Acquire Wisdom and Live with Passion: Decision

Showing posts with label Decision. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Familiarity Trap

“Nothing is wonderful when you get used to it." - Edgar Watson Howe

Autopilot kicks in when we allow what was once exciting and challenging to become boring or mundane. Because of familiarity, we tend to miss opportunities and fail to perform at our best.

A bomb could go through without being notice by the security official if they would look at the screen for a long duration. That is why security officials at the airport rotate their roles.

We need to aware the moment we are in autopilot because it is unhelpful when

We want to do something better than we did it last time or
There might be a better way of doing something that we are used to doing in the same way.

If you are experiencing autopilot in your life, it maybe time to look with fresh eyes. Do you agree?

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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Expand your thinking skills

“The ability to perceive or think differently is more important than the knowledge gained.” - David Bohm

Thinking is just like any other skills. It can also be learned, practiced, and improved. It is essential to improving writing, reading, listening, and speaking. You can indeed develop your thinking skills.

One of the well-known thinking techniques is the Six Thinking Hats from Edward De Bono. Each hat defines a certain type of thinking. You put on or take off one of these hats to indicate the type of thinking you are using. This allows you to switch from one type of thinking to another.

When done in your group, everybody should wear the same hat at the same time.

Each mode has been identified by a different coloured hat, such that:-

The WHITE hat denotes a mode of thinking during which an objective look at data and information is required.
The RED hat denotes the mode of thinking associated with feelings, hunches, and intuition.
The BLACK hat denotes the mode of thinking associated with caution, judgement, and looking logically at the negative aspects of a problem - often described as the ‘devil’s advocate’ mode of thinking.
The YELLOW hat denotes the mode of thinking associated with examining the feasibility and benefits of a given situation, and looking logically at the positive aspects.
The GREEN hat denotes the mode of thinking associated with the generation of new ideas, creative and ‘lateral’ thinking.
The BLUE hat denotes the mode of thinking associated with the overall control and organisation of the thinking process.

“People mistakenly assume that their thinking is done by their head; it is actually done by the heart which first dictates the conclusion, then commands the head to provide the reasoning that will defend it.” - Anthony de Mello

“It is neither good nor bad, but thinking makes it so.” - William Shakespeare

Try it! Put on the Six Thinking Hats and improve thinking, questioning, and communicating in all areas of your life.

The above mind map was created using iMindmap that I had purchased recently.

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Monday, October 08, 2007

Life - The game we should play extremely well

“Life is the only game in which the object of the game is to learn the rules” - Ashleigh Brilliant

Life indeed can be interesting, challenging, and fun. Consider yourself blessed, if you have compelling choices in your life. To move on, you have to make some decisions, experience the consequences, and grow from there.

“Life is like a game of tennis; the player who serves well seldom loses” - Anonymous

“To win you've got to stay in the game.” - Claude M. Bristol

“The way a man plays a game shows some of his character. The way he loses shows all of it.” - Anonymous

A game is a lot more fun and you will keep playing with greater motivation if you expect some difficulties, obstacles and varieties. Likewise, if all of your attempts succeeded the first time or instantly, life can be really boring!

Learn the rules of life well. Be patient and you can be a better player of the game of life. Life is indeed a constant learning experience. Those who truly understand the purpose and meaning of life can have a wonderful fulfilling life.

Photo 1 by QatariyaaH taken from this source
Photo 2 by Telstar Logistics taken from this source

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Thursday, August 09, 2007

Dare to be different for good!

A lot of time we hear people say "Majority win" Let's take a look at some quotes left by wise men and see what they says.

“The minority is sometimes right; the majority always wrong.” - George Bernard Shaw

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.” - Ralph W. Sockman

Take a look at this story:

Which one will you choose? What is your decision?
A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other disused. Only one child played on the disused track, the rest on the operational track. The train came, and you were just beside the track interchange. You could make the train change its course to the disused track and saved most of the kids. However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way?

Let's take a pause to think what kind of decision we could make.

..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....

Choice that majority make
Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. You might think the same way, I guess. Exactly, I thought the same way initially because to save most of the children at the expense of only one child was rational decision most people would make, morally and emotionally. But, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place? Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was.

Sacrifice the minority?
This kind of dilemma happens around us everyday. In the office, community, in politics and especially in a democratic society, the minority is often sacrificed for the interest of the majority, no matter how foolish or ignorant the majority are, and how farsighted and knowledgeable the minority are. The child who chose not to play with the rest on the operational track was sidelined. And in the case he was sacrificed, no one would shed a tear for him.

Reasons to be different
The author of this story said he would not try to change the course of the train because he believed that the kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still in use, and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens.

If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover, that track was not in use probably because it was not safe. If the train was diverted to the track, we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in your attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few kids.

(Source: Internet; Author Unknown)

While we are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made, we may not realize that hasty decisions may not always be the right one. "Remember that what's right isn't always popular... and what's popular isn't always right."

“All progress occurs because people dare to be different.” - Harry Millner

“If everybody's thinking alike, somebody isn't thinking.” - General George S. Patton

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. - Romans 12:17

What do you think?

Photo 1 by notorious d.a.v. taken from this source
Photo 2 by Al Howat taken from this source

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Saturday, July 07, 2007

Live a balanced life

Nowadays, in our lives, we are taking on so many roles that we ought to constantly remind ourselves to do our best to find the right balance. As for me, I am a Husband, Father, Son, Manager, Employee, Friend, Christian, Preacher, Blogger and the list can just go on.

"People with great gifts are easy to find, but symmetrical and balanced ones never." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"At times, it is difficult to keep a proper balance in our lives. But, over time, an improper balance will lead to problems." - Catherine Pulsifer

“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” - Brian Tracy

“Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other. It embraces judgment, discernment, comprehension. It is a gestalt or oneness, and integrated wholeness.” - Stephen R. Covey

"In fact, everyone should take time out once in a while to recharge and revitalize their energy. The key is to have a balanced life." - Michael Lee, CPA

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton

Bill Gates says "In my 20s, I worked very, very hard. I have a much more balanced life now."

Check out: The Interactive Wheel of Life - maybe it can help you to find and map your life balance.

Well, what is your balance? Is it family, work and service?

Photo 1 by Sipula taken from this source
Photo 2 by bubblestar taken from this source

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Thursday, June 28, 2007

The Wisdom to Know the Difference

Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

You can't do what is right until you know what is right. But knowing and doing are not necessarily the same thing.

"Understanding is knowing what to do; Wisdom is knowing what to do next; Virtue is actually doing it." - Tristan Gylberd

"If you only do what you know you can do - you never do very much." - Tom Krause

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost

Well, is it necessary for one to accumulate enough experience personally to have the wisdom to know the difference - to accept things as it is or change it? What do you think?

Photo by 顔なし taken from this source

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Friday, June 01, 2007

Be the chess player, not the chess piece

“Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her; but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.” - Voltaire

"We are often our own worst enemy."

"It doesn't matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going." - Brian Tracy "

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." - Brian Tracy

“Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.”

Photo by tim_d taken from this source

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Resist Temptation

“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” - Oscar Wilde

"It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways."

"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self." - Aristotle

Well, I am not sure whether I could illustrate this point. Anyway, please continue reading...

Don't push the red button
I wonder how many of you really pay attention to this...

“Help me to resist temptation, Lord, especially when I know no one is looking.”

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

The above flash is taken from this Source

Photo by maniacyak taken from this source

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Set Your Priorities Carefully

"Most people fail in life because they major in minor things." - Anthony Robbins

“What comes first, the compass or the clock? Before one can truly manage time (the clock), it is important to know where you are going, what your priorities and goals are, in which direction you are headed (the compass). Where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going. Rather than always focusing on what's urgent, learn to focus on what is really important.”

“Set priorities for your goals. A major part of successful living lies in the ability to put first things first. Indeed, the reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first.”

“Action expresses priorities.” - Mahatma Gandhi

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen R. Covey

Photo by MarkOMeara taken from this source

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Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Develop Good Character

According to C. Watts "Character is doing what's right when nobody's looking."

Abraham Lincoln says: "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."

He also said that "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

Well, it is true that some people pay so much attention to their reputation that they lose their character.

We ought to guard well our thoughts; they soon become acts. guard well our acts; they soon become habits. guard well our habits; they shape our character, our career, our fortune.

"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece - by thought, choice, courage, and determination." - H. Jackson Brown

"When you choose your friends, don't be short-changed by choosing personality over character." - W. Somerset Maugham

"Personality can open doors; only character can keep them open."

Photo by Old Shoe Woman taken from this source

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Monday, April 30, 2007

Be Flexible

“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”

"Goals are a means to an end, not the ultimate purpose of our lives. They are simply a tool to concentrate our focus and move us in a direction. The only reason we really pursue goals is to cause ourselves to expand and grow. Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment." - Anthony Robbins

“Goals are simply tools to focus your energy in positive directions, these can be changed as your priorities change, new one added, and others dropped.”

Let's learn from the nature. Consider how water adapts to its environment: evaporation, condensation, melting, flowing, goes around rocks, fills containers, etc.

"The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists."

Are you flexible enough?

Photo by marinegirl taken from this source

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Sunday, April 29, 2007

Frequent Self check is necessary

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Tony Robbins says: "The past does not predict the future - unless you live in it".

That last part - "unless you live in it" is the key - because we all do. Somehow, many still have not come to the realization of this fact. We may not make any good progress until we had truly decided to change for the better.

Dale E. Turner says: “Some of the best lessons we ever learn are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom and success of the future.”

That's true. However, make sure you got get rid of all painful and damaging thoughts that entrap you. Forgive and love yourself and let go of the past and learn to live in the now.

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” - Buddha

“He who moves not forward, goes backward” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” - C.S. Lewis

Photo by kukies taken from this source

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Sunday, April 15, 2007

No choice? - You have choices

"God created us, but he gave us the power of choice to shape our own lives and fortunes."

"We can't choose our relatives, but we can choose our thoughts which influence us much more."

"One of the big reasons, that most people go through life getting so little out of it is that, they do not really know what they want. Thing happen to them more by chance than by choice."

"Everything's in the mind. That's where it all starts. Knowing what you want is the first step toward getting it." - Mae West

"A person doesn't learn to choose a good alternative without choosing a few bad ones."

"Too many people, instead of choosing their jobs to fit their talents, let circumstances choose them. And what's left to chance gets chance results."

Tell yourself this: "My mind is a tool I can choose to use any way I wish."

So do you know what you want?

Photo by Meredith_Farmer taken from this source

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Saturday, April 14, 2007

Raise your standards

"All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs." - Anthony Robbins

“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after” - Oliver Goldsmith

"If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you'll achieve the same results." - Anthony Robbins

“Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. When people ask me what really changed my life eight years ago, I tell them that absolutely the most important thing was changing what I demanded of myself. I wrote down all the things I would no longer accept in my life, all the things I would no longer tolerate, and all the things that I aspired to becoming.” - Anthony Robbins

Photo by supersam5 taken from this source

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Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Decisions will change your life

“Be willing to make decisions. That's the most important quality in a good leader.” - General George S. Patton

Napoleon wrote: "The most difficult of all tasks, and hence the most rewarding, is the POWER TO DECIDE. It takes little power to do big things. But it takes great power to decide on big things. And deciding on a goal is a BIG thing. It affects us all our lives."

“Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.” - H. L. Hunt

“It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”

"A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided." - Anthony Robbins

“Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.” - Keri Russell

Photo by evansent taken from this source

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Sunday, April 01, 2007

A Man and A Woman

"When a man gets up to speak, people listen, then look. When a woman gets up, people look; then, if they like what they see, they listen."

A man alone is not a unit of society - nor a woman alone. It requires two. Reason alone, or feeling alone, is not enough for important decisions. It requires both.

A man's best fortune, or his worst, is his wife. Ditto for the wife's husband.

The bible in Genesis 2:23-24 tell us this:
"And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Photo by Pensiero taken from this source

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Saturday, March 31, 2007

A need for determination and commitment

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” - Peter F. Drucker

“Great organizations demand a high level of commitment by the people involved.” - Bill Gates

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” - Mario Andretti

“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” - Vince Lombardi

“When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”

Photo by Turtblu taken from this source

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

There is always a way - Patience required

“The truth of the matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if:

You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving,
You're willing to take massive action,
You notice what's working or not, and
You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way.” - Anthony Robbins

"We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough." - Helen Adams Keller

“The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” - Anthony Robbins

“He who has a why can endure any how” - Friedrich Nietzsche

“There is always a way - if you're committed.” - Anthony Robbins

Photo by l&coolj taken from this source

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Sunday, March 25, 2007

Making The Right Choice

"It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny." - Jean Nidetch

“We can try to avoid making choices by doing nothing, but even that is a decision.” - Gary Collins

“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses” - Ziggy

"What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens." - Thaddeus Golas

Look at what you've got and make the best of it. Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Complain or rejoice. It's always your choice.

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.” - Wayne Dyer

It's not a matter of can or cannot, it's a matter of will or will not, everything is a choice, choose wisely.

Photo by fortes taken from this source

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Anger Prevention Kit

A match stick has a head, but it does not have a brain.

Therefore, whenever there is a little friction, it flares up immediately. Now, at times the effects of this flaring up can be devastating as it can engulf a whole lot of many things and play havoc and cause destruction.

We have a lesson to learn from this tiny match-stick. All of us have heads. And unlike the match-stick, we have brains as well. Therefore, our wisdom lies in not reacting on impulse - a habit of great importance when managing people.

Photo by AndiH taken from this source

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