“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs Information defines your personality, your memories, your skills www.myswastikjewel.com
Friday, 18 April 2014
5 lesser known reasons why entrepreneurship will make you happy
Almost always starting a business or owning or managing a business is perceived as a highly stressful occupation. We wouldn’t want to dispute it by any means but there’s proof that entrepreneurs are also among the happiest people in the world. Don’t take our word for it. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2013 Global Report, entrepreneurs are among the happiest individuals across the globe when it comes to individual well-being and satisfaction with their work conditions. The report said that entrepreneurs worldwide – at both the established and early-stage phases – exhibited higher ratings on subjective well-being compared to those not involved in entrepreneurship activities, suggesting that entrepreneurship could be a good career choice for most.
1. Entrepreneurs do what they love How often do we hear our friends whining about their job, lousy boss or terrible workplace? Well, don’t blame them. There are surveys which show that almost 80% of workforce worldwide hates their jobs. But entrepreneurs are not among them. In fact, many of them got an extra push to startup on their own because they were earlier in a job they disliked. Every entrepreneur who starts a business, owns or manages one, is in love with his or her job. They are passionate about the startup, and are committed to nurture it as if it’s their baby. As we spend a great deal of our life working, if we love what we do at work even if other things in life aren’t all that great, we are happy.
2. Entrepreneurs are constant learners It is the nature of an entrepreneur to learn, constantly, continuously. There are no two ways about it. Each CEO has to be personally responsible for seeking out and committing to professional development. They keep up to date with the latest in their industry, are determined to learn about everything around it. Every day entrepreneurs are confronted with new situations that require constantly innovative approaches. Apart from professional growth, entrepreneurs also grow and evolve as they learn to tackle on crisis after another and keep themselves on their toes. The ability to learn, self-study, and apply new concepts is part of the human experience.
3. Entrepreneurs are busy problem-solvers Entrepreneurs startup with an idea that tackles a key pain-point. So problem-solving is at the core of entrepreneurship. Everyday they have a new problem or two to grapple with, so they have no time to brood over setbacks or wallow in self-pity. As soon as they face a challenge, they have to think on their feet and get busy finding a solution. The obstacles they face are so many that they just learn to trust their gut instincts and march on. They have no time to waste worrying or in idle talk. They have very less trivial chit-chat or gossip as there is almost always a fire to douse. Entrepreneurs are indeed the blessed few who have time to delve only into what makes their hearts swell.
4. Entrepreneurs are resilient What’s the opposite of depression? Not happiness but it is resilience, according to psychologist Peter Kramer. Psychologists use the word resilience to describe this ability to bounce back from adversity. Someone has to take a chance. Someone has to care enough to take risks, spend time, effort and money on something new. Entrepreneurs are those bravehearts who do. We all know human beings can survive all kinds of situations, the ones who survive are those who are resilient. When someone chooses to be an entrepreneur, he is prepared, at least to an extent, to face many challenges. He is an optimist, who can see the silver lining in most situations. Optimism touts plenty of health benefits, including less stress, a better tolerance for pain and, even longevity among those with heart disease. Confronted by a bad situation, successful entrepreneurs perceive it as a challenge and try harder.
5. Entrepreneurs are focused Psychologists have long since studied how when you’re immersed in an activity that is simultaneously challenging, invigorating and meaningful, you experience a joyful state. You get into what is called “flow.” Entrepreneurs are almost always completely engrossed in their startup, and get “caught up” or “carried away” by their ideas. They are so focused in making their business work that this reduces self-consciousness and promotes the feelings of joy. According to Pursuit-of-happiness.org, “In order for a “flow” state to occur, you must see the activity as voluntary, enjoyable (intrinsically motivating), and it must require skill and be challenging (but not too challenging) with clear goals towards success” – all of which are perfect descriptions of what an entrepreneur does
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Kick start your day with these ‘10 quick mantras of success’
The world is moving fast and our expectations from our lives have changed. We are more career oriented now, seek to beat the odds and be entrepreneurs, and strive for success in whatever we do. But what defines our professional success is purely subjective to what we aspire to be in life. It may be just earning loads of money, or to work with a global giant, have your own business, become an IAS officer, doctor, renowned photographer, dancer and so on. But no profession brings with it a guaranteed success unless you work the right formula. So what does it take to have a successful professional life? Not much! Let us take a look at the 10 quick mantras that can be your building steps for professional success.
1. Decide to succeed Success comes to those who dare to dream, to people who truly want to succeed. It does not come knocking the doors of people who only wait for things to take happen on their own. There is no success spell, so if you want it, go get it.
2. Be bold Success does not come easy. If life throws you a challenge, fight back hard. You might fail numerous times to achieve your ambition. But never let failure be an end as there is always light at the end of every tunnel.
3. Plan and execute your promotion Your career is in your hands. The best career map can only be made by you for yourself. Smart work, time management, and visibility of your efforts are the essential keys of a good career plan. A manager can at best facilitate the people under him to attain their goals, but it is an individual’s responsibility to draft a career plan and execute it.
4. The Push-Pull theory One of the best ways to grow in any organization is to force the manager to grow upwards. A manager’s promotion can translate into your promotion if you are next in line. A manager can thus pull you up rather than employing a new candidate. Trying to restrict someone’s success in your group will only give birth to frictions within the team members. So, if someone has to grow up the corporate ladder, it must be you, your lead, or your manager.
5. Complain up and motivate down The higher management is responsible for any change in a company or a team. So they better be criticized to improve things. Positive criticism brings good energy to the organization. On the other hand, a complaint downwards may be viewed as a senior’s outlet to vent out frustration. This will only increase negative energy in the company.
6. Growth is always organizational People grow as the company grows. Company profits are a result of the hard work of its employees. A company in loss can never assure a promising future to its employees. It is thus important that each individual must work for the best interest of the company.
7. Hard work and hardcore fun You are not a machine. So work hard, but party harder. Only work and no fun will make your life dull and stressful. Give yourself a weekend break. Open up, go out, indulge in adventure, go for a drive, a dinner, or a drink with friends. Relax and rejuvenate. A healthy body and mind will always reap superior results.
8. Work you portion but know the big picture If you are paid to do a job, you are obligated to do it on time. However, you must also be aware of why the work is done, the purpose of doing it. You must understand the goal of your project; make it your goal and then march ahead.
9. Know your company Knowing your company is important to your project. Attain the maximum possible information about your company, be it the company’s management, organizational structure, offerings (products and services) and so on. This will help you work better or even become a brand ambassador of your company, thus fueling yours as well as company’s growth.
10. Competitor analysis Know your rivals, analyze their business, and help your company counter the competitors. With you bringing profits to the company, you also pocket a promotion or a bonus. And if things don’t go as you expected, you know where to go next. Well you’ve got your recipe but do not forget to add the secret ingredient of the winning attitude. If you believe it, half is already achieved. Be passionate about your profession, love what you do and do what you love. The prize of victory may be high, but so are the rewards. Believe that you are the best and then make sure, you are!
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Our temples architecture reveled in scientific research.
WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ???
MUST READ AND SHARE.
Scientific Reason :
There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not
plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.
The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.
WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ???
MUST READ AND SHARE.
Scientific Reason :
There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not
plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.
The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.
maarg ho avaruddh,
paas na ho saadhan tere,
aur kaarya ho apaar,
toh,
bhaag mat , kar prayaas…
chahe tu hansna,
par aankh ho nam,
bhaag mat, kar prayaas…
haar ke baad jeet hai,
raat ke baad din,
niklega sooraj phir,
door kshitij paar,
bhaag mat, kar prayaas…
peeda hi sukh hai,
sukh hi hai peeda,
haar hi jeet hai,
jeet hi hai haar,
bhaag mat, kar prayaas,
kar prayaas, bhaag mat……….” – Chanakya
Sunday, 29 September 2013
An extraordinary true story about an ordinary girl
Sudha Murty, chairperson, Infosys Foundation and author, is known for her ability to glean interesting stories from the lives of ordinary people and weave these narratives into a unique blend of anecdote and fable.
Her latest collection of stories, 'The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk', features a fascinating cast of characters, each of whom made an indelible impression on the author.
Extracted here is a nugget from 'Bombay to Bangalore', one of the most heartwarming stories in this collection:
It was the beginning of summer. I was boarding Udyan Express at Gulbarga railway station. My destination was Bangalore. As I boarded the train, I saw that the second-class reserved compartment was jam-packed with people. I sat down and was pushed to the corner of the berth. Though it was meant for three people, there were already six of us sitting on it...
The ticket collector came in and started checking people's tickets and reservations.. Suddenly, he looked in my direction and asked, 'What about your ticket?' 'I have already shown my ticket to you,' I said.
'Not you, madam, the girl hiding below your berth. Hey, come out, where is your ticket ?' I realized that someone was sitting below my berth. When the collector yelled at her, the girl came out of hiding.
She was thin, dark, scared and looked like she had been crying profusely. She must have been about thirteen or fourteen years old. She had uncombed hair and was dressed in a torn skirt and blouse. She was trembling and folded both her hands... The collector started forcibly pulling her out from the compartment. Suddenly, I had a strange feeling. I stood up and called out to the collector. 'Sir, I will pay for her ticket,' I said.
Then he looked at me and said, 'Madam, if you give her ten rupees, she will be much happier with that than with the ticket.'
I did not listen to him. I told the collector to give me a ticket to the last destination, Bangalore, so that the girl could get down wherever she wanted.
Slowly, she started talking. She told me that her name was Chitra. She lived in a village near Bidar. Her father was a coolie and she had lost her mother at birth. Her father had remarried and had two sons with her stepmother. But a few months ago, her father had died. Her stepmother started beating her often and did not give her food. She was tired of that life. She did not have anybody to support her so she left home in search of something better.
By this time, the train had reached Bangalore. I said goodbye to Chitra and got down from the train. My driver came and picked up my bags. I felt someone watching me. When I turned back, Chitra was standing there and looking at me with sad eyes. But there was nothing more that I could do. I had paid her ticket out of compassion but I had never thought that she was going to be my responsibility!
I told her to get into my car. My driver looked at the girl curiously. I told him to take us to my friend Ram's place. Ram ran separate shelter homes for boys and girls. We at the Infosys Foundation supported him financially. I thought Chitra could stay there for some time and we could talk about her future after I came back from my tours.
I was not sure if Chitra would even be there. But to my surprise, I saw Chitra looking much happier than before. Ram suggested that Chitra could go to a high school nearby. I immediately agreed and said that I would sponsor her expenses as long as she continued to study. I left the shelter knowing that Chitra had found a home and a new direction in her life.
I got busier and my visits to the shelter reduced to once a year. But I always enquired about Chitra's well-being over the phone. I knew that she was studying well and that her progress was good.. I offered to sponsor her college studies if she wanted to continue studying. But she said, 'No, Akka. I have talked to my friends and made up my mind. I would like to do my diploma in computer science so that I can immediately get a job after three years.' She wanted to become economically independent as soon as possible.. Chitra obtained her diploma with flying colours. She also got a job in a software company as an assistant testing engineer. When she got her first salary, she came to my office with a sari and a box of sweets.
One day, when I was in Delhi, I got a call from Chitra. She was very happy. 'Akka, my company is sending me to USA ! I wanted to meet you and take your blessings but you are not here in Bangalore.'
Years passed. Occasionally, I received an e-mail from Chitra. She was doing very well in her career. She was posted across several cities in USA and was enjoying life. I silently prayed that she should always be happy wherever she was.
Years later, I was invited to deliver a lecture in San Francisco for Kannada Koota, an organization where families who speak Kannada meet and organize events. The lecture was in a convention hall of a hotel and I decided to stay at the same hotel. After the lecture, I was planning to leave for the airport. When I checked out of the
hotel room and went to the reception counter to pay the bill, the receptionist said, 'Ma'am, you don't need to pay us anything. The lady over there has already settled your bill. She must know you pretty well.' I turned around and found Chitra there.
She was standing with a young white man and wore a beautiful sari. She was looking very pretty with short hair. Her dark eyes were beaming with happiness and pride.
As soon as she saw me, she gave me a brilliant smile, hugged me and touched my feet. I was overwhelmed with joy and did not know what to say. I was very happy to
see the way things had turned out for Chitra. But I came back to my original question. 'Chitra, why did you pay my hotel bill ? That is not right.' suddenly sobbing, she hugged me and said, 'Because you paid for my ticket from Bombay to Bangalore !'
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