Joy: The Music of the Soul That Plays Even in Silence

Joy is not just a feeling; it is the music of the soul that plays even in silence.

Joy: The Essence of a Fulfilling Life

Joy is a profound and lasting state of happiness that comes from within. Unlike fleeting moments of pleasure, joy is deeply rooted in our mindset, our perspectives, and the way we choose to experience life. It is a light that brightens even the darkest days, a source of strength that allows us to face challenges with optimism, and a force that brings meaning and fulfillment to our lives. True joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is cultivated through gratitude, kindness, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple moments.

"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." — Henri Nouwen

The Power of Joy in Daily Life

Joy plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and interactions. It enhances emotional well-being, strengthens relationships, and boosts resilience. A joyful person radiates positivity, influencing those around them in a meaningful way. Joy uplifts the spirit, fuels creativity, and contributes to overall mental and physical health. Studies show that joyful individuals are more productive, have stronger immune systems, and are better equipped to handle stress.

Types of Joy

Joy manifests in different ways, depending on our experiences, values, and perspectives. Some of the key types of joy include:

1. Spontaneous Joy – These are unexpected moments of happiness that arise from simple pleasures, such as a heartfelt conversation, laughter with a loved one, or witnessing a beautiful sunset.

2. Deep Inner Joy – This is a profound sense of contentment that comes from within. It is not based on external factors but is cultivated through self-awareness, mindfulness, and a strong sense of purpose.

3. Shared Joy – Happiness multiplies when shared with others. Acts of kindness, helping someone in need, or celebrating a loved one’s achievements bring joy not only to the recipient but also to the giver.

4. Spiritual Joy – Many find joy in faith, meditation, or a connection with something greater than themselves. This type of joy brings inner peace and a sense of fulfillment beyond material possessions.

The Role of Joy in Overcoming Challenges

Life is full of ups and downs, but joy serves as a guiding light during difficult times. When faced with hardships, people who cultivate joy are more resilient and better able to maintain hope. Joy does not eliminate challenges, but it provides the strength to face them with a positive outlook. It allows individuals to find beauty in adversity and lessons in struggle, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth.

"Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home... it's your responsibility to love it, or change it." — Chuck Palahniuk

Joy and Success

Success is often associated with hard work and perseverance, but joy is an essential ingredient in achieving true fulfillment. Many high achievers emphasize the importance of finding joy in the journey, rather than waiting for success to bring happiness. When work is infused with joy, creativity flourishes, motivation increases, and achievements feel more meaningful. Joyful individuals are not only more productive but also inspire and uplift those around them, fostering a positive and thriving environment.

How to Cultivate Joy

Joy is not something that happens by chance—it is a practice that can be nurtured and strengthened over time. Here are some ways to cultivate joy in everyday life:

1. Practice Gratitude – Focusing on what you have rather than what you lack fosters a joyful mindset. Keeping a gratitude journal or taking moments to appreciate life’s blessings can significantly increase joy.

2. Engage in Activities That Bring Joy – Whether it’s music, art, travel, or spending time with loved ones, doing what you love brings deep and lasting joy.

3. Embrace the Present Moment – Joy thrives in the present. Mindfulness and living in the moment help reduce stress and enhance appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Energy – Spending time with joyful and uplifting individuals fosters a sense of happiness. Positive relationships nurture joy and enhance overall well-being.

5. Give and Receive Joy – Acts of kindness, generosity, and love create a ripple effect of joy. Helping others, sharing a smile, or expressing gratitude brings immense satisfaction and happiness.

"Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of meaning." — Neel Burton

Conclusion

Joy is more than just a fleeting emotion—it is a way of life. It enriches our experiences, strengthens our resilience, and makes life more meaningful. By cultivating joy, we unlock a deeper sense of fulfillment and create a positive impact on those around us. Joy is not about waiting for the perfect moment; it is about finding happiness in the present and embracing life with an open heart. When we choose joy, we choose a life filled with light, love, and endless possibilities.

Integrity: The Strength That Stands Even When No One is Watching

 

Integrity is doing the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient or unprofitable.

Integrity: The Foundation of Trust and Character

Integrity is the cornerstone of a strong and admirable character. It is the quality of being honest, ethical, and consistent in actions, even when no one is watching. People with integrity adhere to their values and principles, making them reliable and trustworthy individuals. Whether in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or leadership roles, integrity defines one's moral compass and sets the foundation for lasting success and respect.

A single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed.

The Power of Integrity in Daily Life

Integrity shapes our decisions, behaviors, and interactions with others. It ensures that we act in alignment with our beliefs and values, fostering trust and credibility. A person with integrity does not compromise on their principles for temporary gains. Instead, they uphold honesty and fairness, even when faced with difficult choices.

Types of Integrity

Integrity manifests in various forms, each playing a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Some of the most important types include:

1. Personal Integrity – This involves staying true to one's beliefs, values, and moral principles. It means making ethical choices, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.

2. Professional Integrity – In the workplace, integrity is demonstrated through honesty, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Employees and leaders who practice integrity build trust and respect, creating a positive work environment.

3. Intellectual Integrity – This type of integrity relates to being open-minded, fair, and honest in the pursuit of knowledge. It involves recognizing biases, respecting different viewpoints, and seeking truth without manipulation.

4. Social Integrity – Integrity in social interactions ensures fairness, respect, and sincerity in relationships. It means treating others with kindness and maintaining honesty in communication.

The Role of Integrity in Overcoming Challenges

Life often presents ethical dilemmas and challenges that test our integrity. In such moments, people with strong integrity remain steadfast in their principles, refusing to take shortcuts or compromise their values for temporary benefits. Integrity provides a guiding force, ensuring that individuals stay true to their character, even in difficult situations. It fosters resilience and self-respect, allowing individuals to navigate challenges with confidence and dignity.

Integrity and Success

Integrity is a key factor in achieving long-term success. Many great leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries attribute their accomplishments to unwavering integrity. When people trust you, they are more likely to support your vision, follow your leadership, and collaborate with you. Integrity fosters credibility, strengthens relationships, and ensures that success is built on a solid foundation rather than deception or unethical practices.

How to Cultivate Integrity

Integrity is not an inherent trait—it is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. Here are some practical ways to cultivate integrity:

1. Be Honest in All Situations – Avoid deception, exaggeration, or dishonesty, no matter how small. Honesty builds credibility and self-respect.

2. Take Responsibility for Your Actions – Acknowledge mistakes and learn from them rather than blaming others. Accountability strengthens integrity and personal growth.

3. Stay True to Your Values – Identify your core values and ensure your actions align with them. Make decisions based on principles rather than convenience.

4. Keep Your Promises – Follow through on commitments, whether big or small. Reliability is a key indicator of integrity.

5. Treat Others with Respect and Fairness – Show kindness and fairness in your interactions, regardless of status or background. Integrity is reflected in how you treat people when there is nothing to gain.

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you." — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Conclusion

Integrity is the foundation of trust, respect, and long-term success. It is not just about being honest—it is about consistently doing what is right, even when no one is watching. By cultivating integrity, individuals create a strong moral foundation that guides their actions, enhances their credibility, and inspires those around them. A life of integrity is a life of honor, self-respect, and unwavering strength.

Hope: The Bridge Between Obstacles and Opportunities

"Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers." — Robert Green Ingersoll

Hope: The Light That Guides Us Forward

Hope is a powerful force that keeps us moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. It is the belief that tomorrow can be better than today, that challenges can be overcome, and that brighter days lie ahead. Hope fuels perseverance, inspires courage, and ignites resilience. Without hope, even the strongest individuals can falter, but with it, even the most impossible dreams can come to life.

The Power of Hope in Daily Life

Hope shapes our perceptions, influencing how we approach life’s obstacles and opportunities. It provides a sense of purpose, helping individuals stay motivated despite difficulties. People who cultivate hope tend to have a more positive outlook, greater emotional resilience, and an increased ability to cope with stress. Hope gives us the strength to push through hardships, knowing that better possibilities exist just beyond the horizon.

Types of Hope

Hope manifests in different forms, each playing a unique role in shaping our mindset and guiding our actions.

1. Aspirational Hope – This type of hope drives people toward their goals and dreams. It inspires ambition, fuels perseverance, and encourages continuous self-improvement.

2. Resilient Hope – In difficult times, resilient hope helps individuals hold on despite hardships. It provides inner strength and endurance to overcome setbacks and keep moving forward.

3. Spiritual Hope – Many people find hope in their faith or spirituality, believing that a higher power is guiding them. This form of hope often brings comfort, inner peace, and a sense of purpose.

4. Communal Hope – Hope is not just an individual experience—it thrives in communities. Collective hope strengthens societies, inspiring people to work together for positive change and shared progress.

The Role of Hope in Overcoming Challenges

Life is filled with uncertainty, but hope provides a stabilizing force during tough times. It helps individuals navigate personal and professional struggles by shifting their focus from despair to possibility. Studies have shown that people with high levels of hope are more likely to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook even in adversity.

"Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; 

for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles." — Samuel Smiles

Hope and Success

Hope plays a crucial role in achieving success. Entrepreneurs, athletes, scientists, and artists often rely on hope to fuel their pursuits. Many successful people attribute their achievements to their ability to maintain hope, even when faced with failures or obstacles. Hope encourages individuals to take risks, innovate, and persist until they achieve their goals.

How to Cultivate Hope

Hope, like any other mindset, can be nurtured and strengthened over time. Here are some ways to develop a hopeful perspective:

1. Practice Gratitude – Focusing on what you already have creates a foundation for hope. Gratitude shifts attention from what is missing to what is possible.

2. Set Realistic Goals – Having achievable objectives gives direction and a sense of purpose, fueling optimism for the future.

3. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences – Being around hopeful, optimistic people reinforces a hopeful mindset. Their encouragement can inspire confidence and motivation.

4. Reframe Negative Thoughts – Train your mind to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. A positive outlook enhances hope and resilience.

5. Take Small Steps Toward Progress – Hope grows when people take action. Even small progress toward a goal can reinforce belief in a better future.

"When you stop hoping, you start settling." — Valorie Burton

Conclusion

Hope is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a guiding light that helps individuals navigate life’s ups and downs. It provides strength, courage, and resilience, allowing people to dream, persist, and achieve. By embracing hope, we open doors to endless possibilities and create a future filled with optimism and purpose. Hope transforms the impossible into the inevitable, ensuring that no challenge is too great to overcome.

Gratitude: The Alchemy That Turns Ordinary into Extraordinary

"Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty." — Doris Day

Gratitude: The Key to Unlocking Abundance

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives, shift our perspectives, and bring a deep sense of contentment. It is more than just saying "thank you"—it is a mindset, a way of living that recognizes and appreciates the blessings, big and small, that we encounter every day. When we cultivate gratitude, we foster happiness, improve relationships, and attract abundance into our lives.

The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life

Gratitude shapes how we perceive the world. It allows us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. Research has shown that people who regularly practice gratitude experience higher levels of emotional well-being, lower stress, and greater resilience in the face of challenges. Gratitude shifts our attention away from negativity and trains our minds to find joy in the simplest moments.

Types of Gratitude

Gratitude manifests in different ways, depending on our perspective and approach to life. Some of the most common forms include:

1. Personal Gratitude – This is the gratitude we feel for our own experiences, accomplishments, and blessings. It includes appreciating our health, talents, and opportunities.

2. Interpersonal Gratitude – This involves recognizing and valuing the kindness and support of others. Whether it is a friend’s encouragement, a mentor’s guidance, or a stranger’s act of kindness, expressing gratitude strengthens our connections and deepens our relationships.

3. Situational Gratitude – This form of gratitude emerges from appreciating specific life situations, even those that challenge us. It allows us to find meaning in hardships and see difficulties as opportunities for growth.

4. Spiritual Gratitude – Many people express gratitude as part of their faith or spiritual beliefs. Acknowledging a higher power’s role in their lives provides comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose.

"Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone." — G.B. Stern

The Role of Gratitude in Overcoming Challenges

Life is filled with ups and downs, but gratitude can be a stabilizing force during difficult times. By focusing on what remains rather than what is lost, gratitude fosters resilience and helps us navigate hardships with a positive mindset. Studies suggest that individuals who practice gratitude recover from setbacks faster and maintain a greater sense of hope and optimism.

Gratitude and Success

Gratitude is closely linked to success. Many high achievers attribute their accomplishments to an attitude of gratitude. Entrepreneurs, leaders, and artists who regularly acknowledge their progress, opportunities, and supporters remain motivated and focused on growth. Gratitude helps shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance, allowing us to recognize possibilities and seize opportunities.

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others." — Cicero

How to Cultivate Gratitude

Like any habit, gratitude can be developed and strengthened over time. Here are some practical ways to incorporate gratitude into daily life:

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal – Writing down three things you are grateful for each day can reinforce a positive mindset and improve overall happiness.

2. Express Gratitude to Others – A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and spreads positivity.

3. Practice Mindfulness – Being present in the moment allows us to appreciate life’s small joys, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a warm cup of coffee, or a kind gesture from a friend.

4. Reframe Challenges as Lessons – Gratitude helps us find meaning in difficulties. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, we can appreciate the lessons they teach us.

5. Create a Gratitude Ritual – Whether it’s saying a prayer, reflecting before bedtime, or starting your morning with a gratitude affirmation, incorporating gratitude into daily routines enhances well-being.

Conclusion

Gratitude is more than an emotion—it is a way of life that enriches our experiences, deepens our relationships, and empowers us to overcome obstacles with grace. When we embrace gratitude, we unlock a world of abundance, joy, and fulfillment. By making gratitude a daily practice, we cultivate a mindset that attracts positivity and creates a life filled with meaning and appreciation.

FAITH is the bridge between DOUBT and DESTINY

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

                                                                                — Martin Luther King Jr.

Faith is the unwavering belief in something greater than oneself, a trust in the unseen and the unknown. It provides strength in adversity and hope in despair. Whether it is faith in a higher power, in humanity, or in one's own abilities, it fuels perseverance and resilience. Great leaders, inventors, and visionaries have all thrived on faith—the belief that their efforts will yield success, even when the path is unclear. Having faith empowers individuals to take risks, embrace change, and overcome challenges with confidence.

The Power of Faith in Daily Life

Faith plays a crucial role in shaping our daily lives. It provides a sense of direction and purpose, guiding us through difficulties and uncertainties. People with strong faith often exhibit greater emotional strength, perseverance, and optimism. They view setbacks as temporary obstacles rather than insurmountable failures. Faith gives people the courage to take action despite fear and uncertainty, leading to personal growth and transformation.

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." 

— Thomas Aquinas

Types of Faith

Faith manifests in different forms, depending on one’s beliefs and experiences. Some of the most common types include:

1. Religious Faith – This is perhaps the most recognized form of faith. Many people believe in a higher power, whether it is God, the universe, or spiritual forces. Religious faith provides comfort, hope, and moral guidance. It encourages people to act with kindness, patience, and love, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

2. Faith in Oneself – Self-belief is a powerful form of faith. It enables individuals to pursue their dreams, tackle challenges, and rise above failures. Successful people often attribute their achievements to an unshakable belief in their abilities and vision.

3. Faith in Humanity – This type of faith revolves around the belief that people, despite their flaws, are inherently good. It encourages acts of kindness, social responsibility, and compassion. Faith in humanity is what inspires people to help others and contribute to a better world.

4. Faith in the Unknown – Life is full of uncertainties, but faith allows people to embrace the unknown with confidence. It teaches acceptance and trust in the natural flow of life, helping individuals find peace amid chaos.

The Role of Faith in Overcoming Challenges

Life is unpredictable, filled with moments of joy and hardship. Faith acts as a stabilizing force during tough times. It provides the strength to endure pain, loss, and failure without losing hope. Many people who have faced adversity—whether financial struggles, health crises, or emotional hardships—have relied on faith to get through difficult situations. Faith fosters resilience, helping individuals emerge stronger after setbacks.

Faith and Success

Many of the world’s most successful individuals attribute their achievements to faith. Entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists often speak about the importance of believing in themselves and their vision, even when no one else does. Faith fuels persistence, allowing people to push through doubt and obstacles. When individuals remain committed to their goals despite setbacks, their faith eventually leads them to success.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."   — Helen Keller

How to Strengthen Faith

Faith, like any other attribute, can be nurtured and strengthened over time. Here are some ways to cultivate a strong sense of faith:

1. Practice Gratitude – Recognizing the positive aspects of life reinforces faith. Keeping a gratitude journal or reflecting on blessings helps shift focus from fear to trust.

2. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences – Spending time with individuals who uplift and encourage you strengthens faith. Positive relationships inspire confidence and optimism.

3. Engage in Spiritual Practices – For those who find faith in religion, prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts can provide guidance and reassurance.

4. Take Action Despite Fear – Faith grows when individuals step outside their comfort zones and face challenges head-on. Taking risks and learning from failures builds confidence and trust in oneself.

5. Visualize Success – Many successful people practice visualization, imagining themselves achieving their goals. This reinforces belief in one’s abilities and potential.

Conclusion

Faith is a powerful force that provides strength, resilience, and hope. Whether rooted in religion, self-belief, or trust in the universe, faith helps individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence. It fuels determination, fosters inner peace, and encourages a positive outlook on life. By cultivating faith, individuals can unlock their full potential and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

How Empathy Changes The World For Better

Most us see at least one homeless man a day. 

Some of us might spare him money while others will just walk away, averting eyes, while their faces portray disgust. What is the difference between the people who give the homeless man some money or even a kind glance and others whose faces are filled with revulsion? Simple, its empathy. Empathy is nothing but the understanding of another living thing’s feelings, be it human or animal. To quote author Daniel H. Pink, 

Empathy is about standing in someone else's shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes. Not only is empathy hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place.

Did you know that the world empathy was introduced in 1909 by Edward B. Titchener, a psychologist who translated the German term einfühlung which means “feeling into”?

Importance of empathy

Most of us understand our feeling and what we want at any moment. Empathy, however, lets us understand the feelings of other people. To put it simply, it allows us to “walk a mile in another person’s shoes.”

So how does this empathy make the world a better place? Educator Stephen Covey was of the opinion that, 

When you show deep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, and positive energy replaces it. That's when you can get more creative in solving problems.

Certain studies have explored the neurological and cognitive processes that function behind empathy. Scientists have discovered that brain’s different regions such as anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula work when we experience empathy. This quality leads to helping mentality among people and aids in our relationships among people which leads to a better functioning society.

How empathy helps the society

We humans are social animals. We need contact within our society to survive and flourish. Therefore, it is important to understand others and their feelings. This will definitely give us an edge over people who cannot empathize. Whether you are studying or working, empathy always comes into play. Giving your notes to a sick student or extending a person’s deadline for his or her project because of some tragedy at home makes all the difference in your life. Good relationships are built like this.  

It is proven that empathy makes you perceive other people’s feelings even if they are cannot vocalize it all the time. This non-vocalized understanding also helps you communicate better and understand what is going on in that person’s life. You also become better at handling conflicts as you realize everyone has a side to their story and might not be completely wrong. Like singer Matt Bellamy said, “Empathy seems to be seen as a weakness. We condition people to withdraw it to succeed. But really, it needs to be re-seen as a strength again if there is to be any kind of hope in the world.”

 Not only does empathy help us spread, well, empathy by making people convince everyone has a point of view but also broadens your horizons by experiencing what the other person is feeling. At an extremely basic level, empathy is what makes us humans.

 Let us end with a quote about empathy by activist Tarana Burke,

An exchange of empathy provides an entry point for a lot of people to see what healing feels like.

 

DISCIPLINE: The Quality That Ensures Success

DISCIPLINE is the BRIDGE between GOALS and ACCOMPLISHMENT

The first President of the United States once said, “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”  Truer words have seldom been spoken.

Since our early childhoods, we have been told we need to be disciplined to lead a successful life. But what exactly is this concept, and do we really understand its nitty-gritty? Discipline is simply following a particular code of behavior in order to make the right decisions to move ahead in life. To quote actor Michael J. Fox, “Discipline is just doing the same thing the right way whether anyone's watching or not.”

Restrain is something everyone in the world has a hard time following. This is what distinguishes a leader from the laymen. It is this strength that forms your decisions and, in turn, makes or breaks you as a person. To follow this restrain, discipline is vital. Discipline also brings a structure to a person’s life and lets him or her be responsible.

Another important aspect of discipline is how it helps society from descending to chaos. As it takes people discipline to make the right decisions, it promotes good behavior, which improves society as a whole, thus making it a happy place to live and prosper.

Now let’s take a look at how it helps students. Every student is required to put in a certain amount of hours to keep track of their curriculum and flourish. However, this practice requires discipline. All of us have had moments where we wanted to slack off and not pick up our books in spite of knowing that is not good for us. To maintain the restrain to study hard and not laze around we need discipline. Like the author, Gary R. Blair said, “Discipline is based on pride, on meticulous attention to details, and on mutual respect and confidence. Discipline must be a habit so ingrained that it is stronger than the excitement of the goal or the fear of failure.”

This is also the case with workplaces. No organization would want to retain an individual who has no discipline in his or her work. People at the top of the businesses would naturally show such discipline and restrain and thus expect all their employees to follow suit. Simple actions such as turning up on time or finishing a project on time, all require discipline.

If you look at sports also, you will find the top players are extremely disciplined and hardworking. Former athlete Julie Foudy once said, “Sports build good habits, confidence, and discipline. They make players into community leaders and teach them how to strive for a goal, handle mistakes, and cherish growth opportunities.”

Studies have shown that most people respond to instant gratification, which might not be always possible in life. Therefore, it is important to see that all of our actions will have long-term effects. To understand such effects and to work towards them, we all need to be disciplined. This will also give you the ability to overcome obstacles that stand in your way.

Remember what Lal Bahadur Shastri said, “Discipline and united action are the real sources of strength for the nation.”

CONFIDENCE : How to Attain the Elusive Confidence

Confidence : Value you possess and behaving in a way that others know your worth

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'” It was Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States, who said these profound words about one of the most important quality we are told to have always.

What is confidence?

So, what exactly is this quality and why is it so important? Confidence is nothing but the value you possess and behaving in a way to ensure others know your worth. It is critical because confidence is important to succeed and, if you observe, the advantages such tenacious people have is nothing that can be easily dismissed.
If a person behaves like his self-worth is low, then people will simply not be invested in him as much as the confident person. However, it is important to ensure that your confidence does not border on arrogance. Then it will have an adverse effect on your social status.

How it affects work

It is no surprise that confident people climb the social and career ladders faster than anyone else. Like Canadian actress, Tamara Taylor said, “As long as you keep going, you'll keep getting better. And as you get better, you gain more confidence. That alone is the success.” To attain this level of confidence, it is important that children, as early as primary school, receive the right amount of confidence-building exercises and appropriate criticism. According to a study by the University of Texas, students were found to improve their performances if their teachers had confidence in the former.

How to improve confidence

Most of the time, the advice we get is “be confident,” without any further explanation about how to attain this elusive quality. But, there are some scientifically backed activities that will help you gain confidence.The primary is working out. Any exercise lets your body release endorphins that automatically make you feel good. Once you finish working out, you are also left with the feeling of doing something constructive to help you lead a healthier life.

•  Take an effort to dress better. Analyse your wardrobe and check what looks good and what is just merely a rag. The style of your dress and how in sync it is with you will dramatically increase your confidence.
• Increase your knowledge. Be it politics or sports or whatever is happening in your neighbourhood, keep yourself aware. This will help you lead the conversations you have with people and avoid awkward pauses, which will inevitably make you seem confidence.
• Enter competitions are that in your forte. As you win more competitions, you will see an evident spike in your confidence levels, which will help you go on to participate in other contests that may be not near your talent level. You might lose then, but you will not be dejected.

Remember what Alyssa Edwards said, “When I take good care of myself, it lifts my spirits, boosts my confidence, and makes me feel strong. When someone tries to throw me shade, it bounces right off. I look those haters straight in the eye, keep my chin up and shoulders back. Because I know I'm a fierce queen - and they know it, too,” and walk with your head held high to conquer the world!

TheIndieWay's pick : 5 Best Books to Read on CONFIDENCE:

BLISSFUL

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is as real. - Deepak Chopra

What is Bliss?

It was American author Joseph Campbell who coined the phrase “follow your bliss.” He said, “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” What exactly is this bliss? It is nothing but a perfect state of happiness.

How do we attain it?

Now the question arises -- how do we attain tddhis so-called bliss and can it be maintained throughout our lives? Being blissful is simply finding happiness in doing any simple task assigned to you. Then you will realize that when you follow your bliss, you will attain happiness and a deep satisfaction and fulfillment will be a constant part of your everyday life.

Of course, most of the time, we all are happy in chasing small portions of happiness and forget about the larger picture. But the kind of bliss Campbell mentioned isn’t fleeting. Its pervasive and comes with an abiding sense of doing the most mundane of tasks. This includes working for the best we can achieve, not settling for anything less and pursuing the never-ending process of acquiring knowledge.

For everyone, the meaning of bliss would be different. For renowned author J.K. Rowling, it was, “And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for a while is just bliss”. Swami Vivekananda proclaimed, “Practice meditation regularly. Meditation leads to eternal bliss. Therefore meditate, meditate.” Whatever the path might be, the end result has always been bliss.

It is not always easy to find bliss in every activity we do as most of us are bogged down by familial and societal pressures. We might have assignments to finish, projects to vet and bills to pay. During such times, it is important to remember how incredibly lucky we are. Amidst all these pressures, we are alive and thriving. That in itself is a form of bliss, isn’t it? Never forget the bliss that comes with a day when nothing bad happens.

Why is BLISS Important in Life?

If you are wondering what is so great about this bliss then read on! A constant by-product of bliss is peace, which is something the society desperately needs now. When you are not at peace, then under-confidence, fear, and pettiness creep into the conscience of a normal human being and this naturally affects every decision or step he takes. Due to this, nothing worthwhile will be accomplished, which will lead to problems in a developing society. Therefore, it is important to realize that there is nothing that cannot be achieved if you can bring long-lasting contentment to our mind. A society where the people are not blissful will not function for long.

We should always remember what author Alice Walker said, “Creation is a sustained period of bliss, even though the subject can still be very sad. Because there's the triumph of coming through and understanding that you have and that you did it the way only you could do it. You didn't do it the way somebody told you to do it.”

TheIndieWay's Pick : 5 Best Books to Read on BLISS:

AMBITION

Ambition : A Strong Desire to Do or Achieve Something

What is it?

Ambition can be simply defined as a desire to achieve something. There is no denying that the world is part of a never-ending rat race. To some, it might seem like a meaningless pursuit, while for others it is part of their daily lives. The inspiration for this competition might come from various arena's but the most consistent quality would be ambition. The most successful people in this world did not reach the epitome of their fields by accident. They were hardworking and, importantly, ambitious. Hence, this strong desire and determination to succeed is a crucial part of success.

Is it Important?

To quote American politician Bill Bradley, “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” Being ambitious is a commitment. If a person is committed to something with all their hearts, they will do whatever is required to attain what they desire. The person who desires to be successful will stop thinking and start planning. He or she will start learning, building and, maybe, even failing. But to get back up, pat yourself down and start working again, the person needs to be ambitious more than anything else.
In a movie, Johnny Depp’s character famously said, “My ambition far exceeded my talents.” This quote might seem simple but speaks volumes. Ambition not only surpasses skills but also means. Think about it! Having talents or resources would not help anyone if a person is not ready to work towards making something of it. If you look at the history of civilization, it was the ambition of human beings that drove them to move away from mediocrity and make the most of the resources available in nature and so on and so forth.

What's in it for me?

Let us now look at opportunities. Due to the divide in society, not everyone might be able to get the same opportunities. But, do we all make complete use of the chances available out there. What sets the people who benefit from the support systems apart from those who do not? Simple; being ambitious. It is this quality that makes successful people take initiative and make things happen. Ambition is the perfect catalyst that pushes people over the limit to fulfill their dreams.
Often, ambition gets a bad reputation. Maybe it is because sometimes people are aggressive in their pursuit of success and forget to be kind. So, it is imperative that such people are generous by nature. Like writer Robin Sharma said, “Be a warrior when it comes to delivering on your ambitions, And a saint when it comes to treating people with respect, modeling generosity, and showing up with outright love.” It is also important to note that not all ambitious people lack value or ethics. Most of the time it is a mistrust which needs to be changed. While keeping aside this apprehension for ambitious people, everyone must remember it is an ambition that drives people to do great things.
It is also crucial that we teach our children the power of ambition and with it the outstanding quality of dreaming big. They should also be reminded that ambition must work to benefit the society and its people in general.

TheIndieWay's pick : 5 Best Books to Read on AMBITION: