Do you ever feel guilty or confused when you get angry? Do you look for reasons that justify your anger? Anger is not the problem. And guess what, neither are you. You heard right. Anger is not the problem. The problem is not being able to identify what it is that makes you angry so you can do something about it. Read on to discover how you can get the heart of anger so you can use your anger to help create the life you really want.
~~ "What makes me so angry?" ~~
We usually become angry because two things are happening. First, we believe that someone or something is preventing us from getting what we want. Second, we believe that something either should or should not be happening the way it is. This thinking focuses our attention entirely on limitation and fear.
Think about it, if all of your attention is focused on not getting what you want, and what should or shouldn't happen, how would you expect to feel? Is it any wonder this kind of thinking results in stress, tension, and confusion? How else would you feel but angry?
When you learn that all anger comes from focusing your attention on these things, then your anger can become a warning bell that you need to re-focus your attention. So that's the upside of anger: it's always a reminder to focus your attention on creating the life you want.
Here's an example: Pat was waiting for Leslie at their favorite restaurant. They agreed to meet at 7:15. After waiting for 20 minutes, Pat began to feel a little angry. "Leslie knows I hate waiting. We had an agreement. How selfish ... Not even a phone call to explain ... I'm only waiting another five minutes and then I'm leaving ..." Pat thought. And the more Pat had these thoughts, the angrier Pat felt.
Let's explore these thoughts that made Pat so angry. It sounds like Pat believes that Leslie should not be late if they had an agreement, that the evening would be ruined by Leslie's late arrival and that if people really cared about each other they would call and explain the sudden change in plans.
When you focus your attention on limitations and fear as Pat did, anger is an understandable response.
~~ "Then what do you suggest I focus my attention on?" ~~
We believe that lying beneath people's anger are things they value that are missing in the situation. The most effective way we've found to move from feeling angry to creating a satisfying life is to start by figuring out what's at the heart of anger - what we value. In this situation one thing Pat may highly value is peacefulness. So what prevents Pat from being peaceful in this situation? It may be that Pat needs more predictability in order to have a sense of peacefulness.
Once you know what you need, you're able to take action to get those needs met. As one example, Pat may want to make an agreement with Leslie to call if either of them will be late.
~~ "So, how can I use this in my life?" ~~
The most effective "anger management" starts with understanding that anger is not the problem. Next you can begin to notice the very first moment when you start to feel tense or irritated. This is the best time to use your anger as an alarm bell, warning you to shift your focus of attention. Then you single out any should/shouldn't, judgment type statements you hear yourself thinking.
Once you have a statement to work with, you get to the heart of anger by exploring each of these statements. You discover the hidden values within it, like how Pat values peacefulness. When you identify what you value, you ask yourself the question: "What do I need in order to experience what I value right now in this situation?" Like Pat's need for predictability. Then think of some ways you might be able to get that need met and start to experience what you value. The same way Pat and Leslie agreed to call if they will be late.
Don't look back in anger at what's just happened; look ahead to see how you can get what you need so you will start experiencing what you value. When you focus your attention on what you value, what you need, and how you're going to get those needs met, anger can be transformed into an opportunity to create a truly enjoyable life where you experience what you truly value.
What's missing in most "anger management," and "anger control," techniques?" Well, they miss the upside of anger: how to use your anger to create the life you truly want. No, is not about becoming that "angry man" or "angry woman" who scares people into submission. Here you'll find something much more enjoyable: the secrets for getting to the heart of anger and a simple process for using your anger to create a truly satisfying life.
By: Beth Banning & Neill Gibson
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Putting the zing back into your work
There are times when we don’t feel like going to work and then there are times when we can’t seem to leave our desks. Whatever it is, you need your job just as much as the next person needs his.
Remember what it was like when you first started at this job – how enthusiastic and passionate you were? Regain that eagerness and attitude.
Here are some tips to get back into the groove:
o Find and do something that makes you happy.
List down things that you know you are capable of and have an interest in. Identify whether it’s an individual or a group activity. If it’s a sport like badminton, get a group of people to play with you. If you are not entirely comfortable with group activities, do something simple like reading or watching a movie.
o Be the captain of your own ship – steer your own path.
Stop letting people tell you what to do. Be your own master and decide what you want to do. If you are not happy with yourself, seek help or make a change. You might not be able to control your surroundings or the people around you but you can change how you react to them.
o Communications, interactions!
If you are bored or lonely, get to know more people! There are a lot of people in the office whom are worthy of your time. Learn from one another. Work doesn’t mean that you’re bound to your desk from nine to five. It’s not healthy. Start by getting off your chair during lunch time and mingle around. Don’t know where to start? Get yourself involved in company events or the sports club. You're bound to make friends that way!
o De-clutter!
Are you bored with your workspace? Is it too plain and uninspiring? Try coming in early or stay a bit later after work to de-clutter or decorate your workspace. Trash the stuff that you no longer need and keep those that you need in an organised manner. You might just find your workspace a comfort when you’re done.
o Take a brisk walk
The simplest thing of all – take 10 to 15 minutes off to get some fresh air. Leave your phone, your cigarettes and your workload – you will be amazed how better you will feel after
Source: TheStar Job
Remember what it was like when you first started at this job – how enthusiastic and passionate you were? Regain that eagerness and attitude.
Here are some tips to get back into the groove:
o Find and do something that makes you happy.
List down things that you know you are capable of and have an interest in. Identify whether it’s an individual or a group activity. If it’s a sport like badminton, get a group of people to play with you. If you are not entirely comfortable with group activities, do something simple like reading or watching a movie.
o Be the captain of your own ship – steer your own path.
Stop letting people tell you what to do. Be your own master and decide what you want to do. If you are not happy with yourself, seek help or make a change. You might not be able to control your surroundings or the people around you but you can change how you react to them.
o Communications, interactions!
If you are bored or lonely, get to know more people! There are a lot of people in the office whom are worthy of your time. Learn from one another. Work doesn’t mean that you’re bound to your desk from nine to five. It’s not healthy. Start by getting off your chair during lunch time and mingle around. Don’t know where to start? Get yourself involved in company events or the sports club. You're bound to make friends that way!
o De-clutter!
Are you bored with your workspace? Is it too plain and uninspiring? Try coming in early or stay a bit later after work to de-clutter or decorate your workspace. Trash the stuff that you no longer need and keep those that you need in an organised manner. You might just find your workspace a comfort when you’re done.
o Take a brisk walk
The simplest thing of all – take 10 to 15 minutes off to get some fresh air. Leave your phone, your cigarettes and your workload – you will be amazed how better you will feel after
Source: TheStar Job
Home is where the office is
ARE you thinking of setting up your own home business? After running one for over six years, I have found the following tips most useful.
Support from family
Your partner can offer financial support when you are starting out. Cash flow will be tight in the first few months, so it helps if there is someone helping you to pay the bills. If you are alone, you may need to save up to one year’s worth of living expenses to tide you over in the initial stages.
Some people may argue that this amount is too much. However, the more money you have to fall back on, the less stressed you will be about your business bringing in income quickly. And you will be able to focus on setting up your business properly. You will put the right processes in place and not be tempted to take short cuts to save money.
Proper working area
It would be great if you can allocate an entire room for your home office. Otherwise, try to partition a section of a room to do your work. It is important to establish a separate “work area” from the general living area.
This will ensure that there will be fewer distractions and you will be able to focus on your work better. If you have young children, it is important to explain to them that this work area is off-limits while you work.
Discipline
This is the most difficult part of running a home business. The television, the refrigerator and the coffee-making machine are easy distractions. There are no bosses to tell you how long your lunch or tea break should be.
As you head for the kitchen, you may see dirty dishes in the sink and laundry to wash. The temptation to take many breaks or to get the housework done is great.
Therefore, you need to be disciplined. This is best achieved by creating a daily routine and sticking to it. Just pretend that you are going to work. Plant yourself in your work area and stay there!
Watch cashflow
As with any business, cashflow will determine whether your business stays afloat or sinks. Although you do not need to pay any rental, you will still need money to pay your bills, grow your business and keep saving.
The most important thing about cash flow management is getting paid. Make sure you get paid, preferably upfront (in full or partially), for the services you are providing.
Be professional
When you are operating a home business, you will need to answer the question, “Why should someone use my services instead of those offered by traditional brick-and-mortar set-ups?”
Most home businesses attack a niche market as they lack the financial muscle to compete with the big guys. Therefore, a professional-looking website and business cards are all-important aspects of running a home business.
Be professional, too, when you meet clients. For example, if you choose to see clients at home, you can’t have little children running about and interrupting the meetings. Arrange for a caregiver to supervise them while you are with your clients.
Marketing
All businesses must invest in marketing in order to attract customers. In fact, you should be spending most of your time marketing during the initial phase of your business.
For a home-based business, the initial investment would most likely be word-of-mouth or publicity in free or low-cost advertising websites.
You should enlist the help of almost everyone you know to spread the word about the services you are providing. You can also use social networking sites like Facebook, which have the potential to reach out to many people.
A final word of advice: Do not be lured by “get-rich-quick” schemes or short cuts to success. You must be willing to work hard to succeed.
Article by Vivian Yew, the founder of ViVE Creation. She conducts beading workshops and manages an online beading supplies business.
Support from family
Your partner can offer financial support when you are starting out. Cash flow will be tight in the first few months, so it helps if there is someone helping you to pay the bills. If you are alone, you may need to save up to one year’s worth of living expenses to tide you over in the initial stages.
Some people may argue that this amount is too much. However, the more money you have to fall back on, the less stressed you will be about your business bringing in income quickly. And you will be able to focus on setting up your business properly. You will put the right processes in place and not be tempted to take short cuts to save money.
Proper working area
It would be great if you can allocate an entire room for your home office. Otherwise, try to partition a section of a room to do your work. It is important to establish a separate “work area” from the general living area.
This will ensure that there will be fewer distractions and you will be able to focus on your work better. If you have young children, it is important to explain to them that this work area is off-limits while you work.
Discipline
This is the most difficult part of running a home business. The television, the refrigerator and the coffee-making machine are easy distractions. There are no bosses to tell you how long your lunch or tea break should be.
As you head for the kitchen, you may see dirty dishes in the sink and laundry to wash. The temptation to take many breaks or to get the housework done is great.
Therefore, you need to be disciplined. This is best achieved by creating a daily routine and sticking to it. Just pretend that you are going to work. Plant yourself in your work area and stay there!
Watch cashflow
As with any business, cashflow will determine whether your business stays afloat or sinks. Although you do not need to pay any rental, you will still need money to pay your bills, grow your business and keep saving.
The most important thing about cash flow management is getting paid. Make sure you get paid, preferably upfront (in full or partially), for the services you are providing.
Be professional
When you are operating a home business, you will need to answer the question, “Why should someone use my services instead of those offered by traditional brick-and-mortar set-ups?”
Most home businesses attack a niche market as they lack the financial muscle to compete with the big guys. Therefore, a professional-looking website and business cards are all-important aspects of running a home business.
Be professional, too, when you meet clients. For example, if you choose to see clients at home, you can’t have little children running about and interrupting the meetings. Arrange for a caregiver to supervise them while you are with your clients.
Marketing
All businesses must invest in marketing in order to attract customers. In fact, you should be spending most of your time marketing during the initial phase of your business.
For a home-based business, the initial investment would most likely be word-of-mouth or publicity in free or low-cost advertising websites.
You should enlist the help of almost everyone you know to spread the word about the services you are providing. You can also use social networking sites like Facebook, which have the potential to reach out to many people.
A final word of advice: Do not be lured by “get-rich-quick” schemes or short cuts to success. You must be willing to work hard to succeed.
Article by Vivian Yew, the founder of ViVE Creation. She conducts beading workshops and manages an online beading supplies business.
Successful job hunting: Getting the right cover
ONCE you have made the decision to make a job move, what can you do to make yourself stand out from others to ensure that your transition is a successful one?
Letter of application
There is a school of thought that subscribes to the belief that a cover letter is more important than a resumé with regard to securing an interview.
A well-written cover letter can open the door for you to be interviewed by a potential employer.
To write a successful cover letter, be sure to cover the following items before sending it to a potential employer:
•If you are sending your application via e-mail, in the subject field, enter the job title and, if available, the job posting number. Helping the recruiter sort the day’s mail will make the right first impression
•Do your homework. Visit the company’s website or call the company switchboard for the proper spelling of the name and title of the person you are addressing. A “To whom it may concern” greeting is not enough
•Each cover letter needs to be tailored to the role that the application is accompanying, ensuring that the role’s key criteria and requirements are addressed and clearly matched to your relevant experience
•Keep letters to one page. Your resumé can be used to illustrate further the specific skills and accomplishments you mention in your cover letter
•Keep paragraphs to no more than five lines in length. Use bullet points whenever possible to highlight lists and to make the letter more visually appealing and readable
•Keep your stationery size,colour and texture simple
•Do not include references. If an employer asks for references at a later stage, you can provide them
•Always do a spell-check before sending. And have someone else read your letter to check the grammar and style
•End the letter with the statement that you will call the person in a week or so. You should not expect the person to call you
While the cover letter should be a positive introduction of your interest in working for the company, make certain that the focus of the cover letter is on how you can help the company achieve its objectives.
Article by Margaret Cermak, director of consulting services at DBM Asia Pacific.
Letter of application
There is a school of thought that subscribes to the belief that a cover letter is more important than a resumé with regard to securing an interview.
A well-written cover letter can open the door for you to be interviewed by a potential employer.
To write a successful cover letter, be sure to cover the following items before sending it to a potential employer:
•If you are sending your application via e-mail, in the subject field, enter the job title and, if available, the job posting number. Helping the recruiter sort the day’s mail will make the right first impression
•Do your homework. Visit the company’s website or call the company switchboard for the proper spelling of the name and title of the person you are addressing. A “To whom it may concern” greeting is not enough
•Each cover letter needs to be tailored to the role that the application is accompanying, ensuring that the role’s key criteria and requirements are addressed and clearly matched to your relevant experience
•Keep letters to one page. Your resumé can be used to illustrate further the specific skills and accomplishments you mention in your cover letter
•Keep paragraphs to no more than five lines in length. Use bullet points whenever possible to highlight lists and to make the letter more visually appealing and readable
•Keep your stationery size,colour and texture simple
•Do not include references. If an employer asks for references at a later stage, you can provide them
•Always do a spell-check before sending. And have someone else read your letter to check the grammar and style
•End the letter with the statement that you will call the person in a week or so. You should not expect the person to call you
While the cover letter should be a positive introduction of your interest in working for the company, make certain that the focus of the cover letter is on how you can help the company achieve its objectives.
Article by Margaret Cermak, director of consulting services at DBM Asia Pacific.
Time to move on
Everyone has their ups and downs at work. Some weeks you are super-productive. Other weeks, not so much. But how do you know when it’s time to really make a move — updating your portfolio and beginning the official job search?
Here are five signs that should point you in the right direction:
You dread getting out of bed
Do you repeatedly hit the snooze button? Do you have an overwhelming desire to remain buried under the covers, far from demands, deadlines and clamouring co-workers? One of the biggest red flags of job dissatisfaction is an unwillingness to face the day — not just some mornings, but every morning. What is your body trying to tell you?
Your work relationships and performance suffer
Remember when group projects were productive, water-cooler chat was a pleasant repose and happy hour truly was happy? If lately you find yourself avoiding certain people and tasks, slacking on your reviews or dreading the annual company picnic, chances are you’ve lost that loving feeling for your job.
You become “someone else”
If you feel like you can’t be yourself at work and have become a “pretender”, don’t shrug it off and don’t blame yourself. Every company’s culture is different. Yours may not be aligned with who you are as a person. Be aware that there are professional people out there who embrace the same goals and values as you do. It may be time to seek them out.
Your job doesn’t make use of your talents
Perhaps you’re an advertising executive, but have always wanted to be a chef. Perhaps your job title is “coordinator”, but you feel more like the creative type. It’s never too late to look in a new direction in terms of your career and future happiness.
You spend most of your time grumbling
People may love to commiserate over frustrating aspects of our jobs. But if most of your hours at work are spent feeding negative thoughts and generally complaining, that’s a huge sign it may be time to pack it in. Find a new career in an environment that feels more rewarding and in line with your talents. You can do it.
If you have done all you can to improve things, but your job still makes you miserable, do something about it. Take a few steps forward each week. Compile your portfolio, and update your resumé. Search the career websites to see what’s out there. Take a few personality tests to help you identify your strengths.
When we feel unhappy or unsatisfied about things, it’s safe to say it’s time to find something out there that’s better suited to us. Where do you want to go next? All the best for a rewarding and fulfilling career doing what you love! .
ARTICLE by Hallie Crawford, a certified career coach.
Here are five signs that should point you in the right direction:
You dread getting out of bed
Do you repeatedly hit the snooze button? Do you have an overwhelming desire to remain buried under the covers, far from demands, deadlines and clamouring co-workers? One of the biggest red flags of job dissatisfaction is an unwillingness to face the day — not just some mornings, but every morning. What is your body trying to tell you?
Your work relationships and performance suffer
Remember when group projects were productive, water-cooler chat was a pleasant repose and happy hour truly was happy? If lately you find yourself avoiding certain people and tasks, slacking on your reviews or dreading the annual company picnic, chances are you’ve lost that loving feeling for your job.
You become “someone else”
If you feel like you can’t be yourself at work and have become a “pretender”, don’t shrug it off and don’t blame yourself. Every company’s culture is different. Yours may not be aligned with who you are as a person. Be aware that there are professional people out there who embrace the same goals and values as you do. It may be time to seek them out.
Your job doesn’t make use of your talents
Perhaps you’re an advertising executive, but have always wanted to be a chef. Perhaps your job title is “coordinator”, but you feel more like the creative type. It’s never too late to look in a new direction in terms of your career and future happiness.
You spend most of your time grumbling
People may love to commiserate over frustrating aspects of our jobs. But if most of your hours at work are spent feeding negative thoughts and generally complaining, that’s a huge sign it may be time to pack it in. Find a new career in an environment that feels more rewarding and in line with your talents. You can do it.
If you have done all you can to improve things, but your job still makes you miserable, do something about it. Take a few steps forward each week. Compile your portfolio, and update your resumé. Search the career websites to see what’s out there. Take a few personality tests to help you identify your strengths.
When we feel unhappy or unsatisfied about things, it’s safe to say it’s time to find something out there that’s better suited to us. Where do you want to go next? All the best for a rewarding and fulfilling career doing what you love! .
ARTICLE by Hallie Crawford, a certified career coach.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Give Yourself a Gift
Your talents, intellect, wisdom and innovation are gifts.
The power to achieve and take action towards your goals lies in your thoughts about yourself, your future and where you want to go. Mix in the truth that you have to believe the following:
1) You deserve whatever you want
2) You can achieve your goals with effort and time
Bette Midler said “I didn’t belong as a kid, and that always bothered me. If only I’d known that one day my differentness would be an asset, my earlier life would have been much easier”
The truth is that most of us have felt different, felt unsure and felt awkward, and as Ms. Midler said, “if we only knew that differentness would be an asset.” Are you willing now to choose to accept and understand that your talents, ideas, experiences and insights are gifts to be shared at work in your community and throughout the world?
Benjamin E. Mays said, “Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive, and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.”
Give a gift to yourself – YOU. Take the time to do the following by giving yourself:
G – Generous doses of accolades and affirmations about how amazing, talented and powerful you are. Tell yourself over and over “I’m magnificent! There is only one perfect me. I deserve it all”
I – Invest in yourself. Feel free to buy a book that inspires you. A gift that nourishes you.
F – Focus on your strengths. List what you do really well. Discover the hidden talents that you hope to nurture – actually you know what they are, but sometimes we tuck them away, it is time to expose them now.
T – Be Tenacious in your quest to be the best you! Never, ever, ever, give up on yourself. As Mr. Mays said – if you don’t do it (whatever “IT” is) it will never get done.
Our world needs you, I need you.
Give yourself the GIFT of you!
by Pegine Echevarria is a motivational speaker and author – a nationally recognized expert on success, leadership, and team building
The power to achieve and take action towards your goals lies in your thoughts about yourself, your future and where you want to go. Mix in the truth that you have to believe the following:
1) You deserve whatever you want
2) You can achieve your goals with effort and time
Bette Midler said “I didn’t belong as a kid, and that always bothered me. If only I’d known that one day my differentness would be an asset, my earlier life would have been much easier”
The truth is that most of us have felt different, felt unsure and felt awkward, and as Ms. Midler said, “if we only knew that differentness would be an asset.” Are you willing now to choose to accept and understand that your talents, ideas, experiences and insights are gifts to be shared at work in your community and throughout the world?
Benjamin E. Mays said, “Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive, and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.”
Give a gift to yourself – YOU. Take the time to do the following by giving yourself:
G – Generous doses of accolades and affirmations about how amazing, talented and powerful you are. Tell yourself over and over “I’m magnificent! There is only one perfect me. I deserve it all”
I – Invest in yourself. Feel free to buy a book that inspires you. A gift that nourishes you.
F – Focus on your strengths. List what you do really well. Discover the hidden talents that you hope to nurture – actually you know what they are, but sometimes we tuck them away, it is time to expose them now.
T – Be Tenacious in your quest to be the best you! Never, ever, ever, give up on yourself. As Mr. Mays said – if you don’t do it (whatever “IT” is) it will never get done.
Our world needs you, I need you.
Give yourself the GIFT of you!
by Pegine Echevarria is a motivational speaker and author – a nationally recognized expert on success, leadership, and team building
The Power of Commitment
by Ty Bennett
When my brother Scott and I started our business at ages 21 and 22 – we had a lot of people tell us that we would never succeed. They told us we were too young, inexperienced, and that it was too hard.
When I decided to be a professional speaker a good friend told me – “You are wasting your time, no one will ever pay you to speak to them.”
When I decided to write a book I had people tell me that it was too hard, not profitable, and impossible to make it a bestseller.
Have you ever had people tell you that you are not good enough, old enough, smart enough, young enough, sophisticated enough or that you can’t? We all have naysayers in our lives and if we are going to overcome them and achieve our dreams – our level of commitment has to be complete.
I am sure that you have dreams, goals and desires. Whatever your dream may be – are you committed to it?
One of my favorite sayings is “When You Are Interested You Do What Is Convenient, When You Are Committed You Do Whatever It Takes.”
When my brother Scott and I started our business at ages 21 and 22 – we had a lot of people tell us that we would never succeed. They told us we were too young, inexperienced, and that it was too hard.
When I decided to be a professional speaker a good friend told me – “You are wasting your time, no one will ever pay you to speak to them.”
When I decided to write a book I had people tell me that it was too hard, not profitable, and impossible to make it a bestseller.
Have you ever had people tell you that you are not good enough, old enough, smart enough, young enough, sophisticated enough or that you can’t? We all have naysayers in our lives and if we are going to overcome them and achieve our dreams – our level of commitment has to be complete.
I am sure that you have dreams, goals and desires. Whatever your dream may be – are you committed to it?
One of my favorite sayings is “When You Are Interested You Do What Is Convenient, When You Are Committed You Do Whatever It Takes.”
Pacing Your Day and Life
Life is a marathon, not a sprint; however, there are times — even in a marathon — when sprinting is required.
Most of us here in the 21st Century have very complex professional and personal lives. Our ancestors often went to work and did one thing at a set pace all day. Then they went home to enjoy their families only to go back to work and do the same thing the following day.
Today, most of us juggle a myriad of professional projects and personal responsibilities. The time and boundaries between work and family or personal and professional have blurred. We have become very project-oriented. This causes us to deal with concepts, schedules, and deadlines. These must be managed delicately for us to succeed.
If you will remember being in college or even high school, you had a number of subjects taught by a number of teachers, each requiring you to prepare projects, papers, and study for tests.
Going through that educational process, it seemed to me that there were times it ran very smoothly—almost as if all the teachers or professors had gotten together behind the scenes to coordinate my semester or school year.
On the other hand, it seemed like there were other times when I faced the same course load, but I felt as if all the teachers or professors had gotten together in a secret meeting to conspire against me. It seemed as if they organized tests as well as due dates for papers and projects to conflict with one another.
Of course, I realize now, looking back, that none of my teachers or professors gave any thought to me one way or the other when they scheduled their courses.
Just as the people who control deadlines, workflow, and budgets for our work lives or those people who schedule kids’ sports practices and games and other church, family, and social events don’t secretly conspire against us.
At best, our work and home lives are challenging and hectic to manage, but there are a few ideas that may help us:
Prioritize the most important things and be prepared to eliminate the lowest priorities if everything becomes too chaotic.
Pull things forward in your calendar and get them out of the way during slack times in other projects. In this way, you can begin to control deadlines, even though they are set by other people.
Make others around you aware of all the commitments you already have so they can consider your schedule in light of overall responsibilities.
Realize that there are going to be times when you are required to sprint, but you can’t do that throughout an entire marathon or your whole life.
Your schedule ultimately belongs to you and is your responsibility. You have more control than you think you have.
As you go through your day today, sprint when it is required but only as a part of the overall plan to win your personal and professional marathon.
Today is the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift.
Most of us here in the 21st Century have very complex professional and personal lives. Our ancestors often went to work and did one thing at a set pace all day. Then they went home to enjoy their families only to go back to work and do the same thing the following day.
Today, most of us juggle a myriad of professional projects and personal responsibilities. The time and boundaries between work and family or personal and professional have blurred. We have become very project-oriented. This causes us to deal with concepts, schedules, and deadlines. These must be managed delicately for us to succeed.
If you will remember being in college or even high school, you had a number of subjects taught by a number of teachers, each requiring you to prepare projects, papers, and study for tests.
Going through that educational process, it seemed to me that there were times it ran very smoothly—almost as if all the teachers or professors had gotten together behind the scenes to coordinate my semester or school year.
On the other hand, it seemed like there were other times when I faced the same course load, but I felt as if all the teachers or professors had gotten together in a secret meeting to conspire against me. It seemed as if they organized tests as well as due dates for papers and projects to conflict with one another.
Of course, I realize now, looking back, that none of my teachers or professors gave any thought to me one way or the other when they scheduled their courses.
Just as the people who control deadlines, workflow, and budgets for our work lives or those people who schedule kids’ sports practices and games and other church, family, and social events don’t secretly conspire against us.
At best, our work and home lives are challenging and hectic to manage, but there are a few ideas that may help us:
Prioritize the most important things and be prepared to eliminate the lowest priorities if everything becomes too chaotic.
Pull things forward in your calendar and get them out of the way during slack times in other projects. In this way, you can begin to control deadlines, even though they are set by other people.
Make others around you aware of all the commitments you already have so they can consider your schedule in light of overall responsibilities.
Realize that there are going to be times when you are required to sprint, but you can’t do that throughout an entire marathon or your whole life.
Your schedule ultimately belongs to you and is your responsibility. You have more control than you think you have.
As you go through your day today, sprint when it is required but only as a part of the overall plan to win your personal and professional marathon.
Today is the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift.
A Powerful Lesson in Problem-Solving
“A problem cannot be solved with the same consciousness that created it.” – Albert Einstein
Most of the problems that we have today, we probably had — in a different degree–last week, last year or ten years ago. Einstein said it best: stop trying to figure out how to solve your own problems… it ain’t working!
Any successful person has a team of people around him or her: consultants, employees, coaches, friends, family, psychologists, doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. It is a rarity to find a wildly successful (and generally happy) person alone. Any time that we find ourselves in a [small or large] heap of a mess: in work, in our homes, with our friends… it is an opportunity to find a solution.
Finding a solution means we must be ready for a better experience. Then we have to become willing to ask for help. The ego will not want us to do that… but anyone with an unwavering commitment to success must be willing to admit when he or she is wrong and seek counsel from a third party who can provide feedback.
Today, if you are experiencing a situation that is beyond your mental comprehension… go out on a limb and pull someone on board to help you come up with a logical solution. You deserve peace of mind, success and happiness. Don’t settle for anything less than that. You will be in good company
By Alison Hummel
Most of the problems that we have today, we probably had — in a different degree–last week, last year or ten years ago. Einstein said it best: stop trying to figure out how to solve your own problems… it ain’t working!
Any successful person has a team of people around him or her: consultants, employees, coaches, friends, family, psychologists, doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. It is a rarity to find a wildly successful (and generally happy) person alone. Any time that we find ourselves in a [small or large] heap of a mess: in work, in our homes, with our friends… it is an opportunity to find a solution.
Finding a solution means we must be ready for a better experience. Then we have to become willing to ask for help. The ego will not want us to do that… but anyone with an unwavering commitment to success must be willing to admit when he or she is wrong and seek counsel from a third party who can provide feedback.
Today, if you are experiencing a situation that is beyond your mental comprehension… go out on a limb and pull someone on board to help you come up with a logical solution. You deserve peace of mind, success and happiness. Don’t settle for anything less than that. You will be in good company
By Alison Hummel
What Could You Do If You Truly Believed You Could not Fail?
I’ve thought about that question a lot. What could you do if you believed you couldn’t fail?
I have seen many times that it is not the challenge that holds us back but ourselves. I want to share a cool story to illustrate my point – hope you enjoy.
A business executive was deep in debt and could see no way out. Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on the park wondering if anything could save his Company from bankruptcy. Suddenly an old man appeared before him. “I can see that something is troubling you”, he said. After listening to the executive’s woes, the old man said, “I believe I can help you”. He asked the man his name, wrote out a cheque, and pushed it into his hand saying, “Take this money.
Meet me here exactly one year from today, and you can pay me back at that time”. Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come. The business executive saw in his hand a cheque for $500,000, signed by John D.Rockefeller, one of the richest men in the world. “I can erase my money worries in an instant”, he thought.
Nevertheless, the executive decided to put the cheque in his safe first. He thought, just knowing it was there, would give him the strength to work out a way to save his business. With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and got extended terms of payment from closing some big sales. Within a few months, he was out of debt and making money once again.
Exactly a year later, he returned to the park with that uncashed cheque. The old man did not appear for some time yet the business executive decided to wait for just a bit longer. A while later the old man came along but seemed unmindful of the business executive. He stopped the old man and was about to hand over the cheque with a few words of thanks as well as share his success story. At the same time, he saw a nurse come running up and grabbed the old man. “I’m so glad I caught him”, she cried. “I hope he hasn’t been bothering you. He’s always escaping from the rest home and telling he is Rockefeller.” And she led the old man away by the arm.
The astonished executive just stood there, stunned. All year long he’d been wheeling and dealing, buying and selling, convinced he had half a million dollars behind him. Suddenly, he realized that it wasn’t the money, real or imagined, that had turned his life around. It was his new found self-confidence that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after. He understood that confidence is nothing but the distant vision held positively no matter what comes in between. It comes from one’s own commitment and dedication and is entirely internal.
Ty Bennett is the author of The Power of Influence
I have seen many times that it is not the challenge that holds us back but ourselves. I want to share a cool story to illustrate my point – hope you enjoy.
A business executive was deep in debt and could see no way out. Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on the park wondering if anything could save his Company from bankruptcy. Suddenly an old man appeared before him. “I can see that something is troubling you”, he said. After listening to the executive’s woes, the old man said, “I believe I can help you”. He asked the man his name, wrote out a cheque, and pushed it into his hand saying, “Take this money.
Meet me here exactly one year from today, and you can pay me back at that time”. Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come. The business executive saw in his hand a cheque for $500,000, signed by John D.Rockefeller, one of the richest men in the world. “I can erase my money worries in an instant”, he thought.
Nevertheless, the executive decided to put the cheque in his safe first. He thought, just knowing it was there, would give him the strength to work out a way to save his business. With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and got extended terms of payment from closing some big sales. Within a few months, he was out of debt and making money once again.
Exactly a year later, he returned to the park with that uncashed cheque. The old man did not appear for some time yet the business executive decided to wait for just a bit longer. A while later the old man came along but seemed unmindful of the business executive. He stopped the old man and was about to hand over the cheque with a few words of thanks as well as share his success story. At the same time, he saw a nurse come running up and grabbed the old man. “I’m so glad I caught him”, she cried. “I hope he hasn’t been bothering you. He’s always escaping from the rest home and telling he is Rockefeller.” And she led the old man away by the arm.
The astonished executive just stood there, stunned. All year long he’d been wheeling and dealing, buying and selling, convinced he had half a million dollars behind him. Suddenly, he realized that it wasn’t the money, real or imagined, that had turned his life around. It was his new found self-confidence that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after. He understood that confidence is nothing but the distant vision held positively no matter what comes in between. It comes from one’s own commitment and dedication and is entirely internal.
Ty Bennett is the author of The Power of Influence
Surviving the war for talent
Ooi, vice president of procurement at Celcom Axiata Bhd, is also the author of the book Surviving the War for Talent in Asia.
Her interest in the subject of recruiting and retaining talent grew out of her own struggles and challenges throughout her professional journey.
“I have been through sleepless nights thinking of where I am going to get the people,” she said during an interview at the corporate lounge of Menara Celcom in Kuala Lumpur recently. “The struggles along the way had taught me a lot of things, and I began thinking what is it that can be done better.”
Ooi spent nearly 10 years abroad as a procurement and sourcing manager with a multinational in Singapore before returning 15 months ago to head Celcom’s transformation initiatives in the procurement practice as part of the organisation’s overall transformation plans. She found her new role, which involves the formulation of the transformation road map for Celcom’s procurement processes, workforce, supplier relationships and internal compliance, to be an exciting one.
It also gives her an opportunity to put theory into practice. Although she is responsible only for hiring her own team, it is a starting point and if she can deliver positive results, the practice can be emulated in other divisions, she said.
Growing talent is the area where companies are most lacking, she said.
In Ooi’s view, companies should start nurturing talent from a formative stage. Corporations should get involved with the school curriculum and education system and begin inculcating corporate values and culture from there. In her book, she cites the example of Singapore where the education system is used to shape talent from school age, as a solution to the brain drain.
“You have to capture talent at their formative stage. At university, it would have been too late. You need to mould and nurture culture from young, and inculcating the desire to return, for example, is most effectively done at school,” she added, alluding to the brain drain.
Ooi believes another problem is the unwillingness of companies to “go all the way” when it comes to investing in talent management programmes, and begin “farming” talent rather than chasing or poaching. In her view, this begins with prioritising human resource and investing in creating efficient human resource strategies and systems.
“How many companies do we see prioritise human resource in their budget? Not many, but it is a risk we have to take. Companies are unwilling because they do not see an immediate return on investment, but if they do not invest in putting a whole human resource eco-system in place, it will not work,
“Human resource management is a profession. It is not just about hiring and firing people, it is about talent acquisition, talent development and talent retention,” she added.
Ooi’s book outlines several model companies she diligently studied throughout the writing process. Her starting point was consulting firm AON Hewitt’s research on the best employers in Asia.
“I began by calling up these companies and asking for interviews. I spent hours researching and analysing the different strategies and systems these companies have in place that make them good employers,” she explained.
One of her main findings was that successful talent management practices “flow from the top down”. These companies often have CEOs and a top management that is passionate about talent growth and development.
Finally, according to Ooi, it is about being innovative in drawing up a suitable programme and building a desirable workplace for employees. One recent initiative she has implemented at Celcom is a reading room to encourage staff to read and help them improve their expertise. The room is stocked with books on a range of subjects, including technology and business.“So when I say be innovative, I do not mean investing in big, expensive technologies. Neither am I talking about using technology to replace talent. What I mean is to work in simple methods in managing talent. And then, of course, I have to lead by example, I have to make sure they see me reading!” said Ooi.
Written by Raina Ng
Her interest in the subject of recruiting and retaining talent grew out of her own struggles and challenges throughout her professional journey.
“I have been through sleepless nights thinking of where I am going to get the people,” she said during an interview at the corporate lounge of Menara Celcom in Kuala Lumpur recently. “The struggles along the way had taught me a lot of things, and I began thinking what is it that can be done better.”
Ooi spent nearly 10 years abroad as a procurement and sourcing manager with a multinational in Singapore before returning 15 months ago to head Celcom’s transformation initiatives in the procurement practice as part of the organisation’s overall transformation plans. She found her new role, which involves the formulation of the transformation road map for Celcom’s procurement processes, workforce, supplier relationships and internal compliance, to be an exciting one.
It also gives her an opportunity to put theory into practice. Although she is responsible only for hiring her own team, it is a starting point and if she can deliver positive results, the practice can be emulated in other divisions, she said.
Growing talent is the area where companies are most lacking, she said.
In Ooi’s view, companies should start nurturing talent from a formative stage. Corporations should get involved with the school curriculum and education system and begin inculcating corporate values and culture from there. In her book, she cites the example of Singapore where the education system is used to shape talent from school age, as a solution to the brain drain.
“You have to capture talent at their formative stage. At university, it would have been too late. You need to mould and nurture culture from young, and inculcating the desire to return, for example, is most effectively done at school,” she added, alluding to the brain drain.
Ooi believes another problem is the unwillingness of companies to “go all the way” when it comes to investing in talent management programmes, and begin “farming” talent rather than chasing or poaching. In her view, this begins with prioritising human resource and investing in creating efficient human resource strategies and systems.
“How many companies do we see prioritise human resource in their budget? Not many, but it is a risk we have to take. Companies are unwilling because they do not see an immediate return on investment, but if they do not invest in putting a whole human resource eco-system in place, it will not work,
“Human resource management is a profession. It is not just about hiring and firing people, it is about talent acquisition, talent development and talent retention,” she added.
Ooi’s book outlines several model companies she diligently studied throughout the writing process. Her starting point was consulting firm AON Hewitt’s research on the best employers in Asia.
“I began by calling up these companies and asking for interviews. I spent hours researching and analysing the different strategies and systems these companies have in place that make them good employers,” she explained.
One of her main findings was that successful talent management practices “flow from the top down”. These companies often have CEOs and a top management that is passionate about talent growth and development.
Finally, according to Ooi, it is about being innovative in drawing up a suitable programme and building a desirable workplace for employees. One recent initiative she has implemented at Celcom is a reading room to encourage staff to read and help them improve their expertise. The room is stocked with books on a range of subjects, including technology and business.“So when I say be innovative, I do not mean investing in big, expensive technologies. Neither am I talking about using technology to replace talent. What I mean is to work in simple methods in managing talent. And then, of course, I have to lead by example, I have to make sure they see me reading!” said Ooi.
Written by Raina Ng
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