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Tuesday, June 03, 2008

How to Make Friends


How to Make Friends


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

There's a certain beauty in being a lone wolf (people with no friends). You have more time to do things you want to do, like talk to yourself, play solitaire, write poetry, or try to carry that couch into your new apartment all by yourself. If that's not your bag, though, there are literally billions of potential friends in the world. What's more, many of these people want to make friends just as much as you do. So just follow these steps to meet new people and form strong, lasting friendships.

Steps


  1. Get out and meet people! If you want to make friends, you first need to meet people. No matter where you live, this should be fairly easy. Just in case you're stumped, here are just a few suggestions.
    • If you're in school or work and have a lot of co-workers and peers, you're surrounded by potential friends for a large portion of your day. A way to make a friend is to not be shy; go up to that person ask questions, like "what is your name?" "Are you on a team?" Act friendly and be honest and trustworthy.
    • Join a club with people of common interests. You don't necessarily have to have a lot of common interests with people in order to make friends with them--in fact, some of the most rewarding friendships are between two people who don't have much in common at all--but if you have something in common with people, it can make it a lot easier to talk to them and plan activities initially. Whatever your age and whatever your interests, there is a club or organization for you.
    • Join a team. Especially if you're in school, joining a sports team can be great way to make friends. A common misconception about this is that you have to be really good at playing a particular sport in order to make friends with others on the team, or if you're in elementary school just join a sport or do drama with your friend . As long as you enjoy the sport or other activities, try your best, and acknowledge that you're not a pro, your teammates will usually be more than happy to accept you for who you are.
    • Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way for people of all ages to meet others. By working together you build bonds with people, you could maybe even join girl scouts, or cub scouts because you'll be doing charity work and also making friends that way, the fact that you're devoting your time to something free of charge shows that you're compassionate and unselfish, two traits of good friends.
    • Get online. In general, the internet isn't a great place to make real friends, the kind who will be there for you when you really need them. Never use the internet to meet some one you now will consider your "best friend". You don't know this person and making them your best friend will not do anything good in your life. If you live in a really isolated place, the internet can also help you find other people around the world that share your interests.

  2. Talk to people. You can join a club, go to school, or go to church, and you still won't make friends if you don't actually talk to people. By the same token, you don't have to be involved with an organization to talk to people, and any time you talk to someone, you have a chance at making a lasting friend. You can talk to anybody: the clerk at the video store, the person sitting next to you on the bus, or the person in front of you on the lunch line. Don't be picky. Most conversations will be a dead-end of sorts, in that you may never talk to that person again or you'll just remain acquaintances, but once in a while you'll actually make a friend.
    • Introduce yourself early in the conversation. Your name doesn't necessarily need to be the first thing out of your mouth, but if you're looking to make friends, knowing each other's names is a good start. Once you introduce yourself, the other person will typically do the same. Remember his or her name, and use it later in the conversation.
    • Make small talk. Friends can talk about just about anything, but you don't want to get too personal when you first meet someone. Just make good, inoffensive small talk at first.
    • Open up the opportunity for another meeting. When you meet someone whom you think might make a good friend, try to exchange contact information. This is especially important if you meet someone who you aren't otherwise likely to meet again. Seize the day!
    • If you've discovered that the person you're talking to has a common interest, ask him or her more about it and, if appropriate, whether they get together with others, in a club, for example, to pursue this interest. If so, this is a perfect opportunity to ask about joining them. If you have a club, band, church, etc. that you think they might enjoy take the opportunity to give them your number or email address and invite them to join you.
    • If you're new in town or at school and are just looking to meet people, don't be afraid to mention this. People are often excited about meeting new people, showing them around, and introducing them to their friends.

  3. Be fun to be around. You don't have to be a superstar to be fun. You don't even have to do cartwheels. You do need to be positive and friendly, however, so that people feel good when they're around you. From the very first conversation you have with someone, you should use body language to convey that you are affable, non-threatening, and approachable. Smile frequently, laugh often, and make eye contact. In your words, be confident, but don't be cocky, condescending, or mean-spirited.
  4. Be a good listener. Many people think that in order to be seen as "friend material" they have to appear very interesting. Far more important than this, however, is the ability to show that you're interested in others. Listen carefully to what people say, remember important details about them (their names, their likes and dislikes), ask questions about their interests, and just take the time to learn more about them. People love to talk about themselves, and the easiest way to be likeable is to listen. You don't want to be the guy or girl that always has a better story than anyone else or that changes the subject abruptly instead of continuing the flow of conversation. These people appear too wrapped up in themselves to be good friends.
  5. Be reliable. The steps above are great for making acquaintances, but how do acquaintances become lifelong friends? One important trait of a good friend is reliability. When you say you'll do something, do it. Be someone that people know that they can count on.
  6. Be trustworthy. One of the best things about having a friend is that you have someone to whom you can talk about anything, even secrets that you hide from the rest of the world. The key to being a good confidante is the ability to keep secrets, so it's no secret that you shouldn't tell other people things that were told to you in confidence. Before people even feel comfortable opening up to you, however, you need to build trust. Be honest about yourself and your beliefs, and don't gossip about others or spread rumors.
  7. Be there. You've probably heard of fair-weather friends. They're the ones who are happy to be around you when things are going well, but are nowhere to be found when you really need them. Part of being a friend is being prepared to make sacrifices of your time and energy in order to help out your friends. If a friend needs help with an unpleasant chore, or if he or she just needs a shoulder to cry on, be there.
  8. Be true to yourself. A good friend sometimes does things he or she doesn't want to do, such as helping a friend move or going to see a band that you don't really like, but you should never feel pressured to do something you think is wrong. Stay true to your convictions and beliefs, and if this causes you to lose some friends, you're better off without them. You'll also find that your integrity may help you win a lot of other friends, and if you just be yourself you'll make friends who like you for who you are.


Tips


  • Accept everyone for who they are and never bring anyone down or try to change someone (especially if they've done nothing to hurt or offend you). This communicates insecurity. If you don't get along with someone, try avoidance instead of creating a rivalry.
  • Always trust your gut feelings about people. If you feel someone (as nice as they may seem) is not the right person to make friends with, then move along.
  • Don't be clingy or annoying. Over-obsessing over someone makes you seem weird and strange, not friendly.
  • You never want to seem desperate. Don't chide acquaintances for failing to invite you to a party, for example; don't call someone over and over or stop by uninvited; and never overstay your welcome anywhere. In general, take friendship slowly, and don't try to become close to somebody right away. The move from acquaintance to friend can take a long time, and if you appear too clingy, potential friends may think you're too much work.
  • Keep the lines of communication open. Lasting friendships don't just happen. They require work, especially if one friend moves away for an extended period or for good. Even if you don't get to see a friend, you should try to call or email him or her regularly just to check in and say "hi." With any luck, they'll do the same. It's easy to lose friends to distance, but it isn't necessary.
  • It's easier to be yourself than to be someone who you are not because the only reason true friends want to be friends with you is because of your personality. But if you decide to act a certain way around people, nobody will know who you really are.


Warnings


  • Don't try to change yourself in order to fit in to make new friends. If you have to change yourself to be with a group of people then they are not worth being friends with.
  • Remember, never leave old friends because you like someone else more. This is a big, bad mistake. It's great to have different groups of friends, but if you abandon one group for another, you may soon find yourself without any friends at all.
  • Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right. If one of your friends is doing something that you know is wrong, confront them. If you're a friend, you won't let them do the wrong thing.
  • Be careful about getting together with people that you meet online. They might not be who they say they are.
  • Don't try to buy friends by giving people gifts or money. While it's nice to give a friend a gift sometimes, if you go overboard it's creepy. A person who will "be your friend" because you buy him or her things probably just likes things, not you.
  • It is good to identify your own aims and objectives in life so that genuine and honest firends with common interests [not flatterers or cheats] would come together as friends, even though casual contacts may continue to exist.


Related wikiHows





Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Friends. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 3:05 PM 0 comments
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Monday, June 02, 2008

A Thought for Today :




The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil - Cicero

Grateful thanks to Jon Sullivan and Public-Domain-Photos.com for freely providing the photo.

Posted by SURI at 4:21 PM 0 comments
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How to Organise an Event


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

How to manage an event, school program, corporate function, get-together, culturals, wedding. (More points, tips,(like time management, managing the show) will be coming up in next two weeks, keep checking and fine tuning this article)

Steps



Planning
  1. Have a good team who knows how to do different things, from meeting people, preparing schedules and budgets, making agendas and invitations, printing various year books.
  2. Have some volunteers, who have good influence (to call Important Person as Chief Guest), know where to get things done.
  3. Prepare a Budget. All possible expenses, incomes, sponsors, contingent expenses.
  4. Prepare a draft invitation. Focus here is to find the date, time, venues, chief guest, name of the event, tag-line for the event.
  5. Prepare a draft schedule of the programs in the event.


Take Action
  1. Fix the date, place (venue), Chief Guest, name of the Event and Tag Line. (See tips for Venue and Date.)
  2. Get approval of your budget, schedule etc from your team members or any authorities.
  3. Have a meeting for brain-storming and action plan.
  4. Delegate work to different people and let an experienced person coordinate all activities. If the event is a mega-event, let different people coordinated different activities, under the supervision of one person. The team leader should be trusted by the team members.
  5. Inform about your program in your website
  6. Collect sponsors and other sources of money from delegates.
  7. Market the event. Prepare brochure, release advertisement, inform the media, send mails, make phone calls, send sms, messages to e-groups, visit people etc to get delegates and sponsors.
  8. Some time make sure all administrative works like accounting, correspondence etc goes on well and in time.
  9. Take care of any creative works like finding name of the event, designing front cover for any year-book, brochures, etc.
  10. Have a time line (with deadline) for each activity.
  11. Make sure the team do not have any internal problems.
  12. Get the event things like any games, medals, mementos, prizes, certificates ready
  13. Make arrangement for Photos, videos etc.
  14. Make arrangement for Water, Food, Caterers. Make sure restroom facility are available. Make sure any special arrangement for any people should be make. (Eg. Prayer Room, Beds, for physically challenged, For nursing mothers,)
  15. Make arrangement for chairs, tables, backdrop, mics, speakers, computers, LCD projector, podium, table clothes, stationery's, directions, seating arrangements, name board of VIP, etc is ready.
  16. Make transportation and travelling arrangement for participants and organizers. Prepare a itinerary for all outstation participates. Make a written schedule.
  17. Make accommodations and pick-up and drop back facility.
  18. Prepare the list with all relevant mobile, phone numbers, emails ids of team members. Also, make a similar contact list for VIP, and supplier of any goods or services.
  19. Visit the venue with your team members, look around the place including parking, toilets, green rooms, contact person, arrangements, various entrances and exits, lifts. Look for nearby place where you can take photocopy, make phone calls, buy any things in case of emergency.
  20. Give proper instructions to the team members on how to handle every situation.
  21. Make sure you communicate with every one on how to reach the venue and the time.


Work to be done 24 hours to 36 hours before the event
  1. Check whether all invitation has been sent. Otherwise, make phone calls to invite people.
  2. Remind VIPs about the events.
  3. Check whether all activities are going on schedule.
  4. Re-check with the hotels for accommodations availability with hotels.
  5. See the traveling schedule of outstation participants.
  6. Go to the venue and check whether all things are ready.
  7. Collect enough money/cash for the event expenses from concern persons.
  8. Check whether participants kit is ready.
  9. Prepare minute to minute agenda for important programs.
  10. Make a checklist of the things to be taken to the venue.
  11. Check whether enough people are there for the event, other make sure you get some more people to help you.


On the Day of Event
  1. Arrive early to the venue with your team member. Check for the electric reading or any similar reading.
  2. Make sure the organizers is wearing a distinct Badges or something similar
  3. For any transportation, check the car reading and note down the time and the reading.
  4. Put the Welcome Banners and other info in front of the building.
  5. Make a beautiful reception and registration counter.
  6. Inform the sponsors on where to put the stalls. (Make allocation of space earlier).
  7. Keep the dais, mics speakers ready. Put on music for an informal event.
  8. Make sure the host have the schedule and resume of the chief guest etc. ready. He/She should have the matter to be spoken typed and rehearsed. Make sure the host/anchor/Master of Ceremony know well about the program as well as the people who are organizing it.
  9. Have a good time management.
  10. Welcome the delegates and others.
  11. Take care of their requirement, especially, outstations and chief guest.
  12. Have a separate person to look after the needs of General Delegates (Non-VIPs) and for PR (Public Relations).
  13. Give directions to those who need.
  14. Take photos of all important things especially sponsors banners, your banner, entrance, receptions etc
  15. Ensure all resources (food, water etc) are sufficient, otherwise work out your contingent plan.
  16. Thank the delegates after the event.
  17. Take the feedback from participants
  18. Clean up the place, check the electric meter etc, remove the banners, tables, etc. Check up if you leave anything valuable, and then, leave the venue.


After the Event
  1. Thanks the concern people like the sponsors, volunteers.
  2. Finalize and settle the accounts.
  3. Have a Thanks Giving party for those who helped.
  4. Distribute the souvenir or any other publications to relevant people.
  5. Deliver the receipts to the Sponsors and others.
  6. Distribute the photos to those who require it (after developing the photos) and post the photos in your Event website.
  7. Evaluate the feedback forms (or feedback from your website)
  8. Have a post-review meeting to perform better next time.


Tips



Co-ordination
  1. Before the event have person/committee -in-charge of
    • Sponsors
    • Local Participants
    • Outstation Participants
    • International Participants
    • Chief Guest, Speakers,
    • Accounts
    • Special Events, Host Show
    • Documentation, Correspondence
    • Designing, Printing, Collection of Articles and evaluation the same
    • Prizes, Mementos, Gifts, Banners, Certificates, Souvenirs
    • Transportation, Caterers, Venue Arrangement, Decorations, Backdrop, Parking
    • Media, PR, Marketing

  2. On the Day of Event have person(s) in charge of
    • Overall Coordination
    • Local Participants
    • Outstation Participants
    • Pick up and down at Airport, Stations, Hotels,
    • Green Room
    • Food
    • On Stage Activities
    • Master of Ceremony
    • Special Events
    • Computer, LCD projector,
    • Photographer
    • Reception
    • Crowd Management and PR with Crowd
    • Parking Area
    • Security
    • Distribution of Various things (Gifts, Certificates to selected people as well as all the Participants)



Documents
  1. List of Documents (etc) to be prepared
    • Budget
    • Event Schedule (Timing of each program in the Event)
    • Invitations
    • List of people to be invited
    • Action Plan
    • Time-line (Work completion schedule)
    • Accounts
    • Communication Letters
    • Work Register
    • Designing Brochures etc
    • Preparing various articles for Souvenir
    • Materials for Press Conference
    • Speech
    • Participants List
    • Comparing Notes (along with Resume of Speakers)
    • Agenda
    • Minute to Minute Schedule
    • List of Prize Winning
    • Work Allocation List
    • Networking List (Mobile numbers of organisers)
    • Checklist of Things to be Taken
    • Checklist of Work to be Done
    • Report of the Event (for media and others)
    • Final statements of Accounts



Venue
  1. Factors to be considered while selecting a venue and negotiating the price
    • Capacity of the Hall (No. of Delegates --excluding floating delegates)
    • Provision for Food (if meals are served)
    • Provision for stalls, demo, Games, mini-conference etc
    • Flexibility (if case of informal event)
    • Timing (When does the event can start and end at the venue)
    • Lighting arrangement (in case for night events)
    • Air-conditioned or not
    • Required Equipment are provided (Mikes, Speakers, etc)
    • Furniture for dais (Tables, Chairs, Table Clothes)
    • Whether Music, Entertainment is allowed or not (for informal programs)
    • Power Backup
    • Accessibility -- whether the venue is center of city (Whether Delegates can arrive without any difficulty)
    • Penalty, in case of cancellation of venue
    • Provision for people with disability
    • Special Rooms for Organizers, Dressing up etc
    • Total Cost



Date
  1. Factors to be considered while deciding the date
    • Whether the Chief Guest and other VIPs are available on the particular date(s)
    • Venue is free on a particular date(s)
    • Most of the Delegates do not have any other engagement on those date(s)
    • Holidays -- Whether the program should be held on weekdays, weekends or other holiday
    • Whether any major exams, strike, other special event is taking place in the city or around it
    • Time need to prepared for the event
    • Time required for the outstation delegates to make arrangement and come the event



Instructions
  1. Some instructions for working in a team successfully
    • Do not criticize anyone, unless you have a suggestion or solution.
    • Do not sub-delegate the work and responsibilities given to you at any time.
    • Be punctual in all your work. If you are late, give prompt proper info to the person you report to.
    • Smile a lot. Have courtesy for everyone, in and out of your team.
    • When someone offer help (including money), respond immediately, and thank them sincerely.
    • When there is a problem, do not blame others neither put it on your head and create tension but try to solve it...
    • Do not panic/get tensed. A cool mind will produce better results at the right time.
    • If you borrow anything, take responsibility to return it at the said time.
    • Do not repeat any mistakes.
    • Planning is necessary. Planning ‘what to do’ (important things) is done in team meetings. Stick to it.
    • But planning in smaller groups ‘how to do’, ‘how it should be done’ etc., is also equally important.
    • Proper Implementation is critical for an idea, Plan to be successful till the last...
    • Be slow and steady. Do not make haste while communicating. It would only waste time.
    • Always have a good morale & positive attitude with everyone. Please do not beg to anyone.
    • Be responsible for your work.
    • Report back voluntarily to the person, who had given you the task, whether the task is successful or not. But at the said time.

  2. Instructions (given to team members especially to first time volunteers or young people) for work to be done before the event.
    • Also, try to be in formals and behave professionally
    • Keep a scribing pad and a pen always besides/with you.
    • Be firm in what you speak. Maintain eye contact with everyone you see. Have self confidence.
    • Ensure the receipts are delivered on time
    • Keep proper/correct record of all things that you handle, including cheques, banners, bills, expenses etc.,
    • After the program, thank everyone, including individual sponsors and the participants

  3. General Instructions to given for the Event.
    • One(Two) organizer(s) will be coordinating the Event for the day.
    • Co-operate with him/her. No announcements should be made without his/her knowledge.
    • Have Good formal & informal Interaction with the crowd (when ever possible)
    • Note Down all important details.
    • Follow the exact instructions given by the coordinator(s)
    • Be in full formals for the full day, especially at inauguration and valediction.
    • Be responsible for your work.
    • Do not sit with the audience or your friends in the hall. Lots of work will be pending...
    • Be ready to do any type of work…[Be it picking up papers on floor or sitting on the dais with the chief guest…]
    • Take initiative, walk around and find pending jobs that can be done by you, complete it on seeing it. Do not delegate to others…
    • Be very cheerful, especially when you are amongst the crowd.
    • Do not leave the counter/seat where you are seated/assigned.
    • Last but not the least, ENJOY THE SHOW.



Other Tips
  • Decide which things should be outsourced and which work should be done by team member. Outsourcing depends on Budget, Time, Quality, Importance of job etc.
  • Different work for organizing is like various functions. Budget and accounts is like Finance, informing the delegates and making them participate is like Marketing Job, Team Management is Like HR, transportation is like logistics, Event is like Operations, having good relations with media and others is like PR.


Warnings


  • Be prepared for any situation. Sometimes, things go out of control. If you are a team member, so don't get angry when someone shout at you, (the person may be tensed). If you are a coordinator, do not get tense and be panic. Do things coolly


Things You'll Need


  • A good and dedicated team members to do the job
  • A core team for planning and taking important decisions
  • A good network
  • Smart Work
  • Lots of Co-ordination


Related wikiHows





Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Organise an Event. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 2:34 PM 0 comments
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How to Write a Personal Mission Statement


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

There is no right or wrong way to write a personal mission statement. Personal mission statement is a fancy way of saying "these are my goals, and the code of ethics I'm going to use to live my life" So long as its meaningful to you, then thats all that matters, after all, you're going to be living by it.

Steps


  1. Intro- Traditionally a Mission statement is written to guide a person or persons on the path of life as to how they want to live. Its not so much what you want to accomplish, but how you want to live your life. Do you believe in Honesty, Justice, self- reliance? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when composing your personal Mission statement. What ethics and morals do you want to govern your life.
  2. Make a list of what morals you hold to be good and true, and then examine your daily life, what morals are easy for you, which ones do you need to work on, and which ones do you want to have. Spend a few days reflecting over what you find, and then sit down to write.
  3. From this list will come your statement. To start the pen rolling on paper, ask yourself...what is it that I want to promise myself. Do I want to promise to myself that I'll be a kinder person, a more truthful person, a spiritual person, and answer youself...To help you I'll include an example of one of my personal Mission statements in the tips section for you to read.


Tips


  • Ideally, a personal mission statement will be 1 to 2 paragraphs long, however it can be as brief or as detailed as you want it to be. The only requirement is that your mission statement remind you of the person you want to be, what you want to do and of what values and principles you hold in regard.
  • Mrscompton's personal mission statement: In order to fully live a life worthy of those who created me, I promise to uphold the Nine noble virtues which include: COURAGE - The bravery to do what is right at all times, TRUTH - The willingness to be honest and say what one knows to be true and right, HONOR - The feeling of inner value and worth from which one knows that one is noble of being, and the desire to show respect for this quality when it is found in the world, FIDELITY - The will to be loyal to one's Gods and Goddesses, to one's folk, and to one's self, DISCIPLINE - The willingness to be hard with one's self first, then if need be with others, HOSPITALITY - The willingness to share what one has with one's fellows, especially when they are far from home, INDUSTRIOUSNESS - The willingness to work hard--always striving for efficiency--as a joyous activity in itself, SELF-RELIANCE - The spirit of independence which is achieved not only for the individual but also for the family, clan, tribe, and nation, PERSEVERANCE - The spirit of stick-to-it-iveness that can always bring one back from defeat or failure--each time we fail we recognize failure for what it is and, if the purpose is true and good, we persevere until success is won. To listen to the wisdom of my elders and ancestors, to stetch my abilities, but understand and know my limitations, to grow as a person, both mentally, physically, and spiritually.


Warnings


  • Try not to include what others want you to do or who they want you to be. Focus on what you want for yourself.
  • Please Note: information of the Nine Noble Virtues was taken from the following link: http://www.angelfire.com/realm3/ninevirtues/


Related wikiHows





Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Write a Personal Mission Statement. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 2:31 PM 0 comments
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How to Get Inspired to Write


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Need that inspiration to write? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing again.

Steps


  1. Never wait for an idea to strike you. This is usually a waste of time. Instead, try some fun writing exercises which keep your brain working, thinking, making connections, and so on.
  2. Listen to people talk. In other words, eavesdrop. Listening in on a conversation you know nothing about can give you a great idea. You can make up ideas about what happened before, and what is going to happen.
  3. Play Spark the Image. This is an easy game. To play, start off with any word or object of your choosing. Envision your object, and try to think of the first thing that pops into your head that associates with your object. Do the same for the next word/object that you think of. For example, you might run through the following: yellow -> duck -> goose -> Mother Goose -> rhymes -> poetry -> Edgar Alan Poe -> Alan, your cousin -> your other cousin -> your family -> family dinner -> childhood, and so on. Use this as a quick warm-up.
  4. Freewrite! Pick a subject and keep writing about it for two minutes. Write as fast as you can and do not stop for anything, even punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc. Review your work as you're bound to find something! Even if you don't pick a subject first and start out with how boring your day was, you'll get yourself warmed up and writing, and you might just let your mind wander to something that turns out useful.
  5. Make a "What if..." list. Give yourself a scenario of about ten different problems that you might run into. Try to write up to three pages, focusing on adding at least two of these situations into the piece.
  6. Return to saved things! Read the story that you wrote in first grade about the time you lost your mitten. Read all the writings you saved. When you go back to it, you might find something inspiring.
  7. Have an open-minded spirit! When you have an idea, try to stick with it. If it turns out it's worthless, as least you tried.
  8. Play the "Name Their Story" game. This is also easy to do. Observe a stranger somewhere, such as at the mall or in a bus station and tell (imagine) his or her story using whatever clues you choose. It might be based on clothing, general demeanor, hair color, or the types books of the person is carrying under his or her arms. Whatever the outcome, it can spark some surprising observations and get your writing flowing. You can do this with an object, too. Find an item that attracts your attention and imagine where it might have been.
  9. Think of issues that you feel are important. These are easier to write about because you will probably know more about them than other things.
  10. Get outside. Go to the nearest park, and bring your notebook and pencil. Eavesdrop on others and observe persons' actions. Take notes. When you get home, write about what you say, using your notes.
  11. Think of something you are passionate about.


Tips


  • Most stories start with a good character - make a couple and put them together into the same story.
  • Work on dialog, an area that most writers struggle with. It can often help your writing become much more realistic.
  • Keep a voice recorder handy. Record your thoughts in the most possible words to best describe the tone or color of the idea. Later, listen to and revise your flow of your words to best express this tone/color, so that a third person would be able to comprehend it easily.
  • Carry around a small pocket notebook to jot down ideas, characters, opening sentences, or anything at all that makes you think, "Hey, that's pretty cool!"
  • To be a writer, you must be a reader first. Love reading!
  • People watch! Go to an area that you're fond of (airport, mall, or just in school or work) and watch the people around you. Don't make judgments, but attempt to look into their past. This is very useful for character development.
  • Keep a notebook or a few index cards handy. Your mind may be better at creativity and free associating when you're doing something else, like walking somewhere. Be ready to grab those ideas as they wander past.
  • You can use your cellphone to make tiny notes, observations etc about people, places and objects if you are unable to carry a notebook with you.


Warnings


  • Never plagiarize another person's writing. This can lead to legal issues and will also destroy your reputation as a writer of any caliber.
  • Typing and/or writing can lead to Repetitive Stress Injuries [RSIs] or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome [CTS].
  • Too much writing can cause damage to fingers. Write in moderation.


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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get Inspired to Write. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 11:55 AM 0 comments
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How to Brighten up Your Living Room


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

A drab living room can easily be transformed from drab to fab. Fresh paint, and a trip to a thrift shop for accessories, can help create a new looking room.

Steps


  1. Paint your living room a different color! It's a major change, but it's a certain way to give new attention to an old, boring room. For a big living room you can paint all of the walls a color, but if you are living in a smaller house you can choose one wall to paint and keep the others white so the new color will not be so overpowering.
  2. Buy cushions that are soft, silky or fluffy! Buy them so that they match the color scheme in your living room.
  3. Purchase modern, cool vases and some flowers to go along with them.Purchase silk flowers that are realistic and match the vibe of the room. You can get these from most places, they don't need watering and they look nice.
  4. Find some nice picture frames, fill them with family pictures or interesting pieces of modern art.
  5. Purchase a small basket that looks nice and can sit somewhere in the room and hold magazines and newspapers to minimize the clutter.
  6. Get some nice candles! You would be surprised how pretty that some [candles and candle holders are. Why do you need to buy boring, plain, simple candles? To add an extra touch of luxury, buy scented candles.
  7. Finish with a stylish, modern lamp to really brighten up your living room!


Tips


  • De-clutter it for an instant calm atmosphere!
  • Pier 1 Imports is a great place for inspiration.
  • Target and Wal-mart have very good picture frames
  • Flea markets have interesting art that is usually very inexpensive


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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Brighten up Your Living Room. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 11:50 AM 0 comments
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Letters-20: "The Gujjars Agitation"

1. The Gujjar agitation has the potential to spread to neighbouring States. No matter how genuine their demands are their violent assertion should be condemned, not heed to by political parties. – Raunaq Rathore, Noida (U.P.)

2. The Gujjar agitation proves the emptiness of the government’s reservation policy based on the caste of citizens to bestow benefits on them. It will be in the long term interest of society if the government revises its policies in favour of the economically backward. – Ramamoorthy, Madurai.

3. It seems the Gujjars feel that peaceful agitations have no meaning. This is a dangerous trend. If their protests succeed, then it will be an incentive to other less-represented OBCs to agitate for inclusion in SCs/STs list. The government must deal firmly with the situation without giving in to violence. – N.Mohan, Chennai.

4. The Gujjars should understand that a mere inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list cannot help in their all-round development. The government should focus on the reasons of their backwardness – both educational and social. – Md.Tauseef Hussain, Aligarh (U.P.).
(Letters to the Editor column of The Hindu, May 28, 2008)

5. The Catch 22 situation Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje finds herself in because of the reckless promise on granting Scheduled Tribes status to the Gujjars (Editorial, May 27, 2008, The Hindu) should be an eye-opener to politicians making hard-to-implement electoral promises. It is time political parties stopped making such promises as rice at Rs.2 a kg, free colour TVs, loan waivers, separate statehood, and reservations of various kinds. – B.Harish, Mangalore.

6. Ms Raje should have anticipated a situation like this before making an electoral promise to the Gujjars. State-level riots may potentially lead a nationwide agitation soon.
(Letters to the Editor column of The Hindu, May 29, 2008)

7. What is the rationale behind the provision of reservation envisaged in the Constitution? It is to uplift the backward classes and finally place on equal footing various sections of society. Sadly, the Vasundhara Raje government t has failed to dissipate the indignation of the Gujjars. Nobody has the time to look into the real issues behind the Gujjar outburst. The matter is not about reservation for, if you reservation to one group, another is going to demand the same after a time. It is a pointer to the fact that even after 60 years of Independence, the government has failed to provide equal opportunities for all. – Neetu Baroota, Delhi.
(Letters to the Editor column of The Hindu, May 30, 2008)

8. The violent form that the agitation by Gujjars – for the inclusion of their community in the list of Scheduled Tribes – has assumed shows that the protestors have no faith in non-violence. People in at least three States have been affected. The violence on the streets of the national capital has established the resolve of the Gujjars to continue their agitation. It is time the Rajasthan government and the Centre took appropriate action to protect the common man who is unnecessarily put to trouble by such violence. Disturbance of normal life and vandalism by a section to achieve its ends will set a bad precedent. The tendency should be curbed at all costs. – J.Srinivasan, Dindigul.

9. As responsible citizens who vote in elections, we expect our governments to ensure that harmony prevails in society. In the Gujjars’ case, the Rajasthan government and the Centre are passing the buck. They cannot continue to remain mere spectators to get political mileage from the issue. The absence of effective governance in Rajasthan is affecting other parts of the country while bringing down the nation’s image in the eyes of the world. – Kapil Kumar Singh, New Delhi.

10. One wonders how many of those protesting for the inclusion of Gujjars in the STs list understand what reservation implies. Most of them, it appears, have been misguided into believing that their children will be rendered unemployed unless they get the status. The issue, unfortunately, has snowballed into a massive law and order problem in north India. Disruption of public services, loss of property, violence and death have been the only outcome of the agitation. It only reinforces the fact that education and awareness are the only means to attain a healthy and non-violent society. – Tanvi Raghuwanshi, Jaipur.

11. Now that the Gujjar agitation has started spilling over to northern India, the Centre should start negotiations with the Gujjars. The issue should be given top priority as the Gujjar community is spread across many northern States. – Salin Thomas, Kottayam

12. All political agitations, including the ongoing Gujjar protest, end up in destruction. This, increasingly, appears to be becoming the means of asserting power. Who pays for the damage caused? The taxpayer. – Air Commodore V.V.Nair (retd.), Manipal.
(Letters to the Editor column of The Hindu, May 31, 2008)
Grateful thanks to The Hindu and the individuals who have written the above letters.
Posted by SURI at 11:27 AM 0 comments
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Saturday, May 31, 2008

A Thought for Today :

A purposeful life needs an axis or hinge to which it is firmly fixed and yet around which it can freely revolve. This axis or hinge has been, in my own case, a belief in the value of the human spirit and the virtue of human endeavour and achievement - Sir C.V.Raman
( Grateful thanks to Jon Sullivan and
Public-Domain-Photos.com for the above photo
(www.public-domain-photos.com)
Posted by SURI at 11:56 AM 3 comments

How to Brainstorm


How to Brainstorm


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Brainstorming is one of the more common types of informal invention. It should be used when writers encounter writers' block or when they are not sure what to write about. Brainstorming can also be used to guide writers in a certain direction if they already have a topic or idea that they wish to explore. This exercise helps writers to gather their thoughts and ideas before they begin a paper or other document. The end result of brainstorming should be lists of words that are somehow related in the writer's mind. These lists may be helpful in the preliminary writing process. Here are some guidelines for this type of invention:

Steps


  1. Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Write a topic word or a thought that you would like to explore, such as education or government at the top of your paper, and then continue writing words or phrases in list form down the page until your time has run out.
  3. Never stop writing. Even if you have to write down an idea that's completely stupid and wouldn't work, it's better than stopping. Your pen should never stop.
  4. Assume that no word that you write is self-explanatory, so continue to focus on one topic word until you feel like you cannot describe it in any further detail, or in other words, a deeper look at an individual or minute part of a larger whole.
  5. If you get stuck, look back at your lists to see if any terms need more explanation.
  6. This is also an uncensored practice, so no corrections are allowed during the brainstorming process.
  7. When you are finished brainstorming, re-organize your terms into lists that make sense for your paper topic.
  8. If you have enough to start your paper or document, then begin working on your rough draft. If you do not have enough ideas, try another informal invention technique such as freewriting or mapping.
  9. Grab a dictionary, and find random words, either with your eyes closed as you stab a page, or the first interesting word that grabs your attention when flicking through. write them down, then write down the first couple of things that come to your mind for each word.and go from there.


Warnings


  • Brainstorming is not guaranteed to break the toughest writers' block, but it should give you an idea of where you are going with your writing process.


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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Brainstorm. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 11:28 AM 0 comments

Nature sets the Example by Swami Budhananda

This may easily escape our notice but the fact remains that to provide for the food – the cereals, green vegetables and fruits, milk – that we eat and drink, for sustaining and nourishing our bodies, the whole cosmic process is at work. We seldom think that the mango or the apple that we eat and admire as delicious, in its growth and ripening process, there is so much work done by the good earth and the sun in the sky. But neither the sun nor the earth clamour for recognition of their service to man. Quietly they have been working on for time out of mind. The whole universe, factually speaking, stands at the back of every individual to make his life in this world possible. Have we or have we not anything to learn from the cosmic process? If we stop a little to think, we shall find that there is a profound lesson for every one of us to learn.

Take India, for instance. Here we have a vast land guarded in the north by the eternal snow-peaks of the Himalayas; the feet of the country are washed by three oceans. There are vast forests, mighty rivers, fertile soil, rich natural resources, an ancient people whose ancestry and civilization are counted in millenniums. And yet we are a new nation governed by a modern constitution guaranteeing basic human rights. We are now more than one billion strong. But it would appear that all these that could be counted as endowments and sources of pride, solace and strength, and a feeling of a self-assurance, often enough turn out to be so many problems to be faced. True, these one billion people can turn out to be many times more problems when we do not know how to put these endowments to good account. So, we must learn how not to make problems of our assets.

The first point to remember is the glory of man. That was one thing that Swami Vivekananda, time and again, taught us: ‘Never forget the glory of man’, and this ‘man’ is ‘you’ and also all your ‘neighbours’. When we live all for ourselves, think too much of ourselves, and think that the whole universe is accountable to us and we are not accountable to the universe, we are at the wrong end.

Therefore, two things must go hand in hand. They are:

(1) Awareness of the great potential of every human being; and that

(2) We have to grow towards attainment of self-fulfillment, not by each of us singly, but together.

We must also believe that all these one billion people can be looked after well. Our sorrows and sufferings can be minimized and there can be ever so much more happiness for all, of all, if only we own all of us as our own.

The important point to remember is that to help manifest everyone’s great potential is the business of every advanced civilization. Our ancient teachers taught us to set in motion within oneself a self-chastening process to go together with a keen ‘other-regarding’ process. In other words, self-development and the development of everybody else should go on simultaneously. It is not enough if we have a vast land, rich natural resources, mighty rivers, highly talented people and other endowments. What is important is to learn the art and science of turning all these things to good account, in the service of man. To learn to do this and to teach to do this are the business of enlightened citizenship which is of supreme importance for every nation in this world, particularly, India. As the Buddha says, that which is most needed is a loving heart.

Courtesy: Enlightened Citizenship, Published by Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi

Grateful thanks to the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi
Posted by SURI at 9:46 AM 12 comments

Friday, May 30, 2008

How to Find Meaning in Life


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Why am I Here? What is the meaning of life? What should I do with my life? Is my dog getting enough cheese? These are questions that everyone asks themselves at one time or another, but the answers are often fleeting or misguided. Here is a brief introduction to the meaning of Life.

Steps


  1. Find out how inquisitive and trusting you are. Many people find religious belief systems more than adequate to fill their lives with meaning. Being a "True Believer", however, will only result in giving up your identity for the identity of the collective. Conflicts and mid-life crisis inevitably arise when the adopted concept of self conflicts with the true self. If you are inquisitive and trusting of your own intelligence, the first step is to find your true self. Self revelation is not for the squeamish. Take the time to let go of societal and personal preconceptions, letting your identity emerge without construct.
  2. Let go of language. The universe was here before Humans and certainly before language, and requires no pedantic explanation. Words are not things or actions. They are vibrations of the air molecules or squiggles on a page. Mistaking words for reality is the mistake that puts politicians in office and sells all of the products, religions, and systems of government on the planet. Saying "Tree" is no more a tree than saying "I love you" means that someone loves you. To perceive reality as it is, one must accept that words are a vehicle for the transference of our perception of reality, not reality itself.
  3. To bring meaning to your life, you must be able to perceive it without language. The fraility of language will undermine your search.
  4. Seek without purpose. The universe will unfold and become clear when you seek knowledge without prejudice. Knowledge is not a destination, but a journey. Human knowledge is also imperfect. But don't despair, we know enough to come to firm conclusions. A 'fact' can only mean 'confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.' I suppose that apples might start to rise tomorrow, but the possibility does not merit equal time in physics classrooms. Work with what you can know, not what you can imagine.
  5. Know that the universe is under no obligation to conform to your expectations. It is what it is whether or not you exist.
  6. Know that your life in civilization is a construct, not a law of nature. Our lives and the way we live them are human constructs of what we think is the best way to live. It is littered with over 6000 years of myth, superstition, and dogma. Don't confuse the truth with the things you do to survive. Society doesn't, and very often won't make sense.
  7. Understanding yourself, the universe, and your place in society, it will be easy to find meaning because you will determine what is meaningful. You will be able to separate the noise of language and society from the true sound of yourself. Define for yourself what brings meaning to your existence. Your meaning will be different from everyone else. You will know your life is meaningful because you will not fear death, getting old,or the various travails all of us encounter. Your destiny, your reason for being here will be apparent every waking hour. Contentment and bliss will follow.


Tips


  • Meditation is a great exercise for seeing things clearly as long as you don't get caught up in the technique. Many people think they're meditating when all they're doing is performing a ritual.
  • Watch what you put in your mind. Television, mass media, and modern music are detrimental to process of discovery.
  • Initially, question everything. This will sharpen your intellectual and observational skills as well as irritating everyone closest to you.
  • You will know your meaning of life is substantial when you can defend it to others. Open dialogue about the meaning of life is a valuable shortcut to the process.


Warnings


  • Most people are comfortable with their world-view, and uncomfortable trying to justify it. Don't force your new meaning of life on others. It will only serve to place barriers between you and those around you. But don't be afraid to explain your meaning of life to others.


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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Find Meaning in Life. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:42 PM 0 comments

How to Simplify Your Life


How to Simplify Your Life


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

We all would like our lives to run more smoother and less complication in our lives. However, " life is like a roller coaster," it has its ups and downs. And although life will never be hassle free, we can go over some tips that will help simplify it.

Steps


  1. Avoid all debt. Don’t buy anything on credit.
  2. Keep one credit card and $1,000+ in a savings account for emergencies (car repairs, medical emergency etc.).
  3. Don't have kids or dependent spouses
  4. Rent, don't buy. If you rent, you can pack up and leave with little incident. Get a smaller pad so you won’t accumulate more possessions.
  5. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol and other "hard" drugs
  6. Learn to record things on a calendar that has a large enough space to write in. It helps to aid in the guess work on what you did on certain days. We all back track sometimes. Plus people are all the time asking what you did on certain days. And you'll know for you wrote it down.
  7. Find ways to make meals less of a hassle. Meals should be enjoyed and not dreaded to prepare.
  8. Buy clothes you can mix match.This cuts down on cost and it's fun to play with fashion.
  9. Have several pairs of basic pants, such as black and beige ones. Blue jean capris work well too. Add a cute or handsome top and you'll look sharp, without a lot of thought on what to wear.
  10. Learn to hold on to receipts for at least six months to a year, meaning receipts that may be of importance. Anything that is under warranty, simply put the receipt with the instruction booklet etc. and hang on to it.
  11. Come up with a budget that will help manage your money, regardless of the amount that you may have. Rich people overspend everyday. And average people sometimes try to fly too high, which can make you become a poor person real fast.
  12. Save your shoe boxes it is a great place to store Utility bills and phone bills. You can simply slide it under the bed.
  13. Ask your physician or doctor for a copy of a written report on all medical test. And keep them in a file or folder. It is really important to get a copy of your blood work. Therefore, you'll know how well that you are doing from year to year.
  14. Keep a check on your health. It's recommended that you have a blood pressure monitor at home. You can tell a lot about your general health by your BP readings and heart rate.
  15. Try to find a physician that listens to their patients. For you are aware of how that you're feeling.
  16. Don't be easily led, follow your thoughts on things. If you feel that there is a problem there probably is.
  17. Don't try to please others to the point that you are neglecting yourself. For life is so short. And some people will keep taking, without giving anything in return.
  18. Don't try to be what others want you to be, just be yourself.
  19. On a final note: be sure to read message that is posted on discussion page.


Tips


  • Always hang on to dreams. They are nice and some dreams do come true.
  • Dream your dream....then live it!!


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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Simplify Your Life. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:41 PM 2 comments

How to Be Optimistic


How to Be Optimistic


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

While being skeptical can be a healthy way to avoid getting taken advantage of, being pessimistic - that is, always assuming the worst - can have major negative consequences on your life. Seeing only the negative aspects of any situation can cause you to miss opportunities, neglect problems that need to be solved, and fail to take action that would otherwise improve your relationships and quality of life. Optimists, who are so much more at peace with the world, train themselves to look for the light at the end the tunnel. If you've always had a pessimistic worldview, it can be difficult to shift your focus, but it is possible to start seeing the glass as half full. Not half empty.

Steps


  1. Let go of the assumption that the world is against you, or that you were born with a gray cloud over your head. It is an assumption that has no basis in reason or science. To believe that the universe or a spiritual entity has singled you out and shifted the world order just to make your life miserable is both self-centered and illogical. Be humble and stop pretending you've got the world all figured out. Sometimes bad experiences lead to good experiences, and you can't predict the future, so you can't assume it'll always be bad.
  2. Look for the source of your pessimism. Deep-rooted negativity can often be traced to childhood experiences, when growing minds observe their circumstances and make presumptions about how the world functions. If all you saw growing up were disappointments, betrayals and failure, it's no surprise that now it's what you expect from the world as an adult. Sometimes we pick up a flair for pessimism from a parent who made negative assumptions about the world somewhere along the line. Either way, the sooner you can attribute your pessimism to a unique set of circumstances rather than the state of the world itself, the easier it'll be to change your perspective.
  3. Understand that the past does not equal the future. Just because you've experienced pain or disappointment in the past does not guarantee that it's all you'll experience in the future. There were many things in your past that you couldn't control, and everybody comes across unfortunate circumstances at some point in their lives - you're no exception. But there are also many things in life we can control to one degree or another, and therein lies the possibility of change. A day or week that starts badly will not necessarily end badly. Do not make a bad start turn into a self fulfilling prophecy for a bad ending.
  4. See yourself as a cause, not an effect. You don't have to be a product or a victim of your circumstances. Stop thinking about what is happening to you and start thinking about what you can make happen. If you're not happy with the way your life is now, set goals and move on. Use your past negative experiences to build character and make better decisions, instead of letting pessimism turn you into someone who avoids risk at all costs. Sometimes it is necessary to take risks to receive rewards. Moreover, taking no action is taking an action. It is better to play to win rather than merely to avoid losing.
  5. Accept pain, failure and disappointment as a part of life, not the entirety of it. Life involves taking many risks every day, and not all of them will end positively. That's what defines risk. But the flip side is that some actions will lead to good results, and it's generally better to have a mixed bag than to have nothing at all. Ideally, the good stuff will outweigh the bad, but you'll never reach that point unless you put yourself out there and hope for the best. When in doubt, remember Lord Alfred Tennyson's words of wisdom:I hold it true, whate'er befall;I feel it, when I sorrow most;'Tis better to have loved and lostThan never to have loved at all.
  6. Be thankful. Everyone has something to be grateful for. Make a list of the good things that have happened to you. If nothing instantly springs to mind, you aren't trying hard enough. The key to being an optimist is recognizing the benefits and possibilities of any situation, and understanding that it could always be worse. If all else fails, think of how life could be worse, and flip the thought process to recognize what you do have. For example: "I'm flunking out of school" can turn into "Well, at least I have a chance to go to school, and I still have time to turn my grades around." Get a notebook and a pen, and write down all the good things that you have. Every time you are feeling negative, read through them and remind yourself that it's not all bad.
  7. Use positive affirmations. Write down short statements that remind you of what you're trying to change about the way you see the world. Put them in places where you'll see them every day, such as on your bathroom mirror, the inside of your locker, on your computer monitor, and even taped to your shower wall. Some affirmations to start with are:
    • "Anything is possible."
    • "I create my circumstances, my circumstances don't create me."
    • "The only thing I can control is my attitude towards life."
    • "I always have a choice."
    • "Look at the little things in life that are good and it will make your life a WHOLE lot better"

  8. Remember that life is short. When you feel pessimism clouding your judgment or you start to feel down about the future, remind yourself that every minute counts, and any time spent brooding guarantees nothing but less time to enjoy whatever life might have to offer. At its core, pessimism is impractical because it causes you to spend time dwelling on things that haven't happened yet and aren't guaranteed to happen, and it prevents you from getting things done. Pessimism breeds indecision. It's a waste of time, and time is a limited resource that you can't afford to take for granted.
  9. Be a balanced optimist. Nobody's suggesting that you become an oblivious Pollyanna, pretending that nothing bad can or ever will happen. Doing so can lead to poor decisions and invites people to take advantage of you. Instead, be a rational optimist who takes the good with the bad, in hopes of the good ultimately outweighing the bad, and with the understanding that being pessimistic about everything accomplishes nothing. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best - the former makes you sensible, and the latter makes you an optimist.
  10. Keep a List of Motivational and Inspiring Quotes. There are so many brilliant and well-spoken quotes, lyrics, sayings, anecdotes and hyperbole present generally throughout history along with the same that specifically target your personal tastes. You have a certain song that you feel speaks to you? Search for the lyrics and check it out more in depth, perhaps you can pick out a couple great lines, write them down. Maybe during a particularly tough day someone mentions some saying that gives you a rare boost of motivation, write it down. For example some 'fortune cookie' ones:
    • Even the longest journey begins with a single step
    • Life has a way of reminding one that it can be worse
    • Until one understands the low and darker side of life, the appreciation of the awe-inspiring highs will remain stagnant



Tips


  • Look happy. Studies have shown that putting a positive expression on your face can actually make you feel happier and more optimistic about the future.[1]
  • Practice by conveying these ideas to others. If you hear someone being pessimistic, counsel them based on these steps. Sometimes it's easier to understand a perspective if you explain it to someone else first.
  • Always make the effort to try and find something good in every bad situation. It may be relatively minor in the scope of things, but there is always something positive to be found. It may seem silly at first, but as it becomes a habit, you will see that your attitude begins to change.
  • Make a list of the things you want, imagine yourself already having them, and use the subconscious mind to put your optimism to work.
  • Actually the world doesn't look down on you; your mind plays tricks so you think it does. Never let anything look worse than it is. It always has a way of getting better. Smile and don't let little things bother you..


Warnings


  • Avoid negative people. If you can't avoid them, learn how to not let them get you down.
  • Don't let your negative feelings control you.
  • Don't confuse pessimism with depression. Depression can make everything look worse than it is.
  • You can only change you. You can't change other people.
  • While it is true that you create your own circumstances, accept that the past is the past. Don't let negative circumstances trigger irrational guilt.
  • The past is the past. It's over. It's done. Let it go.
  • Realize that it's not about what happens to you, it's about how you react to what happens.
  • These steps are important because you can't always rely on other people to make you happy. After all, you won't be with other people forever, you'll be with yourself forever.


Related wikiHows




Sources and Citations


  1. ↑ Feeling and Facial Efference: Implications of the Vascular Theory of Emotion. Psychological Review, 96(3), 395-416.



Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be Optimistic. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:35 PM 0 comments

How to Accomplish a Goal


How to Accomplish a Goal


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

We all have dreams. Whether they are big or small, they have a huge importance on our lives. But we need a plan to get there.

Steps


  1. Set a realistic goal. Take a big dream, like "I want to be famous", and break it down into smaller, more manageable steps, like "I want to star in a science fiction movie", "I want to go to three auditions a week", "I want to move to another city" and "I want to save $5000 so I can move."
  2. Plan ahead. Once you've broken down your goal into pieces, write down the steps on a piece of paper to make sure you have everything thought out. One of the worst things that can happen is your almost to the point of your goal, but you're not sure what to do next. Also, give yourself deadlines for each step. Otherwise, you'll end up procrastinating and never achieving your dream.
  3. Brainstorm ideas. Are there different ways to reach your goal? Write everything down that you can think of in three minutes, no matter how silly or impossible it may seem. For example, you could go to acting school, or maybe you could land a spot in a reality show that would get you started.
  4. Define and describe your goal. Write down when you want to achieve it. Write down the reasons why you want it. Write down what it would feel like after you have achieved it. Figure out exactly what it will take to get it. Be realistic about the time things will take. Many people don't allow themselves enough time, and give up too soon.
  5. Be positive. Your goal should be written and have positive intent about what you want to bring into your life. This is very important, since the focus of your goal should not be centered around describing a problem you want to eliminate.
  6. Contingency planing Never forget about the problems that might come up on the way and prepare for them. Positive thinking is important but preparedness is better than being shocked or devastated when obstacles appear.
  7. Learn from mistakes. Making mistakes should be a subject at school to teach all our children how to learn from them, instead of trying to avoid them. In the pursuit of a goal you are likely to make some mistakes. Don't see them as bad or get angry. They are important to correct you and to lead you to success.
  8. Draw on all your past achievements that are relevant to your goal. No matter how small you perceive your achievements, list them anyway. It could be something small such as joining a healthy eating mailing list, to coming home from work late, yet preparing a tasty nutritious meal for your family in under 30 minutes. Once you review your list, you will be amazed at how all those small achievements soon add up, and how much you are really capable of.
  9. Visualize. Close your eyes and imagine yourself accomplishing your goals. Where are you? How did you get there? How do you feel? Do this often. Don’t get swayed easily with the noise and happenings going on outside. Put your attention on what you are trying to achieve. Remember the goal and you will have control over the discomforts and difficulties.
  10. Listen to your internal dialogue. What you are saying inside affects you physically, emotionally and mentally. Is your defense system inside trying to make you stick to your past, limiting beliefs and perceptions? Take over and challenge your inner critics. Monitor any excuses you might be making in relation to your goal. For example, saying 'I don't finish work until late and won't have time to cook!' You must recognise that if you are truly passionate about your goal, it is up to you to make time.
  11. Make a list of your personal strengths in relation to your goal. For instance, if you have a healthy eating goal you might want to consider strengths such as your level of commitment to eating healthily, or the fact that you enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes or even that you are an excellent cook. The list of personal strengths you can draw up is endless.
  12. Seek help. Find the information, skills and knowledge that you need from other people, books, and audio or video programs. Speed up your learning process by emulating what other successful people have done. You save time and get results faster.
  13. Create benchmarks or milestones. A benchmark is something you can use to measure your progress and know you're on track. For example, you can write "The first stage of reaching my goal will be done when I'm in the Entertainment section of the newspaper!" or "I'll know I've reached my goal of being famous when I'm a guest on Oprah."
  14. Make a timeline. Draw a horizontal timeline with a dot at each end. The left end represents now, and the right end represents a point in the future. Specify what you want to happen and when, from now until then.
  15. Be passionate. Striving towards a goal without passion is like a fire which slowly runs out of fuel to burn. Get excited, this will mean that you will love what you are doing. Methodically check your behaviors against impassioned dreams developed as a child. Always share the child within amongst your potential peers. This empowers the Law of Attraction that shapes the dreams of the child into the creative force of the adult.
  16. Revisit, evaluate, and if you need to, adjust your goals. Keep a written record of your goals in a place where you'll remember to read them every day. They'll change and adjust over time as your life does, so keep them up-to-date.
  17. Consider new opportunities and options that come your way. Sometimes things have a way of unintentionally leading you exactly where you want to go.
  18. Start working towards your goals today. Ask yourself, "What can I do today to get one step, however small, closer to achieving my goals?"
  19. Persevere. Now that you've got the momentum going, don't let it stop! Some steps may seem less exciting than others, but make sure to stick to your plan until the end!


Tips


  • Don't forget the words of Lao-Tzu: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
  • Be true to yourself. Your goal won't be nearly as sweet if you achieve it by doing things you're not proud of.
  • Make sure your goal is SMART:
    • Specific
    • Measurable
    • Achievable
    • Realistic
    • Time-related



Warnings


  • Things don't always work out as you had planned. Stick to your goals, but be flexible.
  • Don't share your goals with people who might tear you down. But, conversely; find someone close to you or a coach who will play the devil's advocate role - as learning to challenge yourself in new ways can help you to improve and get closer to your goals.
  • Do not be tempted to squeeze a square peg into a round hole. If something doesn't fit or it doesn't feel right, try a different approach.
  • Please remember that every coin has two sides. Do not be rigid in accepting or rejecting any advice. Goals such as freedom struggle are not necessarily Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time related. But nevertheless they created history.


Related wikiHows




Sources and Citations





Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Accomplish a Goal. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:34 PM 0 comments

How to Be a Better Person


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Life can be difficult. People are always looking for an influence, someone to look up to, someone to emulate. You can set the example, be the person that people want to be like. You can help change the world by changing yourself.

Steps


  1. Make friends. If there is someone that works or lives near you that seems devoid of a friend, reach out and help them. It is incredible the difference one person can make if they become another's friend.
  2. Read. Read all of the time and about everything. People admire smart peers, and being well-educated means that you will be able to stick up for what you believe in by using fact.
  3. Live life to the fullest. Try out for that school sport. Volunteer at the soup kitchen. Write that journal. Fill your life to the brim with rewarding activities and enjoy the blessings that come of them.
  4. Boost your intelligence. The ability to perform mental tasks with ease in invaluable; taking simple steps in your daily life will help you to cultivate your brain power.
  5. Finish college. If you haven't gone yet, make a plan to do so. There are so many opportunities that you are missing out on if you refrain from getting a formal education. Job opportunities will be opened up, you will gain respect from colleagues, along with the bonus asset that you become more intelligent. It is never to late to go to school.
  6. Help others. If your best friend is in need of a lift, take him with you on your way to work. If your son is having trouble with his homework, try to take time to help him. When you help others, it not only makes you feel good, but you gain others' trust, which is invaluable to have. Helping out can also be a learning experience.
  7. Spend time with your family. It is truly a learning experience to all of you. Spending quality time away from the T.V. can help you delve into the minds and hearts of your loved ones, allowing you to help them with any problems they may be experiencing and getting to genuinely know them. Studies have shown that children that eat dinner as a family are less likely to do drugs, alcohol, or be depressed. Just fifteen minutes a day with family can deeply help everyone involved.
  8. Think before you speak - a good listener tends to be a good person, and trust from others will follow.
  9. Stay active. Being healthy and fit allows you to perform more tasks with ease and precision. Just thirty minutes of activity a day can help you lead a healthier, longer, more fruitful life. So what are you waiting for?


Tips


  • Remember, never lose sight of who you really are or what your goals in life are.
  • While it is great to help others, be sure to leave some time for yourself.
  • Your family is very important. Always make time for them.

  • Feed your spiritual need. There is a need to be part of a group and have them care about what you have to offer to the group. Feeding your spiritual health is just as important as feeding your body.



Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be a Better Person. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by SURI at 1:31 PM 0 comments
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