Sometimes, when all our doubts, fears and insecurities wrap us all up, we always come up with the idea of “I wish I was somebody else.” We more often than not, think and believe that other people are better than us. - When in reality, those same people are more scared than we are.
Isn’t it funny? We look at other people, envy them for looking so outrageously perfect and wish we could trade places with them, while they look at us and think the same thing. We are insecure of other people who themselves are insecure of us. We suffer from low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and weary of any effort at self improvement because we are enveloped in quiet desperation.
One key to self improvement is to LISTEN and TALK to a trusted friend. Find someone who you find comfort in opening up to, even on the most sensitive topics you want to discuss. Ask questions like “what is it about me you would like to see change”, “do you think I am ill-mannered?”, “Do I always sound so argumentative?”, “Do I talk too loud?”, “Does my breath smell?”, “Do I ever bore you when we’re together?” In this way, the other person will truly know that you are interested in improving yourself. Listen for comments and criticisms and with an Open Heart and an Open Mind, don’t give answers like “Don’t exaggerate! That’s just the way I am!” Do not make excuses. Open up your mind and heart as well.
Self improvement makes us better people, and puts us in the position to inspire other people to improve too. Therefore it is important that before telling other people how to improve themselves, let them see that you yourself is a representation and a product of self improvement.
Stop thinking of yourself as a second-rate person, forget the repetitive thought of “If only I was richer… if only I was thinner” and so on. Accepting your true self is the first step to self improvement. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others only to find out at the end that we’ve got 10 more reasons to envy them. Even the bible let us know that “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” 2 Cor 10:12. NKJV
We all have our insecurities. Nobody is perfect. We always wish we had better things, better features, better body parts, etc. But life needs not to be perfect for people to be happy about themselves. Self improvement and loving yourself is not a matter of shouting out to the whole world that you are perfect or that you are the best. It’s the virtue of acceptance and contentment. When we begin to improve ourselves, we then begin to feel contented and happy.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Power of Innovation 2
5. Don't listen to what other people say. Follow the beat of your own drum. Allowing for the input of other people will only bring cacophony to the music you are trying to make. If you have an original idea, don't waste your time and effort trying to make people understand. They won't. And the help you will probably get comes in the form of negative feedback. If all those geniuses listened to their peers, we would probably still be living in the middle ages.
6. Find your own style. You can always tell a Van Gogh from a Matisse. You'll know Hemingway wrote something by the choice of words on the paper. So it is the same with you. People will appreciate your innovation more because it is uniquely yours. This will let people see how valuable an asset you are.
7. Don't hide behind nifty gadgets or tools. You don't need the most expensive set of paints to produce a masterpiece. The same goes for writing. You don't need some expensive fountain pen and really smooth paper for a bestseller. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter Series on bits of tissue. So what if you've got an expensive SLR camera but are a crappy photographer? Who cares if you've got a blinging laptop if you can't write at all? The artist actually reduces the number of tools he has as he gets better at his craft: he knows what works and what doesn't.
8. Nothing will work without passion. What wakes you up in the mornings? What keeps the flame burning? What is the one thing that you'll die for if you don't do it? Sometimes people with talent are overtaken by the people who want it more. Think the hare and the tortoise. Ellen Degeneres once said that if you're not doing something that you want to do, then you don't really need to do it. And that's true. Sometimes you just want something so bad you become a virtual unstoppable. And that is passion. Passion will keep you going.
9. Don't worry about inspiration. You can't force it; inspiration hits when you least expect it to, for those unpredictable yet inevitable moments you should prepare. An idea could strike you on the subway, yet alas, you poor unfortunate soul; you have no sheet of paper to scribble down a thought that could change the world. Avoid these disasters. Have a pen and paper within your arm's reach at all times. I hope these tips will help you bring more innovation into your life. Keep in mind that you're doing these things for your own satisfaction and not anybody else's. But soon enough others will take notice.
6. Find your own style. You can always tell a Van Gogh from a Matisse. You'll know Hemingway wrote something by the choice of words on the paper. So it is the same with you. People will appreciate your innovation more because it is uniquely yours. This will let people see how valuable an asset you are.
7. Don't hide behind nifty gadgets or tools. You don't need the most expensive set of paints to produce a masterpiece. The same goes for writing. You don't need some expensive fountain pen and really smooth paper for a bestseller. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter Series on bits of tissue. So what if you've got an expensive SLR camera but are a crappy photographer? Who cares if you've got a blinging laptop if you can't write at all? The artist actually reduces the number of tools he has as he gets better at his craft: he knows what works and what doesn't.
8. Nothing will work without passion. What wakes you up in the mornings? What keeps the flame burning? What is the one thing that you'll die for if you don't do it? Sometimes people with talent are overtaken by the people who want it more. Think the hare and the tortoise. Ellen Degeneres once said that if you're not doing something that you want to do, then you don't really need to do it. And that's true. Sometimes you just want something so bad you become a virtual unstoppable. And that is passion. Passion will keep you going.
9. Don't worry about inspiration. You can't force it; inspiration hits when you least expect it to, for those unpredictable yet inevitable moments you should prepare. An idea could strike you on the subway, yet alas, you poor unfortunate soul; you have no sheet of paper to scribble down a thought that could change the world. Avoid these disasters. Have a pen and paper within your arm's reach at all times. I hope these tips will help you bring more innovation into your life. Keep in mind that you're doing these things for your own satisfaction and not anybody else's. But soon enough others will take notice.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Power of Innovation 1
I have found out that any effort at self improvement, goal setting and/or dream actualization is difficult without a very vital element. And that element is the Power of Innovation.
The ‘Power of Innovation’ is a talent that everyone has, yet they think they don't. If you've ever marveled at somebody's creative prowess, guess what, you can create and innovate too. It just takes time. Everyone is born creative. The box of crayons in kindergarten was not limited to those who possessed potential; because the truth is, everybody has potential.
You know how long it took to learn to ride a bike or drive or to never make the same mistake again? It's the same with innovation. It takes a bit of practice, self development and a lot of time before this mind function comes easily when called. You want to bring the power of innovation into your own life? Here are a few tips.
1. You have the mind of Christ. God is the ultimate innovator; you only need to look at creation to acknowledge that. He made you in his image and after his likeness. This means we are not only like Him physically, but have the same abilities as Him. Thus connecting to Him through Jesus unlocks His creative powers inside of us. (Philippians 2:13)
2. Record your dreams. Aren't some of them just the craziest things that your conscious mind would never have thought of? If you've had these dreams before, and I'm sure you have, this only shows you the untapped innovative power you have lying within. So jot down those ideas. Those dreams may just create an innovative spark in you.
3. Spend time on it. I cannot stress that enough, although, please do not mistake this tip to mean you should quit your day job entirely. Do not. This involves some tricky time management but with a little discipline you'll be able to squeeze both in. Invest time in those dreams, that’s the only way they will grow from a spark to a roaring fire.
4. Exercise. Take a walk. Run a mile or two. Send all those endorphins coursing through your veins. Exercising not only strengthens the body, but it certainly clears and relaxes your mind and allows for anything to pop up.
The ‘Power of Innovation’ is a talent that everyone has, yet they think they don't. If you've ever marveled at somebody's creative prowess, guess what, you can create and innovate too. It just takes time. Everyone is born creative. The box of crayons in kindergarten was not limited to those who possessed potential; because the truth is, everybody has potential.
You know how long it took to learn to ride a bike or drive or to never make the same mistake again? It's the same with innovation. It takes a bit of practice, self development and a lot of time before this mind function comes easily when called. You want to bring the power of innovation into your own life? Here are a few tips.
1. You have the mind of Christ. God is the ultimate innovator; you only need to look at creation to acknowledge that. He made you in his image and after his likeness. This means we are not only like Him physically, but have the same abilities as Him. Thus connecting to Him through Jesus unlocks His creative powers inside of us. (Philippians 2:13)
2. Record your dreams. Aren't some of them just the craziest things that your conscious mind would never have thought of? If you've had these dreams before, and I'm sure you have, this only shows you the untapped innovative power you have lying within. So jot down those ideas. Those dreams may just create an innovative spark in you.
3. Spend time on it. I cannot stress that enough, although, please do not mistake this tip to mean you should quit your day job entirely. Do not. This involves some tricky time management but with a little discipline you'll be able to squeeze both in. Invest time in those dreams, that’s the only way they will grow from a spark to a roaring fire.
4. Exercise. Take a walk. Run a mile or two. Send all those endorphins coursing through your veins. Exercising not only strengthens the body, but it certainly clears and relaxes your mind and allows for anything to pop up.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Impossible is Just a Word 2
Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that that are ‘impossible for you to do.’ Now look at all the headers strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them.
As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header-the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’ As each of the items you wrote under ‘things I could do’ are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’
As you navigate through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all. You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little.
However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic. If you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities.
What this means is that your dreams are attainable if you will only work hard, persevere and be patient. Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams there has to be hard work and discipline Ask any gym ‘rat’ and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.
So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the impossible has just become a little bit more possible.
Finally, remember what the Bible say, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” Luke 1:37.
As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header-the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’ As each of the items you wrote under ‘things I could do’ are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’
As you navigate through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all. You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little.
However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic. If you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities.
What this means is that your dreams are attainable if you will only work hard, persevere and be patient. Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams there has to be hard work and discipline Ask any gym ‘rat’ and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.
So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the impossible has just become a little bit more possible.
Finally, remember what the Bible say, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” Luke 1:37.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Impossible is Just a Word 1
Everyone, at some point in his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning homer? Who hasn't dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy in our relationships?
Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that – dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic. This is a sad turn of events in our life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.
But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher. The most common problem to achieving goals is the word impossible. Most people get hung up thinking I can't do this. It's too hard. It's impossible. No one can do this. However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.
Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Fortunately for the bumblebee no one has told it so. So fly it does. On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them.
If you box yourself in with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you consider impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream. So you think that goal is impossible to accomplish, let me show you that impossible is only, just a word.
Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that – dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic. This is a sad turn of events in our life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.
But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher. The most common problem to achieving goals is the word impossible. Most people get hung up thinking I can't do this. It's too hard. It's impossible. No one can do this. However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.
Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Fortunately for the bumblebee no one has told it so. So fly it does. On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them.
If you box yourself in with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you consider impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream. So you think that goal is impossible to accomplish, let me show you that impossible is only, just a word.
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