POSITIVE ATTITUDEPOSITIVE ATTITUDE

Yes, it is all a matter of attitude.Yes, it is all a matter of attitude.

If you think you can, you’re right.If you think you can, you’re right.If you think you can’t, you’re right If you think you can’t, you’re right

again.again.

The world is your mirror The world is your mirror and your mind is a magnet.and your mind is a magnet.

• Life will give you what you Life will give you what you attract with your thoughts.attract with your thoughts.

• Think, act and talk negatively Think, act and talk negatively and your world will be negative. and your world will be negative.

• Think, act and talk with Think, act and talk with enthusiasm and you will enthusiasm and you will attract positive results. attract positive results. (Michael (Michael Lebeuf)Lebeuf)

Aruvinai enba ulavo?Aruvinai enba ulavo?(Is there anything impossible?)(Is there anything impossible?)

• If you use the If you use the right instrumentsright instruments and and choose the choose the right timeright time, that is., that is.

• Believe you can, you will. Believe you can, you will. • It’s all in your mind. Winning It’s all in your mind. Winning comes comes

from withinfrom within. . • It is not your It is not your aptitudeaptitude, but your , but your

attitudeattitude, that will determine your , that will determine your altitudealtitude in life. in life.

• Happiness is simply a result of Happiness is simply a result of choosing attitudes.choosing attitudes.

• Progress has always come from those Progress has always come from those who said it could be done.who said it could be done.

‘‘Njalam karuthinum Njalam karuthinum kaikoodum..’kaikoodum..’

Yes. Conquering the world. Even Yes. Conquering the world. Even that is possible, if only you would that is possible, if only you would act at the right time and from the act at the right time and from the right place!right place!

Smile, please. Smile, please.

• To be positive is natural.To be positive is natural.------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Be cheerful. Be cheerful. • Happiness is a state of mind. Happiness is a state of mind. If If

you think you are in heaven, you think you are in heaven, you are.you are.

• Use bright & positive Use bright & positive languagelanguage in in everything you do.everything you do.

• Think positive. Think positive. It is good for you.It is good for you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Expect the best. You will get it.Expect the best. You will get it.

““Not doing good is evil.”Not doing good is evil.”

• ‘‘Nallathu cheithal aatrir aayinumNallathu cheithal aatrir aayinum…’ …’ (Even if you cannot do good, refrain (Even if you cannot do good, refrain from evil at least) – is it enough? The from evil at least) – is it enough? The answer is, answer is, NoNo..

• ‘‘Cheithakka cheiyamaiyan kedum.Cheithakka cheiyamaiyan kedum.’ ’ ((““Not doing good results in evil.”)Not doing good results in evil.”)

• ‘‘Ollum vahaiyan aravinai ovatheOllum vahaiyan aravinai ovathe..’ ..’ Try to help in every little way, Try to help in every little way, whenever & wherever it is possible.whenever & wherever it is possible.

• Every time something good happens Every time something good happens to you, make sure something good to you, make sure something good happens to someone else.happens to someone else.

Be open. Be open.

• Free your mind from prejudices. Free your mind from prejudices. • Have an open mind. “Have an open mind. “Emptied, you Emptied, you

holdhold.”.”• Be receptive to ideas. Be receptive to ideas. • Be quick to listen. Be slow to respond.Be quick to listen. Be slow to respond.• Perceptions differ. What is right in your Perceptions differ. What is right in your

view view may not be thatmay not be that..• Don’t jump to conclusions. See the Don’t jump to conclusions. See the

other person’s point of view.other person’s point of view.

Be balanced!Be balanced!• Have a sound Have a sound sense of sense of proportionproportion..

• See the things See the things as they as they areare. See the . See the big as bigbig as big and the and the petty as pettypetty as petty. .

• Wisdom is knowing what Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.to overlook.

• Seeing negative is not Seeing negative is not being negative.being negative.

• Those who see the Those who see the negative are as negative are as important as those important as those who see the positive. who see the positive. (Plane & parachute)(Plane & parachute)

Think right towards Think right towards people.people.• Have a positive attitude towards Have a positive attitude towards

people. Find qualities in them to like.people. Find qualities in them to like.

• Everyone’s, just everyone’s, life is Everyone’s, just everyone’s, life is littered with compromises, morally littered with compromises, morally questionable decisions & inconsistent questionable decisions & inconsistent behaviour. Keep this in mind.behaviour. Keep this in mind.

• ““aethilar kutram pol than aethilar kutram pol than kutram ..” kutram ..” People can only be as People can only be as perfect as you are. Accept differences perfect as you are. Accept differences & limitations.& limitations.

• Judge them less harshly. Don’t be Judge them less harshly. Don’t be hostile when they slip up in tiny ways.hostile when they slip up in tiny ways.

““Rudeness is a weak person’s Rudeness is a weak person’s attempt at strength.”attempt at strength.”

• Be considerate, friendly & affable.Be considerate, friendly & affable.• Practise courtesy. Say - please.Practise courtesy. Say - please.• Tell the truth by all means, but Tell the truth by all means, but

with tact & kindness.with tact & kindness.• Explain. Do it patiently.Explain. Do it patiently.• Accommodate the other Accommodate the other

viewpoints.viewpoints.• Allow criticism. It is often Allow criticism. It is often

constructive. constructive. ‘Idipparai illa emara ‘Idipparai illa emara mannan…’mannan…’

‘‘Roudram pazhahuRoudram pazhahu.’.’((Learn to be angry)Learn to be angry)

• Know what to be angry about.Know what to be angry about.• One cannot be One cannot be neutral neutral between between

the right and the wrong. One so the right and the wrong. One so neutral is on the side of injustice. neutral is on the side of injustice.

• Evil multiplies when good people Evil multiplies when good people don’t champion what is right.don’t champion what is right.

• ““Injustice anywhere is a Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywherethreat to justice everywhere.”.”

• Not to be angry at injustice is Not to be angry at injustice is to be dishonestto be dishonest. .

But, manage that anger.But, manage that anger.

• Attack the thing rather than the Attack the thing rather than the person.person.

• If you must say unpleasant things, If you must say unpleasant things, say them in a pleasant way.say them in a pleasant way.

• Sugar-coat your criticisms.Sugar-coat your criticisms.• It is easy to say a few mean words It is easy to say a few mean words

in the heat of the moment. Refrain.in the heat of the moment. Refrain.• Don’t drag out issues from the past.Don’t drag out issues from the past.• Don’t make any personality digs or Don’t make any personality digs or

snide remarks.snide remarks.• Avoid being embroiled in a Avoid being embroiled in a

screaming match.screaming match.

“ “ You can be young just once. You can be young just once. But you can be immature anytime! ”But you can be immature anytime! ”

• Resist the temptation to be Resist the temptation to be childish.childish.

• Be a grown up. Be mature. Be a grown up. Be mature. • Be liberal in outlook & considerate Be liberal in outlook & considerate

in action.in action.• Be understanding & forgiving. Be understanding & forgiving.

Refrain from mischief. Refrain from mischief. • ““An eye for an eye will leave An eye for an eye will leave

the whole world blindthe whole world blind.”.”• ‘‘Inna seitharai oruthalInna seitharai oruthal ….’ Do ….’ Do

good to the person who has done good to the person who has done you wrong. Let this be his you wrong. Let this be his punishment.punishment.

Grow up.Grow up. But retain the child in But retain the child in youyou.. • Be playful. Import fun into all Be playful. Import fun into all

things you do. things you do. (“We don’t stop (“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop we grow old because we stop playing.” – G B Shaw)playing.” – G B Shaw)

• Be lively, not half-dead. Be alive Be lively, not half-dead. Be alive to things around.to things around.

• View the world in wonderment. View the world in wonderment. Be curious. Be curious.

• Discover the joy in simple things Discover the joy in simple things & deeds. Relish them.& deeds. Relish them.

• Dream (but be wakeful). Dream (but be wakeful). What is What is life without impossible life without impossible dreams?dreams?

““Battles are won first in the minds Battles are won first in the minds before they are won in the before they are won in the battlefield.”battlefield.”....

• If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you d.If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you d.

If you don’t control what you think, If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do.you can’t control what you do.

Have a winning attitude.Have a winning attitude.• ‘‘Yes, we can.’Yes, we can.’• ‘‘We can make it We can make it

work.’work.’• ‘‘We are perfect for We are perfect for

this job.’this job.’• ‘‘We are a lean, We are a lean,

mean machine.’mean machine.’• ‘‘I’ll be glad to take I’ll be glad to take

responsibility.’responsibility.’• ‘‘It is a It is a

challenge.’challenge.’

• ‘‘I’ll come up with I’ll come up with alternatives.’alternatives.’

• ‘‘We have the We have the opportunity to be the opportunity to be the first.’first.’

• ‘‘There’s room for There’s room for improvement.’improvement.’

• ‘‘We shall learn We shall learn something new.’something new.’

• ‘‘Let’s try it a few Let’s try it a few more times.’more times.’

No great talentNo great talent without great willpowerwithout great willpower

• Those who are determined and work to Those who are determined and work to win will win, no matter what the destiny win will win, no matter what the destiny has ordained.has ordained. ( (TirukkuralTirukkural))

• The difficult can be done right away. The difficult can be done right away. The impossible will take only a little The impossible will take only a little longer.longer. ( (J R D TataJ R D Tata))

• There is nothing you cannot be, there is There is nothing you cannot be, there is nothing you cannot do, and there is nothing you cannot do, and there is nothing you cannot have. All you have nothing you cannot have. All you have to do is believe in you. to do is believe in you. (a newspaper advt)(a newspaper advt)

Aim high.Aim high.

• Let no horizon be too large for Let no horizon be too large for you to gaze at.you to gaze at.

• ““In the long run you hit only In the long run you hit only what you aim at.”what you aim at.”

• ““It is not failure but low aim It is not failure but low aim which is crime.”which is crime.”

• ““Kaana muyal eitha Kaana muyal eitha ambinilambinil…” (Aiming at an …” (Aiming at an elephant & failing is more elephant & failing is more glorious than targetting a glorious than targetting a rabbit & felling it.)rabbit & felling it.)

NNever quit. ever quit. No one can cheat you No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but you.out of ultimate success but you.

• Life is full of beginnings.Life is full of beginnings.• A mere bend in the road is not the A mere bend in the road is not the

end of it. end of it. • Have belief in yourself. Never sell Have belief in yourself. Never sell

yourself short.yourself short.• There is always some good in There is always some good in

every situation. Look out.every situation. Look out.• Sharpen your awareness to the Sharpen your awareness to the

opportunities that lie around.opportunities that lie around.• You will never know what can be You will never know what can be

done until you try it.done until you try it.

The secret to success is never to give upThe secret to success is never to give up..• Failures are but stepping stones to success. Failures are but stepping stones to success. • There are no mistakes in life, only lessons. There are no mistakes in life, only lessons. • Every failure is a lesson in learning.Every failure is a lesson in learning.• There is no failure except in no longer trying.There is no failure except in no longer trying.• Failing is not bad. Staying down is. Failing is not bad. Staying down is. • No failure is final.No failure is final.

--------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ““FailureFailure is a noun. The only fear it holds is a noun. The only fear it holds for us is in the meaning we give it. Define for us is in the meaning we give it. Define failure as giving up. Take control of it. ”failure as giving up. Take control of it. ” - - David TaylorDavid Taylor

‘‘Idukkan varungal nahuha!’Idukkan varungal nahuha!’Don’t give in.Don’t give in.

• Tough times don’t last.Tough times don’t last. What What comes after them is bound to be comes after them is bound to be good.good.

• ““The harder you fall, the higher The harder you fall, the higher you bounceyou bounce.” – American proverb.” – American proverb

• Learn to make the best of a Learn to make the best of a situation. Optimism is a duty cast situation. Optimism is a duty cast upon you.upon you.

• Have hope. Things may change in Have hope. Things may change in a day, and for the better.a day, and for the better.

““No pressure, no diamonds.”No pressure, no diamonds.” (Mary Case)(Mary Case)

One who feels bound remains One who feels bound remains bound.bound.Invest in yourself. Grow. Invest in yourself. Grow.

Keep growingKeep growingOnly those who dare reach Only those who dare reach

great heights.great heights.Opportunity exists only Opportunity exists only

when you can see it.when you can see it.Opportunity is no Opportunity is no

accident. It must be accident. It must be attracted.attracted.

Opportunity of a lifetime Opportunity of a lifetime should be seized within should be seized within the lifetime of the the lifetime of the opportunity.opportunity.

Don’t be weighed down by Don’t be weighed down by knowledge!knowledge!

• You are what you know. You are what you know. • Knowledge is power. But, Knowledge is power. But,

left unused, it has no left unused, it has no power in it. power in it.

• Little is ever achieved by Little is ever achieved by persons who are bookish.persons who are bookish.

Indifference and Indifference and unconcern make a unconcern make a superior & knowledgeable superior & knowledgeable person average.person average.

““He who has imagination without He who has imagination without knowledge knowledge has wings but no feethas wings but no feet.”.”Creativity without knowledge is rudderless. Creativity without knowledge is rudderless.

Build up knowledge. Build up knowledge. Imagination helps in exploring the unknown. Imagination helps in exploring the unknown.

Use imagination to go beyond knowledge.Use imagination to go beyond knowledge.Reinforce your skills. Constantly update Reinforce your skills. Constantly update

them.them.Rich vocabulary helps. Remember 1984 of Rich vocabulary helps. Remember 1984 of

George Orwell?George Orwell?A higher order language allows us A higher order language allows us

- to deal better with processes and things, - to deal better with processes and things, and and

– – to convey more, saying less./to convey more, saying less./

Where is the difference between a rut and a Where is the difference between a rut and a grave?grave?Only in the dimensions!Only in the dimensions!• ‘‘Should I stay with the routineShould I stay with the routine?’ ?’

No! Get out. Don’t be stuck in the present.No! Get out. Don’t be stuck in the present.• ‘‘When do I actWhen do I act?’?’

Act now. Follow it through. Till successAct now. Follow it through. Till success..• ‘‘Should I self-start orShould I self-start or..?’..?’

Be pro-active, not reactive. Don’t wait for Be pro-active, not reactive. Don’t wait for prompting.prompting.

• ‘‘How can I do moreHow can I do more??’ ’ Capacity is a state of mind. Do more of what you Capacity is a state of mind. Do more of what you do, just like that.do, just like that.

• ‘‘How can I do betterHow can I do better??’ ’ Crave for excellence in whatever you do. You Crave for excellence in whatever you do. You can do better by just willing to do better.can do better by just willing to do better.

““One is never too old to learn One is never too old to learn (something foolish?).”(something foolish?).”

• To read is to grow. To read is to grow. • To read is also to lead.To read is also to lead. • Learn something every day.Learn something every day.

• Katrilan ayinum ketka.. Katrilan ayinum ketka.. Listen. Listen. • Discussions make you richer.Discussions make you richer.

• Grow every day. Overtake Grow every day. Overtake yourself. yourself.

• Practise Practise KaizenKaizen. Make . Make incremental improvements, incremental improvements, every every dayday..

““Cheivana thiruntha cheiCheivana thiruntha chei.”.”

• Aim at Aim at perfectionperfection. Achieve . Achieve excellenceexcellence..• Develop an instinct for quality. It pays.Develop an instinct for quality. It pays.• If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.• Try to do it right Try to do it right at the very first at the very first

instanceinstance. A work done poorly must be . A work done poorly must be done again.done again.

• Do it Do it in timein time..• ““We are what we repeatedly do. We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence then is not an act, but a Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.”habit.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy of the country, Enemy of the country, and the people!and the people!

• Q: “Desh aur samaj ka dushman kise mante hain?”Q: “Desh aur samaj ka dushman kise mante hain?”• A: “Jo samay par apne kartavyon ko pura nahin A: “Jo samay par apne kartavyon ko pura nahin

karte hain.”karte hain.”

Belief & BehaviourBelief & Behaviour• Accept your Accept your limitations.limitations.• But be aware of your But be aware of your qualities & strengthsqualities & strengths. . • Change your Change your beliefsbeliefs, and you change your , and you change your

behaviourbehaviour. . • Change your behaviour, and you change your Change your behaviour, and you change your

results, results, and yourand your life itself life itself..• Self-limiting beliefsSelf-limiting beliefs are learnt behaviours. are learnt behaviours.

Anything that is learnt can be unlearnt as well. Anything that is learnt can be unlearnt as well. • List all negative beliefs. Replace them with the List all negative beliefs. Replace them with the

positive.positive.• Begin.Begin. Take the first step which is the most Take the first step which is the most

difficult. difficult. • Anything Anything worth doingworth doing is is worth failing atworth failing at, until , until

you get it right.you get it right.

Overcome your anxiety.Overcome your anxiety.• Failure is not a crime. All humans are fallible. Failure is not a crime. All humans are fallible. • It is not terrible to be not perfect.It is not terrible to be not perfect.• Negative stress comes from what you tell Negative stress comes from what you tell

yourself, like – yourself, like – ‘‘I must always succeed’. I must always succeed’. ‘‘I’ve to meet everyone’s expectations of I’ve to meet everyone’s expectations of

me.’me.’‘‘I’m no good unless I do everything right.I’m no good unless I do everything right.• Develop strategies to cope with stress & Develop strategies to cope with stress &

performance anxiety.performance anxiety.• Learn to like yourself.Learn to like yourself.• Make a list of positive things about yourself.Make a list of positive things about yourself.• Feel good about who you are & how you feel.Feel good about who you are & how you feel.

‘‘Thoongathey thambi Thoongathey thambi thoongathey..thoongathey..’’

• (Don’t doze off, brother, (Don’t doze off, brother, wake up) wake up)

• Also, be not a pretender. Also, be not a pretender. Be a performerBe a performer. .

• Being busy is irrelevant. It Being busy is irrelevant. It is performance that is performance that matters.matters.

• Slow performanceSlow performance and and under-performanceunder-performance are are bad enough. bad enough.

• Non-performanceNon-performance takes takes the cake: it is the cake: it is plain theftplain theft..

Annihilate these Annihilate these assumptions:assumptions:

• Inefficiency is normal.Inefficiency is normal.• Delays are inbuilt & Delays are inbuilt &

cannot be cut down.cannot be cut down.• Performance will not be Performance will not be

rewarded.rewarded.• Only manipulators will Only manipulators will

get ahead.get ahead.• We are made this way & We are made this way &

things just won’t things just won’t improve.improve.

• Things will get only Things will get only worse.worse.

• Nothing can be done.Nothing can be done.

““Experience is what you get when you Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wantdon’t get what you want.”- Dan Stanford.”- Dan Stanford

• ‘‘unchangeables’unchangeables’• Be ready: planned destruction Be ready: planned destruction

may be necessary before planned may be necessary before planned construction construction Dare! Innovate!Dare! Innovate!

• Don’t be risk-averse. Only those Don’t be risk-averse. Only those who dare reach new heights.who dare reach new heights.

• Dare to be different. Discovery Dare to be different. Discovery follows exploration.follows exploration.

• Challenge the givens & the.Challenge the givens & the.• Never mind that you didn’t Never mind that you didn’t

succeed. succeed.

““May you not enjoy the work you May you not enjoy the work you dodo!”!”

The worst possible The worst possible curse. That one is, in curse. That one is, in any language.any language.

Learn to like and enjoy Learn to like and enjoy the work.the work.

Any work, just any work, Any work, just any work, can be made can be made interesting.interesting.

There is always a better There is always a better way of doing things.way of doing things.

Do your work creatively. Do your work creatively. Import fun into it.Import fun into it.

If you see only problemsIf you see only problems you will have only problems!you will have only problems!

• ““Every solution contains a Every solution contains a problem within it.” problem within it.” syndrome. (Murphy’s syndrome. (Murphy’s Law)Law)

• ““Suppose we win?” Suppose we win?” syndrome.(The story of syndrome.(The story of the one crop nation the one crop nation planning to wage war on planning to wage war on the US)the US)

• ““If anything can go If anything can go wrong, it will.” (Sodd’s wrong, it will.” (Sodd’s Law)Law)

Weighing problem!Weighing problem!

• A man carrying a baby wanted to weigh the baby A man carrying a baby wanted to weigh the baby in a scale.in a scale.

• ““Our baby weighing machine has gone for repairs. Our baby weighing machine has gone for repairs. But we can weigh the baby on the general But we can weigh the baby on the general weighing machine,” the sales attendant offered.weighing machine,” the sales attendant offered.

• ““How will you do that?” asked the man.How will you do that?” asked the man.• ““Simple. We do it all the time. The father first Simple. We do it all the time. The father first

stands on the weighing machine with the baby. stands on the weighing machine with the baby. Then he stands without the baby.”Then he stands without the baby.”

• ““It won’t work,” said the man, looking It won’t work,” said the man, looking disappointed.disappointed.

• ““Why?”Why?”• ““Well, you see I’m the baby’s uncle, not his Well, you see I’m the baby’s uncle, not his

father.”father.”

Mind half-Mind half-used…used…

Look at pbms as challenges. Look at pbms as challenges. Success often Success often presents itself as an alluring challenge.presents itself as an alluring challenge.

Most problems are produced, or left unsolved, by Most problems are produced, or left unsolved, by half-used minds.half-used minds.

Face pbms with keenness & Face pbms with keenness & from a new from a new directiondirection, each time., each time.

Don’t jump to the obvious solution. Don’t jump to the obvious solution. (‘This is the (‘This is the tallest peak!’ syndrome)tallest peak!’ syndrome)

Challenge Challenge what is accepted. You will find a what is accepted. You will find a whole new world of possibilities uncovered.whole new world of possibilities uncovered.

Every problem has a Every problem has a lifespan..lifespan..

Know the stage at which it is .Know the stage at which it is . Compartmentalize. Prioritise. Compartmentalize. Prioritise. Recognize the minor hassles from the major ones. Recognize the minor hassles from the major ones.

Know what to worry about & what to take coolly. Know what to worry about & what to take coolly. Take one step at a time. Deal with them in small Take one step at a time. Deal with them in small

bits.bits. No knee-jerk reactions. No short-term patches.No knee-jerk reactions. No short-term patches. The real obstacles are not the pbms themselves, The real obstacles are not the pbms themselves,

but the wrong approaches to finding the but the wrong approaches to finding the solutions.solutions.

Think solution, not problem.Think solution, not problem.

See a solution, where others see a See a solution, where others see a pbm. There is a solution to every pbm. There is a solution to every problem.problem.

Try to solve, not prolong. Try to solve, not prolong. Ascertain the facts.Ascertain the facts. Have an uncluttered mind. Cut out Have an uncluttered mind. Cut out

the extraneous. Identify the core.the extraneous. Identify the core. Face the issue head on.Face the issue head on. Take it on Take it on

without breaking step.without breaking step. While with major pbm, stay detached.While with major pbm, stay detached. Intractable? Sleep over it . Let it work Intractable? Sleep over it . Let it work

its way out.its way out.

Cursing a flat tyre does not fix Cursing a flat tyre does not fix it.it.

• ‘‘If you can’t go over the hill, go If you can’t go over the hill, go around it. Digging a tunnel is a clear around it. Digging a tunnel is a clear option, if going to the other side is all option, if going to the other side is all that necessary.’that necessary.’

• The solution often lies in identifying The solution often lies in identifying the solvers.the solvers.

• Take help where needed.Take help where needed. ‘If ‘If something seems far too big, maybe something seems far too big, maybe it’s because you’re meant to share it’s because you’re meant to share the load with someone else.’the load with someone else.’

• Look for solutions where you will find Look for solutions where you will find them. (Mullah story)them. (Mullah story)

‘‘Gangrene cannot be cured with Gangrene cannot be cured with palliativespalliatives.’.’(Simon Bolivar)(Simon Bolivar)

Face pbms resolutely. Gordian Face pbms resolutely. Gordian knots may have to be cut. knots may have to be cut.

Extra-ordinary pbms call for Extra-ordinary pbms call for extra-ordinary solutions.extra-ordinary solutions.

Weeding out is necessary for a Weeding out is necessary for a good crop. good crop.

““Sometimes it is necessary to Sometimes it is necessary to go a long distance out of the go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a way in order to come back a short distance correctly.”/short distance correctly.”/

Nothing great was ever achieved by sitting Nothing great was ever achieved by sitting still.still.

* Progress has always come Progress has always come from people who said it could from people who said it could be done.be done.

* ““I can’t”- are sad words in any I can’t”- are sad words in any language.language.

* Whatever you can dream, you Whatever you can dream, you can begin.can begin.

* Put passion, enthusiasm & Put passion, enthusiasm & zeal into everything you do. zeal into everything you do.

* Keep pushing. It’s wiser than Keep pushing. It’s wiser than sitting aside.sitting aside.

* ‘‘Udyamena hi siddhayanti Udyamena hi siddhayanti karyani, karyani, na manorathaihana manorathaiha.’.’

Think your work is Think your work is important.important.

• The way we think The way we think towards our jobs towards our jobs determines how determines how our subordinates our subordinates think towards think towards their jobs.their jobs.

Rules are for human beings, Rules are for human beings, not the other way round.not the other way round.

Don’t be rule-bound. Don’t be rule-bound. Interpret the rules positively. Interpret the rules positively.

Let them enable, and not Let them enable, and not inhibit, you. inhibit, you.

Precedents should be guides, Precedents should be guides, not fetters.not fetters.

Good people follow the rules. Good people follow the rules. But, it is often the But, it is often the unscrupulous who quote the unscrupulous who quote the rules. rules.

Breaking norms in order to Breaking norms in order to frame better ones is an option frame better ones is an option to be explored.to be explored.

Don’t be in self-doubtDon’t be in self-doubt..

• Feel & act confident. Stand by Feel & act confident. Stand by your convictions. your convictions.

• Be positively assertive, when Be positively assertive, when you are in the right.you are in the right.

• Where speech is due, silence Where speech is due, silence may be betrayal.may be betrayal.

• Insist on your right to be heard Insist on your right to be heard & reckoned. But, be & reckoned. But, be accommodative of the other accommodative of the other point of view.point of view.

• ““Don’t say ‘yes’ when you want Don’t say ‘yes’ when you want to say ‘no’ .to say ‘no’ .

Ennitthuniha karumam..Ennitthuniha karumam.. • Thinking first, action only Thinking first, action only

then.then.• Act by all means, but only Act by all means, but only

after considering all after considering all relevant matters.relevant matters.

• Don’t make decisions Don’t make decisions based on just one or two based on just one or two dimensions. dimensions. (“Many a fellow (“Many a fellow in love with a dimple…”) in love with a dimple…”)

• Don’t act impulsively.Don’t act impulsively.• If you have to act, act fast If you have to act, act fast

& decisively.& decisively.

Integrity signifies wholenessIntegrity signifies wholeness‘‘Integrity’ means absence of Integrity’ means absence of

inner warfare.inner warfare.It gives extra energy & clarity It gives extra energy & clarity

of thought.of thought.It means –It means – living up to the best in oneself.living up to the best in oneself. having a developed sense of having a developed sense of

honour.honour. having a conscience & listening to it.having a conscience & listening to it. having the courage of one’s having the courage of one’s

convictions.convictions. obedience to the unenforceable.obedience to the unenforceable.

In doing a good deed take it that In doing a good deed take it that everything is permitted which is not everything is permitted which is not prohibited.prohibited.

Be performance-oriented.

““If one desires a change, one must be If one desires a change, one must be that change before it can take placethat change before it can take place.”.”

• Anticipate change. Things can Anticipate change. Things can change in a day.change in a day.

• Be alert to the first signs of Be alert to the first signs of change.change.

• Feel obligated to effect the Feel obligated to effect the change.change.

• Look at opportunities that Look at opportunities that change represents.change represents.

• Keep renewing yourself. Don’t Keep renewing yourself. Don’t allow routines to become allow routines to become chains. chains.

• Keep managing the present Keep managing the present while managing the change.while managing the change.

Be physical. Be dynamic.Be physical. Be dynamic.

• ““Udambai valarthaen, uyir Udambai valarthaen, uyir valarthaenaevalarthaenae!” - !” - TirumantiramTirumantiram

• Take care of the Take care of the bodybody. It . It takes care of the takes care of the mindmind..

• Physical well-being gives you Physical well-being gives you staminastamina, both physical & , both physical & mental. mental.

• It makes you It makes you focussedfocussed. . • It makes you It makes you optimisticoptimistic & &

confident to face the confident to face the challenges of life.challenges of life.

Learn from the past. Focus on the Learn from the past. Focus on the future.future. Be in the Be in the present. Enjoy.present. Enjoy.

• The pastThe past is finished. Learn is finished. Learn from it & let it go.from it & let it go.

• The futureThe future is not even here is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not yet. Plan for it, but do not waste time worrying about it.waste time worrying about it.

• Live in Live in the presentthe present. Enjoy its . Enjoy its joys.joys.

• ‘‘Ethanai kodi inbam vaithai Ethanai kodi inbam vaithai engal iraivaengal iraiva..’ (How many ..’ (How many crores of pleasures you have crores of pleasures you have created for us, oh our Lord!)created for us, oh our Lord!)

Relish the Relish the journey!journey!

• There is more to life than There is more to life than running non-stop. running non-stop.

• Happiness is all along, not Happiness is all along, not merely at the destination. The merely at the destination. The joys along the route are perhaps joys along the route are perhaps more delightful..more delightful..

• If you are enjoying the journey, If you are enjoying the journey, you are not upset by a delayed you are not upset by a delayed arrival.arrival.

• Count your blessings. One rarely Count your blessings. One rarely appreciates one’s blessings as appreciates one’s blessings as much as when they are gone.much as when they are gone.

Thus spake William JamesThus spake William James

• If we often flinch from making an effort, If we often flinch from making an effort, the effort making capacity may go.the effort making capacity may go.

• Good impulses, must be translated early Good impulses, must be translated early into actions. Failure hinders realization of into actions. Failure hinders realization of future resolutions/ emotions.future resolutions/ emotions.

• Don’t wait until all the returns are in. It is Don’t wait until all the returns are in. It is unlikely that all of them will ever be in. unlikely that all of them will ever be in.

• Act now. Plunge in as soon as you feel Act now. Plunge in as soon as you feel competent & learn as you go, by trial & competent & learn as you go, by trial & error.error.

• If you believe well of your fellow men, If you believe well of your fellow men, you may create the good you believe in.you may create the good you believe in.

““We don’t laugh because we are We don’t laugh because we are happy. happy. We are happy because we laughWe are happy because we laugh.”.” (William James)(William James)

• Control your emotions by your actions.Control your emotions by your actions.• Be cheerful, in order to feel cheerful. Be cheerful, in order to feel cheerful. • Act brave, in order to be brave.Act brave, in order to be brave.• Want a facelift? Smile. It’s the duty you owe Want a facelift? Smile. It’s the duty you owe

others. others.

Don’t just throw out a viceDon’t just throw out a vice.. Replace it with a virtue.Replace it with a virtue.

• Sow an action, you reap a habit. Sow a Sow an action, you reap a habit. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a character,you reap a destiny.character,you reap a destiny.

• ““As we become drunkards by so many As we become drunkards by so many separate drinks, so we become saints & separate drinks, so we become saints & authorities & experts by so many authorities & experts by so many separate acts & hours of work.”separate acts & hours of work.”

• How to break a habit or acquire it ? How to break a habit or acquire it ? Break off abruptly & with all emphasis. Break off abruptly & with all emphasis.

• Abrupt acqn of the new habit is the best Abrupt acqn of the new habit is the best way, if there be a real possibility of way, if there be a real possibility of carrying it out.carrying it out.

Work energises.Work energises. (William James)(William James)

• Strenuous application of Strenuous application of effort anywhere - even on effort anywhere - even on hobbies or games - provides hobbies or games - provides the bonus of energy.the bonus of energy.

• Make as many of your Make as many of your actions automatic as actions automatic as possible. The more actions possible. The more actions we make automatic, the we make automatic, the more energy we have left more energy we have left for creative work & pbm-for creative work & pbm-solving.solving.

WJ, againWJ, again:: • Constantly redesign your Constantly redesign your habits. Switch hobbies & habits. Switch hobbies & interests.interests.

• You habitually use only a You habitually use only a small part of the powers you small part of the powers you actually possess. actually possess.

• Push back your fatigue Push back your fatigue point. It is far below the point. It is far below the stage of real exhaustion. stage of real exhaustion.

• Continue working on thro’ Continue working on thro’ deep fatigue, you get ‘2nd, deep fatigue, you get ‘2nd, 3rd, even 4th winds’, the 3rd, even 4th winds’, the bursts of new energy. Thus, bursts of new energy. Thus, you don’t need to warm up you don’t need to warm up again & again.again & again.

Pleasantness is the duty Pleasantness is the duty we owe others.we owe others.

• Be natural & humble.Be natural & humble.• Drain off your Drain off your

grievances.grievances.• Sincerely attempt to Sincerely attempt to

heal.heal.• Acquire the quality of Acquire the quality of

easygoingness.easygoingness.• What is practical is What is practical is

just.just.• Relax, for easy power.Relax, for easy power.• Never allow things to Never allow things to

ruffle you.ruffle you.

• Be interesting.Be interesting.• Practise liking Practise liking

people.people.• Never miss the Never miss the

opportunity to -opportunity to -congratulate, congratulate, sympathise, or sympathise, or express sorrow.express sorrow.

• Be a comfortable Be a comfortable person to be with.person to be with.

Be a big boss without seeming to be Be a big boss without seeming to be so.so.

• Be affable. Be light to lift. Be affable. Be light to lift. • Develop zero tolerance of Develop zero tolerance of

inertia, indifference & inertia, indifference & inefficiency.inefficiency.

• Motivate, guide, enable, lead.Motivate, guide, enable, lead.• Don’t appropriate credit. But, Don’t appropriate credit. But,

accept responsibility.accept responsibility.• Settling personal scores Settling personal scores

through official means is through official means is mean.mean.

• ‘‘Walk a mile in others’ shoes Walk a mile in others’ shoes before you say ‘no’ to their before you say ‘no’ to their request for new shoes.’ request for new shoes.’

Order! Order!Order! Order!• Absent order & regulation, Absent order & regulation,

what remains is chaos. Chaos what remains is chaos. Chaos is the enemy of performance.is the enemy of performance.

• Enforce order to ensure Enforce order to ensure performance. performance.

• Enforcement is education.Enforcement is education.• Organise. Set the right thing Organise. Set the right thing

(or person) in the right place.(or person) in the right place.• Put in place proper systems.Put in place proper systems.• What gets measured gets What gets measured gets

done.done.

As the leader, challenge the status As the leader, challenge the status quo!quo!

Motivate. Create enthusiasm & Motivate. Create enthusiasm & passion.passion.

Plant seeds of thinking. Let Plant seeds of thinking. Let people think in a breakthrough people think in a breakthrough fashion.fashion.

Institutionalize imbibing ideas & Institutionalize imbibing ideas & suggestions.suggestions.

Acknowledge & reward good Acknowledge & reward good ideas.ideas.

Honour errors resulting out of Honour errors resulting out of experimenting.experimenting.

Create a dream & make the Create a dream & make the team go towards it.team go towards it.

Why crib,Why crib, when you can think positive?(!)when you can think positive?(!)

Boss to the cribbing Boss to the cribbing employeesemployees::

• ““It’s quite simple… It’s quite simple… just think positive and just think positive and most of your problems most of your problems will just fade away..!”will just fade away..!”

• (From ‘Blinkers Off’ by (From ‘Blinkers Off’ by Salam in Economic Salam in Economic Times)Times)

But,thinking is not enough...But,thinking is not enough...Goodness not translated into action Goodness not translated into action is no goodness.is no goodness.

““Thought that does not lead to action Thought that does not lead to action is betrayalis betrayal.” .” (R.Rolland)(R.Rolland)

““I receive & I must give backI receive & I must give back.”.”And this is the pay back time.And this is the pay back time.

• Life is not about how much Life is not about how much you make but how you live it. you make but how you live it.

• How you make a difference is How you make a difference is what will matter.what will matter.

• Each one of us is a debtor. Each one of us is a debtor. We have taken so much from We have taken so much from the system. the system.

• It is but fair that we pay back It is but fair that we pay back the debt, with interest and the debt, with interest and do it fast.do it fast.

• Perhaps it is already late. Perhaps it is already late. Better hurry up. Better hurry up.