Saturday, November 10, 2012

Never Back Down




















If you stand up for things, you may falter but never fail. If you back down, you're never going to make it.

When you're down, pick yourself up and move on. The path may be lonely, full of thorns but that's the path to success.

Never give up. That's a sign of weakness. All the world loves those who stand up. History has pages reserved for the courageous.... The winners. Not the losers.

The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.
Albert Ellis

It’s never too late to be what you might have been.
George Eliot

I get knocked down. But I get up again. You’re never going to keep me down.
Chumbawamba

It’s not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it’s because we do not dare that things are difficult.
Seneca

Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about.
Anonymous

When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.
Anonymous

Success is how high you bounce after you hit bottom.
General George Patton

















Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wanted! A New Shaving Blade Product in India

Last weekend I felt lazy to shave at home and so trudged to the nearest salon. The barber put the towel over me, scrubbed my face, gave my cheek a few spanks and proceeded to take a blade and snap it into two, before sliding one half into his razor.

He proceeded to work on my beard. In 15 minutes he was done.

As I went through this, a thought dawned on me. Why didn't Gillette, Super Max, Malhotra & Sons or Glide launch a single half blade pack of 20 0r 50 for salons.

You know what I mean, a single half piece that neatly fits into his razor.

There are few reasons here. Of course, convenience for barbers no doubt.

And the other, peace of mind for customers. Just imagine the fearful thoughts of a person who sees the barber opening a used blade pack to fetch the second half of the blade to use.

I'm certain he suspects the barber is re-using the blade. Although, he may be using a fresh piece.

The last reason for the need of such a product is that when barbers snap the blade, it's not going to split perfectly. And the risk of nicks is high because the blade may not slide and sit perfectly in the razor.
An uneven blades can cause cuts.

I'm sure there a million such salons in India alone. And each barber must be wielding his razor on 10 customers each day.

Surely, not a small market to be ignored.

Gillette, Super Max, Malhotra & Sons or Glide. Anyone listening?

Rajasekar KS can be reached at rajasekar(dot)india(At)yahoo.com

Saturday, October 27, 2012

10 Best Motivational Quotations for Monday Mornings

I know how we all drag ourselves out of bed on Monday mornings. A small motivating dose of quotes could help kick us out of bed. And I thought of sharing my favorite quotes with you.

I've always been motivated by inspiring words that wake you up to a world of possibilities. It's not that we're not willing to try. It's just that our mind is clogged with mundane tasks for the day that seems to keep us away from doing what we love.

Do you agree?

Find out what you're passionate about and commit yourself to do something about it every day.

Dream about it every night before you sleep. Think about what you want to create for the day, as you get up in the morning on Mondays.

And you'll find the strength to do it. Follow your dreams and you'll be happy.

Jack Canfield, of the Chicken Soup for the Soul fame, learnt speed reading to devour books about successful habits, before he began writing his own masterpieces.

Victor Hugo, who wrote classics like Les Mirable, used to ask his servant to take away his clothes. So that left nude and nothing else to do, he penned his masterpieces.

There are people who give an arm and a leg to pursue a dream. I'm just asking you to find time to follow your passion.

If opportunity does not knock, build a door.
Milton Berle

To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.
Bruce Lee

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney

Either do or do not; there is no try.
Yoda (George Lucas)

Change your thoughts and you change your world.
Norman Vincent Peale

There is no such thing as failure. There are only results.
Tony Robbins

Life does not control you. What you believe about it does.
Alan Cohen

My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.
Oprah Winfrey

The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're there to stop the other people.
Dr. Randy Pausch

Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action, and purpose.
Lance Armstrong

Do you have favorite quotes you want to share? Please add them in the comments below.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

How Usain Bolt Teaches Us New Ways to Battle Failure


After winning the 200m gold in the London Olympics, the Jamaican sprinter proceeded to do a few push ups to tell the world he had enough and more energy to push himself further.

Never had another athlete in history brazenly displayed such energy when competitors were catching a few breaths after the race.

His act earned him fans worldwide.

But glory did not come on a silver platter for him. Rather a lot of hard work and training got him there.

Knowing well that he's not fast off the blocks, he worked hard on his start and finished with that final kick.

At 6 feet 5 inches, he's tall and full of muscle. And he's proud of his six packs. He trains three times a day and keeps himself fit even during the off season.

Bolt's Defining Moment
Some moments in life are defining. Bolt experienced that in Zagreb where he raced with American Justin Gatlin. Warming up before the race, Bolt and Gatlin were limbering up in the tracks.

Suddenly, Gatlin in a show of intimidation spat across Bolt's tracks.

That was enough to strengthen his resolve to win the race. He wanted to show that he'd like some respect.
Bolt raced ahead and left Gatlin behind in history.

Now, Bolt is confident of running 100m in 9.4 seconds. "You never know, I may be the one to run 9.4secs. I'd really like that," he declared before the Olympics 2012.

Failure Brings out the Best in Everyone
In the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Fellow Jamaican Blake blasted his way to win, after Bolt erred with a false start. That was a wake up call. He never wanted to lose again. It was just painful. Loss is too painful to bear, he said.

In 2007 he lost the 200 m dash at Brussels. But Blake swore to silence his critics. And silence he did in style, breaking the 19.32 mark set in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympics, by Michael Johnson.

After his Olympic double, he declared himself a legend. Like Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali.

Show of Arrogance
Anyone who saw him sprint in London knows that he deliberately slowed down before the finish, even looking over his shoulder to see his competitors.

Arrogance, one may say. But it's just that he's leagues ahead of competition. His trademark Lightning Bolt pose, an archery pose symbolizes his dominance.

And why shouldn't he when he holds the records for 100m and 200m with record timings of 9.58 secs and 19.19 secs.

And yes, people love him. His Facebook page has 8M likes and the iPhone game Bolt 1M downloads.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Stop Your Excuses and Start Doing

This world no longer needs factory workers who just do what is asked. It needs people who do weird, crazy things. People who create, innovate and thrill us all with novel products, creative solutions and stand out services.

This world no longer likes folks who are afraid to fail. Who shudder to try something new. It welcomes only those who experiment and fail. It's okay to fail. But not trying is unacceptable.

This world is no longer for conformists. This world falls in love with those who break the rules, cross the boundaries. Those who believe in the unthinkable. And get the rest to believe in their idea too.

This world wants creators, artists, believers who are willing to try without thinking too much about failure.
Stop your excuses. Start doing. The journey may be new, lonely but definitely worth every bit of effort.
Stand out. The world will notice you sooner than you think.



Thursday, March 29, 2012

Man at War to Save 2000 Islands


Photo courtesy: NationPost

I just chanced upon this inspiring Mashable story of Mohamed Nasheed, recently ousted President of the Island nation, Maldives, a group of 2000 small islands in the Indian Ocean.

Charismatic and articulate, this crusader’s long fight against climate change, and restoration of human rights and democracy is indeed moving.

As early as 2004, Mohamed Nasheed organized first public protest against the three-decade-old dictatorship using sms texts and was brutally put down with hundreds arrested. He rode to power during the first multiparty elections in 2008, but in Feb 2012 dictators ousted him and he has now been exiled.

But he’s not a man to give up his mission to save the Maldives and its people. He his war against climatic change in international forums and has led to a movie, The Island President, which was launched today in New York.

Here are two facts that might stir you to see his movie - Maldives is just about two metres above sea level. And coastal erosion has already led to relocation of people from 16 islands.

Just hit the The Island President trailer below and you’ll be inspired by this man’s story.

THE ISLAND PRESIDENT—A Documentary By Jon Shenk | Official Trailer from Sawyer Studios on Vimeo.


With 60% of the country’s population below 30, Mohamed Nasheed feels that it’s time the youth became aware of a submerging nation. And he’s using the cost-effective social media to amplify his message not just to youth in Maldives but leaders across the globe to help save the Island.

He needs your help, share his story and earn some karma.

Do you know another inspirational story, share it with us.

Rajasekar Raju KS

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

5 Zen Ways to Life Without Regrets

Regrets don't take you anywhere. There are better things to do. Here are 5 ways that successful people overcome regrets.

Regrets are in the Past
Humans have a tendency to regret the past. But not many understand that the decisions one took was based on the wisdom and knowledge at the point in time. Today, you're definitely wiser and knowledgeable and its clear to you that you could done things better.

So, don't waste your time regretting because that's the best you could do at that time.

The point is ...did you learn somethng from the experience.
Don't Compete, Don't Regret

The tendency to compete breeds regret sometimes. You always want to do better than before. But try it and you're sucked. You want to do better even tomorrow. Life never ends its challenges. Its best to live life in the present without competing and certainly without regrets.

If Things Go Wrong, They Will
Regrets seep in when things are not going good in your current life. Think about how you could resolve your problems and find a way to be content and happy. Think about the past could ruin the present too.

Think about it.

Short Quotes about Living Life with No Regrets
I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.
Rita Mero

Never regret something that made you smile.
Anonymous

The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.
Anonymous

Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience.
Victoria Holt

Looking back, I have this regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so.
David Gayson

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.
Josh Billings

The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
Adam Osborne

Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy, you can't build on it it's only good for wallowing in.
Katherine Mansfield

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
Albert Einstein

If you obey all the rules, you'll miss all the fun.
Katherine Hepburn

I would rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not.
Lucille Ball

When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near contentment.
Old English Saying

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when their right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
Marilyn Monroe

Live in the Present
The beauty of life is about living in the present, moment to moment. When you feel the snow, see the rainbow, touch the chill waters, feel the warm hug or embrace a moment of silence in your life....that's living in the moment.

You're experiencing bliss because there's no thought in your head. No memory. No past.
Try it. Live in the present and the experience will change your life.

Embrace the Reality
If you have the guts to face the truth, you won't have any regrets in life. It's when you want to duck, find cover from your failures, shovel up all the excuses to say that you didn't fail.

Then life will be full of regrets.

Face the truth, accept failures and you will find the strength to tide over all failures.
Regrets keep you away from enjoying the pleasures of life. Go ahead and enjoy life on your own terms and with no regrets.

Monday, February 20, 2012

5 Reasons Why You Must Fail in What You Do

The fear of failure prevents many of us from trying. If only we try, we'd know our capability to conquer the mountains.

Failure is the path to success. And that's the reason why we must fail.

Nothing great ever succeeded the first time. It was always after repeated failures, falls, frustrations, criticisms and self doubts that the human spirit arises to achieve greatness.

Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.
Robert F. Kennedy

Failure is an event, not a person.
Edward de Bono

It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.
Vince Lombardi

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.
Samuel Beckett

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.
Confucius

Failure brings out the real character in you. If you're made of steel, then failures strengthen you. Never fear failure. Go seek it out, hug it and kiss it.

Try to fail now, but don't fail to try. One more time is all I ask of you.

Try, try as hard as you can. 'Cause that's the only way to success.

Friday, February 17, 2012

6 Inspirational Failure to Success Stories

Six stories of Ford, Jack Canfield, Michael Jordan, Disney, Edison, Einstein - famous people who did not give up on early failures and eventually turned successful.

If you give up you don’t succeed in anything. Behind success is a lot of failure, criticism, pain and intense determination. Are you ready to follow your passion.

Giving up is the easiest thing to do, and that’s not the reason why you start on a journey. Persist, be obsessed. FAIL. FAIL. TRY. FAIL. TRY. Succeed.

Read the story of these celebrities who were seized by an idea and were determined to succeed despite repeated failures. At times, they were the only ones in the world to think the idea would succeed.

Success is also about long periods of loneliness.

When Jack Canfield Needed Soup?
Jack Canfield’s Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected by 144 publishers. But each time, he and his co-authors went back to the drawing room to improve the quality of the book. Eventually, the book sold 8 million copies and was translated into thirty two languages. Says he, “Don't worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.”

Henry Ford’s Bumpy Ride
Henry Ford, the legendary founder of Ford Motor Company, went bankrupt 4 times before he learnt to launch a successful car. His first company Detroit Automobile Co., had to be shut down in the face of customer complaints of high prices and poor quality (Ouch!).

His second venture Henry Ford Co also ran into trouble. But men of steel have a way of bouncing back and Ford finally made it when investors backed Ford Motor Company, which rolled out an automobile in 1896.

The rest is history.

Disney’s Dream Turns Sour
Walt Disney went bankrupt three times before becoming successful. Unbelievably, he was fired by the Kansas Start City editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." His iconic character Mickey Mouse was dismissed by studio professionals as something that “would terrify women.”

Edison’s 10000 Failures
Thomas Alva Edison was a “slow learner” at school and never went to a college. Although not totally deaf, he once wrote, "I have not heard a bird sing since I was twelve years old." And he turned his disadvantage into something positive and said it helped him concentrate since the noise was cut out.

Often he was trying some experiment or the other in the basement. Infact, he accidentally set a train on fire while experimenting inside a running train and was boxed on his ears. Hard of hearing but not short on trying, Edison failed 9999 times before successfully illuminating this world with an electric bulb. When he was posed a question about his failures, he shot back, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” "He had 1,093 United States patents to his name, the highest ever in history.

Jordan Declared Unfit to Play Basketball
Michael Jordan whose name is synonymous with basketball was once deemed unfit for basketball while at school. He’s said to have locked himself up in a room and cried. But he was not going to give upo, in fact he became more determined to succeed. "I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Einstein’s Relative Failures
Albert Einstein, the father of modern science, had a slow start to his life not speaking till four, unable to read until seven and expelled from school because his teachers said he was "mentally slow, unsociable and adrip forever in foolish dreams."

He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 and has to his credit published 350 scientific papers.
So never give up. Keep at it and you'll succeed.

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