Very often, we are so caught up with the urgent stuff in life and we seek instant gratification for the things we do. As a result, we neglect to do the important things that will make a difference for ourselves in the long run.

Going for a run may not give instant results. However, do it on a regular basis and the rewards may slowly appear. Reading a book may not provide instant success. However, the knowledge that you learn and apply may eventually add greater value to your life, and perhaps even to the people around you.

So take a moment and ponder about it. What will you do today, that will matter tomorrow or in the long run?

Very often, when we set a goal for ourselves and strive to achieve it, challenges will start appearing to test our determination and commitment. I’m quite sure you would have faced such situations before:

Just when you decided to keep yourself fit by going for a run in the morning, it rains the next day. Or how about the time when you decided you should start saving money for a year end holiday and you see your favourite shop having a sale in the papers one week later?

Now despite all these challenges and inconveniences, I’ve also realised that when we make a commitment to ourselves and give our fullest effort, things can happen. So the next time you set a goal for yourself and challenges appear,  hang in there. Continue to put in your fullest effort and very often when you least expect it, results start appearing.

“Anyone who doesn’t think that he or she is in an argument is probably in one”

In an argument, voices are bound to be raised. The thing is, once you raise your voice, it no longer becomes a difference in opinions. It becomes a a war of emotions. Raising your voice at anyone, especially in a tense situation where opinions differ, will only serve to trigger the defensive nature of the other party. When that happens, it becomes a matter of who is louder, rather than what is right.

So the next time you are in a situation where you have the urge to start raising your voice, Stop! Take a step back and breathe. Take in oxygen and allow yourself to think. Shouting will not get you anywhere (except maybe a sore throat and a trip to the doctor). So make a decision to work on the problem, not on emotions.

If the other party engages you in a shouting match, you have a choice – Would you want to join in and potentially cause more harm, or would you rather put it on hold till the tension is gone? Do you want to empower the situation, or yourself?

How often have we been limited by our doubts, resulting in a reality that is less than what we could have achieved?