LIVE LIFE ON YOUR TERMS

No matter who you are and what you do, you have a choice to spend a part of your life the way you want it. I call it 'Independent Life'. Reading, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, playing a sport, pursuing a hobby, volunteering for social work, etc; are all examples of things we can do without being dependent on anyone else. So, rather than complaining and being consumed by your targets, responsibilities, reporting, and duties; increase the part of your independent life. Once you are able to live many hours a day on your own terms, you will even enjoy the part which is dependent and more challenging

BENEFITS OF TAKING INFORMED DECISION

I don't suffer from indecision. Many times, I intentionally postpone them. I understand my responsibility and so I make informed decisions.

People may misunderstand my silence but I know what I am doing. Mine will be the last word on many things and so I evaluate all consequences which only I could see. Sometimes, delaying a decision affects me negatively. Still, I try to look at the long-term picture taking everyone into account. When I ignore certain things it doesn't mean I am blind. It is my courage to restrain the use of my power to decide as I could see a better long-term benefit for everyone involved.

START TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CHOICES

Life is simply a product of what we have always wanted. When things fall in place we take credit for the same saying we worked hard for it. Yes, that's true. When certain results are not as per our expectations, we blame luck and circumstances for it. Well, could be. But mostly, it is because of the choices we made in the past and things we did unconsciously. Reflect on your actions, habits, routine and you will find a logical reason for everything that is happening in life. When we start taking responsibility for the results, we will start making better choices

FOCUS ON POSITIVITY

t starts with a single disturbing thought. It carries with it a storm of unending thoughts about things that can go wrong in life. The mind gets engulfed with negative vibrations. Every time unpleasant examples and experiences start revolving in front of eyes. We all face it at times. The best way to overcome this is to fight back as soon as you see the first symptom. Engage the mind somewhere else. Get involved in an activity. Think about the good times and the promise that the future holds. It is not so easy though. It needs a lot of practice.

ENJOY YOUR STRENGTHS AND ACCEPT YOUR WEAKNESSES

have my strength and weaknesses. I will admit, I tried hard to overcome my shortcomings all my life. I was able to improve too. However, I started noticing that there was no end to improvement. For every weakness I overcame, two new issues surfaced. I kept working on them. I became obsessed with it. It was endless. It came to a point where it became a burden. Then I stopped. I made peace with myself that I am not perfect. I stopped trying hard. I decided not to consume my entire life just to become better and better at everything. I decided to enjoy my strength and accept my weaknesses. Life is peaceful ever since

PAY ATTENTION TO OTHERS

Stop telling. No one is interested in your story. Even if someone is listening, it's because they want to share their story with you. No one is interested in your success. If they appreciate you, it's because they are being courteous to you. Actually, they are already thinking how should they get ahead of you. People are focused on their own life. Change your stance. Instead of talking about yourself, pay attention to others. Help them achieve their goals. Be genuinely interested in their success. Maybe it will start a movement. Be the change.

THE MEDIUM CAN CHANGE THE MESSAGE

Years ago an elderly illiterate carpenter received some mail and he was very upset about it. A letter was a very unusual thing in his life and he was worried about what might be in it. So he hurried over to the butcher shop and the rough-voice muscle man behind the counter read it aloud.
“This is a letter from your son,” he shouted, “and it says: “Dear Dad, I am sick and haven’t a single cent. Send me some money quick. Your son, Bill.”
Influenced by the hard tones of the reader, the carpenter became red with rage and exploded, “Who does the kid think he is, telling me what to do? I won’t give him a cent.”
In a fit of anger the carpenter walked back home. But along the way, he met his friend the tailor. He stopped him and confided, “I want to show you this letter my boy sent to me.”
The tailor took the letter and read it aloud in his usual calm and cultured way. Suddenly the message sounded different from the carpenter. It came across and appealing and plaintive. It left the carpenter extremely saddened. “Poor Bill,” he said with worry in his voice. “He’s in bad shape. I’d better send him some cash - fast!
So off he went to wire some money for his son.

The message can often depend on the medium!