161. Each day, do two things that
you do not like doing. This may be the preparation of a report you have been
putting off or shining your shoes. It does not matter how small the task, just
do it! Soon these chores will not seem so bad, your personal power will
increase and your productivity will soar. Try it because this is an age-old
technique for building strength of character.
162. True happiness comes from
only one thing: achievement of goals, whether they are personal, professional
or otherwise. You are happiest when you feel you are growing. When you feel
that you are contributing and advancing in the direction of your dreams, you
will notice that you have boundless energy and vitality. Time spent on
activities which offer little reward aside from a fleeting feeling of
relaxation (television watching is the best example), is time lost forever.
Relaxation is essential but chose the most effective means of renewal and spend
your time in productive pursuits that will slowly move you along the path of
accomplishment. Happiness comes from doing - not sleeping.
163. Napoleon III of France had a
special ability to remember the names of all those he met. His secret was to
say "so sorry, I missed your name" after being introduced to a new
person. This would cause the name to be repeated and reinforced within his
memory. If the name was difficult, he would ask for the proper spelling.
164. The sages of China have held
a basic life philosophy for thousands of years: develop an indomitable spirit
along with courtesy and integrity. The repetition of these three traits will
make you an exceptionally powerful individual respected by all. Exert your
effort and personal influence to attain these qualities.
165. A valuable technique for
defeating negative and self-limiting thoughts that can hamper you from
attaining peak performance is the mental interrupt device. When a negative
thought enters your consciousness, first you must become aware of it and have a
strong desire to remove it for good. To do this, interrupt the negative train
of thought by doing something to break and banish the self-limiting pattern.
When the bad thought enters, you may pinch yourself and say, "I am strong
and weak thoughts are gone", or you may shout out loud or do anything that
will divert your attention and remove the negative focus. By practising this
technique, you will see a marked decrease in the negative thoughts that most
people have, paving the way to the mindset of a true winner.
166. Taking time from your busy
work and family schedule to focus on personal growth activities is essential
and is never to be considered a waste. Taking one hour from your hectic morning
to watch kids playing in a nearby park or to take a brisk walk might seem like
a poor use of time to some. But by making more time for life's simple pleasures
and bringing more balance into your day, you will make the remaining hours far
more productive and effective. You cannot do good unless you feel good. When
you are serene, relaxed and enthusiastic you are also more productive, creative
and dynamic. This is something that has been proved time and time again and yet
we consistently get caught up in the apparent immediacy of our routine and fail
to see the forest for the trees.
167. Read more, learn more, laugh
more and love more.
168. Pick five relationships that
you desire to improve over the next six months. Write out the names of these
people and under each name detail why you want to improve the relationship, how
you plan to do so and in what time frame. This is simply another facet of goal
setting - the practice which will always yield excellent results in any of
life's fields. Be committed to being a better parent, friend and citizen. Be
creative in the steps you take to show your appreciation and respect for your
loved ones. Sending notes is fine but consider unique and thoughtful measures
ranging from a romantic picnic in the country with your partner to an early
morning fishing trip with an old friend.
169. Remember the power of
prayer.
170. An excellent investment in
your personal growth is the six tape series of Reverend Norman Vincent Peale
entitled "The Power of Positive Thinking". Get it and listen to it
over and over. It is packed full of strategies and techniques that, without
fail, will ensure that you live a long, happy, productive and prosperous life.
171. Consider purchasing a pocket
organizer which may prove to be an excellent tool for scheduling, recording
your commitments and keeping the responsibilities of your life in fine order.
One can be purchased at a reasonable price.
172. Browse second-hand
bookstores every few months searching for lost treasures of character-building
books. You will find gems on public speaking, improving your habits, time management,
personal health and other important subjects for low prices. Some of these
older texts are the very best and come from an age where every young person was
under an obligation to develop discipline and good life habits regularly.
173. Read The Magic of Believing
by Claude M. Bristol. It will allow you to release the powerful forces which
most certainly exist in your mind but may presently be untapped.
174. Be known as someone with a
cool head, warm heart and great character. Your presence on this earth will
long be remembered.
175. It has been said that doing
something for others is the highest form of religion. Every week, out of the
168 hours available, spend a few in service to others. Many say that such
selfless service soon becomes a key focus within their lives. Give your time at
a seniors home or to needy children. Teach someone how to read or offer to give
a public lecture on the subject of your expertise. Simply take action and do
something to leave a legacy.
176. Fill your home with bright,
fresh flowers. This is one of the best investments you can make. Let the sounds
of great music, loud laughter and good fun fill the oasis of your home.
177. Get to know and enjoy your
neighbors. They make life more pleasant and can provide helpful resources when
you least expect it.
178. Recognize the power of
mantras and the repetition of positive, powerful words. Indian yogis have
employed this technique for over 4000 years to live tranquil, productive and
focused lives. Create your own personal mantra which you can repeat daily to
enhance your character and strengthen your spirit.
179. When the breath is still and
strong, so is the mind.
180. Use the following
visualization from time to time. Sit in a quiet place and picture that you will
be on the earth for only another day. Who would you call, what would you say
and what would you do? These questions will give you some important insights
into what outstanding actions you must endeavor to complete.
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