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!
Friday, February 27, 2009
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"
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