Enjoy Your Life: Change Your Point of View

"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Lang bridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts

If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?

In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.

So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?

Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.

On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.

Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:

Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.

The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.

Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.

They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”

Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.

People respond positively to optimists

Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.

Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.

In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.

When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher

Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.

They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.

Optimists are healthier and live longer

Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.

Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.

So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.

Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?

The Key to a Better Life

Time management is basically about being focused. The Pareto
Principle also known as the '80:20 Rule' states that 80% of efforts that
are not time managed or unfocused generates only 20% of the desired
output. However, 80% of the desired output can be generated using
only 20% of a well time managed effort. Although the ratio '80:20' is
only arbitrary, it is used to put emphasis on how much is lost or how
much can be gained with time management.
Some people view time management as a list of rules that involves
scheduling of appointments, goal settings, thorough planning, creating
things to do lists and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time
management that should be understood to develop an efficient
personal time management skill. These basic skills can be fine tuned
further to include the finer points of each skill that can give you that
extra reserve to make the results you desire.
But there is more skills involved in time management than the core
basics. Skills such as decision making, inherent abilities such as
emotional intelligence and critical thinking are also essential to your
personal growth.
Personal time management involves everything you do. No matter
how big and no matter how small, everything counts. Each new
knowledge you acquire, each new advice you consider, each new skill
you develop should be taken into consideration.
Having a balanced life-style should be the key result in having
personal time management. This is the main aspect that many
practitioners of personal time management fail to grasp.
Time management is about getting results, not about being busy.
The six areas that personal time management seeks to improve in
anyone's life are physical, intellectual, social, career, emotional and
spiritual.
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The physical aspect involves having a healthy body, less stress and
fatigue.
The intellectual aspect involves learning and other mental growth
activities.
The social aspect involves developing personal or intimate relations
and being an active contributor to society.
The career aspect involves school and work.
The emotional aspect involves appropriate feelings and desires and
manifesting them.
The spiritual aspect involves a personal quest for meaning.
Thoroughly planning and having a set of things to do list for each of
the key areas may not be very practical, but determining which area in
your life is not being giving enough attention is part of time
management. Each area creates the whole you, if you are ignoring one
area then you are ignoring an important part of yourself.
Personal time management should not be so daunting a task. It is a
very sensible and reasonable approach in solving problems big or
small.
A great way of learning time management and improving your
personal life is to follow several basic activities.
One of them is to review your goals whether it be immediate or longterm
goals often.
A way to do this is to keep a list that is always accessible to you.
Always determine which task is necessary or not necessary in
achieving your goals and which activities are helping you maintain a
balanced life style.
Each and everyone of us has a peek time and a time when we slow
down, these are our natural cycles. We should be able to tell when to
do the difficult tasks when we are the sharpest.
Learning to say "No". You actually see this advice often. Heed it even if
it involves saying the word to family or friends.
Pat yourself at the back or just reward yourself in any manner for an
effective time management result.
Try and get the cooperation from people around you who are actually
benefiting from your efforts of time management.
Don't procrastinate. Attend to necessary things immediately.
Have a positive attitude and set yourself up for success. But be realistic
in your approach in achieving your goals.
Have a record or journal of all your activities. This will help you get
things in their proper perspective.
These are the few steps you initially take in becoming a well rounded
individual.
As the say personal time management is the art and science of
building a better life.
From the moment you integrate into your life time management skills,
you have opened several options that can provide a broad spectrum of
solutions to your personal growth. It also creates more doors for
opportunities to knock on.

Impossible is Just a Word

Impossible is Just a Word

 

Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being
somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being
the one who hits the game-winning homer? Who hasn't dreamed of
being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we
dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships?
Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately,
our dreams remain just that – dreams. And our aspirations easily
collect dust in our attic.
This is a sad turn of events in our life. Instead of experiencing exciting
adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of
living from day-to-day just barely existing.
But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned
to aim higher.
The most common problem to setting goals is the word impossible.
Most people get hung up thinking I can't do this. It's too hard. It's too
impossible. No one can do this.
However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no
innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.
Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the
humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the
bumblebee to fly. Unfortunately for the bumble, bee no one has told it
so. So fly it does.
On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally
outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result? Broken
dreams, and tattered aspirations.
If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions,
you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you
reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you
will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream.
Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in
your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’.
Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And
under one more, list the things that that are ‘impossible for you to do.’
Now look at all the headers strive every day to accomplish the goals
that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you
are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of
your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the
other header-the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’
As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished,
you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for
you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’
As you iterate through this process, you will find out that the goals you
thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the
impossible begin to seem possible after all.
You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to
aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However,
it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic.
Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up
disappointed and disillusioned.
On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it
was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If
you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other
side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of
your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these
impossible dreams are now realities.
Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99%
perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her
dreams, there has to be had work and discipline. But take note that
that 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily
accomplished one.
Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains
unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying,
“No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.
So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived
limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you
step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the
impossible has just become a little bit more possible

Social Context Definition

What Are Parameters Of Social Context Definition

It is observed that Social context definition is used to study and analyze the psychological or social changes with the passage of time.  Social context theory is focused on social forces that change the individual’s behaviors and change the society.  Social context definition is used to express these changes, identify factors that bring these changes and explore future patterns that help to provide solutions.

Social Structures

 Social context definition demonstrates social structures that help to build the effective behavior.  They are the factors or elements that shape the social behavior.  Social structures define individual’s job, religious beliefs, education and health status.

Social structures help to build effective communication and social behavior within the society.

Social Processes

Social context definition demonstrates social processes that help to understand how individual interpret and interact with social structures.  Social processes are developed by social structures especially class, health, religion and education.

It is observed that they are also based on family relations and genetics.  Social processes often remain persistent with the passage of time with little variations in numerous organizations.

Social Realities

Social context definition helps to understand the social realties that are considered as behavior of individuals or ideas within the society.  You can see many examples of social realities in your life such as customs, language, common history and creative or innovative points of views and ideas of society members. It is observed that social realties are changes with the passage of time.

The Causes Of Social Context Change

Social context definition describes the cause of social change that occur only when conflict arise between social structures and social processes.  It brings change in society.

Social context definition defines the factors that cause change in social behavior.  Social context definition demonstrates how to remain social relationships long lasting.

Sociocultural context and Social environment refers to the setting of social and physical behavior.  It also improves the culture in which individuals live, educate and interact with each other.

People who are living in similar social atmosphere usually have the sense of social solidarity.  They have confidence and trust on each other.

It is observed that the theme of social context is changed with the passage of time according to your required outcomes.  It is the fact that the meaning of “state” can change according to desired outcomes.

State demonstrates the physical condition, to define something or name of region.  People interpret its meaning according to their desired outcomes.

Social psychology helps to understand the feelings, thoughts and emotions of individuals who are living in society.  It also identifies the factors that bring change in social behavior.

It also helps to understand the group behavior and their social impacts.  It understands the social forces that bring change in society and their effects on social behavior.  Social psychology helps to identify those factors which bring change in social behavior and provide best solutions.

Social context theory also helps to identify such types of social forces and change in individual’s behavior that lives in society

How to Become an Ideal Leader

When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't
seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people
milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle
and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then
maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And
it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe,
somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen –
to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may
be true that some people are born with natural talents. However,
without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without
experience, there can be no true development in leadership.
You must also remember that good leaders are continually working
and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment
to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to
influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes
to the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power.
It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about
encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting
everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of
the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.
First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this
accomplished?
People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People
will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going.
Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me,
I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not
know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you
at all.
You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear
sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the
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organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is
the only way to show others you know what you are doing.
Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who
you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what
you're subordinates must be.
Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the
trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you
they will go through hell and high water for you and for the
organization.
Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness,
and high ethics.
The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build
will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger
your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your
capabilities.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to
communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without
this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical
expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.
Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good
judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and
cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon.
Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your
organization.
Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know
everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone.
You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your
subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be
able to work as one cohesive unit.
Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not
learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is
about you and the people around you.
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So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders?
Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then
start now. Take your stand and be leader today.

The Powers of a Positive Attitude

The Powers of a Positive Attitude

I am going to ask you to something very weird right now. First of all, I
want you to listen to your thoughts. Now tell me, what thoughts fill
your head? Would you label them as positive, or negative?
Now let's say you are walking down the street with these thoughts. Do
you think anyone who would meet you would be able to tell you
what’s on your mind?
The answer to number one is up to you. But, the answer number two
can be pretty generic. Although people will not be able to tell you
exactly what you think, they will more or less have an idea of how you
are feeling.
Here's another question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do
they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does
everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to
happen?
You know what? The answer to all these depends on your frame of
mind.
Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The
attitude you carry reflects on your appearance, too – unless, of course,
you are a great actor.
And it doesn't end there. Your attitude can also affect people around
you.
The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive
or negative.
Positive thoughts have a filling effect. They are admittedly invigorating.
Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are
usually energized by this type of attitude.
Negative thoughts on the other hand have a sapping effect on other
people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative
thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake.
A positive attitude attracts people, while a negative attitude repels
them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative
attitude.
We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you
choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you
have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus
on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.
You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. For one, studies
have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. Those with
this kind of attitude also have more friends. projecting a positive
attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than
those who have a negative attitude.
A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you will love the
way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also
make others are around feel the same way.
A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite
effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel
bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.
If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy
thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around
us, the media feeds us nothing but negative thoughts. A study shows
that for every 14 things a parent says to his or her child, only one is
positive. This is truly a saddening thought.
If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy
thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can
you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play
with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these
activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive
attitude.
Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things
around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the
good things, the positive things in life.
And this positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other
people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people
mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes, all they need is
attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say
anything.
If positive attitude is really great, why do people choose to adopt a
negative attitude instead? One who carries a negative attitude may be
actually sending a signal for attention. Before you get me wrong,
feeling sad, angry, or gloomy is not wrong itself. But dwelling on these
thoughts for far too long is not healthy either. There is a time to
mourn.
As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour,
focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems
become something you can overcome.
You do not have much to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude.
Studies show that such an attitude actually retards aging, makes you
healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and
has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So,
what's not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.

Happy as you want to be

Happy as you want to be

Almost everyone have heard the hit single 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by
Bobby McFerrin. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its
message of being happy to everyone. Bobby McFerrin's simple
message surely made a lot of people by telling them not to worry.
Living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is wonderful, and is also
good for your health. Being happy actually protects you from the
stresses of life. Stress is linked to top causes of death such as heart
disease, cancer and stroke.
One of the better things ever said is - 'The only thing in life that will
always remain the same is change', and in our life we have the power
to make the necessary changes if we want to. Even if we find ourselves
in an unbearable situation we can always find solace in the knowledge
that it too would change.
Social networks or relationships are essential to happiness. People are
different, accept people for whom or what they are, avoid clashes,
constant arguments, and let go of all kinds of resentments. If
arguments seem unavoidable still try and make an effort to
understand the situation and you might just get along with well with
Happiness is actually found in everyone, increasing it is a way to make
a life more wonderful and also healthier.
To be happy is relatively easy; just decide to be a happy person.
Abraham Lincoln observed that most people for most of the time can
choose how happy or stressed, how relaxed or troubled, how bright or
dull their outlook to be. The choice is simple really, choose to be
happy.
There are several ways by which you can do this.
Being grateful is a great attitude. We have so much to be thankful for.
Thank the taxi driver for bringing you home safely, thank the cook for
a wonderful dinner and thank the guy who cleans your windows. Also
thank the mailman for bringing you your mails, thank the policeman
for making your place safe and thank God for being alive.
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News is stressful. Get less of it. Some people just can't start their day
without their daily dose of news. Try and think about it, 99% of the
news we hear or read is bad news. Starting the day with bad news does
not seem to be a sensible thing to do.
A religious connection is also recommended. Being part of a religious
group with its singing, sacraments, chanting, prayers and meditations
foster inner peace.
Manage your time. Time is invaluable and too important to waste.
Time management can be viewed as a list of rules that involves
scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating lists of things to do and
prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should
be understood to develop an efficient personal time management
skill. These basic skills can be fine tuned further to include the finer
points of each skill that can give you that extra reserve to make the
results you desire.
Laugh and laugh heartily everyday. Heard a good joke? Tell your
friends or family about it. As they also say -'Laughter is the best
medicine'.
Express your feelings, affections, friendship and passion to people
around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Try not to
keep pent up anger of frustrations, this is bad for your health. Instead
find ways of expressing them in a way that will not cause more injury
or hurt to anyone.
Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives a
feeling of being competent in finishing our tasks. Accomplishments
are necessary for all of us, they give us a sense of value. Work on things
that you feel worthy of your time.
Learning is a joyful exercise. Try and learn something new everyday.
Learning also makes us expand and broaden our horizons. And could
also give us more opportunities in the future.
Run, jog, walk and do other things that your body was made for. Feel
alive.
Avoid exposure to negative elements like loud noises, toxins and
hazardous places.
These are the few simple things you can do everyday to be happy.
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And always remember the quote from Abraham Lincoln, he says that,
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."