My friend complained  that people kept ordering her around. She’d mix the coffee, do the photocopies, even walk their dogs when she’d rather sleep! Her problem was that she couldn’t assert herself. That turned her into a doormat- something I’m sure some of you endure. (more…)

Do you want to enjoy a new life? Implementing significant changes necessitates a measure of risk. There’s bound to be side effects. Or failures. But if you shy from adversity, you’ll end up a stick in the mud. Status quo will be your middle name.

If you want a change in lifestyle, you must be prepared to pause… and take that leap of faith. Here’s how you can do it.

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Think about the responsibilities you have lined up for today. How do you feel about them? Depressed? Demotivated? Pressurized? Or perky like a jellybean? If it’s a Monday I’m betting the farm you’d rather stay in bed. Admit it.

There’s a way to get things done with a smile.

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When people sniff blood, they dig. And they dig deep. Check out this this conversation between a statistician and a company PR guy: (more…)

Feelings are darned important. The problem is, we tend to shuffle them under a carpet because we are afraid of being judged. That’s something I wondered about. Since when does society have the right to say you can feel this way or that? You are the absolute master of your emotions. You choose when to laugh or cry. Or jump the bridge!

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It’s been a lousy day. Everyone woke up late. You were stuck at gridlock for two hours. Coffee spilt on your Armani suit at the drive thru. Then, at office, the Board shows up and you’re unprepared. Fortunately your secretary calls that she’ll be absent, so you plot ahead how to take over her responsibilities. At 4pm, your 8pm date cancels.

You’re ready to scream. (more…)

People like those who are like themselves. People believe those whom they like. Don’t believe me? Describe your best friend. Chances are, he or she is a mirror image of yourself.

 You want rapport? Then always mine for similar attitudes, likes, dislikes, cultural backgrounds, virtues, experiences, career objectives, and values. Highlight the commonalities in your conversation and behavior. You’ll create instantaneous attraction even with total strangers! (more…)

There’s a rule I learned in my operations management classes that apply in real life. It’s called the 80/20 Rule. The rule goes to say that 20 percent of your activities likely create 80 percent of the significant achievements.

Take a step back and ponder on all the big stuff that happened to you. Did you notice that some small tweak in your plans often drove it to amazing completion? Or how one small decision brought about earthshaking rewards? (more…)

You deserve a good pampering. Everyone does. When you don’t take time out to treat youself, life becomes unenjoyable- and motivation to succeed simply wanes. But do you know how to pamper yourself?

Think of the way you would pamper your baby. First, you would hug her when she were crying. You’d feed her when her tummy growls. You’d encourage her after her attempts to walk fail. You defend her from attacks and criticisms. You’d point out to her that mistakes aren’t to be ashamed of- but to be learned from. You’d spend a whole day just bonding in silence- simplye enjoying the beauty of the skies floating by. (more…)

Remember a time your emotions chugged like an angry train over the cliff. Did you say things the way you intended? Did you act the way you wanted to behave? Were outcomes unfolding the way you desired? I bet you said no. It’d tough to focus and maintain control when you got a bursting dam in your chest. Try out this delightful little exercise before red hot passions knock you over the edge again.

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