http://agochint.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/288513 How has it been with you over the past ten months? I guess it's been very challenging, interesting, eye-opening, fulfilling, rewarding and whateve you might have to say about the year so far.

For some of us, it's been another year without fulfilling or accomplishing the goals we set out to achieve at the beginning of the year, and this might want to make these group of people discourage and throw in the towel because they feel like they have failed once more...

BUT I want you all to know this for sure, that regardles of how the past ten months had been for you, you can still rise up to the challenge and maximise the remaining part of the year positively to your advantage.

Don't pity yourself or allow others make you feel discouraged, instead make up your mind and settle it within you that you can achieve whatever you set your mind at achieving. You are not a failure but a success and God will surely see you through.

As the year runs to an end, I encourage you not to hang up yet, put yourself together, braze up for the challenge ahead of the remaining part of the year...and SUCCESS IS YOURS.

Have you ever wondered that...S-U-C-C-E-S-S has never, will never and can never be spelt without including U in it. You are a SUCCESS and nothing can stop you from reaching your proposed end.

Keep it up my dear and God bless.]]> Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/288513 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/259339
This warning signal is expedient because I've received mails of this nature too in recent times and I deemed it fit to communicate with you all to help prepare you against fraudsters who are parading themselves as change agents.

Please, do not hesitate to communicate sensitive issues with us on TIG to help safeguard our colleagues from fallen victim of any of these fraudsters.

Take good care of you and keep impacting your primary scope of influence.]]> Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:11:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/259339 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241989 When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem, you have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen ! All I asked was that you listen, not to talk or do -- just hear me. Advice is cheap; twenty cents will get you both, Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper. And I can do for myself. I am not helpless. Maybe discouraged and falter, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy. But when you accept as a simple fact, that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what's behind this irrational feeling.

And when that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don't need advice. Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what's behind them. Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people -- because God is mute, and He/She doesn't give advice, or try to fix things.
'They' just listen, and let you work it out for yourself.

So please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn -- I'll listen to you.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:49:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241989 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241987 As strong as the mightiest, too.
You can win in every battle or test;
For there's no one just like you.
There's only one you in the world today;
So nobody else, you see,
Can do your work in as fine a way:
You're the only you there'll be !
So face the world, and all life is yours
To conquer and love and live:
And you'll find the happiness that endures
In just the measure you give;
There's nothing too good for you to possess,
Nor heights where you cannot go:
Your power is more than belief or guess ---
It is something you have to know.
There is nothing to fear ---
you can and you will. For you are the invincible you.
Set your foot on the highest hill ---
There's nothing you cannot do.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:32:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241987 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241975 Watch your Words - They Become Actions.
Watch Your Actions - They Become Habits.
Watch Your Habits - They Become Character.
Watch Your Character - For It Becomes Your Destiny.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:14:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241975 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241977
The couple happened to be around the area where Mrs. White grew up, and as they pulled into a gas station to fuel up and check out the car, Mark noticed a little nervousness with his wife. He didn't say anything, but when the gas station attendant came out to their car, Mark began to notice what was really going on. Both his wife and the attendant looked surprised to see each other, and they acted with that awkwardness that two people have when they've been close in the past, but weren't anymore.

Governor White pretended not to notice this. They finished at the gas station and continued back down the highway. The car fell silent and neither said a word. For a long time they remained silent, and all the while Mrs. White kept looking out the window, staring off out into the distance. Mark was
considerate and patient with this silence, and he continued to drive in the silence. But after the silence had gone on for almost an hour, he interrupted, trying to break the silence.

"Honey, I couldn't help but notice how you and that gas station attendant looked at each other. You were involved with each other at one point, weren't you," he asked ? "Well, yea," She responded, quitely. "Well, I guess I know how you feel. You were probably thinking about that and needed some space, right," he continued ? "Yea," she said again. "I guess you were probably thinking about how different your two lives had become. I guess you were thinking that if you had married him, then you'd be the wife of a gas station attendant now, instead of my wife. Right," he said ? "Well, No. Actually I was thinking that he'd be the governor now."]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:14:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241977 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241981 30% Concern old decisions which cannot be altered.
12% center in criticisms, mostly untrue, made by people who feel inferior.
10% is related to my health which worsens while I worry.
8% is legitimate, showing that life does have real problems which may be met head on when I have eliminated senseless worries.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:14:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241981 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241985 You know when you need a break.
You know when you need a rest.
You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of.
And you know when it's time to take care of yourself, for yourself.
To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete.
Because you know it's never too late to have a life.
And never too late to change one.
Just Do It !
(This is an actual NIKE advertisement found in a magazine)]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:14:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241985 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241969 Accept Yourself -- Gracefully
Value Yourself -- Joyfully
Forgive Yourself -- Completely
Treat Yourself -- Generously
Balance Yourself -- Harmoniously
Bless Yourself -- Abundantly
Trust Yourself -- Confidently
Love Yourself -- Wholeheartedly
Empower Yourself -- Prayerfully
Give Yourself -- Enthusiastically
Express Yourself -- Radiantly]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:58:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241969 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241971 You fell down the first time you tried to walk.
You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn't you?
Did you hit the ball the first time you swung a bat?
Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot.
R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on.
English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books.
Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.
Don't worry about failure.
Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.

Failure is not an end in itself but a pathway to success and if you want to succeed you must know how to manage your failures and take full advantage of them.

Remember: "failure to try at all is trying to fail" Keep trying you'll experience a major breakthrough soonest.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:58:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241971 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241973
In 1863, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea for this spectacular bridge. However, bridge-building experts throughout the world told him to forget it; it could not be done.

Roebling convinced his son, Washington, who was a young up and coming engineer, that the bridge could be built. The two of them developed the concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome.

With un-harnessed excitement and inspiration, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge. The project was only a few months under construction when a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling and severely injured his son, Washington.

Washington was left with permanent brain damage and was unable to talk or walk. Everyone felt that the project would have to be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built.

Even though Washington was unable to move or talk, his mind was as sharp as ever, and he still had a burning desire to complete the bridge. An idea hit him as he lay in his hospital bed, and he developed a code for communication.

All he could move was one finger, so he touched the arm of his wife with that finger, tapping out the code to communicate to her what to tell the engineers who were building the bridge. For thirteen years, Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger until the spectacular Brooklyn
Bridge was finally completed.

What excuse do you have not to get your dreams accomplished? As long as there is still breath in your nostrils anything is possible that you can conceive in your mind.

No one can put down a soaring eagle except it does so by itself. Keep flying higher and higher, because one day you'll get to the top of your mountain.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:58:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241973 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241959 • Try not to worry.
• Don't tell everyone your business.
• Be happy with the things you have.
• Exercise every day.
• Don't go looking for trouble.
• Look for the good in everything and everyone.
• Get enough sleep.
• Try to forgive and forget.
• Always do what you think is right.
• Don't worry about what people think of you.
• Spend time with your family.
• Make time to see friends.
• Don't spend money that you don't have.
• Try to be happy.
• Be kind.
• Don't be afraid to say what you think.
• Try to be the best that you can be.
]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:45:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241959 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241963
Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires, I will take my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do a least two things I don't want to
do--just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or
regulate anybody but myself.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241963 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241965
Toward the end of his concert, Paganini was astounding his audience with an unbelievable
composition when suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung limply from his instrument. Paganini frowned briefly, shook his head, and continued to play, improvising beautifully.

Then to everyone's surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Almost like a slapstick comedy, Paganini stood there with three strings dangling from his Stradivarius. But instead of leaving the stage, Paganini stood his ground and calmly completed the difficult number on the one remaining string.

Regardless of whatever you may be going through life, "JUST HANG IN THERE TILL YOU BREAKTHROUGH IN LIFE"]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:40:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241965 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241953
A man came in to see a psychiatrist. When the psychiatrist asked him what the problem was, the man said, "Well, it's my brother. I think he's crazy."

"Why do you think that," asked the Doctor.

"Well," said the man, "he thinks he's a chicken."

"Hmmm .." the doctor replied, "that does sound sort of strange.

"Why don't you bring him in."

"I can't," said the man.

"Well, why not," asked the doctor.

"Because, I need the eggs." the man said.

I guess we are intertwined a little more than we like to think. And, we always see the other's strangeness even though we have just as much of our own strangeness, and often we have
"complimentary" strangeness.
(Attributed to Woody Allen)]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:29:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241953 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241955 Mix well each day:
One part of Faith,
One of Patience,
One of Courage,
One of Work,
Add one part each of:
Hope,
Faithfulness,
Generosity
Kindness;
Blend with:
One part Prayer,
One part Meditation
Good Deeds.
Season the whole with:
a dash of Good Spirit,
a sprinkle of Fun,
a pinch of Play
a cupful of Good Humor.
Pour all of this into a Vessel Of Love, Cook thoroughly over Radiant Joy Garnish with Smiles
serve with Quietness, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness. And you are bound to have a Happy Life!
Keep enjoying your life as it unfolds daily!]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:29:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241955 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241957 • If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight;
• If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy;
• If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty;
• If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient;
• If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence;
• If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate;
• If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice;
• If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith;
• If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself;
• If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:29:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241957 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241949 A female angel nearby said, "What kind of a Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put the Father up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without stooping"

God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?" And when God made a Father's hands, they were large. The angel shook her head and said,"Large hands can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats."

Again God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child's face in them."

Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders, "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap?" The angel chuckled.

God said, "A Mother needs a lap. A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, to balance a boy on a bicycle, or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus." When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet any one had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any
longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those feet are going to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries, or walk through a birthday party without crushing one or
two of the guests?"

God again smiled and said, "They will work. You will see. They will support a small child who wants to ride to Branbury Cross or scare mice away from a summer cabin, or display shoes that
will be a challenge to fill." God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but remain calm and tolerant.

Finally, almost as an after thought, He added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a Mother can?" The angel said nothing more.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:11:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241949 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241951 I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.
I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down may be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned that I'm getting more and more like my grandma, and I'm kinda happy about it.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned that you should never tell a child her dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if she believed it.
I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.
I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned that if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer.
I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves, get further in life.
I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self-control.
I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.
I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned that although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.
I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I've learned that no matter how fast or how far you go, you can't outrun God.
I've learned that no matter how far away I've been, He'll always welcome me back.
I've learned that love is not for me to keep, but to pass on to the next person I see.
I've learned that even if you do the right thing for the wrong reason, it's still the wrong thing to do.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:11:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241951 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241943
The Italian sculptor Agostino d'Antonio worked diligently on a large piece of marble. Unable to produce his desired masterpiece, he lamented, "I can do nothing with it." Other sculptors also worked this difficult piece of marble, but to no avail. Michelangelo discovered the stone and visualized the possibilities in it. His "I-can-make-it-happen" attitude resulted in one of the world's masterpieces - David.

The experts of Spain concluded that Columbus's plans to discover a new and shorter route to the West Indies was virtually impossible. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand ignored the report of the experts. "I can make it happen,"

Columbus persisted. And he did. Everyone knew the world was flat, but not Columbus. The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, along with Columbus and his small band of followers, sailed to "impossible" new lands and thriving resources.

Even the great Thomas Alva Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling idea of a motorcar. Convinced of the worthlessness of the idea, Edison invited Ford to come and work for him. Ford remained committed and tirelessly pursued his dream. Although his first attempt
resulted in a vehicle without reverse gear, Henry Ford knew he could make it happen. And, of course, he did.

"Forget it," the experts advised Madame Curie. They agreed radium was a scientifically impossible idea. However, Marie Curie insisted, "I can make it happen." Let's not forget our friends Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Journalists, friends, armed forces specialists, and even their father laughed at the idea of an airplane. "What a silly and insane way to spend money. Leave flying to the birds," they jeered. "Sorry," the Wright brothers responded. "We have a dream, and we can make it happen." As a result, a place called Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, became the setting for the launching of their "ridiculous" idea.

Finally, as you read these accounts under the magnificent blighting of your environment, consider the plight of Benjamin Franklin. He was admonished to stop the foolish experimenting with lighting. What an absurdity and waste of time! Why, nothing could outdo the fabulous oil lamp. Thank goodness Franklin knew he could make it happen. You too can make it happen!

Cheer up my friend...YOU TOO CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:49:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241943 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241945 2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10.Never pretend to be something you're not.
11.If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12.When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13.Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
14.Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
15.On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
16.When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
17.No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout .. run right back and make friends.
18.Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:49:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241945 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241947 • You have the right to grow, to change, to become, to strive. to reach for any goal, to be limited only by your degree of talent and amount of effort.
• You have the right to privacy-in marriage, family, or any relationship or group-the right to keep a part of your life secret, no matter how trivial or important, merely because you want it to be that way. You have the right to be alone part of the each day, each week and each year to spend time with and on yourself.
• You have the right to be loved and to love, to be accepted, cared for, and adored, and you have the right to fulfill that right.
• You have the right to ask questions of anyone at anytime in any matter that effects your life, so long as it is your business to do so; and to be listened to and taken seriously.
• You have the right to self-respect and to do everything you need to do to increase your self esteem, so long as you hurt no one in doing so.
• You have the right to be happy, to find something in the world that is meaningful and rewarding to you and that gives you a sense of completeness.
• You have the right to be trusted and to trust and to be taken at your word. If you are wrong, you have the right to be given a chance to make a good if possible.
• You have the right to change your mind.
• You have the right to be free as long as you act responsibly and are mindful of the rights of others
and of those obligations that you entered into freely.
• You have the right to win, to succeed, to compete, to make plans. to see those plans fulfilled. to
become the best you can possibly become.
• You have a right to boundaries and limit, a right to be intentional, a right to choice.
]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:49:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241947 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241939 All auspicious signs are in place.
In the beginning, all things are hopeful. We prepare ourselves to start anew. Though we may be intent on the magnificent journey ahead, all things are contained in the first moment: our optimism, our faith, our resolution, our innocence.

In order to start, we must make a decision. The decision is a commitment to daily self- cultivation. We must make a strong connection to our inner selves. Outside matters are superfluous. Alone and naked, we negotiate all of life's travails.

Therefore, we alone must make something of ourselves, transforming ourselves into the instruments for experiencing the deepest spiritual essence of life. Once we make our decision, all things will come to us.

Auspicious signs are not a superstition, but a confirmation. They are a response. It is said that if one chooses to pray to a rock with enough devotion, even that rock will come alive. In the same way, once we choose to commit ourselves to spiritual practice, even the mountains and valleys will reverberate to the sound of our purpose.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:33:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241939 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241767
Holographic FlowEffortless… clicking on all cylinders… everything is falling into place… it’s athletic, but it’s also spiritual. Some call it being in the “zone,” others hitting the “sweet spot,” and even “getting into flow.” Every person, for that matter - has experienced this almost indescribable feeling and tried to hang onto the precious wisp of peak performance as long as possible. And when we find that perfect place, there is a magic where everything become easier. Most of us vividly remember the moment we found our professional sweet spot. Others told us we made it look easy, that we really excelled.

But are people missing something here? Are humans designed to perform like this all the time and have we gotten in our own way somehow? Richard Keefe PhD, author of the book On the Sweet Spot: Stalking the Effortless Present, says no. “If we were this focused all the time, we’d get into trouble,” he says. “It’s like the confluence of forces that come together to escape a sabertooth tiger. It’s for special occasions.”

But what triggers flow? Blogger Michael Buffington lists his productivity triggers, the things that help him get into the elusive state of “flow:”

Tools that help me quickly dump all my ideas and tasks into a single spot with minimal interface, and a high degree of trust that I’ll be able to get those ideas back out of the tools.

Sound isolating headphones. They block out any noise, even with no music playing, and because I’ve been productive while wearing them in the past, they’re helping now.

Music I’ve heard over and over again. New music tends to distract me (because I love new music, and like to savour and untangle the new sounds).

Three apps open and only those three - iTunes, Terminal and Textmate. I risk serious distraction with anything else open.

A cold office. Heat slows me down and makes me sleepy (though my office is threatening to warm up now).

Pepsi. Sad but true, the caffeine seems to help steady me. I will feel the sugar crash in about 2 hours though, so this needs to be solved. Any more caffeine than a single 12oz can scatters me.

Competition. When I feel like what I’m doing is in close competition with something else, I get a bit crazy and engrossed. I also get engrossed in games for this same reason.

Approaching cutoff time. I have four hours to get good work done. Surprisngly, this is a powerful trigger for me.

Dr. Richard Keefe also wrote about some key elements to summoning this state more often, they are:
Remembering similar feelings of everything coming together spectacularly.
Practicing the activity or sport a lot so good moves are self-programmed.
Deliberately shutting down all the “cross talk” in your brain that is making you supervigilant to fear, doubt, and distraction.

Some ways of doing the latter include: Relaxation techniques, meditation, and some types of psychotherapy, all aimed at weeding out unnecessary brain activity during a sport or task.

Dr. Keefe notes: “Meditation teaches you to bring back your wandering attention. Say you are at the free throw line, people are screaming and yelling. Even the greatest athletes will attempt to try harder. You don’t need to try harder. You just need to let what you have practiced and done in the past spring out of you.”

Another great technique that may help you get “in the zone” is suggested by blogger John Richardson from Success Begins Today. He posted a productivity tip that he learned from Donb Crowther, an internet marketing expert.

Set a timer for 48 minutes. Close out all distractions and work continuously for 48 minutes. When the timer goes off, get up and stretch, get coffee, use the restroom etc, in the following 12 minutes. Repeat as necessary. Don reports that this technique repeated four times a day allowed him to write a 200 page book in just two weeks.

But be careful, there are quite a few counter-arguments to this in the vein of breaks messing up “getting in the zone.” Meaning for some people it can take 30-45 minutes to actually get in “the zone” for working and if you keep killing that, you’ll never be as effective as you could be. It really depends on the person. So experiment and find your unique “sweet spot.”

John Richardson noticed in a later post that: I’ve been testing different combinations of focused work time. I’ve tried 40, 45, 48, and 50 minute intervals and they all work well for long projects. The main consideration is having a good work area, some kind of timer, and a beverage warmer for coffee or tea. The ability to focus for a straight period of time is dependent on keeping the distractions to a minimum. When all of these things are in place my productivity soars.

And remember, moving into flow requires discipline. So start by focusing sharp attention on the task. Concentrate. Stay in the present moment and try not to be concerned about how you are performing. Agitation and anxiety prevent flow, so using stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, may help.

It’s easy to get hooked on flow. Once you’ve been there, you’ll want to return. The desire to re-experience this blissful state can provide the motivation to get better and better at something, perfect your skills, take on greater challenges. I can’t think of a better, more intrinsic motivator.

So find your Sweet Spot and Get into Flow!]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:53:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/241767 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/240003 2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
3. Never spend your money before you have it.
4. Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap; it will never be dear to you.
5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.
6. Never repent of having eaten too little.
7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
8. Don't let the evils which have never happened cost you pain.
9. Always take things by their smooth handle.
10.When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, count to one hundred.

(This is a list of "Thomas Jefferson's ten rules for the good
life".)]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:55:00 EDT http://agochint.tigblog.org/post/240003 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556