Mindfulness Archives - Page 5 of 16

Curing Procrastination

Engagement, Mindfulness, Productivity / My Holland

You can easily find on the internet a list of seven deadly habits. Whoever made it should have included procrastination. Yes, this habit is deadly because many people treat it as a friend. Procrastination doesn’t strike anyone like lightning. Instead, it’s like the Venus Flytrap that exudes its sweet nectar to attract its victims. But unlike the prey caught in the Venus Flytrap, we can escape the clutches of procrastination. There are many ways to combat this habit but be forewarned – there isn’t one remedy that can cure everyone. What will work for you may not do so for others. Also, you might need to employ a combination of methods to conquer procrastination. Here are some ways which you may find useful. Get Rid of Distractions We are living in an era where there are many distractions. Probably top on the list are gadgets like smartphones and tablets. Even though you store your phone inside your drawer, it takes a lot of willpower to resist the urge to check on your social media or visit your favorite website. You tell yourself that you’re going to browse for only a minute, but before you know it, ten minutes or more has elapsed. The good news is that there are apps and software available to block social media and other similar sites for a length of time of your choosing. Search the internet for these and select the right one for you. If you’re working in an open environment where you can hear people talking at the end of the hall, wearing noise-canceling headphones or earphones is a good idea. If your organization allows you to do so, you can even listen to music while at work. But, choose the right music. Certain types can be distracting too. Set Your Own Deadlines You’re given a task which is due in a week’s time. Seven days is a lot of time so you’re tempted to procrastinate. But, often, when you put off doing something until the last moment, your finished job will be obviously rushed and unsatisfactory. Maybe at school you can get away with it but not with organizations. They might not fire you but they can withhold a pay raise or promotion. Set a self-imposed deadline on everything you do. If it helps, ask a friend or colleague to keep track of your progress. Also, you can reward yourself every time you finish a job before a deadline

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Are You Or Aren’t You One Of The Genuine People?

Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Workplace Culture / My Holland

A lot of recently conducted research says emotional intelligence (EQ) is important in the performance of your job. In fact, research further says that in about fifty-eight percent (58%) of a million people tested, emotional intelligence had a lot to do with their success in almost all types of work. So it’s no wonder that people with high EQ would tend to make more money than the unfortunate ones who’d have EQ scores they’d rather hide under the bed. Conclusion? Emotional intelligence is a terrific, powerful way to harness your energy in one direction and get amazing results. But there’s a condition attached … You’ve got to be a genuine person for emotional intelligence to work for you. Otherwise, it’s a no deal. And here’s why. Your Co-Workers In The Office Can Spot Whether Your Emotions Are True Or Not. In a research report from Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, it found that people don’t just accept demonstrations of emotional intelligence per se. Most are skeptical, even cynical for that. Sure, they want to see signs of emotional intelligence, but they’d want to know that it’s genuine, that it’s real and not put on. This is the reason why sincere leaders are a whole lot more effective at motivating their guys. Through their actions, not just words, they inspire trust, respect, and admiration. Take a look at the following habits of genuine people. Do a gut check and compare your own behavior to those who are highly genuine: Genuine people don’t exert any effort to make other people like them. These guys are who and what they are, no more, no less. Not everyone’s going to like them but that’s ok with them. It’s not so much that they don’t care what others may think of them, but rather, they’re not going to let this get in the way of doing the right thing. They don’t prejudge. These genuine people keep an open mind, which makes them pretty approachable and interesting. You wouldn’t want to be talking to people who have already formed opinions and aren’t keen on listening, would you? These genuine people are generous. And we’re not talking about them treating you out for lunch everyday. It’s about sharing their influence with other people, their wisdom, their knowledge and resources. And that’s because they’d like you to do well. They’re team players. They’re not selfish. Neither are they afraid that you’ll outshine them when sharing what they know. They respect everyone. Whether they’re talking with the dark-suited, heavy breathing head honchos at the top floor or placing their orders with a simple waitress at the pub, genuine people are consistently polite and respectful. They believe they‘re not really superior or better than anyone else. Genuine people couldn’t care less whether they’re driving a jaguar or a modest compact Toyota sedan. They’re not into material things. They don’t need any of these shiny, fancy stuff to feel good. Their joy? It comes from within, from simple pleasures like friends and family, and a sense of purpose. There are a lot of other good things about genuine people. They’re not hypocrites, they’re not boastful and they’re not driven by huge egos. Take the time to do a self-critique using these habits as sort of a comparative index. They’ll help when you start demonstrating your emotional intelligence at the workplace.

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Learning How To Manage Your Emotions Will Help You Achieve Inner Peace

Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Positivity / My Holland / Achieve Inner Peace, Managing Your emotions

“Whatever is begun in anger, ends in Shame.” It was Benjamin Franklin who said this. The wise man that he was, he knew, no doubt, that emotions shape not only our thoughts and behavior but our lives as well. “A calm mind leads directly to peace of mind.” It was Dalai Lama who said this. Wise as well, this world-famous Buddhist guru recommends we use logic and valid reasoning to create a frame of mind that will overcome destructive emotions. Through reasoning, love needs to be cultivated as an antidote to anger. The Dalai Lama continues to say that at one time in the past, compassion was seen as a sign of weakness, and anger was a sign of power and strength. He believes basic human nature is more compassionate and that this is the real basis of our hope. To have some sort of a road map for our emotions to develop a calm mind, the Dalai Lama had asked the well-known and highly respected emotion scientist, Dr. Paul Ekman to help create this guide to inner peace but that religion should be kept away from it. Some of the more relevant truths that came out of this unselfish efforts are: Emotions are instant responses of the brain. We don’t choose them. They simply happen to us with no exceptions. They are universal. They happen to all of us. What’s more, the facial signals that come with these emotions are the same in all cultures. We all experience the five basic emotions: anger, hatred, disgust, fear, and happiness. The factors and elements that trigger these emotions are universal as well. When are emotions destructive? Experts agree that all emotions are natural. They’re pretty normal and for the most part, are alright. They become destructive though when they are expressed inappropriately. In other words, it’s ok to be sad when a dear one passes away. But when this sadness turns into depression, it is inappropriate. Destructive emotions make the situation worse. They create long term harm. We see this in people who suffer from endless cynicism and keen hostility. This is a pattern that comes with fierce anger and frequent thoughts that people cannot be trusted. Chances are, these people who have acquired cynical hostility are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and die at a younger age. To overcome destructive emotions, learn to build constructive emotions – Going through anger and hatred? Develop compassion. Try Love and patience. Destructive emotions occur on impulse. Usually, they’re founded on illogical reasoning and misconceptions. On the other hand, constructive emotions are practical and realistic. They’re based on valid observations and logical reasoning. What results from constructive emotions? A calm mind. We begin to see and experience life more realistically. And what kills a calm mind? Hatred, anger, greed, fear, suspicions and too much ambition. As a final call to adhere and develop constructive emotions, remember what the Dalai Lama says … Just as we learn about physical hygiene in the interest of good health, we now need to learn about emotional hygiene to achieve inner peace.

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Mindfulness

Curing Procrastination

Are You Or Aren’t You One Of The Genuine People?

Learning How To Manage Your Emotions Will Help You Achieve Inner Peace

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