Friday, June 22, 2012

Who will cry when you die?

Extracts from the book “ Who will cry when you die?
This book gives tips to lead a better life. It is highly potent and makes us sit up and realize the real meaning of our lives. This is a mini gist of the book. - Guest Post by a good friend

THE PILLARS OF SELF-MASTERY, AUTHOR ROBIN S SHARMA

1. Sleep less: This is one of the best investments you can make to make your life more productive and rewarding

2. Set aside one hour every morning for personal development matters. Meditate, visualize your day, read inspirational texts to set the tone of your day, listen to motivational tapes or read great literature. Starting the day off well is a powerful strategy for self-renewal.

3. Laugh for five minutes in the mirror each morning. Laughter activates many beneficial chemicals within the body that place us into a very joyous state. Laughter also returns the body to a state of balance. A 4 year old laughs 500 times a day while the average adult is lucky to laugh 15 times a day.

4. Set aside every Sunday evening for yourself and your family and be strongly disciplined with this habit.

5. To enhance your concentration and power of focus, count your steps when you walk. This is a particularly strong technique. So many people allow their minds to be filled with mental chatter. All peak performers appreciate the power of a quiet clear mind, which will concentrate steadily on all-important tasks.

6. Enhance your will-power. You must first exercise it and then push before it gets stronger. When you are hungry, wait another hour before your meal. When you are laboring over a difficult task and your mind is prompting you to pick up the latest magazine for a break, curb the impulse. Soon you will be able to sit for hours in a precisely concentrated state. Newton had a remarkable ability to sit quietly and think without interruption for a very long period of time. If he can develop this so can you.

7. Never discuss your health, wealth and other personal matters with anyone outside your immediate family. Be very disciplined in this regard.

8. Cultivate the art of walking half an hour after your dinner. Walks in natural settings are the very best. Walking is, perhaps, nature’s ideal exercise.

9. Be careful about your reputation (high esteem and honour). Never do anything you wouldn’t be proud to tell your mother about. Have fun always but temper it with common sense and prudence (Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress).

10. Become your spouse’s number one supporter, the one who is always there supporting and fueling hopes and dreams. Develop together and march confidently through the world as an army of two.

11. Spend time with Nature. Natural settings have a powerful effect on your senses, which in turn will lead to a sense of renewal, refreshment and peacefulness.

12. Try fasting one day every two weeks. During these fast days, drink fruit juice and eat fresh fruits only. You will feel more energetic, cleansed and alert.

13. Drown (Cover completely) your appetite by drinking more water – ten glasses a day is ideal. It revitalizes the system and purifies the body. Also get into the habit of eating soups and more complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes than other less healthy foods.

14. A contented (showing satisfaction with things as they are) mind is a continual feast. Greed (Excessive desire to acquire materials than one needs) and material desires must be curbed (Held back from some action especially by force) to achieve lasting happiness and serenity (The absence of mental stress). Be happy with what you have.

15. Every day, get away from the noise, the crowds and the rush and spend a few hours alone in peaceful introspection (self-examination), deep reading or simple relaxation.

16. Empty your cup. A full cup cannot accept anything more. Similarly, a person who believes that he cannot learn anything else will stagnate (stand still) quickly and not move to higher levels. Even the teachers have teachers.

17. Drink a cup of warm water before a speech. Ronald Reagan employed this strategy to ensure that he maintained his honey-smooth voice. You will be judged by the caliber (grade of excellence) of your communication skills.

18. Always remember the key principle that the quality of your life is the quality of your communication. This means the way you communicate with others and more, importantly with yourself. What you focus on is what you get.

19. Aromas (A distinctive odour that is pleasant) have been proven to be an effective means of entering a state of relaxation. Scents have a very noticeable effect on your mindset and moods.

20. Never argue with the person you work for – you will lose more than just the argument

23. Do not take personal development books as gospel (An unquestionable truth). Read them and take whatever useful ideas you need. Some people feel that they must do everything suggested and take the techniques to extremes. Every book has at least one tool or strategy of benefit.

24. Keep well informed about current events, the latest books and popular trends. Many peak performers read five or six papers a day. You don’t have to read every story of every paper. Know what to focus on.

25. Readers are leaders. US Ex President Bill Clinton read more than 300 books during his short time at Oxford University. Some top performers read a book a day. The more you know, the less you fear.

26. When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take-choose the bolder, said WJ.Slim. Take chances, take smart risks and you will meet with success beyond your dreams.

27. You sow (Place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth) an action, you reap (get) a habit. You sow a habit, you reap a character. You sow a character, you reap a destiny (An event that will inevitably happen in the future). The essence (most essential) of a person is his character- makes yours unique, unblemished (Free from stains) and strong. Do not say you will do anything unless you will indeed (in truth) do it. Speak the truth and measure your words wisely. Be humble, straightforward and peaceful.

28. Read the biographies of the world’s leaders and learn from their habits, inspirations and philosophies (A belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group). Cultivate the important practice of active role modeling.

29. Remember and use people’s names when you talk to them. A person’s name is a uniquely sweet sound to them.

30. Go outdoors and look up into the blue sky for half an hour. Note the supremely strong feeling that you get when you are connected to Nature. Get away from your rigid schedule, which will provide a refreshing release and make you feel wonderful when you eventually return.

31. Laugh at work and be known as a positive achiever

32. The most efficient and effective alarm clock ever developed lies within our own minds. Try the following:

         1.Sit in an easy chair ten minutes before you go to bed.

         2.Shut your eyes and gently rest your hands on your knees.

         3.Breathe deeply for a few minutes.

        4.Repeat this for 20 times: "I will awake at 5 am feeling fresh, alert and enthusiastic". Then visualise yourself waking up at the desired time and imagine how great you will feel. You will soon wake up at the desired moment after little or no practice.

33. Develop the essential habit of punctuality for it is most important for high success. Punctuality reflects discipline and proper regard for others. Without it, even the most sophisticated person appears slightly offensive.

34. Winners do the things that less developed people don’t like doing even though they also might not enjoy doing them. This is what strength of character and courage is all about.

35. All individuals who have attained the highest of levels generally have cultivated the essential mental habit of optimism. Without optimism, life loses its luster and hardships appear at every step.

36. As we can take nothing with us when we leave, when you wake up early in the morning, repeat the mantra:

1.I will serve others today
2.I will care for others today
3.I will be kind today

This kind of living will bring you huge returns if you stay on the purpose of aiding others rather than on the outcome of personal gain.
37. Each day, do two things that you do not like doing. This may be the preparation of a report you have been putting off or shining your shoes. It does not matter how small the task, just do it! Your personal power will increase and your productivity will soar (The act of rising upward into the air).

38. Pick five relationships that you desire to improve over the next six months. Write out the names of these people and under each name detail why you want to improve the relationship, how you plan to do so and in what time frame. This is simply another facet of goal setting.

39. Browse second-hand bookstores every few months searching for lost treasures of character-building books. You will find gems on public speaking, improving your habits, time management, personal health and other important subjects for low prices.

40. Be known as someone with a cool head, warm heart and great character. Your presence on this earth will long be remembered.

41. Fill your home with bright, fresh flowers. This is one of the best investments you can make. Let the sounds of great music, loud laughter and good fun fill the oasis of your home

42. Recognize the power of mantras and the repetition of positive, powerful words. Indian yogis have employed this technique for over 4000 years to live tranquil (Characterized by absence of emotional agitation), productive and focused lives.

43. Build a mystique (An aura of heightened value or interest or meaning surrounding a person or thing) around yourself

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Women in Tech - Girl Geek Dinner 2012

It was again this year the time for Yahoo! Women in Tech for a fun filled “Girl Geek Dinner” event to socialize with other women in the technology industry. Totally appreciate Yahoo! for this initiative which is focused on providing inspiration and support to technical women.

The evening was special as we got to listen to amazing woman entrepreneur panel and got to know other women in technology over dinner. Shouvick VP - Yahoo! gave the keynote & like him we all too had a question as to why is the head of Yahoo still a male. Why few women in leadership roles?  In my company to be very frank I am never comfortable sitting across the round table along with only male leaders…but with time I have realized the problem is in me. I let the thought of being a female cross me each time & that what makes me uncomfortable.

Bala the director at Yahoo! who was intimated to see only girls around him came over to moderate the panel discussion on Starting & Succeeding as a woman entrepreneur”. 
The panellists comprised eminent names from the Industry:
-               * Apala Lahiri Chavan - Chief Oracle and Innovator, Human Factors International
-              * Jaya Jha Founder, Pothi.com
-              * Valerie Rozycki Wagoner  Founder & CEO, ZipDial
-              *  Jessie Paul CEO, Paul Writer.

Few highlight & my take away from the panel discussion:
-         There is a difference in knowing that you always wanted to be an entrepreneur & being one
-         It’s not always gonna happen that you will find answers to all question, but it’s always better to take calculated risk before getting into any business
-         Behind every successful entrepreneur there is a salaried spouse
           Have the conviction to do it & let it never be ruled over by emotions
-         Learn to milk your way, take advantage of being a pretty, cute & sensate women that you are
-         Round the business table let the thought of you being a women never cross your mind…does it matter…may it never
-         Have clarity in your confusion, it’s always better to be sorted out
-          Good to have big companies name in your resume
-          Life is too short to be in a wrong job
-         You don’t need a great idea, finance or atmosphere but you need right ppl around to kick off the start-up
-          A strong financial backup for a year as you might see a down fall in income as u get started
-          Specially in India being an Entrepreneur is  not a highly looked upon career option, so do it for ourselves & not for other
-          Passion + Perfection + Profit in a bit is always need in a start-up
-         Don’t fear failures or downfalls, it is needed to know if you are doing it right
-         Network well, build a brand of yourself & few assets before getting’ into a venture
-         Many around would say don’t do it, but be with people who will tell, “you are totally worthit”
    
      Many thoughts & inspiring discussions happened. Want I have to say is… why just talk about it, go ahead into the field and do it. In all it was a total fun event. I got to interact with many other tech ladies and it was nice to get some compliments & admiration for a change this time from the ladies which I totally adore.

Cheers to the girl power & will be nice to hear some inspiring stories & start-ups created by… 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Death faceoff with Life – Part 1

Off late I am taking these short vacations to some very cool places. This time it was my girl army insisting on a girly vacation to Auroville. The reason of picking this destination was Auroville is titled as an organic city & we were curies about exploring this city. The curiosity was so high that we suddenly planned to go on the coming weekend as a result we landed up getting tickets to non-AC bus to Pondicherry.  

We the girl army – Deeks, Joo & Myself. Wait till the end of Part 2 of this post to know why I title this gang as girl army. We all were super excited about this trip. Friday evening and we left from office to catch our bus. A very nice friend comes over to see us off as we board the bus. The driver went absconding while our KSRTC bus was scheduled to leave at 10 pm. Waited for almost 45 min & finally the driver arrived. He was old… I mean he should be 57+ by age, a short fight & argument happened & he finally started the drive towards our destiny.

We had got the middle row seats and I guess we all went off to sleep at around 1 am. At 3 am where all were in deep sleep my face in a massive speed went in forward direction & hit the handle of the front seat. It was in that second when I opened my eyes I realised that the bus has banged something very badly….it was an accident. I quickly touched my nose to check if I was bleeding & I fainted that very next second. Not sure, may be after 5 min deeks comes to me & slaps my face to awake me. My head was spinning badly & I still can picture how deeks face was bleeding and she was motivating me to wake up.

Finally I opened my eyes & I could hear ppl screaming, kids crying & till then I was not ready to believe that our bus has met with an accident & neither made any attempts to move out from the bus. Deeks got down our bags, guided Joo to move out of the bus. I was still on my seat & could only remember Joo’s struggling voice while getting out of the bus. Deeks took me to the front door of the bus, when I looked around I saw how badly our bus has banged the other bus coming from the opposite direction, glasses & blood all around. Ppl’s eyes bleeding & some stuck in between seats. The front door of the bus was smashed so badly that I could not imagine myself getting out from that portion. I gave up & found a seat for myself as my head didn’t stop spinning. Deeks knew that we had to get out of the bus anyhow, she found window the only option at that time. She decided to jump off & which she did. Joo & Deeks were out of the bus & I was still inside the bus – where I had given up on life for few minutes. It was Deeks who was shouting & asking me to jump from the window.

The shattered me, looked out of the window to see how I could jump. Looking at the height & darkness around I was not ready to jump but with deeks showing me her hands & screaming “Bhavya please jump, I will hold you..baby please jump” I took my one leg out but still not sure if I wanted to do that. I knew I had no other alternative to rescue myself from this damage but somewhere when u give up no one can really help you. I looked out & finally saw 4 ppl showing me their hands asking me to jump..That got my confidence & I jumped from the bus window. I don’t remember how I did this, what I remembered is how some guy got me down like a princess without any hurt from the bus. Absolutely clueless as to what happened to the driver, guys in the opposite bus, ppl and kids stuck in our bus. We lucky with few other ppl were moved to a fully packed bus, but thanks to few guys who gave up their seats to us.
As our journey resumed our eyes were filled with tears, not because of our knee wounds, bleeding faces, torn jeans, body pains but because this accident happened to us, to the fact that we came out from the damaged bus without bothering about our other fellow bus travelers. Leaving many bleeding, crying, helpless, wounded and unthanked. We three just looked at each other & there was so much energy, power that flew amongst us that made us stronger so much so that we were ready to fight anything absolutely anything coming on our way. That night I shall never forget…praying for the sun to rise and wanting all this to be just a nightmare….

But guess the girl army had much to face… continues in part 2