Say Good After “But”

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I was watching this reality show on tv and noticed a sentence uttered by a particular contestant:

“I have strengths but I also have many weaknesses.”

This got me thinking: Is the way we choose to say our weaknesses a reflection of our view on the classic “Is the glass half full or empty” question? It would have been better for the contestant to say it the other way:

“I have some weaknesses but I have strengths too.”

Or take it another level:

“I have weaknesses but I don’t let them lead me. My strengths are my compass”

Whether it be in a job interview or self-talk, try your best to end off positively always. It’s more pleasing to your audience’s ears, and more calming to your heart.

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Character, Mindset, Presentation | | 0 Comments

10 Time Management Savers

Time management, a skill that can separate the doers from the whiners. Be a doer with time on your side with my 10 tips:

  1. Recognize the Difference Between What’s Important vs What’s Urgent. Time wasters are tasks which are not urgent and not important. What we tend to do most of the time are stuff which are urgent and may not be important (e.g. answering every phone call). What you tend to neglect but will hurt you then in the long run are things that are important but are not urgent (e.g. exercise). The stuff that tend to stress you out in the adrenalin are those which are important and urgent. Thinking of tasks along these 4 quadrants allows you to see with a bigger picture where your time is going to, and whether it should be spent at another quadrant.
  2. Manage Chaos by Prioritizing Tasks. Be cool-headed, prioritize and clear tasks one by one.
  3. Learn to Say No. Recognize that your resources are limited, and you’d want to prioritize them on matters which you can contribute best. Pick and choose wisely.
  4. Invest Time in Building Your Personal Skills. The relationships and networks you build, plus the support base that comes with it, can help you with your endeavors in the long run.
  5. Have a “Do-Clear” Mentality. Feel the sense of joy at clearing each work.
  6. Break Up Big Stuff Into Little Bits. Thinking of big tasks in terms of modular components helps reduce the complexities and hence time in problem solving.
  7. Get an Organizer, and Use It. Trust me on this one
  8. Take Public Transport. This is the time to catch up on those magazines, books, newspapers.
  9. Watch How The Pros Do It, and Follow. Since it is on the topic of managing time and not so much of the process of discovery, learning from best practices beforehand will save you some time as supposed to jumping into murky waters.
  10. Nike. Don’t just think and think and think. Old school advice coming your way - Just Do It.

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Freedom, Goals, Management, Resilience, Time | | 0 Comments

Resilience - The Stress Stamina

In an edition of XL Magazine, David Wee recommends 7 ways to build resilience:

  1. Make connections: Networking gives both business and psychological support.
  2. Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems: Think positive.
  3. Accept change as part of living: People and businesses evolve.
  4. Move toward your goals: Develop realistic goals and do something regularly. Avoid settling.
  5. Take decisive actions: Problem solving is active and ongoing.
  6. Look for opportunities for self-discovery: Look for self-growth.
  7. Nurture a positive view of yourself and company: Look at how well positioned you for the future.Facing

Facing unexpected stress is inevitable. Resilience is like the stamina you store to face these unwelcomed stormy weathers.

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Character, Resilience | | 0 Comments

The Secret is Half The Answer

Life. Sometimes, I meet the Dreamer. He’s the one who talks far and wide about very big ambitions, who loves motivational movies such as The Secret, but strangely avoids questions on specific actions to achieve those dreams. It’s sort of like a shout and run strategy. Oh the bubble.

Stuff like The Secret is great. However it’s dangerous when we don’t see the big picture, and choose to focus on the other more easy part… the belief thingy. It’s easy to like that part of the message of course. It feels good and makes you dream. However there is the other half after belief. If the buck stops at the belief, I’m sorry Dreamer… nothing will happen. I think it’s time for a new book and movie, it could be a bestseller.

I’ll probably call it The Action.

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Destiny | | 0 Comments

Punch Stress With Capoeira

Okay, this is alittle biased, but any martial arts will do. Participating in martial arts not only helps you to keep fit, but keeps your discipline and focus in check, two key ingredients in keeping stress at healthy levels.

One of my favourite martial arts forms has to be Capoeira. It’s way cool. But don’t be fooled, training in this art can be extremely tiring on the muscles and joints. However the result is flexibility and confidence. To prove my point, watch this video:

I don’t know of anyone who’s ever watched Capoeira and not felt excited and energized. Does martial arts help you to de-stress too?

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Fitness, Freedom, Videos | | 0 Comments

Gabrielle - Dreams

Move a step closer
You know that I want you
I can tell by your eyes
That you want me too
Just a question of time
I knew we’d be together
And that you’d be mine
I want you here forever

Do you hear what I’m saying
Gotta say how I feel
I can’t believe you’re here
But I know that you’re real
I know what I want
And baby it’s you
I can’t deny my feelings
‘Cos I know they are true

Dreams can come true
Look at me babe if I’m with you
You know you gotta have hope
You know you’ve got to be strong

I’ve seen you sometimes
On your own and in crowds
I knew I had to have you
My hopes didn’t let me down
Now you’re by my side
And I feel so good
I’ve nothing to hide
Don’t fee; that ui ever could

Do you hear what I’m sayingh
Gotta say how I feel
I can’t believe you;re here
But I know that you’re real
I know whgat I want
And baby it’s you
Can’t deny my feelings
Because they are true

I’m not making plans for tomorrow
Let’s live for tonight
I kknow I want you baby
So hold me so tight
Put your arms around me
You make me feel so safe
Then you whisper in my ear
That you’re here to stay

Dreams can come true
Look at me babe if I’m with you
You know you gotta have hope
You know you’ve got to be strong

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Destiny, Freedom, Videos | | 0 Comments

Des’ree - You Gotta Be

Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don’t be ashamed to cry

You gotta be…
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Herald what your mother said
Read the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
My oh my, yea, eh, eh

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Time ask no questions, it goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can’t stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning
can’t stop it, if you tried to
This best part is danger staring you in the face
(wo0o0o)

Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
My oh my, eh, eh, eh

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Character, Destiny, Videos | | 0 Comments

Eric Clapton and Babyface - Change the World

If I can reach the stars,
Pull one down for you,
Shine it on my heart
So you could see the truth:
That this love I have inside
Is everything it seems.
But for now I find
It’s only in my dreams.

And I can change the world,
I will be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.

And if I could be king,
Even for a day,
I’d take you as my queen;
I’d have it no other way.
And our love would rule
This kingdom we had made.
Till then I’d be a fool,
Wishing for the day…

That I can change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.

I could change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.

July 31st, 2008 - Posted in Destiny, Goals, Videos | | 0 Comments

Dario G - Sunchyme

July 30th, 2008 - Posted in Freedom, Videos | | 0 Comments

India Arie - The Heart of The Matter

I got the call today, I didn’t wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old true friend of ours was talkin’ on the phone
She said you found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And all the struggles we went through
How I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside love’s open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?

I’ve been learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I’m learning them again
I’ve been tryin’ to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore

These times are so uncertain
There’s a yearning undefined
And people filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age
And the trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They’re the very things we kill, I guess
Pride and competition cannot fill these empty arms
And the work they put between us,
You know it doesn’t keep us warm

I’ve been trying to live without you now
But I miss you, baby
The more I know, the less I understand
And all the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again
I’ve been tryin’ to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my heart is so shattered
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore

All the people in your life who’ve come and gone
They let you down, you know they hurt your pride
Better put it all behind you; cause life goes on
You keep carrin’ that anger, it’ll eat you up inside

I wanna be happily everafter
And my heart is so shattered
But I know it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymore

I’ve been tryin’ to get down to the Heart of the Matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I’m thinkin’ about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if you don’t love me anymore
Even if you don’t love me anymore

July 30th, 2008 - Posted in Forgiveness, Recovery, Videos | | 0 Comments

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