New Year Resolutions-2013

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year! 2013 here we 

I love writing down New Year Resolutions. Do you want to start 2013 on the right note? If "Yes",  here is a suggestion: write down your New Year Resolutions and set some "Targets/Goals" for yourself to achieve for the year. You are the Captain of "YOUR SHIP". You need to have a "Map" so that you can pilot your ship as you sail along the passage called "Life".

Do not listen to "nay-Sayers". Just because they could not achieve their goals does not mean you can't achieve yours. Prove them wrong. You can achieve your goals if you stay focused and you are disciplined. I have achieved a lot of my goals and I have book in which I have written down the goals so I can keep track of it.

For example, in 2009 I wanted to run the half marathon. It had been 21 years since I ran the 21.5km. Now, I have done 3 x Half Marathons. If you have a problem with achieving your New Year Resolutions than just focus on one or two resolutions. "Success breeds Success". Before you know it you will have achieved more than one goal for 2012. It is good to be goal oriented and if you have the right attitude and you are disciplined, you will achieve your goals.

Your resolutions have to be specific and also have a deadline by which you hope to achieve it. It does not have to be specific to 2013. You can have a 5 Year Plan that starts from 2013.

Here are some suggestions:

1) Weight Management -Lose 5 kg by March  2013. Remember you need to expand more that you consume to reduce weight. It helps if you exercise regularly.

2) Save and Invest- Save S$10,000 by cutting off unnecessary expenses and invest the money in high dividend paying stocks. Do your research before you invest.

3)Long Term Retirement Plan- e.g. Retire by 2015 with enough money in the bank. Retirement Fund. Set a target that will enable you to retire comfortably e.g. if want S$5,000 a month lifestyle and you expect to live for another 30 years then you need to save about S$1.8 million when you retire. Please add inflation rate to this amount in order ensure your spending power is maintained to achieve the lifestyle you desire.

4) Health Management- Exercise regularly- at least 3x a week.Run the Marathon (42 KM) by 2013.

5) Be a Better Person- Kind, Loving, Caring, Understanding, Manage your Anger, be a better father/husband/wife/son/daughter/ teacher/student /boss/employee/etc. Be kind and compassionate to others especially to the less fortunate. There is no need to be rude to anyone as you would want others to be rude to you.

6) Do more Charity Work. Help World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org.sg/st_sponsorchild.php ) or Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/asiapacific/)

7) Reduce/STOP Drinking and Smoking- to improve health.and save money

8) Eat Healthy Food and Cook at Home more often. Eat to Live, NOT Live to Eat!

9) Be a Happy Person and Smile and Laugh more often even when things are not going the way you want them to- this will reduces stress and improves your health.

10) Start a business. This is an option if you are not happy with your work. But you must have game plan....I mean Business Plan to ensure you are on the right track.

11) Save the Environment by being less wasteful. Each one of us has to do our part.

12) Be Positive- You have a better chance of achieving what you want if you are positive. Remember- "a negative person is the most handicapped person in the world" because they don't have faith in themselves and hence they will not be able look at the right solutions and options. They will most likely give up.

How to make sure you succeed with your "New Resolution Goals"?

1) Write your New Year Resolutions down. You will remember better. Have notebook so that you can compare your resolutions from year to the next. Some resolutions are "work-in-progress".

2) Paste it in places you will see regularly. Keep a copy in your wallet.

3) Look at everyday before you go to bed. At least for 7 days continuously. Constantly review it on a monthly basis to monitor you progress.

4) Tell your friends some of things you would like to share and get them to help you reach your goals.

5) Stay focused on your goals and you will achieve it. Stay focused, be disciplined and have the right attitude. If you really want it, you will get it.

Remember - Thoughts leads to Feeling leads to Actions leads to Results.You need to take Massive Action by which I mean a paradigm shift in your thinking and "JUST DO IT!" as NIKE tag line states.

Stay positive and stay focused! Good Luck! 

Cheers,

Mark Fernandez

The Beautiful Life!

Stay away from Anger.

It hurts only You and nobody else.

If you are right, then there is no need to get angry,

and if you are wrong then you don't have any right to get angry.

Patience with family is love,

Patience with others is respect,

Patience with self is confidence and

Patience with GOD is faith.

Never think hard about the past, it brings tears.

Don't think more about the future, it brings fear.

Live this moment with a Smile, it brings cheer.

Every test in our life makes us bitter or better,

every problem comes to make us or break us,

The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious. 

Search for a beautiful heart not a beautiful face.

Beautiful things are not always good, but good things are always beautiful.

Do you know why God created gaps between fingers?

So that someone who is special to you comes

and fills those gaps by holding your hand forever.

Never forget this advice!

Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong,  

Success keeps You Glowing, 

and But Only God keeps You Going! 

Love All, Serve All!

Cheers,

Mark

Buy The Music! Do not Steal!

Dear Friends,

I got this from Facebook where someone posted it. I share the same sentiments. People are willing to pay $5 for a cup of coffee but the same time they are not willing to pay $1 for a song that will make them happy or smile. I would pay $5 to buy the music because Music makes me happy and lifts my mood. 

Please do not steal just buy the music. Just imagine if you were an up and coming Artists or Author, you put a album out or a book out and people just decide that they would rather download it for free from the illegal website. Will you be OK with it? Instead of making money as a Musician or Author, you may have to find a day job. So think before you decide to "borrow" or 'steal".

Love All, Serve All!

Cheers,

Mark

Success Breeds Success

This is a story that promotes the motto of this blog...Help yourself to become successful and help others achieve the same or better success in their lives. You will benefit from the good karma.

Simple but Extremely True……………………..

There was a farmer who grew superior quality, award-winning corn in his farm. Each year, he entered his corn in the state fair where it won honors and prizes

One year a reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew his corn. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his corn seed with his neighbors

The reporter asked, "How can you afford to share your best corn seed with your neighbors when they are entering corn in the competition with yours each year?"

The farmer replied, "Didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen grains from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I have to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors to grow good corn too"

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbors' corn also improves. More so in other dimensions and areas of life!

If you choose to be in harmony, help neighbors; colleagues be at peace. If you choose to live well, help others live well too. The value of a life is measured by the lives it touches...

Success does not happen in isolation; but by a participatory and collective process that comes with sharing good practices, ideas; knowledge with family, friends, team members and neighbors

"Love All, Serve All".

Have a Great Day!

Cheers,

Mark

Men's Rules vs Women's Rules

Time for a Commercial Break! Time to Laugh!

A schoolmate sent this. Funny!

"At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down  

 Finally, the guys' side of the story. ( I must admit, it's pretty good.)

We always hear 'the rules' From the female side ...Now here are the rules from the male side.  

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered '1 ' 
ON PURPOSE!

1.   Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports: It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1... Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the  other one 

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done.  Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched..
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or motor sports

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.

Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can -  to give them a bigger laugh"

Have a Great Day!

LIFE AFTER 60

"Life after 60 is in your hands

An interesting article from The Hindu forwarded to me by a friend. Life can begin at 60, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.

1. Never say I am aged' :

There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth:

If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important:

Money is essential for meeting the basic necessitiesof life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation:

The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious:

It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.

6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness:

All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything inreturn. Perform a random act of kindness daily.

8. Forget and forgive:

Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a purpose:

Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death:

We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on."

Viewpoint expressed in "The Hindu."

Have People Lost Their Soul?

Have People Lost Their Soul? People seem to be so caught up with chasing money, sex, power and status that they fail to stop and take a stock of their life, their actions and what they are becoming or have become. Are we all on a treadmill just running with no end goal or objective in mind like living a meaningful life, becoming better people, helping others like the graduates with no job or the family with no food to eat.

We have become so caught with fast paced life we stop thinking about doing good deeds. Instead, many have become downright  selfish. Just look at the greedy bankers around the world who do not invest their own money but earn millions of dollar salary but keep losing their clients money.

- I can't have a Old Folks Home in my neighborhood. It will affect their property price.
- more drivers a beating red-lights. Killing a pedestrian or another driver is OK because they are rushing for their appointment.
- They will drive like a F1 driver....."it is OK if more cyclists and getting killed. What is another life?"
- people burning US$ 100,000 Birkin Bag in the name of art....money that could be given to charity. One Francesca Eastwood did just that.
-children will do anything for a iPhone or Xbox like demanding it from their parents or working part-time or even stealing and cheating others. Respect for Parents and Teachers is out of the window. Showing empathy for others.....they probably do not know what the word means.
-People traveling in the buses and MRT trains plugged to their iPhones and iPads not bothering if an elderly person or a pregnant women need a seat. It happened today when I was in the bus. Talking to your friends and appreciating things around you is not as important as playing games or updating trash on Facebook.
- Saying "thank-you" ...."what is that phrase all about? No, one taught me to say Thank You!"
-Real Friends are hard to come by. During our parents era, our parents can depend on their friends to come to their aid for any emergencies or assistance. Now, you can count yourself lucky if you have friends who will come to your house once a year or call you regularly. It is a two way street but most people are busy chasing money, lifestyle and work.
- A poor student was personally attacked on Facebook for expressing her views on how under-privileged  children like her may not be able to afford to live on University campus. She also said her grades were not good enough to give tuition and she needed to spend time on her studies. She was called "Stupid"  by some of her friends.
- Why can't drivers give way to to cyclists so that the cyclist can go back home safely to their family just like the drivers.Why can't cyclists in groups maintain road discipline...as in ride on the side instead of 4 or 5 cyclists occupying the whole of a single lane road in Kranji? The car drivers are put at risk when over-taking...again both parties must be considerate. Cyclists are sometimes at fault.

How sad! Have People Lost Their Soul? Why are people acting selfishly? Please look at yourself and change if you fall into one these groups or all. We all have faults and we must have the "testicular fortitude" (pardon the French and in plain English it means have "Balls to reflect and change") and willpower  to change for the better before we criticize others....this writer included.We cannot go on like this. The world will not be pleasant place to live in if everyone only thinks about themselves. Think of others and help others if you can. If you have lost your soul find it!

Love All, Serve All.

Cheers,
Mark.