6 Ways For Teens/Youths to Avoid Distractions and Finish Homework
With all the distractions we’re
presented with from the Internet and other forms of media these
days, it can be very difficult for teens/youths to focus on schoolwork.
It is so convenient to tweet what you’re doing, text your friends, post on facebook or to do an infinite number of
things when you’re supposed to be researching for an essay.
I’ll admit that just during the time it took to write this post, I’ve taken several breaks just to go on Facebook to see what everyone’s up to. Don’t worry –
everyone will still be there after you’re done doing your work, so close Firefox/Chrome/Safari or quit your mobile browser and get down to business.
Here are a few ways to increase your productivity and try to
break away from distractions:
1. Turn off your wireless/ Internet connection.
I know, it sounds crazy to deliberately cut off your connection to the outside world, but just do it. It eliminates your
ability to easily open up your Internet browser and will help
you to focus on what you really should be doing.
2. Set aside a specific time for using social networking/other
recreational websites.
I’ve allotted myself some time to be on the internet. I know that if I don’t give myself any limits, I’m
capable of staying on Facebook and “becoming a fan” of fifty more pages instead of reading my handout or doing my assignments. I’m sure many people
experience this problem too, so make sure to set aside about an hour (or whatever works for
you) for leisure time.
3. Take short breaks.
After reading my handouts for too long, I tend to waste about half an hour by taking a nap. So to save myself from becoming insanely bored, I
take little breaks by checking facebook or twitter for a few minutes or getting a snack. I suggest that
you read for about twenty to thirty minutes at a time, then take a five to ten minute break to maintain your sanity.
4. Do your work NOW rather than later.
I am a seasoned procrastinator. I’m guilty of wasting hours on end watching videos, chatting on instant messengers, or just
daydreaming. I’ve learnt the hard way that procrastination is
not very rewarding and almost always results in bags under
your eyes and B minuses. Do yourself a favor in advance, and start your work ahead of time.
5. Prioritize!
Ten years from now, do you want to look back at your life and
realize that you spent a greater portion of your teen years sitting
down in front of a laptop, rather than doing things that actually matter? Spend some time with
your family or go outside and take a walk. Read a book, or do something with yourself that doesn’t involve a computer. (This is something I really need to work on too.)
6. Spend less time reading blogs like these about how to
help yourself and get right to work! NOW!
The only way to really live productively is to go out and start actually living! After you’ve read up on how to become more
productive, put your newly obtained knowledge to use.
(I am also working on a few points their myself, no one is perfect)
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Why success is highly overrated
Success is never final, failure is never fatal. Its courage that counts.
John Wooden
We hear the word success heralded from the rooftops. We also hear the latest and greatest formulas being thrust at us. Why? Because deep down we all want to be successful. There is a constant surge for success. There is an increased striving towards success. Yet there is so much more that makes up the success story, and that includes its two companions: failure and courage.
So lets take a closer look at this word that has been highly over-rated. Success Is Never Final, Mountain peaks are wonderful places from which to get a great view. But the facts are that on the other side of every peak there is a valley. So if you define personal success by a mountain top experience today, you are setting yourself up for disappointment tomorrow. This is why I liked what Robert Schuller proposed some years ago when he wrote a book with the title, From Peak to Peek. Its so important when you have a success; moment that you already have your eyes set on the next mountaintop or goal that you are going to pursue.
Sure, its fine to pause for a moment and celebrate, but I would rather live a successful life than build towards a single successful event.
Success was designed to become part and parcel of each and every second that you and I live. I dont base my success upon my feelings or upon the accolades of others, but rather I choose to live a successful life filled with successful habits, successful actions, successful words, and successful relationships. And if from time to time I have successful peaks, I share the joy of my success with others and position myself to start the journey towards the ascent of my next peak.
Success is never final. Its simply the sign of greater things to come. Failure Is Never Fatal I often talk about one of the staff members in my University of Success. His name is Professor Failure. The only thing success has ever taught me is the need for humility. Failure is what has taught me some of my greatest lessons. And the greatest thing it has taught me is this - to ask better questions. One of which is, What can I learn from this? By asking better questions I have received better answers that have then positioned me to live a successful life in every area of my life. To fail is not to be a failure. And it wont kill you. If failure is treated with the respect it deserves - as a place of learning - it will in fact breathe fresh life into the fulfillment of your dreams. With each lesson learnt and applied you will be drawn ever closer to the creation of a significant life. Its Courage That Counts Anais Nin writes, Life shrinks or expands in proportion to ones courage. It takes courage to follow your passion and not the status quo. Yes, its courage that counts.
So what courageous activity are you pursuing today? Share it with us and inspire us.
Have an exceptional day!
Culled from motivational memo...
John Wooden
We hear the word success heralded from the rooftops. We also hear the latest and greatest formulas being thrust at us. Why? Because deep down we all want to be successful. There is a constant surge for success. There is an increased striving towards success. Yet there is so much more that makes up the success story, and that includes its two companions: failure and courage.
So lets take a closer look at this word that has been highly over-rated. Success Is Never Final, Mountain peaks are wonderful places from which to get a great view. But the facts are that on the other side of every peak there is a valley. So if you define personal success by a mountain top experience today, you are setting yourself up for disappointment tomorrow. This is why I liked what Robert Schuller proposed some years ago when he wrote a book with the title, From Peak to Peek. Its so important when you have a success; moment that you already have your eyes set on the next mountaintop or goal that you are going to pursue.
Sure, its fine to pause for a moment and celebrate, but I would rather live a successful life than build towards a single successful event.
Success was designed to become part and parcel of each and every second that you and I live. I dont base my success upon my feelings or upon the accolades of others, but rather I choose to live a successful life filled with successful habits, successful actions, successful words, and successful relationships. And if from time to time I have successful peaks, I share the joy of my success with others and position myself to start the journey towards the ascent of my next peak.
Success is never final. Its simply the sign of greater things to come. Failure Is Never Fatal I often talk about one of the staff members in my University of Success. His name is Professor Failure. The only thing success has ever taught me is the need for humility. Failure is what has taught me some of my greatest lessons. And the greatest thing it has taught me is this - to ask better questions. One of which is, What can I learn from this? By asking better questions I have received better answers that have then positioned me to live a successful life in every area of my life. To fail is not to be a failure. And it wont kill you. If failure is treated with the respect it deserves - as a place of learning - it will in fact breathe fresh life into the fulfillment of your dreams. With each lesson learnt and applied you will be drawn ever closer to the creation of a significant life. Its Courage That Counts Anais Nin writes, Life shrinks or expands in proportion to ones courage. It takes courage to follow your passion and not the status quo. Yes, its courage that counts.
So what courageous activity are you pursuing today? Share it with us and inspire us.
Have an exceptional day!
Culled from motivational memo...
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Defeat is Temporary
Life has taught me this one thing - that just because you lose today, it doesnt mean that you're destined to lose tomorrow. Sunshine always follows rainfall and light always pierces the darkness.
But at the same time I know how it feels to be caught in the depths of despair. To fail doesnt mean you are a failure. All it means is that you have been handed another great opportunity to learn a lesson and develop a deeper level of character formation in the process.
Failure is not final if you start to understand that it is simply a temporary defeat.
So dont be deceived by defeat, for so many have been destroyed when defeat has touched their lives and they have allowed themselves to think that this temporary failure was in fact final. Wrong. All they needed to do was realize that while ever there was breath in their body that there was always hope. For wherever there is hope there is always a way forward.
So what should you do if you find yourself in the midst of a temporary defeat? Here are four suggestions that will help you to rise up and successfully navigate through and over your bump in the road called life.
1. Recognize that defeat is temporary
I learned this principle from playing weekend team sport. Throughout any season there were three possibilities - a win, a draw or a defeat. A win was fantastic. A draw was disappointing, but a defeat was devastating. But what did we do? Simply dusted ourselves off, practiced a bit harder throughout the following week, and then turned up for the next game with a better game-plan in place. Respond to defeat in your own life in the same manner, and you will start winning more games than you lose with such a positive attitude.
2. Be inspired by reading the stories of others who faced defeat and still achieved success.
This is the petrol or the gas that needs to be injected into your tank, on a regular basis, if you are to complete your journey victoriously. Whenever I take a hit - and life does have a habit of supplying a few of those along the way - I take out that positive book, recording or movie that replays the stories of those who have faced insurmountable opposition or setbacks and yet overcame all the way to victory. Its not too long before I rise up once again shouting, If they did it, then so can I.
3. Ask yourself the question, What can I learn from this defeat?
Success has only taught me one thing in life - and that is to be humble. Failure, on the other hand, has taught me to ask the question, What can I learn from this defeat?. For there is a seed that you can draw from every setback, so make sure that you plant it firmly in your heart. For if you learn the lesson it will grow into a glorious crop that will feed both you and those whom your share your story with for many years to come.
4. Dust yourself off and get up and go again.
Bite the dust. Spit it out. Stand up to face your foe, and go again. Grit your teeth and press on. Success is not for the faint-hearted. Its for those who, no matter how many times they bite the dust, will rise up from the ashes of defeat. These mighty ones are those who know for a fact that defeat is temporary and that failure is not permanent.
So why dont you share what defeat you have, or are about to, overcome today?
So dont be deceived by defeat, for so many have been destroyed when defeat has touched their lives and they have allowed themselves to think that this temporary failure was in fact final. Wrong. All they needed to do was realize that while ever there was breath in their body that there was always hope. For wherever there is hope there is always a way forward.
So what should you do if you find yourself in the midst of a temporary defeat? Here are four suggestions that will help you to rise up and successfully navigate through and over your bump in the road called life.
1. Recognize that defeat is temporary
I learned this principle from playing weekend team sport. Throughout any season there were three possibilities - a win, a draw or a defeat. A win was fantastic. A draw was disappointing, but a defeat was devastating. But what did we do? Simply dusted ourselves off, practiced a bit harder throughout the following week, and then turned up for the next game with a better game-plan in place. Respond to defeat in your own life in the same manner, and you will start winning more games than you lose with such a positive attitude.
2. Be inspired by reading the stories of others who faced defeat and still achieved success.
This is the petrol or the gas that needs to be injected into your tank, on a regular basis, if you are to complete your journey victoriously. Whenever I take a hit - and life does have a habit of supplying a few of those along the way - I take out that positive book, recording or movie that replays the stories of those who have faced insurmountable opposition or setbacks and yet overcame all the way to victory. Its not too long before I rise up once again shouting, If they did it, then so can I.
3. Ask yourself the question, What can I learn from this defeat?
Success has only taught me one thing in life - and that is to be humble. Failure, on the other hand, has taught me to ask the question, What can I learn from this defeat?. For there is a seed that you can draw from every setback, so make sure that you plant it firmly in your heart. For if you learn the lesson it will grow into a glorious crop that will feed both you and those whom your share your story with for many years to come.
4. Dust yourself off and get up and go again.
Bite the dust. Spit it out. Stand up to face your foe, and go again. Grit your teeth and press on. Success is not for the faint-hearted. Its for those who, no matter how many times they bite the dust, will rise up from the ashes of defeat. These mighty ones are those who know for a fact that defeat is temporary and that failure is not permanent.
So why dont you share what defeat you have, or are about to, overcome today?
Friday, 18 November 2011
How To Be Unashamedly You
How To Be Unashamedly You
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind dont matter, and those who matter dont mind. Dr Seuss
So many of us have lived our lives concerned about what they say or think.
It really doesnt matter what they think or say. And in most cases they arent thinking or saying anything about you.
Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. Yes magnificent you.
So be unashamedly you – and this is how you can confidently live each day as you:
1. Be You
True. Be you.
Pursue your own dreams, develop your own skills, think your own thoughts, find your own way. So dont try to be me, or try to imitate others. Be you.
2. Do What You Do
Dont do what I do. Do what comes naturally to you. You have individual talents that only you can do. So do.
Develop what you do by doing until you are doing something that exudes excellence and represents you. If you dont – it will always remain undone. For you were created to do what only you can do.
So do.
3. See What You See
There is a vision awaiting to be discovered by you for your own life.
So start seeing the possibilities of your life through positive eyes that will see you through all opposition to the fulfillment of your dreams. Yes see it and then see it through to completion through the power of persistence that lies within your being.
See.
4. Be What You Be
Be and become the person you were created to be.
You were formed for greatness – not to simply occupy space on planet earth, but rather to be all that you were created to be – full of potential, full of unique talent, full of possibility, full of gifts waiting to be unwrapped, full of expectation and hope, full of dreams and visions waiting to be unveiled and fulfilled, full to overflowing as you determine to be what you were designed to be.
So be unashamedly you. Whatever you do, dont hide behind the veil of another human, for you were not a duplicate – you are a unique.
So be You.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind dont matter, and those who matter dont mind. Dr Seuss
So many of us have lived our lives concerned about what they say or think.
It really doesnt matter what they think or say. And in most cases they arent thinking or saying anything about you.
Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. Yes magnificent you.
So be unashamedly you – and this is how you can confidently live each day as you:
1. Be You
True. Be you.
Pursue your own dreams, develop your own skills, think your own thoughts, find your own way. So dont try to be me, or try to imitate others. Be you.
2. Do What You Do
Dont do what I do. Do what comes naturally to you. You have individual talents that only you can do. So do.
Develop what you do by doing until you are doing something that exudes excellence and represents you. If you dont – it will always remain undone. For you were created to do what only you can do.
So do.
3. See What You See
There is a vision awaiting to be discovered by you for your own life.
So start seeing the possibilities of your life through positive eyes that will see you through all opposition to the fulfillment of your dreams. Yes see it and then see it through to completion through the power of persistence that lies within your being.
See.
4. Be What You Be
Be and become the person you were created to be.
You were formed for greatness – not to simply occupy space on planet earth, but rather to be all that you were created to be – full of potential, full of unique talent, full of possibility, full of gifts waiting to be unwrapped, full of expectation and hope, full of dreams and visions waiting to be unveiled and fulfilled, full to overflowing as you determine to be what you were designed to be.
So be unashamedly you. Whatever you do, dont hide behind the veil of another human, for you were not a duplicate – you are a unique.
So be You.
Friday, 4 November 2011
100 Mathematical Reasons For Developing A Great Attitude
100 Mathematical Reasons For
Developing A Great Attitude
Here’s some food for thought about the importance of positive habits of the mind and an
interesting way to look at the beauty of mathematics…
What equals 100%?
What does it mean to give 100%?
How about achieving 100%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here’s a little mathematical formula that was given to me
that might help answer these questions and as I said earlier, it also highlights the beauty and certainty of mathematics.
If A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z is
represented by
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24-25-26
If we follow that comparison then
the word K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E could be represented and collated as 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 which would equal 96%.
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K could be represented and collated as 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 which would equal 98%.
But A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E would be 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 which equals 100%.
Therefore one could conclude with mathematical certainty that while HARDWORK and KNOWLEDGE will get you close, a great ATTITUDE will get you all the way there.
Developing A Great Attitude
Here’s some food for thought about the importance of positive habits of the mind and an
interesting way to look at the beauty of mathematics…
What equals 100%?
What does it mean to give 100%?
How about achieving 100%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here’s a little mathematical formula that was given to me
that might help answer these questions and as I said earlier, it also highlights the beauty and certainty of mathematics.
If A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z is
represented by
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24-25-26
If we follow that comparison then
the word K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E could be represented and collated as 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 which would equal 96%.
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K could be represented and collated as 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 which would equal 98%.
But A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E would be 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 which equals 100%.
Therefore one could conclude with mathematical certainty that while HARDWORK and KNOWLEDGE will get you close, a great ATTITUDE will get you all the way there.
Quote of the Day 11
Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the
shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel Smiles
shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel Smiles
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
5 G's to Grow a Great Life
Greatness arises out of a deliberate attempt to do the
small on a consistent basis with a touch of excellence.
It is true that those who are faithful, with the ‘little’ that they
possess in life, are better equipped to handle the ‘large’
when it is finally unveiled to them.
But please allow me to share with you the five G’s that will
position you so that you can begin to grow a great and
deliberate life.
1. Grab A Goal
Without a goal your life will be aimless. But in your grabbing do the following…
1. Write your goal down and write it down as it has
already been achieved.
2. Set a date for the
achievement of that goal.
3. Divide the larger goal into smaller and manageable chunks that will allow you
to achieve sub-goals along the way.
4. Get into action immediately
2. Grasp An Opportunity
Opportunity, usually appears with its sleeves rolled up. That means work.
Don’t just sit around waiting for your next opportunity. Make your opportunity. Be the maker and not just the taker – it is only your imagination away. If you can think it you can find a way to do it.
3. Grip & Never Let Go Of Life
Any dream fulfilled may require some gutsy effort. Persistence.
Perseverance. Push. Press on.
Once you’ve grasped and grabbed it’s time to grip. Face each new challenge with the ‘can do’ attitude and the ‘I will find a way’ determination.
You are worthy of great success and success is for the gripper.
4. Grin & Make It Your Practice To Laugh
Smile your way all the way to success. Enjoy the journey. Always see the funny side of
things. Have fun. Celebrate each small achievement. Party amidst the potential.
Share the joy with your fellow travelers including your family
and friends. Laugh in the face of faith and even in the face of fear – for it will sustain and energize
you.
5. Greet Each Day With A Thankful Heart
I have so much to be
thankful for and so do you. Greet each day with a sense of
gratitude. While ever you and I have breath in our body we have
so much to be thankful for. Take
a regular thankful stock-take of your life and all complaints will dissipate.
So go on! Grab, grasp, grip, grin and greet. Five G’s with the greatest of ease to destroy the disease of
desperation and construct the
deliberate life.
You can. You will. You must GROW - for therein lies the GO!
small on a consistent basis with a touch of excellence.
It is true that those who are faithful, with the ‘little’ that they
possess in life, are better equipped to handle the ‘large’
when it is finally unveiled to them.
But please allow me to share with you the five G’s that will
position you so that you can begin to grow a great and
deliberate life.
1. Grab A Goal
Without a goal your life will be aimless. But in your grabbing do the following…
1. Write your goal down and write it down as it has
already been achieved.
2. Set a date for the
achievement of that goal.
3. Divide the larger goal into smaller and manageable chunks that will allow you
to achieve sub-goals along the way.
4. Get into action immediately
2. Grasp An Opportunity
Opportunity, usually appears with its sleeves rolled up. That means work.
Don’t just sit around waiting for your next opportunity. Make your opportunity. Be the maker and not just the taker – it is only your imagination away. If you can think it you can find a way to do it.
3. Grip & Never Let Go Of Life
Any dream fulfilled may require some gutsy effort. Persistence.
Perseverance. Push. Press on.
Once you’ve grasped and grabbed it’s time to grip. Face each new challenge with the ‘can do’ attitude and the ‘I will find a way’ determination.
You are worthy of great success and success is for the gripper.
4. Grin & Make It Your Practice To Laugh
Smile your way all the way to success. Enjoy the journey. Always see the funny side of
things. Have fun. Celebrate each small achievement. Party amidst the potential.
Share the joy with your fellow travelers including your family
and friends. Laugh in the face of faith and even in the face of fear – for it will sustain and energize
you.
5. Greet Each Day With A Thankful Heart
I have so much to be
thankful for and so do you. Greet each day with a sense of
gratitude. While ever you and I have breath in our body we have
so much to be thankful for. Take
a regular thankful stock-take of your life and all complaints will dissipate.
So go on! Grab, grasp, grip, grin and greet. Five G’s with the greatest of ease to destroy the disease of
desperation and construct the
deliberate life.
You can. You will. You must GROW - for therein lies the GO!
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