There was this story about a pair of star-crossed lovers.
They had met despite many hardships and disapprovals. But each has a certain belief, that each would deserve a happy life and that each of them would eventually die. So instead of giving in to what had been ingrained deep within their souls, they decided to give their all to each other and vow to make the other person happier.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Raising Your Personal Standards
Destiny is not a matter of chance
It is a matter of choice
~William Jennings Bryan
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stagnation and slacking at work is very common. Few of us are ambitious and self-motivated enough to maintain an optimum level of performance at all times.
However, to develop and mature at our jobs, we need to periodically raise our personal standards. Otherwise, our work will in time begin to feel mundane and our attitude will begin to look sloppy. This in turn affects job satisfaction and career prospects.
Our personal standards are benchmarks we set for ourselves. They're related to how we treat and perceive ourselves, how we interact with others, the words we use, the attitudes and values we project, and our behavioural patterns. They can be reviewed and changed as we mature as human beings.
Here are some simple tips for raising your personal standards at work or at home:
- Make a list of the people you admire. The traits you have a high regard for could be patience, the ability to persuade others to see their point, being punctual, or kind. So these people could be your peers, your superiors, your subordinates, the mailman or the cleaning lady. Observe them and emulate how they handle tough situations.
- Try to be "unconditionally-constructive" each time you speak while still saying all you need to say. Most people criticise without being able to come up with solutions, or only see the negative in everything. Practice being constructive about as many things as you can and you'll increase your self-worth and your value as a worker. You'll also inspire others to be more optimistic and cheerful.
- When mistakes or mishaps occur in your "space" or your sphere of work, learn to accept the responsibility, but not the blame. Deal with the situation and raise your standards so it doesn't happen again.
- In the corporate world, it seems like a good idea to make results and goals number one on your list of priorities. But ask any successful and influential manager or supervisor, and he or she will tell you that putting people and relationships above results is the key to long term job satisfaction and corporate success.
- What are the things around your office that you tolerate but which continue to drain your energy? It could be an aspect of your work that is time-consuming or menial, but ultimately contributes little or nothing to the quality of your work. Do them, delegate them or discard them if you think they cannot be changed to benefit you or your company.
And those are a few ways you can raise your personal standards and in turn increase your value at work.
A Slice of Life is written, produced and presented by Eugene Loh unless otherwise stated. If you wish to share the scripts with others, please credit 'Eugene Loh, 938LIVE, a station of MediaCorp Radio'.
It is a matter of choice
~William Jennings Bryan
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stagnation and slacking at work is very common. Few of us are ambitious and self-motivated enough to maintain an optimum level of performance at all times.
However, to develop and mature at our jobs, we need to periodically raise our personal standards. Otherwise, our work will in time begin to feel mundane and our attitude will begin to look sloppy. This in turn affects job satisfaction and career prospects.
Our personal standards are benchmarks we set for ourselves. They're related to how we treat and perceive ourselves, how we interact with others, the words we use, the attitudes and values we project, and our behavioural patterns. They can be reviewed and changed as we mature as human beings.
Here are some simple tips for raising your personal standards at work or at home:
- Make a list of the people you admire. The traits you have a high regard for could be patience, the ability to persuade others to see their point, being punctual, or kind. So these people could be your peers, your superiors, your subordinates, the mailman or the cleaning lady. Observe them and emulate how they handle tough situations.
- Try to be "unconditionally-constructive" each time you speak while still saying all you need to say. Most people criticise without being able to come up with solutions, or only see the negative in everything. Practice being constructive about as many things as you can and you'll increase your self-worth and your value as a worker. You'll also inspire others to be more optimistic and cheerful.
- When mistakes or mishaps occur in your "space" or your sphere of work, learn to accept the responsibility, but not the blame. Deal with the situation and raise your standards so it doesn't happen again.
- In the corporate world, it seems like a good idea to make results and goals number one on your list of priorities. But ask any successful and influential manager or supervisor, and he or she will tell you that putting people and relationships above results is the key to long term job satisfaction and corporate success.
- What are the things around your office that you tolerate but which continue to drain your energy? It could be an aspect of your work that is time-consuming or menial, but ultimately contributes little or nothing to the quality of your work. Do them, delegate them or discard them if you think they cannot be changed to benefit you or your company.
And those are a few ways you can raise your personal standards and in turn increase your value at work.
A Slice of Life is written, produced and presented by Eugene Loh unless otherwise stated. If you wish to share the scripts with others, please credit 'Eugene Loh, 938LIVE, a station of MediaCorp Radio'.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Do No Harm
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
~ T. Harv Eker
I've been bothered and saddened by some things recently.
This jungle has gotten more and more dangerous.
Recently, the chief rounded up a small exploration team.
The group dynamics does not seem to promise a peaceful outcome, not to mention, a happy one.
Life has been nice although at the back of my mind, this river is running dry soon. I don't personally see anything else better for myself nowadays. So you can guess how bleak my future seems, if you know what I've been trying to say. Maybe I am a pessismist. But then, we will soon find out.
I only know that whatever journey that I have set out to accomplish, I must not be profit-motivated.
"Must remember my principles - Do no harm."
~ T. Harv Eker
I've been bothered and saddened by some things recently.
This jungle has gotten more and more dangerous.
Recently, the chief rounded up a small exploration team.
The group dynamics does not seem to promise a peaceful outcome, not to mention, a happy one.
Life has been nice although at the back of my mind, this river is running dry soon. I don't personally see anything else better for myself nowadays. So you can guess how bleak my future seems, if you know what I've been trying to say. Maybe I am a pessismist. But then, we will soon find out.
I only know that whatever journey that I have set out to accomplish, I must not be profit-motivated.
"Must remember my principles - Do no harm."
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Changing Your Perception
Albert Einstein famously remarked :
"There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is."
Einstein was referring to perception and how every often, how well or how badly you feel about something is due entirely to the way you see it. You can instantly change your emotional state by changing the way you perceive the situation. We live in an age of unprecedented equality - many of us have access to the same opportunities to improve our lives. Yet we find there is a whole spectrum of people stuck between Depressed and Joyful, between Yearning for More and Contented. Two persons can have the same experience and respond very differently. Scientists used to believe that we respond to information flowing into the brain, but we now know, scientifically, that it is actually our interpretation of the information that determines our response. Our past experiences create an expectancy that is primarily based on what we "know" and what we "know" is that which has happened before. Our belief system is one of the main ways in which our minds make sense of the world.
A belief is a sense of certainty about what something means and they're mostly formed and hardened by past experiences. In essence, we make expectations about something based on what's happened before. For example, you might believe that you never get second dates because no one's agreed to it in the past. As a result, you go for that first date with a gloomy forecast of what's to come and don't make any effort to encourage a second date. After the date, you don't follow-up or call to arrange another meeting. Needless to say, a second date doesn't happen. You believe it's because you're undesirable, but the real reason is simply that your limiting belief had caused you to sabotage your own chances!
Perception is a way of grasping and making sense of the "realities" around us. Perception links a meaning to what you take in with your senses that allows you to have the experience in your nervous system. Because perception is based on interpretation we can change it. A change in perception is what turns the half empty glass into a half full glass. Perception explains how two people can have exactly the same experience and one commits suicide while the other becomes an inspiration for generations to come. Whatever you perceive is going to be true for you, regardless of what you see.
Change your beliefs, change your perceptions, and you can change your life.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because
Those who mind don't matter and
Those who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss
"There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is."
Einstein was referring to perception and how every often, how well or how badly you feel about something is due entirely to the way you see it. You can instantly change your emotional state by changing the way you perceive the situation. We live in an age of unprecedented equality - many of us have access to the same opportunities to improve our lives. Yet we find there is a whole spectrum of people stuck between Depressed and Joyful, between Yearning for More and Contented. Two persons can have the same experience and respond very differently. Scientists used to believe that we respond to information flowing into the brain, but we now know, scientifically, that it is actually our interpretation of the information that determines our response. Our past experiences create an expectancy that is primarily based on what we "know" and what we "know" is that which has happened before. Our belief system is one of the main ways in which our minds make sense of the world.
A belief is a sense of certainty about what something means and they're mostly formed and hardened by past experiences. In essence, we make expectations about something based on what's happened before. For example, you might believe that you never get second dates because no one's agreed to it in the past. As a result, you go for that first date with a gloomy forecast of what's to come and don't make any effort to encourage a second date. After the date, you don't follow-up or call to arrange another meeting. Needless to say, a second date doesn't happen. You believe it's because you're undesirable, but the real reason is simply that your limiting belief had caused you to sabotage your own chances!
Perception is a way of grasping and making sense of the "realities" around us. Perception links a meaning to what you take in with your senses that allows you to have the experience in your nervous system. Because perception is based on interpretation we can change it. A change in perception is what turns the half empty glass into a half full glass. Perception explains how two people can have exactly the same experience and one commits suicide while the other becomes an inspiration for generations to come. Whatever you perceive is going to be true for you, regardless of what you see.
Change your beliefs, change your perceptions, and you can change your life.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because
Those who mind don't matter and
Those who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss
IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN,YOU PLAN TO FAIL
Retirement is all in the planning, if you are planning to live out your Golden Years in style and comfort. Unfortunately most of us fail to plan adequately for our retirement. Why?
Quite simple it's intangible. It's too far off and we can't quite see ourselves retired. It's one of those things that will come around one day, but until it does, we have too much else on our plate to worry about it.
Besides, we are saving something so it will be OK. Think again.
Remember when we were 20, 40 seemed a lifetime away? As sure as you will/have hit 40, retirement will happen, too. And sooner than you think (which is good or bad, depending on how you have planned it).
Things ain't what they used to be
Most of us have been brought up with the vague notion that just as our grandparents did, we will retire in our sixties when we are forced out of employment, and that as long as we are putting away some savings, we will somehow manage a comfortable retirement. But exactly what is it you are saving for? Things aren't as they used to be, and we are facing a much different retirement scenario than our grandparents. With the rising costs of inflation, the trend towards a nuclear family and the propensity to live longer, retirement could be a long, hard stretch if we don't get the planning right. Government aid and our CPF funds are not going to go far when we could live 30-40 years beyond retirement!
Think financial independence, not retirement
Who says you have to retire at 62? If you have the funds to retire before, why not?
These days, we think in terms of financial independence rather than retirement. Financial independence is an actively planned for state where you become free from financial obligations and are self sufficient without having to work for an income. When you are financially independent, you can choose when to retire. You can be financially free at 45 and choose to work because you love your job, or retire and start living the retirement life you planned. But that's just it!
Without a plan, it's simply not going to happen. Make a plan that makes it real
It's time now to create a very clear picture of when you wish to retire (remember it can be earlier than 62 if you plan it right now!) and the lifestyle you wish to pursue upon retirement. What are your financial commitments now? What commitments will you have in the future (e.g. your children's education)? Factor in the costs of rising inflation, escalating medical costs and the luxury of travel and visualise the average day in your life when retired. Your next step is to contact a financial advisor that won't just try to sell you products. You need a financial advisor that will listen to your plans and goals, will sit down with you and will devise a financial plan that will make your retirement plan work. A good financial advisor will recommend the financial tools that are going to get the job done. A vague plan is no planHowever, if retirement to you is a vague dream, your financial advisor is going to be as much in the dark as you are.
Don't plan to fail by failing to plan.
Visualise your future goals now, and let your financial advisor set you on target to live the long, comfortable retirement of your dreams!
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~Mae West
Quite simple it's intangible. It's too far off and we can't quite see ourselves retired. It's one of those things that will come around one day, but until it does, we have too much else on our plate to worry about it.
Besides, we are saving something so it will be OK. Think again.
Remember when we were 20, 40 seemed a lifetime away? As sure as you will/have hit 40, retirement will happen, too. And sooner than you think (which is good or bad, depending on how you have planned it).
Things ain't what they used to be
Most of us have been brought up with the vague notion that just as our grandparents did, we will retire in our sixties when we are forced out of employment, and that as long as we are putting away some savings, we will somehow manage a comfortable retirement. But exactly what is it you are saving for? Things aren't as they used to be, and we are facing a much different retirement scenario than our grandparents. With the rising costs of inflation, the trend towards a nuclear family and the propensity to live longer, retirement could be a long, hard stretch if we don't get the planning right. Government aid and our CPF funds are not going to go far when we could live 30-40 years beyond retirement!
Think financial independence, not retirement
Who says you have to retire at 62? If you have the funds to retire before, why not?
These days, we think in terms of financial independence rather than retirement. Financial independence is an actively planned for state where you become free from financial obligations and are self sufficient without having to work for an income. When you are financially independent, you can choose when to retire. You can be financially free at 45 and choose to work because you love your job, or retire and start living the retirement life you planned. But that's just it!
Without a plan, it's simply not going to happen. Make a plan that makes it real
It's time now to create a very clear picture of when you wish to retire (remember it can be earlier than 62 if you plan it right now!) and the lifestyle you wish to pursue upon retirement. What are your financial commitments now? What commitments will you have in the future (e.g. your children's education)? Factor in the costs of rising inflation, escalating medical costs and the luxury of travel and visualise the average day in your life when retired. Your next step is to contact a financial advisor that won't just try to sell you products. You need a financial advisor that will listen to your plans and goals, will sit down with you and will devise a financial plan that will make your retirement plan work. A good financial advisor will recommend the financial tools that are going to get the job done. A vague plan is no planHowever, if retirement to you is a vague dream, your financial advisor is going to be as much in the dark as you are.
Don't plan to fail by failing to plan.
Visualise your future goals now, and let your financial advisor set you on target to live the long, comfortable retirement of your dreams!
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~Mae West
Opportunity
We can all learn a lesson about recognizing opportunity and making the most of a "bad" situation, from Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airways.
His airline got its start partly because of a last minute flight cancellation.
When his flight to Puerto Rico was cancelled at the last minute, he found a company he could charter a jet from for $2000. Figuring the cost per seat in the jet, he borrowed a blackboard, wrote "Virgin Airlines, $39 single flight to Puerto Rico" and walked around the airport with it.
He filled every seat on the plane, and a new company was born!
How often do we see only the "bad" side of a situation?
Being successful in life and in your business requires that you seize the day. Turn issues into opportunities and negative experiences into new positive processes!
"I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~ Edward Everett Hale
His airline got its start partly because of a last minute flight cancellation.
When his flight to Puerto Rico was cancelled at the last minute, he found a company he could charter a jet from for $2000. Figuring the cost per seat in the jet, he borrowed a blackboard, wrote "Virgin Airlines, $39 single flight to Puerto Rico" and walked around the airport with it.
He filled every seat on the plane, and a new company was born!
How often do we see only the "bad" side of a situation?
Being successful in life and in your business requires that you seize the day. Turn issues into opportunities and negative experiences into new positive processes!
"I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~ Edward Everett Hale
No Pain No Gain
No P ain No G ain... Accept the Pain, THE Future will be Fruitful...
Don't feel the work you are doing is P ain, because there will always BE a reason for that Pain or work.
Everything happen, happen !! for a reason.
So face the Pain, for the Pain you face, there will definitely BE happiness ahead.
Do not BE afraid to lose now, FOR YOU will Gain MORE later.
Everthing Do Happen for A Reason...
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