WORK

When we hear the word WORK the immediate thought that comes to mind for most people is that it is an insipid, terrible way of going about living. If these thoughts overpower us daily, our daily life will be hellish one. Rich or poor, king or pauper work is destined on mankind and we cannot escape that reality. Some may argue that the filthy rich need not work but look around and you will notice that they are working harder than most. The utterly poor including beggars also have to go about doing their work so as to earn, live make their life more comfortable and pleasant. Since work is inevitable, how about looking at life in a more acceptable way and see it as a Way Of Rewarding Knowledge?

The rewards of work are manifold. To begin with, work enables us to keep busy. If we did not have any work, we would in serious trouble since an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Work rewards us with learning. While it is true that we often do the job based on what we have learnt, the reality is that what we learn on the job is far more critical in terms of being efficient and productive. It also enables us to realize our true potential and perhaps even helps us discover shades of out personality that we never knew existed. The most important reward of work is that it leads to monetary gains be it salary or profit. Far too often we focus on the monetary rewards without applying our mind to the quantum of effort or quality of work we do. Perhaps this often leads us to hate our work. By and large each one is rewarded by work in a relatively fair manner.

The key to doing good work is in leveraging the knowledge one has to the fullest. This could mean that at times we have to upgrade our knowledge, seek out opportunities at work to find niches in which we can pitch out expertise and the truly rewarded are those who make work a passion of their own liking. Knowledge is never static and so while academics can provide crucial inputs to get us going being able to proactively improve and enhance value in the work done is what brings large rewards.

The problem for many is how to love our work. My suggestions are as under:

• First accept that work is a reality that we cannot escape.
• Next try and find a work that is closest to your interest, passion, knowledge and ability.
• If you are unable to find such a work that matches all the above or worse still has no correlation to any of the above, then be grateful you have some work that keeps you out of trouble and in fact rewards you for the effort.
• Dispassionately look at your work and find as many reasons as possible to be appreciative / thankful for the work you do. E.g. A heart surgeon has greater respect in society than a pathologist who conducts autopsies. Yet there must be some motivation for people to choose to be a pathologist
• DO also remember that, it is human nature to be craving for more and the rewards of work rarely satisfy most people. So while you must seek to be rewarded more for the better work you do, do not forget that better work means more effort.

Perhaps now, you have a better appreciation that WORK is a actually a wonderful Way Of Rewarding Knowledge!

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FUN

There is no substitute to having FUN be it at work or play, when having company or when all alone, be it sunshine or rain and there is nothing as effective as a dose of fun when stressed for that is when each of us gets to Feel Upbeat Now no matter what.  The old adage ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ lay stress in a subtle way on the importance of having fun in life. Of course in today’s day and age more and more enlightened corporate and organizations are ensuring that fun is a key ingredient in the work environment. No one is more blessed than one who has fun doing his daily work and enjoys equal fun otherwise too. 

 

So how does one try to have fun and feel upbeat now? The quickest way is to stop reading this post anymore unless you are having fun reading it.  If you are still continuing to read this post let me suggest 3 ways to have fun no matter what the situation.

Refocus on positives. When feeling low and depressed or if caught in an apparent vicious circle, keep in mind this one phrase ‘ this too shall pass’. Now try to see the reality as to what could have been worse? E.g. If you are stuck in what you believe is the worst job in the world, be grateful that unlike the jobless at least you have a job. Also focus on some positives in the existing situation e.g. you are diagnosed with an incurable illness be grateful that you have time to prepare for the worst unlike someone who has a sudden heart attack an is no more. Note that by refocusing on positives you are not getting rid of the problem but instead making an attempt to Feel Upbeat Now

Attract fun.  Transform yourself into a magnetic personality that attracts positives vibes, exudes refreshing energy and conjures creative ways to enjoy the moment. Not for a moment am I suggesting that one takes a nip or two (which often provides a similar effect immediately) but the key here is ensuring that you are surrounded by dynamic energy, positive vibes and enthusiastic vigor. Simple techniques include reading jokes, sharing jokes, dressing well, partying, entertaining, indulging in a passion etc. You spark the FUN and be certain that you will enjoy the warmth of the bonfire you have lit.

Stay grounded. The essence of balance is to ensure one does not tilt to any side. This means that troubles should not be seen as calamities nor the joys that come one’s way as a perennial gift. Yet, one must be able to feel the real pain that accompanies any sorrow and relish the ecstasy of the fortuitous blessings. Not enjoying the moment robs one of the gift of bliss and by not grieving when one must, there will be an emptiness that can never be filled. Life thereafter will never be fun because, one will live with remorse. Being grounded merely ensures that effects of lightening are felt in all its intensity but without permanent damage to one’s self confidence and personality.  FUN then is Feeling Upbeat Now because you turn yourself into the lightening rod that keeps you grounded to reality.

Action Points:

1. Make a list of all the synonyms for the word FUN. Now carry that list with you and also paste it where you can see it often. You can attempt to try and quickly move into one of those moods/ feelings when you are stressed, feeling low, annoyed, irritated etc.
2. From the list of words given below, identify 3 words that closely replicate your most negative feelings. Make a practical plan to tackle these negative feelings and improve your fun quotient.

Quick temper/ impatience/ jealousy/ sarcasm / negative attitude/ fear / spiteful/ egoistic / acidic tongue/  

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DANCE

Every single culture is made richer by it is unique bond with music and dance. Dance as an art form is means to express emotions and the grace and movement that is integral to dance also outlines  history, culture and  tradition. Through dance, one can get over one’s inhibitions, give vent to ones expressions, relax and cheer up and surprisingly in the rhythm and vigor of the activity one can also Discover Amazing New Cheerful Energy

What is common to all dance forms are the following facts

-          Every dance form invariably is a celebration

-          There is rhythm, grace, movement and timing that binds the performance

-           Involvement and enjoyment are essential requirements to heighten the quality of the performance

While the sense of rhythm, grace and movement are individual specific, learning the art is a prerequisite if one wants to get fully involved and immersed in the beauty of the dance. Unfortunately many are inhibited by the fear that one has no natural talent or ability to shake a leg.  Equally damning is the reluctance to be patient, the inability to keep rehearsing to attain mastery and getting cocooned and being wary of experimenting to evolve. The beauty of dance lies in its inspiring ability to capture moods, emotions, expressions and interest of both performer and audience. 

The uniqueness of dance lies  in :

Its ability to keep a person grounded. Every dance form has some norms, movements and steps which are by and large predefined. It is therefore essential that anyone attempting dancing be well aware of the movements, the beat and the style if one has to gracefully execute the dance. Whether a person learns the dance form formally or by sheer observation and practice is immaterial but the discipline and rigor of the activity makes the person realize the importance and value of form and structure that holds the movements together and gives it the finesse to make it visually appealing.

The freedom it gives to express one’s creativity. While form and structure ensure that there is uniformity and conformity that makes the dance rhythmic and coordinated, the grace, style and improvisation that an individual brings to the dance floor is completely a function of ones personal style, creative outpouring and personal preference and passion. That is the reason why we tend to appreciate some people as natural dancers while others would be clinical in execution but the soul would be missing.

It allows one the to experience the exhilaration of being liberated. The joy of dancing often usurps the ground rules of form and substance. This is evident in the way little kids exude in the joy of sheer spontaneous movement when listening to catchy tunes and dynamic beats of music. The little child in us also comes out when we too join in the fun and frolic when we cannot resist the lure of the gaiety, the rhythm, the mood and the beat  and spontaneously sway to the exhilarating emotions that overcome us.

In no other art form would many indulge in a public display of their inadequate abilities so spontaneously and that is when they DANCE and Discover Amazing New Cheerful Energy

Action Points:

1. If you had to learn dancing which form of dancing would you love to learn? What is it that you love about that dance style? Have you made any efforts to learn that dance?  Outline a plan of action to learn that dance form.
2. Outline the various types of dance forms that you have seen or heard of.  Attempt to see some of those dances that you may never have witnessed, let alone participated in. To help you get going here are a couple of dance forms that are listed for you to focus on and you can add to that list.

-          Indian classical dances – Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi,

-          Western classical dances – Tap dancing, tango,

-          Indian folk dances –  Cheraw Dance, Koli Dance,

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Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

You are also invited to visit our inspirational and motivational blog

http://www.actspot.wordpress.com