Whether it's getting motivated for another round of housework or... whatever the activity, here are considerations to help:
MAKING DECISIONS
All of life is based on decisions. Making up our minds is half the battle.
A made up mind is very powerful. Strength and power to act comes from knowing what we want. Going into a department store is a lot easier to get out of if there is a shopping list in hand. Similarly, it is recommended to make a list of priorities, what comes first in your life or devotional service and verifying them as good ones with the help of guru, sastra and sadhu. Simpler choices may be judged by their results. "I just can't decide" is an option, too. In that case, it helps to be patient for things to unfold as they should.
Once priorities and goals are set and decisions made, you can proceed to accept whatever is favorable towards reaching them and reject whatever is unfavorable.
HELPFUL QUOTES
“Decision is a sharp knife that cuts clean and straight.”
“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide on what to do.”
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
“A tranquil mind and the advice of well wishers are the foundation of good planning.”
“When you're frozen by indecision, ask yourself: What's the worst-case scenario and could I live with it? What's the best-case scenario and would I regret passing it up? Also ask: Can I wade, rather than dive, into this commitment?”
“The wise man anticipated the future and is prepared to meet it. He creates his own destiny.”
“Intelligence means we see both sides of a proposition, the advantages and disadvantages, the risks and rewards. Unfortunately, greed can cover one’s discriminating power and blind one from seeing disadvantages.” =Hitopadesha
“When in doubt, don’t”
“The measure of a man’s life is the well spending of it and not its length.”
HOW TO SAY "NO"
Often, we are approached by others with a request. It's a good idea to get in the habit of saying, “I'll get back to you” before making any time consuming commitment. There's also an old saying, "I'll sleep on it." You can think more clearly after a good rest and realize whether or not you'll be able to commit to a request.
Meanwhile, rather than simply deferring to others, take into consideration questions like, "What should I do? What are my priorities? What is my real duty? and Who is making this request? " until an answer can be given. If the answer is "No" then:
1. A script can be ready in your mind for answering to the other party, beginning with showing concern for the other person: “Oh, I wish I could help with your bake sale this month but...” "Gee, I would love to watch little Bala every weekend but..."
2. No further excuses are necessary for one's reasons to opt out other than, "I have other plans" or "I have some important projects going on" .
3. Propose plan B (redirect them to someone else) for the really insistent.
4. You don’t want to give mixed messages. You want to be kind but firm.
HELPFUL QUOTES
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least."-Goethe
“Fail to plan; plan to fail.”
“You gotta have a dream. If you don’t have a dream, how ya gonna make a dream come true?”
“We must decide what are the important things to fit into our 24 hrs If we fail to decide, those hours will be filled by default.” -Steven Covey
“Don't let the urgent put off the important."
"Two simple questions help me stay on track with priorities: How important is it? Is it for my glory or God’s?"
“Would you live with ease? Then do what you ought and not what you please.” -Ben Franklin
“It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.”
“A man who attends strictly to his business usually has plenty of business to attend to.”
“Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.”
GETTING ORGANIZED
Living space should be organized by providing a space for everything.
To keep everything in its place, it helps to remember this rule: “Don’t put it down, put it away.” Family members should learn this, too.
While cleaning and organizing, household supplies should be taken stock of regularly.
Thinking should be organized, too. It's a good idea to keep a spiral notebook for filing helpful information related to one's homekeeping service. Here's some suggestions what to include:
Cleaning and Organizing Checklists
Morning and Evening Routines
Bhoga and Necessities Checklist
Menu Suggestions
To Do List
To Get List
Clothing Sizes
Calendar
Travel and Camping Checklist
Goals and Priorities
Questions to Ask
Words to Learn
Names to Remember
Birthdays to Remember
Phone numbers, email addresses, passwords
Wishlist
Here's a home manager notebook one lady put together.
REMINDERS WHAT TO DO
People often make to do lists, and they are very helpful, but for others, lists get lost or they aren't paid enough attention to. Well, there's other ways to remember and here's a few:
"OUT OF SIGHT; OUT OF MIND"
Keep something in sight when you need to remember it or something to help you remember it. For example, placing a potato on the oven can remind one not to forget to cook only Ekadasi the next morning. Similarly, post memory verses in places you'll see or pass by daily and take the time to review them. Or put something that will get your attention to remember to do something else. It was once common for a person to tie a string around the thumb to remember something. Simlarly, placing a plastic strawberry container under a pillow so that it makes a crunchy noise when they lie down at night, will remind one to bring the house plants in so they don't freeze overnight.
AUTO SUGGESTION
Repeat something three times that you want to remember. For example, “I will remember to...” or "I will remember....when...." It works.
WORD ASSOCIATION
Another method is remembering key words that trigger what needs to be remembered. These key words can be made into a sentence to remember a string of items. Each sentence can also be summarized into a word to remember the sentence.
For example, if one needs to remember to take out the trash, sweep the front porch, and plan tomorrow's menu for a special get together, the phrase "trash the front porch menu" can be remembered while hurrying to get things done.
GETTING MOTIVATED
First off, "perfectionism” needs to be understood. It is that paralyzing feeling that makes it hard to get started, caused by thinking about the results, by thinking too far ahead. Another problem is lethargy or being distracted, etc. To counteract these tendencies, you must do something- anything- just to get going. By making a small beginning rather than putting things off, be assured Krishna will supply the necessary intelligence, and in many cases help, to continue.
In other words, when you need to get something done: "Just do it!"
So also not to forget things, it is best to do them promptly. That makes more time for the inevitable problems that may arise. Otherwise, they may be added to a to-do list that is checked frequently.
Whether it's for only five minutes or a year, it's motivating to set a specific time limit or deadline for reaching a desired goal. Setting a timer and playing "Beat the Clock" helps with the simpler, everyday goals or tasks, and the time saved makes a nice reward.
Association with those in the same business stirs up inspiration, too. For example, a good way to start cooking is to pick up a cookbook or ask a neighbor for her favorite recipe. Or browse through the dozens of dedicated homemaker blogs on the web.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” --Plato
“Trust no future however pleasant.”
“A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”
“Ideas have a short shelf life-that’s why we must act before the expiration date.”
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” Ben Franklin
“When e’re a task is set before you, don’t idly sit and view it.
Nor be content to wish it done; begin at once and do it!”
“It’s easier to steer a car when it’s moving.”
“Begin to weave and God will supply the thread.”
“We can’t do everything at once but we can do something at once.”
“Well done is better than well said.” -- Benjamin Franklin
“The man who removes mountains begins by carrying away small stones.”
“Although you may think of a million of strokes in an instant, you are required to execute but one.” -Rev. McGuffey
“The problems of the day are sufficient.”-- Jesus
“Fire, disease and debt must be taken care of immediately”
“You can do almost anything for 5 minutes. Tell yourself when the time is up you can stop. Chances are that you won’t.” -Fly Lady
“My Mom always had 15 minutes when we needed it.”
“Little moments are important. They should not be wasted, because much can be accomplished in them (5 min at a time)”
“Go to the ant, consider her ways and be wise.” -Bible
“Employ thy time well if thou meanest to get leisure.”
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” - Ben Franklin
“Don't waste time. Remember the future is purchased by the present."
INNER DIALOG AND WORKING STEP BY STEP
Inner dialog is so useful. That means thinking about what you are doing, working with awareness (sat), knowledge (cit) and love (ananda) by remembering Krishna. Connection to Krishna makes any task ever fresh and joyful.
Of course, it'd be nice to be always in a state of blissful Krsna consciousness. Meanwhile, especially during "one of those days" try letting your inner voice take on the mood of a game show host for an imaginary competition with a rooting crowd to "Beat the Clock", and there's a prize such as "a new laptop" (your own, which you get to use afterwards), "a new bedroom suite" (your own- along with a good rest afterwards) and so on.
In the early morning the announcer says, "Will she get out of bed? Will she make it to mangala artik? Look, she's starting to rise!" and while you're climbing out of bed shouts, "The crowd is going wild!"
Then there's the imaginary TV show called "Step by Step". It is similar to the above, except the TV host directs the imaginary audience how to do something step by step while using you for the demonstration. like they do in DIY shows or YouTube videos. You'll find yourself so absorbed thinking about a task this way by living in the moment, that it becomes trance-like and fun;
Bigger projects can be worked on a little each day, or with a deadline set to fully devote large chunks of uninterrupted time, only until a project is completed. It's best to forewarn family and associates if choosing the latter, letting them know how long it will take.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“The less aware I am, the less interesting everything is.”
“Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problems at once. I can do something for 12 hrs, that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime”
“Reduce stress by working on your ability to stay in the present moment. For a few moments at a time, make an effort to become fully conscious of your life and the situation at hand. Concentrate on each of your five senses. Tune out distractions by focusing your awareness only on immediate stimuli. Such mindfulness is meditative and calming.”
“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It
is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.” M. Theresa
“It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that’s important.” (Bhagavad gita)
“Observe a little girl playing house. She doesn’t hurry to get her work done. She puts her doll in a crib, folds the little blankets, tucks them in carefully, and when she is finished takes them off and does it all over again. She enjoys her work because she is unaware of time” -Helen Andelin
“But what if the work we do demands our attention? Is it enough simply to think we are working on Krsna’s behalf? Does this constitute ‘meditation on Krsna’? In a purport to Bg 18.57 Srila Prabhupada gives us a phrase to think of while we work: ‘I have been appointed to discharge this particular duty by Krishna.’ While thinking and acting in this way, Srila Prabhupada says, one naturally has to think of Krishna, and this is perfect Krishna consciousness.” Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami
“Take every thought captive unto the Lord”--Bible (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
“Live each day as if it were your first!”
“The next time your mind is tempted to run ahead to all that needs to be done, gently bring it back to the present by saying something to yourself like: "I'm going to do this one thing right now (to please guru and Krishna).” You'll not only get done what truly needs to be done, you'll wind up in a much better mood! Learning to eliminate stress by managing your thoughts takes time and practice.“ --author unknown
"That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.'--Bg 18.37
“Work while you work. Play while you play.
One thing each time. that is the way.
“Whatever you do, do it with your might.
Thing done by halves are not done right.”
"Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.'
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Anything gets easier with practice. You will work smarter instead of harder.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“Only by hard work can we attain success, and without it, success is not as relishable.”
“The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.”
“Labor is the sweetest joy.”
PERSEVERANCE
Yoga entails that one should learn to tolerate troubles that arise, to learn to control the senses and mind. Let's say you are cooking in the middle of July with no air conditioning. It can quickly get hot in doing so. Besides the little things done to keep cool while working, it is helpful to remember that the circumstances are temporary. Soon the meal will be cooked and hopefully eaten in a cooler environment, such as on a shady porch.
Remembering how temporal all things are in this world, even the stage of grhastha life, helps us tolerate various miseries that arise along with the happy moments. Such steadiness in duty is the path to elevation and knowledge, while whimsical abandonment of duty or deviations cannot help us either spiritually or materially.
And if you mess up, remember that you can just start over and take it as a learning experience.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” Henry Ford
“Tomorrow is another day,” -Scarlett O'Hara
"Fall down nine times, get up ten."
PROBLEM SOLVING
Actually, the only problem in this world is a lack of Krishna consciousness. In other words, "The heart of every problem is a problem of the heart."
Calmly facing a problem lets good intelligence flow. It's like undoing a knot, if you relax and persevere, things work out as they should. Rather than trying to control things, there should be a mood of cooperation with whatever is ultimately Krishna's plan.
Inner dialog or prayer can be used to think things through. Patience is a virtue until the answer sought arrives.
It is better to act according to your own realizations rather than imitate another's.
It is better to think about what got done and how to do better rather than failures.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
"If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing which I have control over- myself."
"It is not what others do or even our own mistakes that hurt us the most; it is our response to those things."
"Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing.. If you start to think the problem "is out there" , stop yourself. That thought is the problem." Steve Covey
"When there is a will, there is a way.'
“God seems sometimes silent, but He is never idle.”
FLEXIBILITY AND CREATIVITY
This means thinking big while working with reality.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
"A really happy man is the one who can enjoy the scenery when he has to take a detour."
“When you feel overwhelmed, take a break from whatever is causing you pressure and attend to some necessary tasks that will please you and bring instant gratification. Organize your desk top or a drawer or two. Then go back with new energy to the bigger tasks.” Alexandra Stoddard
“Don’t beat down any door Krishna closes. Walk through the one’s He opens.”
"Any living entity who desires a position in the material world may desire so in the service of the Lord and may seek power and intelligence from the Lord. One cannot do anything unless he is empowered and enlightened by the Lord..."-SB 3.5.51 purport
PEOPLE SKILLS
This involves good manners, communication, cooperation, and respect. Common sense, right? But difficult unless the heart is pure. And if there is anything I've learned about working with others, two things stand out- show up (dependability), ask questions (when something is not clear) and be able to withstand any necessary correction from authorized persons.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“When a person is careful about his human relations, almost any job is a pleasure."
"Three factors are paramount in deciding your success in any job: You ability to do the job. Your capacity for getting along well with the people you work with. Your actual desire to do the job."
“One desiring success should keep cordial relationships with others.”
“Intelligent persons, though bereft of wealth or means, can quickly accomplish difficult feats by affectionate cooperation.”--Hitopadesa
“Many hands make work light.”
MAKING DECISIONS
All of life is based on decisions. Making up our minds is half the battle.
A made up mind is very powerful. Strength and power to act comes from knowing what we want. Going into a department store is a lot easier to get out of if there is a shopping list in hand. Similarly, it is recommended to make a list of priorities, what comes first in your life or devotional service and verifying them as good ones with the help of guru, sastra and sadhu. Simpler choices may be judged by their results. "I just can't decide" is an option, too. In that case, it helps to be patient for things to unfold as they should.Once priorities and goals are set and decisions made, you can proceed to accept whatever is favorable towards reaching them and reject whatever is unfavorable.
HELPFUL QUOTES
“Decision is a sharp knife that cuts clean and straight.”
“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide on what to do.”
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
“A tranquil mind and the advice of well wishers are the foundation of good planning.”
“When you're frozen by indecision, ask yourself: What's the worst-case scenario and could I live with it? What's the best-case scenario and would I regret passing it up? Also ask: Can I wade, rather than dive, into this commitment?”
“The wise man anticipated the future and is prepared to meet it. He creates his own destiny.”
“Intelligence means we see both sides of a proposition, the advantages and disadvantages, the risks and rewards. Unfortunately, greed can cover one’s discriminating power and blind one from seeing disadvantages.” =Hitopadesha
“When in doubt, don’t”
“The measure of a man’s life is the well spending of it and not its length.”
HOW TO SAY "NO"
Often, we are approached by others with a request. It's a good idea to get in the habit of saying, “I'll get back to you” before making any time consuming commitment. There's also an old saying, "I'll sleep on it." You can think more clearly after a good rest and realize whether or not you'll be able to commit to a request.
Meanwhile, rather than simply deferring to others, take into consideration questions like, "What should I do? What are my priorities? What is my real duty? and Who is making this request? " until an answer can be given. If the answer is "No" then:
1. A script can be ready in your mind for answering to the other party, beginning with showing concern for the other person: “Oh, I wish I could help with your bake sale this month but...” "Gee, I would love to watch little Bala every weekend but..."
2. No further excuses are necessary for one's reasons to opt out other than, "I have other plans" or "I have some important projects going on" .
3. Propose plan B (redirect them to someone else) for the really insistent.
4. You don’t want to give mixed messages. You want to be kind but firm.
HELPFUL QUOTES
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least."-Goethe
“Fail to plan; plan to fail.”
“You gotta have a dream. If you don’t have a dream, how ya gonna make a dream come true?”
“We must decide what are the important things to fit into our 24 hrs If we fail to decide, those hours will be filled by default.” -Steven Covey
“Don't let the urgent put off the important."
"Two simple questions help me stay on track with priorities: How important is it? Is it for my glory or God’s?"
“Would you live with ease? Then do what you ought and not what you please.” -Ben Franklin
“It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.”
“A man who attends strictly to his business usually has plenty of business to attend to.”
“Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.”
GETTING ORGANIZED
Living space should be organized by providing a space for everything.
To keep everything in its place, it helps to remember this rule: “Don’t put it down, put it away.” Family members should learn this, too.While cleaning and organizing, household supplies should be taken stock of regularly.
Thinking should be organized, too. It's a good idea to keep a spiral notebook for filing helpful information related to one's homekeeping service. Here's some suggestions what to include:
Cleaning and Organizing Checklists
Morning and Evening Routines
Bhoga and Necessities Checklist
Menu Suggestions
To Do List
To Get List
Clothing Sizes
Calendar
Travel and Camping Checklist
Goals and Priorities
Questions to Ask
Words to Learn
Names to Remember
Birthdays to Remember
Phone numbers, email addresses, passwords
Wishlist
Here's a home manager notebook one lady put together.
REMINDERS WHAT TO DO
People often make to do lists, and they are very helpful, but for others, lists get lost or they aren't paid enough attention to. Well, there's other ways to remember and here's a few:
"OUT OF SIGHT; OUT OF MIND"
Keep something in sight when you need to remember it or something to help you remember it. For example, placing a potato on the oven can remind one not to forget to cook only Ekadasi the next morning. Similarly, post memory verses in places you'll see or pass by daily and take the time to review them. Or put something that will get your attention to remember to do something else. It was once common for a person to tie a string around the thumb to remember something. Simlarly, placing a plastic strawberry container under a pillow so that it makes a crunchy noise when they lie down at night, will remind one to bring the house plants in so they don't freeze overnight.
AUTO SUGGESTION
Repeat something three times that you want to remember. For example, “I will remember to...” or "I will remember....when...." It works.
WORD ASSOCIATION
Another method is remembering key words that trigger what needs to be remembered. These key words can be made into a sentence to remember a string of items. Each sentence can also be summarized into a word to remember the sentence.
For example, if one needs to remember to take out the trash, sweep the front porch, and plan tomorrow's menu for a special get together, the phrase "trash the front porch menu" can be remembered while hurrying to get things done.
GETTING MOTIVATED
In other words, when you need to get something done: "Just do it!"
So also not to forget things, it is best to do them promptly. That makes more time for the inevitable problems that may arise. Otherwise, they may be added to a to-do list that is checked frequently.
Whether it's for only five minutes or a year, it's motivating to set a specific time limit or deadline for reaching a desired goal. Setting a timer and playing "Beat the Clock" helps with the simpler, everyday goals or tasks, and the time saved makes a nice reward.
Association with those in the same business stirs up inspiration, too. For example, a good way to start cooking is to pick up a cookbook or ask a neighbor for her favorite recipe. Or browse through the dozens of dedicated homemaker blogs on the web.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” --Plato
“Trust no future however pleasant.”
“A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”
“Ideas have a short shelf life-that’s why we must act before the expiration date.”
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” Ben Franklin
“When e’re a task is set before you, don’t idly sit and view it.
Nor be content to wish it done; begin at once and do it!”
“It’s easier to steer a car when it’s moving.”
“Begin to weave and God will supply the thread.”
“We can’t do everything at once but we can do something at once.”
“Well done is better than well said.” -- Benjamin Franklin
“The man who removes mountains begins by carrying away small stones.”
“Although you may think of a million of strokes in an instant, you are required to execute but one.” -Rev. McGuffey
“The problems of the day are sufficient.”-- Jesus
“Fire, disease and debt must be taken care of immediately”
“You can do almost anything for 5 minutes. Tell yourself when the time is up you can stop. Chances are that you won’t.” -Fly Lady
“My Mom always had 15 minutes when we needed it.”
“Little moments are important. They should not be wasted, because much can be accomplished in them (5 min at a time)”
“Go to the ant, consider her ways and be wise.” -Bible
“Employ thy time well if thou meanest to get leisure.”
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” - Ben Franklin
“Don't waste time. Remember the future is purchased by the present."
INNER DIALOG AND WORKING STEP BY STEP
Inner dialog is so useful. That means thinking about what you are doing, working with awareness (sat), knowledge (cit) and love (ananda) by remembering Krishna. Connection to Krishna makes any task ever fresh and joyful.
Of course, it'd be nice to be always in a state of blissful Krsna consciousness. Meanwhile, especially during "one of those days" try letting your inner voice take on the mood of a game show host for an imaginary competition with a rooting crowd to "Beat the Clock", and there's a prize such as "a new laptop" (your own, which you get to use afterwards), "a new bedroom suite" (your own- along with a good rest afterwards) and so on.In the early morning the announcer says, "Will she get out of bed? Will she make it to mangala artik? Look, she's starting to rise!" and while you're climbing out of bed shouts, "The crowd is going wild!"
Then there's the imaginary TV show called "Step by Step". It is similar to the above, except the TV host directs the imaginary audience how to do something step by step while using you for the demonstration. like they do in DIY shows or YouTube videos. You'll find yourself so absorbed thinking about a task this way by living in the moment, that it becomes trance-like and fun;
Bigger projects can be worked on a little each day, or with a deadline set to fully devote large chunks of uninterrupted time, only until a project is completed. It's best to forewarn family and associates if choosing the latter, letting them know how long it will take.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“The less aware I am, the less interesting everything is.”
“Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problems at once. I can do something for 12 hrs, that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime”
“Reduce stress by working on your ability to stay in the present moment. For a few moments at a time, make an effort to become fully conscious of your life and the situation at hand. Concentrate on each of your five senses. Tune out distractions by focusing your awareness only on immediate stimuli. Such mindfulness is meditative and calming.”
“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It
is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.” M. Theresa
“It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that’s important.” (Bhagavad gita)
“Observe a little girl playing house. She doesn’t hurry to get her work done. She puts her doll in a crib, folds the little blankets, tucks them in carefully, and when she is finished takes them off and does it all over again. She enjoys her work because she is unaware of time” -Helen Andelin
“But what if the work we do demands our attention? Is it enough simply to think we are working on Krsna’s behalf? Does this constitute ‘meditation on Krsna’? In a purport to Bg 18.57 Srila Prabhupada gives us a phrase to think of while we work: ‘I have been appointed to discharge this particular duty by Krishna.’ While thinking and acting in this way, Srila Prabhupada says, one naturally has to think of Krishna, and this is perfect Krishna consciousness.” Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami
“Take every thought captive unto the Lord”--Bible (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
“Live each day as if it were your first!”
“The next time your mind is tempted to run ahead to all that needs to be done, gently bring it back to the present by saying something to yourself like: "I'm going to do this one thing right now (to please guru and Krishna).” You'll not only get done what truly needs to be done, you'll wind up in a much better mood! Learning to eliminate stress by managing your thoughts takes time and practice.“ --author unknown
"That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.'--Bg 18.37
“Work while you work. Play while you play.
One thing each time. that is the way.
“Whatever you do, do it with your might.
Thing done by halves are not done right.”
"Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.'
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Anything gets easier with practice. You will work smarter instead of harder.
“Only by hard work can we attain success, and without it, success is not as relishable.”
“The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.”
“Labor is the sweetest joy.”
PERSEVERANCE
Yoga entails that one should learn to tolerate troubles that arise, to learn to control the senses and mind. Let's say you are cooking in the middle of July with no air conditioning. It can quickly get hot in doing so. Besides the little things done to keep cool while working, it is helpful to remember that the circumstances are temporary. Soon the meal will be cooked and hopefully eaten in a cooler environment, such as on a shady porch.
Remembering how temporal all things are in this world, even the stage of grhastha life, helps us tolerate various miseries that arise along with the happy moments. Such steadiness in duty is the path to elevation and knowledge, while whimsical abandonment of duty or deviations cannot help us either spiritually or materially.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” Henry Ford
“Tomorrow is another day,” -Scarlett O'Hara
"Fall down nine times, get up ten."
PROBLEM SOLVING
Actually, the only problem in this world is a lack of Krishna consciousness. In other words, "The heart of every problem is a problem of the heart."
Calmly facing a problem lets good intelligence flow. It's like undoing a knot, if you relax and persevere, things work out as they should. Rather than trying to control things, there should be a mood of cooperation with whatever is ultimately Krishna's plan.
Inner dialog or prayer can be used to think things through. Patience is a virtue until the answer sought arrives.
It is better to act according to your own realizations rather than imitate another's.
It is better to think about what got done and how to do better rather than failures.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
"If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing which I have control over- myself."
"It is not what others do or even our own mistakes that hurt us the most; it is our response to those things."
"Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing.. If you start to think the problem "is out there" , stop yourself. That thought is the problem." Steve Covey
"When there is a will, there is a way.'
“God seems sometimes silent, but He is never idle.”
FLEXIBILITY AND CREATIVITY
This means thinking big while working with reality.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
"A really happy man is the one who can enjoy the scenery when he has to take a detour."
“When you feel overwhelmed, take a break from whatever is causing you pressure and attend to some necessary tasks that will please you and bring instant gratification. Organize your desk top or a drawer or two. Then go back with new energy to the bigger tasks.” Alexandra Stoddard
“Don’t beat down any door Krishna closes. Walk through the one’s He opens.”
"Any living entity who desires a position in the material world may desire so in the service of the Lord and may seek power and intelligence from the Lord. One cannot do anything unless he is empowered and enlightened by the Lord..."-SB 3.5.51 purport
PEOPLE SKILLS
This involves good manners, communication, cooperation, and respect. Common sense, right? But difficult unless the heart is pure. And if there is anything I've learned about working with others, two things stand out- show up (dependability), ask questions (when something is not clear) and be able to withstand any necessary correction from authorized persons.
HELPFUL QUOTES:
“When a person is careful about his human relations, almost any job is a pleasure."
"Three factors are paramount in deciding your success in any job: You ability to do the job. Your capacity for getting along well with the people you work with. Your actual desire to do the job."
“One desiring success should keep cordial relationships with others.”
“Intelligent persons, though bereft of wealth or means, can quickly accomplish difficult feats by affectionate cooperation.”--Hitopadesa
“Many hands make work light.”