Showing posts with label Self Improvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self Improvement. Show all posts

Six Tips - How To Improve Communication Skills And Your Personal Style

Friday, January 14, 2011
Here are six tips for improving your communication style:
1. Knowing how to improve communication skills will come easier once you become aware of your own communication style.
Each person has a unique way of communicating. Listen to your own speech. What sorts of words do you use? Which sort of body language and what tone of voice are you using?
Now, think of someone who, in your opinion, is a good communicator. Compare your style to theirs. You've just taken an important first step in how to improve communication skills.


2. Now that you are aware of your own style, study the style of those around you. How do the most important people in your life converse? How do they say things? Look for approaches you can model and make your own.


3. Adjust to the other styles of communication. Don't think it is too late to change your way of conversing because it's been years. You had to learn to communicate in the first place and you can unlearn certain behaviors or change them. Sometimes we get stuck in a communication rut.
A father once was having a hard time with his teenaged daughter. She was growing and he thought she didn't tell him what was going on in her life. They were in a heated discussion when he asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Her answer was that she had, but he was too busy lecturing her to hear her. He learned that adjusting his style to his daughter would involve listening first before jumping right into solving the problem.


4. To build rapport, during a conversation try and match the other person's movements, posture and verbal style. Don't do everything they do, but mirror one or two things. For example, if the person gives mostly short answers to questions, you follow suit.
Or, maybe they talk at a slower pace than you usually do-slow your speaking speed to match theirs. This may sound simplistic but it is a very potent way to make someone feel very relaxed and comfortable in your presence.


5. The way you communicate at home may not be the same as in a different environment. Make sure you change your style to suit the different setting. Some comments you might want to tell your best friend, in private.
Other things can be shared in a group setting. Learn how to improve communication skills by altering your style for the appropriate setting. Many of us know someone who offers far too much information in a group setting.


6. Don't criticize others for communicating differently. If we all communicated in the same way, we'd soon be bored with each other.
Getting a good grasp of your communication style and finding ways to accommodate other peoples' styles, is a good way to improve your communication skills.

Learn Spanish Quickly - Incredible Ideas Of Fast Learning

Thursday, January 13, 2011
There are tons of people who want to start speaking Spanish now. There's one problem...They don't know where to begin. If you fit in this group, you are probably planning on taking lessons - however, you may want to teach yourself how to speak Spanish without lessons!

In order to learn Spanish, you have to overcome your second language learning anxiety! This is an emotional problem that hampers the abilities of many potential Spanish speakers around the world! Becoming motivated and overcoming this can, in fact, be the first step for you to be a fluent Spanish speaker!

May Believe that The older You Get, the Harder to Learn a Language - There is a common belief that advancement in age may actually hamper the ability to learn Spanish. There is no doubt that you may have to adjust when learning a different language - however, Adults are actually more than capable of learning a language.

The reason why children are believed to be better at learning languages is the simple fact that they haven't developed any mono-language habits. Their minds are open, so they are open to change. However, you can easily break these habits and learn the language you need to!

People do not believe they are capable - When people do something such as trying to learn Spanish, they have to envision themselves doing it, otherwise, they'll be absolutely discouraged.

The simple fact is; most people simply do not believe that they are mentally capable of learning a second language. If people simply believe in themselves - they'll be well on their way to learning how to speak fluent Spanish!

How to Concentrate in 4 Magic Steps. Easy to Implement

One of the main problems that deter a person's success is their lack of concentration. Lapses encourage disturbances to get in the way and stall progress. If ones wishes to proceed on their road to success, it is imperative they learn how to concentrate. Here, we show you some easy to learn exercises that are easy to implement.

1) Silence or Noise:
Most people cannot concentrate when it is too noisy, but others work better with music or others in the midst of a crowded room. If you are not aware as yet what best suits you, then try out the different environments. How? Take a notepad and a pencil or pen with you and try and write down a letter in all the three circumstances in a set amount of time. Ten minutes. That is all you will need to determine where your source of concentration lies. How? Check not only for length but also for development as that is more important.

2) Focal Point:
Every morning, before you leave for work or on the way, stare at any object for ten minutes. You can do this while in the toilet, car or bus. You will find this difficult, but whatever happens, do not move your gaze away. Hold it. Wait. And then, as the minutes pass you will find yourself deeply meditating about things that happened to you yesterday or challenges you have to face in a few minutes. Congratulations. You have just conquered the art of meditation.

3) Deep Breathing:
In the beginning, you can do this while staring at the object from tip number two, but if you wish to move towards real concentration, do this separetly. Sit down on the floor. If its hard, place a cushion. Close your eyes. Breathe. Count the number of inhales. When you have reached 100, start counting backwards but this time count the exhales. Mastering this will take you a while, but once you do move on to other kinds of mathemathical calculations such as naming the months of the year from December backwards or alphabetically. After that, make up exercises as you like.

4) Movement:
Focus on an animal: cat, dog or even ant or bird. Follow their every movement as if they exist in a vaccumm. Study every tiny spot on their body. The point of this is to learn how to diversify your concentration in such a way that movement does not deter you from your goal.

Conclusion:
Practice the above four tips and like magic, you will start enjoying life to its fullest because you will be able to focus on the things you want to focus on and disregard those that disrupt. Practice the above tips daily and you will be that much more closer to achieving your dreams and goals.
Best of Luck!

History And Fundamentals Of Karate

Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or "Chinese Hand".

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate.

The introduction, popularization and modernization of Karate to Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master, venerably regarded by many practitioners as "The Father of Modern Karate". Other prominent Karate experts in his time include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles also started emerging as several universities started karate club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the Second World War, and Japanese immigration to the United States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections –

• Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements and components
• Kata or 'form', a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of movements and techniques linked together by the combatative principles that the kata expresses.
• Kumite or 'sparring' evovles from well-defined kata to open attack and defense.

The Uniform – Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono (shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored), a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards, white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank. This, howver, may differ from one organization to another. Each rank may also have subdivions of its own even if the color of the belt is similar.
Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed in the early period of the 20th century and include variants such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu, and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the concepts remain universal, each representation differ from one another.

Meditation Techniques For Time Pressed Executives

Meditation, quite rightly, has an image of relaxation, peace and quiet, and many may interpret this as meaning meditation can only be for those who have time to laze around half the day. For this reason, those people, such as business executives, who live a pressured life with little or no time to spare, may assume that meditation can never have a place in their lives. That is a shame, as meditation techniques can be quite flexible and quite easy to fit in to a busy day.


The benefits of meditation can be so great to somebody under pressure, that even a few minutes occasionally may bring a noticeable benefit. For a busy executive to have reached their position in life, they are likely to be determined and intelligent individuals. This can often mean that, should they perceive a benefit in an activity, then they will continue or extend that activity. It is therefore possible that an executive trying out even a brief period of meditation may soon adopt some meditation technique or other on a regular basis.


What type of meditation techniques may fit in with an executive lifestyle? Important features of meditation are being able to breathe well and consciously, relax and clear the mind, and then focus the mind. An executive with perpetual meetings and a full diary, with pressures to perform and maximise profits, may think such things cannot be fitted into their busy lives.


It is true to say that the most powerful and beneficial meditation sessions are prolonged. However, that does not mean short periods of meditation are a waste of time; far from it. An executive is probably geared up to packing as much into their day as possible and, although it may be difficult to clear a hyperactive mind, they may well learn to pack in short meditation sessions also. In so doing, they may well find that those sessions give them a boost that is far greater and more beneficial than caffeine.


So, what techniques can an executive use during their busy day? Here are a few ideas:


1. If using public transport to get to and from work, and you are able to sit down, it can be a good time to close your eyes, concentrate on correct breathing, and try to shut out the surrounding sounds. Commuting can be a very stressful experience every day of the week, so a snatched meditation session, even in far from ideal conditions, may minimize those negative effects, or even turn them on their head. In fact, it can be good practice to try to meditate in difficult conditions, as that makes ideal conditions even more beneficial later on


The secret to these train or bus sessions is not to fall asleep, and to concentrate extra hard on maintaining the focus.


2. Do you go to a gym or health spa? Whether at lunch time or in the evening, this can be a good time to tag on a short meditation session. If you have finished your work out, you need some time to shower and relax your body a bit. Following that with a 10 minute or more period of meditation could work wonders. Most gyms or health spas will have a room you can use for a short spell of peace, so it is worth asking. A vacant massage room would serve the purpose.


3. Control your diary, and schedule in a mid morning and mid afternoon "tea or coffee" break. Only instead of tea and coffee, drink water, sit comfortably, focus on your breathing and then when totally relaxed, have a short session of meditation, focusing on something calming and not related to work. Even 10 minutes can provide a power inducing respite from the day's work, and the chances are you will not lose time, but rather gain time, as you will work more effectively.


Snatched meditation sessions spread through the day may not be the stuff of traditional meditation, but they are certainly better than none at all. Hopefully, the rejuvenated executive will perceive enough benefits to set aside time in the evenings and weekends to learn full meditation, and then be able to return to work at the top of is game every weekday morning.

What Do You Want From Your Work?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It’s not that complex

In the last ten years of working with mid-life adults on finding the right work which aligns interests and abilities, I have come to the conclusion that the criteria for the RIGHT work is very similar.

Make a living and make it interesting

People need to provide an income for themselves and this is a priority. But I have discovered as people approach 40, they are no longer willing to make the trade-off between just making money and not enjoying what they do. It becomes equally important to do work which is in fact interesting. I have also found that despite how MUCH money people make, the work which is not interesting does not last very long. When people continue to do work for JUST the money over a long period of time, health issues and psychological issues start to build depression and angst.

A healthy culture which matches one’s values

This is an area which many people don’t consider until it’s too late. A work culture consists of behavior and values which is different for each organization. It is important to understand what type of work environment would match your values. For example, if you cared about health, you might not want to select a tobacco company to work for. Or if you cared about making a difference in people’s lives through healthy living, then perhaps working on Wall Street for a firm that trades stocks might also not work for you. A culture is not going to change in order to fit you; you must choose the environment which fits you best.

A place to grow, further enhance self-identity and raise self-esteem

Most organizations look at their employees as a means to an end-profit – the more productive the better. Rarely help for self-esteem, self-identity, or personal growth is high on the organizational agenda. So, it becomes critical for a person to select the right work which helps personal development.

Stability and security

This is where the widest gap can be found. People want stability and security and the organization views its people on a short term orientation based on results. Again, it is up to you to select work which is stable and secure. In a difficult economy this is not easy. The best approach is to choose 4-5 streams of revenue. You might have a full-time job and two roles on the outside making additional income. Or you might have 3 part-time jobs. Or you might have 1 part-time job and several contractor roles. You have to create your own stability and security and not ever expect an organization to create this for you. This is not part of their agenda.

An organizational mission you can relate to

Yes, it is important to work at a place which you believe in. If you don’t believe in or even understand the mission of the organization, then don’t work there. You will not feel a connection and will quickly lose energy each day you go to work.

Nice people to work with, grow relationships

Most of our social networks come from those who we work with. If you choose work which you do not enjoy or organizations which you do not believe in, chances are you will not connect with the people who work there.

A manager who believes in them

Most of the time, it is the luck of the draw to end up with a strong manager who believes in you. If you do, feel fortunate as this is rare. If you end up working for a manager who is so focused on goals, that you don’t feel you are viewed as a person with a life, then this will slowly cause issues. Make a plan to find a new home where you feel supported.

What do people want from their work?

Most of us want the same. Finding RIGHT work which is both enjoyable and helps you develop takes hard choices around where to work and what to do. With a proactive approach toward developing work which is perfect for you, you will find that your life and sense of purpose takes on new meaning. You will feel in control again. You will find joy in your day. You will never look back!

Question Vs Answer From Shiksha.......


Q : I have completed my B.Tech (Mechanical) with 71% and interested in MS (Automobile Engineering) from Germany. Can you tell me more about it?
A : For Automobile Engineering program from Germany, some good options are RWTH AACHEN University, Dresden University, Technical University Munich, University of Esslingen etc. The duration of the MS program is 24 months...

Q : I am crazy about music but think that I should go for MBA so that I can look after my family business. What should I do?
A : Without any confusion, you should go for MBA, if you have to handle your parental business. Music could become your passion and Management Profession...

Q : I am completing law graduation and want to pursue a law programme in UK. What is the procedure?
A : The best education destination for law is Canada, not UK. For LLM in the best universities, you need to score at least 74% in your undergraduate course as well as a minimum score of 7.5 band score in the IELTS or minimum 100 in the TOEFL IBT with a minimum score of 22 in each section

Positive Mindset

Monday, December 20, 2010
Our mindset is the one thing that is the determining factor when it comes to being successful in any area of life.You have to be careful not to let negative thoughts or attitudes hold you back or make you feel inadequate.Those kind of thoughts can and will keep you right where you are,never letting you reach your potential.A positive mindset on the other hand will put you exactly where you want to be.

The right attitude will open doors of opportunity that have always seem to have been locked.A positive attitude will lift you up and energize you. It will give you confidence that will show in everything you do ,no matter how small.That can-do attitude will give you what you need to get that promotion you've been wanting at your job,or let you make that presentation a success!Maybe you want to start a business but are afraid to take that leap. That's the negative mindset holding you back. You'll never try anything with those thoughts in control ! You can have your own successful business.There are plenty of successful business owners out there.Some are probably your neighbors!If you talk to them ,I bet you would find that they are positive thinkers who don't dwell on the negative things. That's not to say they don't sometimes worry, but the positive thinker will always see it through and find a way. Unlike the negative thinker who would just give up and blame it on their situation or on society or anything other than themselves. It's easier to do that than try to change.Actually its not easier ! It takes a lot of energy to come up with all those excuses and have to explain to everyone why you failed.

Changing your mindset can be as easy as telling yourself you can do it. Just tell yourself everyday and often during the day that you are good enough and you are smart enough and you will succeed at that business or that dream or goal you have ! Self-affirmation can be a powerful tool for change. You have to lift yourself up and believe in yourself and know that you can do anything you set your mind to ! Don't think of that statement as being boastful or bragging, its just that you have to lift yourself up and not wait for someone else to do it for you.Just try it and see for yourself that if you are consistent with it ,in no time at all you'll see a big change in yourself for the better in your attitude,mood and confidence levels. You'll be on your way to achieving anything in life that you want !
 
 
 

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