Archive for the ‘Motivation’ Category

Self-Confidence Can’t Be Bought, But Can Be Borrowed

self-confidenceIt would be wonderful if we could simply walk up to a cosmetic counter and purchase a bottle of self-confidence the way we can buy “revitalizing” or “lifting” creams for our faces.  Unfortunately this spiritual elixir, like an expensive perfume, is different on every woman because of individual chemistry.

When I was younger, my self-confidence potion was heavily scented with attitude, optimism and faith; experience, knowledge, and wisdom had to come later.  But even today, every new opportunity or challenge requires that I prepare a special batch of moxie for myself.  I do this by becoming as thoroughly prepared as possible and by looking the part – wearing an outfit, for example, that exudes self-confidence.  Next I say my prayers and ask for the Power to be switched on.  Then “it’s showtime.”  I act as if I’m self-confident and the world takes me as such.

The Best Time To Do Anything Better. . .

Change_Better Way. . . is NOW.  Yes, there is always a better way.  So many times we are afraid to step out and try something new, or become fearful of some change that is happening, and even spend many hours worrying about circumstances that never come to pass.  How can we get the most out of our lives (and our jobs, since much of our time is spent at our places of work?)

We can start by looking at our work and processes in different ways, not “checking our brain at the door,” and start by becoming actively engaged in our daily tasks.  Waste occurs in many forms in the workplace, and for too many people, it looks normal.  Some examples are:

  • Defects and rework
  • Machine and office equipment breakdown
  • Wait and down time
  • Inefficient work process
  • Stored inventory
  • Not using people’s talents

When we begin to question “this is not the way it should be” our creativity kicks in and we can begin on the road to improvement.  We don’t want to end up like the character played by Bill Murray in

Health is Wealth. . . Learn to Manage it Well

health_wealthI think it’s safe to say that we all strive to live a better life.  We try to manage our personal and professional life and somehow do our best to create some balance.  We love to take care of our loved ones, our customers, our bosses.  But one thing that we certainly neglect from time to time is to take care of ourselves.  Health, after all, is something that we cannot take for granted.  Well, not for long.  Without our health, we definitely, lose the ability to take care of all those things that we think are all so important.  Remember that health is wealth.

It’s easy to put off managing your health.  Do it soon, though.  In fact, do it right now.  Learn to manage your health.  The general advice follows:

Ten Things to Say That Make People Feel Good

Feel_GoodSaying nice things to people makes them feel good.  People who feel good about themselves and their jobs are happy and productive.  If they work for you, with you, or near you, they will propel you in front of them.    Be absolutely genuine; practice and remember to say:

  1. “Please”
  2. “Thank you” (A good boss has reasons to say “thank you” at least ten times a day.)
  3. “I appreciate your effort”
  4. “I hear nothing but good words about you”
  5. “Congratulations”
  6. “I need your help”
  7. “I am glad you are on the team”
  8. “You earned and deserve this”
  9. “You remember Joe Smith in our Marketing department.” (An introduction of someone to a superior.)
  10. “That was a first-class job you did.  Keep it up.”

Anything else you would like to add?

Life’s Test Kitchen

Test Kitchen

Photograph: Roger-Viollet/Rex Features

Yes, times are rough, troubles subsist, and downsides are still there, and that’s just life.  But how should one cope?  Here are the questions I usually ask myself:  should I just turn on my Wii and hoola-hoop my way out of this nagging feeling?  Should I take a long, brisk walk? Read? Go shopping?

I had a recent bout of frustration, boredom and a bad hair day–all in one day.  Armed with options I have mentioned above, I chose to stay put and read. I reached to my old gray notebook containing all my favorite quotes and short articles.  I randomly picked a page to read.  Here’s what I read on that dreadful day; one of  my favorite inspirational pieces adapted from AccessChristian:

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