Sunday, May 19, 2013

Handling Criticism…

Once upon a time there was a newly qualified painter who painted beautiful scenery. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills.
He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board which read -"I have painted this painting. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."
While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.
Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master's place and burst into tears.
This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying "I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"
Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work."
Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.
"Come with me." master said.
They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."
Master and disciple walked back home.
They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!
People always criticize. Criticizing is the nature of human being. People criticize us for few reasons.
1.       They can’t do the better than you,
2.       They feel that they are the victim of injustice,
3.       They are really the victim of injustice,
4.       They are jealous to others,
5.       They criticize just because that it is their nature.
 Sometimes criticism is justified and it should be taken as an improvement area.
When you get the criticism, just assess the situation. Why the person is criticizing you? Have you done something wrong? People sometimes will not directly criticize you; they may take other modes like gossiping or communicating through other person. It is always better to understand the reality and then have the face to face discussion.
What you have done or said which other person wouldn’t like you to find out about? And then confront on the reason of criticism. If you have not done anything wrong there is no reason to take it unjust criticism.    
It is always easier to criticize, but difficult to improve. So don't get carried away or judge yourself by someone else’s criticism and feel depressed. Take it with Pinch of Sugar! Critics are useful till you limit them to positive lessons only. Always put your heart into your work and do yourself a favour to keep yourself always inspired, since surrounding people are enough to do demotivating job...

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Who are they?

We always have descriptions for people. We tag them based on their personality and their success. We call somebody lucky chap, achiever or super achiever. Sometimes we classify them in true sense which actually tells something about the person. Simple description sometimes brings about greater understanding.  Most of times, people are complicated and understanding them is a real challenge. It is always wise to label people in a correct way. You can use following tags to classify people in right perspective.
Achiever: Achievers are target oriented and work hard to achieve their goals. They may be less oriented to people. Sometimes they may tend to use the people relationship for achieving their goals. Nothing wrong, but you should expect the reciprocation.
Affiliator: These people like to associate with people. They believe on relations. Very helpful and will see the opportunity to make new friends. But try to understand their intention of association.
Fighter: Believes that argument is the best option to win. They are pushy and fight for everything. These people don’t believe that issues can be sorted out by discussing.   
Independent: These guys are judgmental and judge thing by their own standards. Will go for what they want alone.
Preserver: Likes things to be completed. Will find out the ways to push and will not leave you until you agree with them.
Exhibitionist: These people like to be in the center of attention. Will do anything to be in the eyes of people.
Fearful: Always low profile and don’t take any stand in life. Shrinks from excitement and anything might be the threat.
Impulsive: Who thinks of something and does it. They will end up buying things which is really not necessary.
Carer: Want to help people and will not expect anything. They are really concern about people to whom they into relation. But may encroach your personal space.
Orderer: Very orderly and disciple people. Hates untidiness. Spends ages making things tidy and orderly.
Boss: Like power. Dominant and like to boss others around.
Sufferer: This person compliments the carer. He is always the victim and likes to share their problems and difficulties to others.
Researcher: This guy wants to understand everything. Will ask you lot of questions. For him it is knowing than achieving.
Off course there are other tangs also. If you really try to understand people and tag them you can decide your strategy to deal with them.   

Sunday, May 05, 2013

Achieve Balance

How can you be successful in your work without sacrificing your personal life? Is it possible to maintain that desirable personal and professional balance? How can you achieve a balance between your family and your work? Attaining a personal and professional balance is another key factor for success.
During times of crisis and in our hurried lives, when our jobs demand greater commitment, when competition for a new contract, a promotion or a raise in pay is increasingly fierce, when we feel pressured to focus more on the task and less on the process, we begin to feel the many effects of imbalance.
We experience this imbalance in our bodies and our relationships. We get sick and we get headaches, stomach disorders and skin disorders. Our families feel the need to ask us for more of our time. Our friends complain that they rarely see this and us sometimes creates a feeling of guilt that is detrimental to other areas of our lives.
Seeking Equilibrium: Every one of us must to live with the paradox of seeking balance in an environment in which it is natural to lose our balance. Changes in work schedules, technological progress, the economic crisis, globalization, social challenges, and environmental transformations have disrupted the natural balance a human being needs.
But even in this environment, there are some people who find physical, mental and emotional balance, as well as balance with their family, neighbors and peers. They use their time so they can work effectively, play sports, socialize, and maintain a healthy equilibrium in their personal and group activities.
To be fully effective, we all need the inner balance between personal demands (being more intelligent, handling our emotions better, being healthier and more spiritual), and social demands (being a good parent and spouse, being a good professional, a good friend and a good citizen).
Regaining our Balance: To achieve balance in our daily lives, experts recommend certain steps that are simple but powerful:
For Personal Balance:
1.       Read 15 minutes before going to sleep.
2.       Begin a 15-minute routine of conscious breathing when you get up.
3.       Eat more fruits and vegetables, less fried foods and fewer foods made with flour.
4.       Drink more water and juices, less coffee and alcohol.
5.       Pray and be thankful when you get up, at each meal and when you go to bed.
6.       Get some type of exercise every other day.
7.       Keep a journal of your activities.
For Social Balance:
1.       Use an agenda or personal organizer to plan the use of your time each week. Learn to put first things first.
2.       Assign your time to the different areas of your life. Take care of that area you tend to relegate.
3.       Focus on working smarter rather than working harder.
4.       Avoid the hero syndrome. Ask people for help.
5.       Surprise your family or friends with unexpected activities.
6.       Unplug yourself by turning off the cell phone and the television and give yourself the gift of time.
7.       Begin to give an hour of volunteer service each week.
Achieving total balance is a challenge, but it is both possible and necessary. If we are creative and effective and ask for help, we can combine actions on the personal side, such as exercise, with actions on the social side, such as spending more time with our children. This will make us healthier, more productive, more dynamic, and more joyful people.

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