Powerful Laws to Achieve Anything You Want Faster

The speed at which we learn can determine the quality of our lives. Imagine if you could achieve a goal you’ve always wanted in a matter of months versus years. How would that affect your life? The most important step to achieve anything, is to first learn how to do it.
Countless learning experts and researchers have shown us that it is possible to learn anything in a fraction of the average expected time, it’s just a matter of following the right framework. Now, I’m not promising any miracles here. You are going to have to put in the work, sweat, and effort to get to where you want to be. But if you decide to take these 6 frameworks to heart and apply it into your learning process, you’ll get there a lot faster.

1. Prime your mind

The first step of learning faster always starts in the mind. Just like we have to warm up before an intense workout, we need to warm up the mind so we’re fully alert to take on any challenge.
There’s a couple of things you can do to prime your mind:
a. Working out – Physical exercise is not only great for the physical body, but studies have shown that it can improve memory and cognitive functions in our brain, even after a 15-minute session. As always, you should complement your exercise with lots of water because reaction time, responsiveness, and overall mental function is improved when you’rehydrated, and dehydration is known to be more widespread than most people think.

b. Meditation – When you’re getting you “om” on, your mind refreshens, rejuvenates, and clears in your thinking process. This allows you to become more creative, reduce anxiety, and sharpens your mind to learn.
c. Priming – Ever wondered how Tony Robbins can run a 54-hour seminar at the peak of his energy? He says it’s because of priming.
Priming is Tony’s secret weapon and it works like this:

1. Stand up and breathe in from your nose and out from your mouth in rapid speed. You can even bounce up and down using your calves to get your entire body moving. Do 3 sets of 30 reps.
2. Sit down and close your eyes. Then think of 3 things that you’re grateful for. This step is allows you to be grateful for what you have, and getting rid of fear in your life.
3. Think of 3 major action steps that you will be accomplishing for the day, and visualize yourself as if it’s already done.

ProSolutions National 2006

2. Model from the top

“Good artists copy. Great artists steal.” -Pablo Picasso

No matter what you want to learn or accomplish, there’s someone in the world that has already achieved what you want.
In other words, there’s no sense in reinventing the wheel. As Tony Robbins puts it:

Many great leaders have proven that the fastest way to master any skill, strategy or goal in life is to model those who have already forged the path ahead. If you can find someone who is already getting the results that you want and take the same actions they are taking, you can get the same results.

In today’s information age, your mentors and coaches can be in the form of biographies, books, videos, and the abundance of knowledge that’s available for those who seek it. There’s dozens of solutions, such as Clarityto help entrepreneurs, CreativeLIVE to help photographers, or Rype to help language learners.

3. Put in the work

No matter how determined we are or how much information we obtain from the people we are modeling, nothing happens until we put in the work. This means we all have to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty.
A study done on professional violinists back up the law of immersion and the 10,000 hour rule popularized by Macolm Gladwell. The difference between “good” and “professional” players was 2,000 hours (10,000 versus 8,000).

While the 10,000 hour rule is still being debated by several learning experts, it doesn’t defeat the fact that immersion through repetition of the task at hand is the only way to achieve mastery. There are no shortcuts.

4. Experiment and iterate

The more experiments we run in what we’re trying to accomplish, the faster we can figure out what’s working and not working. Sometimes this involves going against what you believe in, but rather embracing that there are things we don’t know, we don’t know. Most of us understand the deadliness of multitasking, but we still continue to do it. A study on multitasking showed that it takes an average 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back your full focus, once distracted from the task at hand.

Since multitasking is so deadly and our focus is limited, one way we can maximize our output is to drop what doesn’t work.
The easiest way to do this is to apply the Pareto’s law into your task. In almost anything we do, there’s a few vital tasks that give you the majority of your desired results.
For example:

• 80% of your happiness comes from 20% of the people in your life
• 80% of your income comes from 20% of your tasks
• 80% of your knowledge comes from 20% of the mentors, books, or solutions

Only a few things matter, and your job is to know which ones do and which ones you should drop.

5. Persist

In anything we do, we won’t see the results we originally expected. In fact, the bigger your vision, the longer it will take to achieve it. It takes a lot longer to lose 20 lbs than to gain 3 lbs. It takes significantly longer to build a $100M business than to build a $100,000 business. Whenever we’re learning anything new, we all go through the same learning curve — no matter how hard we work or how talented we are.

For people who don’t understand that “The Dip” is only a natural part of the learning process, it’s easy to lose motivation.
In fact, “The Dip” is when the majority of people quit — just moments before their biggest breakthrough results.
Don’t quit on your dreams just because you’re not getting the results you desire in this moment.
If you have a clear vision, someone to model, and embrace massive experimentation, there’s no reason not to give up.

Secrets People Who Get Exactly What They Want Know But You Don’t

Getting what you want out of life isn’t about being a lucky person. It isn’t about being born into a rich and successful family. It’s not about being at the right place at the right time. You don’t have to be a genius or acquire special skills. Knowing how to get what you want is something we can all achieve. Incorporating these four tips into your daily routine will help to get you where you want and need to be.

1. Visualize What You Want

Visualizing what you want will help manifest them into reality. Visualize every morning how you want your day to be. Every night, think about the day you just had, focus on the good aspects and then visualize them. Be thankful and grateful that these good things happened. Instead of stressing over the bills, visualize yourself writing the checks to get them paid. Instead of worrying about your boss, visualize yourself being accomplished and productive at work. Visualize where you want to be next week; next year. Don’t fret over the how, when, where, why…just picture yourself there and the rest will fall into place.
In “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, she suggests a ‘vision board’ in addition to the visualizations in your mind. Having a poster or bulletin board decorated with your favorite things; the things you want; the things you hope to acquire, can be a helpful tool.

2. Communication effectively

Visualizing what you want is the first step. Communicating those wants is the second. Don’t let the fear of rejection or insecurity stand in your way of communicating your wants and needs. Speak openly and honestly. Be clear in your terms and what you expect the outcome to be. Be accepting of how others feel and respond, but don’t back down or walk way until your point has been made. Know who you’re talking to, know what you want to say, and be yourself. If you are communicating effectively, a common ground with others can always be met.

3. Ask For What You Want

Do you know how to get what you want? Ask for it! It’s one thing to have good communication, but sometimes just talking isn’t enough; you must come right out and ask. There is nothing wrong with being straightforward and bold. There is no vanity in being honest and confident. You can’t get the promotion at work if you don’t apply for it. You won’t get extra help around the house if you don’t let your family know you need it. Your secret crush won’t be aware of your feelings if you don’t let him or her know about them. There is no guarantee that you’ll always get the answer you are hoping for, but at least you’ll know for sure, and can work on your next strategy from there.

4. Work Hard and Be Persistent

This sounds so cliché, but it’s very true. Knowing how to get what you want is key, but working hard to achieve it is critical as well. You can’t lie back and watch the world go around just because you are aware of what to do; you have to put those thoughts into actions. Getting what you want requires daily motivation and persistence. You can never give up; you can never lose sight. If you are working towards a degree in school, you must study often. If you are working towards a promotion, you must put in extra hours. Make a plan and commit to following through. It won’t always be easy, but when you set your mind to working hard, it can and will be accomplished.
Life can sometimes be a struggle, but it never has to feel like a losing battle. Incorporating positive energy into your life on a daily basis will wash out all the negativity that holds you back from getting what you want. Visualize, communicate, ask and work hard, all the successes you want in life will be yours!

Money Saving Tips for a Balanced Life

Money means a lot, no matter where one is at present on the financial journey, but we all know it is possible that a single incident can turn the table around. So it’s important to save money for a financial crisis. Following are some saving tips that can help to monitor your spending habits.

1. Start selling, stop collecting

People have many things which they are not using. But still, they keep these things. In the first place, one should not buy such things, but since you already have them. try to to sell them off. Today we have number of online sites where we can our stuff; and use the funds for number of other worthy financial goals.

2. Sign up for free customer rewards

There are number of retailers who are attracting the customers by giving out reward point for every purchase you make no matter where you live. So try to sign up for such. Just create a Yahoo or Gmail address just for this purpose and collect as many cards you can. One can add these discounts and rewards to earn points on purchases at the store by using rewards credit cards for cash back or some other benefits. Remember the above point and buy only what you need.

3. Decide your shopping list and stick to it

Create a list before you go for grocery shopping, it’s the easiest way to save money as you will buy only things which are there on your list. When you are without a list, you tend to end up with unplanned purchases and making impulse buys, things that cost you money but are not really required.
Creating a shopping list not only helps you to buy items that fit your meal plan, it also helps in avoiding buying food which you might waste. It’s not about creating a list, but more importantly, sticking to it, that makes all the difference.

4. Declutter that closet

Look in your closets and find everything and anything which you are not using any more. Don’t just throw it away, use it for your benefit. You can sell those on eBay or the consignment shop, or donate it for the tax deduction. All of these options result in money in your pocket for the old stuff you don’t want anymore. Decluttering is also psychologically refreshing experience.

5. Move your bank account to get more perks 

Now a day’s banks are offering a number of benefits to lure the customers, like greater interest rate or zero monthly fees for your saving account. Try to do a  research of newest banking offers in market. Some banks even offer sign up bonuses just for opening an account and for setting up direct deposit.

6. Avoid convenient foods and fast food

Instead of nuking on prepackaged dinner or fast food when you get home, one should try to make something healthy and simple for yourself. An hour’s worth of preparation will leave you with a number of easy, cheap snacks and dinner options. This will not only save your money, but also keeps you healthy which is an even better result than just saving money.

7. Install LED or CFL wherever required

You can save money by being careful in your use of electricity. One should make use of energy efficient light bulbs that might cost a bit more, but have a longer life than normal bulbs. These use less electricity which results in saving money on your electricity bills. There are two types of bulbs you can use: CFLs or LEDs. Though LEDs are a bit more expensive than CFLs, they light up instantly, doesn’t get too hot, and last for decades.

8. Remove your credit card details from online sites

People tend to save time by saving their credit card details in online account. Its easy way to buy things just clicks and buys, which leads to unnecessary purchases. The best way to avoid this is simply delete your card information from your account.
In that way, you be forced to dig out your card and look for details which will give you some time to think whether you really need this or not. It is irritating filling the details time and again. Sometimes being forced to do these extra steps is all you need to convince yourself that you do not need these items.

9. Do price comparison

Most of us buy grocery from the same store without even realizing that some other stores have better deals. Just prepare the list of things you want to buy, and then shop the same items at different stores each time. Thus eventually, you will find which store has cheaper rates. Just make this store your regular shopping point and you will be able to save some money.

10. Avoid using credit cards

People use credit cards out of temptation, for impulse buys. You should use it for emergencies only. Hide credit cards by keeping them at a safe place in home, not in the wallet. Try not to carry it around as we sometimes we end up buying things which are not required, resulting in loss of money.

LIFEHACK

How To Write An IT Report and Get an A

Industrial Training report should be prepared for each period of approved employment. The report is expected to demonstrate development of practical and professional skills in Engineering through technical experience and application of theoretical knowledge and research project/topic if there is. Development of skills in dealing with people, and communication skills form part of the training experience. Students should seek advice from their employers to ensure that no confidential material is included into the report. The student should be able to present the report to prospective employers, as a complement to their degree. The following should be observed:
i. Length of training
ii. Preliminary information

iii. Technical report/diary
References should be made in the text to books, technical papers, standards etc., used during the training period and should be listed.
Finally, a conclusion should include comprehensive comments on the type and value of experience gained, and how this relates to your professional career.
A copy of the report should be submitted to your employer (advised), another copy to the Faculty (required-through the respective Adviser). Students should also retain a personal copy (advised) of the report.
Guideline for Preparation of Industrial Training Report
1. Introduction
The purpose of the Industrial Training is to provide exposure for the students on practical engineering fields. Through this exposure, students will have better understanding of engineering practice in general and sense of frequent and possible problems. This training is part of the learning process. So, the exposure that uplifts the knowledge and experience of a student needs to be properly documented in the form of a report. Through this report, the experience gain can be delivered to their peers. A properly prepared report can facilitate the presentation of the practical experience in an orderly, precise and interesting manner.
2. Purpose of the Report
a) Put down in writing the record of the training experience i.e personal performance reflection;
b) Implanting engineering expertise onto the students, that is, preparation of technical reports, communications, technical evaluation and design;
c) Means of summarizing the experience of a student;
d) Train student in effective writing as a preparation for the Final Year Project.
3. Contents and Format of Report
The procedure for preparation of the report has to follow the format determined by the Faculty based on the guidelines below.
a) General Report Format
The report has to be typewritten on white A4 size paper, font-size of 12 points with type face of Times New Roman has to be used throughout the report, with line spacing of 1.5 (Appendix A).
The report has to be properly bound with ‘staple and tape binding’.
b) Front Cover Format
Students are advised to use ‘310 gram Whiteart Card’ in as the front cover. The format for the front cover should be as shown in appendix.
c) Abstract/Preface
This section of the report should consist of brief description of the following:
i.          Activities of the Organization
ii.          Summary of the Report
iii.         Acknowledgement
This section of the report is limited to two (2) pages only. A sample is shown in Appendix.
d) Table of Contents
This section of the report should consist of:
i.          Titles
ii.          Sub-titles
iii.         Page numbers
Every appendix must have a title and each page must be page numbered accordingly.

e) Background of Company/Organization
Brief and concise description of the company/organization in which the student is undertaking the industrial training. The main items are:
i.          History
ii.          Structural organization of main activity
iii.         Title and position of the officer in responsible
iv.        Others deemed necessary (no more than three (3) pages)
f) Summary of Duties (This section will be separate as LOG BOOK)
This section should be the brief description of the time, duration and types of duty carried out during the training. The description must follow the schedule of the training, that is, in chronological order (24 weeks). The days when the student is not on duty must be properly recorded with reasons given. Letter of permission must be attached in the appendix.
g) Working Experience
In this section, the student must describe the experience gained according to titles considered appropriate. For example, the main items are:
i.          Projects carried out
ii.          Supervisory works
iii.         Problems encountered
iv.        Problems solved
h) Summary
Student should provide an overall discussion in this section and arrive at a conclusion with regards to the industrial training undergone. Subjects that may be presented are:
i.          Types of experience gained
ii.          Problems
iii.         Views and recommendations
i) References
Provided that there are important resources that are used as references while preparing the report, a complete list of the titles of references concern must be included.

j) Appendix
Appendixes are additional information considered appropriate to support the main text. Suggested appendixes are:

i.          Investigation/project report during the industrial training
ii.          Technical drawings etc.
4. Others
a) Figures/Tables
All figures, tables and similar contents must be captioned and labeled. Every figure or table must be mentioned in the main text.
b) List of Notations and Symbols
If the report contains notations and symbols, the full definition must be given when each notation or symbol first appeared in the main text. The list of notations and symbols with the full definitions can be placed after ‘Table of Contents’.
Every appendix must have a title and be mentioned in the main text where appropriate. All page numbers must for appendixes must be continual from the main text.
DO NOT include irrelevant materials, e.g. brochures from the organizations, order forms, organization newsletters and similar materials.
Industrial Training Assessment
The industrial training performance assessment will be based on:

• Industrial Training Supervisor’s STUDENT EVALUATION FORM where the student are attached for training (20%)
• Industrial Training Adviser report through visit or survey (10%)
• Log Book (15%)
• Industrial Training Report ( 30%)
•  Oral Presentation (25%)

Based on the criteria above, the results of the Industrial Training is as follows:
a)         Pass
b)         Fail
Students are advised to give a serious consideration in writing their report. The report must be in good quality and explain all the industrial experience and knowledge gained. The report must not be in notes form and figurative form. If the report is not satisfactory, the students may be ask to rewrite the report again until it is in satisfactory manner.
Completion of Industrial Training
At completion of a training period, a confirmation letter must be obtained from your employer.
Industrial Training Report is to be submitted to the school within 28 days after the completion of Industrial Training.
Upon approval of your Industrial Training report by the School, this confirmation letter will be included in your student file, as evidence of a successfully completed industrial experience.
Administration
Industrial Training is facilitated by the Faculty with the consultation of the Industrial Training Coordinator/SIWES office, and is managed for each department by the respective Adviser for Industrial Training.
Administrative matters are handled by the Departmental Advisers to maintain records of employment, approvals given by the respective Advisers (approval of training program, approval of final training report), letters of confirmation, and registration of all reports submitted.
All approvals and variations are dealt with by the respective Advisers. Assessments and other academic matters are dealt with by an Industrial Training Panel.
REMEMBER:
–           PLACEMENT WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL DOES NOT COUNT
–           PLACEMENT UNREGISTERED WITH DEPARTMENT/FACULTY DOES NOT COUNT
–           AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF 24 WEEKS OF APPROVED PLACEMENT
PLUS PASSING THE ASSESSMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR GRADUATION.
BEST WISHES FOR A REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING! (whenever it is)

Reasons why you must pursue a masters degree

Many people wonder if it is really worth it to pursue a Masters degree after their first degree. And to be honest there are several views on the topic.
For most people the major motive behind going for masters is the bigger paycheck and better job security., Yet are there other reasons you should pursue a masters degree apart from the financial benefits?
Below are 7 reasons:

1. In-depth knowledge:
While your first degree might be due to norm or parental pressure, deciding to pursue a masters degree in any course of study is sure to give you an in-depth knowledge in that field. You will be able to speak with authority and even improve on the way things are done in that field of study.

2. Job Opportunities:
While this may look like an obvious benefit, many do not understand that this is a great advantage. As a masters degree holder in any course of study, you are automatically qualified to serve as a consultant in that field. this means that you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of job offers, unlike bachelor degree holders.

3. Free Education
Most times scholarship opportunities and work study programs exists for those who want to pursue a masters degree, so most times you do not have to spend as much as you actually think. also some programs organize a stipend for masters degree students.

4. It Offers the opportunity to Change Careers
Some may not be happy with the degree they have from their bachelors. Therefore the masters degree gives you an opportunity to make a change to a more suitable course, one you prefer and enjoy.

5. Respectability

The respect you get from people also make pursuing a masters degree worthwhile. When someone says i have a PhD in this field, it marks him out as an intellectual and an authority. people will tend to seek his opinion on matters relating to that field.

Ways to Save Money and Be Rich after You graduate

There’s no one among us who does not like to have more money. If you sometimes wonder about how the rich and successful have so much of it though, you need to read on. We have compiled a list of hacks that you can apply in your daily life to save money the way wealthy people do.

1. Be careful about small expenses

All of us are usually careful about making big investments and huge purchases. However, we tend to spend recklessly on seemingly small expenses.
But of course, these small expenses can amass to a big amount.
As Suze Orman rightly pointed out, “Look everywhere you can to cut a little bit from your expenses. It will all add up to a meaningful sum.”

2. Focus on the future

It is very easy to spend money for getting something that we like but at the end of the day, you will end up spending everything no matter how well you earn. Shift your focus to the future instead of getting satisfaction in the present.

“You can be young without money, but you can’t be old without it.” – Tennessee Williams

3. Don’t buy unnecessary things to make an impression on people

Although we all like to have good feedback from our peers and friends regarding the things we own, we need to set a limit for us. You should buy things that you need but don’t just buy those to impress others. Otherwise the sky isn’t the limit for buying things!
“Stop buying things you don’t need, to impress people you don’t even like.” – Suze Orman

4. Put things in black and white

There are so many expenditures in today’s world that you would end up without any savings if you don’t plan and budget your money; the inflows and the outflows. Wealthy people know where their money comes from and where it goes.
An Excel sheet can really help you in this regard.
“A budget is telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went.”- John C. Maxwell

5. Work hard

Unlike the common perception that wealthy people just have fun and enjoy their life, the reality is that they work harder than the common person, at least in the most productive age. So try to increase your income, and when it gets increased, save a larger portion of it than ever before.
“I like business and the truth is I save way more than I spend. I invest. I plan for the future. I have a special eye for opportunities and work harder than anyone might expect.” – Sofia Vergara

6. Save a huge portion of your income

Again, we think that wealthy people are always splurging and spending on things. No, they are not. That is why they remain wealthy.
They always save a portion of their income. So save a large proportion of what you get. This will ensure that you do not run out of money at any point in time.
“Save one-third, live on one-third and give away one-third.” – Angelina Jolie

7. Make the most of sales and bargains

Just like us, the rich love to get the highest value of money. They always try to look for getting more value through finding great deals, bargains and discounts.
“Why should you pay more for something that someone else is paying less for?” – Sarah Michelle Gellar

8. Invest your savings wisely

We usually ignore the small amounts but such tiny amounts can add up to a substantial sum. If you have more, it is even better. To top it, if you invest the money properly, you will be amazed at the result yourself.
“A penny here, and a dollar there, placed at interest, goes on accumulating, and in this way the desired result is attained. It requires some training, perhaps, to accomplish this economy, but when once used to it, you will find there is more satisfaction in rational saving than in irrational spending.”  – P. T. Barnum

9. Practice the Millionaire’s Formula

A common man’s way of thinking is usually that he saves after meeting the necessary expenditures. A wealthy person’s style is the opposite: we like to call this the Millionaire’s Formula.
Here’s how it goes: upon receiving your income, put a certain percentage towards giving back to the community, and also a certain percentage for your investments for your financial goals. Only spend what is left.
“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffet

10. Close leakages

The wealthy don’t ever pay any unnecessary charges. They remain very careful about the fees and charges that can be avoided.
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” – Benjamin Franklin

Follow these simple, practical tips in your life and you will be able to see the difference yourself. Happy savings!

Habits That Will Stop You From Achieving Sucess

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“I would be so successful if someone just gave me a shot!”

Many people out there have mindsets and attitudes that set them up for failure. When confronted with possible reasons for failure, or a lack of personal success, they often end up just making excuses. Here are 10 particular bad habits that keep those people from achieving success.

1. Loafing

They’ll write that novel just as soon as they’re done with their favorite show. Oh, but now they’re hungry. They’ll get started after a snack. Oh, but now that snack has made them sleepy–a little nap couldn’t hurt, right?
One of the hardest, and the most obvious, parts of achieving success is the actual work. Procrastinating, making excuses or tricking themselves into loafing is just going to cement the fact that nothing will ever get done. It might not sound pretty, or even too easy, but the easiest way to get to success is to just jump in and get going (which is exactly how I got started).

2. Blaming

It’s not their fault they’re not successful. The industry is bad, they don’t have the money, etc. When it comes down to it, however, who is the one responsible for their success? Themselves.
This is the day and age where people are launching successful start-ups in a few months, getting published online and finding their way to success one way or another. Some things might be out of their control, but blaming others is just going to waste the energy and time they need to get going.

3. Sour grapes

Being envious of the success of others is almost as bad as blaming them. All the time and energy they could be putting into their own goals is going towards a person who more than likely has done nothing but show them that the goal is attainable. They don’t have to be applauding their success, but being envious and sour about it is a waste of time–let it roll off the shoulders and dig down towards accomplishing goals.

4. Minimizing others success

Again, they don’t have to be cheering and raving about the success of others, but minimizing their accomplishments looks bad on them and on their own goals. If they attained success, would they want others rolling their eyes and treating it like it is not a big deal in the slightest? I highly doubt it. “So they climbed Mount Everest, big whoop. Plenty of people have done it before.” Have they?

5. Talking

They’re going to do this, they’re going to do that–the proof is in the pudding, ultimately. Talking about their goals and what they’re going to accomplish is all well and good, but talking time is better spent actually doing. Talking about goals has actually been shown to make you less likely to reach them, so zip up those chattering lips and dive in.

6. Making assumptions

You know what they say about the word ‘assume’, it makes an (inappropriate word I’ll leave out of this article) out of ‘u’ and ‘me’ . Unsuccessful people are the best at making assumptions without considering other outlets or opportunities. Missed chance after missed chance can put anyone behind, or completely ruin something that they poured a lot of hard work into. People are often surprised at what happens if they take a chance instead of listening to that little pessimist inside their heads. ‘Never assume’ is good advice and it is a mindset they should get out of as quickly as possible.

7. Procrastinating

This one is obvious, isn’t it? It’s about the same as loafing, but even worse because it applies to multiple areas of our lives. That big project? Eh, its not due for a week. Dreams? Eh, going to be taking a class to learn how to write in a few months, I’m just relaxing until then.
Procrastination is not the friend of successful people. Many of them had to learn how to either make procrastination work for them or to barrel through it and press on, even with the proverbial sloth demanding you park it on the couch.

8. Naysaying

“It will never work. It is impossible, I just can’t …” That is about when it is time to take a good look at what they’re doing. There are a plethora of people out there that once thought the same thing: they can’t get a man into space, they can’t find a way for a human to fly, they can’t cure a disease. Well, people did what was once considered impossible. If they can defy the entire world, why can’t they defy the internal pessimist and get there? Don’t say that it is impossible. In the world we live in today, it seems like impossible is becoming a word that gets weaker every day.

9. Consuming

Fast food, energy drinks, trash TV–their brain is sobbing at the thought. With all the time spent taking in things that are not good for their brain or body, how can anyone expect it to happily balance out and produce the stuff they need to achieve success? Output should be greater than input; though they don’t have to take the starving artist spiel literally. The point is, production is where the value is, not the absorption.

10. Quitting

“Well, I tried.” Sure, they tried once. That horse is shaking its head and trotting off to find someone who will get back on it. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with cutting losses sometimes. After all, no experience is ever truly wasted, but quitting is the mortal enemy to successful people. If they believe in something, they want to find that success, there is no road map. You may very well have to carve your own path through treacherous jungle. If they give up the first time a mosquito bites, then they’ve doomed themselves already.
Success, in large part, is about the human being in the arena. People cheer for them, their struggle and victory, but the person who watches idly and scoffs, having never tried has also never really lived.

Mindsets are not set in stone. It is never too late to get started and change perspective. After all, achieving success is completely up to them; they are the one making excuses and holding themselves back. Decide when it is time to stand up and get back into that arena.

FOR ASPIRANTS; CUT THE EXCITEMENT AND KNOW THESE THINGS

There I was on the couch watching Chelsea FC take out Leicester city FC, sipping up a banana flavor yogurt and off course, doing what every 21^st century human does with technology (gadgets); “chatting on facebook”. I was in such a great mood I decided to have some nice little chat with several aspirants. There was this economics aspirant (am sure she’s reading) who called me and kept telling me how excited she was about her screening coming up. I understood though, she couldn’t help her excitement, perfectly understandable, but I kept wondering if she was equally as prepared as her excitement level seem. So I tried screening her myself. As a prospective economics student that she was I asked her what the major tools for economic analysis were, she kept quiet as I waited, and told me she didn’t know. I was shocked. I was shocked big-time. I asked her what a “budget” was and again she didn’t know. I just spent the rest of the day wondering what she thought she was coming to KSU to do. The more I thought I started generalizing, “with all this relative excitement, what do these aspirants think they are coming to KSU to do?”

Let’s get some things perfectly clear, no staff in KSU (academic or non-academic) is going to sit with you during your screening and ask you “what is the name of the v.c” kind off questions and recommend your name for admission based on those kinds of questions. No, it’s not done. So if you are sitting somewhere thinking that’s what you’re going to meet, sorry to disappoint you but that’s most likely not what you’re going to get. So what are you getting excited about, because if you’re all excited like it’s the 25^th of December I hope for your sake you’re equally prepared.

Quite simply, it’s a test, which will be conducted orally in an interactive manner. So like the former computer based test, it’s still a test. A quick insight, shall we;

·         The advantage of this format is that questions are most likely going to be based around your course of study unlike before when candidates had to read wide to pass.

·         Come your screening date it won’t matter who you know in and around the institution. The people screening you most likely won’t know or give damn about you.

·         The only key to your success based on the advantage listed first (the test revolves around your course of study) is how prepared you are.

Below, is exactly what you need to do to be fully prepared:

-          Know the basics (very very important): how would you expect to gain admission as a geography aspiring candidate if you don’t know what percentage of the earth is covered by water, or as a math aspiring candidate if you don’t know what regression line analysis means in statistic. There is no course in the institution that does have its basics (like mass communication starting from communication, or sociology being about the environment and so on) which you should have prior knowledge about either through your secondary school or through………..

-          Doing proper research about your course of study: no matter how sound you think you are in the knowledge of your (prospective) course of study you still have to keep researching. Knowledge as they say is never enough, never ending so no matter how much you think you know there’s still a billion other things you don’t know so keep studying and researching until what you know is sufficient to see you through.

-          Dot all I’s and cross all T’s: like I said in the point above, you have to find the loopholes in your knowledge of your course of study fix them in time for your screening. Fact is, it’s just a couple of hours, but it’s the most important “couple of minutes” of your life, for now (except you’re getting ready to marry soon or something) and you have to prepare adequately for it.

-          Work on yourself: your physical appearance, your diction, your style of talking, your mode of talking, your tone of talking, the way you relate and so on. You have to work on these things, make sure they’re in sync. You have to be charismatic enough to face anybody, and speak confidently to sway anybody during your screening. Balance is also very key to, don’t appear too confident, don’t laugh too much, or at least don’t laugh when it absolutely not necessary. Don’t just frown your face like ginger bread. Be yourself but work on yourself.

-          Browse through your secondary school stuffs over and over and over………and over again: yep. Absolutely necessary too. Keep yourself fresh.

-          Know thy God: this does not need much explanation, you know what I mean.

Do all this and yes, you are good to go. Do all this and yes, you are prepared. Cut the excitement now and do these things.

Am out!!!!

J.L.O

The Journey These Students Take to School Will Make You Value Education

Most of us caught the bus, got dropped off by our parents, or walked a couple of blocks to school. And most of us have been late on our journeys to school once or a few too many times. When we were late, there was always the excuse of traffic, the bus broke down, or we missed it because we were talking to our friends. Over all, our journeys to school were pretty routine.

When it comes to getting into a routine, we tend to take advantage of things. In this case, our education. We knew the different routes to get to school the fastest and we knew classes would be in session when we got there. We didn’t have to worry about walking through a war zone, journeying for five hours through icy mountains, or tightrope walks above a flowing river to get to school.  

  

At some point we’ve been guilty of not caring about our education and complaining about having to go to school. But after learning about what these students around the world have to experience on their journeys to school, you may just realize how lucky we are and how precious education is.

Children in Sanghiang Tanjung, Indonesia venture across a broken suspension bridge.

Children from Batu Busuk village in Sumatra, Indonesia, tightrope walk 30 feet above a flowing river, followed by a 7-mile walk.

In the Philippines, elementary school students use inflated tubes to cross a river on the way to school in Rizal Province, followed by at least one hour of walking.

Vietnam students swim twice a day across a river to attend school at Trong Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district

In Columbia, kids who live in the rainforest journey to school down steel cables at 50 miles per hour.

It’s a 125 mile journey for boarding school students in China through mountains of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

Parents take their children through the Himalayas across ice and frost to boarding school.

A young girl in refugee camp Shuafat, near Jerusalem, walks to school despite the violence taking place between Israeli troops and Palestinian protestors.

These pictures of various journeys to school are to put some perspective of the common complaint we hear of “I don’t want to go to school today”. While some of us take school and educational opportunities for granted, there are young children around the world whose journeys to school are risky but, to them, it’s worth it all to get to school and learn.

Do you think your education is worth the risk? Maybe instead of teaching students how to get rich or what they need to do to get the best job out there, we should be teaching students how to value education.