Powerful Ideas for an Extraordinary Life

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151

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 of the way. This is an essential

life habit.

 

152

Today, write down the seven best qualities of individuals who you admire and

post this list by your bed. Then, each morning as you rise, focus on a new

quality which you will strive to implement during the day. After one week, you

will notice small differences in yourself. In one month, these traits will

become firmly embedded. After two months, all those important qualities will be

yours.

 

153

You have as many reputations as you do acquaintances as each person you know

thinks differently of you. What should truly concern you is your character. You

have full control of this and this is what you must develop, refine and

cultivate. Once your character is strong and vigorous, then all else that is

positive will follow. It really doesn't matter what others think about you, so

long as you do what you feel is right and live life on your own terms.

 

154

Consider yourself as an orange. Only what is really inside can come out. If you

fill your mind with thoughts of serenity, positivity, strength, courage and

compassion, when someone squeezes you, this is the only juice that can flow.

 

155

Our lives have been described as a parenthesis in eternity. We are but a small

blip on the stage of the Universe. As we can take nothing with us when we leave,

then the real meaning of our existence must be to give and serve others. Keep

this in mind. When you wake up early in the morning, repeat the mantra: " I will

serve others today, I will care for others today and 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.

 

156

Be known as a world-class innovator at your place of work. Be all about Big

Ideas and Bold Dreams. Sit down over the next week and write out ten suggestions

for your supervisor as to how to improve the work being done and the quality of

the workplace itself. Be known as an idea person willing to discover challenges

and tackle them with zest and enthusiasm.

 

157

Learn to laugh at yourself.

 

158

Be an instrument of service, leaving the world better than you found it.

 

159

Try to go through one full day without saying " I " . Focus on others. Listen to

others and you will learn wonderful new things as well as gain friendships.

 

160

Spend one hour a day in full silence except in answer to direct questions. Even

then, answer directly and without extending the conversation unduly. We, so very

often, talk around subjects and repeat ourselves. This ancient Eastern exercise

will not only build your will-power but develop clarity and precision of

language which is essential for effective communication.

 

By Robin Sharma

 

to be continued...