Develop the Habit of Reading

One way of improving oneself is by reading good books and inspiring articles. It has been said that the internet is killing the reading habit. Maybe, there is some truth in this. You can go to the internet to conduct some research. But the books that you need when studying for a degree are not available online. Even if some are available, it is not very convenient. Of course, one can go online to order books, say from Amazon. And now there are gadgets now to which you can download ebooks but this is not free.

Thomas Carlyle wrote, "The true University of these days is a Collection of Books.” You may have a set of encyclopedia and a good collection of different types of books. A well-read person is very knowledgeable. This can offer great help when seeking for a job and after getting employed.

Perhaps, social media is taking too much time that can be used to read books besides having negative impacts on various aspects of life. The smart phone can be very disruptive. You may have seen some people who don't talk to each other even when they are sitting face to face. They continue to play with their smart phones. Some people become stressed when their phones are not working or when they forgot to bring them.

A lot of time is wasted doing unproductive things. Time is precious. So take up that book that you bought a year or so ago but had never opened. Start reading it. You may get a surprise when you discover that that book can make a lot of difference in your life.

Start by reading a short book progressing to longer ones. Whatever it is, decide to make a start. Refuse to take up that newspaper every time. It may not be good for your mental health. Besides, not everything that you find in newspapers is true. It has been said that only five percent of newspaper articles is true. And you don't improve your English by reading newspapers only.

So, pick up that book lying around for a long time and start reading it.

Try to become a better person

Try to become a better person. But why must you be one? That is stressful and is not healthy.

But still you need to try hard to become a better person. If not, you will not be able to cope. The world is ever changing, not only for the better but also for the worse. If you remain where you are now, you will be left too far behind. It may not be easy to catch up. You remain behind as if life has abandoned you.

"How do I do it? How can I be a better person?" you may ask.

First, look in the mirror. This means you need to discover yourself, to know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses. Once this is done, eliminate the weaknesses or at least limit it. Make your strengths the foundation to be a better you.

Second, if one of your weaknesses is lack of confidence, find ways to improve it. Read positive books. Read books about other people who became better people due to better confidence level. Learn about the things you do every day, whether at home, at work or in the community. Ask, "How could I have done them better?"

Third, look after your health. Take exercise, eat well and get enough sleep. If you are sickly, you will struggle.

Fourth, think positive. Steer away from negative people, negative talk, and demotivating environment.

Fifth, dress properly for the occasion. Don't over-dress.

Sixth, watch what comes out of your mouth. If you have to open your mouth, make sure you say something positive and or productive.

Seventh, appreciate people for what they are, not who they are. Build a pleasant personality. People will support you.

Life's Objectives

What's your life's objectives?

Surely, at one time or another, this question may have crossed your mind. A myriad of things may have come to mind. But you just cannot put your finger what your life's objectives then.

It would appear that one's life objectives are closely intertwined with one's purpose for having been born into this world. Well, at least for most people. Many people, unfortunately or fortunately, have no idea what life has to offer. They may drift from one day to the next, not caring what the future holds in store for them. It has been said that there is bliss in ignorance.

But most people want to get something out of life. Some may argue that this is no objective at all. Even if it is, this appears to be a negative objective. Life is not only about getting benefits but contributing something beneficial. It is like putting some money into your bank account.

Which is better? To get something out of life or to make use of one's talents to make life better for oneself and one's fellowmen?

For those who believe in the Creator, they know that they were born into the world for a certain purpose. And it is not to take and take and to receive and receive. It is said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. It is in giving that one receive more and merit to keep on receiving. It one only take something from life, it is like withdrawing money from one's bank account without putting anything back.

Some say that they feel joy when they give out of generosity without expectation of any return. They would not have it any other way.

Life is a journey. Having some form of life's objectives can help you steer towards a certain direction, be it good or bad. After all, every human being has the freedom to choose between good and evil, to live one's life solely for oneself or for others, too. However, it is proven on too many occasions that the wrong choice leads to unhappiness and even destruction of one's future and the future of others, including the destruction of lives.

So ensure a healthy life's bank account by choosing the right life's objectives.