Respect

The engineer who most assiduously respects the laws of physics is able to create the most useful machines. The government which best respects the will of the people becomes the most powerful and beneficial. The degree to which a business respects its customers has a direct impact on the success of that business.

The forces of nature can be powerful, harsh and potentially destructive. Yet with enough understanding and respect, they can be harnessed and put to positive use. The same can be said of human forces.

When you learn to understand and act in harmony with the world around you, the results are much better than if you try to hide from it or fight against it. Most things can be harmful or helpful depending on the amount of respect and understanding you grant them.

The things which still work against you, are lessons available to hone your skill and understanding. Heed them well and their substantial power can be yours.
By Ralph S. Marston The Daily Motivator®

Words For Today

To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate
the beautiful thing: that is enough for one man's life.
T. S. Eliot

The sign of intelligent people is their ability to control emotions
by the application of reason.
Marya Mannes

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Focus on Your Future, Not Your Past

Your future is a big adventure.
Prepare for your future don't live in the past.
Savor your good memories,
use any bad ones as lessons in life.

Carve out a niche for yourself in your imagined future.
Think, feel and see yourself as successful.
To achieve any goal in life, you need to project your end result.
Think of the elation, the satisfaction, the joy you'll feel.
Carry these ecstatic feelings with you every day
and they'll bring your desired goals into view.

Sooner or later, you can win if you think you can.
The cards you are dealt in life
are less important than the way you play them.
Everyday you're offered a new deal and new cards.

Success is in your future if you're willing to work for it.
By Max Steingart


Words For Today

When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people:
those who let it happen, those who make it happen,
and those who wonder what happened.
John M Richardson Jr


Gratitude helps you to grow and expand;
gratitude brings joy and laughter into your
life and into the lives of all those around you.
Eileen Caddy

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Freedom Means Responsibility

Freedom is the right to live as you wish.
If you wish to free yourself from enslavement,
you must choose freedom and the responsibility it entails.
There's a price for every freedom,
something to be given up for every liberty.

It's up to you to weigh the price you must pay
for each of your freedoms.
And everything you want has a price.

Freedom is the opportunity to make decisions.
It's the capacity to take a hand in your own development.
Freedom is the right to choose.
It's the right to create for yourself the alternatives of choice.

No one is free who is not master of himself.
You are free to do whatever you like.
You need only face the consequences of your actions.
By Max Steingart

Words For Today

The secret to living the life of your dreams is to start living it,
at once, to any degree that you possibly can.
Mike Dooley

The best way to predict your future is to invent it. It's up to you.
Frank Maguire

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Forgiveness

Think of the time and energy a little forgiveness could buy you.

Being frustrated, annoyed or angry uses up your precious time, energy, thoughts and actions. Certainly there are situations worth getting angry about, but do you truly wish to give over even a little bit of yourself to the petty little things which really don't matter?

When someone does something to annoy you, consider how much of your valuable time you could save by forgiving that person, in your own mind, right then. When you forgive before you've even shown any anger, the matter will die and you can quickly move on.

Expect the best from those around you, and you'll very likely get it. Yet when someone falls short of your expectations, don't aggravate the problem by letting it sap your time and energy. Look for a way to quickly forgive and forget.

The more little things you can forgive, the more big things you can accomplish.
By Ralph S. Marston, Jr. The Daily Motivator


Words For Today

Let's assume that each person has an equal opportunity,
not to become equal, but to become different.
To realize whatever unique potential of body,
mind and spirit he or she possesses.
John Fischer

Adversity is the first path to truth.
George Gordon, Lord Byron

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Stay in The Game If You Want To Win

The more you try, the greater your chance of succeeding.
The law of averages is on your side.

Taking a risk is often your first necessary step toward success.
If you don't take some risks, you won't get the chance to succeed.
While you are trying, you are winning.

Never get discouraged.

Every wrong attempt is another step forward.
People that make no mistakes usually don't make anything.

Make up your mind not merely to overcome a thousand obstacles,
but to win in spite of a thousand defeats.
Your mistakes are stepping stones
to success and your installment payments to victory.

You can't be a winner and be afraid to lose.
By Max Steingart

Words For Today

There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and
no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.
Henry David Thoreau

The meaning of life is not to be discovered only after death in some hidden,
mysterious realm; on the contrary, it can be found by eating the succulent fruit
of the Tree of Life and by living in the here and now as fully and creatively as we can
Paul Kurtz

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Glimpse the light

How do you know that things are bad? It is only by seeing that they can indeed be better. How do you know that you have failed? It is only because you have a very real concept of success. How do you know you're in the dark? It is only because you have glimpsed the light.

The longing which accompanies misfortune is an undeniable confirmation of the very real possibility of good fortune. Even the slightest twinge of discontent is evidence of the greatness that is surely possible for you.

In your disappointment is the affirmation of your possibilities. In the bitter is the grasp of sweetness. The pain of defeat does not prevent victory. Rather, it demonstrates that victory is indeed possible.

Do not be dismayed by your dismay. Find in it the resolve that it carries, and let it push you in a more positive direction.
By Ralph S. Marston, Jr. The Daily Motivator®


Words For Today
When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.
John M Richardson Jr

Forgiveness is the economy of the heart...
Forgiveness saves the expense of anger,
the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.
Hannah Moore

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Laugh; It's Healthy

The ability to laugh at a situation or problem gives us a feeling of superiority and power. Humor and laughter can help you build a positive and hopeful attitude. You are less likely to succumb to feelings of depression and hopelessness if you are able to laugh at what is troubling you. Humor gives us a sense of perception on our problems. Laughter provides an opportunity for the release of those uncomfortable emotions, which, if held inside, may create biochemical changes that are harmful to the body.

No matter what you problem is, laugh it off.

Words For Today

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person
with a certain set of attitudes.
Hugh Downs


Our lives are a reflection of our habits
More than our education
Anonymous

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Habits of Highly Successful People

Success is really a profound individual perception. Not only is there the commercialized notion of success, bred by whatever culture you live in, but individually, success is different for everyone, and changes as you grow older.


But there are also certain habits and characteristics that more successful people display than others.

This is a great list created by LifeHack, of qualities that successful people have, which have been noted in many books on the subject:


1. They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.

2. They find lessons while others only see problems.

3. They are solution focused.

4. They consciously and methodically create their own success.

5. They may be fearful, but they are not controlled or limited by fear.

6. They ask the right questions -- the ones which put them in a positive mindset and emotional state.

7. They rarely complain.

8. They don’t blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions and outcomes.

9. They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what they have effectively.

10. They are busy, productive and proactive.

11. They align themselves with like-minded people.

12. They are ambitious.

13. They have clarity and certainty about what they want.

14. They innovate instead of imitate.

15. They don’t procrastinate.

16. They are life-long learners.

17. They are glass half full people, while still being practical and down-to-earth.

18. They consistently do what they need to do, regardless of how they are feeling on a given day.

19. They take calculated risks.

20. They deal with problems quickly and effectively.

21. They don’t believe in, or wait for, fate, destiny, chance or luck.

22. They take action before they have to.

23. They are more effective than most at managing their emotions.

24. They are good communicators.

25. They have a plan for their life and they work methodically to turn that plan into a reality.

26. They become exceptional by choice.

27. They work through the tough stuff that most would avoid.

28. They have identified what is important to them and they do their best to live a life which is reflective of those values.

29. They have balance. They know that money is a tool and ultimately, it’s just another resource.

30. They understand the importance of discipline and self-control.

31. They are secure in their sense of self-worth.

32. They are generous and kind.

33. They are happy to admit mistakes and apologize.

34. They are adaptable and embrace change.

35. They keep themselves in shape physically.

36. They work hard and are not lazy.

37. They are resilient.

38. They are open to, and more likely to act upon, feedback.

39. They don’t hang out with toxic people.

40. They don’t invest time or emotional energy into uncontrollable things.

41. They are happy to swim against the tide.

42. They comfortable with their own company.

43. They set high standards for themselves.

44. They don’t rationalize failure.

45. They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and to have fun.

46. Their career is not their identity, it’s their job.

47. They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.

48. They finish what they start.

49. They realize that not only are they physical and psychological beings, but emotional and spiritual creatures as well.

50. They practice what they preach.
Sources:

* Lifehack May 12, 2008


Words For Today

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person
with a certain set of attitudes.
Hugh Downs

Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do
something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning.
Mahatma Gandhi

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How To Be Happy

In the last four posts, I have extensively discussed some of the habits we must build to lead a happier life. However, it is easily enough said that happiness comes with a cheerful and outgoing disposition, with having positive self esteem and attitude and/or with building and maintaining loving relationships, but the problem is, how can we build or strengthen such traits?

In the last four posts, I have extensively discussed some of the habits we must build to lead a happier life. However, it is easily enough said that happiness comes with a cheerful and outgoing disposition, with having positive self esteem and attitude and/or with building and maintaining loving relationships, but the problem is, how can we build or strengthen such traits?

It is often argued that our basic personality, especially after childhood, is difficult to change; that traits like emotional stability, openness and outgoingness seem to persist after childhood. Although there is some truth in this, it is also true that we have the power to influence our destinies. Each and every one of us is a creator, as well as a creature of his social world. We can decide what we want with our lives and pursue this course.

More importantly, social psychologists have proven, over the last few decades that the actions we take leave a residue in us. Every time we act, the underlying idea or tendency behind the action gets amplified. This shows that our traits and attitudes are greatly influenced by our behaviors. The long and short of this is that, if you want to be happy, start acting happy right away. Each time you smile at somebody or something, the tendency to smile increases in you; each time you reach out and mix with people, the tendency to be more friendly increases in you and each time you show gratitude for what life has endowed you with, you become happier and more contented.


Do not expect to change your life in one day; that's impossible. But with every action in the right direction, you get closer to what you want your life to be like. Do you want to change something about your life? Maybe you want to boost your self esteem, become more optimistic and socially assertive, or you just want to be more outgoing and friendly to people. The best approach is to start doing that very thing right NOW. Pretend self-esteem. Feign optimism. Simulate outgoingness. Don't worry that it doesn't feel like you NOW, remember that it's always like that when you step into new roles, perhaps your first day as a parent, teacher or salesperson. After sometime, these attitudes no longer feel like you're pretending, they gradually become a part of you.

So, if you want to be happy, start 'acting' happy right NOW.


Words for Today

The greatest thing is this world is not so
Much about where we are, but in what direction
We are moving
Oliver Wendel Holmes


Human felicity is produced not so much by
great pieces of good fortunes that seldom happen
as little adventures that occur everyday
Benjamin Franklin


Do You Know That...

Mosquito repellants don't repel, they hide you. The spray blocks the mosquito's sensors so they don't know you're there.

Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6feet from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush


Uncommon Wisdom
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

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Gratitude

Gratitude is a commonly misunderstood concept. But without going into much detail, it suffices to say that gratitude involves showing appreciation for everything life has offered you; from the very minute to the very conspicuous blessing in your life. Gratitude enables us to reach down within us, it shows us the numerous blessings life has been generous enough to endow us with, and by these, gratitude lead us to contentment and happiness.

Gratitude is a commonly misunderstood concept. But without going into much detail, it suffices to say that gratitude involves showing appreciation for everything life has offered you; from the very minute to the very conspicuous blessing in your life. Gratitude enables us to reach down within us, it shows us the numerous blessings life has been generous enough to endow us with, and by these, gratitude lead us to contentment and happiness.

There are a lot of things in your life worth appreciating and until you look within and appreciate these favors, happiness would remain elusive. By appreciating what you are, you gain a better perception of yourself, instead of what someone else wants you to believe. It becomes easier to build courage and self esteem, you become capable of taking control of your life, instead of blaming everything on someone else; and consequently, you become a happier person.

In same light, by showing gratitude for what you have; the little successes you have had in life, it becomes easier to believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. You learn to magnify your little success, so that they overshadow your fear of failure. Success then comes to your more often and more easily and with this comes fulfillment and lasting happiness.

When you learn to show gratitude to the people around you, those inspiring smiles from your neighbor, that beautiful remark from your co-worker, those loving kisses from your spouse, all these come together, so that at the end of the day, you find yourself happier, more friendly to people around you and more lovable.

Gratitude opens the door to lasting happiness.

Starting from NOW, search within you everyday and find something to be grateful for. Write out every success you've had in life and remind yourself of these, every time failure stares you in the face. Don't let those inspiring smiles you get go unappreciated. Learn to smile more often, be more friendly, go out of your way to help people when the need arises. And before you know it, happiness would flow into your life and become a part of it.


Words for Today

Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight
In the mind, and it fills it with a steady
And perpetual serenity
Joseph Addison


We secure our friends, not by accepting favors,
But by doing them
Thucydides

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Paths to Happiness [3]

Good Relationship
As far fetched as it seems, maintaining good relationship with people close to you could indeed bring lasting happiness. Much of the depression and pessimism that is prevalent today could be attributed to the growth of individualism in the world. Everybody has become an island that wants to survive on its own. Our fathers didn't live their lives this way.

There is a lot to be gained from building and maintaining loving relationships with people close to you. When you are in love, there is always a listening ear when you need to be heard and a shoulder to lean on, when you are in tears. More importantly, there is someone to share your happiness, aspirations and ambitions with. Extroverts are always happy because they mix with people, make friends and build relationships easily. They like themselves, like people around them and are confident that they will be liked too. As a result, they are always likeable. Why? Because they go out of their way to make friends and build relationships.

We can't all be extroverts, but in your own way, reach out to the people around you. Make new friends and make sure that old friends count. Be concerned about others and you'll be liked in exchange. As small it as it seems, a single smile from someone you care about might be enough to wipe out your worries.

You won't find lasting happiness if your problems and failures, your visions, ambitions and successes all remain within you. There is a lot of joy in sharing, especially those intimate feelings of the heart. Go make some new friends today and start building your own network of happy people.

Words for Today

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as you ever can
John Wesley

Our lives are a reflection of our habits
More than our education
Anonymous

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