Tag: Personal growth

Investing in Self-Improvement: The ROI of Personal Choices

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In today’s fast-paced world, investing in self-improvement has become more important than ever. Personal development is not just about gaining new skills or knowledge; it’s about enhancing the quality of your life and achieving your goals. This blog post explores the concept of self-improvement as an investment and how even small personal choices can yield substantial returns over time.

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The Power of Personal Investment

Investing in yourself is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It encompasses learning new skills, adopting healthier habits, and expanding your mindset. By prioritizing self-improvement, you can unlock a range of benefits, from increased confidence to better career prospects.

One of the most significant advantages of personal investment is the boost in self-confidence. When you commit to improving yourself, you develop a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This newfound confidence can help you tackle challenges and seize opportunities with determination and resilience.

In addition to self-confidence, investing in personal growth can enhance your career. Acquiring new skills and expanding your knowledge base makes you more valuable in the job market. Employers are always on the lookout for individuals who are committed to continuous improvement.

Setting Clear Goals and Intentions

The first step in investing in self-improvement is setting clear goals and intentions. Without a roadmap, it’s easy to get lost or distracted. Begin by identifying areas of your life you’d like to improve and establish specific, achievable objectives.

Clear goals give you a sense of direction and purpose. They provide you with motivation and a framework to measure your progress. By setting intentions, you are more likely to stay focused and committed to your self-improvement journey.

To set effective goals, use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach ensures that your goals are realistic and attainable, making it easier to track progress and celebrate successes along the way.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is essential for self-improvement. It involves believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This perspective fosters a love of learning and resilience in the face of challenges.

Having a growth mindset allows you to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. It encourages you to take risks and step outside your comfort zone, leading to personal and professional development.

Cultivating a growth mindset involves being open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and seeking new experiences. By adopting this mindset, you create a foundation for continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning.

Building Strong Habits

Habits play a crucial role in self-improvement. They are the building blocks of change and can significantly impact your life. Developing positive habits requires discipline, patience, and consistency.

Start by identifying habits that align with your self-improvement goals. Whether it’s exercising regularly, reading daily, or practicing mindfulness, focus on incorporating these habits into your routine.

Building strong habits takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Over time, these habits become second nature, contributing to your overall well-being and success.

The Role of Education and Skill Development

Education and skill development are integral components of self-improvement. They open doors to new opportunities and help you stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. Whether through formal education or self-directed learning, acquiring new skills is a valuable investment.

Consider enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications to enhance your knowledge and abilities. These investments can lead to career advancement, increased earning potential, and personal fulfillment.

Remember, learning doesn’t have to be limited to your professional life. Explore hobbies and interests that bring you joy and satisfaction. This holistic approach to education enriches your life and contributes to your overall development.

Prioritizing Health and Well-being

Your health and well-being are fundamental to personal growth. Without a strong foundation of physical and mental health, it’s challenging to achieve your goals and live life to the fullest.

Prioritize self-care by adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. These practices boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and enhance your cognitive function.

Mental well-being is equally important. Practice mindfulness, seek support when needed, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. A healthy mind is better equipped to handle life’s challenges and maintain focus on self-improvement.

Building Meaningful Relationships

Relationships are a key aspect of personal development. Surrounding yourself with supportive, positive individuals can inspire and motivate you to grow. Invest time in nurturing meaningful connections with family, friends, and mentors.

Strong relationships provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. They offer different perspectives and insights that can enrich your self-improvement journey. By cultivating a network of positive influences, you create an environment conducive to personal growth.

Remember, meaningful relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Be open, honest, and empathetic in your interactions to foster genuine connections.

Financial Literacy and Stability

Financial literacy and stability are essential components of personal growth. Understanding how to manage your finances empowers you to make informed decisions and plan for the future.

Invest time in learning about budgeting, saving, and investing. These skills provide you with the freedom and flexibility to pursue your self-improvement goals without financial stress.

Achieving financial stability enables you to invest in experiences and opportunities that enhance your personal development. Whether it’s further education, travel, or hobbies, having control over your finances allows you to make choices that align with your aspirations.

Leveraging Technology for Self-Improvement

Technology offers a wealth of resources to support your self-improvement efforts. From online courses to productivity apps, technology can enhance your learning experience and streamline your personal development.

Explore platforms that offer courses aligned with your goals and interests. Use productivity tools to manage your time and tasks effectively. Leverage social media and online communities to connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences.

While technology can be a powerful ally, it’s essential to use it mindfully. Set boundaries to prevent digital overload and ensure that your tech usage contributes positively to your self-improvement.

Dental Implants in Richland WA and Self-Care

Investing in self-care extends beyond daily habits—it includes taking care of your dental health. For instance, seeking dental implants in Richland WA can significantly enhance your quality of life if you’re dealing with missing teeth. Good oral health is vital for overall well-being and confidence, allowing you to focus more on your self-improvement goals.

Dental implants provide a permanent solution that looks and feels natural, improving your smile and boosting your self-esteem. This investment in your health can lead to better social and professional interactions, contributing positively to your self-improvement efforts.

Measuring Your Progress and Celebrating Success

Tracking your progress is crucial for staying motivated and achieving your self-improvement goals. Regularly evaluate your growth and make adjustments as needed. Celebrate your successes, both big and small, to maintain momentum and build confidence.

Set aside time to reflect on your achievements and the lessons learned along the way. This practice reinforces your commitment to self-improvement and helps you stay focused on future goals.

Remember, self-improvement is a lifelong journey. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how incremental it may seem.

Conclusion

Investing in self-improvement is one of the most rewarding choices you can make. By prioritizing personal development, you unlock a lifetime of returns in the form of confidence, success, and fulfillment. Whether it’s through setting goals, building habits, or seeking knowledge, the path to self-improvement is filled with opportunities for growth.

Take action today and invest in yourself. Whether it’s enrolling in a course, joining a community, or starting a new habit, every step you take brings you closer to realizing your full potential. Remember, the best investment you can make is in your own future.

Paving the Path to Success: Securing an Internship at Track2Training

In today’s competitive world, internships have become invaluable stepping stones for students and aspiring professionals to gain real-world experience and enhance their skillsets. Track2Training, a renowned and esteemed organization, offers exciting opportunities for internships in various fields. This essay will outline the essential steps and strategies to successfully secure an internship at Track2Training.

Step 1: Understand Track2Training’s Mission and Values
Before embarking on your journey to secure an internship at Track2Training, take the time to understand the organization’s mission, values, and areas of expertise. Familiarize yourself with their website, blog posts, and social media channels to grasp their work culture, achievements, and ongoing projects. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also help you align your goals with the company’s vision.
Step 2: Tailor Your Application Materials
Crafting a tailored and compelling application is crucial to stand out among other applicants. Carefully review the internship requirements and qualifications, and highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Customize your resume, cover letter, and any additional documents to showcase your passion for the field and demonstrate how your unique attributes align with Track2Training’s values.
Step 3: Network and Connect
Networking plays a pivotal role in the internship application process. Leverage your existing connections, join relevant online communities, and attend career fairs or events where you might meet Track2Training representatives or employees. Engage in meaningful conversations, express your interest in the organization, and seek advice from individuals who have previously interned at Track2Training or worked in a similar capacity.
Step 4: Demonstrate Your Skills and Expertise
In addition to your application materials, consider showcasing your skills and expertise through a portfolio or personal website. Depending on the field you are interested in, you can share relevant projects, articles, or creative works that reflect your capabilities. A well-curated portfolio can leave a lasting impression on recruiters and demonstrate your dedication to your craft.
Step 5: Prepare for the Interview
If your application stands out, you may be invited for an interview. Thoroughly research Track2Training’s current projects, recent achievements, and the internship role you applied for. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, showcasing your genuine interest and enthusiasm. Practice common interview questions and rehearse your responses to present yourself confidently and professionally.
Step 6: Showcase Your Passion and Enthusiasm
During the interview, emphasize your passion for the field and your eagerness to contribute to Track2Training’s mission. Demonstrate your ability to adapt, learn, and collaborate with others in a team-oriented environment. Highlight any previous experiences that align with the internship’s responsibilities, and share your long-term career goals to showcase your commitment to personal and professional growth.
Conclusion:
Securing an internship at Track2Training is an exciting opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to a reputable organization in your field of interest. By understanding Track2Training’s mission, tailoring your application materials, networking, showcasing your skills, and preparing diligently for the interview, you can increase your chances of standing out among other applicants and secure the coveted internship position. Remember that persistence, dedication, and an authentic passion for your chosen field will undoubtedly be noticed and appreciated by the selection committee. So, take the leap, and let your journey to success with Track2Training begin!
Send your resume to contact@track2training.com 

Assertiveness – An Essential Life Skill Everyone Should Master

Have you ever wondered how some people have a natural ability to express their opinions and views confidently, politely turn down the things that they don’t want to do and still manage to maintain a good rapport with people ? Do you think it is some superpower that they are born with ? Well, this superpower that they possess is called Assertiveness. And the good news is that with the help of the right strategies and dedicated practice, you too can develop this superpower.

What is assertiveness ?

Assertiveness is a healthy behaviour that helps you  express your views, feelings, needs and desires  in a calm, clear and reasonable way without  disrespecting the other person.It is a crucial life skill that enables you to stand up for your rights without undermining those of others’. Assertiveness doesn’t come naturally to most people. Often, they tend to respond passively or end up responding aggressively. At times people may also choose to respond in a passive-aggressive manner, which can be considered as a combination of these two types.

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Why do you need to be assertive ?

Passive people often end up doing things that they really don’t want to do in an attempt to please others and eventually it takes a toll on their self esteem and confidence. On the other hand, the aggressive ones, though most of the time manage to get their ways, often find their insecurities getting worse due to their behaviour and end up being lonely and dissatisfied in life. In the case of passive aggressive responses, it may work well initially, but in the long run, the guilt of not being open and honest with people starts weighing them down and affects their relationships with people adversely.

By being assertive, you are honest in your thoughts and words and express yourself clearly, while remaining empathetic and fair. An assertive person knows how to strike a balance between speaking up for himself and respecting the rights and beliefs of the other person. They are firm without being rude and also adept at handling their emotions. 

Well, it all sounds good in theory, but putting it into practice requires a lot of effort. Be prepared for the numerous sighs, eye rolls, I-Can’t-Believe-You-Said-No lectures, rants on how disrespectful and rude you are etc., that are bound to come your way during this journey of being assertive. But trust me once you have passed the initial phase of discomfort, you will find that it’s way less stressful and a lot easier to express yourself effectively.

How to be assertive ?

Have a clear idea about your core values and beliefs

Only if you have a clear understanding about yourself and your core values, will you be able to express yourself clearly and confidently. A good place to start is by assessing your behaviour, style and thought pattern. Identify those beliefs that prevent you from standing up for yourself. Look out for the triggers that blow your fuse. Dig deeper into your mind and identify your core values. Ask yourself  whether your actions and responses align with your core values. This understanding of yourself and your values is the foundation of self confidence which in turn is the cornerstone of assertiveness.

Speak up even if your voice shakes

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you don’t particularly agree on the thing that the majority agrees with, instead of nodding along or yelling at them, try putting across your views honestly in a clear and composed tone. It might be difficult in the beginning and you might have a hard time controlling your emotions and tone. But with practice you’ll find your confidence and ability to articulate your thoughts gradually improving. Trust the process and keep practicing.

Accept both the bricks and bouquets gracefully

Whenever you are starting out on something new, you are bound to face criticisms and if you are lucky you might end up winning a few compliments as well. Accept both with an open mind. Graciously accept the compliments and train yourself to handle criticisms positively.

I.Wish.I.Could.But.I.Don’t.Want.To 

If you were to ask a people pleaser what scares him the most – dealing with Dracula or saying No – chances are high that his answer would be the latter. Well, saying No can be hard not just for people pleasers but for everyone. But it is one of the crucial skills to master on your journey of becoming an assertive person. Acknowledge the request and then give a short but clear and honest reply. Remember that neither do you owe anybody a justification nor an apology for your decision. In any relationship, people generally appreciate transparency and by being open and honest about your feelings you are doing yourself as well as the other person a favour.

Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that helps you better understand the other person’s perspective. While being assertive, respecting and considering the other person’s opinions and views is as important as articulating your thoughts. So it is important that you pay attention to what the other person says. Don’t shy away from asking questions if you need further information or clarification. By giving the other person room to explain himself, you are laying the basis for a constructive discussion and by attentively listening to him you are giving yourself a chance to view things from his perspective.

Watch your tone and body language

To have the desired impact, it’s not enough that you express yourself respectfully and honestly but you also need to maintain an assertive body language and tone while you speak. A relaxed open posture, good eye contact and the perfect mix of firmness and composure in the tone play a vital role in projecting your confidence. And this applies both when you are speaking as well as listening. 

‘I’ vs ‘You’

While expressing yourself, one thing that you need to keep remaining yourself is that your focus should be on the issue and not on pulling the other person down. To get your points across firmly and respectfully, use phrases like ‘I feel’, ‘In my opinion’, ‘I would like’  etc . The impact the expression  ‘I feel that my choice would be better in this case’  makes is way different from the one  the expression ‘Your choice is terrible’ makes . The latter points fingers at the other person and ridicules his choice whereas the former gets your point across without engaging in the blame game. 

Take a moment to reflect on your progress

Every time, after you’ve faced a situation where you acted assertively or at least tried to do so,  take a moment to reflect on what went well and what did not. Remember not to be too hard on yourself. Taking time out to review your progress helps you in understanding how far you have come in this journey of being assertive. It also gives you an opportunity to identify your weak points and the areas you need to work on. Also, helps you in identifying your behavioural patterns and thought process better. Consistent practice, along with periodic reflection, makes sure that your ride ahead is safe and smooth

Final Thoughts

Assertiveness may be a natural trait for a lucky few, but for most people it is a skill that needs practice and time to develop. During this journey, if you find yourself slipping to aggressive or passive modes, at times, just keep in mind that even the person who has won the ‘The Most Assertive Person of the Year’ award may not respond assertively 100% of the time. Instead of beating yourself up for such occasional goof ups, focus your attention on learning from them and fine tuning your assertiveness skills. Good Luck !

Handling Criticism Like A Pro

Everyone of us, at some point in our lives, would have faced criticism in one form or the other (except of course if we’ve chosen to shut ourselves up in a room and not attempt anything at all in life). It might be about anything – about what you have said or done or not done or the way you dress or about your work, the list just goes on. Criticism pops up everywhere. It’s as much a part and parcel of our lives as the air we breathe, and hence learning how to deal with it gracefully is an important life skill to have.

Is Criticism good for you ?

Criticism, wrapped up and delivered even in the best of the packaging, is not something that anybody actually enjoys. The instant reaction to it in most cases is to close ourselves up and get into defensive mode. So identifying whether it’s constructive or destructive is a key step that’ll help you in figuring out whether it’s good or bad for you.

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So, what exactly is Constructive and Destructive criticism ?

Constructive Criticism is a way of giving feedback with an intention of helping you improve yourself. It not just points out your mistakes and weaknesses, but also includes suggestions for improvement and the actions that need to be taken. It can be considered as that much needed reality check which we all need from time to time. 

Destructive Criticism on the other hand is given with the sole intention of tearing you down. The reasons for doing that may be many – jealousy, insecurities, ignorance, complexes, boredom etc. Here, instead of commenting on the actions of a person, the focus mainly is on attacking the person and pulling him down. The critic in this case, is not in the least interested in your well being or improvement.

So, as you might have figured out by now, constructive criticism more often than not, represents an opportunity. It helps you in identifying your weaknesses, which you might otherwise be unaware of and enables you to see things from a different perspective. Whereas destructive criticism is more or less an attempt by a person to let his steam off at the expense of others. 

How do you identify them ?

Honestly, when you are out there at the receiving end, identifying whether it’s constructive or destructive would probably be the last thing on your mind. But before you pounce on your critic, just pause and take a deep breath. Wait, what ? Yes you read it right. Pause and take a deep breath (Remember, deep breath not an annoyed sigh ! You don’t want to worsen the situation, do you ?) Let the emotions flow through you. Do not restrict it but also do not take it out on the other person.It’s not easy but it’s definitely doable. If you find it hard to refrain yourself from blowing a fuse, excuse yourself and take some time out before responding. Setting your emotions aside and getting into a frame of mind where you are calm enough to analyse the situation rationally, is the most difficult but important step to take, while facing criticism. 

Once you have calmed yourself down, listen to the other person without interrupting. By listening, I meant active listening and not just nodding along while thinking about ways on how to attack the critic back. Allow the other person to share their thoughts and comments completely. While listening, focus on the content of the comment and not on the tone. Sometimes even the best intended criticisms may sound harsh or even worse, the most toxic comments may be presented in the most tactful manner. So it’s very important that you detach the content from the tone.

At this point, you can try and  repeat back what you have heard and understood. Be careful to do that in a non aggressive tone. By repeating back, you are not only making sure that you aren’t misinterpreting their comments, but also helping yourself understand the comment better. When you take a step back and remove yourself from the equation and focus just on the comment, chances are that you may be able to view it through a different lens. At this stage, by analysing it objectively, you will be able to figure out the intention behind it – whether you are actually being attacked or is it just your ego playing tricks on you.

If you are still confused, seek clarification. Break it down and  ask questions. When you are asking questions, do it with an open mind and not with an intention to prove the other person wrong. You can ask for specific examples to get better clarity on the issue raised or ask for suggestions on how the situation could have been handled differently. Be genuinely curious in finding the intention. If the critic actually means well, he’ll be able to give you answers or suggestions or atleast give you valid and logical reasons to back his comment, which might help you to see things from the critic’s perspective. Destructive criticism shatters under scrutiny – no logic, no reasons, nothing but just a set of toxic statements thrown at you with the sole intention of hurting your self-esteem and  pulling you down.

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How to deal with criticism ?

So now that you have calmly analysed the issue and identified whether the criticism was meant to help you or to tear you down, it’s time to take action. 

Okay, but before that, you may now take a moment to appreciate yourself for successfully pulling off the I-Can-Be-Calm-No-Matter-What version of you. A little bit of self appreciation always helps to put that vulnerable little child inside you in a better mood. 

Alright, now that you are slightly in a better mood, let’s get to business. Let’s say you have identified the criticism to be toxic, what do you think you should do next ?  Tell them that their points are baseless ? Make them understand that you are right and argue until you prove your point ? Or give them a taste of their own medicine and criticise them ? Well, the best course of action here would be to ignore. Ignore ? Seriously? But how can you just walk away when somebody is attacking you and challenging your self worth?   

Well, it might sound all philosophical and seem like something that only people roaming about with a halo around their heads can do. But trust me, it is the most logical thing to do,  given such a situation. Think about it, here is a person who is trying to derogate and destroy your self-esteem, confidence and reputation using some baseless and illogical set of arguments. Do you think if that person was logical enough he would have stooped to this level ? No matter what you do, understand that he has come with a closed mindset and a fixed agenda, that is,to insult you. Nothing you say or do is going to knock sense into that person’s head. And moreover it’s not even your responsibility to do that.There’s no point in wasting your time and energy on such people, so just let it go. Politely excuse yourself, thank the person for the feedback and move on with your life. 

Now, let’s come to constructive criticism. When you receive it, ask yourself ‘Does this align with my priorities ?’ For example, you might be criticised for not making that perfect pasta or for being lousy at tennis. Ask yourself, does it really matter ? Is this really a priority in your life ? Well, depending upon your goals, it might or might not be. In any case it is important that you identify that. And if the suggestion doesn’t align with your priorities, even though it is constructive, there is no point investing too much of your time in it. So, take note of it and ask for suggestions on how to improve, if you feel a need for that and move on.And hey, don’t forget to thank your critic !

Now, what if it aligns with your priorities ? Then set your ego aside and  ask yourself – ‘Deep down, do I agree with what is being said ?’  If you can’t bring yourself to agree to it, respectfully disagree. Present your side of the story. Engage in a constructive discussion.Chances are that when you do it, the other person may understand your perspective or vice-versa.Either way it’s a win-win. However, there are chances that you both might not come to a conclusion at all. Accept the fact that everyone is entitled to have their own opinions and perspectives and it’s perfectly okay not to be on the same page always. So just agree to disagree and peacefully move on.

Finally, let’s say that the little voice inside your head secretly agrees to all the charges that you are accused of. In that case, buckle up, it’s time for action. If you find that there is truth in what the other person has said, then do not shy away from acknowledging it. Analyse the comment, deconstruct it and figure out what needs to be addressed and what measures need to be taken to learn and evolve from your mistakes. You may even take suggestions from your critic on the steps that need to be taken. Accepting your mistakes and learning from them is a great way to kick-start your journey of self improvement. 

Bottom Line

Criticism comes in all shapes and forms. Neither can you avoid it nor can you control the way others perceive you. The only thing you have control over is your attitude towards it and the way you choose to respond to it. It is important that you identify the intent behind it and take action accordingly. And depending on it, you can either use the criticism as a foundation to build a better future for yourself or choose to ignore it if it’s not worthy of your time and energy. Having said that, I also want you to know that developing a positive attitude towards criticism is not something that comes easy. It takes time, patience and hell a lot of practice. So be gentle with yourself; take it one step at a time. And while you are at it, don’t forget to acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest of your milestones. Good Luck !

COMMON TRAIT OF EVERY HIGH-ACHIEVER

The world we live in is fast and busy. We always have new content to consume, new information to process, and new decisions to make. But even if the world demands us to make quick choices, sometimes being patient and still is the best thing, that can be pretty hard. However, sometimes, patience will help us reach success.

If you are just learning a new skill, you need to be patient and give yourself time to practice and improve. You won’t become good enough tomorrow and, if you try to use it, it might backfire.

Don’t hurry things along – they need to take their own time and happen when the moment is right.

Patience alone is not enough to achieve success. However, without it, you will be hard pressed to achieve anything at all.
Good things take time. You need to work hard and wait for the results to show themselves.

Patience can give you the strength to hold on even when things are tough. It allows you to remember that everything is temporary and wait the storm out.

Patience allows you to wait until your work shows its results. It prevents you from premature decisions and rash behaviors that can hurt your chances for success.

Just be still and observe and you might notice a lot more than you would have expected. Taking some time before acting can allow you to recognize new solutions and prevent you from doing a harmful thing.

Patience brings its rewards in every aspect of our lives. It can truly work wonders.

Even if the world is loud and fast, slow yourself down. Be patient and be still and see what changes within you. See what you can recognize when you allow yourself to just watch and wait.

Patience is essential for any kind of success, as nothing happens overnight. Reap the benefits by allowing yourself to wait and let things happen at the right time, without forcing them to occur.

WHAT TO DO WHEN WE FAIL?

We all fail at some point. It’s unavoidable and definitely not a pleasant experience. Our self-confidence and self-esteem might hit the ground. Constant questions of self-doubts arises. But any kind of failure can be an amazing opportunity for growth and development when we approach it the right way.

Here are few things to remember when something doesn’t go your way.

FAILURE IS NOT FATAL

It’s never too late to re-start and pursue your dreams and goals, in one way or another. If you look around there always be hidden opportunities waiting for you to showcase your abilities and skills. There will always be another chance, and this time you can approach with greater readiness and experience. Remember that everything happens for a reason, each opportunity has something to teach you.

LEARN YOUR LESSON

One of the greatest advantages of failures, is that it makes you wiser. It gives you a chance to question yourself about the faults in the process and gives you a chance to re-invent and re-discover yourself. Helps you consider your situations from multiple perspectives. This is also the time when you seek for help from trusted  friends and colleagues for their inputs and reviews.

BE PREPARED FOR THE WORSE

It is harder to accept failure when you did not consider it be one of the outcomes of your process. Confidence is a good trait but being fully prepared for any outcome is helpful since this mindset will help you avoid feeling devastated when something doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned it.

Always keep a plan B and act on it immediately. This doesn’t mean that you need to give up or have a defeatist attitude, just to be ready for any outcome. This might help you have a backup or consider your resources more carefully than if you go all in.

NOTHING IS PERSONAL

A problem with failure is that we see it as something that reflects on us and our personal failings. But just as often, our failure happens due to factors that have nothing to do with us. Maybe we offer something that is not wanted or maybe there are objective circumstances that  change the situation beyond our control. Learn from your mistakes but don’t pin each situation solely on yourself. By Acknowledging that we don’t have control over the world, we can become resilient and focused on what’s within out purview.

keep going, keep growing

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Approaching the failure with compassion is an important thing to remember. Often, we are really harsh to ourselves and that discourages us from trying again or learning from the mistakes we made.

Failure is not pleasant but is significant, and looking at any story of success, we will always find the failures that built it. See it as a necessary step, a chance to learn, and you will bounce back better and faster.

Living Life Intentionally

People, especially those in young adulthood or in their middle ages, often find themselves questioning their life and purpose. You might find yourself wondering, what am I doing? Or, what should I do? The answer to these questions differs from person to person, and what it means to live intentionally also varies depending on the person. In case an individual is not able to find an answer to these, there can be a certain discomfort or disappointment as they feel lost and without purpose. However, there is a basic framework that can be adhered to which helps everyone one of us live intentionally.

Some important qualities

Firstly, we must learn to nurture wisdom in ourselves. Wisdom means that we are able to recognise what is good for us, what is bad for us, and what we are indifferent to. It is easy to understand what is good for you, like honesty, kindness, empathy, and what is bad for you like, dishonesty, greed, jealousy. In the indifferent category come the things that are not completely good or bad, like money, success, possessions, etc. You should not be too worried about whether you have a lot of these things or not, as they do not define your life’s worth.

Next there is temperance, which includes things like self-restraint, self-discipline and self-control. It is about balancing the short-term gains with the things that are good for us in the long-term. It also means that there should be moderation in all things, whether that be eating, watching TV or even working. Learning to exhibit self-control in your life and work towards things that provide long-term rewards rather than instant gratification will work wonders in your life. The classic example of this is exercise, which does not have any immediate results unless we are disciplined and stick to it, and after a while the hard work will show.

Following this is courage, which is not the elimination of fear or anxiety, but rather feeling the fear and anxiety and still acting in the right way. Courage is perhaps one of the most important qualities in life in general. When we are afraid of something, we should try to deal with that fear directly by leaning into it rather than running away from it. This is a display of courage. For example, if someone is scared of jumping in the water, the best way to overcome this fear is to simply jump without thinking about it too much. It is the same in case we have to make a difficult decision in life, but we are afraid of making it. Being courageous means we make the decision despite the fear behind it.

Lastly there is the virtue of justice. This is not to mean justice like in our legal system or jurisprudence. Rather it means our duty to the society and to our fellow man. So, if we want to live intentionally, we also have to live in ways that are beneficial to other people. This implies being caring and considerate of people around us. Justice also means doing the right things whenever we can, which is called being righteous. Righteousness helps us in living fulfilling and happy lives, free from feelings of greed or anger. An example for this could be if you see someone drop money, would you act in service of yourself and be greedy (pick it up and take it) or be righteous and just (pick it up and return it). The latter should be the one to aim for.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be concluded that living life intentionally may mean different things to different people, but there are certain qualities we can follow to help in our search for meaning. It is important to highlight here that there is a difference between happiness and meaning. Happiness occurs at points in our life for short periods, while meaning enlightens our whole life and gives us direction. Every person’s meaning in life may be different, but it serves the same purpose, which is to give us purpose. So, finding meaning in our lives will help us to live intentionally, and will also help us to become overall better people.

8 Good Habits to Develop

Habits are a necessary part of our life. Most of us develop many habits throughout our lives. Although it may seem small or trivial habits can influence a person’s life in many ways. Some can lead to drastic changes in life over a period of many years while some can lead to changes in a month. Good habits can make one transform their lives with time and help to achieve new heights. While bad habits may slowly lead to reduction in the quality of one’s life. The following list features some of the habits you can develop in order to become a better person and achieve success in life.

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  • Maintaining a journal – Writing a diary or a journal is a very helpful practice for self-growth. It also helps you to improve your writing skills. Jotting down your thoughts or even writing about your daily life can be a simple yet helpful practice. It helps you to form the habit of gathering your thoughts and expressing yourself. Years after when you go through that journal it makes you realise how far you’ve come and also revisiting the past and engaging with memories is something which we all like to do once in a while.
  • Setting up a routine – Humans like to go about their day in an orderly manner. No matter what profession you take maintaining routine and order is something which is necessary for all. Setting a routine beforehand also helps you to have a look at your tasks and helps you complete them. You can also try and make a to-do list which is extremely effective for completing tasks.
  • Reduce procrastinating – Procrastination is a habit most of us have. Leaving our work for the last minute is a very common practice. Reducing procrastination can lead you to slowly move away from it and make you more punctual.
  • Reading habit – Reading a book everyday for even as little as half an hour can work wonders for your life. Books help you build vocabulary and helps you gain knowledge. It also makes you a better writer and story teller. People who have a habit of reading books from a very early age are found to have better memorisation capacity.
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  • Exercise – Exercising often is a very healthy habit and helps to maintain a healthy mind and body. Doing simple exercises or yoga will also secrete hormones or endorphins which will boost your mental outlook and help you have a good mood. Exercises will result in a better posture too.
  • Meditate – Meditating for a while helps us to calm our minds. There is no fixed rule as to how one should meditate. One can just sit and close their eyes for some time or follow a meditation guideline. According to some studies, painting or colouring simple shapes and patterns can also act as a form of meditation.
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  • Gardening – You need not know a lot about gardening. A small cactus near your desk or a simple flower plant can do magic. Watering them and taking care of them will help you make some time for yourself in a hectic or busy schedule. Plants can help you exercise the idea of effort. It helps you build patience and improves your life.
  • Smile – Having a positive outlook towards everything is a secret to having a happy and better life. A smile can help you brighten your day and maintain a positive relationship with people around you.