DARE

Most of us have noble intentions, are idealist by upbringing and would love to be seen as heroic when the chips are down. In reality though, notwithstanding our most utopian concept of our self, we falter when we have to stand up to be counted for we do not DARE and go ahead and Display Action Risking Everything. We fear the consequences, we are terrified of being the odd man out and refuse to take risks that could disturb the tranquilly that comes out of adherence to the norm.

We do not dare because we are by and large creatures of habit and we would prefer to traverse the known path, rather than explore possibilities that could be tougher, riskier and possibly life threatening. Other times we do not dare because we do not want to move out of our comfort zone. Those who fear public speaking are classic examples of individuals who prefer to be passive audiences than active participants. There are many who do not dare because they do not see a value proposition in pursuing that path. Remember the time in school when you knew the culprit but did not dare to tell it to the teacher because you did not see how you would benefit from being a tale tattler whilst the risk of being ostracized by the rest of the class was very probable.

Almost all of us enjoy giving a dare to others but could possibly shy away from attempting the same dare, Remember the dares we gave people when playing passing the parcel ?  True some of those dares seem pretty silly and childish on hindsight but all the same they were still challenging then. However there are many who enjoy the thrill of taking on a dare. They would be the first to take on a challenge, find the tallest tree to climb or the attempt to lift the heaviest rock that he/ she can grasp. Ironically it is perhaps this very quality that could be their undoing for false bravado often results in misplaced confidence and taking on very risky dares. This might explain the number of people who get swept away when they go swimming in the beaches despite warnings not to or ending up in fatal car crashes when speeding and losing control.

Then there are the professionals who take on some terribly risky dares. The various circus artistes are a prime example of professionals taking on dares. The care and motorcycle racing drivers are another set of professionals who flirt with danger by daring to race on treacherous tracks and in dangerous weather conditions. The most revered daredevils are the ones who sacrifice their life in the taking on dangerous missions. The policemen, the fire fighters and the soldiers all deserve a special salute for the very nature of their job involves being daring. However, what is significant to the readers is the knowledge that each of us has it in us to DARE; begin by  following the law, the path of righteousness and by championing the cause of the oppressed, the down trodden and the marginalized; all it requires us to do is Display Action Risking Everything.

Action Points:

1. Make a list of interesting dares that can be used whilst playing some party games.
2. If you haven’t attempted any of these, go on DARE to try any or all of them

• Hold a snake / white mice in your hand for 5 minutes at least.
• Sing a song using a karaoke in front of an audience of at least 5 people (your family of 5 counts as audience)
• Go scuba diving / go on a fishing trawler into the sea/
• Wear a traditional attire of a region that is completely alien to you
• Go for a classical music / dance program that you have never ever attended before.
• Try to play some musical instrument that you have never attempted before. (eg. Try to play the saxophone / play the western drums )

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BRAVE

Being BRAVE is often associated with risky daring exploits, the types immortalized by war heroes and over hyped by the movies; be it a James Bond genre or a Rocky series. More subtle variations of Bravery are displayed in spy thrillers and select war movies. The classical view of bravery depicts Bold Responsible Action Valued Everywhere and that is the epicenter of most of the exploits highlighted.

Far too often bravery is portrayed or understood to mean undertaking death defying challenges ostensibly for a just cause. The ultimate act of bravery is epitomized and lauded when a person dies in the line of duty whilst battling evil or enemies. Whilst there is no two opinions that flirting with death and succumbing to it at times is the pinnacle of bravery, one should not mistake that to be the only act of bravery. In daily life each of us is provided with a variety of opportunities to display our bravery. Unfortunately most times we prefer to choose soft options rationalizing that it is better to go with the flow than stand up and be in the eye of a storm. Standing up to resist any form of corruption would perhaps rank very high in the list of opportunities to be brave. This could be closely followed by opportunities to speak up against injustice, taking a principled stand on matters that need self regulation (eg. Following traffic discipline or refusing to allow another to copy from you in an exam) or being brave enough to own up ones mistakes.

Overcoming our fears and anxieties would be best tackled by finding ones reserve of bravery from deep within. Public speaking for example is widely accepted fear for most people and it takes a lot of courage to bravely volunteer to face an audience. You need to be doubly brave to repeat the performance in case you messed up the first time. Where power equations are dominant, as in seniors and juniors in academic institutions or in professional life where there is a boss subordinate relationship, those on the lower echelons would have to have display extraordinary bravery to resist the tyranny of those higher up in the hierarchy, Similarly treading an offbeat path be it in a career choice, pursuing a passion or dreaming big requires tremendous self belief and an even bigger slice of bravery.

To be BRAVE is not simply daring. It is daring coupled with caution; calculated risk taking transcribed into action and pushing the envelope when it matters most. That explains why one is seen as brave when it is an outcome of a Bold Responsible Action Valued Everywhere.

Action Points:

• Outline 3-5 areas of concern within your immediate personal, social, professional or physical environment that irks you or irritates you. Now outline a proactive plan of action that you will implement to ensure that you take steps to address the issue.
• Have you ever tried to learn juggling/ magic/ card tricks/ cartooning/ singing/ cartooning? Pick  2 from the list that you have never attempted and bravely announce to your immediate family and friends that you will regale them with those new talents before the year end.

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REST

There is nothing as refreshing as taking REST for it is the perfect antidote to work, stress and tiredness. With the hectic pace of life in a fast paced world, everyone gets caught up in the rat race and opting out to rest is often viewed as a luxury one cannot afford. Yet just as a woodcutter pauses to sharpen his axe in order to do a more productive work, each of us is obligated to ensure one takes adequate rest for that is the perfect way to Recoup Energy & Stave off Troubles.

Recouping energy is critical in order to remain in peak fitness, prolong one’s efficiency and to cope with the fresh demands made each day. While we often focus on physical energy when we think of taking rest, it is the mental energy that we need to regain which plays a more vital role in an individual’s life. Mental fatigue could be an outcome of excessive focus (preparation for exams is a good case in point), a result of worry and stress (an impending visit to a doctor especially a dentist is a fine example) and / or a byproduct of lack of sleep and excessive physical work (organizing a family wedding of an immediate family member is perhaps a very apt example). Taking rest ensures that we let our mind/ thoughts/ feelings/ body hibernate and recharge.

Lack of rest often results in unpleasant outcomes physically and mentally. These troubles could be in the nature of anxiety disorders, exhaustion, ailments, distraction and disorientation and could culminate in serious illness. By ensuring one takes adequate rest we can stave off these troubles. One of the great miracles of life is the healing process that nature has bestowed on us. You would realize that the healing process is a function of time and supportive care. Rest is the underlying prescription for all troubles.

An unfortunate myth about rest is that it only involves distancing one’s self from regular work. An offshoot of this myth is that one ends up being couch potatoes, plonking for hours in front of the TV or computer or mobile phone. What one does not realize is that by being addicted to these gadgets subconsciously we are prone to anxiety disorders thereby adding to stress and completely negating the concept of rest. It is essential that we be aware of our urge/ addiction/ cravings of this nature for they pose the biggest challenge to genuine rest. Sleep is perhaps the best form of rest, for then one is in a state of bliss cut off from all distractions. Being in the midst of nature soaking in the wonders that abound could come a very close second as an ideal form of rest. Spending time with near and dear ones particularly in the form of a holiday could be another outlet to soak in the wonders of rest. Indulging in ones passion, hobby and spending time with ones pet could also provide us opportunities to rest.

The best way to getting rest is an individual choice. However whatever be the best source of REST there is disputing the fact that it is the perfect way to improving ones quality and length of life, for at the end of the day it enables one to Recoup Energy & Stave off Troubles.

Action Points:

Honestly answer the following questions to get an idea of the various stress busters that suit you and enable you to get some rest.

• When you are stressed or upset what is the activity that helps you calm down?
• How do you cope with bad news?
• How do you face a sudden crisis?
• What is the one indulgence you never tire of?

Which of these activities meet your idea of a good way to rest?

• Reading a book
• Watching a comedy serial
• Doing some social service activity
• Participating in or organizing a drama/ dance/ party
• Your gifted something you longed for and trying to make the best of it.

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PODIUM

With the Olympics having wound up just over 2 weeks ago, the lasting images are that of the winners taking their pride of place on the PODIUM the ultimate Place Of Displaying Intense Unique Moment. It is in that triumph that all the preparation, the sacrifices, the injuries suffered and the failures encountered enroute all seem to have played  a critical role in attaining success.

Whether sports or otherwise, for the views and audience it is the performance on the day that matter. However for he performer, the performance on the day is vital, but they can hope to strike it rich only if they have sweated it out, worked on going that extra mile, repeated and perfected the technique so that they are well prepared for D day. Unfortunately, there are occasions when the best do not get their due on  D Day and hence miss out on holding centre stage on the podium. A false start in the relays, foul jumps, a niggle that bothers or the sheer weight of expectations can bog a person down and prevent him / her from being a winner.

The winner’s podium has an unique elevation that recognizes the uniqueness of each person privileged to stand on it. I it also draws attention to the collective achievement of those standing on it. By the time a person is privileged to stand on a podium, the enormity of the achievement slowly sinks in and translates into an overwhelming mix of emotions joy, pride, sense of achievement and relief. All these emotions translate into tears of joy, a thumping of the chest, the raising of the arms and the mutual respect for each other. Competitors turn collaborators in a show of collective respect and admiration for one and other.

The winners be it the Gold, Silver or Bronze medalists know that their position on the podium was not a fluke but the result of self belief, sacrifice, persistence and hard work. The victory when it comes is savored with a mix of ecstasy, relief and excitement. These feelings are displayed with all the intense passion that highlights the uniqueness of the moment they have waited for. The PODIUM is not just a platform but Place Of Displaying Intense Unique Moment.

Action Points:

How did you feel when you saw an Olympic medal winner from your country stand on the podium? Could you emphasize with him/ her?

Name 3 individuals ( at least one of whom should be from the opposite sex) who

you believe represents the following

The 3 best sports persons of all time

The 3 best actors of all time

The 3 best singers

The 3 most loved people (outside of your immediate family)

The 3 best friends

The 3 best teachers in your life

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HURDLES

The hurdles is a unique event where mans ingenuity to make the staid and boring activity of running more interesting was improvised upon by putting hurdles that participants have to overcome in order to win. However the hurdles event if seen differently actually mimics life; each day that we live largely is routine but when we seek out opportunities they are there in plenty but unfortunately there are apparently too many hurdles to overcome if one has to grab the opportunities. These HURDLES in real life can be seen as Having Unexpected Resistors Demanding Leaps to Ensure Success.

There are numerous lessons that one can learn from the hurdles event. To begin with one must anticipate the hurdles, one must prepare to cross them, one cannot side step them but have to leap over them and finally even if one stumbles at a hurdle it may not necessarily mar ones chances of success. As human beings though, these lessons from the track and field hurdling event is not easily appreciated and put into daily living. If we analyze each learning point we would realize that life’s challenges and hurdles can be managed with relative ease.

Anticipate the hurdles – There is no one in this wide world who can claim to be free of problems, challenges and tensions. It is therefore prudent to stop, pause and reflect on the possible challenges that one will have to encounter along life’s path. By anticipating, we won’t be taken by surprise, we will have some plans to meet the hurdles and more importantly our confidence won’t be dented.

Prepare to cross them – Just like one prepares for an exam without really knowing the questions that will actually come in the question paper, one can work on meeting some challenges that we can anticipate. E.g. if communication in English is a weakness because one has studied in the vernacular, then working on ones English language skills is imperative.

One cannot side step them but have to leap over them – There is an English saying ‘do not bury your head in the sand like and ostrich’ which implies that when confronted with unavoidable troubles do not try to ignore it or run away from it. Just as the hurdlers have to leap over the hurdles one has to confront challenges with daring and fortitude. Here another saying is equally relevant which states ‘ you cannot cross a chasm in two steps’; implying that at times one has to take a risk and make big decisions. E.g. Someone who is an employee could be passionate about a business venture but he / she has to leave behind the security of a fixed salary and possible take a huge income loss before establishing one’s business.

Even if one stumbles at a hurdle it may not necessarily mar ones chances of success.- Even the best hurdles in the world have a bad day in office occasionally, when they stumble over the hurdles. In life we are more prone to stumble off and on for the hurdles are not evenly placed nor the height evenly adjusted as in the track event. Each day brings new, different and intriguing challenges. Keeping motivated each day is perhaps the most commonly experienced challenge for most human beings. Being satisfied is another huge challenge. These are generic challenges but some specific challenges can be a huge hurdle to overcome. The good part of the hurdles is that life gives us many opportunities to fail and get up and retry.  The best part is that the biggest and most challenging hurdles merely require us to overcome our personal inhibitions. The superlative part of the hurdles we have to overcome is that we do not have to prove our ability to anyone but merely find our inner strength and  passion and align it with our goals to overcome them. These HURDLES in real life can then be experienced as Having overcome Unexpected Resistors Demanding Leaps to Ensure Success.

Action Points:

List out the one hurdle that is impeding your success in the following areas of your life

• Your personal life
• Your professional or student life
• Your social life
• Your self development
• Your thought process

Power Act - from http://www.actspot.com/ is focused on -

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

You are also invited to visit our inspirational and motivational blog

http://www.actspot.wordpress.com