How to be happy

I was sitting in the coffee shop reflecting on this year and wondering what to
do next?

I accomplished less than I wanted to accomplish this year and I was
disappointed.

But as I went through my goal list, a pattern started to emerge. Just to verify,
I leafed through my diary and figured out something very important.



This may sound odd. But hang in for another minute and you will understand.



I was not happy when I accomplished my Goals.



Not so believable isn't it?

Look, I have not made my first million yet and I do not want to stop anyone who
is planning that either.




But you should be aware of what happens when you chase a material goal.



According to the pattern, when ever I chased a material goal, my satisfaction
was very short lived and in some instances it was not satisfying at all.



For example, my goal was to buy a 30'' plasma TV. I had to work hard, sacrifice
a few things and then finally I brought the thing home.



But guess what?


By the time I got it home, I was tired and even before I installed it, I was
regretting my choice. I was thinking 42'' would have been a better choice.


Know the feeling?


For months I was running around doing stuff that I did not enjoy so I can buy
this TV and when I finally brought the TV I regretted my decision within half
hour.

Does this sound familiar?

You might have come across this in your own life.

Look I am not against buying things. But buying things just to feel satisfied
with them is not a good idea.

Simply put.

Do not base your satisfaction on buying stuff.

In contrast, I had also planned to learn Salsa. It was not that expensive, but
it did mean I had to cut out on my frequent travelling.


It was hard, tiring and moreover, my friends laughed at me.

But within those moving beats I found my joy. It was like a massage of my
senses. Suddenly I was more aware of my body. I felt good about myself and my
self esteem went through the roof.

My classes are long over. But whenever I think of it, I have a smile on my face.


As an added benefit, I made a whole lot of friends and some of them turned out
to be business partners later.


So thinking back, this is what I have realized.


When you invest in yourself, you will a lot happier and smarter for a longer
time than the first 10 minutes of buying a sauna belt that you saw on TV.


So today's take away. Invest in your own growth.


In the next post I am going to share with you a simple tool that you can use to
feel a lot happier and help you shape your goals right.


Keep an eye out

Hari

PS: This is one the best programs on
Goal Setting.
Check it out!
http://www.communication-skills-4confidence.com/goals

Love and Ego

Just a few days ago, having recently returned from a 2 week trip to Europe with her boyfriend, My friend called to tell me about her adventures and share some of what she experienced while in Amsterdam and Paris. It would be the first time they'd spend this much time together, 24/7, since they first began their relationship a year ago. (And I don't suppose I have to tell you what the French think about us anyway!)

During the time she was talking to me, I could hear and feel her angst over what had transpired and her disappointment in her trip being ruined by this man. I also knew that it would likely take months before she actually did break up with him, as this is her usual modus operandi.

I know her, I love her and I am not the kind of friend who tells others what they 'should' do. I then asked if she knew why this was causing her to be so upset. And then...she laughed out loud, a big giant belly-laugh, and said, "I guess it's my ego talking." I couldn't help but laugh right along with her. It happens all the time and it never ceases to amaze me that most people don't even know what it's about. But, and this is a big 'but', one must first realize that it's ego talking, not our true self.

I happen to think that we all get to create our lives, and we do, even if we don't know it. We create our lives by the things we think, the thoughts we focus on and the passion we expend on those thoughts. This, I know, is my truth. And when it comes time to look at something we don't actually want in our lives, it's up to us to take a step back and rethink our focus. Are you going to attempt to change it in it's hardened form or are you going to start all over and cast a new one? I also know she'll see, soon enough, that all of this is for good purpose and she's a better person for it. The moment she sees this about herself is the moment she will get to live the fairy tale she so wants to live. I know.

Love and Peace

Hari

Distance Education

Hey Guys,

Here is the latest.

A Friend of mine suggested I dabble bit on distance learning to improve my education qualification. Therefore, I went on a research spree and found tonnes of info but none of them covered all the basics I was looking for. Therefore, when I found it all out, I made a post of it so I can spread the obvious word a lil bit and help people just like me. You have to make sure that you invest in an Accredited distance learning program and be wary of the many diploma scams on the internet.

Distance learning online college is usually more comfortable for the older more mature or working people (do not like to be referred to as mature you see- takes fun out of life) like I so I chose to see what all it has to offer.

The Beauty of online study is that you do not have to get up early and sit with a bunch of nerds who know it all. I can just sit at my own control room and read all the stuff and I need to ask question, I can mail the professors. Only ting I would miss from a regular college is the fun of bunking classes.

First, I thought I would take some classes in French and probably get a diploma in French studies. However, the problem was it ruined my weekends. I jus could not go anywhere out of town, coz missing 6 hrs of class will take me too far behind. In addition, the cute teachers lasted only until 1A section and above that all the gawky old one stumbled out. To add o my woes, not even one cute looker in the higher class that I saw so I had enough and said bye for now. However, I will come back and complete at least until 2B so I can become fluent with French.

There are many advantages of distance education and not many of its benefits are that obvious.

The other part apart from being totally customize to my own timing, Distance learning at online colleges is usually more cost effective when compared to all the fancy colleges. Especially for self-employed people, for who time is money, studying in a full time college is almost impossible.

I can receive the same quality of education at a lower price from an online institution. I can obtain my education in a manner that is easier and more convenient for me. With the new concept of self-paced learning, I can make my own schedule based on the amount of free time that I can squeeze out of my work.

After looking at all the odds and evens, I think it is only fair to try it. If I can get a PhD avoiding all the dork professors, why not?

I have always fancied calling myself a doctor, so let’s try it out.

Choose a good distance learning college and go to the next step.
Cheers
Sri