I found this poem in my old files but still have a powerful message
With you, there may be nothing wrong,
But here's my trouble right along;
I do the things that don't amount
to very much, of no account,
that seem important though
and let a lot of matters go.
I nibble this, I nibble that
but I never finish what I am at;
I work as hard as anyone
and yet, I get so little done,
I'd do so much you would be surprised
If I could only just get organised!
by Douglas Malloch
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
FAITH - GOD'S WAY OF REMINDING US NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
This is 'Faith'This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with 3 legs - 2 healthy hind legs and 1 abnormal front leg which had to be amputated. He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him.
His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of putting him to sleep. But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him.
She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself.
She named him 'Faith'.
In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement. Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around.
Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward. After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.
Faith loves to walk around now. No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him. He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows. There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.
He has appeared in the Oprah Winfrey show and touched many hearts.
His present owner, Jude Stringfellow, has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect spirit.
My friends, no matter who we are - where we are - how we are , there are always undesirable things and situations, so in order to feel better -really- you just need to look at life differently from another angle and things amazingly will change for the better.
I received this message and sharing it knowing that it will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful moment.
Have Faith - it is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.
Possibility happens .... as long as we have Faith and Trust in Him!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Living fully - by Randy Pausch
Hi all,
Since the last posting I trust many of you had the opportunity to visit and watch Randy on YouTube. For those who could not - here's a summary of the key points he shared in his last lecture series before his death.
"Have FuN at all times - life is to be lived"
- to be passionate about what we do we have to enjoy it!
Be like 'Tiger' in the Pooh Bear story - energetic, enthusiastic and always looking at the brighter side of things
"Brick walls are there to prove to ourselves how badly we want something"
- obstacles and problems are there to make us think of solutions to overcome them - and they will be found when we persevere because we believe in our goals and purpose.
"Don't complain - just work harder"
- there is never anything 'easy' to do out there in the world - everything requires effort and diligence - instead of using up energy wastefully in trying to find fault with things or people which will not bring you anywhere nearere your goal - why not apply your time and effort in finishing the work or project
"When you screw up and nobody says anything - it means others have given up on you"
- don't think when you do wrong and it's good nobody tells you or corrects you - it may mean people has no more interest in helping you - either you have rejected all previous help or you are not listening at all or people think you have no more hope.
The lesson is when others tell you when you are wrong - listen first and consider their point of view - do not try to push the blame or give excuses for yourself or reject the ideas - soon people will stop telling you.
"Be patient and find the best in everybody"
- each of us has some good in us - sometimes it takes a bit longer to discover that
So give people the benefit of the doubt and continue to look for the good in him or her - it will be so wonderful when you find it.
His parting message...........
NOT HOW WE ACHIEVE OUR DREAMS - IT'S HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES
IF WE LIVE PROPERLY, THE DREAMS WILL COME TO US!
Since the last posting I trust many of you had the opportunity to visit and watch Randy on YouTube. For those who could not - here's a summary of the key points he shared in his last lecture series before his death.
"Have FuN at all times - life is to be lived"
- to be passionate about what we do we have to enjoy it!
Be like 'Tiger' in the Pooh Bear story - energetic, enthusiastic and always looking at the brighter side of things
"Brick walls are there to prove to ourselves how badly we want something"
- obstacles and problems are there to make us think of solutions to overcome them - and they will be found when we persevere because we believe in our goals and purpose.
"Don't complain - just work harder"
- there is never anything 'easy' to do out there in the world - everything requires effort and diligence - instead of using up energy wastefully in trying to find fault with things or people which will not bring you anywhere nearere your goal - why not apply your time and effort in finishing the work or project
"When you screw up and nobody says anything - it means others have given up on you"
- don't think when you do wrong and it's good nobody tells you or corrects you - it may mean people has no more interest in helping you - either you have rejected all previous help or you are not listening at all or people think you have no more hope.
The lesson is when others tell you when you are wrong - listen first and consider their point of view - do not try to push the blame or give excuses for yourself or reject the ideas - soon people will stop telling you.
"Be patient and find the best in everybody"
- each of us has some good in us - sometimes it takes a bit longer to discover that
So give people the benefit of the doubt and continue to look for the good in him or her - it will be so wonderful when you find it.
His parting message...........
NOT HOW WE ACHIEVE OUR DREAMS - IT'S HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES
IF WE LIVE PROPERLY, THE DREAMS WILL COME TO US!
Friday, July 24, 2009
RANDY PAUSCH - The kind of doctor who does not help people
Dr Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2006 - he was then 46 yrs old.
The specialists gave him 4-6 months to live.....as pancreatic cancer has no cure.
On September 2007 about a year later, he was invited to give "The Last Lecture" series in Carnegie-Mellon University where he teaches. In his moving presentation "Really achieving childhood dreams", Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own careers and personal goals.
The lecture became an internet phenomenon that has transformed lives around the globe. His now famous lecture, along with related videos, has been viewed by more than 20 million people.
Time magazine nominated him as one of the world's Top 100 Most Influential People for the Year 2008
He passed away on 25 July 2008 after beating the odds for 22 months - his powerful yet simple message continue to inspire us - "We cannot control the cards we're dealt, just how we play the hand"
Go to youtube and listen to his full lecture - Enjoy!
The specialists gave him 4-6 months to live.....as pancreatic cancer has no cure.
On September 2007 about a year later, he was invited to give "The Last Lecture" series in Carnegie-Mellon University where he teaches. In his moving presentation "Really achieving childhood dreams", Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own careers and personal goals.
The lecture became an internet phenomenon that has transformed lives around the globe. His now famous lecture, along with related videos, has been viewed by more than 20 million people.
Time magazine nominated him as one of the world's Top 100 Most Influential People for the Year 2008
He passed away on 25 July 2008 after beating the odds for 22 months - his powerful yet simple message continue to inspire us - "We cannot control the cards we're dealt, just how we play the hand"
Go to youtube and listen to his full lecture - Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thought for The day No.41
Those seeking Success would have read many many books and literature, attended many seminars,workshops and retreats......looking for that magic principle or recipe that has always been "hiding" from them in their quest for Success ....whatever that means to them.
"The most important success principle of all was stated by Thomas Huxley many years ago. He said, 'Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.'
Actually most if not all the times, we know "What we should do" the problem is the 'BUT' or 'HOWEVER' word that stops or trip us up and we somehow don't do...
Another phrase which sounds quite similar is "Successful people do the things that unsuccessful people would not like to do"..........so all we have to do is find out what it is and just do it!
Is it making that phone call to a customer we fear, dislike or doubt?
Or making that report asap which we should do but......(the thousand reasons that justify not doing?)
Or providing comfort and helping another colleague who is drowning in work or lost and helpless?
Or admitting our mistakes and remove the pressures of guilt, resentment or feelings of unfair treatment so we can move on forward with clarity and confidence........
Whatver it may be, you know what it is......something we do not like to do but deep inside us we know we should do!
So if you want to travel on the Highway of Success without those mental and emotional roadblocks .....follow the immortal words of Thomas Huxley - DO WHAT YOU SHOULD DO, WHEN YOU SHOULD DO IT, WHETHER YOU FEEL LIKE IT OR NOT"
HAPPY JOURNEY!
"The most important success principle of all was stated by Thomas Huxley many years ago. He said, 'Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.'
Actually most if not all the times, we know "What we should do" the problem is the 'BUT' or 'HOWEVER' word that stops or trip us up and we somehow don't do...
Another phrase which sounds quite similar is "Successful people do the things that unsuccessful people would not like to do"..........so all we have to do is find out what it is and just do it!
Is it making that phone call to a customer we fear, dislike or doubt?
Or making that report asap which we should do but......(the thousand reasons that justify not doing?)
Or providing comfort and helping another colleague who is drowning in work or lost and helpless?
Or admitting our mistakes and remove the pressures of guilt, resentment or feelings of unfair treatment so we can move on forward with clarity and confidence........
Whatver it may be, you know what it is......something we do not like to do but deep inside us we know we should do!
So if you want to travel on the Highway of Success without those mental and emotional roadblocks .....follow the immortal words of Thomas Huxley - DO WHAT YOU SHOULD DO, WHEN YOU SHOULD DO IT, WHETHER YOU FEEL LIKE IT OR NOT"
HAPPY JOURNEY!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thought For The Day No.40
I just returned from our District 51 Toastmasters District Convention at Kuching.
It was an exhilarating and memorable experience ....lots of interactions and engagement with fellow members, educational workshops, fun and delightful speeches during the fellowship function and the formal installation dinner for the incoming leadership team.
The presentation by the guest speaker at the dinner was overwhelming - the CEO of Malaysian Airlines Datuk Sri Idris Jala shared his turn around strategies for the organisation which helped made the highest profit since last 12 years and a complete recovery from a loss position of 1.7b two years before he came on board.
Of course it was possible because ....
# there was an impossible goal that everyone worked towards ....not the usual SMART Goals
# compile the daily P & L and decompose the elements .....and monitor very closely
# execution of plans relentlessly pursued with strict discipline...commitment is as good as done!
# innovation and improvement is an everyday thing and everyone can do it
# treating people as human beings ..........reward with a Big Heart
# always operate from the "white" area
He was rewarded by a thunderous rousing standing ovation when he finished his last sentence.
We just leapt to our feet and acknowledge our home grown corporate leader who can hold his own among the famous corporate warrior leadership gurus in the international business arena.
The District awarded Datuk Sri Idris Jala with Toastmasters International Communication & Leadership Award - the coveted honor of distinction given to non-Toastmasters who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and effective communication in their respective fields of professionalism and service in society.
The other uplifting and inspirational experiences were captured during the speech contests.
It was awesome witnessing the enthusiastic speakers on stage sharing their deep beliefs and delivering their messages of hope, motivation and love with profound passion and earnestness.
We heard a young man speaking on his broken relationship with his father ....attributable to what he termed "broken communication" . Another expounded us to find our 'Shark' to keep sustaining our passion in pursuit for our goals in life. We also learned from one speaker the power of forgiveness in erasing our burdens and guilt which we may be carrying for years and weighing us down with despair and grief.
Many came with true life stories that connected with our hearts and opened our eyes and minds to the realisation that we may have neglected people who matters most to us. One speaker rendered a moving touching message from his late wife that no matter how bad things may seem ..there is always hope and "It's OK, It's All right ...Keep moving on"
We were highly entertained by one speaker who cleverly helped us look at common daily life events in funny humourous angles and yet filled with lessons of financial management relevant to all and sundry.
I must say it was a weekend well invested ....as always with the benefits of Toastmasters programs ...interesting, educational, engaging, inspiring and filled with nuggets of lessons for life's journey!
It was an exhilarating and memorable experience ....lots of interactions and engagement with fellow members, educational workshops, fun and delightful speeches during the fellowship function and the formal installation dinner for the incoming leadership team.
The presentation by the guest speaker at the dinner was overwhelming - the CEO of Malaysian Airlines Datuk Sri Idris Jala shared his turn around strategies for the organisation which helped made the highest profit since last 12 years and a complete recovery from a loss position of 1.7b two years before he came on board.
Of course it was possible because ....
# there was an impossible goal that everyone worked towards ....not the usual SMART Goals
# compile the daily P & L and decompose the elements .....and monitor very closely
# execution of plans relentlessly pursued with strict discipline...commitment is as good as done!
# innovation and improvement is an everyday thing and everyone can do it
# treating people as human beings ..........reward with a Big Heart
# always operate from the "white" area
He was rewarded by a thunderous rousing standing ovation when he finished his last sentence.
We just leapt to our feet and acknowledge our home grown corporate leader who can hold his own among the famous corporate warrior leadership gurus in the international business arena.
The District awarded Datuk Sri Idris Jala with Toastmasters International Communication & Leadership Award - the coveted honor of distinction given to non-Toastmasters who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and effective communication in their respective fields of professionalism and service in society.
The other uplifting and inspirational experiences were captured during the speech contests.
It was awesome witnessing the enthusiastic speakers on stage sharing their deep beliefs and delivering their messages of hope, motivation and love with profound passion and earnestness.
We heard a young man speaking on his broken relationship with his father ....attributable to what he termed "broken communication" . Another expounded us to find our 'Shark' to keep sustaining our passion in pursuit for our goals in life. We also learned from one speaker the power of forgiveness in erasing our burdens and guilt which we may be carrying for years and weighing us down with despair and grief.
Many came with true life stories that connected with our hearts and opened our eyes and minds to the realisation that we may have neglected people who matters most to us. One speaker rendered a moving touching message from his late wife that no matter how bad things may seem ..there is always hope and "It's OK, It's All right ...Keep moving on"
We were highly entertained by one speaker who cleverly helped us look at common daily life events in funny humourous angles and yet filled with lessons of financial management relevant to all and sundry.
I must say it was a weekend well invested ....as always with the benefits of Toastmasters programs ...interesting, educational, engaging, inspiring and filled with nuggets of lessons for life's journey!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thought for the Day No.39
Recently our country's management team has changed hands with a new leader.
I believe those who favour our new PM celebrated while others will be "waiting and watching what happens next" Whichever side you are on ..... the reality is that the downturn and financial crisis affecting the world economy has not gone away yet.
More importantly at our own company level - is there anything we can do to help?
In each of our work and role in PSSH business and operations what and how are we contributing to make things different, what are the opportunities we can use, what questions are we asking ourselves to develop new ways of working to make things simpler, faster and better?
I found the following article very relevant and hopefully will lead you to consider your role _
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Vehar is a Sr. Partner where he works with leading organizations to help them develop their ability to lead innovation. Called an “Innovation Guru” by Investor’s Business Daily, Jonathan’s focus is on training and facilitation of creative thinking, innovation and leadership. He will be co-leading an immersion session at CPSI focused on organizational leadership for innovation in a tough economy.
If I hear one more person use the phrase, “troubled economic times,” I’m going to scream. Yes, the economy is at the wrong end of a roller-coaster. Yes resources are scarce, funding is tight, and jobs are evaporating. There’s nothing good about those things. But the fact that we’re on this roller-coaster provides some phenomenal opportunities.
Our friends at McKinsey have found that during the last major recession (2000 – 2001), 40% of the leading US industrial companies toppled from the top quartile in their sectors. This is good news. Why? Because that means that 40% of the slots in the top quartile were filled by those companies who were more agile, flexible, courageous, curious…yes, more innovative. Therein lies the opportunity.
A paraphrase from The Art of War is, “when the enemy is weak, be strong.” The corollary for innovative companies is, “when your competition is playing it safe, advance! Try new things! Launch new products! Get out there in the market! Do the things you’ve been too busy to do! Innovate like crazy.” In other words, now is the time for innovation!
(PSSH management is on this track and seriously creating new income streams which shall bear fruits soon)
We can whine about the lack of resources or realize that the most elegant innovation comes from well defined constraints and opportunities. So let’s not support complaining about a lack of resources. Let’s take responsibility for seeing that as a tremendous opportunity to narrow our focus and do things simply, quickly, and elegantly.
(Your participation and initiative to take responsibility is crucial to help move PSSH forward!)
“Troubled economic times?” Perhaps, or a time for phenomenal opportunities. It may not be easy, but with vigilance and the right attitude, there is great potential to leapfrog the competition and do some amazing new things.
If you could take the responsibility to create some innovations in your organization, what would they be? And what’s in the way of your doing them?
(Yes, We Can)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YES, It's ALWAYS POSSIBLE WHEN WE BELIEVE WE CAN - LET'S DO IT!
Together we shall harvest and enjoy the fruits and results in the coming years.
I believe those who favour our new PM celebrated while others will be "waiting and watching what happens next" Whichever side you are on ..... the reality is that the downturn and financial crisis affecting the world economy has not gone away yet.
More importantly at our own company level - is there anything we can do to help?
In each of our work and role in PSSH business and operations what and how are we contributing to make things different, what are the opportunities we can use, what questions are we asking ourselves to develop new ways of working to make things simpler, faster and better?
I found the following article very relevant and hopefully will lead you to consider your role _
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Vehar is a Sr. Partner where he works with leading organizations to help them develop their ability to lead innovation. Called an “Innovation Guru” by Investor’s Business Daily, Jonathan’s focus is on training and facilitation of creative thinking, innovation and leadership. He will be co-leading an immersion session at CPSI focused on organizational leadership for innovation in a tough economy.
If I hear one more person use the phrase, “troubled economic times,” I’m going to scream. Yes, the economy is at the wrong end of a roller-coaster. Yes resources are scarce, funding is tight, and jobs are evaporating. There’s nothing good about those things. But the fact that we’re on this roller-coaster provides some phenomenal opportunities.
Our friends at McKinsey have found that during the last major recession (2000 – 2001), 40% of the leading US industrial companies toppled from the top quartile in their sectors. This is good news. Why? Because that means that 40% of the slots in the top quartile were filled by those companies who were more agile, flexible, courageous, curious…yes, more innovative. Therein lies the opportunity.
A paraphrase from The Art of War is, “when the enemy is weak, be strong.” The corollary for innovative companies is, “when your competition is playing it safe, advance! Try new things! Launch new products! Get out there in the market! Do the things you’ve been too busy to do! Innovate like crazy.” In other words, now is the time for innovation!
(PSSH management is on this track and seriously creating new income streams which shall bear fruits soon)
We can whine about the lack of resources or realize that the most elegant innovation comes from well defined constraints and opportunities. So let’s not support complaining about a lack of resources. Let’s take responsibility for seeing that as a tremendous opportunity to narrow our focus and do things simply, quickly, and elegantly.
(Your participation and initiative to take responsibility is crucial to help move PSSH forward!)
“Troubled economic times?” Perhaps, or a time for phenomenal opportunities. It may not be easy, but with vigilance and the right attitude, there is great potential to leapfrog the competition and do some amazing new things.
If you could take the responsibility to create some innovations in your organization, what would they be? And what’s in the way of your doing them?
(Yes, We Can)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YES, It's ALWAYS POSSIBLE WHEN WE BELIEVE WE CAN - LET'S DO IT!
Together we shall harvest and enjoy the fruits and results in the coming years.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thought for the day No.38
No.38 - a most auspicious number according to the Chinese - "Sang Fatt" meaning Growth and Prosperity.
What then do we plant today that will grow and enable us to harvest the prosperity tomorrow?
Perhaps the extract below from one of the greatest motivator - Earl Nightingale - may have the answer - a passage from his writings of "The Strangest Secret"
George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them."
Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about. Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing... he becomes nothing.
How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.
Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make the decision.We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.
Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand- one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds-one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted.
As it's written in the Bible, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap."
Remember the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the two plants - one corn, one poison. The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure.
A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.You see, the human mind is the last great unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.
Start planting - possibilities, success, happiness, kindness, generosity, gratitude and hope ....more often !
What then do we plant today that will grow and enable us to harvest the prosperity tomorrow?
Perhaps the extract below from one of the greatest motivator - Earl Nightingale - may have the answer - a passage from his writings of "The Strangest Secret"
George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them."
Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about. Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing... he becomes nothing.
How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.
Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make the decision.We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.
Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand- one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds-one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted.
As it's written in the Bible, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap."
Remember the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the two plants - one corn, one poison. The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure.
A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.You see, the human mind is the last great unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.
Start planting - possibilities, success, happiness, kindness, generosity, gratitude and hope ....more often !
Thought for the Day No.37
Earth Hour.......Saturday, 28 March 2009 *8.30pm - 9.30pm
Where were you on this hour? How did you contribute to heighten the baby steps being taken around the world?
Did you feel yourself part of the global effort to reduce carbon emissions that are choking Mother Earth.....endangering the wildlife and plantlife on the planet.....melting the ice-caps at the North and South Poles thus raising the sea levels at alarming rates ..... simply making it less livable for our future generations ...our grandchildren or their grandchildren - yes, our own bloodlines and carrying our Family Name into the possible future....if it is still there when the time comes?
I was at home with my wife who was watching CNN and nearing 820pm we got the candles out ready. I then walked down to the hawker centre down my house and bought some food.
As I paid for the packet of food - the lights went off and the waiters started carrying out candles to the various tables where the customers were having their food.
There was no complaints and even a few customers clapped in appreciation and all the stall holders did not grumble or made cynical remarks - I was truly impressed at this collaborative mindset from these usually business-minded people. That they too understand the significance of this moment and willing to do their bit without fuss.
I was so impressed that I sent out sms to many people urging them to join in the golabl effort to share the signifcance of this Earth Hour.
I also received many sms telling me that
- Petaling jaya town is in semi-darkness
- someone staying in an apartment looked out and saw the Komtar and Penang Bridge dimmed their lights
- another said she always could see the the town lights but tonight more than half the lights are out - a remarkable sight she said.
- another took my call for action and began encouraging the shops in the mall he was in to also switch off some of their lights - he said it was so difficult but by 915pm he was happy that 5 shops did what he told them to join in observing Earth Hour
My friends, its not about what can the effect be if I switch off my house lights for one hour or 5 shops comply when 2000 did not - it's the combined united aligned effort and reinforcing our belief that we must continue to do whatever and whenever we can towards saving our endangered planet Earth - and influencing more people to do the same.
Yes, there is Hope for all - when we begin to give back more than we take from Mother Earth
Where were you on this hour? How did you contribute to heighten the baby steps being taken around the world?
Did you feel yourself part of the global effort to reduce carbon emissions that are choking Mother Earth.....endangering the wildlife and plantlife on the planet.....melting the ice-caps at the North and South Poles thus raising the sea levels at alarming rates ..... simply making it less livable for our future generations ...our grandchildren or their grandchildren - yes, our own bloodlines and carrying our Family Name into the possible future....if it is still there when the time comes?
I was at home with my wife who was watching CNN and nearing 820pm we got the candles out ready. I then walked down to the hawker centre down my house and bought some food.
As I paid for the packet of food - the lights went off and the waiters started carrying out candles to the various tables where the customers were having their food.
There was no complaints and even a few customers clapped in appreciation and all the stall holders did not grumble or made cynical remarks - I was truly impressed at this collaborative mindset from these usually business-minded people. That they too understand the significance of this moment and willing to do their bit without fuss.
I was so impressed that I sent out sms to many people urging them to join in the golabl effort to share the signifcance of this Earth Hour.
I also received many sms telling me that
- Petaling jaya town is in semi-darkness
- someone staying in an apartment looked out and saw the Komtar and Penang Bridge dimmed their lights
- another said she always could see the the town lights but tonight more than half the lights are out - a remarkable sight she said.
- another took my call for action and began encouraging the shops in the mall he was in to also switch off some of their lights - he said it was so difficult but by 915pm he was happy that 5 shops did what he told them to join in observing Earth Hour
My friends, its not about what can the effect be if I switch off my house lights for one hour or 5 shops comply when 2000 did not - it's the combined united aligned effort and reinforcing our belief that we must continue to do whatever and whenever we can towards saving our endangered planet Earth - and influencing more people to do the same.
Yes, there is Hope for all - when we begin to give back more than we take from Mother Earth
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thought for the Day No.36
During the current harsh economic environment and tight financial situation affecting many people and organisations - I keep hearing people expecting to have 'guarantees' when considering investments - hence the many offers of "capital guarantee" schemes but still with no 'guarantees' for the income or returns.....effectively these are like the traditional bank fixed deposits with low returns but seemingly 'safe' protected capital.
But what about the investments we make in terms of energy, time and efforts in our workplace as employees or business as entrepreneurs - how do we enforce such guarantees? Or is it realistic to even expect so?
In the prevailing business and financial uncertainties - no job (capital that provides the return) is guaranteed nor the return (salary) because we have seen giant organisations with long history also folding up and no salaries paid to their employees and worst still in some cases all the savings of employees in terms of their retirement funds also disappear.
Hence, for those who are not ready to venture forth and make changes because there are no guarantees of income or even capital - they need to be contented to remain as they are and not complain about their situation or even dare to dream because it will be futile to do so if no change is executed.
In life the rewards are given for the risks taken - not for guarantees.
Of course, the risks has to be weighed and calculated carefully - more so nowadays - we are not advocating foolhardy ventures without proper planning or good potential for success.
Perhaps the following passage aptly summarises the situation....
Life offers no guarantees .....only choices
No certainties ..........only risks and rewards
No predictable outcomes......just the privilege of pursuing our dreams
But what about the investments we make in terms of energy, time and efforts in our workplace as employees or business as entrepreneurs - how do we enforce such guarantees? Or is it realistic to even expect so?
In the prevailing business and financial uncertainties - no job (capital that provides the return) is guaranteed nor the return (salary) because we have seen giant organisations with long history also folding up and no salaries paid to their employees and worst still in some cases all the savings of employees in terms of their retirement funds also disappear.
Hence, for those who are not ready to venture forth and make changes because there are no guarantees of income or even capital - they need to be contented to remain as they are and not complain about their situation or even dare to dream because it will be futile to do so if no change is executed.
In life the rewards are given for the risks taken - not for guarantees.
Of course, the risks has to be weighed and calculated carefully - more so nowadays - we are not advocating foolhardy ventures without proper planning or good potential for success.
Perhaps the following passage aptly summarises the situation....
Life offers no guarantees .....only choices
No certainties ..........only risks and rewards
No predictable outcomes......just the privilege of pursuing our dreams
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thought for the Day No.35
According to B.J. Gallagher and Steve Ventura, the authors of a book on personal accountability titled: Who Are “They” Anyway? - the most important words of personal responsibility are as follows:
The 10 most important words:
I won't wait for others to take the first step.
The 9 most important words:
If it is to be, it's up to me.
The 8 most important words:
If not me, who? If not now, when?
The 7 most important words:
Let me take a shot at it.
The 6 most important words:
I will not pass the buck.
The 5 most important words:
You can count on me.
The 4 most important words:
It IS my job!
The 3 most important words:
Just do it!
The 2 most important words:
I will.
The most important word:
Me
Frank Tyger said it best..."Your future depends on many things, but mostly yourself."
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Thought for The day No.34
Sharing this passage from pravsworld.com -
When life pushes you down - push back!
That's what you are here for.
You're capable, you're creative
you're full of life and energy.
You have what it takes to move yourself forward
around any obstacle
Don't let anything stop you.
Take strength from meeting the challenges
and move ahead.
The struggles you face are just what you need
to fulfill your potential for greatness.
A year from now,
when you look back at today
you'll see that the problem
you're so concerned with right now
was another valuable lesson waiting to be learned.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thought for the day No.33
Received this recently and thought may be good to share -
What is recession to you?
This story is about a man who once upon a time was selling hotdogs bythe roadside.
He was illiterate, so he never read newspapers. He was hard of hearing, so he never listened to the radio. His eyes were weak, so he never watched television. But enthusiastically, he sold lots of hotdogs.
He was smart enough to offer some attractive schemes to increase his sales. His sales and profit went up. He ordered more and more raw material and buns and started to sell more. He recruited a few more supporting staff to serve more customers. He started offering home deliveries. Eventually he got himself a bigger and better stove.
As his business was growing, the son, who had recently graduated from College, joined his father. Then something strange happened.
The son asked,"Dad, aren't you aware of the great recession that is coming our way?"
The father replied, "No, but tell me about it"
The son said, "The international situation is terrible. The domestic situation is even worse. We should be prepared for the coming bad times."
The man thought that since his son had been to college, read the papers, listened to the radio and watched TV, he ought to know and his advice should not be taken lightly.
So from the next day onwards, the father cut down his order of raw material as well as buns, took down the colorful signboard, removed all the special schemes he was offering to the customers and was no longer as enthusiastic. He reduced his staff strength by giving layoffs. Very soon, fewer and fewer people bothered to stop at his hotdog stand. And his sales started coming down rapidly, same for the profit.
The father said to his son, "Son, you were right". "We are in the middle of a recession and crisis. I am glad you warned me ahead of time."
Moral of The Story: Very often it's all in your MIND! And we actually FUEL this recession much more than we think we do !!!
What can we take away from this story??
1. How many times we confused intelligence with good judgment?
2. Choose your advisers carefully but use your own good judgment
3. A person or an organization will survive, if they have the 5 Cs
> Character > Commitment > Conviction > Courtesy > Courage
The tragedy today is that there are many walking encyclopedias that are living failures.
The more practical and appropriate views on this economic recession is: "This is the time to reunite together for any small or a big organization, this is the time to motivate and retain people which are the biggest asset, this is the time to show more commitments to the customers, this is the time to show values of our company to the world ".
The important question is - 'if I share the same beliefs - how can I contribute to make it better for me, my colleagues and my company?'
What is recession to you?
This story is about a man who once upon a time was selling hotdogs bythe roadside.
He was illiterate, so he never read newspapers. He was hard of hearing, so he never listened to the radio. His eyes were weak, so he never watched television. But enthusiastically, he sold lots of hotdogs.
He was smart enough to offer some attractive schemes to increase his sales. His sales and profit went up. He ordered more and more raw material and buns and started to sell more. He recruited a few more supporting staff to serve more customers. He started offering home deliveries. Eventually he got himself a bigger and better stove.
As his business was growing, the son, who had recently graduated from College, joined his father. Then something strange happened.
The son asked,"Dad, aren't you aware of the great recession that is coming our way?"
The father replied, "No, but tell me about it"
The son said, "The international situation is terrible. The domestic situation is even worse. We should be prepared for the coming bad times."
The man thought that since his son had been to college, read the papers, listened to the radio and watched TV, he ought to know and his advice should not be taken lightly.
So from the next day onwards, the father cut down his order of raw material as well as buns, took down the colorful signboard, removed all the special schemes he was offering to the customers and was no longer as enthusiastic. He reduced his staff strength by giving layoffs. Very soon, fewer and fewer people bothered to stop at his hotdog stand. And his sales started coming down rapidly, same for the profit.
The father said to his son, "Son, you were right". "We are in the middle of a recession and crisis. I am glad you warned me ahead of time."
Moral of The Story: Very often it's all in your MIND! And we actually FUEL this recession much more than we think we do !!!
What can we take away from this story??
1. How many times we confused intelligence with good judgment?
2. Choose your advisers carefully but use your own good judgment
3. A person or an organization will survive, if they have the 5 Cs
> Character > Commitment > Conviction > Courtesy > Courage
The tragedy today is that there are many walking encyclopedias that are living failures.
The more practical and appropriate views on this economic recession is: "This is the time to reunite together for any small or a big organization, this is the time to motivate and retain people which are the biggest asset, this is the time to show more commitments to the customers, this is the time to show values of our company to the world ".
The important question is - 'if I share the same beliefs - how can I contribute to make it better for me, my colleagues and my company?'
Thought for The day No.32
Ten minutes ago I just finished watching the live telecast of the address to the joint meeting of Congress - House of Representatives and Senate by Rt Honorable Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of Great Britain and North Ireland
He started around 12.15am Thursday, 05 March 2009 and spoke for 34minutes ending at 12.49am - amazingly he received 18 standing ovations from the audience throughout his speech.
He definitely came prepared and moved the audience with his oratorical finesse and remarkable use of captivating graphical verbal imagery.
Some of the phrases he used that captured my attention were:
"To find our way out of the economic crisis and downturn is ........educate ourselves......to continue to invest and invent ..............and reskill and retool......
"To conquer our fear of the future with Faith in the future...."
"I now understand why people plant the seeds of a tree whose shade they will never see..."
"......cannot wait for tomorrow today.......we must build tomorrow today.."
"there was this grave with a tombstone in war-torn Luanda in Africa with these words -
Name: David
Age:10
Game: Football
Enjoys: making people laugh
Ambition: Doctor
Cause of death: Tortured
Last words: The United Nations will come to save us
.....but we never came......"
"...that as a child I learnt at my father's church .....whenever we come across hardship and suffering - we cannot and will not pass by on the other side......"
" .....there is no Challenge we cannot Equal
.....no Obstacle we cannot Overcome
.....no Aspiration too high for us to Achieve...."
I hope some of the above quotes from this statesman would ring true in your minds and hearts and in some ways will help you in your journey in life. More so now in these times of troubled and uncertain financial environment that there is still hope - for we are people with the resilience and power to bounce back even much higher ......The Choice is Yours!
He started around 12.15am Thursday, 05 March 2009 and spoke for 34minutes ending at 12.49am - amazingly he received 18 standing ovations from the audience throughout his speech.
He definitely came prepared and moved the audience with his oratorical finesse and remarkable use of captivating graphical verbal imagery.
Some of the phrases he used that captured my attention were:
"To find our way out of the economic crisis and downturn is ........educate ourselves......to continue to invest and invent ..............and reskill and retool......
"To conquer our fear of the future with Faith in the future...."
"I now understand why people plant the seeds of a tree whose shade they will never see..."
"......cannot wait for tomorrow today.......we must build tomorrow today.."
"there was this grave with a tombstone in war-torn Luanda in Africa with these words -
Name: David
Age:10
Game: Football
Enjoys: making people laugh
Ambition: Doctor
Cause of death: Tortured
Last words: The United Nations will come to save us
.....but we never came......"
"...that as a child I learnt at my father's church .....whenever we come across hardship and suffering - we cannot and will not pass by on the other side......"
" .....there is no Challenge we cannot Equal
.....no Obstacle we cannot Overcome
.....no Aspiration too high for us to Achieve...."
I hope some of the above quotes from this statesman would ring true in your minds and hearts and in some ways will help you in your journey in life. More so now in these times of troubled and uncertain financial environment that there is still hope - for we are people with the resilience and power to bounce back even much higher ......The Choice is Yours!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thought for the Day No.31
When was the last time you attended a Toastmasters club meeting as a guest?
Last wednesday evening, at a Toastmasters meeting during the session on impromptu speaking i.e. learning and practicising how to speak off the cuff without preparation in 2 minutes - the Toastmaster gave an interesting topic to the audience "What does RICH mean to you?"
Several people came forward and shared their responses to the topic.
Some of these were:
# "Having enough money to do what you want in life and give to your family and friends",
# "Enjoying abundance in daily living - money, friends, do the things you like, go anywhere you like anytime you like with whom you like"
# "Not forced to feel miserable to 'kowtow' to anyone or 'tahan' unfair treatment by
superiors and co-workers or customers or suppliers - for the sake of earning money"
# "Being wealthy in money, have lots of knowledge in many areas, filled with ideas for solving problems so that can contribute to improve the lives of the poor and neglected"
# "Not feeling deprived or worst than others just because I have less than them - whether in
terms of the size of the bank balance, size of the house or car, brand of the clothes, shoes,
watch, handbag,etc., holiday destinations, status and position in company or recognition
by family, friends and society"
# "Being balanced and fulfilled in the important areas of our lives - financially, mentally, family, socially and spiritually"
# "Always happy because have self-confidence, enough money, many friends and open mind to learn all the time"
As I sat there listening to all these wonderful perceptions of these people, I realised they were talking about outcomes that most people are pursuing in their lives - and yet, I wonder how many will reach the final destination of their choice? I guess here is the flaw of only setting goals or having dreams and not able or willing to pay the price.
And, the word RICH actually provides clues........
Resilience - being able to recover or bounce back - from a mistake, job loss, business loss,
wrong decisions or any setback - is vital towards increasing our chances of becoming
rich in whatever sense. More so now during this economic downturn or crisis, when
so many are losing jobs, homes, customers....consequently losing hope and feeling
helpless because of lack of Resilience. Remember, the journey towards our dreams
is not one straight smooth road - there are many potholes, bumps, sharp turnings,
steep uphill slopes and often dead ends,too - just keep going if you want to be there.
Intelligence - is our mental ability and capability to perform - our storehouse of knowledge,
ideas, emotions, analytical technology, decision processes, ...driving the way we
think , perceive, interprete and decide that influence how we feel - how are we
daily, weekly or monthly keeping all these up-to-date, keep "oiling" or "lubricating"
them as a mechanic would say. So they are always renewed, upbeat, alive, vibrant
and helpful towards achieving our dreams of becoming wealthy and having
abundance.
Creativity - being open, breaking barriers, limitless, colourful, ample choices, embracing change, dare to be different - all these are characteristics of being creative. Creativity
is a powerful enabler - it allows us to have options, fresh ideas, courage to change
and thus help us break free from the prison called "No Choice" way of living.
This also leads to the important thing called "taking responsibility to choose" -
actually there is no such thing as 'No Choice' - it's either we are afraid to choose or
we refuse to choose. To overcome fear - build up your "Intelligence" - and, bear
this in mind 'refusing to choose' is making a choice - so you pay the price,too.
Heart - take your hand and touch the left side of your chest - close your eyes and listen to
what your Heart is saying to you ....do you hear a whisper "I am alive" or "Thank
you for taking care of me for so long" or "Think before you leap" or "Be caring like
the way you care for me"
Whatever we do in life - particularly when doing something that will affect another
person's life or future - ask you heart first and if you hear "Yes, it's ok to do it" then
you can be certain you can sleep at night and most likely you have helped another
fellow human being to arrive nearer to her/his dream,too.
With the four pillars of RICH above, certainly we will be increasing our chances of realising our dreams - whatever yours maybe ........not just having more money but more joy and peace,too.
Praise the Lord!
Last wednesday evening, at a Toastmasters meeting during the session on impromptu speaking i.e. learning and practicising how to speak off the cuff without preparation in 2 minutes - the Toastmaster gave an interesting topic to the audience "What does RICH mean to you?"
Several people came forward and shared their responses to the topic.
Some of these were:
# "Having enough money to do what you want in life and give to your family and friends",
# "Enjoying abundance in daily living - money, friends, do the things you like, go anywhere you like anytime you like with whom you like"
# "Not forced to feel miserable to 'kowtow' to anyone or 'tahan' unfair treatment by
superiors and co-workers or customers or suppliers - for the sake of earning money"
# "Being wealthy in money, have lots of knowledge in many areas, filled with ideas for solving problems so that can contribute to improve the lives of the poor and neglected"
# "Not feeling deprived or worst than others just because I have less than them - whether in
terms of the size of the bank balance, size of the house or car, brand of the clothes, shoes,
watch, handbag,etc., holiday destinations, status and position in company or recognition
by family, friends and society"
# "Being balanced and fulfilled in the important areas of our lives - financially, mentally, family, socially and spiritually"
# "Always happy because have self-confidence, enough money, many friends and open mind to learn all the time"
As I sat there listening to all these wonderful perceptions of these people, I realised they were talking about outcomes that most people are pursuing in their lives - and yet, I wonder how many will reach the final destination of their choice? I guess here is the flaw of only setting goals or having dreams and not able or willing to pay the price.
And, the word RICH actually provides clues........
Resilience - being able to recover or bounce back - from a mistake, job loss, business loss,
wrong decisions or any setback - is vital towards increasing our chances of becoming
rich in whatever sense. More so now during this economic downturn or crisis, when
so many are losing jobs, homes, customers....consequently losing hope and feeling
helpless because of lack of Resilience. Remember, the journey towards our dreams
is not one straight smooth road - there are many potholes, bumps, sharp turnings,
steep uphill slopes and often dead ends,too - just keep going if you want to be there.
Intelligence - is our mental ability and capability to perform - our storehouse of knowledge,
ideas, emotions, analytical technology, decision processes, ...driving the way we
think , perceive, interprete and decide that influence how we feel - how are we
daily, weekly or monthly keeping all these up-to-date, keep "oiling" or "lubricating"
them as a mechanic would say. So they are always renewed, upbeat, alive, vibrant
and helpful towards achieving our dreams of becoming wealthy and having
abundance.
Creativity - being open, breaking barriers, limitless, colourful, ample choices, embracing change, dare to be different - all these are characteristics of being creative. Creativity
is a powerful enabler - it allows us to have options, fresh ideas, courage to change
and thus help us break free from the prison called "No Choice" way of living.
This also leads to the important thing called "taking responsibility to choose" -
actually there is no such thing as 'No Choice' - it's either we are afraid to choose or
we refuse to choose. To overcome fear - build up your "Intelligence" - and, bear
this in mind 'refusing to choose' is making a choice - so you pay the price,too.
Heart - take your hand and touch the left side of your chest - close your eyes and listen to
what your Heart is saying to you ....do you hear a whisper "I am alive" or "Thank
you for taking care of me for so long" or "Think before you leap" or "Be caring like
the way you care for me"
Whatever we do in life - particularly when doing something that will affect another
person's life or future - ask you heart first and if you hear "Yes, it's ok to do it" then
you can be certain you can sleep at night and most likely you have helped another
fellow human being to arrive nearer to her/his dream,too.
With the four pillars of RICH above, certainly we will be increasing our chances of realising our dreams - whatever yours maybe ........not just having more money but more joy and peace,too.
Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thought for the Day No.30
In TFTD No.27 the message centred on adversity - this is our greatest challenge currently - facing the various kinds of adversities that is crippling the business economy and consequently affecting our personal lives.
Some years ago Brian Tracy wrote an inspiring article on "Overcoming Adversity" and here are some excerpts to share with you -
"What are you made of? What are you really made of? When push comes to shove, ....when the chips are down, what lies at the very core of your character? You learn what you're really made of only when things go wrong and you are tumbled, end over end, by some adversity or setback that hits you like a Mack truck coming out of an alley. Since your behaviors on the outside are the real indicators of who you are on the inside, only by observing how you behave when things go wrong can you tell what you really have inside you.
Life is a continuous succession of both small and large problems. They never end. No sooner do you get control of one situation when you are hit by another. Life is a process of two steps forward and one step back. When you become a great success, you simply exchange one type of problem for another. Before, you had small problems with limited consequences; now you have large problems with enormous consequences. No matter how smart and clever and careful you are, you'll face challenges, difficulties and sometimes heartbreaking adversities every day, week and month of your life. And thank heaven for that!
You couldn't possibly have become the person you are today if you had not had to contend with adversity on your way up. Perhaps your chief aim in life is to develop a noble character, to become an excellent human being, to become everything you are capable of becoming. Only by contending with challenges that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment can you grow more surely toward the stars.
The starting point in dealing with any difficulty is simply to relax. Clear your mind. Get yourself into a state where you're calm and cool and in full control of your emotions and senses. Back off mentally, and become as objective as possible.
Step back and look at the problem with a certain amount of detachment, as if it were happening to someone else. When you can analyze your adversities clearly, you sometimes see opportunities to turn them to your best advantage. One of the rules in dealing with adversity in life is that you are only as free as your well-developed alternatives. You are only as free as the options you have. Only when you can switch and do something else can you be flexible in dealing with your current situation. If you have not developed an option or an alternative, you will become anxious and even panicky when you are threatened with a sudden loss or reversal in a particular area of your life.
In dealing with adversity, perhaps the four most important words that you can remember are these: 'This, too, shall pass.' Whatever it is, however difficult it may appear, say to yourself, 'This, too, shall pass.'
Remember, too, that you are never sent a difficulty that is too big for you to handle. Whatever problems or adversities you face, you have within you the resources to deal with them. You have the creative ability to find a solution to your problem. You have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.
One of your main jobs in life is to become an expert in dealing with adversity, to triumph over difficulty, to rise above the challenges of day-to-day life. Keep your thoughts on where you're going, not on where you've been. Keep your eyes on your goals, and keep your chin tilted upward toward the sunshine. Resolve in advance that you will meet and overcome every difficulty, and then, no matter what happens, don't give up until you do."
Some years ago Brian Tracy wrote an inspiring article on "Overcoming Adversity" and here are some excerpts to share with you -
"What are you made of? What are you really made of? When push comes to shove, ....when the chips are down, what lies at the very core of your character? You learn what you're really made of only when things go wrong and you are tumbled, end over end, by some adversity or setback that hits you like a Mack truck coming out of an alley. Since your behaviors on the outside are the real indicators of who you are on the inside, only by observing how you behave when things go wrong can you tell what you really have inside you.
Life is a continuous succession of both small and large problems. They never end. No sooner do you get control of one situation when you are hit by another. Life is a process of two steps forward and one step back. When you become a great success, you simply exchange one type of problem for another. Before, you had small problems with limited consequences; now you have large problems with enormous consequences. No matter how smart and clever and careful you are, you'll face challenges, difficulties and sometimes heartbreaking adversities every day, week and month of your life. And thank heaven for that!
You couldn't possibly have become the person you are today if you had not had to contend with adversity on your way up. Perhaps your chief aim in life is to develop a noble character, to become an excellent human being, to become everything you are capable of becoming. Only by contending with challenges that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment can you grow more surely toward the stars.
The starting point in dealing with any difficulty is simply to relax. Clear your mind. Get yourself into a state where you're calm and cool and in full control of your emotions and senses. Back off mentally, and become as objective as possible.
Step back and look at the problem with a certain amount of detachment, as if it were happening to someone else. When you can analyze your adversities clearly, you sometimes see opportunities to turn them to your best advantage. One of the rules in dealing with adversity in life is that you are only as free as your well-developed alternatives. You are only as free as the options you have. Only when you can switch and do something else can you be flexible in dealing with your current situation. If you have not developed an option or an alternative, you will become anxious and even panicky when you are threatened with a sudden loss or reversal in a particular area of your life.
In dealing with adversity, perhaps the four most important words that you can remember are these: 'This, too, shall pass.' Whatever it is, however difficult it may appear, say to yourself, 'This, too, shall pass.'
Remember, too, that you are never sent a difficulty that is too big for you to handle. Whatever problems or adversities you face, you have within you the resources to deal with them. You have the creative ability to find a solution to your problem. You have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.
One of your main jobs in life is to become an expert in dealing with adversity, to triumph over difficulty, to rise above the challenges of day-to-day life. Keep your thoughts on where you're going, not on where you've been. Keep your eyes on your goals, and keep your chin tilted upward toward the sunshine. Resolve in advance that you will meet and overcome every difficulty, and then, no matter what happens, don't give up until you do."
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thought of the day No.29
Has anyone thought what the header for the blog 'PSSH' represents?
For us in Penang Sin Swee Hin - it would be natural to conclude it is the company's initials which are similar..... but let's expand this idea a bit and allow for more possibilities, that this blog is about -
Principles for Serenity, Success and Happiness ,
People Seeking Success and Harmony,
Purposeful Strategies for Success & Happiness,
Positive Steps towards Success and Harmony,
Peaceful Solutions and Success Habits
.....and more, let's keep expanding the list so share them in the comments section.
Have a GREAT Day!
For us in Penang Sin Swee Hin - it would be natural to conclude it is the company's initials which are similar..... but let's expand this idea a bit and allow for more possibilities, that this blog is about -
Principles for Serenity, Success and Happiness ,
People Seeking Success and Harmony,
Purposeful Strategies for Success & Happiness,
Positive Steps towards Success and Harmony,
Peaceful Solutions and Success Habits
.....and more, let's keep expanding the list so share them in the comments section.
Have a GREAT Day!
Thought for the Day No.28
Someone once said -
"People are losing their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.
By thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor for the future and they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they never lived"
Something to ponder .....and I believe this is applicable for both Business and Personal Growth.
"People are losing their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.
By thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor for the future and they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they never lived"
Something to ponder .....and I believe this is applicable for both Business and Personal Growth.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thought for the Day No.27
I believe many people have heard about the '80/20' Rule.....
# 80% of our roads have 20% of smooth surfaces
# 80% of our parking meters are working 20% of the time
# 80% of our govt depts are doing 20% of the work
# 80% of the taxpayers money are used in projects benefitting 20% of the people
# 80% of any business can be obtained from 20% of customers
# 80% of any work can be completed within 20% of the allocated time
# 80% of any organisation are paid by the results of 20% (or less) of the people
...and I am sure you know of many other examples.
But, have you heard of the "15/75/10" Rule?
Sometime ago I came across a study of behaviour of people when faced with adversities and uncertainties. It states that -
15% of people become panicky and irrational
75% of people would be resigned to the situation and shuffle around as if in a daze under the weight of the burden
10% of people are genuinely excited that change is underway and eager to explore how they can make it beneficial for themselves and the organisation
The good news is that the people in the 15% and 75% groups can be realigned into the 10% group with consistent support to increase what is known as their "adversity quotient" It starts with their belief that "Yes, They Can!"
Strive to stay in the 10% group - and if you already are, with more exposure and practice, you will soon become a Superstar!
# 80% of our roads have 20% of smooth surfaces
# 80% of our parking meters are working 20% of the time
# 80% of our govt depts are doing 20% of the work
# 80% of the taxpayers money are used in projects benefitting 20% of the people
# 80% of any business can be obtained from 20% of customers
# 80% of any work can be completed within 20% of the allocated time
# 80% of any organisation are paid by the results of 20% (or less) of the people
...and I am sure you know of many other examples.
But, have you heard of the "15/75/10" Rule?
Sometime ago I came across a study of behaviour of people when faced with adversities and uncertainties. It states that -
15% of people become panicky and irrational
75% of people would be resigned to the situation and shuffle around as if in a daze under the weight of the burden
10% of people are genuinely excited that change is underway and eager to explore how they can make it beneficial for themselves and the organisation
The good news is that the people in the 15% and 75% groups can be realigned into the 10% group with consistent support to increase what is known as their "adversity quotient" It starts with their belief that "Yes, They Can!"
Strive to stay in the 10% group - and if you already are, with more exposure and practice, you will soon become a Superstar!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thought for the Day No.26
We often hear this phrase "When the going gets tough, The tough gets going"
One morning I was having breakfast with some friends when someone was lamenting the current hard times with all the gloomy news about the financial crisis everyday. Then another person mentioned the above phrase - and he immediately retorted "Oh Yeah, easier said than done, whoever said that is not in the situation of having lost his job and have to feed a family-la"
As I sat there listening to the conversation - I realised that many of us could have experienced such conversations among our friends or may even be participating in such conversations.
Should you encounter this again in the future, I would like to invite you to revisit Thought No. 24
Imagine what it would be like for Abraham Lincoln to go through all the trails and challenges life has thrown at him - I am certain none of us could have "suffered" what he has undergone.
He has shown us that it is possible to keep working towards your dream against all odds - expecially when you know achieving your dream will also benefit greatly your fellowmen and will touch and enrich the lives of so many.
I reckon it is this powerful belief inside him that has enabled and driven him towards success in spite of all the obstacles and crushing painful episodes - financially and emotionally - that came his way. Re-examine your dream - you may discover that it is benefitting not just yourself - it could be much more than that...and if so, imagine the immense meaningful contribution you are making towards mankind when you achieve your dream - so the earlier you do that the greater the joy and the more the people will rejoice together with you.
There are many examples - Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Master Cheng Yen, Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale ...... look towards the inspiration they have given us to spur us that it's worthwhile to hold on to our dreams and make them come true.
Master Cheng Yen once said " The misery in this world is not solely due to poverty, but, also, to a lack of meaningful purpose in life." She believes that the most meaningful life is one of service to those in need. ....perhaps we can do this by first achieving our Dreams!
Ignore the "distractions" and stay Focus on your dream
Wishing You peace, harmony and abundance.
One morning I was having breakfast with some friends when someone was lamenting the current hard times with all the gloomy news about the financial crisis everyday. Then another person mentioned the above phrase - and he immediately retorted "Oh Yeah, easier said than done, whoever said that is not in the situation of having lost his job and have to feed a family-la"
As I sat there listening to the conversation - I realised that many of us could have experienced such conversations among our friends or may even be participating in such conversations.
Should you encounter this again in the future, I would like to invite you to revisit Thought No. 24
Imagine what it would be like for Abraham Lincoln to go through all the trails and challenges life has thrown at him - I am certain none of us could have "suffered" what he has undergone.
He has shown us that it is possible to keep working towards your dream against all odds - expecially when you know achieving your dream will also benefit greatly your fellowmen and will touch and enrich the lives of so many.
I reckon it is this powerful belief inside him that has enabled and driven him towards success in spite of all the obstacles and crushing painful episodes - financially and emotionally - that came his way. Re-examine your dream - you may discover that it is benefitting not just yourself - it could be much more than that...and if so, imagine the immense meaningful contribution you are making towards mankind when you achieve your dream - so the earlier you do that the greater the joy and the more the people will rejoice together with you.
There are many examples - Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Master Cheng Yen, Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale ...... look towards the inspiration they have given us to spur us that it's worthwhile to hold on to our dreams and make them come true.
Master Cheng Yen once said " The misery in this world is not solely due to poverty, but, also, to a lack of meaningful purpose in life." She believes that the most meaningful life is one of service to those in need. ....perhaps we can do this by first achieving our Dreams!
Ignore the "distractions" and stay Focus on your dream
Wishing You peace, harmony and abundance.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Thought for the Day No.25
Hi .....this morning have you looked at your garden?
For some of you who stay in multi-storey apartments may respond - "What garden?" when you look out your window there is no garden?"
Well, the reason is you are looking at the wrong direction .... take another look, this time close your eyes to "see" it! It's the "garden" above your eyes, between your ears and below your hair - yes, your mind or if you like your brain. How is it's condition - is the field like a smooth green carpet covered with evenly trimmed grass or instead overgrown with weeds, are the bushes tenderly pruned daily and bright fresh flowers clinging onto them or withering with twisted bare branches and leftover dried dead leaves - the scene not so inviting.
Indeed, many people had asked why spend time reading and thinking about ideas that are inspiring and motivational - as often as possible or on a daily basis, why keep on absorbing and learning new fresh ideas to do better, stay upbeat and sustain our self -esteem - the reason is our mind is like our garden.
Everyday seedlings of weeds are brought or blown into our garden whether you like it or not, the plants will wilt and die if you do not nurture them, trim and prune away the unwanted parts and fertilise the roots with renewed resources - so like our garden, when neglected and not constantly filled with renewed helpful positive thoughts - our mind becomes dull unmotivated uninspiring and unfulfilling....because we face a outside negative world - daily whether we like it or not, we are absorbing negativity all around us - and mostly they sneak in without our permission.
Yes, it's a daily effort to keep our mental garden beautiful, uplifting and a joyful place to experience and give us the powerful sense of harmony, peace and serenity whenever we visit it.
My friends, check your garden daily if you can - and restore it with helpful ideas and thoughts that will propel you towards your ultimate Dream - Just Do it!
For Business Growth:
"To stay ahead of the competitors - we have to stay ahead in our specific business skills, knowledge and relationship with our clients"
For Personal Growth:
"Motivation is not a one-time thing - it's a daily affair, just like having your daily bath
to stay clean and fresh all the time."
For some of you who stay in multi-storey apartments may respond - "What garden?" when you look out your window there is no garden?"
Well, the reason is you are looking at the wrong direction .... take another look, this time close your eyes to "see" it! It's the "garden" above your eyes, between your ears and below your hair - yes, your mind or if you like your brain. How is it's condition - is the field like a smooth green carpet covered with evenly trimmed grass or instead overgrown with weeds, are the bushes tenderly pruned daily and bright fresh flowers clinging onto them or withering with twisted bare branches and leftover dried dead leaves - the scene not so inviting.
Indeed, many people had asked why spend time reading and thinking about ideas that are inspiring and motivational - as often as possible or on a daily basis, why keep on absorbing and learning new fresh ideas to do better, stay upbeat and sustain our self -esteem - the reason is our mind is like our garden.
Everyday seedlings of weeds are brought or blown into our garden whether you like it or not, the plants will wilt and die if you do not nurture them, trim and prune away the unwanted parts and fertilise the roots with renewed resources - so like our garden, when neglected and not constantly filled with renewed helpful positive thoughts - our mind becomes dull unmotivated uninspiring and unfulfilling....because we face a outside negative world - daily whether we like it or not, we are absorbing negativity all around us - and mostly they sneak in without our permission.
Yes, it's a daily effort to keep our mental garden beautiful, uplifting and a joyful place to experience and give us the powerful sense of harmony, peace and serenity whenever we visit it.
My friends, check your garden daily if you can - and restore it with helpful ideas and thoughts that will propel you towards your ultimate Dream - Just Do it!
For Business Growth:
"To stay ahead of the competitors - we have to stay ahead in our specific business skills, knowledge and relationship with our clients"
For Personal Growth:
"Motivation is not a one-time thing - it's a daily affair, just like having your daily bath
to stay clean and fresh all the time."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thought for the Day No.24
STORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND HOW HE CONQUERED ADVERSITY
Despite business failure, great personal loss, rejection, political defeat, tremendous emotional stress, family crises, severe financial difficulties, Abraham Lincoln ascended to the highest office in the country - President of the United States of America.
From log cabin to White House, from poverty to the Presidency, Lincoln faced many obstacles, political and private, but overcame them by faith and determination never to give up.
Lincoln has long been remembered for his endurance in the face of adversity.
Consider the following personal and political challenges he confronted:
# ran for the legislature in Illinois and was defeated
# entered business with a partner, when it failed, he was left with debts that he spent the next
17 years paying off
# fell in love with a young lady, was engaged to her, then she died
# proposed marriage to another young lady and was turned down
# ran for Congress and was defeated
# attempted to get an appointment to the US Land Office and failed
# became a candidate for the US Senate and was defeated
# became a candidate for the vice-presidency and was defeated
# suffered the loss of two young sons - Eddie,3, and Willie,12 - their deaths caused severe
emotional devastation upon the Lincoln family, a loss from which Mrs Lincoln was believed
never to have recovered
# throughout his life was employed in many jobs as.....
railsplitter,
boatman,
manual laborer,
store clerk,
soldier,
store owner,
election clerk,
postmaster,
surveyor,
state legislator,
lawyer,
Congressman, and finally as the President of the United States
Sometimes when things are not going so smoothly, burdened with the troubles of the day, I reflect on what Lincoln has gone through to remind myself that actually compared to him - I am Lucky - and picked myself up again to reach out for my ultimate goal - with renewed hope and resolution - echoing the words of Obama's election slogan, "Yes, We can"
Despite business failure, great personal loss, rejection, political defeat, tremendous emotional stress, family crises, severe financial difficulties, Abraham Lincoln ascended to the highest office in the country - President of the United States of America.
From log cabin to White House, from poverty to the Presidency, Lincoln faced many obstacles, political and private, but overcame them by faith and determination never to give up.
Lincoln has long been remembered for his endurance in the face of adversity.
Consider the following personal and political challenges he confronted:
# ran for the legislature in Illinois and was defeated
# entered business with a partner, when it failed, he was left with debts that he spent the next
17 years paying off
# fell in love with a young lady, was engaged to her, then she died
# proposed marriage to another young lady and was turned down
# ran for Congress and was defeated
# attempted to get an appointment to the US Land Office and failed
# became a candidate for the US Senate and was defeated
# became a candidate for the vice-presidency and was defeated
# suffered the loss of two young sons - Eddie,3, and Willie,12 - their deaths caused severe
emotional devastation upon the Lincoln family, a loss from which Mrs Lincoln was believed
never to have recovered
# throughout his life was employed in many jobs as.....
railsplitter,
boatman,
manual laborer,
store clerk,
soldier,
store owner,
election clerk,
postmaster,
surveyor,
state legislator,
lawyer,
Congressman, and finally as the President of the United States
Sometimes when things are not going so smoothly, burdened with the troubles of the day, I reflect on what Lincoln has gone through to remind myself that actually compared to him - I am Lucky - and picked myself up again to reach out for my ultimate goal - with renewed hope and resolution - echoing the words of Obama's election slogan, "Yes, We can"
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thought for the Day No.23
12th February is one of the significant dates in American history.
One of the greatest Presidents of USA - the 16th President - Abraham Lincoln - was born on 12th February 1809 - and America celebrated his bicentennial this year.
200 years ago the birth of this person changed the history of America in the 19th century.
Certainly when he was born, nobody ever imagined the tremendous crucial role this child would subsequently play in leading the country successfully through its greatest internal crisis and resulted in the abolishment of slavery - giving the precious gift of freedom to thousands and thousands of fellow human beings enslaved during those days.
( Certainly when you were born nobody could imagine what greatness you, too, can achieve...keep faith, it could be just round the corner)
Abarham Lincoln's life was a stirling example of human perseverance and often quoted freely to encourage us who meet with obstacles one after another that seemed endless ...and yet following his example we know one day we would triumph.
I visited the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC in 2006 and came away inspired by the video archives and various artifiacts displayed there.
Martin Luther King made his famous "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and where he stood was a mark on the spot - and I took a photo standing on the spot - and visualised looking out to hundreds of thousands of people listening intently to his speech!
I have selected some of Lincoln's quotations to share today.
I would encourage you to visit Wikipedia to read more about his achievements and his life.
For Business Growth:
"We cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today"
"Whatever you are .....be a good one"
For Personal Growth:
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be"
"It is difficult to make a man miserable if he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to God who made him."
One of the greatest Presidents of USA - the 16th President - Abraham Lincoln - was born on 12th February 1809 - and America celebrated his bicentennial this year.
200 years ago the birth of this person changed the history of America in the 19th century.
Certainly when he was born, nobody ever imagined the tremendous crucial role this child would subsequently play in leading the country successfully through its greatest internal crisis and resulted in the abolishment of slavery - giving the precious gift of freedom to thousands and thousands of fellow human beings enslaved during those days.
( Certainly when you were born nobody could imagine what greatness you, too, can achieve...keep faith, it could be just round the corner)
Abarham Lincoln's life was a stirling example of human perseverance and often quoted freely to encourage us who meet with obstacles one after another that seemed endless ...and yet following his example we know one day we would triumph.
I visited the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC in 2006 and came away inspired by the video archives and various artifiacts displayed there.
Martin Luther King made his famous "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and where he stood was a mark on the spot - and I took a photo standing on the spot - and visualised looking out to hundreds of thousands of people listening intently to his speech!
I have selected some of Lincoln's quotations to share today.
I would encourage you to visit Wikipedia to read more about his achievements and his life.
For Business Growth:
"We cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today"
"Whatever you are .....be a good one"
For Personal Growth:
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be"
"It is difficult to make a man miserable if he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to God who made him."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thought for the Day No.22
For Business Growth:
"Always treat the customer as an intelligent person - because he has the money to decide who is stupid"
For Personal Growth:
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you during those times when you have forgotten the words"
"Always treat the customer as an intelligent person - because he has the money to decide who is stupid"
For Personal Growth:
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you during those times when you have forgotten the words"
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thought for the Day No.21
The Chinese New Year celebrations closed with the finale of "Chap Goh Meh" - how time just zoomed by - 15 days' of merry-making and festivities went past with the blink of an eye.
More so when people need to achieve business goals and targets - people always wonder what happened to their time when they have to account for their results near the end of the month or target deadlines. Hence progressive daily monitoring is essential to ensure we are meeting our commitments and staying on course towards our goals....and if not, start making adjustments to return back on track.
For Business Growth:
"Distractions and mistakes are bound to occur and get you off course - most importantly, have the courage and perseverance to rebound and resume your journey towards your goals again"
For Personal Growth:
The 'bad' news - time really flies
The 'good' news - you are the pilot.
More so when people need to achieve business goals and targets - people always wonder what happened to their time when they have to account for their results near the end of the month or target deadlines. Hence progressive daily monitoring is essential to ensure we are meeting our commitments and staying on course towards our goals....and if not, start making adjustments to return back on track.
For Business Growth:
"Distractions and mistakes are bound to occur and get you off course - most importantly, have the courage and perseverance to rebound and resume your journey towards your goals again"
For Personal Growth:
The 'bad' news - time really flies
The 'good' news - you are the pilot.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thought for the Day No.20
Good Morning....I feel so blessed to wake up in the morning and listen to the cheerful chirping of the birds by my window. Maybe we should be like them - always so thankful and singing out their hearts in praise of the Lord every morning they wake up - something to think about!
Someone posted a comment on the Thought No18 - go read it (click on the word "comment" below the post) - interesting comment.....
and it helped trigger this passage which I felt would be appropriate to share with her/him.
This passage is often credited to Mother Teresa but was actually written by Kent M. Keith but it does seem to reflect her life - Enjoy!
Someone posted a comment on the Thought No18 - go read it (click on the word "comment" below the post) - interesting comment.....
and it helped trigger this passage which I felt would be appropriate to share with her/him.
This passage is often credited to Mother Teresa but was actually written by Kent M. Keith but it does seem to reflect her life - Enjoy!
Anyway
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;Forgive them anyway
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;Forgive them anyway
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and some true enemies;Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous;Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow;Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
(and, by doing so, when we depart from this earth, we would be able to leave behind the best memories and legacy for our loved ones!)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thought for the Day No.19
I believe many of us have heard these phrases
"Customers pay our salaries and bonuses - we must treat them like gold"
" It costs 3 times or more to find a new customer than to retain the existing one"
"Customer complaints are genuine most of the time"
"Better for customers to complain instead of keeping quiet and going to the competitor"
"We welcome customer complaints - otherwise they will complain to their friends"
Customer complaints can become stumbling blocks or stepping stones - it all depends on how we perceive them and deal with them.
Remember, we get paid according to our ability to solve problems.
Hence, it is definitely important to handle customer complaints effectively.
What is a problem?
A simple definition - A problem is the difference between what the customer wants to happen and what actually happens
The following 4-step approach is helpful:
1. Understand the problem
2. Identify the cause
3. Discuss the possible solutions
4. Take action - Solve the problem
Some Do's and Dont's
Do listen attentively,
Do put yourself in his/her shoes,
Do remain objective,
Do discern facts from assumptions,
Do remain calm and patient and allow venting
Do ask questions
Do take "ownership"
Don't deny responsibility
Don't blame - especially the customer
Don't argue
Don't attempt to prove him/her wrong
Don't be defensive
Don't make "empty" promises
For Business Growth:
"Customer complaints are signals to the company saying -'I still want to do business with you but please improve your products and services'"
For Personal Growth:
"Instead of pointing a finger - hold out a hand"
"Customers pay our salaries and bonuses - we must treat them like gold"
" It costs 3 times or more to find a new customer than to retain the existing one"
"Customer complaints are genuine most of the time"
"Better for customers to complain instead of keeping quiet and going to the competitor"
"We welcome customer complaints - otherwise they will complain to their friends"
Customer complaints can become stumbling blocks or stepping stones - it all depends on how we perceive them and deal with them.
Remember, we get paid according to our ability to solve problems.
Hence, it is definitely important to handle customer complaints effectively.
What is a problem?
A simple definition - A problem is the difference between what the customer wants to happen and what actually happens
The following 4-step approach is helpful:
1. Understand the problem
2. Identify the cause
3. Discuss the possible solutions
4. Take action - Solve the problem
Some Do's and Dont's
Do listen attentively,
Do put yourself in his/her shoes,
Do remain objective,
Do discern facts from assumptions,
Do remain calm and patient and allow venting
Do ask questions
Do take "ownership"
Don't deny responsibility
Don't blame - especially the customer
Don't argue
Don't attempt to prove him/her wrong
Don't be defensive
Don't make "empty" promises
For Business Growth:
"Customer complaints are signals to the company saying -'I still want to do business with you but please improve your products and services'"
For Personal Growth:
"Instead of pointing a finger - hold out a hand"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thought for the Day No.18
What are our customers' experience ?
I was waiting for my wife while she shopped at the supermarket and I stood near the customer service counter of this supermarket. It was interesting to observe the interactions between the employees and the customers /prospects who required their questions/complaints answered or assistance to look for a particular product.
There were instances of customers who were not satisfied with the outcome and raised their voices grumbling and cursing the company while going away frustrated and there were other cases of satisfied customers who felt their needs were met.
What was happening in front of me was the customer's experience with this company.
Because of their experiences, some would not come back and worst still tell many others of their "bad" experiences and warn them to avoid coming here to shop. As for those who went away satisfied - they may not tell of their "satisfied" experience because it is expected - they are the customers and deserve to be satisfied.
What is meant by customer's experience and how can we optimise this in our workplace for our customers?
It is the series of interactions and exposures a customer has with our company that cumulatively creates the customer perception. The customer perception is how an individual customer feels about associating with our company. It’s about the reality of the customer experience, not our proclaimed intention or assumptions.
A good Customer Experience CAN’T be produced artificially! It is always the result of good services and care provided to our customers and the results we get will always mirror our real intentions. Alienated and wronged customers usually spread the word pretty fast.
Some of the things to consider are:
* Walk a mile in their shoes - if you were the customer how would you feel being treated the way we have treated him/her
* Know our customers well - what is their business, how they use our products/services for their businesses, how to relate the benefits of the products/services to their advantage
* Review customer communications - is it easy for them to understand, can they get it timely, is it helpful to them, are they acknowledged for their participation,
* When things go wrong, how do we react/respond? - do we deflect or accept responsibility to help, how fast do we provide solutions, will customers feel being listened to?
No slogans or fancy posters or buttons can create delightful customer experiences - it's the face-to-face personal encounters and maybe even communications through phone or mails that determines the outcome.
I remember this local bank which had all their employees wearing a SMILE button on their uniforms but I observed more than half of them with grouchy faces and no eye contact when serving the customers.
The customer service officer even scolded a customer for filling a form incorrectly.
The employees behaviour has such great impact on the customer's experience that is so different from what is intended and desired by the organisation.
Unless we have a monopoly business in the market - creating positive memorable customers' experiences is very important and is everyone's responsibility.
For Business Growth:
"Do your utmost to consistently provide a pleasant and helpful customer's experience - if not, the customer may be satisfied enough not to complain, but not enough to stay"
For Personal Growth:
"Intentions are meant to drive actions - success is achieved when they do"
I was waiting for my wife while she shopped at the supermarket and I stood near the customer service counter of this supermarket. It was interesting to observe the interactions between the employees and the customers /prospects who required their questions/complaints answered or assistance to look for a particular product.
There were instances of customers who were not satisfied with the outcome and raised their voices grumbling and cursing the company while going away frustrated and there were other cases of satisfied customers who felt their needs were met.
What was happening in front of me was the customer's experience with this company.
Because of their experiences, some would not come back and worst still tell many others of their "bad" experiences and warn them to avoid coming here to shop. As for those who went away satisfied - they may not tell of their "satisfied" experience because it is expected - they are the customers and deserve to be satisfied.
What is meant by customer's experience and how can we optimise this in our workplace for our customers?
It is the series of interactions and exposures a customer has with our company that cumulatively creates the customer perception. The customer perception is how an individual customer feels about associating with our company. It’s about the reality of the customer experience, not our proclaimed intention or assumptions.
A good Customer Experience CAN’T be produced artificially! It is always the result of good services and care provided to our customers and the results we get will always mirror our real intentions. Alienated and wronged customers usually spread the word pretty fast.
Some of the things to consider are:
* Walk a mile in their shoes - if you were the customer how would you feel being treated the way we have treated him/her
* Know our customers well - what is their business, how they use our products/services for their businesses, how to relate the benefits of the products/services to their advantage
* Review customer communications - is it easy for them to understand, can they get it timely, is it helpful to them, are they acknowledged for their participation,
* When things go wrong, how do we react/respond? - do we deflect or accept responsibility to help, how fast do we provide solutions, will customers feel being listened to?
No slogans or fancy posters or buttons can create delightful customer experiences - it's the face-to-face personal encounters and maybe even communications through phone or mails that determines the outcome.
I remember this local bank which had all their employees wearing a SMILE button on their uniforms but I observed more than half of them with grouchy faces and no eye contact when serving the customers.
The customer service officer even scolded a customer for filling a form incorrectly.
The employees behaviour has such great impact on the customer's experience that is so different from what is intended and desired by the organisation.
Unless we have a monopoly business in the market - creating positive memorable customers' experiences is very important and is everyone's responsibility.
For Business Growth:
"Do your utmost to consistently provide a pleasant and helpful customer's experience - if not, the customer may be satisfied enough not to complain, but not enough to stay"
For Personal Growth:
"Intentions are meant to drive actions - success is achieved when they do"
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thought for the Day No.17
That day we were discussing that "People are the vital assets of any organisation" .
It was agreed that this holds true especially if the people are skilled, knowledgeable in what they are doing and can work independently and are reliable which means are accountable for their results. All these characteristics are valuable to the organisation hence by increasing and improving in these areas, people would also increase their worth and hence their rewards because they have performed and produced desirable results.
For Business Growth:
"Our rewards and freedom to work independently increases in proportion to our reliability and accountability for our performance. Hence, we need to measure our performances constantly to ensure we have surpassed the preset goals."
For Personal Growth:
"Ideas are a dime a dozen - but the people who implement them successfully are priceless (Mary Kay Ash)"
It was agreed that this holds true especially if the people are skilled, knowledgeable in what they are doing and can work independently and are reliable which means are accountable for their results. All these characteristics are valuable to the organisation hence by increasing and improving in these areas, people would also increase their worth and hence their rewards because they have performed and produced desirable results.
For Business Growth:
"Our rewards and freedom to work independently increases in proportion to our reliability and accountability for our performance. Hence, we need to measure our performances constantly to ensure we have surpassed the preset goals."
For Personal Growth:
"Ideas are a dime a dozen - but the people who implement them successfully are priceless (Mary Kay Ash)"
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thought for the Day No.16
Yesterday I was watching the live interview of the heads of state at the current Davos World Economic Forum. The inteviewer asked the Prime Minister of UK, Gordon Brown, how long does he think the worldwide financial crisis would take to recover - he smiled and then replied
"Let me share with you a story I recently heard - Once there was a leader who went to ask God how long it will take for the climate and weather problems of the world to be resolved - God's reply was ' Maybe not in your lifetime, maybe 2 -3 generations after you, but it will be corrected"...........then another leader approached God and asked how long before the world can have no more wars and enjoy world peace and harmony - God replied ' well, you may not live long enough to see it but may be your grandchildren will experience that' .............then came a leader who asked God , please tell me how long it will take the current world financial crisis to recover - God looked at him and started to cry....."
The audience broke out in laughter but the message of the story is more sober - that nobody can predict the duration .....some economists say 3-5 years even Bill Gates indicated it may take as long as 10 years.....Barack Obama did not give a figure, he tactfully said many years.
It does not matter how long but to acknowledge it is very real and already here - the onus is upon us to consider the options relevant during such challenging times, take appropriate actions, to unlearn and relearn and stay alert for available opportunities - which will benefit the few who have the will and courage to take new initiatives amidst the fearful atmosphere of the crisis.
For Business Growth:
"When sales are declining - go to a mirror and ensure that is not the cause"
For Personal Growth:
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning how to dance in the rain"
"Let me share with you a story I recently heard - Once there was a leader who went to ask God how long it will take for the climate and weather problems of the world to be resolved - God's reply was ' Maybe not in your lifetime, maybe 2 -3 generations after you, but it will be corrected"...........then another leader approached God and asked how long before the world can have no more wars and enjoy world peace and harmony - God replied ' well, you may not live long enough to see it but may be your grandchildren will experience that' .............then came a leader who asked God , please tell me how long it will take the current world financial crisis to recover - God looked at him and started to cry....."
The audience broke out in laughter but the message of the story is more sober - that nobody can predict the duration .....some economists say 3-5 years even Bill Gates indicated it may take as long as 10 years.....Barack Obama did not give a figure, he tactfully said many years.
It does not matter how long but to acknowledge it is very real and already here - the onus is upon us to consider the options relevant during such challenging times, take appropriate actions, to unlearn and relearn and stay alert for available opportunities - which will benefit the few who have the will and courage to take new initiatives amidst the fearful atmosphere of the crisis.
For Business Growth:
"When sales are declining - go to a mirror and ensure that is not the cause"
For Personal Growth:
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning how to dance in the rain"
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thought for the Day No. 15
My dad, who I always loved and respected, was a gentle and wise person.
He once told me that "guessing what the other person is thinking is like trying to count the number of shells on the sea-shore" - a futile and definitely inaccurate task.
For Business Growth:
"Very often the customers want to buy more - but we don't think so - hence we do not encourage them to do so"
For Personal Growth:
"The best things in life are free. It's the worst things that are so expensive - the only problem is we usually discover this too late"
He once told me that "guessing what the other person is thinking is like trying to count the number of shells on the sea-shore" - a futile and definitely inaccurate task.
For Business Growth:
"Very often the customers want to buy more - but we don't think so - hence we do not encourage them to do so"
For Personal Growth:
"The best things in life are free. It's the worst things that are so expensive - the only problem is we usually discover this too late"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thought for the Day No.14
During the recent new year visits to friends and relatives' homes, I believe many of us would have encountered responses like " Look how much your children have grown - taller than the parents already" or "Hey, you have not aged since we last met - what's your secret" or " Well well well, look at us, it seems like only yesterday when we were children collecting 'ang pows' and now look at the young ones - how much they have grown and this also means how much we have aged..hahahaha"
We had conversations with my generations about our age being in the 50's - and invariably the conversations turned to the lessons, joys, and blessings we found in living those 50+ years, and some even said, “You know, it isn’t really that bad. In fact, it’s pretty exciting.”
The lessons of the past can help to bring about a change in how we view the present.
Such is the aging process. We learn from our past in order to live in our present—a lesson reflected on by the psalmist:
“For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth” (Ps. 71:5).
He continued, “By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You” (v.6). As the psalmist looked back, he clearly saw the faithfulness of God. With confidence in that faithfulness, he could face the future and its uncertainties—and so can we.
For Business Growth:
"When sales are down and debts are high, stay positive and fight another round.
It's only the end when we lose hope and faith in ourselves and do nothing"
For Personal Growth:
"We don't stop laughing because we have grown old, rather, we grow old because we have stopped laughing"
We had conversations with my generations about our age being in the 50's - and invariably the conversations turned to the lessons, joys, and blessings we found in living those 50+ years, and some even said, “You know, it isn’t really that bad. In fact, it’s pretty exciting.”
The lessons of the past can help to bring about a change in how we view the present.
Such is the aging process. We learn from our past in order to live in our present—a lesson reflected on by the psalmist:
“For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth” (Ps. 71:5).
He continued, “By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You” (v.6). As the psalmist looked back, he clearly saw the faithfulness of God. With confidence in that faithfulness, he could face the future and its uncertainties—and so can we.
For Business Growth:
"When sales are down and debts are high, stay positive and fight another round.
It's only the end when we lose hope and faith in ourselves and do nothing"
For Personal Growth:
"We don't stop laughing because we have grown old, rather, we grow old because we have stopped laughing"
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
May You Be Blessed
I wish to dedicate this uplifting passage from Kate Nowak to you....
May you be blessed with all things good.
May your joys, like the stars at night, be too numerous to count.
May your victories be more abundant than all the grains of sand
on all the beaches, on all the oceans, in all the world
May lack and struggle be absent from your life
and may beauty, order and abundance be your constant companions
May every pathway you choose lead to that which is pure, good and lovely
May every doubt and fear be replaced by a deep abiding trust
as you behold evidence of His Power all around you
And, when there is only darkness and the storms of life are closing in
may the Light at the core of your being illuminate the world
May you always be aware you are loved beyond measure, and,
may you be willing to love unconditionally in return
And, when you are tempted to judge may you be reminded that we are all ONE
and that every thought you think reverberates across the Universe
touching everyone and everything.
And, when you are tempted to hold back, may you remember that love flows best
when it flows freely and it is in giving that we receive the greatest gift
May you always have music and laughter and may a rainbow follows every storm
May Gladness wash away every disappointment
May Joy dissolve every sorrow and may Love ease every pain
May every wound bring wisdom and every trial bring triumph
and with each passing day, may you live more abundantly than the day before
My Friend, may you be blessed and may others be blessed by you
May You Be Blessed!
May you be blessed with all things good.
May your joys, like the stars at night, be too numerous to count.
May your victories be more abundant than all the grains of sand
on all the beaches, on all the oceans, in all the world
May lack and struggle be absent from your life
and may beauty, order and abundance be your constant companions
May every pathway you choose lead to that which is pure, good and lovely
May every doubt and fear be replaced by a deep abiding trust
as you behold evidence of His Power all around you
And, when there is only darkness and the storms of life are closing in
may the Light at the core of your being illuminate the world
May you always be aware you are loved beyond measure, and,
may you be willing to love unconditionally in return
And, when you are tempted to judge may you be reminded that we are all ONE
and that every thought you think reverberates across the Universe
touching everyone and everything.
And, when you are tempted to hold back, may you remember that love flows best
when it flows freely and it is in giving that we receive the greatest gift
May you always have music and laughter and may a rainbow follows every storm
May Gladness wash away every disappointment
May Joy dissolve every sorrow and may Love ease every pain
May every wound bring wisdom and every trial bring triumph
and with each passing day, may you live more abundantly than the day before
My Friend, may you be blessed and may others be blessed by you
May You Be Blessed!
Thought for the Day No.13
Hooray! another day for us to experiment, learn and grow....
For Business Growth:
When the customer says "It's expensive!" - it means - Tell me more to help me understand why I have to pay your price.
So it's never about the price being high but have the customer been convinced it's worth the price.
For Personal Growth
We have to live our lives such that when we die, even the undertaker is sorry.
For Business Growth:
When the customer says "It's expensive!" - it means - Tell me more to help me understand why I have to pay your price.
So it's never about the price being high but have the customer been convinced it's worth the price.
For Personal Growth
We have to live our lives such that when we die, even the undertaker is sorry.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thought for the Day No.12
Good morning....I once read somewhere that said " Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere"
For Business Growth:
I came across this quote -
"Do not worry if your customer does not understand you.
Start worrying if you do not understand your customer" ....
but bear in mind that worrying alone won't help one bit - until you start taking steps to know and understand your customer - his/her needs, wants, likes and dislikes - then you can build stronger foundations in your relationship with the customer.
For Personal Growth:
"We have only one life - we can spend it laughing or worrying, the choice is yours"
For Business Growth:
I came across this quote -
"Do not worry if your customer does not understand you.
Start worrying if you do not understand your customer" ....
but bear in mind that worrying alone won't help one bit - until you start taking steps to know and understand your customer - his/her needs, wants, likes and dislikes - then you can build stronger foundations in your relationship with the customer.
For Personal Growth:
"We have only one life - we can spend it laughing or worrying, the choice is yours"
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thought for the Day No.11
This morning the church pastor delivered a meaningful and timely message for the congregation at the Chinese New Year Day's special service for the challenging times ahead for this year.
The key points were:
# We must have a clear objective and goal
# With the Lord there is always Hope to reach our destination
# Nothing happens unless we take action - high spirited prayerful action
# Make adjustment when needed - persevere and be prepared to be something else when the circumstances demand for it -the Lord will always be there to see us through
He quoted examples like Barack Obama who confronted his critics and achieved the unbelievable to become the first black African President of USA - something deemed "impossible" in many people's minds. With this accomplishment he has given so many people Hope for the future throughout the world.
Another person he cited was Dr William Tan, a polio victim, who went on to become the top of his class in Harvard Medical Faculty of the University - on the first day of class his lecturer told him not to waste his time and deny another student the rightful place in the class.
At his graduation day, the same professor repented who profusely asked for his forgiveness and told Dr William Tan " that on that fateful day, he only saw the wheelchair and not the amazing person on it"
For Business Growth:
"No matter how clear our goal .... without focussed relevant action nothing happens"
For Personal Growth:
"No hardship and sacrifices - No victories"
The key points were:
# We must have a clear objective and goal
# With the Lord there is always Hope to reach our destination
# Nothing happens unless we take action - high spirited prayerful action
# Make adjustment when needed - persevere and be prepared to be something else when the circumstances demand for it -the Lord will always be there to see us through
He quoted examples like Barack Obama who confronted his critics and achieved the unbelievable to become the first black African President of USA - something deemed "impossible" in many people's minds. With this accomplishment he has given so many people Hope for the future throughout the world.
Another person he cited was Dr William Tan, a polio victim, who went on to become the top of his class in Harvard Medical Faculty of the University - on the first day of class his lecturer told him not to waste his time and deny another student the rightful place in the class.
At his graduation day, the same professor repented who profusely asked for his forgiveness and told Dr William Tan " that on that fateful day, he only saw the wheelchair and not the amazing person on it"
For Business Growth:
"No matter how clear our goal .... without focussed relevant action nothing happens"
For Personal Growth:
"No hardship and sacrifices - No victories"
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thought for the Day No.10
HaPpY ChInEsE NeW YeAr to you and your families,
we want to make quantum LEAPs in life - so our focus for the business thought for today comes from the word L.E.A.P. to help us LEAP forward into the new year with new initiatives, creative ideas and vigorous actions so that we can reap the desirable results.
For Business Growth:
"LEAP into solving clients' problems and needs ..
Listen - pay close attention when they talk to identify their real key concerns
Empathise - walk a mile in their shoes, experience their frustrations, anxiety, predicament
Acknowledge - tell them we understand their concerns and situation
Pamper - go beyond the normal efforts to help make it right
For Personal Growth:
"We judge ourselves by what we are capable of doing - others judge us by what we have said and done" Therefore we must close that gap and take more action today - and LEAP forward and upwards in life!
we want to make quantum LEAPs in life - so our focus for the business thought for today comes from the word L.E.A.P. to help us LEAP forward into the new year with new initiatives, creative ideas and vigorous actions so that we can reap the desirable results.
For Business Growth:
"LEAP into solving clients' problems and needs ..
Listen - pay close attention when they talk to identify their real key concerns
Empathise - walk a mile in their shoes, experience their frustrations, anxiety, predicament
Acknowledge - tell them we understand their concerns and situation
Pamper - go beyond the normal efforts to help make it right
For Personal Growth:
"We judge ourselves by what we are capable of doing - others judge us by what we have said and done" Therefore we must close that gap and take more action today - and LEAP forward and upwards in life!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thought for the Day No.9
Hi all... Thanks for patiently reading and do keep applying what you can
For Business Growth:
"A man seeking to sell a blind horse always praises its feet - the lesson - always highlight the strengths of your products and services at all times"
For Personal Growth:
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves"
For Business Growth:
"A man seeking to sell a blind horse always praises its feet - the lesson - always highlight the strengths of your products and services at all times"
For Personal Growth:
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thought for the Day No.8
Today we shall enjoy the thoughts of the newly installed 44th President to inspire and guide us in our quest towards our accomplishments...
"..men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage."
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition,….. that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter;.."
May you achieve all your desires for 2009 knowing there is Hope & Possibility ...and Change is inevitable so let's not fight it but embrace it ...and enjoy harvesting the fruits of our labour.
"..men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage."
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition,….. that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter;.."
May you achieve all your desires for 2009 knowing there is Hope & Possibility ...and Change is inevitable so let's not fight it but embrace it ...and enjoy harvesting the fruits of our labour.
Mankind witnessed a historic moment at Capitol Hill on 20 January 2009 Washington D.C.
Good Morning...I am still amazed by the scenes I witnessed last night during the inauguration of the 44th President of U.S.A. - Barrack Hussein Obama - the pomp and pageantry, but most of all, the wave of human emotion , sense of victory, accomplishment, sacrifice, hope and most of all the possibility of what change truly means when we made a decision to become what we desire to be and achieve.
I decided to stay up for the live telecast be part of this extraordinary moment for mankind - to celebrate the unrelenting spirit of the human race that we can be ONE ....it was awesome to witness the colourful diversity of Americans gathering together in the millions to honour and celebrate the triumph of the belief in their constitution of Freedom to be who they choose to be - with this installation of the first Black African in history to the position of the most powerful position in America and of the world - the President of the United States of America.
I can still remember some discussions a few months ago, when he won the Democratic nomination aganst Senator Hillary Clinton, that this would be as far as he would go - already an unbelievable success for a black man to win this lady who was once the First Lady of the President of USA. But as his campaign progressed the results seemed to say - America may be on its way to create history ...and sure enough, he plodded on, sparing no sacrifice, steadfast in his commitment, clear in his vision and holding on to his belief in the perseverance and possibility of the human spirit - and on January 20, 2009 he stepped on the podium to take the oath of office as 44th President of the nation.
He certainly is an epitome of Hope, Change and Possibility for the world ...very timely in the current global atmosphere of economic downturn and dismal gloomy business outlook.
I decided to stay up for the live telecast be part of this extraordinary moment for mankind - to celebrate the unrelenting spirit of the human race that we can be ONE ....it was awesome to witness the colourful diversity of Americans gathering together in the millions to honour and celebrate the triumph of the belief in their constitution of Freedom to be who they choose to be - with this installation of the first Black African in history to the position of the most powerful position in America and of the world - the President of the United States of America.
I can still remember some discussions a few months ago, when he won the Democratic nomination aganst Senator Hillary Clinton, that this would be as far as he would go - already an unbelievable success for a black man to win this lady who was once the First Lady of the President of USA. But as his campaign progressed the results seemed to say - America may be on its way to create history ...and sure enough, he plodded on, sparing no sacrifice, steadfast in his commitment, clear in his vision and holding on to his belief in the perseverance and possibility of the human spirit - and on January 20, 2009 he stepped on the podium to take the oath of office as 44th President of the nation.
He certainly is an epitome of Hope, Change and Possibility for the world ...very timely in the current global atmosphere of economic downturn and dismal gloomy business outlook.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What is Optimism and the opposite Pessimism
The article from Amy Twain - a self-improvement coach gives a clear explanation ...
Optimism and pessimism are attitudes. And they are attitudes that help design and form our whole existence. These two attitudes are entirely opposite of each other.
What I mean is, have you ever met a miserable optimist? Definitely not. Have you given much thought about how your behavior or attitude affects your school, organization or business, whether you're a pessimist or an optimist? What about the kind of team you are a part of? And have you ever thought about how your attitude affects your personality?
So what is optimism?
It is a belief or an opinion that things would be better in the future. It is also a belief that the things that has happened in the past were good for us, even if it means they were too tough and taught us valuable lessons in life.
In other words, our pessimism or optimism is this:
The way we view and experience our present. The way we went through and interpret our past. The way we envision and visualize our future.
Here are some differences between pessimism and optimism and how they affect us in some ways.
Being optimistic motivates and encourages you to take calculated risks. On the other hand, pessimism never achieves much and always plays it safe.
Being optimistic breathes life into you every day, being pessimistic does not--it actually drains you.
Optimism inspires people to new and greater heights.
Being pessimistic diminishes and underestimates people to new lows.
An optimist improves people around you. On the contrary, a pessimist drags their energy down.
Actually, there is only a way that pessimism and optimism are similar and that is that they are self-fulfilling. If you are a pessimist, you would find yourself in the not-so-very-good situations more oftentimes than not. And if you're an optimist, you would naturally find and feel that good things happen to you.
But can a person just choose to become an optimist? Well-of course!
We could choose to look at the world and think the worst, or we can simply remind ourselves the positive and good things about every circumstance. We can choose to look at the world in any way we want to.
There are great and remarkable benefits in being an optimist, as stated above. But there are some pessimistic individuals out there who would say, "But that is simply not realistic at all." And I say, "Who cares---if things go wrong, at least I've spent my time beforehand not worrying at all but enjoying life.”
I could even look forward to my failures and I'll see them as just stepping stones or challenges in my life, and learning tools to be applied to my future successes.
In addition, being a positive optimist, I would see the 'negative' or 'bad' situation as an opportunity to grow, build my defenses and learn more. So, ever met a successful, triumphant smiling pessimist? surely not!
Become and transform to be an optimist and discover your world change for the better - right before your very eyes!
Optimism and pessimism are attitudes. And they are attitudes that help design and form our whole existence. These two attitudes are entirely opposite of each other.
What I mean is, have you ever met a miserable optimist? Definitely not. Have you given much thought about how your behavior or attitude affects your school, organization or business, whether you're a pessimist or an optimist? What about the kind of team you are a part of? And have you ever thought about how your attitude affects your personality?
So what is optimism?
It is a belief or an opinion that things would be better in the future. It is also a belief that the things that has happened in the past were good for us, even if it means they were too tough and taught us valuable lessons in life.
In other words, our pessimism or optimism is this:
The way we view and experience our present. The way we went through and interpret our past. The way we envision and visualize our future.
Here are some differences between pessimism and optimism and how they affect us in some ways.
Being optimistic motivates and encourages you to take calculated risks. On the other hand, pessimism never achieves much and always plays it safe.
Being optimistic breathes life into you every day, being pessimistic does not--it actually drains you.
Optimism inspires people to new and greater heights.
Being pessimistic diminishes and underestimates people to new lows.
An optimist improves people around you. On the contrary, a pessimist drags their energy down.
Actually, there is only a way that pessimism and optimism are similar and that is that they are self-fulfilling. If you are a pessimist, you would find yourself in the not-so-very-good situations more oftentimes than not. And if you're an optimist, you would naturally find and feel that good things happen to you.
But can a person just choose to become an optimist? Well-of course!
We could choose to look at the world and think the worst, or we can simply remind ourselves the positive and good things about every circumstance. We can choose to look at the world in any way we want to.
There are great and remarkable benefits in being an optimist, as stated above. But there are some pessimistic individuals out there who would say, "But that is simply not realistic at all." And I say, "Who cares---if things go wrong, at least I've spent my time beforehand not worrying at all but enjoying life.”
I could even look forward to my failures and I'll see them as just stepping stones or challenges in my life, and learning tools to be applied to my future successes.
In addition, being a positive optimist, I would see the 'negative' or 'bad' situation as an opportunity to grow, build my defenses and learn more. So, ever met a successful, triumphant smiling pessimist? surely not!
Become and transform to be an optimist and discover your world change for the better - right before your very eyes!
Thought for the Day No.7
Hi - Wow we have reached no.7 ....rhymes with heaven!
For Business Growth:
"Remember, each customer has a sign hanging in front of him/her "MMFI" - which means MAKE ME FEEL IMPORTANT ....LET'S DO IT!"
For Personal Growth:
"The optimist may make mistakes along the way but she/he has more fun than the pessimist who does nothing"
For Business Growth:
"Remember, each customer has a sign hanging in front of him/her "MMFI" - which means MAKE ME FEEL IMPORTANT ....LET'S DO IT!"
For Personal Growth:
"The optimist may make mistakes along the way but she/he has more fun than the pessimist who does nothing"
Thought for the Day No.6
Hi - did you feel the Sun today? I did - while crossing the Penang Bridge early this morning to reach PSSH at 930am. before Mr Ong sends out his daily sms report on sales status.
Guess what? - Mr Ong stretched himself and achieved the goal of sending the sms before I reached the office - his sms was sent at 9.06am WOW THIS IS A RECORD!
He also agreed with me that the new time shall be the new deadline onwards.
Congratulations Ong - for going beyond your normal standards - you are showing your potential for higher efficiency and productivity - more importantly encouraging allof us that improving ourselves and targets is not difficult - JUST DO IT!
I take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families -
A Bountiful Exciting and Progessive New Year.
For Business Growth:
"There will be times when the competitors are simply just as good as you in Quality, Speed and Price - what have you got that will make the difference - RELATIONSHIP - if we know this we must establish high value relationship with the customer as early as possible while giving best quality service and products at competitive prices in the fastest way"
For Personal Growth:
"Very often by the time when one learns how to make the most of life - most of it is gone!
So don't wait - make the most of your life now"
Guess what? - Mr Ong stretched himself and achieved the goal of sending the sms before I reached the office - his sms was sent at 9.06am WOW THIS IS A RECORD!
He also agreed with me that the new time shall be the new deadline onwards.
Congratulations Ong - for going beyond your normal standards - you are showing your potential for higher efficiency and productivity - more importantly encouraging allof us that improving ourselves and targets is not difficult - JUST DO IT!
I take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families -
A Bountiful Exciting and Progessive New Year.
For Business Growth:
"There will be times when the competitors are simply just as good as you in Quality, Speed and Price - what have you got that will make the difference - RELATIONSHIP - if we know this we must establish high value relationship with the customer as early as possible while giving best quality service and products at competitive prices in the fastest way"
For Personal Growth:
"Very often by the time when one learns how to make the most of life - most of it is gone!
So don't wait - make the most of your life now"
Thought for the Day No.5
For Business Growth:
"Watch these four things - Sales, Cashflow, Profits, Cost/Expenses - Everything else is derived from all or part of them"
For Personal Growth:
"The man who says "IT CAN'T BE DONE" is very often not due to a lack of skill but a lack of will"
"Watch these four things - Sales, Cashflow, Profits, Cost/Expenses - Everything else is derived from all or part of them"
For Personal Growth:
"The man who says "IT CAN'T BE DONE" is very often not due to a lack of skill but a lack of will"
Thought for the Day No.4
For Business Growth:
"We all know that "CASH IS KING" .... so we must honour his "majesty" by ensuring we convert our sales/debtors to cash as quickly as possible"
For Personal Growth:
"People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges"
"We all know that "CASH IS KING" .... so we must honour his "majesty" by ensuring we convert our sales/debtors to cash as quickly as possible"
For Personal Growth:
"People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges"
Thought for the Day No.3
For Business Growth:
"The customer is NOT always right ....however WE must be ALWAYS RIGHT ....always right in giving the best quality service and product possible, fulilling our commitments in the fastest ways possible and offering the most competitive price possible"
For Personal Growth:
"If you don't climb the mountain - you will never see and enjoy the view"
"The customer is NOT always right ....however WE must be ALWAYS RIGHT ....always right in giving the best quality service and product possible, fulilling our commitments in the fastest ways possible and offering the most competitive price possible"
For Personal Growth:
"If you don't climb the mountain - you will never see and enjoy the view"
Thought for the Day No.2
For Business Growth:
"Many people think the first thing the customer or prospect would object is the price ...... the TRUTH is that it's the last thing that matters - more important to them is the quality of our service and product and how fast we can complete what they want - price is ALWAYS NEGOTIABLE"
For Personal Growth:
"The International President of Toastmasters, Chris Ford, was once asked - What is success? He thought for a while and responded - 'I believe success mean different things to different people so I shall not attempt to describe them all or able to give one that covers most people. However I know what failure is and it applies to all - FAILURE IS NOT GIVING OUR BEST WHEN WE CAN"
"Many people think the first thing the customer or prospect would object is the price ...... the TRUTH is that it's the last thing that matters - more important to them is the quality of our service and product and how fast we can complete what they want - price is ALWAYS NEGOTIABLE"
For Personal Growth:
"The International President of Toastmasters, Chris Ford, was once asked - What is success? He thought for a while and responded - 'I believe success mean different things to different people so I shall not attempt to describe them all or able to give one that covers most people. However I know what failure is and it applies to all - FAILURE IS NOT GIVING OUR BEST WHEN WE CAN"
Thought for the Day No.1
For Business Growth:
"Products or Services, no matter how good doesn't sell by themselves, because their goodness must first be made known to the customers through the salesperson"
For Personal Growth:
"YOU are made unique - there is no one else in this world exactly like YOU so have a Great Wonderful Life! "
"Products or Services, no matter how good doesn't sell by themselves, because their goodness must first be made known to the customers through the salesperson"
For Personal Growth:
"YOU are made unique - there is no one else in this world exactly like YOU so have a Great Wonderful Life! "
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)