WORDS WORTH READING

Attitude Is Everything

Once, there were three bricklayers. Each one of them was asked what they were doing. The first man answered gruffly, “I’m laying bricks.”

The second man replied, “I’m putting up a wall.”

But the third said enthusiastically, and with pride, “I’m building a cathedral!”

It is said, “Our attitude towards life, determines life’s attitude towards us.” A good attitude is the start to a good future, and, a lot of success. 

Our attitude towards whatever we are doing, decides our ultimate level of success. Being able to see the end result, rather than just the task, eliminates obstacles, focuses our energy, and provides us motivation to excel. 

As you move ahead in life, during and after studies, please keep in mind that having a positive attitude, brings about many wonderful opportunities. In class, and at work. Apositive attitude may not necessarily solve all our problems. But it is the best option we have to get out of problems.

Positive thinking has the power, to turn a hard day into a manageable one, and a good day into an even better one. Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results. 

You’ll be braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Keep in mind that pessimism leads to weakness and optimism to strength.Therefore, shape your attitudes accordingly.

ART OF LIVING

Live in the Present

There is a story of a man who was a real workaholic, and did not ever waste a single moment of his important life. 

On his way to town, he would plan what stores he would shop in. Once in a store, he would plan where he was going to take a walk. During the walk, he would plan where he was going to eat. While eating his main dish, he would plan on what he was going to have for dessert. While eating dessert, he would look at the schedule to choose the bus he was going to take home. And so on...This man never paid attention to what he was actually doing. He was always getting ready for the next event. Then one day he came to something he was not prepared for. As he lay dying, he started reflecting on his life. He was shocked at how empty and meaningless a life he had led. The man had never lived in the present. Now there was nothing he could do about it! 

This is indeed a story for thought. Nowadays, we are always busy. We do this, that, and a lot of other things. But do we really live as we progress in life? Do we take time to enjoy the company of our family and friends? 

Let us strive to set aside some time for play and laugh. Concentrate on the present action and then move ahead. Planning everything is a good thing. But a good plan implemented today, is better than a perfect plan implemented tomorrow. 

There is a famous quote by Bill Keane: 

“Yesterday is history, 

Tomorrow is a mystery, 

Today is a gift of God, which is why it is called the present. 

So living in the present is the most important thing”.

FEELING SURE OF YOURSELF

Confidence 

What Is Confidence?

Confidence means feeling sure of yourself and your abilities — not in an arrogant way, but in a realistic, secure way. Confidence isn't about feeling superior to others. It's a quiet inner knowledge that you're capable.

Confident people: 

● Feel secure rather than insecure 

● Know they can rely on their skills and strengths to handle whatever comes up

● feel ready for everyday challenges like tests, performances, and competitions 

● think "I can" instead of "I can't"

Why Confidence Matters?

Confidence helps us feel ready for life's experiences. When we're confident, we're more likely to move forward with people and opportunities — not backaway from them. And if things don't work out at first, confidence helps us try again.

How to Be More Confident: Everyone can work to gain more confidence. Here are a few tips to try:

● Build a confident mindset. When your inner voice says "I can't," retrain it to say "I can". Or you could also say, "I know I can learn (or do) this if I put my mind to it."

● Take a safe risk. Sign up for a school committee, volunteer to help with a project or any school activity, or try out for a team or talent show. Raise your hand in class more often. Talk to everyone in class.

● Challenge yourself to do something that's just beyond your normal comfort zone. Pick something you'd like to do if only you had more confidence. Give yourself a little push and do it. Now that you've done that, pick something else to try — and keep repeating this same process. Confidence grows with every step forward.

● Know your talents and help them shine. We're taught to work hard to improve our weaknesses. Sometimes that's important, like bringing up a bad grade. But don't let working on a weakness prevent you from getting even better at the things you're good at.

● Do your homework. Study. Do assignments. Prepare for class, tests, and quizzes. Why? If you've been keeping on top of class work all along, you'll feel more confident in tests and finals. The best defence against test anxiety and school stress is to keep up and do the work steadily.

It takes courage and confidence to be real. But the more real we are, the more self-confident we become. Confidence builds self-esteem.

INFUSE JOY INTO YOUR AND SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE

 The Significance Of A Smile

Have we ever thought about the gestures we use daily, knowingly or unknowingly, that have a profound impact on our lives? One such gesture, right under our noses, has the power to make us happier and potentially lengthen our lives. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it's the simple yet powerful act of smiling.

The smile is a ubiquitous and heartening gesture, connecting us all, whether acquainted or strangers. This simple expression has the remarkable ability to infuse joy into someone's life, fostering a sense of unity and warmth.

A study reveals that the frequency of smiles tends to decrease as we age. Astonishingly, adults over the age of thirty smile, on average, only 40-50 times a day, whereas children effortlessly clock in 300-400 smiles daily. The  bustling lives and responsibilities gradually overshadow the simplicity of smiling.

A smile costs nothing but holds immeasurable value. It transcends language barriers, brings solace to the weary, and bridges the gaps between strangers. As we navigate our daily routines, let's preserve this innate ability to smile and rediscover the joy that a sincere smile can bring.

So let us all wear a big genuine smile on our faces. Embrace the positivity it radiates and carry it forward, creating a ripple effect that transcends the boundaries. A smile is a universal language, and by sharing it generously, we contribute to creating a world filled with warmth, kindness, and joy. Let's spread this infectious energy of smiles, uplift the spirit with a smile in our day-to-day life. May your days ahead be filled with countless reasons to smile!

A STORY WORTH READING

Parable of a king and his four wives

Once upon a time, there was a King who had four wives.

He loved the fourth wife the most, spoiling her with his deepest affection and providing her with only the finest things life could offer.

He also loved the third wife and proudly displayed her to the neighboring kingdoms.

He relied a lot on his second wife. She was his trusted advisor and companion. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

However, not much can be said about his first wife. Despite her significant contributions to maintaining his kingdom and her tireless efforts to win his love and admiration, the King barely noticed her existence.

One day, the King fell gravely ill. Despite his efforts to find a cure, he realized that his time was running out.

He reflected on his majestic life and decided to spend everything to prolong it, leading him to consult a mystical sorcerer. The sorcerer said, “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but nothing can be done. Your death is imminent. However, I will grant you the chance to take one wife with you into the afterlife.”

Thus, he asked his fourth wife, “I have given you nothing but the best in life. Now that I’m dying, will you accompany me into the afterlife?”

“No way!”, replied the fourth wife, and she walked away without saying a word.

The sad King then asked the third wife.

“No!” replied the third wife. “Life is too good here! I’ll stay! When you die, I’m going to remarry!”

He then asked his second wife.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t go with you,” replied the second wife. “I can only see you to the edge of your grave.”

The King’s heart sank, and he felt a deep sense of despair. He was utterly devastated.

Then he heard a weary, sad voice, speaking softly: “I’ll go with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go.”

The King looked up and saw his first wife as if for the first time. She appeared aged beyond her years, barely recognizable due to years of neglect. With deep regret, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you while I had the chance!”

MORAL: We all have these four wives in our lives.

The FOURTH wife is our BODY.  

We often shower our body with the most affection, spending our lives adorning it with exquisite clothing and ornaments. Yet, in the end, it will abandon us when we die.

Our THIRD wife is our POSSESSIONS.  

We invest much of our time and energy in accumulating wealth, but none of it will accompany us when we die. Instead, it will be divided and passed on to others.

Our SECOND wife is our friends, family, and relatives.  

We love and trust them, and in return, they offer us comfort and support when we need it. However, no matter how long they remain by our side, they can only accompany us up to the point of our burial.

And our FIRST wife is our soul (SPIRIT).  

We often neglect our soul (spirit) in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and power, not realizing that it is only our soul (spirit) that accompanies us after death. While it's important to take care of our bodies by staying healthy and exercising, and to enjoy time with loved ones, we must also remember to nurture our greatest treasure: our spirit.

To lead a fulfilling life, it’s essential to find balance in caring for the four aspects of our existence: our body, our earthly possessions, our relationships, and our soul or spirit. By giving each of these areas the attention they deserve, we create a harmonious life where we are not only prepared for the end but also enriched in the present.

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Jump From Failure to Success

Just because you experience a setback does not mean it's time to give up, in fact failure means you have learnt something and you have to do something differently. Failure does not mean you have wasted your life, instead you have reason to start a fresh. Probably who never made a mistake never succeeded. 

Life is not about what you could not do so far, it's about what you can still do. Winners are not people who never failed, they are the one who never quit. There are many achievers who struggled in their life before achieving success, to quote a few:

● Dhirubhai Ambani worked in a petrol bunk

● Abdul Kalam was rejected in the interview of pilot 

● Amitabh Bachchan was rejected for the job of All India Radio, because of his baritone 

● Sachin Tendulkar failed in tenth standard 

● Michael Jordan was dropped out from his high school basketball team 

● Bill Gates did not even complete his university education 

● Lionel Messi worked as a tea server in a shop to support his football training

● Tony Blair was called as a "Failure" by his teachers 

● Albert Einstein was called as "slow" and also "mentally handicapped" by his teachers. In fact  he did not speak until he turned four years, and did not read until he was seven 

● J K Rowling's book "Harry Potter" was rejected twelve times by the publishers

● Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times while creating a light bulb. But learnt 10,000 ways of not creating a light bulb. 

Hence failure and hard work is a stepping stone to your success. So work hard with strong mind. Remember not to keep postponing work. Set your goals, overcome the obstacle, have a positive attitude, accept the challenges, and thus prove what you are. 

MAKE WINNING A HABIT

Motivating words of Vincent Thomas Lombardi

 

The man of goals, Vincent Thomas Lombardi, is widely considered to be the greatest football coach of all times. Throughout his 15 seasons as a coach, his teams never experienced a losing season. He is one of the best coaches in history. The speech titled "No. 1" by Vincent Lombardi serves as a motivational source that can be implemented in both our personal and professional lives.

"What it takes to be #1" is a practical guide written by the renowned coach Vincent Lombardi. For all students, business leaders or those who aspire to leadership, it provides a blueprint for success. 

His impressive thoughts... 

According to Vincent Lombardi, "Winning is not a sometime thing. It’s an all time thing. It actually means that you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else. You don't win occasionally.... but you win all the time. Make winning a habit."

Vincent Lombardi's strategical approach to win every time... 

With strong will, he states, "There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that’s first place. It is and always has been a winners zeal to be first in anything they do, and to win, and to win, and to win."

Each time a football player takes the pitch, he must start from the ground up, beginning with the soles of his feet and working his way up to his head. He has to use every inch of himself. 

Some guys play with their heads. That’s O.K. More importantly, you must play with your heart and every fibre of your body." 

Vince's suggestive Organisational Techniques... "Making a football team is similar to managing any other type of organisation such as an army, a political party or a business. The principles remain unchanged. The objective is to emerge victorious by outperforming the opponent. 

It is a fact of life that men have a competitive nature, and the games that are the most competitive tend to attract the most competitive men. The goal is to achieve victory through fair and just means, adhering to the established regulations - but ultimately to emerge as the winner."

His staunch belief... 

"I have faith in the existence of God and in the inherent goodness of humanity. I strongly believe that the most significant moment for any person, where they achieve the highest level of satisfaction, is when they have put in their utmost effort towards a noble purpose and are left drained on the battlefield, having emerged victorious."

SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS

Dare to be different 

Being different means thinking and doing things in a different way and keeping away from what others are thinking and doing. Being different does not mean you are wrong. It means being you. It means you stand out to explore new ground. At the same time, it does not make you less interesting or less valued as a person. It makes you accomplish your goals by following a different way that the others are not following. That is your own unique way and it defines you. It makes you who you are and keeps you living in your own way, defining your terms with your values.

It is to set an example to show others that there are alternate ways to accomplish things. Being different may be a bit difficult and hard. However, it is not bad. Diversity offers different prospects by expanding ways to boost productivity and success. Every human being behaves differently in different circumstances and we are all unique in our personality. While we cannot change our past, we can very well control how to react to it. Sometimes this uniqueness makes us beautiful. 

Why should we be different and what are the benefits that we are going to get by being different? Acknowledge what makes you different and that becomes your uniqueness. Your uniqueness is your gift. Celebrate it, because being different is a remarkable gift. Always be confident that your uniqueness is your asset and it makes you special and valuable. By being different you live a life that is true to yourself and that inspires others to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Being different makes you strong and you become a source of connection and belongingness. 

It makes you authentic. It boosts your creativity, making you innovative in your approach. By thinking unconventionally, experimental solutions can be achieved to solve problems in various fields of your life, including personal matters. Uniqueness in your approach gives you self-confidence, which inspires others, and they may approach you to get solutions for their problems. It may ignite confidence in others and encourage them to accomplish their goals. 

However, while we have advantages in being different, we cannot rule out the disadvantages also. 

Sometimes being different makes you less confident and you may get worried about what others might say or think of you. You find that nobody understands you. It may land you in an embarrassing situation. But all said and done, let us not compromise our uniqueness. Let us do things in our own way differently from others to set an example. If we study the lives and achievements of many successful people we will realise that they did not care for what the others said and trod on the path they thought was best for them for their courage to be different. 

When we take the road less travelled, we arrive at a new destination which nobody has arrived at yet. Extraordinary people do not do things extraordinarily, rather they do things differently. Let us change our perception and rethink the way we do things. Christopher Morley, an American journalist and essayist says,

"Read everyday something that no one else is reading. 

Think everyday something that no one else is thinking."

To keep our uniqueness we require courage, self-confidence and steadfastness. People may mock at our actions and may avoid our presence. But remember, being different is like a diamond among the pebbles. 

It is not something to aspire, but it is something that will inspire others. It gives us our identify and speaks about us whenever we go. Trying to be like everyone is exhausting but trying to be you is also empowering. Sometimes being different makes one feel like being alone or isolated. But actually it makes one the happiest. At times one feels it like a burden, but that is what makes one great. Let us remember the words of Albert Einstein:

"The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. Those who walk alone are likely to find themselves in places no one has even seen before."

Let us show our uniqueness since it looks beautiful. 

A PERSON WITH REMARKABLE TALENT AND INTELLIGENCE

Genius 

     A genius is an individual who has exceptional intellectual or creative abilities, talent, and skills that are significantly beyond what is seen in a normal person.

  They are individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields like arts, sciences, movies, or other areas of human endeavour. Famous examples of geniuses are Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Mozart, and others. But it's important to note that the definition of a genius can vary depending on cultural and social contexts. There is no objective or universally agreed standard for what constitutes a genius.

     Geniuses have shaped the world we live in today with their innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries. While their exceptional abilities may seem inborn, the habits of geniuses have played a crucial role in their success. Here are some of the most common habits that geniuses have that you can also incorporate into your daily life to unlock your inner genius.

Curiosity - This is a trait that is commonly associated with geniuses. They are always curious about the world around them and have an avid desire to learn and explore. They ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out new experiences. To develop your curiosity, start asking questions about the things that interest you. Read widely to expose yourself to different perspectives and ideas. Take up new hobbies and activities that challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone.

Persistence - They are known for their persistence and determination. They don't give up easily and easily put in the time and effort required to achieve their goals. To develop your persistence, set clear goals for yourself and create a plan to achieve them. Break them into smaller, achievable steps, and focus on making progress each day. When faced with obstacles or setbacks, don't give up. Instead, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Open-mindedness - They are open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. They consider viewpoints that are different from their own and are not afraid to challenge or cancel their own beliefs. To develop open mindedness, seek different viewpoints and perspectives. Listen to others without judgment and try to understand their point of view. Challenge your own beliefs and be open to changing your mind.

Creativity - They have the ability to think outside the box. They come up with innovative solutions to problems and see things from a different perspective. To develop your creativity, engage in activities that allow you to think creatively. Take up creative hobbies such as writing, painting, or music. Brainstorm ideas and challenge yourself to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.

Focus - They focus intensely on a task or project for extended periods. They can shut out distractions and maintain their concentration, allowing them to achieve exceptional results. To develop your focus, eliminate distractions. 

In conclusion, while geniuses may seem like they possess unique talents that cannot be replicated, their success is also due to the habits and traits they develop over time. By incorporating these habits into your own life, you can also unlock your inner genius and achieve exceptional results. Remember to stay curious, persistent, open-minded, creative, and focused, and you will be well on your way to achieving greatness.

Some Famous Quotes

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration - Thomas Edison

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination - Albert Einstein

Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see - Arthur Schopenhauer 

Genius is the power of carrying the feelings of childhood into the powers of manhood - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Genius is the capacity for productive reaction against one's training - Bernard Berenson

A genius is someone who sees the same thing in a different way - Unknown

The greatest genius will never be worth much if he pretends to draw exclusively from his own resources - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Genius is the art of taking pains- Thomas Carlyle

Genius is the ability to renew one's emotions in daily experience - Paul Cezanned

WORDS WORTH READING

Always be confident

People talk about lack of confidence all the time. Let’s now talk about what happens when we have too much of it.

Once a fox and a wildcat met on the outskirts of a village.

“This is a dangerous place,” said the cat, “infested with wild dogs.” 

“Dogs don’t bother me,” boasted the fox. “I know a hundred ways to get away from those stupid animals.”

Just then, they saw a pack of wild dogs coming. “Goodbye, friend,” said the cat. “I’d better be going. Unlike you, I know only one way to get away from dogs. That is to climb up a tree.” 

And with that, it sped up a tall tree. The fox tried all the tricks it knew in its attempt to get away from the dogs. But it was soon caught and killed. 

It is said, “Confidence is good, but overconfidence always sinks the ship.” 

Yes, excess of everything is bad. Even too much of confidence can be ruinous. An overconfident person always considers himself to be right. Such people also disregard pros and cons of things. Thus they often tend to make wrong judgements, and disastrous decisions. To them, the experienced or learned opinions of others do not matter. 

Be confident. But not overconfident. Remember that overconfidence precedes carelessness. It blocks your progress in many ways. In studies and in life, do your part well; and that too with confidence and determination.

NEVER STOP LEARNING

Learning till Death

After having been sentenced to death, Socrates, Greek philosopher, was languishing in prison. 

One day he heard a fellow prisoner singing a beautiful lyric. Socrates went to him and asked the prisoner to teach him that lyric. The prisoner was surprised and asked Socrates why he, who had been sentenced to death, wanted to learn that song.

Socrates replied, "I will be happy if I could learn one thing more before I die!"

It is said, "Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching". 

American author Brian Herbert once said, "The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice". 

The human being is very much a social person, and learning always happens, either directly or indirectly in interaction with other people.

Learning is the ability to do something better. And it is a life-long process.

As children, we are sent to schools and colleges to learn. 

"Why learn?", you may ask. 

We learn because it equips us with all that is needed to make our dreams come true. It transforms us into good human beings and better citizens. Remember the saying, "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."

WORDS WORTH READING

God and You 

☆ When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 

☆ Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout. 

☆ Just as car's windshield is large and the rear view mirror is small, our past is not as important as our future. Look head and move on.

☆ Friendship is like a book. It takes few seconds to burn but it takes years to write.

☆ All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy them; they will not last forever. If going wrong, don’t worry; they can't last either. 

☆Old friends are gold! New friends are diamonds! If you get the diamond, don't forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold!

☆ Often when we lose hope and think this is the  end, God smiles from above and says, "Relax dear, it’s just a bend, not the end!

☆ When God solves your problems, you have faith in his abilities; when God doesn't solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities. 

☆ Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace. 

GRAB THE OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE

 Never miss an opportunity

A young man wished to marry the farmer’s beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask for her. The farmer looked at him and said, “Son, go stand out in that field. I’m going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.”

The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate. 

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable! He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. The bull stood pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate. 

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail! 

Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available. So always grab the first opportunity that comes your way!

A VERY SPECIAL BANK ACCOUNT

 Time 

Imagine you had a bank account that deposited $86,400 each morning. The account carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day. What would you do? 

Draw out every dollar each day! 

We all have such a bank. Its name is Time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever time you have failed to use wisely. It carries over no balance from day to day. It allows no overdraft so you can't borrow against yourself or use more time than you have. 

Each day, the account starts fresh. Each night, it destroys an unused time. If you fail to use the day's deposits, it's your loss and you can't appeal to get it back. There is never any borrowing time. You can't take a loan out on your time or against someone else's. The time you have is the time you have and that is that. 

Time management is yours to decide how you spend the time, just as with money you decide how you spend the money. It is never the case of us not having enough time to do things, but the case of whether we want to do them and where they fall in our priorities.

HOW TO DO WELL IN EXAMS

 Tips to score good marks 

Almost everyone faces examinations at one juncture or the other. A few people fare well whereas others perform only moderately well. Don't think that your ability is worse than them. If you start organising from today, you too can do well in the examinations. 

Here are some interesting tips that will help you to score good marks. There is no short cut to success. For this reason, you have to study well first of all. 

Never fear or hate exam: The first thing that you must remember is that exams are not conducted with the intention to catch you out. An exam is only meant to assess whether you have a concise understanding of the subject or not. So leave all your fears and free your mind before starting to study. You have to be confident and it is the most essential power you should have for attaining victory.

Prepare a good time table: Prepare a time table before starting to study. This should include all the subjects but may not be with equal priority. Tough subjects can be given more time and easier ones less but most importantly, some time shall be allotted for entertainment and also there should be sufficient intervals between each subject.

Select a proper atmosphere for studying: Study atmosphere has a very important role. Can anyone study well while watching TV? So select a place where you feel comfortable. That is where you feel relaxed and can concentrate. If possible, make a small notice board with self instructions. 

Organise study materials: Make the study zone neat. Pick up the specific book and notes you want to study for the particular session. Pick up the supportive materials like pencil or scale. Keep the books of other subjects away from your eyesight so that you won't be upset about the things you have to learn. 

Utilize golden hours: You have to identify your golden hours. It is a block of 3 to 4 hours in which you will find it more comfortable to concentrate. For most of you, it may be 3 am to 7 am when all the surroundings will be in silence. Some of you will be night birds who prefer 8 pm to 12 pm. Your concentration in the golden hours really counts. 

Sit straight: This is so important that you have to sit in a proper manner while studying. Don't study on bed or lying on a chair. Instead sit straight. Keep your spinal cord straight. And try to place your legs parallel to ground, a little bit raised from the ground. 

Make notes while studying: While studying make small notes so that you can remember all the points while doing revision. An ideal note shall include all important formulae and figures and also other important points. It will be a lot worth if you use this for the revision in the last one or two hours.

Sleep well and eat well: You have to sleep well. A sound sleep for 6 hours is ideal for energetic preparation. Even the night before the exam you have to sleep well, at least for 5 hours. And have your food as in your daily diet. Don't fast on the exam day. This will have reverse effect, so it's advisable to have food properly. And don't forget to have a glass of water before you go to bed. It's essential to keep your brain cells charged.

Present well: Presentation is the major factor that affects your marks. Teachers may not be able to read all you have written. Remember they are going through 30 to 40 papers. They will scan for points. So try to present answers in points. In essay answers don't forget to underline the important points. Your hand writing also affects your marks. Try to write neatly. And care shall be taken so that you manage time well and are able to attend all questions. If there is any question out of syllabus, you just attend it. Usually full marks are awarded for such questions.

Believe in you: The last but not the least is your self confidence. Recall your best things and have a positive self talk. A one minute prayer or meditation can give immense energy and peace to your mind. And it is much important that you are confident about what you can do and it will always produce pleasant results.

If you are serious in your studies for the next few months/years of your life, then the remaining part of your life will be fruitful. So start organising from this moment and try your best.

THE MASTER KEY TO SUCCESS

 Self-discipline

Your ability to develop the habit of self-discipline will contribute more to your success than any other quality of character.

Napoleon Hill, after interviewing 500 of the richest people in America, concluded saying, “Self-discipline is the master key to riches.”

Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do, what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like doing it or not.

There are 7 disciplines you can develop that will improve every area of your life. 

Goal Setting: Every morning, take 3 to 5 minutes to write out your top goals in the present tense. By writing out your 10 goals at the beginning of each day, you are stimulating your mind. Throughout the day, you will see opportunities and possibilities to move more rapidly towards your goals. 

Planning and Organising: Take a few minutes, preferably the night before to plan out every activity of the coming day. Always work from a list. Always think on paper. This is one of the most powerful and important disciplines of all for high performance. 

Priority Setting: The essence of all, time management, personal management and life management is contained in your ability to set proper priorities and use of your time. This is essential for high performance.

Concentration on your Highest-Value Activities: Your ability to work single-mindedly on your most important task will contribute as much to your success as any other discipline you can develop. 

Exercise and Proper Nutrition: Your health is more important than anything else. By disciplining yourself to exercise regularly and to eat carefully, you will promote the highest possible levels of health and fitness throughout your life. 

Learning and Growth: Your mind is like a muscle. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field. 

Time for Important People in your Life: Relationship is everything. Be sure that in climbing the ladder of success, you do not find it leaning against the wrong building. Make time for your relationship every day. 

Action Exercise: Begin today to practise self-discipline in every area of your life. Persist in this practice until self-discipline comes to you as automatically and as easily as breathing in and breathing out. Your future will be guaranteed.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR

   FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real 

    When a motivational guru was addressing the students of a leading school, a girl asked this question : “Sir, I am always afraid of exams. How can I overcome exam fear?”

     He reverted to her with another question : “Which is the best way to eat an elephant? Is it as a whole or one spoon at a time?" 

     After some thought, she replied, "Of course, one spoon at a time!”

     The guru said, "None of us would actually want to eat an elephant, but it gives a metaphorical picture of how we can get things done without feeling frightened!”

     He added, “Sometimes, the whole thing just looks too big to be tackled. But when you break it into smaller tasks, it becomes achievable. If you make a plan of preparation and adhere to it strictly, exam will be a cake walk for you.” 

    The girl thanked the guru for giving a paradigm shift in her views about exams.

     There are many types of fears like exam fear, stage fear, fear of criticism, fear of rejection, fear of failure etc. In fearful situations, the heart beats quickly, the body might begin to perspire, and "butterflies" in the stomach soon follow.

     But most of our fears are myths. If you analyze, 90 percent of your past fears which threatened you at those times passed away just like a mist.

     The word FEAR itself is an acronym with the expansion “False Evidence Appearing Real.”

     The future belongs to the risk takers, not to the security seekers. The moment you are armed with a plan of attack, you become capable of conquering any adventurous task.

     You are a born genius. You are a success material. Hence throw away all types of fears and become an adventurous person from today.

IMPORTANCE OF TIME

Time Management

At the New Year, you are given a very precious gift: the gift of 365 days or 31,536,000 seconds, but this year 2024 being leap year, you have extra 1 day, 24 hours, 1440 minutes and 86,400 seconds. Gift of time is the greatest resource in your life. It is like a sum of money given to you at the beginning of the New Year, which you can put to a variety of good uses depending on how you value and visualise your life. 

As Marc Levy, a French writer, said, “If you want to know the value of one hour, ask the lovers waiting to meet. If you want to know the value of one minute, ask the person who just missed the train. If you want to know the value of one second, ask the person who just escaped death in a car accident. And if you want to know the value of one hundredth of a second, ask the athlete who won a silver medal in the Olympics.” 

The time given to you is like a kite in the sky. To take the kite to greater heights, the kite-flyer has to take charge of the thread and guide it according to the direction of the wind. 

Every person is given the same 24 hours every day. But we find that some people manage this time well and become successful, while others fret and sweat, feeling that they don’t have enough time. 

Time is the most valuable gift and the key is not spending it somehow, but investing it intelligently. 

Shiv Khera, in his famous book You Can Win, explains this through the story of two woodcutters who went to the forest to cut trees. The first one cut, day after day, lesser and lesser number of trees, while the second was successful in cutting the same number every day because he spent daily some time to sharpen his axe. Sharpening the axe is synonymous to investing your time to care for your body, mind, heart and soul so that you are prepared to face your future tasks. 

Besides your studies, work or daily life chores, invest your time in doing regular meditation, spending time with your family, reading good books, attending seminars or talks and doing physical exercises. This will bring long-term results in your life. Therefore, manage your time well by prioritising your tasks, and writing them down according to their importance. Stay away the non-essentials from your life. Concentrate on one task at a time. Develop the habit of good Time Management. Take care of your time, and time will take care of you! 

PROMISES WE MAKE TO OURSELVES

 Resolutions 

     Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of New Year’s resolutions? As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, many people around the world make promises to themselves called ‘resolutions.’ These promises help us become better versions of ourselves! 

   Did you know that sometimes, our New Year's resolutions might not go exactly as planned? And that's totally okay! Even if things didn't work out the way we wanted, it doesn't mean we should give up. It's like learning to ride a bike – at first, it might be tricky, but with practice and determination, we can get better! So, if your resolutions didn't quite work out, don't worry. You can try again or even change your goals to something that feels more achievable. Remember, the most important thing is to keep going and never stop believing in yourself. Every step you take counts, and you're awesome just for trying!

  Thousands of years ago, the ancient Babylonians (who lived in a place called Mesopotamia) were the first known people to make promises to their Gods at the start of the year. They celebrated their new year in March, not January like we do now! During a massive festival called Akitu, they made pledges to the Gods to return borrowed stuff and pay debts. Later on, the ancient Romans continued this tradition with a month-long celebration called "Janus", named after their God of beginnings. Janus had two faces – one looking forward to the future and the other looking back to the past. People made promises to Janus for good behaviour and changes they wanted to make in the upcoming year.

   New Year's resolutions are about promising ourselves to do better and be better. Whether it,s learning new things, being kinder or trying to eat more veggies, these resolutions are like little goals that help us grow and become even more awesome versions of ourselves!

TO REDUCE STRESS AND TENSION

 Live with a sense of humour

     A court jester went too far one day and insulted his king, who then became so enraged that he ordered the jester to be executed. The court begged the king to have mercy on this man who had served him for so many years. The king relented only enough to give the jester a choice as to how he would like to die of old age."

     The jester's sense of humour saved his neck. We may take our cue from this. We may not necessarily confront a situation where our wit should save us from execution or death, but are all sure to face some trying moments in our lives. Here, a positive attitude and sense of humour could possibly come to our aid. We don't necessarily have to be funny to have a sense of humour; we need only to see the lighter side of things.

     It is difficult to get on with people who lack this God-given gift. They may make scenes, cut ridiculous figures and cause their own alienation in society. On the other hand, a good sense of humour can save situations. It also reduces stress and tension, helps cope with pain, wins friends, improves health and diffuses difficult states of affairs. 

     Most people won't do something because of the fear of failure or of looking silly. A tinge of humour can help overcome such reservations and inhibitions that hold us back. It is a great way of keeping ourselves happy. See things positively and add a flavour of humour into everything you experince.