It is after several years that I am returning to contribute to this blog, and what a major life transformation has occured in this timeframe. I would be dishonest if I did not acknowledge that the previous posts were directed outward, whereas this post is more introspective. I have learned quite a few life lessons in the past few years and would like to share some of them here.
Life is a culmination of experiences and the choices we make, no step of that journey is wasted, although, upon reflection, we learn some valuable lessons on how we could have handled certain situations better than we did. Talk about coming full circle to the point where we started:
"We must not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time". ~ T.S. Eliot
I can honestly say that I have arrived where I began and am seeing the place for the first time! Often we have to look at life with new lenses to see the things we had been unable to see because familiarity obscures them from our view. Over the years we make compromises, and they lead us on paths we would not have followed had we stayed true to our values and principles. It is like being woken from a slumber, a lulling of the consciousness in the interest of keeping peace, in the name of expediency, then coming to the realization that you don't even know that person any more.
'Twas grief enough to think mankind
All hollow servile insincere
But worse to trust to my own mind
And find the same corruption there
~ Emily Bronte
So, where do we start, and where do we end: this journey is a function of our consious resolve to lead life from our core values, to experience the journey with new, mindful eyes, an open spirit and aware soul. Life is beautiful, once we learn to appreciate the bountiful gifts that are ours to claim if we allow ourselves to BE one with God rather that be constrained by the demands and expectations of the lesser beings. The journey to soulful spirituality is an exhilerating experience!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Monday, June 8, 2009
Developing a Personal Brand through Social Networking
"Networking or NOT working, the choice is yours" - Sarah Nuttall
Social Networking is a concept which has taken the business world by storm in recent years, although it has always been the way most business gets done in the world! People do business with people they can relate to and trust.
Check out the attached link for what constitutes social networking:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networks
I look at the social network as a constellation, a collection of stars in the galaxy! Every one of us knows a lot of people in their sphere of influence, the value is in "connecting the dots" on their horizon and leveraging them by offering and receiving value for the connection.
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and some of the other social networking sites have become the common platform for professionals as well as people from all walks of life, and the primary means for communication in some cases. The concept of personal branding gains even more emphasis when you are talking about professional networking through LinkedIn and similar professional networking sites. It is your resume online, complete with references and recommendations - your digital footprint!
Use of digital media for networking may be a new phenomenon but networking certainly is not. Connecting with people, developing long term relationships, servant leadership, and value delivery are concepts that transcend the present time. They have always been the way business gets done around the world. It's not what you know but who you know that matters~ If anything, they have been brought into sharper focus by the present market conditions, and in a shrinking pool, people stick with people they can trust to deliver!
So, how do you go about building a social network that offers value first? Simply by doing it, one meaningful relationship at a time. Take the time to put yourself in situations that expose you to other people, such as in professional or community organizations working towards a common cause is a good place to start. Volunteering your time and energy for a cause, offering knowledge and value to others, offering a helping hand, guiding someone to build their career, life, and image, listening empathetically, are all good ways of building your personal network as well as brand. How are you known in the world? The answer is the key to your networking success, and defines your personal brand.
Social Networking is a concept which has taken the business world by storm in recent years, although it has always been the way most business gets done in the world! People do business with people they can relate to and trust.
Check out the attached link for what constitutes social networking:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networks
I look at the social network as a constellation, a collection of stars in the galaxy! Every one of us knows a lot of people in their sphere of influence, the value is in "connecting the dots" on their horizon and leveraging them by offering and receiving value for the connection.
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and some of the other social networking sites have become the common platform for professionals as well as people from all walks of life, and the primary means for communication in some cases. The concept of personal branding gains even more emphasis when you are talking about professional networking through LinkedIn and similar professional networking sites. It is your resume online, complete with references and recommendations - your digital footprint!
Use of digital media for networking may be a new phenomenon but networking certainly is not. Connecting with people, developing long term relationships, servant leadership, and value delivery are concepts that transcend the present time. They have always been the way business gets done around the world. It's not what you know but who you know that matters~ If anything, they have been brought into sharper focus by the present market conditions, and in a shrinking pool, people stick with people they can trust to deliver!
So, how do you go about building a social network that offers value first? Simply by doing it, one meaningful relationship at a time. Take the time to put yourself in situations that expose you to other people, such as in professional or community organizations working towards a common cause is a good place to start. Volunteering your time and energy for a cause, offering knowledge and value to others, offering a helping hand, guiding someone to build their career, life, and image, listening empathetically, are all good ways of building your personal network as well as brand. How are you known in the world? The answer is the key to your networking success, and defines your personal brand.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Art of Leadership
"Leadership is the conviction to chart new territory, the vision to create a path to success and the compassion to help others along the way." - Sarah Nuttall
"A good leader inspires good followers; a great leader is one who develops more great leaders among his/her followers" - Sarah Nuttall
"At its simplest level, a shared vision is the answer to the question, "What do we want to create?" Just as personal visions are pictures or images people carry in their heads and hearts, so too are shared visions pictures that people throughout an organization carry. They create a sense of commonality that permeates the organization and gives coherence to diverse activities" - Peter Senge (The Fifth Discipline)
Leadership is the art of inspring people to a vision, through personal or influence power, and working towards the common objective that is much larger than the personal glory of the leader. The purpose is to create something larger than the individual for the benefit of everyone involved, regardless of who gets the credit. Often, the greatest of leaders are unsung heroes, whose value is recognized long after they have moved on to the next stage. However, they live their lives guided by values and principles larger than themselves, in the service of goals that make the world a better place, and believe that no step in that journey is wasted.
http://www.leadersinstitute.com/high-impact-leaders/articles/artofleadership.html
In his book "The Model Leader - A Fully Functional Person", Dr. William Hitt outlines the following steps of the Leadership Agenda:
1. Conceptual Skills - The model leaders is able to deal with high order abstractions and generalizations.
2. Logical Thinking - The model leader is able to apply a systemetic approach to problem solving.
3. Creative Thinking - The model leader is able to bring into being imaginative ideas.
4. Holistic Thinking - The model leader is able to grasp the total situation and to understand the relationships between and among the elements.
5. Communication - The model leader is able to engage in genuine dialogue with others.
6. Staff - The model leader has a team of persons who are ready, willing, and able.
7. Information - The model leader knows what information is needed to function effectively and where to get the information.
8. Networks - The model leader has many personal contacts with whom ideas, information, and resources can be shared.
9. Knowing Oneself - The model leader has a good grasp of his or her own strengths and limitations and actively seeks feedback for personal growth.
10. Knowing the Job - The model leader understands the requirements of the job and how the job contributes to the goals of the larger organization.
11. Knowing the Organization - The model leader understands the organization's culture and how to get things done effectively and efficiently.
12. Knowing the Business One Is In - The model leader understands the external environment sufficiently well to know customers's needs and what is of value to them.
13. Knowing the World - The model leader understands the world community and how the smaller communities relate to the larger community.
14. Valuing - The model leader has a good grasp of the organization's values and can translate them into practice.
15. Visioning - The model leader has a clear mental picture of a desired future for his or her organization or organizational unit.
16. Coaching - The model leader helps others develop the knowledge and skills needed for achieving the vision.
17. Empowering - The model leader provides staff with the training, resources, and authority needed to enable them to move toward the vision.
18. Team Building - The model leader is able to develop a team of people who are dedicated to working collaboratively to achieve the vision.
19. Promoting Quality - The model leader achieves a reputation for always meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
20. Identity - The model leader has a unified set of values and lives by those values each day.
21. Independence - The model leader is guided by his or her own internal compass.
22. Authenticity - The model leader reveals his or her true being to others; the inner self and the outer self are congruent.
23. Responsibility - The model leader takes responsibility for his or her decisions and actions and does not blame others.
24. Courage - The model leader affirms his or her authentic being despite obstacles.
25. Integrity - The model leader is guided by a set of moral principles and is recognized by others as a person of integrity.
A model leader is one who has mastered the art of leadership and integrated into every aspect of his or her life, to become a fully Self-Actualized person. And at the core is his or her ability to inspire people to a higher level of being.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." - Goethe
"A good leader inspires good followers; a great leader is one who develops more great leaders among his/her followers" - Sarah Nuttall
"At its simplest level, a shared vision is the answer to the question, "What do we want to create?" Just as personal visions are pictures or images people carry in their heads and hearts, so too are shared visions pictures that people throughout an organization carry. They create a sense of commonality that permeates the organization and gives coherence to diverse activities" - Peter Senge (The Fifth Discipline)
Leadership is the art of inspring people to a vision, through personal or influence power, and working towards the common objective that is much larger than the personal glory of the leader. The purpose is to create something larger than the individual for the benefit of everyone involved, regardless of who gets the credit. Often, the greatest of leaders are unsung heroes, whose value is recognized long after they have moved on to the next stage. However, they live their lives guided by values and principles larger than themselves, in the service of goals that make the world a better place, and believe that no step in that journey is wasted.
http://www.leadersinstitute.com/high-impact-leaders/articles/artofleadership.html
In his book "The Model Leader - A Fully Functional Person", Dr. William Hitt outlines the following steps of the Leadership Agenda:
1. Conceptual Skills - The model leaders is able to deal with high order abstractions and generalizations.
2. Logical Thinking - The model leader is able to apply a systemetic approach to problem solving.
3. Creative Thinking - The model leader is able to bring into being imaginative ideas.
4. Holistic Thinking - The model leader is able to grasp the total situation and to understand the relationships between and among the elements.
5. Communication - The model leader is able to engage in genuine dialogue with others.
6. Staff - The model leader has a team of persons who are ready, willing, and able.
7. Information - The model leader knows what information is needed to function effectively and where to get the information.
8. Networks - The model leader has many personal contacts with whom ideas, information, and resources can be shared.
9. Knowing Oneself - The model leader has a good grasp of his or her own strengths and limitations and actively seeks feedback for personal growth.
10. Knowing the Job - The model leader understands the requirements of the job and how the job contributes to the goals of the larger organization.
11. Knowing the Organization - The model leader understands the organization's culture and how to get things done effectively and efficiently.
12. Knowing the Business One Is In - The model leader understands the external environment sufficiently well to know customers's needs and what is of value to them.
13. Knowing the World - The model leader understands the world community and how the smaller communities relate to the larger community.
14. Valuing - The model leader has a good grasp of the organization's values and can translate them into practice.
15. Visioning - The model leader has a clear mental picture of a desired future for his or her organization or organizational unit.
16. Coaching - The model leader helps others develop the knowledge and skills needed for achieving the vision.
17. Empowering - The model leader provides staff with the training, resources, and authority needed to enable them to move toward the vision.
18. Team Building - The model leader is able to develop a team of people who are dedicated to working collaboratively to achieve the vision.
19. Promoting Quality - The model leader achieves a reputation for always meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
20. Identity - The model leader has a unified set of values and lives by those values each day.
21. Independence - The model leader is guided by his or her own internal compass.
22. Authenticity - The model leader reveals his or her true being to others; the inner self and the outer self are congruent.
23. Responsibility - The model leader takes responsibility for his or her decisions and actions and does not blame others.
24. Courage - The model leader affirms his or her authentic being despite obstacles.
25. Integrity - The model leader is guided by a set of moral principles and is recognized by others as a person of integrity.
A model leader is one who has mastered the art of leadership and integrated into every aspect of his or her life, to become a fully Self-Actualized person. And at the core is his or her ability to inspire people to a higher level of being.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." - Goethe
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Work-Life Balance
All of us, especially professional women, are juggling multiple priorities in maintaining the balance among the different dimensions of life. Through my career I have come to realize that there is no such thing as work-life balance, at least no STATIC state that defines this balance; it is at best a dynamic act of constantly reminding yourself to work from your values, and determining your priorities accordingly. We can do whatever we set our mind to, but we have to moderate our enthusiasm in any one dimension with reality in light of what we expect to get out of life. Sometimes our biggest problem is that we are capable of doing a lot and need to keep the balance between the time and energy we commit to work, the return we expect to get from it in the form of revenue, personal and professional growth, and the demands of personal and community life that we need to keep in balance. The consequences of overworking one set of muscles at the expense of the other dimensions of life can be less than desirable.
Check out the attached links for more information and insight on the subject:
http://www.worklifebalance.com/
http://www.worklifebalance.com/worklifebalancedefined.html
http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/article3.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/5-strategies-for-life-balance
http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty-businesses/home-based-business-work-life-balance/2976732-1.html
When we talk about developing a balance between the different dimensions of life, we have to focus on defining our values and letting the values dictate how we dedicate our efforts towards achieving the best in life. The greatest inspiration I found on the subject of achieving this balance is the all time best seller "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
The beauty of Covey's message is in its simplicity and timeliness. He contends that by implementing the seven habits outlined in his program, one can achieve great results towards living an effective life. Having personally studied and implemented the 7-Habits program, and personally knowing hundreds if not thousands of people who have benefited from it, I swear by the timeless value of these principles.
One of the most compelling texts on the subject that I have come across in the past few years is "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The authors contend that energy, not time, is the primary currency of the highly engaged professionals.
http://www.lgeperformance.com/book_PFE.html
Creative, motivated, happy and well rested people are more productive than harried, stressed, overworked and sleep deprived individuals with dysfunctional family lives who have neglected their families in the name of getting ahead in the rat race. Actively shaping a positive and balanced work-life balance is the key ingredient to fulfilment, effectivenss and productivity.
Check out the attached links for more information and insight on the subject:
http://www.worklifebalance.com/
http://www.worklifebalance.com/worklifebalancedefined.html
http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/article3.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/5-strategies-for-life-balance
http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty-businesses/home-based-business-work-life-balance/2976732-1.html
When we talk about developing a balance between the different dimensions of life, we have to focus on defining our values and letting the values dictate how we dedicate our efforts towards achieving the best in life. The greatest inspiration I found on the subject of achieving this balance is the all time best seller "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
The beauty of Covey's message is in its simplicity and timeliness. He contends that by implementing the seven habits outlined in his program, one can achieve great results towards living an effective life. Having personally studied and implemented the 7-Habits program, and personally knowing hundreds if not thousands of people who have benefited from it, I swear by the timeless value of these principles.
One of the most compelling texts on the subject that I have come across in the past few years is "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The authors contend that energy, not time, is the primary currency of the highly engaged professionals.
http://www.lgeperformance.com/book_PFE.html
Creative, motivated, happy and well rested people are more productive than harried, stressed, overworked and sleep deprived individuals with dysfunctional family lives who have neglected their families in the name of getting ahead in the rat race. Actively shaping a positive and balanced work-life balance is the key ingredient to fulfilment, effectivenss and productivity.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Self-Directed Career Development
In the corporate environment of the 21st century, the successful professionals have some very distinct characteristics:
* They have the quality of "Interdependence": they are independently motivated, and widely connected through personal and professional networking relationships.
* They are focused on developing their leadership and communication skills and empowering those around them.
* They create a learning environment and a growth oriented organizational culture, leading to adaptive, successful and productive organizations.
In order to attract and retain such independent and capable employees, organizations must develop a culture of growth and agility and position themselves to meet the challenges of a highly competitive global market.
“If it is to be, it is up to me” – Neal Whitten
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." – Thomas Edison
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - Confucius
When we talk of self-directed career development, it is important to realize that career development is not something that happens to you, it is what you make of life! A career development plan is a written listing of the short- and long-term goals of a worker pertaining to the current and future jobs. It is a planned sequence of formal and informal experiences to assist the worker in achieving their goals - should be linked to the person’s potential. Career development plans are usually optional; but employers should encourage that all employees develop them, so that their long-term career expectations are realistic and in line with their industry and company's objectives.
Working through your life and career without a plan is like driving around town without a map, or a destination in mind. Drifting through life is not an option in these times of severe global competition, economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical forces. We have to be cognizant of our direction and focus and make conscious choices for laying the foundation of the rest of our personal and professional life! A self-directed career development plan is the roadmap to success!
* They have the quality of "Interdependence": they are independently motivated, and widely connected through personal and professional networking relationships.
* They are focused on developing their leadership and communication skills and empowering those around them.
* They create a learning environment and a growth oriented organizational culture, leading to adaptive, successful and productive organizations.
In order to attract and retain such independent and capable employees, organizations must develop a culture of growth and agility and position themselves to meet the challenges of a highly competitive global market.
“If it is to be, it is up to me” – Neal Whitten
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." – Thomas Edison
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - Confucius
When we talk of self-directed career development, it is important to realize that career development is not something that happens to you, it is what you make of life! A career development plan is a written listing of the short- and long-term goals of a worker pertaining to the current and future jobs. It is a planned sequence of formal and informal experiences to assist the worker in achieving their goals - should be linked to the person’s potential. Career development plans are usually optional; but employers should encourage that all employees develop them, so that their long-term career expectations are realistic and in line with their industry and company's objectives.
Working through your life and career without a plan is like driving around town without a map, or a destination in mind. Drifting through life is not an option in these times of severe global competition, economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical forces. We have to be cognizant of our direction and focus and make conscious choices for laying the foundation of the rest of our personal and professional life! A self-directed career development plan is the roadmap to success!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Believing in Your Dreams - and New Year Resolutions
Dreams do come true, believing in your dreams is the first step towards achieving them. On this new year's day I find myself reflecting on the past several years and how they have been instrumental in the achievement of my life goals and dreams. The New Year is often a time of reflection, of resolve and resolutions, but most of those resolutions are never realized because we do not believe in our own dreams, and more so in our ability to make them a reality. These resolutions are mostly "wishful thinking carried too far", rather than an earnest resolve to creating lasting change. Change is realized only when the value of the new behavior is greater than the pain of the status quo. Man is a creature of habit, and a change of habit can only be affected through intrinsic motivation and resolve to overcome the barriers imposed by our habits.
Believing in your own ability to make a positive change, and taking action in the direction of its achievement lays the foundation for realizing your dreams, however far fetched they may initially seem. Often we shelve our dreams because we cannot visualize the whole picture of what life would look like if they were to be realized. It is important to think through the possibilities, but not to obssess so much on the minor details that the whole message gets lost in the weeds.
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can... begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it" - Goethe
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" - Matin Luther King, Jr.
Taking the first step in achieving our dreams and goals sets up a positive momentum that carries us through the invariable ups and downs, the periods of doubt and skepticism from within and especially from others around us. Following through with courage and faith is what sets the achievers apart from the starry eyed (but inactive) dreamers.
"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there"- Will Rogers
Believing in your own ability to make a positive change, and taking action in the direction of its achievement lays the foundation for realizing your dreams, however far fetched they may initially seem. Often we shelve our dreams because we cannot visualize the whole picture of what life would look like if they were to be realized. It is important to think through the possibilities, but not to obssess so much on the minor details that the whole message gets lost in the weeds.
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can... begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it" - Goethe
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" - Matin Luther King, Jr.
Taking the first step in achieving our dreams and goals sets up a positive momentum that carries us through the invariable ups and downs, the periods of doubt and skepticism from within and especially from others around us. Following through with courage and faith is what sets the achievers apart from the starry eyed (but inactive) dreamers.
"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there"- Will Rogers
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Challenge of Leadership
"Leadership is the conviction to chart new territory, the vision to create a path to success and the compassion to help others along the way." - Yours Truly
Turbulent times call for a higher level of leadership than calmer times. The winds of change often upset the delicate balance of "comfort zones" and tend to separate the leaders from the followers. Leading in turbulent times is the challenge of the day - how you model your behavior to paint the vision and inspire your team against all odds determines your mettle as a leader. The tragic events of the world have also been catalysts to bringing forth great leaders among us, the most recent events of 9/11, and the way Mayor Rudy Guiliani handled that crisis separated him from the mayors of thousands of other cities.
http://www.schulersolutions.com/change_leadership_lessons_of_r.html
By contrast you have the words and action of Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/24/60minutes/main1933092.shtml
How do you think history will remember Guiliani or Nagin? One rises to the challenge of leadership, the other is looking for excuses why things are the way they are!
"The price of greatness is responsibility" - Winston Churchill
Turbulent times call for a higher level of leadership than calmer times. The winds of change often upset the delicate balance of "comfort zones" and tend to separate the leaders from the followers. Leading in turbulent times is the challenge of the day - how you model your behavior to paint the vision and inspire your team against all odds determines your mettle as a leader. The tragic events of the world have also been catalysts to bringing forth great leaders among us, the most recent events of 9/11, and the way Mayor Rudy Guiliani handled that crisis separated him from the mayors of thousands of other cities.
http://www.schulersolutions.com/change_leadership_lessons_of_r.html
By contrast you have the words and action of Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/24/60minutes/main1933092.shtml
How do you think history will remember Guiliani or Nagin? One rises to the challenge of leadership, the other is looking for excuses why things are the way they are!
"The price of greatness is responsibility" - Winston Churchill
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Perseverence
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all." - Dale Carnegie
"What we do not see, what most of us never suspect of existing, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement." - Napolean Hill
Perseverence is the difference between faith and lack thereof! It is the art of persistence in the face of resistance, when you believe in your vision and goal. I find this video particularly apt in illustrating the value of patience, faith and perseverence in the face of "no progress", till the time is right for things to happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ3C9SP8xRE
"A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must....be undaunted when the going gets tough." - Ronald Reagan
"What we do not see, what most of us never suspect of existing, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement." - Napolean Hill
Perseverence is the difference between faith and lack thereof! It is the art of persistence in the face of resistance, when you believe in your vision and goal. I find this video particularly apt in illustrating the value of patience, faith and perseverence in the face of "no progress", till the time is right for things to happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ3C9SP8xRE
"A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must....be undaunted when the going gets tough." - Ronald Reagan
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Success
"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes."
- Benjamin Disraeli
Success is achieved when opportunity meets commitment. Life is full of unexpected turns and any one of them has the potential to transform our lives if we so choose. That is why timing plays an important role in whether an opportunity results in potential realized, or merely creates another source of frustration in our lives. When we approach life with an open mind and a CAN-DO spirit, we find opportunities for growth and success at every turn. The power of positive conviction is what drives individuals to sieze the opportunity, execute with commitment, and demonstrate success.
Being present in the moment, and quickly sizing up the possibilities in a given situation, can make the difference between success and stalemate. The self confidence needed to sieze the opportunity is fed even more by the realization of the success. It inherently involves having faith, taking risk, and executing with positive conviction, in spite of the potential pitfalls and the inevitable nay-sayers. There is no sweeter reward than achieving your potential and creating a harmonious balance between personal growth and making a positive impact on the world!
"The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. "
- William F. Scholavino
- Benjamin Disraeli
Success is achieved when opportunity meets commitment. Life is full of unexpected turns and any one of them has the potential to transform our lives if we so choose. That is why timing plays an important role in whether an opportunity results in potential realized, or merely creates another source of frustration in our lives. When we approach life with an open mind and a CAN-DO spirit, we find opportunities for growth and success at every turn. The power of positive conviction is what drives individuals to sieze the opportunity, execute with commitment, and demonstrate success.
Being present in the moment, and quickly sizing up the possibilities in a given situation, can make the difference between success and stalemate. The self confidence needed to sieze the opportunity is fed even more by the realization of the success. It inherently involves having faith, taking risk, and executing with positive conviction, in spite of the potential pitfalls and the inevitable nay-sayers. There is no sweeter reward than achieving your potential and creating a harmonious balance between personal growth and making a positive impact on the world!
"The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. "
- William F. Scholavino
Saturday, September 27, 2008
What's the Difference?
"To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right" - Confucius
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee" - Marian Wright Edelman
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop" - Mother Teresa
Lately I have been pondering what "Making a Difference" is all about! I can thank one of my mentors for the challenge, I suppose. Does a small kindness make a difference in this world, how about a smile, a door held open for someone with their arms full? Listening to and empathizing with someone is an act of love, and it makes a tremendous difference to the person who feels heard, loved, and cared for! The smallest acts of kindness make this world a better place to live.
If we start each day with the resolve to do at least one random act of kindness we will make a great contribution to world peace, by practicing it in our everyday life, rather than waiting on some great leader to do it FOR THE WORLD! Perhaps that is the problem I have with politics, we hang too much responsibility on the political leaders of the world and do not assume enough on our own. When I look at all the problems of the world, I know I cannot solve them alone, but I can do my part by being responsible for my own conduct and also take some initiative to help others see what they can do about it. Global problems can be solved by local responsibility and ownership, the difference is in owning the problem and working to find a solution, together with others who believe in their own ability to make a difference in this world!
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee" - Marian Wright Edelman
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop" - Mother Teresa
Lately I have been pondering what "Making a Difference" is all about! I can thank one of my mentors for the challenge, I suppose. Does a small kindness make a difference in this world, how about a smile, a door held open for someone with their arms full? Listening to and empathizing with someone is an act of love, and it makes a tremendous difference to the person who feels heard, loved, and cared for! The smallest acts of kindness make this world a better place to live.
If we start each day with the resolve to do at least one random act of kindness we will make a great contribution to world peace, by practicing it in our everyday life, rather than waiting on some great leader to do it FOR THE WORLD! Perhaps that is the problem I have with politics, we hang too much responsibility on the political leaders of the world and do not assume enough on our own. When I look at all the problems of the world, I know I cannot solve them alone, but I can do my part by being responsible for my own conduct and also take some initiative to help others see what they can do about it. Global problems can be solved by local responsibility and ownership, the difference is in owning the problem and working to find a solution, together with others who believe in their own ability to make a difference in this world!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Building Relationships
Human beings are essentially social beings and they are unique in how they relate to each other. The essence of being human is the ability to form relationships with others in our life. Much has been written on how people relate to each other and what are the essential ingredients of a relationship.
Well, it is quite simple:
In order to have a relationship of any kind, you need to have mutual RESPECT.
If there is mutual respect, you can build on it to develop TRUST.
If there is trust, you can build on it to develop an UNDERSTANDING; and,
when you have a mutual understanding, you can build on it to develop LOVE/SYNERGY.
But you can't get to love or synergy unless you have respect, trust and understanding (in that order)!
This is a universal concept that applies to all relationships, both personal and professional; with LOVE being the desired outcome in personal relationships, and SYNERGY in professional relationships. When our relationships are based on a foundation of respect, trust, understanding and love, they can withstand the test of time and turmoil. It is like the root system of a tree that keeps it firmly anchored in the ground in the wake of high winds and stormy gusts. If the roots are not strong, the tree would topple over~!
Well, it is quite simple:
In order to have a relationship of any kind, you need to have mutual RESPECT.
If there is mutual respect, you can build on it to develop TRUST.
If there is trust, you can build on it to develop an UNDERSTANDING; and,
when you have a mutual understanding, you can build on it to develop LOVE/SYNERGY.
But you can't get to love or synergy unless you have respect, trust and understanding (in that order)!
This is a universal concept that applies to all relationships, both personal and professional; with LOVE being the desired outcome in personal relationships, and SYNERGY in professional relationships. When our relationships are based on a foundation of respect, trust, understanding and love, they can withstand the test of time and turmoil. It is like the root system of a tree that keeps it firmly anchored in the ground in the wake of high winds and stormy gusts. If the roots are not strong, the tree would topple over~!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Circle of Life~
"We must not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time". ~ T.S. Eliot
Life is a journey to be savored, not a destination to arrive at; the learnings and lessons are in the process, not in the final "treasure to be found at a certain place". The journey of self discovery is the most poignant experience of our lives, if undertaken with sincerity, honesty and openness. We start our lives as babies, helpless and dependent on our parents for the smallest of our needs. As young adults most people struggle with their own identity and seek to establish their own place in life, often vowing to be different from their parents. Although apparently rooted in defiance, it is a healthy sign of independence that spurs us to take responsibility for charting our own course through life. However, our perspective changes as we mature, and we realize that complete independence only gets us so far, and we learn to be interdependent with others through life. This is when we come full circle and realize that running from our past and heritage does not bring us fulfilment, as we are denying parts of our selves that are inalienable. With maturity and humility comes the desire to discover oneself as an integrated whole, rather than focus on separate pieces of ourselves. We learn to accept and embrace our past, present and future, and recognize that we are at a certain point in life because that is how we have shaped our life to be, both by virtue of our history, and our conscious acts of will.
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." ~ Nelson Mandela
Life is a journey to be savored, not a destination to arrive at; the learnings and lessons are in the process, not in the final "treasure to be found at a certain place". The journey of self discovery is the most poignant experience of our lives, if undertaken with sincerity, honesty and openness. We start our lives as babies, helpless and dependent on our parents for the smallest of our needs. As young adults most people struggle with their own identity and seek to establish their own place in life, often vowing to be different from their parents. Although apparently rooted in defiance, it is a healthy sign of independence that spurs us to take responsibility for charting our own course through life. However, our perspective changes as we mature, and we realize that complete independence only gets us so far, and we learn to be interdependent with others through life. This is when we come full circle and realize that running from our past and heritage does not bring us fulfilment, as we are denying parts of our selves that are inalienable. With maturity and humility comes the desire to discover oneself as an integrated whole, rather than focus on separate pieces of ourselves. We learn to accept and embrace our past, present and future, and recognize that we are at a certain point in life because that is how we have shaped our life to be, both by virtue of our history, and our conscious acts of will.
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." ~ Nelson Mandela
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Creating a Life Worth Living
How do you keep your balance in this day and age of tight budgets, uncertain economy, and ever increasing demands of career and life? By taking responsibility for your life, taking stock of what occupies your time and energy and consciously re-allocating them to the things that matter most, you can create a life truly worth living! It is true that we make time for what is important to us; we have the ability to choose our priorities. Living a balanced and fulfilling life is the result of aligning our priorities with our deepest values and choosing our actions accordingly, rather than merely reacting to what happens to us on a daily basis. It is about drafting a plan of action for life, and then living out that plan according to the guiding principles and objectives that form its foundation.
A lot has been said and written about the importance of managing your time, setting goals and priorities. These are good techniques on how to go about making the best use of your resources, but miss one important ingredient: the WHY of doing them! Life is not a random happening; we are on this earth for a finite amount of time for a reason. A life well lived is one that leaves the world a little better than before. When we are motivated by our deepest values and core beliefs, we are able to take a long-range view of life as a marathon rather than a series of sprints in random directions. By actively defining our values and focusing on the ultimate goal, namely leaving the world a better place, we are able to make small changes that lead to great contributions. Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love”.
When you go about the business of living with a desire to create a life that makes a positive difference in the lives of others around you, no step of that journey is wasted! The life plan is our vision of what we want our life to be, what lessons we want to impart to people we have the fortune to teach, how we want to be remembered by the world when we are gone. Living day to day is like driving a car, and your life plan is the road map to get from the point of origin to your destination. When you are going in cruise control on a straight road, you still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel to make sure you stay on the road. If we cannot let go of the steering wheel of a car, how can we let go of the direction of our life? There will inevitably be speed bumps, bends, twists and roadblocks along the way. We will be sure to end up by the wayside if we are not carefully maneuvering our way to stay on course. In life, as in driving, it is important to remember that in order to achieve our overall objective; we have to pay attention to the short-term and immediate needs as a means to an end and not an end in themselves. If you hit a speed bump, or someone cuts you off on the road of life, you should not abandon the course, rather remember the reason you are on the road in the first place and focus your attention on achieving it.
In his book, “Man's Search for Meaning”, Victor Frankl states "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible." (p.172). Too often we get bogged down with pondering on the purpose of life without realizing that the answer is not an obscure theory, it is a tangible reality that we help shape every day of our lives. Different religions offer their own versions of the purpose of human existence, the glory of God, the service of people, suffering and humility being the most prominent ones. It is important to recognize that your life cannot be a function of something outside of your mind and soul; it has to be at the very core of your heart. By actively shaping your vision of life you create a personal, real and tangible plan upon which you build your life.
In order to create a balanced and fulfilling life, we need to strike a balance among the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our lives. Taking care of your health and physical well-being is paramount in leading a positive life. When you take the time to nourish your body and improve your health, you are building your capacity for a fulfilling life. If you want to weather the storms of life safely, you have to make yourself strong enough to withstand the storms! However, too much focus on the physical can lead to unhealthy obsessions about it without realizing that it is not an end in itself, rather a means to an end. The body is the vehicle for the spirit, the person within. The quality of a life is measured in the value of its relationships. Nurturing the relationships in your life is the best investment in your emotional health and well-being. Human beings have an innate need to be heard, and when you make the time to hear someone out, to understand them and empathize with them, you build bonds that last a lifetime and enrich both lives. Acknowledging all of our feelings, accepting our need for social bonding and developing caring and mutually nurturing relationships with our loved ones and the world at large helps us develop a healthy and positive self-image feeding our emotional needs.
The way to continuous personal growth is through learning, stretching and developing our mental capacities. We develop and expand our horizons by reading, sharing, listening and learning. Opening ourselves up to the possibility of growth is an important first step in our mental development; we have the opportunity to learn from experiences large and small if we are willing to look at things in a different perspective. All the personal development can be an exercise in futility if we cannot see a greater purpose to our actions, a cause larger than our self. The essence of spirituality is the pursuit of good beyond our immediate person. When you reach out to help a fellow human being in distress, when you go out of your way to be kind, sympathetic, helpful, and supportive to another human being without thinking “what’s in it for me”, you rise above personal gain for a greater cause. Reaching out beyond yourself to play a positive role in the community creates a spiritual connection and develops bonds with others in the pursuit of a greater goal. This spirit of shared purpose is what nourishes our soul in its spiritual development.
When we develop a conscious awareness of our priorities and develop a “plan of action” for life in line with our values, we are well on our way to creating a life worth living. It is my firm belief that no experience in life is wasted if we absorb the lesson it teaches and use it to mold the rest of our life. Life is a series of experiences that are linked together by the conscious desire to create a larger, more meaningful impact. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, each piece may not represent anything of significance, but all pieces are vital in creating the greater picture which is unique in its beauty and significance.
A lot has been said and written about the importance of managing your time, setting goals and priorities. These are good techniques on how to go about making the best use of your resources, but miss one important ingredient: the WHY of doing them! Life is not a random happening; we are on this earth for a finite amount of time for a reason. A life well lived is one that leaves the world a little better than before. When we are motivated by our deepest values and core beliefs, we are able to take a long-range view of life as a marathon rather than a series of sprints in random directions. By actively defining our values and focusing on the ultimate goal, namely leaving the world a better place, we are able to make small changes that lead to great contributions. Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love”.
When you go about the business of living with a desire to create a life that makes a positive difference in the lives of others around you, no step of that journey is wasted! The life plan is our vision of what we want our life to be, what lessons we want to impart to people we have the fortune to teach, how we want to be remembered by the world when we are gone. Living day to day is like driving a car, and your life plan is the road map to get from the point of origin to your destination. When you are going in cruise control on a straight road, you still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel to make sure you stay on the road. If we cannot let go of the steering wheel of a car, how can we let go of the direction of our life? There will inevitably be speed bumps, bends, twists and roadblocks along the way. We will be sure to end up by the wayside if we are not carefully maneuvering our way to stay on course. In life, as in driving, it is important to remember that in order to achieve our overall objective; we have to pay attention to the short-term and immediate needs as a means to an end and not an end in themselves. If you hit a speed bump, or someone cuts you off on the road of life, you should not abandon the course, rather remember the reason you are on the road in the first place and focus your attention on achieving it.
In his book, “Man's Search for Meaning”, Victor Frankl states "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible." (p.172). Too often we get bogged down with pondering on the purpose of life without realizing that the answer is not an obscure theory, it is a tangible reality that we help shape every day of our lives. Different religions offer their own versions of the purpose of human existence, the glory of God, the service of people, suffering and humility being the most prominent ones. It is important to recognize that your life cannot be a function of something outside of your mind and soul; it has to be at the very core of your heart. By actively shaping your vision of life you create a personal, real and tangible plan upon which you build your life.
In order to create a balanced and fulfilling life, we need to strike a balance among the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our lives. Taking care of your health and physical well-being is paramount in leading a positive life. When you take the time to nourish your body and improve your health, you are building your capacity for a fulfilling life. If you want to weather the storms of life safely, you have to make yourself strong enough to withstand the storms! However, too much focus on the physical can lead to unhealthy obsessions about it without realizing that it is not an end in itself, rather a means to an end. The body is the vehicle for the spirit, the person within. The quality of a life is measured in the value of its relationships. Nurturing the relationships in your life is the best investment in your emotional health and well-being. Human beings have an innate need to be heard, and when you make the time to hear someone out, to understand them and empathize with them, you build bonds that last a lifetime and enrich both lives. Acknowledging all of our feelings, accepting our need for social bonding and developing caring and mutually nurturing relationships with our loved ones and the world at large helps us develop a healthy and positive self-image feeding our emotional needs.
The way to continuous personal growth is through learning, stretching and developing our mental capacities. We develop and expand our horizons by reading, sharing, listening and learning. Opening ourselves up to the possibility of growth is an important first step in our mental development; we have the opportunity to learn from experiences large and small if we are willing to look at things in a different perspective. All the personal development can be an exercise in futility if we cannot see a greater purpose to our actions, a cause larger than our self. The essence of spirituality is the pursuit of good beyond our immediate person. When you reach out to help a fellow human being in distress, when you go out of your way to be kind, sympathetic, helpful, and supportive to another human being without thinking “what’s in it for me”, you rise above personal gain for a greater cause. Reaching out beyond yourself to play a positive role in the community creates a spiritual connection and develops bonds with others in the pursuit of a greater goal. This spirit of shared purpose is what nourishes our soul in its spiritual development.
When we develop a conscious awareness of our priorities and develop a “plan of action” for life in line with our values, we are well on our way to creating a life worth living. It is my firm belief that no experience in life is wasted if we absorb the lesson it teaches and use it to mold the rest of our life. Life is a series of experiences that are linked together by the conscious desire to create a larger, more meaningful impact. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, each piece may not represent anything of significance, but all pieces are vital in creating the greater picture which is unique in its beauty and significance.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Building Bridges
Walking through the sands of life
One day, I looked back
And was heartened to see
That my footprints
Were not lost in the sand
Who knows when someone
Following in my footsteps
May find their destination
And I may be redeemed.
Life is like walking through a thick jungle, and often you are looking for light to get to your destination. Sometimes you come to a clearing and get excited that you are getting close to your destination, only to find out, it is a clearing around a body of water. If the body of water is a small puddle, you can jump over it, if it is a pond, you can go around it and continue on your journey through life. If it is a larger body of water, you cannot go around it so easily. When encountered with a raging river you are faced with several choices in your quest to continue your journey:
1. Turn around and go back where you came from,
2. Pace up and down the bank and stay stuck there,
3. Build a house and make a life at the river bank,
4. Swim across against the current,
5. Build a boat or raft to cross the river, or
6. Build a bridge to get across the river!
All of these choices require progressively greater effort, but also yield progressively greater rewards. I choose to build a bridge, so the lessons I have learned through life are not lost. And today I am happy to see that we have been able to help others on a similar journey get to their destinations faster because they don't have to start from scratch and re-invent the wheel! They can benefit from the work of others who have gone before them and left markers and bridges to make their journey easier.
One day, I looked back
And was heartened to see
That my footprints
Were not lost in the sand
Who knows when someone
Following in my footsteps
May find their destination
And I may be redeemed.
Life is like walking through a thick jungle, and often you are looking for light to get to your destination. Sometimes you come to a clearing and get excited that you are getting close to your destination, only to find out, it is a clearing around a body of water. If the body of water is a small puddle, you can jump over it, if it is a pond, you can go around it and continue on your journey through life. If it is a larger body of water, you cannot go around it so easily. When encountered with a raging river you are faced with several choices in your quest to continue your journey:
1. Turn around and go back where you came from,
2. Pace up and down the bank and stay stuck there,
3. Build a house and make a life at the river bank,
4. Swim across against the current,
5. Build a boat or raft to cross the river, or
6. Build a bridge to get across the river!
All of these choices require progressively greater effort, but also yield progressively greater rewards. I choose to build a bridge, so the lessons I have learned through life are not lost. And today I am happy to see that we have been able to help others on a similar journey get to their destinations faster because they don't have to start from scratch and re-invent the wheel! They can benefit from the work of others who have gone before them and left markers and bridges to make their journey easier.
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