Monday, July 28, 2003
Book Review: Feng Shui in a Weekend
Feng Shui has attracted a lot of popular attention over the past few years, and there is a large number of books on this subject to choose from. This variety can be very confusing as there are not only numerous formats, but also different types of this ancient Chinese art. Fortunately, it also makes it possible for everyone to find the right kind of book for their needs. Feng Shui is a complex subject and therefore it helps if one has a specific purpose in mind that one wants to use it for. Simon Brown's Feng Shui in a Weekend is an ideal book for someone who perhaps already has some basic understanding of Feng Shui and is looking for a handy and easy-to-use guide that describes a number of very practical application of this art in everyday life.
Being already familiar with Feng Shui and its philosophy, I was searching for a book with more specific instructions for how to apply these principles in my own home. I believe that in Feng Shui in a Weekend I have found exactly what I was looking for. The premise of the book is simple: it breaks down the practice of Feng Shui into a large number of projects that can be done in your free time. It starts out by helping you think about your goals or ways in which you want to change your life, and then directs to specific projects (by referencing their page numbers) that will best help you achieve those goals. In addition, the book is organized by different areas of the house: from exteriors to kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, etc. In this way, if you were just thinking of remodeling your bathroom, you could easily refer to the appropriate section in the book. I find this dual organization (by area and by function) very useful and easy to navigate. It also gives you direction for taking on projects that will make the biggest positive difference in your life.
Feng Shui in a Weekend also is beautifully designed and is truly a pleasure to read: the pictures are full color and carefully selected to serve as illustrations to the text; there are also a number of useful icons and diagrams that help you visualize each concept. Each chapter in the book is typically one or two pages long, with specific projects (and approximate time needed to complete them, from one-half day to two days) outlined in step-by-step fashion at the bottom of the page. So no matter how much or little time you have, you can always find a useful project to tackle in order to make your home more aligned with Feng Shui principles.
Now for a few words of criticism. While this book is very easy to use and definitely practical, I did find that it lacked depth and some of the tips were a bit too obvious. It certainly does not aspire to be a definitive guide to Feng Shui, and therefore should ideally be used as a complement to a more comprehensive Feng Shui book that does a better job explaining the underlying philosophy and how all the elements fit together.
Being already familiar with Feng Shui and its philosophy, I was searching for a book with more specific instructions for how to apply these principles in my own home. I believe that in Feng Shui in a Weekend I have found exactly what I was looking for. The premise of the book is simple: it breaks down the practice of Feng Shui into a large number of projects that can be done in your free time. It starts out by helping you think about your goals or ways in which you want to change your life, and then directs to specific projects (by referencing their page numbers) that will best help you achieve those goals. In addition, the book is organized by different areas of the house: from exteriors to kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, etc. In this way, if you were just thinking of remodeling your bathroom, you could easily refer to the appropriate section in the book. I find this dual organization (by area and by function) very useful and easy to navigate. It also gives you direction for taking on projects that will make the biggest positive difference in your life.
Feng Shui in a Weekend also is beautifully designed and is truly a pleasure to read: the pictures are full color and carefully selected to serve as illustrations to the text; there are also a number of useful icons and diagrams that help you visualize each concept. Each chapter in the book is typically one or two pages long, with specific projects (and approximate time needed to complete them, from one-half day to two days) outlined in step-by-step fashion at the bottom of the page. So no matter how much or little time you have, you can always find a useful project to tackle in order to make your home more aligned with Feng Shui principles.
Now for a few words of criticism. While this book is very easy to use and definitely practical, I did find that it lacked depth and some of the tips were a bit too obvious. It certainly does not aspire to be a definitive guide to Feng Shui, and therefore should ideally be used as a complement to a more comprehensive Feng Shui book that does a better job explaining the underlying philosophy and how all the elements fit together.
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Virtues of Saving
Reading Jonathan Clements' column in today's Wall Street Journal really got me thinking. While the article itself deals with auto insurance savings, what caught my attention is the last couple of paragraphs. In them, Clements talks about being a self-proclaimed "financial nerd" and then expands into larger principles of personal finance:
"At first, being a nerd isn't much fun. There's a lot of coupon clipping and feeding generic Cheerios to the kids. But eventually, if you stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and amass some savings, the financial payback can be huge.
Think about it
Once you have built up a financial cushion, you can raise the deductibles on your homeowner's insurance and scale back your car coverage, thus slashing your insurance costs. You can put down 20% next time you buy a house, thereby avoiding the cost of private mortgage insurance. You can buy your cars with cash, rather than taking out auto loans or leasing them. You can pay off your credit-card balance every month, so you don't incur hefty finance charges.
And that is just the beginning. Because you are spending less than you earn, you may be able to max out on your employer's 401(k) plan, so you get the full benefit of the tax deduction and of any employer matching contribution.
Thanks to your growing sense of financial security, you might also be more willing to take investment risk. Forget money-market funds and savings accounts. Now, you might be comfortable with potentially higher-returning investments, like stocks and bonds.
"It's like a snowball going downhill," Mr. Davis says. "If you're careful about your finances, you can save money on your auto insurance, and your life insurance, and your homeowner's insurance, and then you can add the savings to your finances. There's a compounding effect. You can really start to build wealth that way."
The payoffs from learning to live on less than you earn are, indeed, huge. While I don't typically write about personal finance here, I felt that these thoughts were too important not to share. Pay yourself first, we're told in The Richest Man in Babylon [by the way, read this book if you haven't already!]. Everything else will follow. Like the snowball, your excess savings will accumulate and lead to even more savings, and so on. This is the most important, and most simple, truth in personal finance. It requires strength of character and patience, but if you keep your goals in mind (like buying a new house), it becomes much easier to accomplish.
"At first, being a nerd isn't much fun. There's a lot of coupon clipping and feeding generic Cheerios to the kids. But eventually, if you stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and amass some savings, the financial payback can be huge.
Think about it
Once you have built up a financial cushion, you can raise the deductibles on your homeowner's insurance and scale back your car coverage, thus slashing your insurance costs. You can put down 20% next time you buy a house, thereby avoiding the cost of private mortgage insurance. You can buy your cars with cash, rather than taking out auto loans or leasing them. You can pay off your credit-card balance every month, so you don't incur hefty finance charges.
And that is just the beginning. Because you are spending less than you earn, you may be able to max out on your employer's 401(k) plan, so you get the full benefit of the tax deduction and of any employer matching contribution.
Thanks to your growing sense of financial security, you might also be more willing to take investment risk. Forget money-market funds and savings accounts. Now, you might be comfortable with potentially higher-returning investments, like stocks and bonds.
"It's like a snowball going downhill," Mr. Davis says. "If you're careful about your finances, you can save money on your auto insurance, and your life insurance, and your homeowner's insurance, and then you can add the savings to your finances. There's a compounding effect. You can really start to build wealth that way."
The payoffs from learning to live on less than you earn are, indeed, huge. While I don't typically write about personal finance here, I felt that these thoughts were too important not to share. Pay yourself first, we're told in The Richest Man in Babylon [by the way, read this book if you haven't already!]. Everything else will follow. Like the snowball, your excess savings will accumulate and lead to even more savings, and so on. This is the most important, and most simple, truth in personal finance. It requires strength of character and patience, but if you keep your goals in mind (like buying a new house), it becomes much easier to accomplish.
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Ben Franklin's Virtues
One of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, is well known for his strict principles. While still in his 20's, he set out to achieve "moral perfection", as he describes in his autobiography. The following 13 virtues are the ones he chose to practice in order to attain his goals:
1. Temperence: Eat not to dulness. Drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expence but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring - never to dullness, weakness or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
It is amazing that so many years later, most of the virtues on this list still ring true and make us wish that we would be able to practice them in our daily lives! Granted, these are very practical virtues - they do not aspire to any higher meaning of life. However, they do provide a good framework for living each day, guided by our personal values and goals. Franklin himself abandoned his project just after a few months: "I soon found that I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I imagined." But, he asserted, "Tho' I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining but fell far short of it, yet I was by the endeavour a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been." And this is so true - while we, for reasons of our human weaknesses, may not ever be fully able to reach our lofty aspirations, the process alone of giving it thought can make us better people. That is why I believe that one should never stop trying to improve oneself - there is always a world to be gained, with every little step.
1. Temperence: Eat not to dulness. Drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expence but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring - never to dullness, weakness or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
It is amazing that so many years later, most of the virtues on this list still ring true and make us wish that we would be able to practice them in our daily lives! Granted, these are very practical virtues - they do not aspire to any higher meaning of life. However, they do provide a good framework for living each day, guided by our personal values and goals. Franklin himself abandoned his project just after a few months: "I soon found that I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I imagined." But, he asserted, "Tho' I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining but fell far short of it, yet I was by the endeavour a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been." And this is so true - while we, for reasons of our human weaknesses, may not ever be fully able to reach our lofty aspirations, the process alone of giving it thought can make us better people. That is why I believe that one should never stop trying to improve oneself - there is always a world to be gained, with every little step.
Dealing with Destructive Emotions
I came acros this excerpt and found it to contain very simple yet effective instructions for taking control of those negative emotions that often cripple our character:
"Matthieu Ricard [the Buddhist scholar and translator] spoke up. 'We have been speaking a lot about the possibility of change. How does that happen within the context of contemplative training? We know that emotions last for seconds, that moods last for, say, a day, and that temperament is something that is forged over the years. So if we want to change, obviously we need to first act on the emotions, and this will help to change our moods, which will eventually stabilize as a modified temperament. In other words, we must start by working with the instantaneous events that take place in our mind. As we say, if we take care of the minutes, the hours will take care of themselves....
'At the beginning when a thought of anger, desire, or jealousy arises, we are not prepared for it. So within seconds, that thought has given rise to a second and a third thought, and soon our mental landscape becomes invaded by thoughts that solidify our anger or jealousy - and then it's too late. Just as when a spark of fire has set a whole forest on fire, we are in trouble.
'The basic way to intervene has been called "staring back" at a thought.... We need to investigate the nature of that thought that seems so solid. As we stare at it, its apparent solidity will melt away and that thought will vanish without giving birth to a chain of thoughts. The point is not to try to block the arising of thoughts - this is not possible anyway - but not to let them invade our mind. We need to do this again and again because.... we are like a sheet of paper that has been rolled for a long time. If we try to flatten it down on the table, it will roll again the moment we lift our hands.'
- from Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them? A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama, narrated by Daniel Goleman
Being succeptable to temper outbursts myself, I think this advice really gets to the core of how we can overcome these emotions that can be very powerful and difficult to control, yet which we ultimately come to regret. This sounds like a very interesting book, and if the excerpt above is any indication I would definitely be interested in reading more of it.
"Matthieu Ricard [the Buddhist scholar and translator] spoke up. 'We have been speaking a lot about the possibility of change. How does that happen within the context of contemplative training? We know that emotions last for seconds, that moods last for, say, a day, and that temperament is something that is forged over the years. So if we want to change, obviously we need to first act on the emotions, and this will help to change our moods, which will eventually stabilize as a modified temperament. In other words, we must start by working with the instantaneous events that take place in our mind. As we say, if we take care of the minutes, the hours will take care of themselves....
'At the beginning when a thought of anger, desire, or jealousy arises, we are not prepared for it. So within seconds, that thought has given rise to a second and a third thought, and soon our mental landscape becomes invaded by thoughts that solidify our anger or jealousy - and then it's too late. Just as when a spark of fire has set a whole forest on fire, we are in trouble.
'The basic way to intervene has been called "staring back" at a thought.... We need to investigate the nature of that thought that seems so solid. As we stare at it, its apparent solidity will melt away and that thought will vanish without giving birth to a chain of thoughts. The point is not to try to block the arising of thoughts - this is not possible anyway - but not to let them invade our mind. We need to do this again and again because.... we are like a sheet of paper that has been rolled for a long time. If we try to flatten it down on the table, it will roll again the moment we lift our hands.'
- from Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them? A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama, narrated by Daniel Goleman
Being succeptable to temper outbursts myself, I think this advice really gets to the core of how we can overcome these emotions that can be very powerful and difficult to control, yet which we ultimately come to regret. This sounds like a very interesting book, and if the excerpt above is any indication I would definitely be interested in reading more of it.
Thursday, July 17, 2003
The end of a journey . . .
. . . Or rather, only the beginning! After about 3 weeks, I have finished reading the book that prompted me to start this weblog: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It's really an amazing work. There is so much thought packed into each chapter that it took me a couple of read-throughs to take it all in. At first, I would read everything and underline the most important parts (sometimes it was difficult not to underline entire paragraphs). Then, I would go back (later or the next day) and re-read the underlined parts. After I finished reading, I would summarize the main takeaways and some action items on this page. (See the sidebar for links to all seven habits, plus a summary of how to write a mission statement).
As I was reading the book, I tried the best I could to implement its teachings in my everyday life. While I am not (by far) a changed individual yet, I do feel a change for the better already. It is primarily a feeling on the inside: more confidence and a greater sense of purpose. I also notice that I examine my actions and responses more critically, looking for ways in which I can handle difficult situations better or trying to turn negative circumstances into opportunities. The greatest value from the 7 habits will only come through methodical and repeated practice, but I'm afraid it would be all too easy to go back into the old routine. Therefore, I will always try to keep this book close by and glance through it once in a while to remind myself of some of its lessons. In addition, I will begin to use FranklinCovey's outlook tools more regularly in order to incorporate the 7 habits into my weekly planning process.
What's next? I now look forward to start reading other books that I have been wanting to get to for a long time. I will also continue to post regular updates here on my progress and any interesting/helpful information that I happen to come across in my journey.
As I was reading the book, I tried the best I could to implement its teachings in my everyday life. While I am not (by far) a changed individual yet, I do feel a change for the better already. It is primarily a feeling on the inside: more confidence and a greater sense of purpose. I also notice that I examine my actions and responses more critically, looking for ways in which I can handle difficult situations better or trying to turn negative circumstances into opportunities. The greatest value from the 7 habits will only come through methodical and repeated practice, but I'm afraid it would be all too easy to go back into the old routine. Therefore, I will always try to keep this book close by and glance through it once in a while to remind myself of some of its lessons. In addition, I will begin to use FranklinCovey's outlook tools more regularly in order to incorporate the 7 habits into my weekly planning process.
What's next? I now look forward to start reading other books that I have been wanting to get to for a long time. I will also continue to post regular updates here on my progress and any interesting/helpful information that I happen to come across in my journey.
Like sand through the hourglass
As you probably noticed, I have added my age in days in the sidebar - just to remind myself that every day is precious and how important it is to make them count. Isn't our entire life just a collection of days, each individually lived? While we cannot control our entire life, we can control (to a reasonable extent) how we choose to live each day, and it is up to us to leave each one of them to the fullest.
I got the idea from this page on Peter Russell's website - take a look if you want to find out your own age in days!
I got the idea from this page on Peter Russell's website - take a look if you want to find out your own age in days!
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Despite being the last of seven, this habit is not the end in itself - rather, it supports the continuous renewal of other habits by enhancing all dimensions of our well-being. As such, it is perhaps the most important of the seven habits, and without it all others would not be sustainable.
Habit 7 involves the renewal of four dimensions of your being:
1. Physical - through exercise (including endurance, flexibility and strength training), nutrition, stress management.
2. Spiritual - e.g. through value clarification & commitment, study & meditation, connecting with nature and/or the arts, etc. (the spiritual dimension is the most private part of our life, and each person has their own way of finding spiritual renewal and guidance).
3. Mental - through continuing education, reading, visualizing, planning, writing.
4. Social/Emotional - through service, empathy, synergy (habit 6), intrinsic security (habits 1-3).
The key to this renewal, or "sharpening the saw", is to exercise all four of these dimensions on a regular basis and in a balanced way. The habit of renewal is also the one that we as individuals have the most control over; no one else can do it for us. "This is the single most powerful investment we can ever make in life - investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have with which to deal with life and to contribute." The result will be you becoming a stronger, more effective individual, and help you create a more happy, healthy, and meaningful life through continuous improvement.
Practicing Habit 7:
* Exercise on a regular basis; use it as an opportunity to practice habit 1, of proactivity.
* Eat well and get sufficient rest and relaxation.
* Maintain daily commitment to your values, expressed in the personal mission statement; use visualization to renew this commitment.
* Continue to train and expand your mind through reading broadly and exposing yourself to great minds (start with a goal of one book per month, then every two weeks, then a book a week).
* Practice writing to promote mental clarity, critical thinking, and ability to express your ideas well.
* Practice organizing and planning (in the context of habits 2 and 3).
* Spend at the minimum an hour each day carrying out the above practices, for the rest of your life. Ensure that the activities pertaining to different dimensions are well balanced for each week.
* Renew your social/emotional dimension through everyday interactions with others and striving to make a difference in their lives.
Some thoughts:
This is a good way to come full circle. Habit 7 reminds us to first and foremost, take care of ourselves: our body, soul, and mind while strengthening our relationships. It is really the foundation for the rest of our lives. And I entirely agree with Covey that just by simply practicing these activities on a daily basis we can make an enormous difference in our life and the lives of others. Unfortunately, most of us go through life as if floating, drifting with a current, letting the possibilites that we have inside go to waste. I see all too many wonderful individuals continue to live like that without even beginning to realize the full and wonderful potential that they have inside. My own life has mostly been like that, with the exception of a few all too brief but truly wonderful periods. And I would like to change that - that is why I have set out on this journey and started with The 7 Habits book to lay the foundation. I have already been through some ups and downs in the couple of weeks that I've been doing this. But I have my goals now, I have my mission, and I have more motivation than ever to persevere and to continue this work on improving my life. I will also try to bring some of that wonderful energy into the lives of people around me, because it's just too good and exciting to keep it all for myself :)
Habit 7 involves the renewal of four dimensions of your being:
1. Physical - through exercise (including endurance, flexibility and strength training), nutrition, stress management.
2. Spiritual - e.g. through value clarification & commitment, study & meditation, connecting with nature and/or the arts, etc. (the spiritual dimension is the most private part of our life, and each person has their own way of finding spiritual renewal and guidance).
3. Mental - through continuing education, reading, visualizing, planning, writing.
4. Social/Emotional - through service, empathy, synergy (habit 6), intrinsic security (habits 1-3).
The key to this renewal, or "sharpening the saw", is to exercise all four of these dimensions on a regular basis and in a balanced way. The habit of renewal is also the one that we as individuals have the most control over; no one else can do it for us. "This is the single most powerful investment we can ever make in life - investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have with which to deal with life and to contribute." The result will be you becoming a stronger, more effective individual, and help you create a more happy, healthy, and meaningful life through continuous improvement.
Practicing Habit 7:
* Exercise on a regular basis; use it as an opportunity to practice habit 1, of proactivity.
* Eat well and get sufficient rest and relaxation.
* Maintain daily commitment to your values, expressed in the personal mission statement; use visualization to renew this commitment.
* Continue to train and expand your mind through reading broadly and exposing yourself to great minds (start with a goal of one book per month, then every two weeks, then a book a week).
* Practice writing to promote mental clarity, critical thinking, and ability to express your ideas well.
* Practice organizing and planning (in the context of habits 2 and 3).
* Spend at the minimum an hour each day carrying out the above practices, for the rest of your life. Ensure that the activities pertaining to different dimensions are well balanced for each week.
* Renew your social/emotional dimension through everyday interactions with others and striving to make a difference in their lives.
Some thoughts:
This is a good way to come full circle. Habit 7 reminds us to first and foremost, take care of ourselves: our body, soul, and mind while strengthening our relationships. It is really the foundation for the rest of our lives. And I entirely agree with Covey that just by simply practicing these activities on a daily basis we can make an enormous difference in our life and the lives of others. Unfortunately, most of us go through life as if floating, drifting with a current, letting the possibilites that we have inside go to waste. I see all too many wonderful individuals continue to live like that without even beginning to realize the full and wonderful potential that they have inside. My own life has mostly been like that, with the exception of a few all too brief but truly wonderful periods. And I would like to change that - that is why I have set out on this journey and started with The 7 Habits book to lay the foundation. I have already been through some ups and downs in the couple of weeks that I've been doing this. But I have my goals now, I have my mission, and I have more motivation than ever to persevere and to continue this work on improving my life. I will also try to bring some of that wonderful energy into the lives of people around me, because it's just too good and exciting to keep it all for myself :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,
my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,
my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson
Quiet times
I have been quiet lately, barely posting. . . The reason is that I have been going through some challenging times (emotionally). On the surface, my life is perfect right now and I have every reason to be happy. Unfortunately, since Sunday I have been feeling really down, finding little inspiration or joy in activities that usually make me happy and struggling to find motivation to get through each day. I don't have a shrink (because 1. I don't believe in them and 2. I get all the emotional support that I need from my family, especially my wonderful husband), so I can't get a "quick-fix" medication to help me with my problems nor do I want to. All I have is my own will to get me through. While there is no specific reason for this, I suspect that part of it might be rooted in trying to do a little too much, pushing myself a little too hard, and not finding enough purpose in my work at the moment. All of these things add up to the general feeling of sadness and ennui that I have.
Of course, all this is temporary and I fully expect to get out of this hole by the end of the week. I also have tried to keep my commitment to my self-improvement work, even though it has been more challenging to say the least. I have continued reading The 7 Habits..., writing a little (like tonight) and having meaningful interactions with people who support me. Ultimately, this is the most important thing: to keep going even when it gets difficult and it's easy to get discouraged. I will also try to give myself a bit more rest and maybe do some yoga/spiritual practice to calm my mind. The most important thing is that, thanks to my mission statement, I now know what things are important to me and where I want to get to. The rest is just a matter of faith and perseverance.
Of course, all this is temporary and I fully expect to get out of this hole by the end of the week. I also have tried to keep my commitment to my self-improvement work, even though it has been more challenging to say the least. I have continued reading The 7 Habits..., writing a little (like tonight) and having meaningful interactions with people who support me. Ultimately, this is the most important thing: to keep going even when it gets difficult and it's easy to get discouraged. I will also try to give myself a bit more rest and maybe do some yoga/spiritual practice to calm my mind. The most important thing is that, thanks to my mission statement, I now know what things are important to me and where I want to get to. The rest is just a matter of faith and perseverance.
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Habit 6: Synergize
This habit builds on all the previous habits put together. In essence, it is the end result & manifestation of all the other habits. In Covey's definition, synergy means that "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts," and relates to all different aspects of our interdependent existence: from communication to relationships. The essence of synergy consists of openness to new ideas and possibilities, valuing the differences between personalities and opinions, taking risks (enabled by personal strength built through habits 1-3), and having a high level of trust. For synergy to be present, one needs to shift perception from seeing everything in black or white, either/or, absolute terms. The key is to realize that each person has their own reality and perceives the world differently, and to look at the situation from the other person's point of view (habit 5). Beyond understanding such differences, it is also important to value them - for it is through these differences that a higher result can be achieved.
Practicing Habit 6:
* Practice your own internal synergy first by utilizing both sides of the brain to unleash creativity.
* Avoid negative energy. Look for the good in others and utilize it to create positive energy.
* Exercise courage in communication by being open, expressing ideas, beliefs, feelings and even doubts.
* Value the differences in others; seek to understand.
* Avoid either/or thinking; look for the third, synergistic, Win/Win alternative.
Some thoughs:
I find this habit the most difficult one to master. While the idea behind it is not very difficult to understand, I struggle with finding more practical ways to implement it. It seems to me, however, that this habit really consists of several different ideas, each of them important on its own merits. I tried to distill them as best I could under "Practicing Habit 6" above. They mostly seem to apply to dealing with conflicts/disagreements. I can also see how the "synergy" piece applies in creative situations where groups of people/teams are involved. Covey gives less step-by-step, practical implementation advice in this chapter, and I believe that this habit is mastered through application and practice. I will try to keep it fresh in mind over the next few days and use it in appropriate situations.
Practicing Habit 6:
* Practice your own internal synergy first by utilizing both sides of the brain to unleash creativity.
* Avoid negative energy. Look for the good in others and utilize it to create positive energy.
* Exercise courage in communication by being open, expressing ideas, beliefs, feelings and even doubts.
* Value the differences in others; seek to understand.
* Avoid either/or thinking; look for the third, synergistic, Win/Win alternative.
Some thoughs:
I find this habit the most difficult one to master. While the idea behind it is not very difficult to understand, I struggle with finding more practical ways to implement it. It seems to me, however, that this habit really consists of several different ideas, each of them important on its own merits. I tried to distill them as best I could under "Practicing Habit 6" above. They mostly seem to apply to dealing with conflicts/disagreements. I can also see how the "synergy" piece applies in creative situations where groups of people/teams are involved. Covey gives less step-by-step, practical implementation advice in this chapter, and I believe that this habit is mastered through application and practice. I will try to keep it fresh in mind over the next few days and use it in appropriate situations.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Personality test: Coloring fun
This neat tool is a personality test that works by letting you color different objects. It's pretty accurate on most points, and at the very least it's entertaining!
My results:
* You are a person who approaches their finances aggressively and with purpose. You make sure you have covered every angle by consulting the best professionals, then move in for the attack.
* Having a lively and outgoing personality, you don't like to blend into the crowd and pity people that do. You take fashion trends to the EXTREME!
* You are aggressive in business, but tend to take the backseat when it comes to your personal life. You are more comfortable talking about work than relationships.
* You make sure that your possessions will boost your image, no matter whether it's a necessity or not. If one of your friends has it, you must have it as well.
* You are very sociable! You are the center of attention and have great stories to tell. But this often prevents from establishing deep relationships.
* You are very considerate. Friendship is the world to you, and you are friends with everyone. Be careful, as sometimes this works against you if you are too trusting.
What about you?
[link via Mischiefgurl]
My results:
* You are a person who approaches their finances aggressively and with purpose. You make sure you have covered every angle by consulting the best professionals, then move in for the attack.
* Having a lively and outgoing personality, you don't like to blend into the crowd and pity people that do. You take fashion trends to the EXTREME!
* You are aggressive in business, but tend to take the backseat when it comes to your personal life. You are more comfortable talking about work than relationships.
* You make sure that your possessions will boost your image, no matter whether it's a necessity or not. If one of your friends has it, you must have it as well.
* You are very sociable! You are the center of attention and have great stories to tell. But this often prevents from establishing deep relationships.
* You are very considerate. Friendship is the world to you, and you are friends with everyone. Be careful, as sometimes this works against you if you are too trusting.
What about you?
[link via Mischiefgurl]
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
This habit is the first step towards achieving the Win/Win; moreover, it is the very foundation of any effective communication. What this habit tells you is that before you can interact effectively with people and be influential, you first need to understand where they are coming from. The way to achieve that is through empathetic listening, which creates openness and trust between you and the other person.
While most people would not argue with this premise, the practice of truly listening to others is difficult to implement. As Covey correctly points out, most of us seek to be understood; we are impatient when listening to others, usually judging or just waiting until it's our turn to speak. The practice of empathetic listening requires you to actually look at the world through the other person's eyes (not necessarily agreeing or disagreeing, but merely understanding where they are coming from). By fulfilling this basic human need to be understood, you build a strong connection with the other person. You also open yourself up to them in the process; but it is only by opening yourself to be influenced can you become truly influential.
Before one can truly understand another person, one has to have the Integrity, the strength of Character developed in habits 1-3. In addition, one needs to have the empathetic listening skills. The most effective skill in such communication is to "rephrase the content and reflect the feeling", thus engaging both in the emotional and the logical sides of communication. Even with techniques, one will not be a successful communicator without a sincere desire to understand.
Only after you're able to understand the other person's point of view, can you seek to be understood, which is the second dimension of Habit 5. Covey suggests the following sequence in order to gain understanding: Ethos (personal character, credibility and integrity), Pathos (the empathetic side, the emothional alignment with the other person), and Logos (the logic & reasoning).
Some thoughts:
This is a great habit to start practicing on a daily basis. Personally, I will start listening more to other people, without judging, evaluating, or thinking about what I'm going to say next. I will not interrupt or dismiss the other person's words, nor will I turn conversation to myself. I will demonstrate genuine interest in other people and try to listen twice as much as I speak. [Since it's our mouth that usually gets us in trouble, it's reallly not a bad policy to follow!]
While most people would not argue with this premise, the practice of truly listening to others is difficult to implement. As Covey correctly points out, most of us seek to be understood; we are impatient when listening to others, usually judging or just waiting until it's our turn to speak. The practice of empathetic listening requires you to actually look at the world through the other person's eyes (not necessarily agreeing or disagreeing, but merely understanding where they are coming from). By fulfilling this basic human need to be understood, you build a strong connection with the other person. You also open yourself up to them in the process; but it is only by opening yourself to be influenced can you become truly influential.
Before one can truly understand another person, one has to have the Integrity, the strength of Character developed in habits 1-3. In addition, one needs to have the empathetic listening skills. The most effective skill in such communication is to "rephrase the content and reflect the feeling", thus engaging both in the emotional and the logical sides of communication. Even with techniques, one will not be a successful communicator without a sincere desire to understand.
Only after you're able to understand the other person's point of view, can you seek to be understood, which is the second dimension of Habit 5. Covey suggests the following sequence in order to gain understanding: Ethos (personal character, credibility and integrity), Pathos (the empathetic side, the emothional alignment with the other person), and Logos (the logic & reasoning).
Some thoughts:
This is a great habit to start practicing on a daily basis. Personally, I will start listening more to other people, without judging, evaluating, or thinking about what I'm going to say next. I will not interrupt or dismiss the other person's words, nor will I turn conversation to myself. I will demonstrate genuine interest in other people and try to listen twice as much as I speak. [Since it's our mouth that usually gets us in trouble, it's reallly not a bad policy to follow!]
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
Habit 4: Think Win/Win
This habit takes us into the area of interpersonal leadership - i.e. effective communication with other people. The underlying principle is that most often, mutually beneficial agreements result in the greatest long-term benefit for both parties. Covey teaches that the Win/Win strategy can be especially effective when combined with "No Deal" option (when there is no long-term relationship at stake), where if no solution is found that benefits both parties, then they agree to part on good terms.
There are five dimensions to Habit 4:
1. Character
There are three character traits that are essential to interpersonal success:
a. Integrity (developed in habits 1-3)
b. Maturity - "the ability to express one's own feelings and convictions balanced with consideration for the thoughts and feelings of others."
c. Abundance Mentality - focus not on competition and comparison, but on sharing (of recognition, profits, decision making)
2. Relationships
A relationship based on mutual trust creates cooperative energy focused on resolving issues in mutually beneficial ways. If the other person does not have trust, you can establish it by making an extra effort: through respect, listening, communicating, and being proactive. And the stronger your character, the more powerful your influence on the other person will be.
3. Agreements
A Win/Win agreement expresses the following five elements:
a. Desired results (specific outcomes: what & when)
b. Guidelines (principles/policies that provide the scope of latitude in accomplishing the results)
c. Resources (support available to accomplish these goals)
d. Accountability (standards & evaluation timing)
e. Consequences (both good & bad)
4. Systems
This specifically applies to organizations, which need to have systems (e.g. rewards) in place that are aligned with their goals and values.
5. Processes
The recommended four-step process for achieving Win/Win solutions:
a. See the problem from the other person's point of view.
b. Identify key issues & concerns.
c. Determine the results that would lead to an acceptable solution.
d. Identify new options in achieving those results.
Some thoughts:
I think that the Character dimension of the Win/Win paradigm is the most challenging one for most people, because it is based on internal factors, things that cannot be easily adjusted through method or process. Improving one's character requires a great deal of work and practice. Having gone through the habits 1-3 and started to apply them in my everyday life, I see the "Integrity" piece as something that I'm already on my way to. Later this year, I will actually be taking an intensive 2-week course called Interpersonal Dynamics, which should help me with the "Maturity" piece. Its objective is to exactly reach that level of interpersonal communication which, in Covey's words, achieves "the balance between courage and consideration" - i.e. being able to honestly express your opinions without hurting the other person's feelings. In the meantime, I will continue to work on the foundations of my character (habits 1-3), because until one develops that integrity of character, one cannot communicate effectively.
There are five dimensions to Habit 4:
1. Character
There are three character traits that are essential to interpersonal success:
a. Integrity (developed in habits 1-3)
b. Maturity - "the ability to express one's own feelings and convictions balanced with consideration for the thoughts and feelings of others."
c. Abundance Mentality - focus not on competition and comparison, but on sharing (of recognition, profits, decision making)
2. Relationships
A relationship based on mutual trust creates cooperative energy focused on resolving issues in mutually beneficial ways. If the other person does not have trust, you can establish it by making an extra effort: through respect, listening, communicating, and being proactive. And the stronger your character, the more powerful your influence on the other person will be.
3. Agreements
A Win/Win agreement expresses the following five elements:
a. Desired results (specific outcomes: what & when)
b. Guidelines (principles/policies that provide the scope of latitude in accomplishing the results)
c. Resources (support available to accomplish these goals)
d. Accountability (standards & evaluation timing)
e. Consequences (both good & bad)
4. Systems
This specifically applies to organizations, which need to have systems (e.g. rewards) in place that are aligned with their goals and values.
5. Processes
The recommended four-step process for achieving Win/Win solutions:
a. See the problem from the other person's point of view.
b. Identify key issues & concerns.
c. Determine the results that would lead to an acceptable solution.
d. Identify new options in achieving those results.
Some thoughts:
I think that the Character dimension of the Win/Win paradigm is the most challenging one for most people, because it is based on internal factors, things that cannot be easily adjusted through method or process. Improving one's character requires a great deal of work and practice. Having gone through the habits 1-3 and started to apply them in my everyday life, I see the "Integrity" piece as something that I'm already on my way to. Later this year, I will actually be taking an intensive 2-week course called Interpersonal Dynamics, which should help me with the "Maturity" piece. Its objective is to exactly reach that level of interpersonal communication which, in Covey's words, achieves "the balance between courage and consideration" - i.e. being able to honestly express your opinions without hurting the other person's feelings. In the meantime, I will continue to work on the foundations of my character (habits 1-3), because until one develops that integrity of character, one cannot communicate effectively.
PlanPlus Review
Yesterday I downloaded the 30-day trial version of FranklinCovey's software package, PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook. I had a chance to play around with the software last night and I have to say that overall I'm impressed. It has the look and feel of the traditional Outlook, but with a few added tools that help you implement and follow the seven habits. It was simple to install and each window has a "Coach Me" button that actually takes you to a web tutorial on how to use each tool.
The main feature is the PlanPlus Home window which shows on one screen your calendar, prioritized task list and Inbox. It can also be customized to show "master tasks" and "daily record" views. It is helpful to see all key components in one view, eliminating the need to toggle between different windows.
In addition, there is PlanPlus Today window, which is like Outlook Today but only better: it integrates your weekly planning items with tasks and calendar items for each day, as well as weekly message section (for example, this week it has tips on how to deal with the unexpected).
My favorite features of PlanPlus are the customizable tools such as Mission Statement and Values tool, which allows you to put together and record your guiding principles (from Habit 2). In addition, there are also tools for implementing Habit 3, such as the Weekly Planner and Compass, which allow you to set your weekly goals and plan specific tasks to meet those goals while ensuring that you maintain balance in different areas. Finally, there is tool called Goals, which helps you translate long-range goals into more immediate steps - and even put those steps into actionable items in the tasks or calendar modules, thus tying them back into weekly planning process.
[An added benefit is that this software also includes Palm OS and Tablet PC software, which installs automatically next time you sync your device - this way, you can seamlessly integrate your PDA and PlanPlus tools.]
While I have not used the last three features of PlanPlus yet, I expect to very soon. Over the next 30 days I will commit to using it on a regular basis and see if it makes a meaningful difference in my effectiveness. At $79.99 price tag, it's quite expensive; however, it does seem to be a very easy to use tool for implementing Habit 3 planning practices in your life. Especially if you already use Outlook on a daily basis, it may be worth a try.
The main feature is the PlanPlus Home window which shows on one screen your calendar, prioritized task list and Inbox. It can also be customized to show "master tasks" and "daily record" views. It is helpful to see all key components in one view, eliminating the need to toggle between different windows.
In addition, there is PlanPlus Today window, which is like Outlook Today but only better: it integrates your weekly planning items with tasks and calendar items for each day, as well as weekly message section (for example, this week it has tips on how to deal with the unexpected).
My favorite features of PlanPlus are the customizable tools such as Mission Statement and Values tool, which allows you to put together and record your guiding principles (from Habit 2). In addition, there are also tools for implementing Habit 3, such as the Weekly Planner and Compass, which allow you to set your weekly goals and plan specific tasks to meet those goals while ensuring that you maintain balance in different areas. Finally, there is tool called Goals, which helps you translate long-range goals into more immediate steps - and even put those steps into actionable items in the tasks or calendar modules, thus tying them back into weekly planning process.
[An added benefit is that this software also includes Palm OS and Tablet PC software, which installs automatically next time you sync your device - this way, you can seamlessly integrate your PDA and PlanPlus tools.]
While I have not used the last three features of PlanPlus yet, I expect to very soon. Over the next 30 days I will commit to using it on a regular basis and see if it makes a meaningful difference in my effectiveness. At $79.99 price tag, it's quite expensive; however, it does seem to be a very easy to use tool for implementing Habit 3 planning practices in your life. Especially if you already use Outlook on a daily basis, it may be worth a try.
Monday, July 07, 2003
Feng shui-ing the apartment
Today I added a couple of (long-overdue) feng shui touches in the apartment: a plant to hide the protruding corner of a bookcase in the bedroom and the wind chime (bought a couple of years ago in Montreal) next to the main door. It's amazing that we've already lived in the apartment for almost a year, and only finally am I beginning to apply some feng shui techniques. Incidentally, both of the above methods are designed to improve the flow of chi energy through your home: by softening a sharp corner facing the door, a flowing plant helps the energy flow into the room, while the wind chimes help the energy enter and diffuse around the apartment with their melodic sound. While I don't know if this actually works, but both plants and wind chimes are definitely also good on their own merits.
Yesterday I actually begin the "feng shui-ing" process by cleaning and dusting in the bedroom and the bathroom. According to Simon Brown, each grain of dust retains stale chi energy, so cleaning gets rid of this old energy and welcomes fresh, new energy into your home. Hopefully, with just these couple of adjustments, the apartment will feel even better, fresher, more energized.
Yesterday I actually begin the "feng shui-ing" process by cleaning and dusting in the bedroom and the bathroom. According to Simon Brown, each grain of dust retains stale chi energy, so cleaning gets rid of this old energy and welcomes fresh, new energy into your home. Hopefully, with just these couple of adjustments, the apartment will feel even better, fresher, more energized.
Sunday, July 06, 2003
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 3, in essence, is the implementation, the living of the first two habits. It involves following your mission, your values and principles on a daily basis and ensuring that you do not stray too far from the path that leads to achieving your long-term goals. It requires strong will and determination to put your deep values above the everyday distractions, moods and impulses. Only by following this habit can one achieve true mastery over one's life and full actualization of one's aspirations.
Habit 3, at the practical level, involves a weekly planning regimen that ensures that you devote time to achieving your set goals in each of your areas of importance. This planning method allows you to see the big picture, as opposed to just daily tasks, and achieve greater balance in your life by ensuring that none of these areas dominates your schedule to the detriment of others. It also lets you keep your true priorities straight and spend time on tasks that are aligned with your core values.
Practicint Habit 3:
1. Identifying Roles. Just like in the personal mission statement exercise, identify the key roles that you play in your life (and that are important to you).
2. Selecting Goals. Select 1-2 important results that you would like to accomplish in each role during the next week, and record them as goals. These weekly goals should be tied to the long-term goals identified in the personal mission statement exercise.
3. Scheduling. Schedule times to achieve each of these goals over the next seven days by making specific appointments (or set them as priority items for that day).
4. Daily Adapting. On a daily basis, take a few minutes each morning to review the schedule and prioritize/reschedule as needed. This allows to adjust to unanticipated events and respond to new opportunities.
Some thoughts:
For me, this will be one of the hardest things to put into practice because I've never been big on planning. However, I feel that this is important enough if I want to keep my mission and my goals in front of me at all times. To that end, I will definitely check out Covey's local store or the website to see what planning products they have available.
Habit 3, at the practical level, involves a weekly planning regimen that ensures that you devote time to achieving your set goals in each of your areas of importance. This planning method allows you to see the big picture, as opposed to just daily tasks, and achieve greater balance in your life by ensuring that none of these areas dominates your schedule to the detriment of others. It also lets you keep your true priorities straight and spend time on tasks that are aligned with your core values.
Practicint Habit 3:
1. Identifying Roles. Just like in the personal mission statement exercise, identify the key roles that you play in your life (and that are important to you).
2. Selecting Goals. Select 1-2 important results that you would like to accomplish in each role during the next week, and record them as goals. These weekly goals should be tied to the long-term goals identified in the personal mission statement exercise.
3. Scheduling. Schedule times to achieve each of these goals over the next seven days by making specific appointments (or set them as priority items for that day).
4. Daily Adapting. On a daily basis, take a few minutes each morning to review the schedule and prioritize/reschedule as needed. This allows to adjust to unanticipated events and respond to new opportunities.
Some thoughts:
For me, this will be one of the hardest things to put into practice because I've never been big on planning. However, I feel that this is important enough if I want to keep my mission and my goals in front of me at all times. To that end, I will definitely check out Covey's local store or the website to see what planning products they have available.
Friday, July 04, 2003
Done!
After a couple of hours of work, I now have my first Personal Mission Statement. FranklinCovey's tool definitely helped me by distilling some of the values that were important to me (it took about 1/2 hour). I changed the format, by centering it around important areas of my life and recording goals for each one of them. Even though I will probably continue to tweak it here and there, I am pretty happy with how it turned out. It is a great starting point to start building on, and I cannot wait to take the next step in this journey.
Now that my mission statement is done, I would really like to go to this FranklinCovey's store that is close to where I live and check out some of the products that they have - maybe I'll find some neat tools there that will help me put my mission statement into action. I've got to strike the iron while it's hot now!
Now that my mission statement is done, I would really like to go to this FranklinCovey's store that is close to where I live and check out some of the products that they have - maybe I'll find some neat tools there that will help me put my mission statement into action. I've got to strike the iron while it's hot now!
Juiced up
Due to the large amounts of work being thrown at me all week, I've become more than ever dependent on caffeine (one of my persistent vices), and by Thursday was chugging three travel-size mugs of this stuff per day. This long weekend, I'm stopping the madness by going off caffeine for three days.
When I was in the store yesterday, I came across this product. It's pure juice of pomegranate, renowned for its healing and antioxidant purposes (their website gives an interesting account of this fruit's history and scientific evidence of its powers). It comes in several varieties, and I decided to try the one with blueberry juice, since I love blueberries too, and they are also supposed to be a good antioxidant. So this morning, instead of the usual coffee, I savoured this juice - it is indeed very refreshing and flavorful. At $3.99 a pop, I wish I could afford to drink it every day!
When I was in the store yesterday, I came across this product. It's pure juice of pomegranate, renowned for its healing and antioxidant purposes (their website gives an interesting account of this fruit's history and scientific evidence of its powers). It comes in several varieties, and I decided to try the one with blueberry juice, since I love blueberries too, and they are also supposed to be a good antioxidant. So this morning, instead of the usual coffee, I savoured this juice - it is indeed very refreshing and flavorful. At $3.99 a pop, I wish I could afford to drink it every day!
Wednesday, July 02, 2003
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
While Habit 1 lays the foundation for effective living, Habit 2 gives you the compass that points you toward reaching your goals. The most crucial part of any endeavor is the initial image or idea of the desired outcome. If you can picture yourself, at the end of your life, having reached all the success in all the ways that are meaningful to you - that should be your goal and the frame of reference in every decision that you make going forward. This exercise allows you to strip away all the things that are superfluous, that may seem important today but don't ultimately matter as much - and use this vision of your future as your own definition of success and the guiding light that illuminates the rest of your life. Besides establishing a set of goals, this exercise will also bring forward your personal values and priorities, in accordance with which you should strive to live each day.
Practicing Habit 2:
* Develop a personal mission statement, which emphasizes our core goals and principles and will serve as a basis for making decisions.
* Practice visualization exercise when faced with an important project by writing down desired results and the steps needed to achieve them.
Some thoughts:
I have given quite a bit of thought to my personal mission statement over the past year, bit have not actually composed it. So, I intend to spend the next few days finally putting together a mission statement. It will definitely be an interesting process, and long overdue.
Practicing Habit 2:
* Develop a personal mission statement, which emphasizes our core goals and principles and will serve as a basis for making decisions.
* Practice visualization exercise when faced with an important project by writing down desired results and the steps needed to achieve them.
Some thoughts:
I have given quite a bit of thought to my personal mission statement over the past year, bit have not actually composed it. So, I intend to spend the next few days finally putting together a mission statement. It will definitely be an interesting process, and long overdue.
Words of inspiration
Heard this quote today... and decided to jot it down before I forget.
"Learn as if you will live forever,
Live as if you will die tomorrow."
- Gandhi
Link: mkgandhi.org
"Learn as if you will live forever,
Live as if you will die tomorrow."
- Gandhi
Link: mkgandhi.org
Tuesday, July 01, 2003
Habit 1 in Action!
Quite unexpectedly, today I actually got a very good opportunity to put the principle of proactivity into action. Due to unforseen circumstances at work, I was asked to do the project previously assigned to two people, in the same timeframe. Because of the urgency of this project (and its importance) I was asked to stay late, which resulted in a 15-hour day (I don't even remember the last time I had one of those!). However, instead of bemoaning my fate and complaining about the management, I instead chose to look at things differently. After all, this being a very important and highly visible project, I will learn a great deal by doing it while demonstrating my skills and commitment. I am sure that my contribution will not go unnoticed by the managment, plust it will look great on my resume. All in all, I am thankful for the circumstances that have put me on this project and I am happy to work hard on it and stay late because I know that in the end, it is all for my professional benefit. So, even though I didn't get a chance to do any reading today about the seven habits, I was able to put one of them into practice. And now - it's time to go get some sleep, because I want to be ready to roll tomorrow!
