Skip to main content

Ad Exchange

Put yourself a cut above the rest

What does it take to be a cut above the rest? Here are some of the things you can think and improve on that should be enough for a week.

1. Know your purpose 
Are you wandering through life with little direction—hoping that you'll find happiness, health, and prosperity? Identify your life purpose or mission statement, and you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your truth north every time.

This may seem tricky at first when you see yourself to be in a tight or even dead end. But there's always that little loophole to turn things around, and you can make a big difference to yourself.

2. Know your values 
What do you value most? Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning. As you set your goals for 2005—check your goals against your values. If the goal doesn't align with any of your top five values—you may want to reconsider it or revise it.

The number shouldn't discourage you, instead it should motivate you to do more than you can ever dream of.

3. Know your needs 
Unmet needs can keep you from living authentically. Take care of yourself. Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? There are so many people who lived their lives without realizing their dreams and most of them end up being stressed or even depressed for that matter. List your top four needs and get them met before it's too late!

4. Know your passions 
You know who you are and what you truly enjoy in life. Obstacles like doubt and lack of enthusiasm will only hinder you, but will not derail your chance to become the person you ought to be. Express yourself and honour the people who have inspired you to become the very person you wanted to be.

5. Live from the inside out 
Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind. For most of us city slickers, it's hard to even find the peace and quiet we want, even in our own home. In my case, I often just sit in a dimly lit room and play some classical music. There's sound, yes, but music does soothe the savage beast.

6. Honour your strengths 
What are your positive traits? What special talents do you have? List three—if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help identify these. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you can share what you know to others.

7. Serve others 
When you live authentically, you may find that you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, you give back in service what you came to share with others—your spirit—your essence. The rewards for sharing your gift with those close to you is indeed rewarding, much more if it were to be according to a stranger who can appreciate what you have done for them.

Self-improvement is indeed one type of work that is worth it. It shouldn't always be within the confines of an office building, or maybe in the four corners of your room. The difference lies within ourselves and how much we want to change for the better.

Comments

Most Read This Week

Why We Dream But Don't Do

Countless people dream of becoming entrepreneurs, but they never do. They’re burdened with excuses and fears of failing. From money to time to responsibilities, you can make a million cases for not starting a business. Let’s face it, being your own boss is scary. In most cases, new business owners have a lot to lose with little insight into their chances of success. Worrying about the risks of business ownership is normal. But, excuses only slow you down from reaching your goals. If you really want to start a business, you need to address the reasons you think you can’t start a business and get rid of them. Find a solution to the issue rather than let it hold you back. Money: Lack of funds is a common barrier. But, there are ways to start a business without a lot of capital. You can bootstrap your business, meaning you use your own resources to get started. You can also look for investors or take out loans. Time: Time is another common excuse. You may think you don’t have enough time ...

Why “Try Before You Buy” Doesn’t Always Work

Digital life is filled with tempting offers: “Try it for free!” “Download now and experience the magic!” But beneath the alluring promises, a common marketing strategy lurks: the free trial. While seemingly harmless, this approach can backfire, especially for businesses aiming to build a loyal customer base. The allure of a free trial is undeniable. It offers a risk-free opportunity to explore a product or service, seemingly with no strings attached. However, this perception is often misleading. T he Hidden Costs of Free Trials While the initial download or signup might be free, the true cost of a free trial can be significant. Time and Energy: Users invest time and effort learning a new tool, exploring its features, and potentially adapting their workflow. If the trial doesn’t meet their needs, this investment is wasted. Risk of Disappointment: The excitement of a free trial can quickly turn into frustration if the product falls short of expectations. This can lead to a negative perce...

Gravitas is not About Being Arrogant or Aloof

In the corporate world, “gravitas” is a coveted quality. It’s that intangible aura of competence, importance, and respect that commands attention and inspires trust. While often associated with face-to-face interactions, gravitas can also be projected through written communication, video calls, and even phone conversations. Beyond the Physical Presence Think of gravitas as a combination of character, attitude, and mannerisms that radiate confidence and authority. It’s about conveying a sense of purpose, knowledge, and integrity. Here are some key elements of gravitas that translate across mediums: Clarity and Coherence: Speak and write with precision and purpose. Avoid ambiguity and rambling. Principled Stand: Clearly understand your values and be willing to stand by them. This translates to taking firm positions and expressing your opinions confidently. Direction and Purpose: Demonstrate a clear vision for your work and life. Show that you are moving towards something meaningful. Cont...