses imbalances in the body’s energy flow. I must confess I felt a bit silly when I first tried it, but it did help to calm my nerves, which is why I’m sharing a shortened version of it here with you.
The belief is that disturbances to the flow of energy are removed along with the emotional response and anxiety.
If you find yourself getting really anxious about something, try tapping gently five times on each of the following points with the forefinger and middle finger of one of your hands: between your eyebrows; under one of your eyes; under your arm (about two inches lower than your armpit); on the chest (just below the collarbone in the middle, you will find a spongy indentation). Lastly, tap on the outer side of the hand five times. You should begin to feel your breathing regulating.
Good luck and I hope these techniques help you in your anxiety. I’d love to hear any feedback you might have.

Home Is Where The Heart Is.

2011-12-12T12:10:00.000+05:30

I have travelled to many countries and stayed at many wonderful Hotels and visited many great places, but wherever I go, for me, there's nothing like home. seeing my family, being with them overpowers me more than anything. I thank the lord for giving me the opportunity to travel around and visit places and meet new people, But I am most gratefully for giving a wonderful family.For me home with my family will always be where my heart will stay.

How to Save Money

2011-12-09T13:57:00.003+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

I had numerous requests to write on this topic. Many of my employees who earn substantial monthly incomes are unable to save a penny. They start the month with zero and end the month with the same zero. When they look back on time and analyze on what they have achieved, they find that there is not much to show. Hence I hope this post will help you plan to save for your future.

Saving money is one of those tasks that are so much easier said than done. There's more to it than spending less money (although that part alone can be challenging). How much money will you save, where will you put it, and how can you make sure it stays there? Here's how to set realistic goals, keep your spending in check, and get the most for your money.

1. Kill your debt first. Simply calculating how much you spend each month on your debts will illustrate that eliminating debt is the fastest way to free up money. Once the money is freed from debt payment, it can easily be re-purposed to savings. Plus, the sooner you pay off debt, the less interest you'll pay, and that money can be saved instead.

If you choose to start saving before you completely pay off your debt, however, look into consolidating your debts so that you're not paying as much interest.
The only money-saving that should take precedence over getting out of debt is to create an emergency fund (setting aside enough money so that if you lose your income, you can survive for 3-6 months).

2. Set savings goals. For short-term goals, this is easy. If you want to buy a mobile phone, find out how much it costs; if you want to buy a motor bike, determine how much of a down payment you’ll need. For long-term goals, such as retirement, House you’ll need to do a lot more planning (figuring out how much money you’ll need), and you’ll also need to figure out how investments will help you achieve your goals.

3. Establish a time-frame. For example: "I want to be able to buy a Motor Bike/Car in two years from today." Set a particular date for accomplishing shorter-term goals, and make sure the goal is attainable within that time period. If it’s not attainable, you’ll just get discouraged.

4. Figure out how much you’ll have to save per week, per month, or per paycheck to attain each of your savings goals. Take each thing you want to save for and figure out how much you need to start saving now. For most savings goals, it’s best to save the same amount each period. For example, if you want to put a Rs 60,000 down payment on a Motor Bike in 12 months (I year years), you’ll need to save about Rs.5,000/- per month every month. But if your paychecks amount to Rs 20,000, it might not be a realistic goal, so adjust your time-frame until you come up with an approachable amount.

5. Keep a record of your expenses. What you save falls between two activities and their difference: how much you make and how much you spend. Since you have more control over how much you spend, it's wise to take a critical look at your expenses. Write down everything you spend your money on for a couple weeks or a month. Be as detailed as possible, and try not to leave out small purchases. Assign each purchase or expenditure a category such as: Rent, Car insurance, Motor Bike/Car payments, Phone Bill, Utilities, Gas, Food, Entertainment, etc.

Keep a small notebook with you at all times. Get in the habit of recording every expense and saving the receipts.
Sit down once a week with your small notebook and receipts. Record your expenses in a larger notebook or a spreadsheet program.
There are also many apps you can download to your phone that will help you keep track of your expenses.

6. Trim your expenses. Take a good, hard look at your spending records after a month or two have passed. You’ll probably be surprised when you look back at your record of expenses: Rs.2,500 on Junk Food, Rs.5,000 on Drinking with friends? You’ll likely see some obvious cuts you can make. Depending on how much you need to save, however, you may need to make some difficult decisions. Think about your priorities, and make cuts you can live with. Calculate how much those cuts will save you per year, and you'll be much more motivated to save.

Can you move to a less expensive apartment or house?
Can you save money on Cigarettes/Alcohol/Junk Food or give up altogether?
Can you get a better price on insurance? Call around and make sure you are getting the best price you can.
Can you reduce your phone bill, Maybe get a better package and restrict those unnecessary browsing of the net on the phone and reduce on the text messages?
Cut Down on un necessary buying of clothes that you may not need. This is called impulse buying.(Buy only what you need)
Can you cut down on your utility bills?
Can you restrict eating out? Buy food in bulk?? Cook more at home? You might be able to save a lot of money when grocery shopping.

7. Reassess your savings goals. Subtract your expenses (the ones you can't live without) from your take-home income (i.e. after taxes have been taken out). What is the difference? And does it match up with your savings goals? Let's say foe example you've decided you can definitely get by on Rs.15,000/- per month, and your paychecks amount to Rs.25,000/- per month. That leaves you with Rs.10,000/- to save. If there’s absolutely no way you can fit all your savings goals into your budget, take a look at what you’re saving for and cut the less important things or adjust the time-frame. Maybe you need to put off buying a new Motor Bike/car for another year, or maybe you don’t really need a big-screen TV that badly or that Expensive Mobile Phone.

8. Make a budget. Once you’ve managed to balance your earnings with your savings goals and spending, write down a budget so you’ll know each month or each paycheck how much you can spend on any given thing or category of things. This is especially important for expenses which tend to fluctuate, or which you know you're going to have a particularly hard time restricting. (E.g. "I will only spend Rs.1,000/- on my mobile bill a month ")

9. Stop using credit cards. Pay for everything with cash or money orders. Don't even use checks. It's easier to overspend when you're pulling from a bank or credit account because you don't know exactly how much is in there. If you have cash, you can see your supply running low. You can even bundle up the predetermined amount of cash allocated for each expense with a label or keep separate jars for each expense (e.g. a bundle/jar for coffee, another for gas, another for miscellaneous). As you pull money from a jar for that particular expense, you'll see how much remains and you'll also be reminded of your limit.

· If you need to have credit cards but you don't want the temptation of having them available to use day-to-day, restrict that section of your wallet with a note or picture reminding you of your savings goals.

· Credit cards are not inherently evil; it's all about your self-control. If you use them responsibly (i.e. completely pay them off every month), you can benefit from them. But the reason most credit card companies make money, however, is because people end up spending money that they don't have. Unless you are one of the people who can religiously pay off the balance in full every month, you're better off foregoing the promotions that credit card companies use to lure you in)

10. Open an interest-bearing savings account. It’s a lot easier to keep track of your savings if you have them separate from your spending money. You can also usually get better interest on savings accounts than on checking accounts (if you get interest on your checking account at all).

11. Pay yourself first. Savings should be your priority, so don’t just say that you’ll save whatever is left over at the end of the month. Deposit savings into an account (or your piggy-bank) as soon as you get paid. An easy, effective way to start saving is to simply deposit 10% of every check in a savings account. If you get a check or sum of cash, Rs.30,000/- take 3,000/- out immediately. This works well and requires little thought; over several years, you've a tidy sum in savings.

You can set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account.
Many employers allow you to deduct savings from your paycheck. The money is directly deposited in your savings account so you never even see it on your paycheck.

12. Don't get discouraged and don't give up. You may not think you can become wealthy but to become a millionaire is possible if you set up an aggressive savings plan and stick to it. You may be surprised how much money you can put away for something far more enjoyable than what you could buy with short term savings.

Good things often take time and the longer you save the more interest you will be making on your savings as well!

A lesson in how to frame headlines that grab attention

2011-12-06T16:34:00.005+05:30

No disrespect for any clergy or religion. A powerful message with a twist of laughter, just to cheer you up. Hope this will bring a smile on your face. We are sometimes so concerned about what others think about us. Well I hope their is a lesson to be learned from this post. No pun intended either.

A Pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.

The Pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again and it won again.

The local paper read:

PASTOR’S ASS OUT FRONT.

The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the Pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.

The next day the local paper headline read:

BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR’S ASS.

This was too much for the Bishop so he ordered the Pastor to get rid of the donkey.

The Pastor decided to give it to a Nun in a nearby convent.

The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:

NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The Bishop fainted.

He informed the Nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey so she sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the paper read:

NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.

This was too much for the Bishop so he ordered the Nun to b uy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.

The next day the headlines read:

NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.

The Bishop was buried the next day.

The moral of the story

Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery even shorten your life.

So be yourself and enjoy life.

Stop worrying about everyone else’s ass and you’ll be a lot happier and live longer!

Your Attitude - The Whole Truth

2011-12-05T16:58:00.005+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

I use this during my Motivation Sessions, I find it very effective. Hope this will help you to understand the true meaning of Attitude.

Cheers

Live Your Life Like It Matters

2011-12-05T16:09:00.001+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

Happy week to all of you.

Here are some powerful tips to help you and others to Live Your Life like It Matters:

• Choose to be enthusiastic at work today. If you encounter anyone who is being critical or negative, spread some sunshine their way. Your enthusiasm can positively affect others. Misery might love company, but enthusiasm is contagious! Help others catch it!

• Challenge yourself to “raise the bar.” Set personal goals to improve your job and the interactions that are a part of your daily routine. Compete against YOU – don’t compare yourself with others or wait for someone else to elevate your performance.

• At the end of each day, or project, or week: replay your performance. Take an inventory of what you did well, and what you can do better. Learn from your successes and from those things you didn’t handle that well. As you consider all your activities, where do you see potential areas of improvement?

Truly effective people wear an invisible sign that reads…

UNDER CONSTRUCTION;

Working to be better today than yesterday – and better tomorrow than today!

20 Great Ways to Find More Free Time

2011-12-01T17:09:00.002+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

Are there a hundred different things you wish you could do with your life someday anything from exercising to meditation or yoga to writing that novel you always wished you could write to reading more to relaxing and watching the sunrise? But perhaps you never have the time, like most people.

The truth is, we all have the same amount of time, and its finite and in great demand. But some of us have made the time for doing the things we love doing, and others have allowed the constant demands and pressures and responsibilities of life to dictate their days.

It’s time to move from the second group back into the first. Reclaim your time. Create the life you want and make the most of the free time you lay claim to. It’s not hard, though it does take a little bit of effort and diligence.

Not all of these will be applicable to your life choose the ones you can apply and give them a try:

1. Take a time out. Freeing up your time starts with taking a step back to take a good look at your life. You need to block off at least an hour. Several hours or half a day is better. A whole day would be awesome. A weekend would be even more ideal, though not necessary practical for many folks. With this block of time, take a look at your life with some perspective. Is it what you’ve always wanted? How would you get to where you’ve always wanted to be? What do you enjoy doing, but don’t have enough time to do? What things actually fill up your day? Are there things you could drop or minimize to make more time? Well look at some of these things in the following items, but it starts with taking a time out to think and plan.

2. Find your essentials. What is it that you love to do? Make a short list of 4-5 things. These are the things you want to make room for.

3. Find your time-wasters. What do you spend a lot of your time on that isn’t on your essential list? Take a close look at these things and really think about whether they’re necessary, or if there are ways to reduce, minimize or eliminate these things. Sometimes you do things because you assume they’re necessary, but if you give it some thought you can find ways to drop them from your life. Figure out what you do simply to waste time maybe surfing certain sites, watching TV, talking a lot at the water cooler, etc. You’re going to want to minimize these time-wasters to make room for the more important stuff, the stuff that makes you happy and that you love to do.

4. Schedule the time. As you sit down and think about your life and what you want to do, versus what you actually do, you will be looking at ways to free up time. It’s crucial that you take a blank weekly schedule (you can just write it out on a piece of paper, or use your calendar) and assign blocks for the things you love the stuff on your essentials list. If you want to exercise, for example, when will you do it? Put the blocks of time on your schedule, and make these blocks the most important appointments of your week. Schedule the rest of your life around these blocks.

5. Consolidate. There are many things you do, scattered throughout your day or your week that you might be able to consolidate in order to save time. A good example is errands instead of running one or two a day, do them all in one day to save time and gas. Another example is email, or any kind of communication batch process your email instead of checking and reading and responding throughout the day. Same thing with meetings, paperwork, anything that you do regularly.

6. Cut out meetings. This isn’t possible for everyone, but in my experience meetings take up a lot of time to get across a little information, or to make easy decisions that could be made via email or phone. As much as you can, minimize the number of meetings you hold and attend. In some cases this might mean talking to your boss and telling her that you have other priorities, and asking to be excused. In other cases this might mean asking the people holding the meeting if you can get the info in other ways. If so, you’ve saved yourself an hour or so per meeting (sometimes more).

7. De clutter your schedule. If you have a heavily packed schedule, full of meetings and errands and tasks and projects and appointments, you’re going to want to weed it out so that its not so jam-packed. Find the stuff that’s not so essential and cancel them. Postpone other stuff. Leave big blank spaces in your schedule.

8. Re-think your routine. Often we get stuck in a routine that’s anything but what we really want our days to be like. Is there a better way of doing things? You’re the creator of your life make a new routine that’s more pleasant, more optimal, more filled with things you love.

9. Cut back on email. I mentioned email in an earlier point above, regarding consolidating, but it’s such a major part of most people’s lives that it deserves special attention. How often do you check email? How much time do you spend composing emails? If you spend a major part of your work day on email, as many people do (and as I once did), you can free up a lot of time by reducing the time you spend in email. Now, this won’t work for everyone, but it can work for many people: choose 2-3 key times during the day to process your inbox to empty, and keep your responses to 5 sentences.

10. Learn to say no. If you say yes to every request, you will never have any free time. Get super protective about your time, and say no to everything but the essential requests.

11. Keep your list to 3. When you make out your daily to-do list, just list the three Most Important Tasks you want to accomplish today. Don’t make a laundry list of tasks, or you’ll fill up all your free time. By keeping your task list small, but populated only by important tasks, you ensure that you are getting the important stuff done but not overloading yourself.

12. Do your Biggest Rock first. Of the three Most Important Tasks you choose for the day, pick the biggest one, or the one you’re dreading most, and do that first. Otherwise you’ll put that off as much as possible and fill your day with less important things. Don’t allow yourself to check email until that Big Rock is taken care of. It starts your day with a sense of major accomplishment, and leaves you with a lot of free time the rest of the day, because the most important thing is already done.

13. Delegate. If you have subordinates or coworkers who can do a task or project, try to delegate it. Don’t feel like you need to do everything yourself. If necessary, spend a little time training the person to whom you’re delegating the task, but that little time spent training will pay off in a lot of time saved later. Delegating allows you to focus on the core tasks and projects you should be focusing on.

14. Cut out distractions. What is there around your workspace that distracts you from the task at hand? Sometimes its visual clutter or papers lying around that call for your attention and action, or email or IM notifiers on your computer that pops up at the wrong time, or the phone, or coworkers. See if you can eliminate as many of these as possible the more you can focus, the more effective you’ll be and the less time you’ll waste. That equals time saved for the good stuff.

15. Disconnect. The biggest of distractions, for most people, is the Internet. My most productive times are when I’m disconnected from the grid. Now, I’m not saying you need to be disconnected all the time, but if you really want to be able to effectively complete tasks, disconnect your Internet so you can really focus. Set certain times of the day for connectivity, and only connect during those periods.

16. Outsource. If you can’t delegate, see if you can outsource. With the Internet, we can connect with people from all over the world. I’ve outsourced many things, from small tasks to checking email to legal work to design and editing work and more. That allows me to focus on the things I’m best at, the things I love doing, and saves me a lot of time.

17. Make use of your mornings. I find that mornings are the absolute best times to schedule the things I really want to do. I run, read and write in the mornings three of the four things on my Essentials List (spending time with family is the other thing on the list). Mornings are great because your day hasn’t been filled with a bunch of unscheduled, demanding, last-minute tasks that will push back those Essentials. For example, if you schedule something for late afternoon, by the time late afternoon rolls around, you might have a dozen other things newly added to your to-do list, and you’ll put off that late-afternoon Essential. Instead, schedule it for the morning, and it’ll rarely (if ever) get pushed back.

18. The Golden Right-after-work Time. Other than mornings, I find the time just after work to be an incredible time for doing Essential things. Exercise, for example, is great in the 5-oclock hour, as is spending time with family, or doing anything else relaxing.

19. Your evenings. The time before you go to bed is also golden, as it exists every single day, and its usually completely yours to schedule. What do you want to do with this time? Read? Spend time with your kids? Work on a hobby you’re passionate about? Take advantage of this time.

20. Lunch breaks. If the three golden times mentioned above don’t work for you, lunch breaks are another good opportunity to schedule things. Some people like to exercise, or to take quiet times, during their lunch breaks. Others use this time to work on an important personal goal or project.

Do you find it difficult to say NO!

2011-11-30T16:29:00.000+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

This is my biggest weakness. I try to satisfy everybody and end up frustrated. Do you ever feel like the whole world wants a piece of you?

Your sister wants you to babysit her kids, your father-in-law wants you to set up his computer, your friends want you to help with a project, and at work your manager wants you to complete a two-week project in three days or to help with this and that.

If this sounds familiar, one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is the word ‘No’.

Although you should try to be generous and help others where possible, being able to say ‘No’ when you really need to is a very important skill that will help you preserve and utilize your most valuable asset – Time.

When you learn how to say ‘No’ to other people’s requests politely but firmly, you will be able to take back control of your life, and redirect your time towards the people and things that are most important to you.

Contrary to popular belief, saying ‘No’ to others does not have to be an uncomfortable or confrontational experience.

How to say ‘No’ in Social Situations

Saying ‘No’ to family and friends is often difficult because we feel obligated to say yes to everyone to try and maintain our family relationships.

Of course it’s nice to help out if you can, but sometimes the demands on your time can build up to the point where you simply have to say ‘No’ in order to reclaim a bit of time and space for yourself.

Here are some useful techniques for saying ‘No’ that you can use in various social situations.

The Unexplained ‘No’

One of the most effective techniques is the Unexplained No. Instead of trying to come up with a ‘good excuse’, simply say, “Sorry, I’ve already got plans.” and just leave it at that.

You don’t have to elaborate on what your plans are. Even if your ‘plans’ are to spend the day at home relaxing and reading, they are still YOUR plans, and you really don’t need to justify them to anyone else.

The Policy ‘No’

Another powerful way to say ‘No’ is to refer to a Personal Policy. For example, if you are tired of getting calls from telemarketers, just say “Sorry, but I have a personal policy not to buy things over the phone.’

You can also refer to a Family Policy. For example if friends ask you to go out for dinner you could say, “Sorry, we won’t be able to make it this time, we have a Family Policy to have dinner together on Fridays.”

The good thing about referring to a Personal or Family policy when saying ‘No’ is that it doesn’t feel like a direct rejection. You are simply saying no in order to stick to your predetermined policy.

Of course to make this approach work, you should spend some time to figure out what your Personal and Family Policies actually are.

The Partner Check ‘No’

In some situations you may just need to buy yourself a little time to think things over. One of the best ways to do this is to say something like, “Thanks, I’ll check with my wife/husband/partner and get back to you.”

Many often use this approach when a sales person is trying to force me into making a buying decision on the spot.

The Full Plate ‘No’

One of the easiest ways to say no when you really need to is to simply say, “Sorry, I just have too many projects on my plate at the moment.”

The Promise ‘No’

Another very effective way to say no is to say, “Sorry, but I’ve promised myself I won’t take on any more responsibilities at the moment. “An alternative to this approach is, “Sorry, but I’ve promised my wife/husband/partner I won’t take on any more responsibilities at the moment.”

The Honest ‘No’

And finally one of the most effective ways to say ‘No’ in social situations is just to be honest and say something like, “That sounds great, but I’ve been flat out at work this week, and I really just need a night to myself to recharge my batteries.”

This is a much better approach than trying to make up an excuse, and most people will appreciate your honesty.

How to Say No At Work

The most effective way to say ‘No’ to unreasonable demands at work is a technique many in the corporate world use it. It’s called ‘Visual Upward Management’.

Here’s how it works…

On your computer, you create a document titled Current Priorities. You then list the major tasks currently on your plate in priority order.

At any one time, you should really only have between 1 and 5 major tasks on your list.

When your manager or someone else tries to hand you a new task, show them your list, and tell them that this is what is currently on your plate.

Ask them to confirm where the new task fits into your priority order and discuss the impact this new task will have on your existing tasks.

When you arm yourself with practical ways to say ‘No’ in social situations and at work, you will feel empowered, and be much better prepared to deal with the barrage of requests we are all faced with on a daily basis.

Remember the goal is not to shirk your responsibilities or avoid helping your family and friends.

The goal in learning how to say ‘No’ effectively is to make sure that you don’t get overwhelmed by external demands, so you can redirect your time and effort towards the people and activities that are most important to you.

The Success Secret of a 9 Year Old - The story of the Broccoli

2011-11-29T12:51:00.003+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

There was a 9 years old boy called Simon, one of his favorite meals was sausages and mash potato. The only problem with this meal was that it usually came with…broccoli.

Each time he faced with this meal, he would enjoy the sausages and mash potato and then toy with the broccoli in the hope that it would eventually get cold and he wouldn’t have to finish it. This approach transformed dinner into a long and drawn out process.

Then one day, his best friend whose name was Sean Sullivan came over to his house for the day to play. When it came time for dinner, mum made us sausages, mash potato and… broccoli.

As Simon started eating his sausages and mash potato, his friend Sean did something that completely amazed him:

He ate the entire broccoli first without touching his sausages or mash potato.

Simon couldn’t believe it!

He thought he was crazy until he got to the point where Simon was toying with my broccoli and realized that his friend was now enjoying his sausages and mash potato.

On that day Simon learnt a lesson that he never forgot and that he still remembers every day. The lesson was this:

When faced with a list of things to do, always do the hardest task first.

Here’s what this means in the real world:

Each morning when you check your daily To Do list, you will notice that some of the items on your list will be easy to do but will only have a relatively small impact on achieving your goals. Other items which are usually more difficult to do will have a much bigger impact on moving you forward.

One of the most effective ways to increase your overall productivity is to start your day by working on the difficult tasks that will make a real difference to your progress.

To do this, you must resist the temptation to "Just do the easy things first” because often this means that you keep putting off the high impact tasks that will really make a difference to achieving your goals.

Another advantage of ‘eating your broccoli first’ is that when you are feeling less productive at the end of the day, you are often still able to complete the easy tasks on your To Do list.

So today,

I’d like to encourage you to prioritize your To Do list based on the impact each item will have on achieving your goals and follow the example of my 9 year old friend and learn to eat your broccoli first.

Characteristics of a Good MENTOR

2011-11-28T12:12:00.001+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

I like to start the week on the subject of Mentors, who are positive people by definition. It takes a positive person to give of him or herself to help another learn, grow and succeed. I am sure most of you have or had a mentor or mentors in your life or you are a mentor yourself.

Here are the characteristics of a good MENTOR…

MENTOR: Is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.

• Someone who is willing to share his wisdom, knowledge, skills and expertise.

• Someone who had a positive outlook on life. They helped me through tough times and showed me how to find the opportunity in the difficulties I was facing.

• Someone who is genuinely concerned about you and your success. In addition to being knowledgeable, they were empathetic.

• Someone who really knew what they were doing. You respected them for their knowledge and skills.

• Someone who kept growing themselves. My mentors were curious and inquisitive. Sometimes the roles were reversed. They asked what I was reading, and then read the books themselves – so they could learn and we could discuss the ideas.

• Someone who will give you direct, constructive feedback. They will hold you to high standards. They congratulated you when you met their expectations. They corrected you when you failed to do so – but in a manner where you learned what not to do the next time.

• Someone who was respected by their colleagues. Choosing someone who is highly regarded in his or her field or company is one of the best ways to identify a mentor.

• Someone who sought out and valued the opinions of others. A Good mentor will always tell you to listen most carefully to the people with whom you disagreed – in that way you might learn something.

I know that I am a good Mentor and working hard to be a great one. What about You?

Lead well ... LEAD RIGHT

How to keep a Woman Happy

2011-11-25T20:42:00.005+05:30

I hope this post will keep you in a great mood during the weekend.

It's not difficult to make a woman happy. A man only needs to be:

1. A friend
2. A companion
3. A lover
4. A brother
5. A father
6. A master
7. A chef
8. An electrician
9. A carpenter
10. A plumber
11. A mechanic
12. A decorator
13. A stylist
14. A sexologist
15. A gynaecologist
16. A psychologist
17. A pest exterminator
18. A psychiatrist
19. A healer
20. A good listener
21. An organizer
22. A good father
23. Very clean
24. Sympathetic
25. Athletic
26. Warm
27. Attentive
28. Gallant
29. Intelligent
30. Funny
31. Creative
32. Tender
33. Strong
34. Understanding
35. Tolerant
36. Prudent
37. Ambitious
38. Capable
39. Courageous
40. Determined
41. True
42. Dependable
43. Passionate
44. Compassionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

45. Give her compliments regularly
46. Love shopping
47. Be honest
48. Be very rich
49. Not stress her out
50. Not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:

51. Give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself

52. Give her lots of time, especially time for herself

53. Give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:

54. Never to forget:
* birthdays
* anniversaries
* arrangements she makes

HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY

1. Leave him alone

Have an Attitude of Gratitude!

2011-11-24T12:16:00.002+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

No matter what is going on in life, you can find a reason to thank God. What you dwell on is what you will draw into your life. You can either focus on your problems, or you can focus on your blessings. The question is: do you want more problems, or do you want more blessings?

One thing I’ve noticed is that when you live with an attitude of constant gratitude, not only do you thank God for what He’s done in your life, you start thanking Him for what He will do in your life. You thank Him for opening doors for you. You thank Him for increasing you. You thank Him for bringing the right people into your life. When you say “thank you” to God for the things that are coming, it’s really a declaration of your faith in Him. You are saying in essence, “God, I’m so sure of your goodness, I’m so sure that you’re working in my life that I’m going to thank you right now for what you are going to do tomorrow!”

Friend, that’s the kind of faith that pleases God. When we trust in His goodness and believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him that pleases His heart so much.

So today,

Have an attitude of gratitude which will turn to Lattitude. Let your faith say thank you. Praise your god throughout the day with a humble heart and watch what He will do on your behalf!

Why Talented People Leave Organizations?

2011-11-23T09:27:00.004+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

Today!, Employee retention is a very common problem in every organization. Why do talented employees leave companies? Come to think of it. This is almost 100% true. Read below & find out the answer.

Early this year, Arun, an old friend who is a senior software designer, got an offer from a prestigious international firm to work in its India operations developing specialized software. He was thrilled by the offer.

He had heard a lot about the CEO of this company, a charismatic man often quoted in the business press for his visionary attitude.

The salary was great. The company had all the right systems in place employee-friendly human resources (HR) policies, a spanking new office, the very best technology, even a canteen that served superb food.

Twice Arun was sent abroad for training. "My learning curve is the sharpest it's ever been," he said soon after he joined. "It's a real high working with such cutting edge technology."

Last week, less than eight months after he joined, Arun walked out of the job. He has no other offer in hand but he said he couldn't take it anymore. Nor, apparently, could several other people in his department who have also quit recently. The CEO is distressed about the high employee turnover.

He's distressed about the money he's spent in training them. He's distressed because he can't figure out what happened. Why did this talented employee leave despite a top salary? Arun quit for the same reason that drives many good people away. The answer lies in one of the largest studies undertaken.

The study surveyed over a million employees and 80,000 managers and was published in a book called First Break All The Rules.

It came up with this surprising finding:

If you're losing good people, look to their immediate supervisor.

More than any other single reason, he is the reason people stay and thrive in an organization. And he's the reason why they quit, taking their knowledge, experience and contacts with them. Often straight to the competition.

"People leave managers not companies,". "So much money has been thrown at the challenge of keeping good people - in the form of better pay, better perks and better training - when, in the end, turnover is mostly a manager issue." If you have a turnover problem, look first to your managers. Are they driving people away?

Beyond a point, an employee's primary need has less to do with money, and more to do with how he's treated and how valued he feels. Much of this depends directly on the immediate manager. And yet, bad bosses seem to happen to good people everywhere. A Fortune magazine survey some years ago found that nearly 75 per cent of employees have suffered at the hands of difficult superiors. You can leave one job to find - you guessed it, another wolf in a pin-stripe suit in the next one.

Of all the workplace stressors, a bad boss is possibly the worst, directly impacting the emotional health and productivity of employees.

Here are some all-too common tales from the battlefield:

- Dev, an engineer, still shudders as he recalls the almost daily firings his boss subjected him to, usually in front of his subordinates. His boss emasculated him with personal, insulting remarks. In the face of such rage, Dev completely lost the courage to speak up. But when he reached home depressed, he poured himself a few drinks, and magically, became as abusive ! as the boss himself. Only, it would come out on his wife and children. Not only was his work life in the doldrums, his marriage begun cracking up too.

- Another employee Rajat recalls the Chinese torture his boss put him through after a minor disagreement. He cut him off completely. He bypassed him in any decision that needed to be taken. "He stopped sending me any papers or files," says Rajat. "It was humiliating sitting at an empty table. I knew nothing and no one told me anything." Unable to bear this corporate Siberia, he finally quit.

HR experts say that of all the abuses, employees find public humiliation the most intolerable.

The first time, an employee may not leave, but a thought has been planted.

The second time, that thought gets strengthened.
The third time, he starts looking for another job.

When people cannot retort openly in anger, they do so by passive aggression. They don't have your heart and soul for the job."

Different managers can stress out employees in different ways - by being

too controlling,

too suspicious,

too pushy,

too critical,

too nit-picky.

But they forget that workers are not fixed assets, they are free agents.

When this goes on too long, an employee will quit -often over seemingly trivial issue.

It isn't the 100th blow that knocks a good man down. It's the 99 that went before.

And while it's true that people leave jobs for all kinds of reasons - for better opportunities or for circumstantial reasons, many who leave would have stayed - had it not been for one man constantly telling them, as Arun's boss did: "You are dispensable. I can find dozens like you.

Consider for a moment the cost of losing a talented employee.

There's the cost of finding a replacement.

The cost of training the replacement.

The cost of not having someone to do the job in the meantime.
The loss of clients and contacts the person had with the industry.

The loss of morale in co-workers.

The loss of trade secrets this person may now share with others.
Plus, of course, the loss of the company's reputation. Every person who leaves a corporation then becomes its ambassador, for better or for worse.

Much of a company's value lies "between the ears of its employees". If it's! Bleeding talent, it's bleeding value. Unfortunately, many senior executives busy traveling the world, signing new deals and developing a vision for the company, have little idea of what may be going on at home.

Do You Practice What You Preach ?

2011-11-21T10:55:00.001+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

Happy Week to all of you.

Life is full of contradictions. People say they want health food, but McDonalds still makes billions of dollars each year. People say they want to work satisfying jobs, but end up chasing after the biggest paycheck. People say they want news on world affairs, but tune into 24/7 coverage of Anna Nicole Smith.

I’m no different. I have plenty of contradictions between what I truly believe and how I behave. And I think anyone who says they don’t is lying to themselves. Practicing what you preach isn’t easy. It may be impossible to do it completely.

But even if you can’t escape the contradictions of modern living, you can lessen their impact. You can consult what you know to be true, and use that to guide you, instead of rationalizing your behavior and living a lie.

Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a fancy psychological term for something incredibly simple: when people hold two contradicting ideas, their minds start to fry. This can be something simple like, “I believe health is important” and “I just finished eating a bag of potato chips.”

Your mind can’t handle the contradiction; as a result it has to go through one of two directions.

The first is rationalizing: “I deserve the bag of chips, it’s been a hard day.” This is the easiest option, but it has long-term consequences.

“Rationalization is an odd word, because it has nothing to do with thinking rationality. It’s like calling lying ‘truthification’.” Whenever you start rationalizing a decision, you’re taken a shortcut that might make you feel better, but often ends in a poor choice.

The second option when you face a contradiction is to realize that one of the two ideas is false. Either your belief that something is true is mistaken, or your behavior was incorrect. Either you don’t believe health is important, or you shouldn’t have eaten that bag of potato chips.

I think this second direction is much harder to accomplish than rationalization, and why it’s easier to rationalize a mistake than it is to use that mistake to make changes.

Start With the Truth…

You can resolve a lot of personal conflicts by starting with a simple question: “What is true?”

Based on your personal experience and knowledge, ask yourself what is true. Answer this question before you factor in your current behavior. If you feel drinking or smoking is bad for you, recognize this first. You can worry about your habits later; the first step in fixing a contradiction always has to be with your current beliefs.

It’s important to recognize what is true, even if you’re powerless to change it. You might hate your job, but be completely financially committed to stay there. That’s okay, it’s better to know the truth of your position than to constantly lie to yourself that it isn’t so bad, or that work is supposed to be distasteful.

Resolving contradictions can be hard, because most people try to prevent any gaps in their behavior and beliefs. So if they can’t change their behavior, they sacrifice their beliefs, lying to themselves about what they know to be true. This is why separating the truth-acknowledging step from the behavior-changing step is so important.

…Then Fix the Habits

Once you fully acknowledge what you know to be true, you can start the process of changing your behaviors. This isn’t easy. Changing habits can be difficult, especially when the habit has been interlinked into much of your life.

It can be even more difficult to fix situations that are based on more than just behavior.

However, the job of practicing what you believe becomes infinitely easier if you have first acknowledged the truth of the situation. If you can realize the truth, you will eventually adjust your behavior and life to coincide with it–even if that is difficult at first.

I think the most important step to fixing your contradictions is to realize you have them!

Many people rationalize them away so there is never a gap between behavior and truth. Only the people who have gaps, the ones who aren’t living at their ideal capacity, are the people who can grow and improve.

If you perfectly practice what you preach, then you probably aren’t doing either very well.

Who I Am Makes A Difference!

2011-11-18T15:05:00.003+05:30

posted by hussein adamally
Dear Friends,

My final post for the week is a special video message which I know will inspire you for the weekend. (If you are a father this might get a little emotional, so tissues are recommended)

Remember!

YOU are special and YOU can make a difference. Knowing who you are with a lot of self-belief can make a world of a difference not only to your life, but to all around you.

They say actions speak more than words!

Have a meaningful weekend,

What is your perception of Death?

2011-11-18T14:39:00.002+05:30

Posted by Hussein Adamally

As Steve Jobs rightly puts it, the invention of them all is death.

The minute you mention this word, there is a hush. No one wants to discuss it. People are afraid; they get scared if you joke about death. It’s like a sacrilege. As we grow old we spend years in fear of death. When someone is sick, I see people whispering in hushed tones, with all this, the sick person will die much faster.

When a person is very sick, people conduct religious rites, grim, serious looking priests, poojaris chanting scary prayers, mantras. All this can give the shivers to any living man. He would rather die faster than go through all these rituals.

If there is one certainty in life it’s death. Dying is something, we all must do.

If we openly discuss, joke, think and talk rationally about death, it could make things easier for all. Here, the priests and doctors must give the lead.

Every doctor knows he can never prevent death, so he must do his best to see that his patients live the best quality life (body and mind), and then achieve the best quality death whenever the time comes.

I have seen Mother Theresa with many dying people. She would hold their hands firmly in hers, no tears, no chanting of prayers, nothing but pure simple genuine love. The dying person, scared, and at times crying, would slowly relax; his clutch on her hand would ease. Slowly the fear would change to comfort then turn into a beautiful smile, a combination of trust, thankfulness and hope, and this last rite would become part of nature’s design and end as a s wonderful experience for all.

Our upbringing, our religion, morals, our customs, all make us feel and believe that death is something very grim, terrible.

I for one would love to die in my home, with all the things familiar to me and with which I have loved most of my life, my wife, my children, my dog, my bed. With a room full of love, warmth and all the people I have loved and enjoyed to the hilt all around me, it would be wonderful. I will be on my way for a meeting with my creator, with gratitude, hope and faith, maybe a some tears, after all I am human. I would want music played at my funeral.

So , all you lovely readers, every second, live life to the fullest, laugh a lot, love your family, love yourself, visit your parents, give little and big gifts to beggars, doctors and millionaires.

Remember!

The only gift you will keep, are the ones you give away

Feed the poor and crows(they are not bad, just because they are black and don’t have lovely voice) take the affectionate dog in your street to a vet, give them a shampoo and milk and a nice meal. He will wag his tail a million times with affectionate gratefulness.

Forgive all those who hurt you, be more compassionate, be loving in your relationships, stop loosing your temper, be sensitive about how others feel( I know few who say I don’t know how!), try not to get into arguments, sit alone and think coolly and calmly, what is it that you want in life, drop everything that you really do not care for, drop all negative feelings, Set your priorities, Want what you have! Want money!, but don’t be a slave to it!

All these are so simple things to do, but people are in such a tearing hurry, running in circles running their own mental and physical health as also of those close to them and connected to them(personally and professionally).

When you share your wealth, your possessions, your love, your affection, your knowledge, instead of decreasing, it will keep increasing. Your life will become beautiful and I guarantee you, that you will never be scared of death or life thereafter.

Hakuna-Matata is the title song of the famous cartoon film “The Lion King”, which means

“No worries for the rest of your days”

How to Recognize Good Performance

2011-11-17T09:49:00.003+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally

Something I read yesterday, which I would like to share with all of you.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned manager, a novice just starting in a leadership position, or someone in the middle of the experience continuum, you need to be effective … you need to be successful. You owe that to your team members and you owe that to your organization. Most importantly, you owe it to YOURSELF.

One of the important “Commandments” in the best seller The 10 Commandments of Leadership is to “Do Right by those who do Right.” Providing recognition and positive reinforcement of a team member's actions, is perhaps the single most predictable way that these positive outcomes are not only sustained by that individual but also become “role model” behaviors for their co-workers. And, it is up to each leader to “Do Right by those who do Right.” And, make sure the recognition you provide is…

TIMELY – Don’t wait. Acknowledge the performance or contribution as soon as possible after it takes place. Praise tends to lose its effectiveness with the passing of time.

SPECIFIC – Tell team members exactly what they did that was right and good. A mere “nice job” doesn’t really say all that much. Being specific lets employees know exactly what behaviors to repeat in the future.

INDIVIDUAL – Focus on individuals rather than groups. Fact is, not all team members contribute equally – and they know it.

PERSONAL – Adjust the style and method of your recognition to each receiver. Some people like public praise … others prefer private chats; some respond well to tangible tokens … others would rather have some extra time off.

PROPORTIONAL – Match the amount and intensity of your recognition to the value of the achievement. Going overboard for small contributions may lead people to question your motives.

The Meaning Of Life

2011-11-16T12:53:00.002+05:30

It's a simple reminder on how to live life to the fullest. This Motivational Video has inspired many and hope it will inspire you as well. Cheers.

Remember To Remember!

2011-11-16T12:08:00.002+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally

Many people I know have issues with awareness, They don’t know what’s happening around them, Though they have sight, they are so blinded with ignorance, ego and huge attitude problems. This leads to insensitivity and selfishness. I know being Self less is difficult, but if we are more aware of what’s happening around us, life will have new meaning and most of all people around you will like you more. This message is to all those who lack awareness. Hope this will help you change for the better.

Remember to remember means remember to be aware. Remember to be aware in this moment right now. Being aware is seeing everything around you, hearing everything around you, feeling everything around you, and being completely focused on what you are doing right now.

Most people bring what they do not want because they are not aware that they are listening to the thoughts in their heads about the past and the future. They are not even aware that they are being hypnotized by those thoughts, and are therefore living their life unconsciously.

I try very hard to be aware of all that I do and say. My actions speak for myself. It is my personality and my prerogative. This is the best way to gain respect and achieve so many objectives with your life and specially to contribute to society, Today’s society needs contribution, guidance, who better than those who have already gained the experience from living life (to the fullest).

My theory on learning is that there are two ways to do it.

1.Learn from others.

2.Learn from yourself.

How will you achieve this if you don’t know who you are? How can you preach if you don’t practice it yourself!

When you remember to be aware, you are aware immediately. You just have to remember to remember!

May the joy be with you.

The I Don’t Care Attitude!

2011-11-15T11:59:00.002+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally

This story is a great metaphor and speaks a lot about the current mental attitude that people have. We see needy people all around us and yet we make no effort to help them out. Illiteracy and unemployment are two major forms of cancer which is affecting our society today. Education helps people think reason and make more matured decisions while employment helps people earn their own livelihood. In the years to come when more and more children are left uneducated on the streets, they will become easy targets for corrupt and evil elements in the society who will teach them wrong doctrines and brainwash them. Without a daily source of income, they will be forced to take up cheating and violence because by then, it becomes a matter of survival for them. Here’s a story on this.

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. What food might this contain? The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning: “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; in fact, she died. So many people came for her funeral; the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

Moral of this story: - When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY; OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage each other, to build each other, to enhance each other’s lives and help everyone live with dignity. That’s the whole reason why we are called Social beings.

Prioritizing Your Work: How Do You Plan Out Your Daily Routine?

2011-11-14T11:32:00.003+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
Happy Week to All,

Many people I know are so talented, yet their results are mediocre. This I believe is because they don’t prioritize. So I taught I should start this week with a post on this topic.

Prioritizing is something that we all have to do, and it is easy to get distracted from. Whether you work part time or full time, or have young children, or just get interrupted by visitors, keeping your priorities straight in your mind will help you stay on track for your goals.

This is what you need to do with your goals. Here are the steps to planning out your priorities:

Plan your big goals for the year.

Figure out what is currently earning you the most money. With that in mind, plan goals that will build on your success, and expand it to new areas.

Plan to grow your current successful trends to increase your income from those sources

Create steps to take that will broaden and strengthen the priority income stream.

The point of having this priority list straight in your own mind is for when all of the distractions come along. You can go back to the list and say to yourself, “Is this where I need to spend my time? Do I have time to do this and reach my goals?” If you can’t, it is okay to say no. You can always tell the person that while it doesn’t fit into your work schedule right now, you may be able to do it at another time.

Refocusing on your goals on a daily basis either through visualization or through looking at a list, or whatever process works best for you will also help keep you on track.

Picture yourself with all of your bills paid, or a pile of money in the bank, or standing on a beach in Hawaii with your family, driving a new car or riding your dream motor cycle.

Goals and priorities will keep you working towards your results when the distractions in your daily life get in the way.

Reveal Your True Colors

2011-11-11T19:14:00.004+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
Imagine for a moment that you are at a party and you are chatting to someone who you’ve only just met. After discussing the decorations and the food, they pause and ask, “So, what do you do?”

Your answer to this simple question reveals an incredible amount about your personal sense of identity.

When faced with the question, “What do you do?” most people automatically respond by stating their 9 to 5 occupation.

The problem with this response is that it immediately defines you in terms of your job and places you in a pigeon hole that is often filled with stereo types associated with your profession.

For example, Claire is a receptionist who is working at a doctor’s surgery, however, her real passion in life is painting. When she is not working, she spends every spare moment surrounded by her canvases and paints.

For a long time, whenever someone asked “So Claire, what do you do?”, Claire’s response was, “Oh, I’m a medical receptionist.”

Almost inevitably, the person she was speaking to then asked about what it was like to work in a doctor’s surgery.

Then one day Claire made a decision.

She decided that she was no longer going to define herself as a ‘medical receptionist’ who enjoyed painting in her spare time. Instead, she was going to define herself as a ‘painter’ who was currently working at a doctor’s surgery in order to pay her bills.

This simple decision had a big impact on Claire’s sense of personal identity. She realized that it was important to tell people who she really was rather than automatically reciting her job title.

A few weeks later, Claire was at a friend’s housewarming party. As she stood by the fire with a glass in hand, she met a guy named Matt who asked her, “So Claire, what do you do?”

Claire responded by saying, “At the moment I’m working at a doctors’ surgery but what I’m really passionate about is painting.” As soon as she said these words, Claire realized that this was exactly what she was looking for. It was a completely honest statement but did not place her into the ‘medical receptionist’ pigeon hole. Instead, it conveyed a sense of who she really was and opened up multiple options for conversation.

To Claire’s delight, Matt asked her about her painting and they had a really interesting conversation. Matt was a web designer and he told Claire that a lot of artists were now selling their work directly to customers over the Internet rather than dealing with galleries.

This was a revelation to Claire who had never really heard of Internet business before.

As she was driving home from the party, Claire realized that her new sense of identity was already having an impact on her life. Instead of talking about being a medical receptionist, she was now discussing her painting with others and discovering new opportunities to explore.

Today I’d like to encourage you to think about the question, “What do you do?” and make the decision to no longer be automatically defined by your occupation title.

Instead, develop a response that is honest, reveals who you really are and opens up multiple avenues for conversation.

You’ll be amazed by how many doors this simple technique will open for you.

Have a great weekend.

How To Break Bad Habits

2011-11-09T12:29:00.006+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
Do you ever find that bad habits get in the way of achieving your most important goals in life, and prevent you from becoming the person you really want to be?

If so, I'd like to share with you a powerful five step process for breaking bad habits.

The English poet John Dryden once said, “First we make our habits, then our habits make us”.

This quote perfectly captures the idea that the actions you take on a regular basis determine the type of person you become.

Good habits are the things you do each day that gradually lead you towards becoming the person you really want to be, and to achieving your most important goals in life.

Conversely, bad habits are the things you do repeatedly that make you unhappy about the person you are becoming, and move you away from achieving your goals.

The good news is, that it IS possible to overcome bad habits once you understand what a habit really is and how your mind works.

You see, a habit is nothing more than a mental circuit, which is very similar to the electrical circuits in your home.

The secret to breaking bad habits is to learn how to rewire the habit-circuits in your brain.

There are five steps to this rewiring process:

Step 1: Identify a specific bad habit to focus on

Step 2: Break your bad habit down into a Trigger and a Response

Step 3: Create a new response

Step 4: Mentally practice your new response

Step 5: Implement your new response in the real world

Let’s take a look at an example to see how this works:

The doctor had told Doug that he was at serious risk of having a heart attack and that if he didn’t make some big changes to his lifestyle he might not live to be 50.

As a father of two little girls, this came as a major wake up call, and he immediately made the decision that he was going to do something about it.

Doug knew that he had some bad habits that he needed to change, but he also knew that change was hard, and that he couldn’t turn his life around all at once.

So, he decided to follow the five-step rewiring process described above.

Step 1: Identify a specific bad habit to focus on

Doug reviewed his daily routine and identified a number of things that he wanted to improve.

For example, every night when he got home from work, Doug would get changed out of his work clothes, grab a beer and some pretzels, and sit in front of the TV to watch the news. He called this his ‘Chill out Time’.

After his visit to the Doctor, Doug realized that this routine was actually a bad habit that he needed to change.

So he selected his ‘Chill out Time’ as the specific bad habit he was going to focus on.

Step 2: Break your habit down into a Trigger and Response

Doug analyzed his ‘Chill Out Time’ routine and realized that the Trigger for his current habit was changing his work clothes. As soon as he changed clothes, his brain activated his ‘Chill Out Time’ mental circuit.

His Response to this trigger was to grab a beer and some pretzels and head for his favorite chair in the living room.

Step 3: Create a new response

As a result of his doctor’s warning, Doug decided that instead of his regular chill out time, he was going to go for a walk around the block for half an hour.

This would be his new response to the trigger of changing out of his work clothes.

Step 4: Mentally practice your new response

That night before going to bed, Doug visualized the day ahead and imagined himself coming home from work.

In his mind’s eye he saw himself change out of his work clothes (His existing trigger). He then imagined himself walking out the front door and going for a brisk walk around the block (His new response).

The next morning, Doug again imagined his new afternoon routine and mentally practiced his new response.

Step 5: Implement your new response in the real world

That afternoon, when he arrived home from work, Doug came face to face with his familiar trigger activity. He changed out of his work clothes and then, just as he’d mentally rehearsed, he put on his track pants and walked past the fridge, out the front door and around the block.

In the weeks that followed, Doug continued to focus on changing this single routine in his life. Each time he connected the trigger activity of changing out of his work clothes to his new response of going for a walk, the mental circuit of his new habit was reinforced, and the mental circuit of his old habit was weakened.

Eventually his new response became automatic, and Doug successfully made the first change towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.

So today I’d like to encourage you to think about your own life, and identify any bad habits that you’d like to change.

You can then use this five step rewiring process to eliminate your bad habits and get back on track to becoming the person you really want to be.

Have a great week ahead!

How Do You Honor God?

2011-11-08T12:53:00.004+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
What do you do to honor God? A lot of times people think, “I go to church to honor God. I read my Bible to honor God. I sing and clap in worship to honor God.” And yes, those are ways to honor God, but did you know that you honor God just as much when you get to work on time? You honor God when you are productive each day and honor the people in authority over you. You honor God when you excel in your career.

Actions speak louder than words.

When you give your very best in the workplace, your whole life is giving praise to God. Showing up with a good attitude, being friendly, organized, just being your best — people will notice there’s something different about you. They’ll want what you have.

As believers, we should set the standard in all areas of life. People should see the depth of your character and your spirit of excellence and know that you are a child of the Most High God. Make the decision to honor Him in all that you do because you are his representative in the earth today!

No God - No Peace, Know God - Know Peace

Stop Whining and Grumbling and Get Back to Work!

2011-11-07T10:18:00.008+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
Ok, that might be a little harsh but I do get tired of complaining, finger pointing and “passing the buck” behaviors.

There is a powerful suggestion that everyone in every organization needs to master “THE 3 R’s” which include Respect, Responsibility and Results.

And, here are some attitudes and behaviors for employees and leaders of all levels to remember:

Respect
Extend an Ear – Listen to Others.

Dignify Differences – Respect Diverse Cultures, Ethnicities, Backgrounds, and ideas.

Concentrate on Courtesy – Be Considerate.

Perform with Pride – Respect Yourself.

Make “The Mission” Matter – Respect the Organization’s Purpose and Your Part in It.

Share the Spotlight – Acknowledge Others’ Contributions.

Get Going “Green” – Respect and Protect Resources.

Slip into Someone Else’s Shoes – Practice Empathy.

Responsibility
Shoulder Your Share – Do Your Part as a Team Player.

Earn Your Expectations – Be a Role Model.

Squelch Any Skepticism – Choose to Be Positive.

Stand for Safety – Contribute to a Physically and Emotionally Safe Workplace.

Manage Your Mistakes – Own, Admit to, Fix and Learn from Your Errors.

Quest for Quality – Cut Complacency, Not Corners.

Savor Successes – Be a Cheerleader for Positive Contributions.

Embrace and Embody Ethics – Do What’s Right.

Results
Coddle Your Customers – Make Excellent Service Your Top Priority.

Go with Great Goals – Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan, and Aim High.

Sweat the Small Stuff – Focus on Small, Incremental Improvements, Pay Attention to Details.

Share Your Skills – Pass Along What You Know and Do Well to Help Others Succeed.

Cherish Constructive Criticism – Use Feedback to improve Your Performance and Results.

Conquer Conflicts – Don’t Let Problems Fester.

Focus on Fixes – Offer Solutions Instead of Lamenting Over Problems.

Leave a Lasting Legacy – Make a Positive Difference.

Lead well ... LEAD RIGHT

So stop those bad habits of whining , complaining and playing the blame game.

Are You Living Your Life To The Fullest?

2011-11-03T21:00:00.003+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
Hi my friends, I had a great day today at my company’s monthly Sales Meeting. Motivated and inspired many today. Just felt that I should share this with you.

At times, it’s seemed as though life contains an endless supply of days.

When I was younger, I thought this for sure. It didn’t matter how long I held a grudge, or how long I waited to do something I wanted—there would be an unlimited pool of other opportunities. At least that’s what I thought back then.

Maybe it’s a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood: the moment when you realize life happens now, and that’s all you’re guaranteed. It doesn’t really hit you when you merely know it intellectually, like you know you’re ABCs, state capitals, and other concrete facts.

It hits you when somehow you feel it. Your health declines. You lose someone you love. A tragedy rocks your world. It isn’t until you realize that all life fades that you consider now a commodity and a scarce one at that.

But maybe that’s irrelevant. Maybe living a meaningful, passionate life has nothing to do with its length and everything to do with its width.

How do you live life to the fullest? This is my take on it.

1. Live in the moment.

2. Fully embrace the now, no matter what the situation.

3. Do the things you love.

4. Learn to forgive and embrace unconditional love.

5. Live every day as if it’s your last, embracing each experience as if it’s your first.

6. Believe in “live and let live.”

7. Use quiet reflection, honesty, and laughter.

8. Focus on today and how you can do your best to live it to the fullest.

9. Participate in life instead of just watching it pass you by.

10. Stay healthy, eat right and most importantly, be kind to all.

11. Pray, forgive yourself, appreciate others, listen to your gut, do things you enjoy, and remind yourself that we are all loved and connected.

12. Don’t sweat the small stuff. This means don’t worry about the small stuff.

13. Question everything, keep it simple, and help whenever and however you can.

14. Try to enjoy every minute of every day.

15. Appreciate life’s every second.

16. Remember that all is a gift, but the most precious of all gifts is life and love.

17. Keep your spirit free, be flexible, let go.

18 Do one thing every day that scares you.

19. Enjoy each and every moment of life. Every day is a new challenge and opportunity to discover something new.

20. Be honestly thankful for every breath you take.

21. Just be you.

22. Trust yourself. Trust your own strengths.

23. Pause momentarily before everything you do so that you notice everything you should or could notice.

24. Follow your hopes and not your fears.

So what have you done today to live life to the fullest?

Are You Afraid To Make Mistakes?

2011-10-31T14:17:00.004+05:30

Posted by :Hussein Adamally
Happy week to all of you.

What do you think is better - either to commit a mistake and overcome it all by yourself or just be too much conscious towards our actions that we don't commit a mistake at all?

I personally feel that those who commit more mistakes seem to be much confident over their abilities than those who commit fewer mistakes.

Let me share something with you
A reporter asked a big business man how he was so successful
The answer was Correct decisions
Reporter again asked how can you come to know that this is correct
The answer was experience
Reporter now asked how did you get the experience
The answer was from the wrong decisions.

Mistakes are merely outcomes that didn’t work out as we planned or hoped or anticipated. As such, mistakes are nothing more than the learning bridges.

Do not underestimate yourself, nor be overly critical of yourself. You must learn to be your own best friend, and that means being gentle and kind to yourself when you make mistakes.

Life throws you a few surprises along the way, and sometimes, you get to encounter things that totally discourage you. You wish you were mentally tough so that you’re up for anything. But your fear for the unknown is what stops you from pursuing your dreams more. Usually, though, this is only an indication of an even bigger fear.

People don’t like failing and would do anything just to avoid it! Sure you want to discover something so new and fresh that you leave people in awe, but you also continually ask yourself ‘what if,’ and that stops you from doing anything more.

Life is a game of chance. You need to roll the dice and gamble on fate every so often, but what would set you apart from the winners is the attitude you’ll have once you’ve put yourself out there. You simply become too afraid and will settle for mediocrity simply because you do not want to be humiliated.

You accept defeat and convince yourself that you weren’t born with that skill. You should keep in mind that while negative thoughts create gloom, the energy radiated by having a positive attitude is reflected in your actions.

This very same notion applies to your professional life. Some of you go to work, do your job, and basically do everything on schedule. You may not exactly jump for joy at the thought of going to work but you continue.

You crave for more but you are also comfortable doing what you’re familiar with. You have other dreams but keep them in the back burner because you don’t know if you have the ability and talent for it.

If you do decide to pursue your dreams and do what you are most passionate about, you fear that you aren’t good enough and that you may end up feeling humiliated. Your life can become disappointing with this kind of attitude, and you definitely have to pursue your innermost desires to have a chance at happiness.

“If you fear failure, know that there are many out there who dread the thought of losing.”

However, it is important to note that this fear can do more than keep you from being successful. It holds you back from living the life you so deserve.

Often times, this form of terror develops over a period of time, often triggered by sad memories. Because you failed in the past, you know how it felt when people laughed at you when you made a blunder.

In reality, you are good enough. You may not be talented in some areas, but surely there is something you excel in. You need to improve your self-esteem and realize that life is all about experimenting.

If you fail, then maybe you need to take a look at the process and see what went wrong. Every good scientist knows that they have to come up with a good hypothesis before they test it. People who keep trying despite their hundreds of failures will triumph a lot sooner than those who don’t try at all.

To overcome fear, you need to take baby steps but be brave enough to give everything a shot. Those who give up will be those who will live their lives with great regret.

I want you to understand this

You are a singularly unique point of light in the world. Others may have tried to dim your light as you grew up, but it still shines. You are a wonderful creation. Give yourself permission to see yourself that way, and then begin looking for the good within you. It’s there, I promise you that.

You are as worthy of love, respect, and happiness as everyone else—believe it.

Let me Inspire You!

2011-10-28T12:29:00.014+05:30

Dear Friends,

Today! I like to leave you with a very powerful message, which I am sure will inspire your weekend and beyond. It will only take 5 minutes of your time. So volume up your speakers (don't watch it without sound) and watch this amazing message I have for you.

Remember “Don’t forget to live”, because life is too important not to.

Have a great weekend.