Powerful Ideas for an Extraordinary Life

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31

Stress is simply a response which you create in the interpretation of an event.

You see the world – not as it is but as you are. Two people might find that a

given event results in quite different responses. For example, an after dinner

speech might strike fear into the heart of an inexperienced speaker while a

strong orator views it as a wonderful opportunity to share his thoughts.

Understanding that the perceived negative effects of an event or task may be

mentally manipulated and conditioned towards the positive, will allow you to be

a peak performer in all instances.

 

32

Read " The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People " by Stephen Covey. It contains

a wealth of wisdom and powerful insights into further developing your character

and enhancing your personal relationships.

 

33

Become a committed learning CD user. Most personal-mastery programs and

bestselling business books are now offered in this format. Listen to these

inspirational materials on your way to work, whilst waiting in the line at a

bank or while you wash dishes in the evening. Make your car a college on wheels

and use the drive time to make knowledge your best friend. All down time can be

very effectively used in this productive fashion. Use such opportunities to

learn and continually expand your mind and its vast potential. All it takes is

one big ideas to transform your life.

 

34

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.

Fasting also has a salutary effect on your will-power as you are subverting the

otherwise pressing impulses in your mind calling on you to eat more. And it will

give your digestive system a much-needed break.

 

35

Keep a CD player at your office and listen to soft, soothing music throughout

the day. Place pleasant scents and inspirational pictures in your workplace. By

the magic of association, your work will become something you enjoy even more

and arouse a very pleasant feeling within you. Budget your time on trips such

that you can spend half an hour in the airport bookstore. They always contain

the latest and best self-mastery books and tapes given that those who travel by

air are of a group that finds value in these materials.

 

36

Read " As a Man Thinketh " by James Allen. And don't just read this little book

once, read it over and over again. It contains an abundance of timeless wisdom

on living a fuller and happier life.

 

37

Remember that forgiveness is a virtue that few develop, but one that is most

important to maintaining peace of mind. Mark Twain wrote that forgiveness is the

fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. Practice forgiveness

especially in those situations where it is seemingly difficult. By using your

emotional forgiveness muscles more regularly, petty wrongs, remarks and slights

will not touch you and nothing will penetrate your concentrated, serene mindset.

 

38

Empty your cup. A full cup cannot accept anything more. Similarly, a person who

believes that he cannot learn anything else will stagnate quickly and not move

to higher levels. A true sign of a secure, mature individual is someone who sees

every opportunity as a chance to learn. Even the teachers have teachers.

 

39

The Two Minute Mind is an excellent exercise for developing concentration.

Simply stare at the second hand on your wristwatch for two minutes and think

about nothing else for that time. At first your mind will wander but after 21

days of practice, your attention will not waver during the routine. One of the

greatest qualities a person can develop to ensure his success is the ability to

focus for extended periods of time. Learn to build up your concentration muscles

and no task will be too difficult for you.

 

40

Drink a cup of warm water before a speech. Ronald Reagan employed this strategy

to ensure that he maintained his honey-smooth voice. Mastery of the art of

public speaking is a noble goal. So dedicate yourself to it. You will be judged

by the caliber of your communication skills.

 

By Robin Sharma

 

to be continued...