Archive for category Know Your Self

BofA, US States harp on local delivery to meet TARP terms

Top outsourcing customers, such as Bank of America and several local governments in the US, are asking vendors, including TCS, Infosys and Wipro, to deliver more projects locally. They are also rescinding job offers to foreign workers in an attempt to address anti-offshoring sentiments and cope with legislative requirements of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP).

 

Bank of America and other financial services organisations who have received funds under TARP need to ensure that they try and employ a local American workers before hiring a foreign worker from companies such as TCS, Infosys and Wipro. During past few months, at least five new outsourcing contracts had new clauses, which mandated that certain work be delivered onshore.

 

“Bank of America’s Merill Lynch integration projects are being delivered locally because of TARP requirements—on any other day, Infosys could have done a majority of these projects from India and elsewhere,” said a US-based person familiar with the bank’s outsourcing initiatives.

 

Source: The Economic Times (Delhi edition)

Tags:

Lead by Doing What Others Won’t Do: Drive to Completion

Visit any home improvement store on a Saturday morning, and you will see the beginning of hundreds of projects. People gather supplies, get instruction, and consult with professionals to get their game plans in order. Week after week the same scenario plays out. Based on sales, it would appear that these weekend warriors will soon beautify and improve the entire planet.

But reality and results tell another story entirely. A quick look through the garages and basements of many of these great starters would likely reveal the truth about completion: the final ten percent, for many people, is virtually uncharted territory – meaning they never get there.

Carry the accumulation of half-demolished foyers, clogged caulk guns, and piles of debris into the business world, and it’s no different.

The pattern for success in business is to recognize an unsatisfied need, innovate to find and provide a solution, then to expand and repeat the process. Somewhere between innovation and delivery, we find the no-man’s zone known as completion.

I once employed someone who proved to be an excellent initiator but a terrible finisher. She would start a task but get hung up once she encountered an obstacle. When asked why she didn’t get the job done, she blamed someone for not getting back to her or a situation she’d encountered. In short, she didn’t understand how to drive to completion.

What makes completion such a challenge?

Completion forces us to step forward.
For many people, the thought of completing a goal is unsettling – even when the task at hand is unpleasant. Maybe it’s the sense of the ‘known evil’ being preferable to the unknown one. No matter how ornery a project has become, at least it’s a pain in the neck that is familiar. We know that upon completion, we must choose again. We question whether we’ve got the goods needed to accomplish the next challenge.

Completion forces us to step up.
Concluding the current initiative inevitably moves us to a point of “what next?” For success-minded people, the answer to that question always comes in the form of raising the bar. Knowing that an even greater challenge lies ahead can make incompletion insidiously alluring. We know that each completion is followed by a call for even more. We wonder how we will bear up as the stakes are raised.

Completion forces us to step out.
Whether the task at hand is pleasant or not, we become attached to it. No matter how hard it seemed as we first put our hands to the plow, it is now within our comfort zone. It is familiar, and it seems manageable. People generally fear change. We convince ourselves that survival depends on staying inside our circle of competency. Completion represents a not-so-subtle nudge out of that circle.

For many people, incompletion has become a way of life. It takes the form of procrastination, loss of interest, confusion, and frustration. By remaining at the 90% complete mark, we reap the dubious benefits of security, mediocrity, and familiarity.

How can we push forward for completion?

Assess the current situation.
Focus on one task at a time until it is complete. This sounds like an effective solution – on paper. Chances are, though, that your world is more complex than that. However, even with multiple projects and priorities going on at the same time, you can still focus on one idea at a time and then move on. Each new opportunity should be evaluated before you commit. Remember that ‘good’ is the enemy of ‘best’ in your consideration. Does it serve your purpose? If so, engage and then move forward into completion.

Realize that the final 10% isn’t so bad.
Often the final stretch is comprised of unremarkable, monotonous, or tedious tasks. Because they are less than exhilarating, they seem onerous. Reality is that these final milestones are a lot closer, and a lot easier to attain than they seem. These loose ends rarely take the time or energy we fear they will. Just like the sticker on your car’s rearview mirror reads, completion “may be closer than they appear.”

Understand the price you pay for incompletion.
The process of beginning an initiative and working on it requires that you fully engage your commitment, your creative power, and your attention. The deepest recesses of your mind loathe letting go of these commitments. Like an elbow constantly poking into your ribs, your mind will nag you unceasingly about your incompletion. This distraction is often enough to pull you right out of the game when it’s time to take your next step.

Enjoy the rewards of completion.
The marketplace rewards completion. Every purchase of goods or services is immediately and unconsciously evaluated for completion. If you were to go out for dinner, place your order, and then never receive your food, you would complain, refuse to pay, and never want to go there again. If you purchased a car and discovered it was missing some key component, a steering wheel for example, you would refuse to take delivery.

It’s been said that the key to outrageous success is to do what nobody else will do. This brings to the forefront an opportunity to excel through completion, and reap the rewards of your diligence. A quick look around illustrates people’s tendency toward procrastination, loss of momentum, distraction, and incompletion. By committing to completion, you will do what nobody else will do, and the rewards will follow.

Recognizing the prices and benefits of completion may be enough to move you forward. What prize awaits when you push forward for completion?

By Mark Sanborn

Tags: ,

Want to Live the Dream? Pay the Price.

Want to Live the Dream? Pay the Price.

Have you ever been strolling through a shopping mall or car lot when – POW! – THE perfect product captures your attention? Perhaps it’s the sporty convertible with a V-8 engine and unbelievable acceleration. Maybe it’s the adorable dress that’s exactly your style, has a flattering fit, and accentuates all of your finest features.

Whatever the case, there’s an initial moment when you’re enamored with THE product. For a split second reality is suspended as you imagine the joys of owning it. Unfortunately, two words generally bring this pleasant daydream crashing to a halt: price tag.

The Dream Is Free, but the Journey Isn’t

When you first think about a dream, you only see possibilities and potential. As my friend Collin Sewell observed, all dreams begin obstacle-free. However, at some point we have to confront the Cost Question: Am I willing to pay the price of my dream?

If you want to achieve a dream, you have to be willing to do more than just imagine the outcome. You have to be willing to pay a price to start the journey. Dreams don’t fall into our laps by accident or good fortunate. They must be attained at the cost of personal sacrifice.

The Price Must Be Paid Sooner Than You Think

Dreams can’t be bought on impulse. Buy now, pay later financing isn’t an option. If you want to own a dream, then be prepared to make a hefty down payment.

I think most people realize that there will be some cost for achieving their dream. They have a vague notion that someday they will have to pay a price. But they don’t realize how quickly the costs come. Stepping toward a dream is like launching a rocket; massive amounts of energy must be expended at the beginning. Otherwise, gravity takes hold and the journey never gets off the ground.

The Price Will Be Higher Than You Expect

All dreams have price tags attached, and the cost is always higher than we expect to pay. Not once in my conversations with successful people have I heard someone say, “Getting to the top was much easier than I anticipated.” The reverse is true. Those at the pinnacle of their professions point to the hardships and sacrifices they had to endure to reach the top.

Having done a good deal of travel, I’ve learned the taxi principle: ALWAYS find out the cost before you get in the cab. Unfortunately, dreams are far too complex for us to accurately access the costs upfront. A noble dream is worth the expense, but the full costs won’t be apparent until we’re already on the journey.

The Price Must Be Paid More Than Once

As a young leader, I mistakenly thought acquiring a dream was like buying a ticket to Six Flags: pay once and enjoy the rides. Experience has taught me otherwise. Following a dream forces you to make continual sacrifices.

Just as a rocket must shed weight to escape gravity, so to a leader has to let go of some goals to accomplish others. You have to give up to go up.

Let’s face it: dreams don’t work unless you do. Easing off the accelerator and coasting won’t get you to your desired destination. For dreams to be apprehended, leaders must have an appetite for hard labor.

It Is Possible To Pay Too Much for Your Dream

Although sacrifices go hand in hand with success, it is possible to overpay for a dream. Don’t mortgage relationships or discard your moral compass in pursuit of career goals. I’ve seen it happen all too often. I’ve watched people sacrifice marriages, neglect their kids, ignore their health, and abandon their conscience – all in the name of a “dream.”

As Jesus of Nazareth once said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his own soul?” Some prices aren’t worth paying. Do not allow your dream to dictate your values. Rather, make sure your values inform and govern your dream.

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Tags: ,

Career Development by Professor Guru

Building a Successful Personal Brand

Building a Successful Personal Brand

it-education-by-professor-guru

Tags: ,

8 Reasons to Consider a Career Change

If you are one of the lucky few that loves your job and it is very secure, then you will never have to consider a change in your career. But, if you are like most other people, you will face changes in your career several times during your lifetime.

A change in your career is not necessarily negative – it can be a great opportunity for you to explore new interests and to take risks. If you are unsure as to whether or not you are ready for a career change, take a look at the following reasons listed below. If any of them sound familiar, then now is the time to plan for a change.

Top 8 Reasons

  1. Boredom – many people cite this as one of the top reasons they decided to switch careers. It is not just normal spells of boredom – it affects your productivity and level of satisfaction. Many people say they hate their job when in fact it is boredom that they are experiencing.
  2. Money – this is a big motivator. After all, who doesn’t want to make more money so that they can afford the things they want in life? If you feel like you are not being paid what you are worth or if you are constantly saying “if only I had the money” then you could benefit by finding a higher paying job.
  3. Location – location, location location is not just for real estate. How close or far you live from work affects your satisfaction with your current job. Dealing with constant rush hour traffic and long commute times is enough to make many people decide to leave their current position.
  4. Management – many don’t give enough credit to managers and supervisors to being a reason for driving employees away. Poor communication, micro-management, and a lack of control over one’s workday are big reasons to seek greener pastures.
  5. Benefits – medical and supplemental benefits are an important part of any job. Some employers will pay more for benefits; while others will pass off the charges to their employees. Almost every person wants an adequate and comprehensive plan of benefits and if you’re current employer is failing to meet the bar, it is very good reason to look into a more beneficial career.
  6. Purpose – are you in the profession you wanted to be in as a child? Chances are that you are not. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be – there are plenty of adult education classes offered at local colleges and online to get the education you need in order to start that great career. We all want to feel like our career is what you were meant to do in life. You can achieve your dream – you just need to research and come up with a plan of action.
  7. Unappreciated – many employers underestimate the power of employee praise and recognition. Many people are motivated by these forces and thrive off of appreciation. If those needs are not being met, then the person will slowly lose their drive and motivation and will resent their job. This is a big reason why many people will switch careers – so that they feel their efforts make a difference.
  8. Layoff – okay, so this one is not really a choice, but it is still a reason for a career change. Turn the negative into a positive by exploring your interests and pursuing work that will make you happy and satisfied.

Changing careers doesn’t have to be scary so long as you are prepared for the change. Make sure that you always keep your resume and references current. Stay in touch with how satisfied and happy you are with your current job. Do thorough research on other careers that interest you.

If a career change is not possible for you right now, consider approaching your supervisor with ideas on how to revamp your current position in order to make it more satisfying and meaningful for you.

Work is a major component of your life and the careers we choose should reflect that importance. It is not meant to just pay the bills (although that is a big part of it) – it is possible to derive pleasure and satisfaction from work. The average person will dedicate over three-fourths of his or her life to work; therefore that work should mean something. It all boils down to the right to choose a career that means something to you. 

by Linda Matias

Tags:

World Class Cyber Cafe IN Greater Noida for Developing Career

First Time in Greater Noida – Fully Air Condtioned Cyber Cafe for
Students with Add on Free Career Development Services by Professor Guru – Location Above Axis Bank Greater Noida. Visit today to take Flight of your career!!!

Tags: ,

Small Pain In My Chest

The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night
And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning’s light.

“I wonder if you’d help me, sir”, he smiled as best he could.
“A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good.
We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest -
A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest.”

As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt.
“Not much”, said he. “I count myself more lucky than the rest.
They’re all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest.”

“Must be fatigue”, he weakly smiled. “I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I’m feeling cold.
We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest.”

“I looked around to get some aid – the only things I found
Were big, deep craters in the earth – bodies on the ground.
I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest.”

“I’m grateful, sir”, he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I’ve seen.
“Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest.”

“What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown,
If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I’d be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?”

“Can it be getting dark so soon?” He winced up at the sun.
“It’s growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I’ll get a little rest ……….
And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest.

I don’t recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side
And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.

Source: by Neha Ashani Student

Tags:

Meditation

The correct definition of meditation is to think constantly of something. You become that on which you meditate. Think of God, you become God. Think of stone, you become a stone. The only thing that the process of meditation is really meant to teach us is to remind us that there is something above from which we have come here and it is our first duty to get back where we belong. Meditation is not only meant for the saints it is meant for everyone. Another point to emphasize is that, the only way to learn to do meditation is to actually do it, and not reading books on the topic. There are many methods of doing meditation; many stages; and lots of benefits but the ultimate purpose of meditation is to explore reality and awaken divinity within us. The purpose of this essay is to acquaint you with method, the stages, and the benefits of meditation.
There are many methods of doing meditation; the method described below is the most fundamental of them. First of all, find a comfortable place to sit, the place should be quite and should not distract you in any way. Second, choose a comfortable posture, it can any be any posture, but your back should be upright. The posture (asana) should not make you feel uncomfortable in any way. Also, don’t move while meditating, it reminds you of your body, and distracts your concentration. If you have selected the correct posture then after about 45 minutes, your body will become very light as if it did not exist, and peacefulness can be felt everywhere. Third comes setting the time period, it can range from 15 minutes to over 2 hours. For beginners it is about 15 – 20 minutes day, this is not a prescribed time period though, it can be over 20 minutes, but usually beginners are not able to sit longer than 20 minutes. For intermediates it is about 30 minutes or more and advanced it is usually 1 hour or more. The fourth step is to choose an object of meditation upon which to concentrate for the entire length of the practice. The object of meditation can be repeatedly reciting syllables (mantras); thoughts of love, peace, beauty etc; saints; the heartbeat, breath, a flower, a book, or almost anything. Choosing an object of meditation is difficult. The whole idea is to get the mind concentrated upon one object, in order to control the mind. But if a person instead of choosing an object of meditation directly meditates upon God, the result will be surprising. So here it is entirely upon the person to choose the object of meditation. Another thing is to forget everything about your self and devote the entire attention towards the object of meditation.

There are many benefits of meditation. It helps us to get to know ourselves better. It answers questions like “Who am I”, “What is Reality” etc. Meditation helps us to get closer to God. It develops good concentration. It relieves us from the stress and tension of daily life and brings about peace and calm throughout the day. After meditating, there is more clarity of mind as it is free from thoughts. Self-control, Self-respect, and Self-acceptance begin to develop. Supernatural abilities begin to develop as spiritual experiences begin to become more peaceful and blissful. These are just a few of the benefits. There are more benefits of meditation then one can imagine, ranging from awakening of the millions of brain cells to the awakening of spark of divinity in the Heart. Meditate and reveal the truth of the above statements for yourself, as the answer can only be found within and not outside.
The stages of meditation are numerous. The beginning stages of meditation are usually associated with developing posture, and adjustment to its practice. This takes about 6 months or more, depending on person to person. The intermediate stages of meditation begin when the person starts getting spiritual experiences and gets into super-conscious (samadhi). In this state the object meditated upon, the person meditating and the knowledge of the object all become one. Here the person experiences bliss and the essential nature of the reality. After reaching this state, the person enters the realm of supernatural phenomena. He begins to experience Supernatural powers, miracles etc in his daily life. It is no longer necessary for the person to meditate after reaching this state. Self-realization is the popular name given to the state of super-consciousness. In the advanced stages of meditation, 2yrs or more, the next state to achieve is cosmic consciousness (nirvabilka samadhi). Super-consciousness is only a step on the ladder to cosmic consciousness. In this state the person finds that he is no longer his body, his spirit and mind escape through the body to encompass the world, the solar systems, the entire Universe. He becomes one with Universe, and he is called a Brahm-Gyani. This state can only be achieved with the help of a True spirtual teacher (Sat Guru). Although there are still more states left to achieve after cosmic consciousness, they have rarely been attained. Some people attain cosmic consciousness not even after 15 yrs of meditation, while some achieve within 15 months. It all depends on the person to person, and on the earnestness of his meditation.
These were the method, benefits and stages of meditation. It has to be known that meditation is for everyone. Meditation has been known to transform the entire character of a person. The answer to everything is within. Turn within. All knowledge, all powers, everything is within. Your destiny is within, your future is within, the Ultimate is within.

Source: by Abhishek Sharma

Tags:

Four Truths about Discipline

What were you born to do? What is your dream? To become the person you have the potential to be, you have to cultivate a life of discipline. Consider these truths concerning discipline:

Discipline Comes with a Price Tag

Discipline is costly. It demands a continual investment of time, energy, and commitment at the expense of momentary pleasure and ease. Discipline means paying hours of practice to win the prize of skill. Discipline means giving up short-term benefits for the hope of future gain. Discipline means pressing on to excellence long after everyone else has settled for average.

Discipline Turns Talent to Greatness

When you read about someone like Mickey Mantle, you realize that too much talent can actually work against someone. Super-talented individuals can coast on sheer ability and neglect building the daily habits of success that will sustain them. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow shared much insight when he wrote:

The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.

If you want to reach your potential, attach a strong work ethic to your talent.

Discipline Focuses on Choices, Not Conditions

In general, people approach daily discipline in one of two ways. They focus on the external or the internal. Those who focus externally allow conditions to dictate whether or not they remain disciplined. Because conditions are transitory, their discipline level changes like the wind.

In contrast, people with internal discipline focus on choices. You cannot control circumstances, nor can you control others. By focusing on your choices, and making the right ones regularly, you stay disciplined.

Discipline Does Not Bow Down to Feelings

As Arthur Gordon said, “Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them, day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you.”

If you do what you should only when you really feel like it, then you won’t build disciplined habits. At times, you have to act contrary to emotions. If you refuse to give into your lesser impulses, no matter how great they will make you feel in the moment, then you’ll go far.

Summary

Discipline is a matter of taking total responsibility for your future. Choose not to blame circumstances for the outcome of your life. Choose to go beyond your natural talent. Choose to make wise decisions repeatedly. Choose discipline as the path to your potential.

 by John C Maxwell

Visit www.gnoida.com

Tags: ,

This blog is monetized using Are-PayPal WP Plugin