Some verbs for your resume

Some verbs for your resume

 

Summary

 

·  Verbs, or "doing" words are an integral part of the resume

·  When describing your skills, use verbs

·  Check out the suggested list of verbs below

 

 

Some what? I don't know whether you are a member of a generation that missed out on being taught grammar, parts of speech and so on, in primary school. Being of a (slightly!) older generation myself, I can still remember Miss Pennington intoning to Class 3A "a verb is a being, having, or doing word". We of course would have to memorise this and endless other definitions and rules, on penalty of a sharp rap over the knuckles from a ruler that seemed almost as large as Miss Pennington.

 

Perhaps you missed out on the joy of that, but verbs are still being and having and doing words (some things don't change) and thinking about appropriate verbs to use can be a very useful part of preparing a résumé (and a covering letter, for that matter).

 

What you are trying to do in an application is to tell prospective employers who you are, what you have by way of qualifications and experience, and what you believe you can do. I will concentrate here on the last of these - your "doing" verbs. All I am talking about here is a way of concentrating your thinking on the actual skills and experiences that might be relevant to employers, and ways of describing them that draw on what you have actually done. Many university careers services will have copies of a long list of these. Here are just a few:

 

Adapted, analysed, applied, built, calculated, coached, compiled, conducted, controlled, co-ordinated, delivered, developed, distributed, edited, established, formulated, gathered, generated, helped, identifies, implemented, initiated, investigated, led, made, maintained, operated, organised, prepared, produced, programmed, promoted, reported, researched, sold, supervised, taught, tested, trained, tutored, typed, used.

 

I think you will get the idea - drawing in an active way on all the things in your background that are worth telling an employer about. And it is important to note that they can be things from any part of that background, not just your academic studies. In fact, talking about verbs is just another way of reminding you of the "generic skills" that careers advisers and others are so fond of talking about these days.

 

You might have led on the sporting field, planned a concert or a group trip, helped people during a summer job. All of these are skills that can mean quite a lot to employers, and they are not things that an employer can necessarily assume you have acquired during your courses.

 

It is your job to look for the verbs that will really convey what you have done and what you believe you can do. No one else will do it for you.

 

 

Is it worth the trouble to FLY at NIGHT

Is it worth the trouble to FLY at NIGHT

 

Night fares have been around for some time now, with all airlines, even Air India, offering them. Night fares are nothing but lower prices for tickets for flights that operate during the night on routes within the country.

 

The idea was to utilise seats that would otherwise have gone empty in these flights.

 

Take, for instance, Air India. Most of its flights, especially those from the US and Europe, land in Mumbai and Delhi at night. Air India offers a 25% discount on tickets booked on flights on domestic routes between 8 am and 8 pm and a 32.5% discount on domestic flights between 8 pm and 8 am.

 

So, if you want to fly from Mumbai to Delhi, you would pay Rs 3,972 for travel between 10 pm and 8 am and Rs 4,342 for travel between 8 am and 8 pm.

 

For a more detailed look at the various prices for specific routes, one should check out the Air India website.

 

One must look at the conditions that need to be fulfilled.  One of them being that these fares are valid only if tickets are purchased in India. There is no advance booking required for Air India and cancellation charges are Rs 100 per ticket.

 

Also, Air India states that the number of seats allotted for these fares is nearly 80% of its capacity and therefore, is not constrained, like domestic airlines that offer such discounts.

 

However, travelers must account for the flight arriving at Indian airports at unearthly hours as well as the hassles of reporting to the international terminals, not the domestic ones, with the reporting time 90 minutes before the flight, as against the one hour or so for domestic airlines.

 

Domestic fliers are also required to fill in customs declaration forms.

 

Indian Airlines also offers concessions for night flights for which the traveller should check with the agent or airline. Jet airways recently intensified the fare war, launching revised fares on Mumbai-Delhi (effective October 1, '04) and Delhi-Bangalore (effective October 6, '04) routes.

 

The present night fare for flights leaving from Delhi for Mumbai and Bangalore and vice versa at 10:30 pm, is around Rs 5,810, but, under the new offer, the highest night fare is around Rs 1,600 less than this.

 

There are no preconditions for advance booking like apex fares. However, there's a cancellation charge of Rs 500 if the ticket is cancelled one hour prior to departure, and 50% if the fare if cancelled or reissued one hour after departure of the flight.

 

While night fares will end up saving money in terms of actual ticket costs, the traveller must remember that he/she will land or take off from the city at odd hours of the night, with all the attendant issues like food, safety, transport costs and loss of sleep.

 

In Mumbai, for instance, taxis and rickshaws charge 150% of the day fare after midnight.

 

So, if you're landing in Santacruz domestic airport around 1 am and want to go to Borivali, 25 kms away in North Mumbai, you'll pay at least Rs 350, against the normal Rs 200 or so.

 

Ditto in Delhi where getting late night transport is a bigger issue than in Mumbai. While the expenses on this front is not likely to nullify the savings made on the price front, many people might feel that all the additional trouble is not worth the small savings made.

  

Kaizen

Kaizen

 

Kaizen is often translated in the west as ongoing, continuous improvement. Some authors explain Japan's competitive success in the world market place as the result of  the implementation of the Kaizen concept in Japanese corporations. In contrast to the usual emphasis on revolutionary, innovative change on an occasional basis, Kaizen looks for uninterrupted, ongoing incremental change. In other words, there is always room for improvement and continuously trying to become better.

 

Originally a Buddhist term, Kaizen comes from the words, "Renew the heart and make it good."  Therefore, adaptation of the Kaizen concept also requires changes in "the heart of the business", corporate culture and structure, since Kaizen enables companies to translate the corporate vision in every aspect of a company's operational practice.

 

According to Imai (1986), an important advocate of Kaizen, "Kaizen means improvement. Moreover it means continuing improvement in personal life, home life, social life, and working life. When applied to the workplace Kaizen means continuing improvement involving everyone - managers and workers alike." Believers of this theory maintain that managers of production operations cannot stand still; continuous development and improvement is critical to long term success.

 

In practice, Kaizen can be implemented in corporations by improving every aspect of a business process in a step by step approach, while gradually developing employee skills through training education and increased involvement. The principles in Kaizen implementation are:

 

Human resources are the most important company asset, processes must evolve by gradual improvement rather than radical changes, improvement must be based on statistical/quantitative evaluation of process performance.

 

Support throughout the entire structure is necessary to become successful at developing a strong Kaizen approach.

 

Management as well as workers need to believe in the Kaizen idea and strive toward obtaining the small goals in order to reach overall success.

 

Therefore, all members of an organization need to be trained in a manner to support this idea structure.

 

Resources, measurements, rewards, and incentives all need to be aligned to and working with the Kaizen structure of ideas.

 

Long Term Benefits

 

10 Fatal Career Moves

10 Fatal Career Moves

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

 

It takes anywhere from three to 15 months to find the right job -- yet just days or weeks to lose it. Here are 10 traits that are career poison:

 

1. Possessing Poor People Skills

A little likeability can go a long way. Studies by both the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company magazine show that people consistently and overwhelmingly prefer to work with likeable, less-skilled co-workers than with highly competent jerks. Researchers found that if employees are disliked, it's almost irrelevant whether they're good at what they do, because other workers will avoid them.

 

2. Not Being a Team Player

No one feels comfortable around a prima donna. And organizations have ways of dealing with employees who subvert the team. Just ask Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Terrell Owens, who was suspended for the 2005 season after repeatedly clashing and taking public shots at his teammates and management. Show you're a team player by making your boss look like a star and demonstrating that you've got the greater good of the organization at heart.

 

3. Missing Deadlines

If the deadline is Wednesday, first thing Thursday won't cut it. Organizations need people they can depend on. Missing deadlines is not only unprofessional; it can play havoc with others' schedules and make your boss look bad. When making commitments, it's best to under-promise and over-deliver. Then, pull an all-nighter if you have to. It's that important.

 

4. Conducting Personal Business on Company Time

The company e-mail and phone systems are for company business. Keep personal phone calls brief and few -- and never take a call that will require a box of tissues to get through. Also, never type anything in an e-mail that you don't want read by your boss; many systems save deleted messages to a master file. And we can't tell you how many poor souls have gotten fired for hitting the "Reply All" button and disseminating off-color jokes -- or worse yet -- rants about their boss for all to see.

 

5. Isolating Yourself

Don't isolate yourself. Develop and use relationships with others in your company and profession. Those who network effectively have an inside track on resources and information and can more quickly cut through organizational politics. Research shows effective networkers tend to serve on more successful teams, get better performance reviews, receive more promotions and be more highly compensated.

 

6. Starting an Office Romance

Unless you're in separate locations, office romances are a bad idea. If you become involved with your boss, your accomplishments and promotions will be suspect; if you date a subordinate, you leave yourself open to charges of sexual harassment. And if it ends badly, you're at risk of everyone knowing about it and witnessing the unpleasantness.

 

7. Fearing Risk or Failure

If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. Have a can-do attitude and take risks. Instead of saying, "I've never done that," say, "I'll learn how." Don't be afraid to fail or make mistakes. If you do mess up, admit it and move on. Above all, find the learning opportunities in every situation. Remember, over time, risk-aversion can be more hazardous to your career than error.

 

8. Having No Goals

Failure doesn't lie in not reaching your goal, but in not having a goal to reach. Set objectives and plan your daily activities around achieving them. Eighty percent of your effectiveness comes from 20 percent of your activities. Manage your priorities and focus on those tasks that support your goals.

 

9. Neglecting Your Image

Fair or not, appearance counts. People draw all kinds of conclusions from the way you present yourself. So don't come to work poorly groomed or in inappropriate attire. Be honest, use proper grammar and avoid slang and expletives. You want to project an image of competence, character and commitment.

 

10. Being Indiscreet

Cubicles, hallways, elevators, bathrooms -- even commuter trains -- are not your private domain. Be careful where you hold conversations and what you say to whom. Don't tell off-color jokes, reveal company secrets, gossip about co-workers or espouse your views on race, religion or the boss' personality. Because while there is such a thing as free speech, it's not so free if it costs you your job!

 

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

 

Physical Fitness Announcement

 

Project Implementation

 

Relieving Stress by Getting The Work Done

Relieving Stress by Getting The Work Done

 

At a time management presentation for a group of paralegals one of the participants asked what to do with something on her "To Do" list that she keeps putting off doing. Procrastination! What a stress producer! Nearly everyone present said this was an issue for them too.

 

I have to admit that every time I go down to my cellar I think, "Someday I am going to clean this place out." So it is an issue for me as well. What do you do to get those less attractive tasks off your "To Do" list?

 

One participant mentioned she too wanted to clean her cellar. Her method of getting it done was to break it down into small manageable tasks. Once a week before the day trash was collected she went down to her cellar with two empty trash bags and filled them with cellar trash. Breaking a big task into smaller pieces along with a scheduled date and time to do the work helps you get the work done.

 

A friend of mine recently mentioned her cellar needed cleaning too. She asked me if I would partner with her to get both our cellars done. We might work separately for a time and then call to tell each other what we accomplished. I'd help her with two person tasks and she would do the same for me. The whole process sounds like more fun and less stress with a partner. Some use Personal Organizers to do this with them.

 

We all have some parts of our job that we hate doing. For me it is anything that is mindless and repetitive like inputting data into QuickBooks. To get this type of work done what works for me is to do this first thing in the morning. I get it done and out of the way. There is a lot of energy wasted and stress created about doing a task we don't really want to do so just do it and be done with it! This leaves the rest of the day for meaningful work.

 

Another option of course is to get someone else to do that task you dislike doing. A repetitive mindless task is not something I need to be doing so hiring someone is also a good way to get it done.

 

One of the paralegals told me she thought all the ideas were good but getting herself started was a real problem. There was a sort of inertia she felt about doing the job. Here she was thinking about a specific project that had been on her "To Do" list for over a year.

 

If something has been on your "To Do" list that long, you probably want to re-evaluate your reasons for wanting to get it done. Think about life after it is complete. What will it look like? How will you be feeling? This vision of your success needs to be so compelling it will draw you forward so that you will want to get it done.

 

Nearly everyone in the group had met with success in finally doing something they had put off over and over again. Everyone mentioned what a happy feeling it was and the sense of accomplishment and relief that the task was done. Looking forward to that sometimes helps getting you to get started.

 

If there isn't a really compelling pull to getting it done perhaps you will work better with the impact of not getting it done. Ask yourself what will happen if you never get this done. How will you feel? What are the consequences of not getting it done? Some people work best with the threat of the negative rather than the draw of the positive.

 

If the task is important to you, then one of these last two methods will work to get you started. Then going forward one small bite at a time, working with a partner, and/or working on it first thing in the morning will help you to keep going until it is done.

 

Take action

1. What task or tasks have you been putting off? Make a list.

2. Are you ready to take action? What is the positive vision to pull you forward or a negative push to get you going? Notice the feeling in your body of the push or pull.

3. Try one technique (or several) mentioned above (or your own) to get the job done.

How to Be More Successful By Using Effective Time Management Tools

How to Be More Successful By Using Effective Time Management Tools

 

Do you feel irritated and annoyed during the day because you just feel like you can?t get anything done? Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? People who are very successful in their given fields have learned to use effective time management tools and therefore are able to get more done in less time and with less stress. Here are a few ideas to help you manage your time better.

 

The first thing you have to do is get rid of the clutter and get organized. This is the toughest thing for many people; I know it is for me! If you are one of those whose filing system is the top of their desk and you have papers, notes, and books all over the place then this is where you need to start. Take everything off of your desktop that you don?t use everyday and put the rest in drawers. After you have cleared your mess we can move on to the next step.

 

The next thing that must be done in order to be successful is to learn to prioritize. Everything is not life or death; you have to learn to distinguish what must be done and what can be delayed. At the beginning of every day tale a few minutes to make a list of tasks that need to be accomplished and then prioritize them in order of importance. One trick that works well is to group the items that must be done that day, then items that should be worked on, and finally those things that can wait. Keep your list with you all the time so that you can get some of the things done like phone calls in down time like waiting in lines of traffic or waiting to pick up the kids at school.

 

Use time management tools you are comfortable with. If using a regular calendar works for you then by all means use it and don?t feel like you have to learn to use the latest PDA. On the other hand, if are the techie type keep yours with you at all times along with a planner so that you can also write down notes and appointments that may require more than your PDA allows.

 

Make time to work ahead so that you don?t get behind on projects that are coming up soon. If you get the jump on them it will keep you from getting stressed. Just try to fit in a few hours at night during the week instead of lying around watching TV. Once you get used to it you will be amazed at how much stress it takes away and how much more time it gives you.

 

Schedule your appointments and other errands in an efficient manner. It just makes sense to take out a map and be sure that you aren't running back and forth. Plan your destinations in logical order so that you save time and gas by not running all over the city.

7 Steps For Melting Anger On The Spot

7 Steps For Melting Anger On The Spot

 

Anger is a lethal force that undermines our lives in all kinds of ways. Sometimes it erupts openly and other times anger camouflages it and covertly undermines your life. Some experience anger as strength and power. They feel it is necessary in order to maintain control. Others assume they have the right to express anger towards those in their lives. These are some of the lies anger tells us. In fact, when we are angry we are out of control and our ability to respond wisely is diminished.

 

Here are 7 steps for handling anger on the spot.

 

Step 1: Realize that anger is a choice you make

 

Anger is not a form of power, strength, or control. It is a toxin. Sometimes it provides a temporary high. After this high subsides, we are left weaker and more uncertain than before. Not only that, there are often negative consequences that have to be handled.

 

Basically anger narrows your focus, creates confusion and limits your ability to find constructive solutions. When anger arises, stop, breathe deeply, and immediately look at the larger perspective. Put the incident in context. For a moment, allow the other person to be "right". Tell yourself you have plenty of time to be right later. Your main goal is to have the anger subside so you can see the whole picture clearly.

 

Step 2: Become aware of the 24 forms of anger

 

Anger camouflages itself and finds many covert ways of manifesting. Unrecognized anger turns into all kinds of unwanted behavior. When these behaviors are not understood it is very difficult to correct them. Awareness is important in making necessary changes.

 

Some of the 24 forms of anger are: depression, passive aggressive behavior, compulsions, perfectionism, gossiping and certain kinds of competition at the workplace. When you realize that these are being fuelled by anger, you can take appropriate steps to handle them.

 

Step 3: Start Relationship Balancing

 

Relationship Balancing is the natural flow of energy, support and inspiration between individuals. When this flow is balanced individuals operate at their maximum level. When the flow is blocked or out of balance, individuals become depressed, apathetic, sick and resentful. When one feels needed and acknowledged, there is no end to their ability to tap their full potential. Envision balanced relationships. Write down what this means to you and notice how it compares to the reality of your particular situation. This initial step provides a map and new focus. It provides a direction to move in.

 

Step 4: Discover Your Relationship Balancing Quotient

 

List each individual you interact with. Score each person on the following questions from 1-10. See for yourself what is going on.

 

a) I I feel at ease with this person.

b) I trust this person.

c) I communicate naturally with this person.

d) I understand what they're communicating to me.

e) I am able to ask this person for what I want from them.

f) I am able to give this person what they want from me.

 

Assess exactly what is going on in your important relationships. Take a look at what you want from each relationship. Separate your needs and wants. Start communicating your feelings in a responsible manner and asking for what you really need and want. Start truly listening to the other, to who they actually are, not your images or agendas for them.

 

We can often be in a relationship with a person for a long time and not even begin to know who they truly are. As you begin taking the steps above, you will make natural adjustments in getting this relationship back on track.

 

Step 5: Stop Casting Blame

 

Blaming others is one of the largest factors in causing imbalance in your relationships and keeping the anger going. Stop casting blame. By blaming others you are disempowering yourself. By taking responsibility you are taking back control. Stop a moment and see the situation through your opponent's eyes. When you do this blame dissolves on the spot. Also, remember, the best defense against being hurt is to feel good about yourself and the way a person responds to you says more about them, than about you.

 

As you stop casting blame you will be letting go of all kinds of resentments. Resentment inevitably affects our well-being and always bounces back on us. Look for and find what is positive in each individual. Focus on that.

 

Step 6 - Create Realistic Expectations

 

There is nothing that makes us more angry and hurt than expectations we've been holding onto that have not been met. It is important that you become aware of what your expectations are for your relationships. Are they realistic? Does the other person hold expectations that are similar? Let go of unrealistic fantasies. Once this is done, much opportunity for anger diminishes on the spot.

 

Step 7 – Develop A Grateful Mind

 

See what different people in your lives are truly giving to you. We often take many things for granted and are even unaware of all that we are receiving day by day. Take time to write down each day what you are receiving. Be grateful for that. Make a point of giving thanks. The more we thank others, the happier we become. Also, take time to write down all that you have given others that day. It may be a surprise. We often think we are giving so much and receiving so little. This is a great cause of anger, deprivation and emptiness within. However, when we take time daily to write it down and look at it carefully, we are often surprised and how much we have received and how little given in return. As we look at it carefully, and balance these two activities, we learn to take pleasure both in what we have given and what has been received.

 

Find out more about how to dissolve negative feelings and make your relationships all you want them to be in The Anger Diet (30 Days to Stress Free Living) McMeel, http://www.theangerdiet.com.by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna. Dr. Shoshanna is a psychologist, seminar leader, relationship expert, who works with those who to experience full well-being and fulfillment. She is the author of many books, including Zen and The Art of Falling in Love (Simon and Schuster), Zen Miracles (Finding Peace In An Insane World), Save Your Relationship (http://www.truthaboutlove.com), What He Can't Tell You And Needs To Say, (Putnam). She can be reached at http://www.brendashoshanna.com, (212) 288-0028, topspeaker@yahoo.com.

Seven Personal Characteristics Of A Good Leader

Seven Personal Characteristics Of A Good Leader

 

How often have you heard the comment, "He or she is a born leader?" There are certain characteristics found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position where they're looked up to as a leader.

 

Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. There are some clear characteristics that are found in good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of their personality. Let us explore them further.

 

1. A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with honestly and integrity. A good leader "walks the talk" and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads.

 

2. A good leader is enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal. This kind of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.

 

3. A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader who conveys confidence towards the proposed objective inspires the best effort from team members.

 

4. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor.

 

5. Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey and keeps a cool head.

 

6. A good leader, as well as keeping the main goal in focus, is able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. While keeping the goal in view, a good leader can break it down into manageable steps and make progress towards it.

 

7. A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas.

 

These seven personal characteristics are foundational to good leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However, each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A good leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role.

 

Source: Internet

 

Achieving goals in 5 disciplined steps

Achieving goals in 5 disciplined steps

 

You must take action now that will move you towards your goals. Develop a sense of urgency in your life. - Les Brown

 

Do you believe in destiny? Do you believe that you were born to either fail or succeed? Do you always blame your fate for failures? Do you pray for success more than actually working on it? Do you put your 100% in achieving your goals? Too many questions! Don't worry; this article will help you with steps on how to set goals.

 

For many years people have been blaming their fate or destiny for their failures. Many people believe that success is derived out of your past life karma. I honestly don't know much about karma and being born with a fate but I surely do know and believe that we humans have the power to change our fate and destiny. For those, who still disagree with me will soon change their thinking.

 

Many of use see an aero plane flying in the sky each day and we all know the science behind the plane flying and we still feel amazed to imagine a heavy piece of equipment flying. Well, this invention just did not happen. We all know that the Wright Brothers had to go through numerous failures and embarrassment before they could create a plane that could fly. Were they destined to create a plane? Was it their fate that got them to create a plane? I doubt. Read on...

 

It was their observation of the birds and the desire to fly which made them create the machine which we today call Plane. It was their burning desire which was so strong that made them work for years and hours each day before they met with success. All the failures, taunts, embarrassment and frustration were small compared to their burning desire to fly. It is only through a Burning Desire can a man achieve the impossible.

 

Look at all the scientific advancements. The very advancement of a computer in front of you on which you read this article and the Internet on which you downloaded this article are all proofs of Burning Desire of man to create something.

 

Obstacles come and it is up to us how we deal with them. Failures will come for a long time, before we can achieve something. It is the manner in which the Universe functions. To reap fruits from a tree, you must first plant the seeds and nurture the tree well.

 

Achieving anything is possible as long as you have the Burning Desire to achieve it, i.e. creating the next scientific experiment, topping your exams, receiving the next promotion, losing your weight, learning a new art… Anything is possible. The recent slogan of Nike Shoes says it all "Impossible is nothing".

 

If you have a Burning Desire and sow the seeds of intention, the universe conspires to help you. This happens only if your intentions are true and pure.

 

If you dream of achieving something then sow the seeds of intention in the universe by always being positive about that dream and always thinking of that dream, the universe will conspire to help you. You might dream to work at Microsoft and if you sow your intentions right, somewhere some how you might just bump into a person who could help you.

 

Therefore, keep dreaming, always have the burning desire to succeed and read the following steps to achieve your goals. But remember, it requires a disciplined approach while following it.

 

5 Disciplined steps to achieve your goals

Please note that the steps mentioned below require a disciplined approach. By discipline I mean that no matter what difficulty you face in achieving your goals, you must stick to your desire to achieving your goals.

 

1. Define a goal for yourself

The first step towards achieving your goal is to be able to define it. While defining your goal you should keep in mind the SMART principle i.e.

S = Specific

M = Measurable

A = Attainable

R = Realistic

T = Timely

Specific

Be very specific of what you want. If you want to buy a car, just don't say my goal is to buy a car. You should rather say, I want to buy a Mercedes and the model number.

 

Measurable

You should be in a position to measure your success towards the goal only then will you be in a position to alter plans or make new ones if you are not heading anywhere.

 

Attainable

The goals that you make for yourself should be attainable as per your skills, attitudes, abilities, etc. Making an unrealistic goal will not only make you frustrated, but will also play on your mind and make you lose your self-esteem.

 

Realistic

Like I mentioned earlier, your goals should be realistic. Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal. It is only if a man believes in something does he accumulate the will to give all that he has towards his goal. Always remember, where there is a will there is a way.

 

Timely

While defining your goal you should always attach a time frame to achieve it. If you decide to lose weight, you should have a goal with a time frame in mind. E.g.: "I wish to lose 10 KGs by the end of 2007".

 

Once you have created a SMART goal, the next step is to write it down in big bold letters and stick it at a place where you won't miss reading it every day. Read your goal statement each day and night and work towards it.

 

2. Work towards it

Now that you have created a goal for yourself, the next step is to initiate action and work towards it by giving all efforts possible. This is the most difficult part in achieving a goal. Many of my friends have taken this advice by defining their goals and writing it down, but they fail at the most critical step i.e. to initiate action.

 

After your goals are clear, the time to take action is NOW. Just start working towards it. Ask yourself if you'd be happy to achieve your goals? If yes, then why not start working towards it once you have a clear vision of your goal. If your goal is to lose weight, then the next logical step is to find out how you could achieve it. Join a gym, consult a doctor, etc. Just do everything possible towards achieving your goal.

 

3. Manage your problems well

Yes, problems will come. It's the way in which the Universe works. It will test you endlessly till that time you don't attain your goal. Nothing comes easy. Even a diamond has to go through endless pressure and heat to reach its final form. It's how we react to problems that makes all the difference. Many things will come your way and distract your mind and that's the time to keep your cool and keep driving on.

 

4. Monitor your progress.

Now that you have defined your goal, have started working towards it and are battling your way through problems which come through; its time to monitor your progress. The reason why you should monitor your progress is to know if the action that you have initiated is helping you to near your goals or not. If you feel that the action is not helping you much, then you should try to alter your path of working.  May be you were doing it all wrong. Don't panic at this stage. Appreciate the knowledge that you have gained of how not to achieve your goal. That's experience.

 

5. Ask someone to mentor you

Very few people have the privilege of being guided by a mentor. If you wish to become a singer or a dancer, then seek the help of a mentor. The experience of a mentor will not only lead you through a correct path, but will also help you become the best in a commendable time frame. As my closing remarks, Thomas Edison had to go through thousands of failed experiments to achieve the goal of inventing the perfect light bulb that we use today. At a press conference when he was asked about his failures, he quickly responded saying "I have successfully discovered 1000 ways to NOT make a light bulb".  This shows that he had a goal and a burning desire to build an electrical bulb. This proves that despite facing so many problems and failed attempts at altered paths his vision never shook to achieve creating the first electrical bulb ever witnessed by mankind.

 

Some quotable quotes

 

Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals.

- Henry Ford

 

Set your goals high and don't stop until you get there.

- Bo Jackson

 

You must take action now that will move you towards your goals. Develop a sense of urgency in your life.

- Les Brown

 

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

- Mark Twain

 

When you cease to dream you cease to live.

- Malcolm Forbes

 

So what are you waiting for? If you have the desire, then march ahead and achieve your goals

 

Ducks Quack , Eagles Fly

Ducks Quack , Eagles Fly

A paradigm shift in thinking.

Source: Unknown

 

No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice. Years ago, my friend, Harvey Mackay, told me a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

 

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey.

 

He handed my friend a laminated card and said:

 

"I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement."

 

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said:

 

Wally's Mission Statement:

 

To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

 

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

 

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf."

 

My friend said jokingly, "No, I'd prefer a soft drink."

 

Wally smiled and said, "No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice."

 

Almost stuttering, Harvey said, "I'll take a Diet Coke."

 

Handing him his drink, Wally said, "If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today."

 

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. "These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio."

 

And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.

 

"Tell me, Wally," my amazed friend asked the driver, "have you always served customers like this?"

 

Wally smiled into the rearview mirror. "No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.

 

He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'"

 

"That hit me right between the eyes," said Wally. "Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more."

 

"I take it that has paid off for you," Harvey said.

 

"It sure has," Wally replied. "My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action."

 

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

 

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

 

How about you?