101. A contented mind is a
continual feast. Greed and material desires must be curbed to achieve lasting
happiness and tranquility. Be happy with what you have. Do you really need all
of those material possessions? One can develop contentment just as one develops
patience, courage and concentration - with daily practice and sincere desire.
102. Make a new friend or
acquaintance every day. Keep an updated list of all contacts close at hand.
Rich relationships are the DNA of a rich, rewarding life.
103. Remember this ancient Indian
proverb: "if you conquer your mind, you conquer the world."
104. Place greater importance on
staying happy than amassing material possessions. A zest for life is developed
and carefully nurtured through thoughtful activities and pursuits.
105. Contrary to popular opinion,
stress is not a bad thing. It allows us to perform at peak levels and can
assist us through the flood of chemicals it releases within our bodies. What is
harmful is too much stress, or more particularly, a lack of relief from stress.
The times of stress must be balanced nicely with times of pure relaxation and
leisure for us to be healthy and at our best. Many of the great leaders of our
time were exposed to crushing workloads and the burdens of high office. But
they prospered by developing strategies to balance the challenging times with
fun and calming times. President Kennedy would have regular naps in his White
House office. Winston Churchill had the same practice and slept for one hour
every afternoon to stay alert, focused and calm. Not only is it essential to be
physically relaxed to maintain optimal health but one must couple this trait
with mental serenity. Too often people think that vigorous exercise, good
nutrition and pleasant leisure activities will be the panacea for all ills.
These pursuits must be combined with positive thinking and peace of mind for
true happiness and longevity.
106. Get into the habit of taking
mental vacations throughout the day. Visit Bermuda for five minutes in the
morning. Visualize a swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon and skiing down
the slopes of the Alps just before you head for home at the end of your busy
and productive day. Try this for two months and schedule these rest periods
into your agenda just as you would your essential meetings or tasks. The
rewards will be significant.
107. A change is as good as a
rest. Whether this change is as major as a change of employment or as minor as
a leisure pursuit which occupies your entire attention for an hour three times
a week, these changes in routine, and mindset are entirely beneficial. In selecting
the activity, try to find something totally engaging which requires deep
concentration so that your mind is free from the mundane but seemingly
important aspects of your day. Many executives are becoming involved in the
martial arts for just this reason. If your mind wanders for even a split
second, a harsh lesson is soon learned. Pain is a great motivator and always
will be.
108. Study these 10 fundamentals
of happiness:
i. Pursue a productive, exciting
and active life.
ii. Engage in meaningful
activities every minute of every day.
iii. Develop an organized,
planned lifestyle with little chaos.
iv. Set realistic goals yet keep
your mark high.
v. Think positively - you cannot
afford the luxury of a negative thought.
vi. Avoid needless worry over
trifling matters.
vii. Devote time to fun.
viii. Develop a warm, outgoing
personality with a sincere love of people.
ix. Get in the habit of giving
more than receiving.
x. Learn to live in the present.
The past is water under the bridge of life.
109. Strive to be humble and live
a simple life.
110. Read "A History of
Knowledge" by Charles Van Doren which chronicles the history of the
world's ideas. In this one book is an absolute wealth of knowledge. Get it,
read it and enjoy it.
111. Read "The Art of the
Leader" by William A. Cohen. It is both inspirational and practical.
112. Develop that elusive quality
known as charisma. The following are ten qualities of a Charismatic leader:
• Be committed to what you are
doing.
• Look like a winner and act like
one.
• Have big dreams, a vision and
reach for the sky.
• Steadily advance in the
direction of your goals.
• Prepare and work hard at every
task you do.
• Build a mystique around
yourself.
• Be interested in others and
show kindness.
• Have a strong sense of humour.
• Be known for the strength of
your character.
• Have grace under pressure.
(John F. Kennedy said that "the elusive half-step between middle
management and true leadership is grace under pressure.")
113. In work, love and life, play
hard and play fair.
114. Do not talk when you are
listening. Interrupting is one of the most common discourtesies. Listen
aggressively with the full scope of your attention. You will be amazed at what
you learn and how your counsel will soon be sought by many.
115. "Anybody can become
angry - that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right
degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way
- that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." - Aristotle
116. Knowledge is power. People
who have achieved great success are not necessarily more skillful or
intelligent than others. What separates them is their burning desire and thirst
for knowledge. The more one knows, the more one achieves. Great leaders have techniques
to allow them to arrive at the top of the mountain. Read the biographies of the
world's leaders and learn from their habits, inspirations and philosophies.
Cultivate the important practice of active role modelling.
117. All the answers to any questions
are in print. How to improve as a public speaker, how to improve your relations
with others, how to become fitter or develop a better memory - all aspects of
personal development are dealt with in books. Therefore, in order to achieve
your maximum potential, you must read daily. But, in this age of information,
you must be ruthless in what you consume. Focus on your goals and read only
those materials that will be an asset to you. Do not attempt to read everything
for you are busy and have other tasks at hand. Choose what is important and
filter out what is of no value. Begin with a solid newspaper every morning for
an excellent summary of the key events of the day. Also ensure that your
readings are broadly based. For example, perhaps you may wish to read history,
business, Eastern philosophy, health books etc. Then go to the library and
develop the habit of making regular visits. Read the classics from Hemingway to
Bram Stoker. Read history, with all its lessons on life and read biology for a
new perspective. Look under the heading of "success" at the library
and you will be amazed at the literature you will find: inspirational stories
of people who developed greatness in the face of adversity, strategies for
improving yourself physically, mentally and spiritually and texts to tap the
unlimited power for success that certainly exists within us. Drink deeply from
such books. Surround yourself with them and read them constantly whether on the
bus each day or before you go to bed. Let them inspire and motivate you.
118. Get into the habit of
breakfast meetings. An early meal to touch base with a friend or business
associate is a most pleasant way to start the day and allows you to maintain
your contacts in the face of a busy schedule.
119. If you live in a flat,
always ensure that it is very bright and has a swimming pool. A pool is
especially important because it will allow you to exercise no matter how busy
your schedule. There is nothing like a refreshing swim after a long, productive
day. You will feel excellent and sleep like a baby.
120. "Excellence is an art
won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue
or excellence, but rather we have those because we have acted rightly. We are
what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." –
Aristotle
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