Self Development Skills

Self Development Tips

As long as you are still alive, you are capable of changing and growing. You can do anything you want to do, be anything you want to be. Listen to some positive thoughts on how to continue your self development and then apply them in your own life.

• Accept personal responsibility for your own growth; no one can do it for you. What you do today will determine your readiness for tomorrow.
• Take time every day to do something for yourself.
• Take classes to stay current in your field of expertise. The world is changing rapidly and you must learn to manage change to avoid obsolescence. The way Will Rogers put this was that "Even if you are on the right track, if you just sit there you will get run over."
• Listen to cassette tapes on personal and professional growth topics.
• Never look back to the past-you only can control your actions in this instant, so what should you be doing right now?
• Learn from "other people's experience" rather then having to try everything for you. It shortens the time needed to learn. Dealing with a problem helps you learn patience and strengthens your management skills; it is good mental exercise.
• Analyze, in a non-judgmental way, mistakes in which you were involved. It will help you to prevent these in the future.
• Reward yourself when you catch yourself working on the most important priorities.
• Never say something can't or won't be done. Keep looking for ways to do it.
• After attending a seminar, report to your boss or other people in your organization, what the most important things are that you learned from the program.
• For all learning experiences, whether it is reading, seeing, thinking or attending, apply the R squared, A squared formula: Recognize, Relate, Assimilate, and Apply. These actions will help you grow in the direction of your goals.
• Eliminate one time waster a week from your life.
• Read a minimum of one chapter of a book a day.
• Read a minimum of one book a month.
• Be hungry for what life has to offer and go for it.
• Decide what you really desire to do-then do it.
• When you have the option of reading a book or listening to the cassette tape version of the program, listen to the tape. It will be more to the point and can be done while you are driving, jogging/walking, or getting other routine things done.
• Develop a "master mind" group of four or five people with whom you can openly discuss ideas in a nonjudgmental way.
• Develop yourself as a resource for others by networking. Find out who does what, when, and for whom. You may find excellent contacts for your future needs and for the needs of others you meet.
• Work for balance in your life goals: family, financial, professional, social, spiritual, and recreational.
• Always keep your goals in mind as you start a new activity.
• If you do a lot of work with the calculator, run the machine with the hand you don't use for writing.
• Do not be afraid of failing at something. You can learn and change as a result of it.
• The most difficult projects are opportunities for your biggest successes just as the most difficult people could become your strongest allies.
• Put up pictures of your dreams and goals where you will see them frequently. They will remind you and aid you in focusing and visualizing your goal.
• We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Learn from those people who get more done than you do. Perhaps you can find a way to improve what you are doing.
• Find a nonjudgmental mentor who will help you by providing feedback, suggestions, challenges and support.
• Identify some "models" and observe their style and actions. Do not copy them but learn from their experiences.
• Learn from the errors you see others make as well as from their successes.
• Fill your mind with positive ideas, thoughts and inspirations and you will have no room left for the negative.
• Trade jobs with someone so you gain additional experience.
• Ask for and accept lateral moves in the organization so you learn more about the entire operation.
• Do more than your "self doubts" say you can!!!!
• Have confidence that you can get through and learn from anything and everything you experience.
• Reward yourself with a treat when you have completed a learning objective.
• Keep a daily journal, recording your thoughts, ideas, feelings and personal growth progress.
• Ask questions, listen, and then ask more questions. You will learn as well as help others learn.
• Ask yourself, "How can I manipulate my fate?"
• Do things with someone you respect. They will be supportive of you and you will learn from interacting with them.
• Seek new information on projects for which you have responsibility. Look for new "ah ha" ideas all the time.
• Challenge yourself to learn something new every day.
• Remain flexible and constantly adaptable.
• Be open to others and sincerely interested in them. You can learn from everyone you meet.
• Mentally rehearse a new skill. Your subconscious does not know the difference between actual practice and mental rehearsal.
• Keep a record of what you accomplished the previous day(s)/week. If you did not accomplish as much as you wanted, it gives you extra incentive to do better in the next time period.
• Make notes of the questions you want answered. Then as the answers come to you, jot them down next to the question.
• Work on overcoming personal, nonproductive habits; for example: overeating, smoking, gossip.
• Keep an "Idea File" ring binder or notebook in which you record all new ideas. At least once a week in a standing appointment with yourself, review your ideas.

Inspirational True Stories

It helps to know how the efforts of inspired individuals can bring about positive changes in their lives and that of others.
Freedom to Fly the Indian Tricolour by private citizens
Naveen Jindal (born 9 March 1970) is a Member of Parliament, India since 2004 representing the Kurukshetra constituency in the state of Haryana. He is a member of the Congress Party. He is an industrialist with operations located in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He runs the rail & steel and power businesses of the Jindal Group, the fourth largest private sector Indian business group by assets and sales turnover. The Jindal group was founded by his father O. P. Jindal.
Prior to 2002, the Flag code of India did not permit flying of the Flag of India on non governmental institutions. In 2001, a case was filed against Naveen Jindal for flying the Flag of India atop his company building. He said that he was inspired by his American friends displaying their flag during his college days in USA and he believed that flying the national flag should be the right of every Indian. He took the case to the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India and won both cases. The Supreme Court ordered the Government of India to set aside a committee to look into this matter. Finally on January 26, 2002 (India’s Republic Day), private citizens were allowed to fly India’s flag inside and atop their buildings and institutions. His story was reported widely in the right-wing Indian media which hailed him as a liberator.
Right To Information Act
The Right to Information Act (RTI Act) came into effect on 12th October 2005. It was the culmination of a long struggle by the common people and inspired activist and represents a spectacular triumph of the ruled(citizens) against the rulers(Government). This Act has provided a very potent weapon in the hands of common man against corruption and mismanagement in the Government departments at all levels. It is uplifting to read the history of the passage of this Act. A brief history of the Act is available at: http://www.nyayabhoomi.org/treatise/history/history1.htm and several other websites.
Kiran Bedi, India’s first female police officer
Dr. Kiran Bedi influenced several decisions of the Indian Police Service, particularly in the areas of narcotics control, traffic management, and VIP security. During her stint as the Inspector General of Prisons, in Tihar Jail (Delhi) (1993–1995), she instituted a number of reforms in the management of the prison, and initiated a number of measures such as detoxification programs, yoga, vipassana meditation, redressing of complaints by prisoners and literacy programs.[12][13] For this she won the 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship’, to write about her work at Tihar Jail.[6] In 1997, Bedi was the recipient of the Swiss-German Joseph Beuys Award for Holistic and Innovative Management.
She was last appointed as Director General of India’s Bureau of Police Research and Development.
Yet her greatest achievement may be the effect her achievements have had on Indian women who see Kiran Bedi as a role model and a hero. Bedi has shown them that with hard work and determination, they can overcome ancient stereotyping and make their dreams come true.
India Nirman Sangh
India Nirman Sangh is led by David Barun Kumar Thomas (B.Tech, IIT Kanpur 1977). David left IBM in 003, came to Kodaikanal and since then has been involved in community development. India Nirman Sangh has a small budget and is entirely funded by donations from individuals. The Directors do not draw any remuneration or enjoy any fringe benefits from the organisation.
The organisation works to win the trust of the people in a village by forming small thrift and savings groups and then arranging for micro credit through local banks. The group uses this money to give loans to their own members who may need the loan for a variety of reasons. Peer pressure among the members ensures a near hundred percent loan recovery rate. Over time, the groups begin to take up local issues such as sanitation, drinking water supply, the problems in the local ration shop etc. and using collective strength, they are often able to bring about dramatic changes. They ensure proper implementation of government welfare schemes and collectively resist both goondaism and police high handedness. They also voluntarily came forward in 2007 to take up and implement a government scheme to build toilets for each home and completely eliminate open defecation in three panchayats.

Will Power Stories: Leakage of the Heart

Will Power Stories: Leakage of the Heart

These days I have been listening to a series of lectures based on the topic of how to become an excellent teacher of Quran. Surprisingly I have learned things which I had not even expected. For example, the concept that external problems or hurdles are not the real obstacle in the way of success . Rather it is our sins which have the most damaging effect on our lives. This reminded me of the countless times I have told others that I could not do such and such thing or could not complete the target I had in mind because of this problem or that hurdle. Sometimes blaming people, other times crying over health problems, always a string of excuses which are nothing more than that excuses! Because If I had truly wanted to do something and sincerely asked Allah (SWT), then why would he not let me do things which I want to do only for his sake? Surely there must be something wrong inside my own self? I remember a few years ago I had gone to visit my parents. The next morning there was no water in the taps ... very strange! Because the night before they had got the water tank refilled ... so where did those gallons of water disappear? Plumbers were called and they began digging to find the leakage ... the whole house was in an uproar, with people coming in and out ... nothing else could be done because everything depends on water. Finally the broken pipe was discovered and repaired, the tank was filled again and life restored back to normal. But when the same story happens with our tank of faith and knowledge; it never becomes an issue of concern. We fill our hearts and minds with the knowledge of Quran and Hadith ... but the next day when we face any situation and open the tap, nothing comes out ... no patience, no gratitude, no kindness with others ... where did all the faith and knowledge go? No body is worried ... no one tries to find the leakage of the heart ... But we must realize that just as life stops if there is no water, similarly the soul dies if there is no faith ... our very survival depends on it ... so if the faith and knowledge is not coming out in deeds then it means that there is some serious leakage problem. For me it remained a mystery for many years but Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), I just found out that every sin for which we do not feel guilty nor do Taubah (Seeking Forgiveness) nor correct it ... then it creates a crack in our heart from where faith keeps dripping out and we don't even realize it. So whenever we feel lack of motivation, lack of energy, then immediately we should pray to Allah (SWT) to show us where we went wrong and then honestly and sincerely ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness. So as to mend the crack and ensure that our tank of faith remains full. May Allah protect us from our self conceit and give us insight with which we might realize our mistakes and correct our ways. Because no one else can do it for us. Each one of us has to be responsible for his own life. Moral of the Will Power Story: Knowledge and actions are the two arms of Islam. Just as a bird cannot fly without two wings the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saw) has said: Knowledge without action is a curse and action without knowledge is deviation.

Will Power Stories: Big storm or God is great?

When we build a house, we take so much care to have a strong foundation so that it can stand the test of weather and time or that we could build more above it in course of time. Do we take care to build our lives too on a strong faith foundation to courageously face the storms and challenges in life? To stress the need to have strong faith, Prophet Jesus (pbuh) told of a parable of a wise man and foolish man who ventured to build a house. The wise man built his house upon the rock. The foolish man built his house upon the sand. The rains came down, the floods rose and gales and storms beat against the houses. The foolish man's house crashed to the ground while the wise man's house stood firm. (Matthew 7:24-27) Most of us have experiences of facing storms. There could be financial storms, relationship storms, emotional storms, physical storms (health problems). People who build there lives on a strong faith foundation are those who will look at the storm calmly and courageously say "Oh Storm, God is great." But people who do not have a strong faith foundation will look at the storm and cry out "Oh God! I have a big storm." We love our children so much that we give them the best of education, food, clothing, entertainment. But the most beautiful love gift we can give our children is the gift of a strong faith foundation in Allah (SWT). When we can give them this, they will be able to stand the challenges and storms of life courageously even when we are not around anymore. A story is told of a shipwreck where everyone was swimming to safety. One sailor was struggling to make it to the shore when he suddenly saw a small rock protruding above the tide. He gripped to it tightly till the storm receded. When he reached the shore, people asked him "Did you not shake with fear when you held that small rock?" He quipped "Yes, I shook with fear, but the Rock did not shake and that's why I am safe." Let us give ourselves and our children that rock to hold on to. When a pious man was on his deathbed he called all his children around him and said, "My children, if I leave all my wealth and property for you but do not leave you with a strong faith in Allah (SWT), you will be poor, very poor. But If I do not leave you any wealth or property but leave you with a strong faith in Allah (SWT), you will be rich, very rich indeed."

Will Power Stories: Don't give up, just keep driving

One day a young lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm and the young lady asked her father, "What should I do?" Father said, "Keep driving." Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was getting worse. "What should I do?" The young lady asked? "Keep driving," her father replied. On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheelers were also pulling over. She told her father, "I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is terrible and everyone is pulling over!" Her father told her, "Don't give up, just keep driving!" Now the storm was terrible, but she never stopped driving and soon she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles she was again on dry land and the sun came out. Her father said, "Now you can pull over and get out." Young Lady said, "But why now?" Father said, "When you get out, look back at all the people that gave up and are still in the storm, because you never gave up your storm is now over." This is a testimony for anyone who is going through "hard times." Just because everyone else, even the strongest, gives up. You don't have to ... if you keep going, soon your storm will be over and the Sun will shine upon your face again. Imam Ali (as): "The endure does not miss success although it may take a long time."

Don't Loose your "Will Power" in Hardship of Life

An old man lived alone in home. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and told his situation. "Dear Son, I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate to miss doing the garden, because your mother always loved planting time. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren't in prison ... Your Father." Shortly, the old man received the reply from his son: "For heaven's sake, Dad, don't dig up the garden! That's where I buried the Guns!" The next morning, A dozen FBI agents and local police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused old man wrote another note to his son telling him what have happened, and asked him what to do next. His son's reply was: "Go ahead and plant your potatoes, Dad, It's the best I could do for you from here." Moral of the Will Power Story: No matter where you are in the world, if you have decided to do something deep from your heart, you can do it!

Favorite Stories for Children: An interesting insight into decision making

Favorite Stories for Children: An interesting insight into decision making

A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other disused. Only one child played on the disused track, the rest on the operational track. The train is coming, and you are just beside the track interchange. You can make the train change its course to the disused track and save most of the kids. However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way? Let's take a pause to think what kind of decision we could make... Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. You might think the same way, I guess. Exactly, I thought the same way initially because to save most of the children at the expense of only one child was rational decision most people would make, morally and emotionally. But, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place? Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was. This kind of dilemma happens around us everyday. In the office, community, in politics and especially in a democratic society, the minority is often sacrificed for the interest of the majority, no matter how foolish or ignorant the majority are, and how farsighted and knowledgeable the minority are. The child who chose not to play with the rest on the operational track was sidelined. And in the case he was sacrificed, no one would shed a tear for him. The great critic Leo Velski Julian who told the story said he would not try to change the course of the train because he believed that the kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still in use, and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens. If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover, that track was not in use probably because it was not safe. If the train was diverted to the track, we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in your attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few ignorant kids. While we are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made, we may not realize that hasty decisions may not always be the right one. "Remember that what's right isn't always popular and what's popular isn't always right." Everybody makes mistakes; that's why they put erasers on pencils.

Favorite Stories for Children: Thinking out of the Box

A 99.95% challenge that you will have a wrong answer to the question asked in the passage. Once there was loving couple traveling in a bus in a mountainous area. They decided to get down at some place. After the couple got down at some place the bus moved on. As the bus moved on, a huge rock fell on the bus from the mountain and crushed the bus to crumbs. Everybody on board was killed. The couple upon seeing that, said, 'We wish we were on that bus.' Why do you think they said that? If they had remained on the bus instead of deciding to get down, the resulting time delay could have been avoided and the rock could have fallen after the bus had passed... Thinking out of the Box or Think positive in life always and look for opportunities when you can help others... Honorable Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said: "Wisdom and intellect are the first thing that God created." Imam Reza (as) said: "Wisdom and intellect is every man's friend, ignorance and illiteracy, are his enemies."

Favorite Stories for Children: It is only that we don't attempt to think

Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. The Moneylender, who was old and cunning, fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter. So he proposed a bargain. He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter. Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal. So the cunning moneylender suggested that they let providence decide the matter. He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag. Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag. 1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven. 2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father's debt would still be forgiven. 3) But if she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into Jail. They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the money bag. The Moneylender, then asked the girl to pick a pebble from the money bag. Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have done if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you have told her? Careful analysis would produce three possibilities: 1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble. 2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the money bag and expose the moneylender as a cheat. 3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment. Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking. The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses. What would you recommend to the girl to do? Well, here is what she did ... The girl put her hand into the money bag and drew out a pebble. Without Looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble strewn path, where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles. "Oh, how clumsy of me," she said. "But never mind, if you look into the money bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I picked." Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had picked the white one. And since the moneylender dared not admit his dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one. Moral of the Story: Most complex problems do have a solution. It is only that we don't Attempt to think.

Favorite Stories for Children: Challenges keeps us fresh

Life is to strive for the best ... rather pass by with rest ... The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the waters close to Japan have not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring in the fish. If the return trip took more than a few days, the fish were not fresh. The Japanese did not like the taste. To solve this problem, fishing companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer. However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen and they did not like frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price. So fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, the fish stopped moving. They were tired and dull, but alive. Unfortunately, the Japanese could still taste the difference. Because the fish did not move for days, they lost their fresh-fish taste. The Japanese preferred the lively taste of fresh fish, not sluggish fish. So how did Japanese fishing companies solve this problem? How do they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan? To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies (still) put the fish in the tanks. But now they add a small shark to each tank. The shark eats a few fish, but most of the fish arrive in a very lively state. Like the Japanese fish - "Man thrives, oddly enough, only in the presence of a challenging environment." - said L. Ron Hubbard Challenges are what keeps us fresh! Instead of avoiding challenges, jump into them. Beat the heck out of them. Enjoy the game. If your challenges are too large or too numerous, reorganize the challenge, team up, be resourceful and do not give up. Failing makes you tired. If you have met your goals, set some bigger goals. Once you meet your personal or family needs, move onto goals for your group, the society, even mankind.

Short Story Collections for Children

Classic Short Story Collections: Ant and Dove

One hot day, an ant was searching for some water. After walking around for some time, she came to a spring. To reach the spring, she had to climb up a blade of grass. While making her way up, she slipped and fell into the water. She could have drowned if a dove up a nearby tree had not seen her. Seeing that the ant was in trouble, the dove quickly plucked off a leaf and dropped it into the water near the struggling ant. The ant moved towards the leaf and climbed up there. Soon it carried her safely to dry ground. Just at that time, a hunter nearby was throwing out his net towards the dove, hoping to trap it. Guessing what he was about to do, the ant quickly bit him on the heel. Feeling the pain, the hunter dropped his net. The dove was quick to fly away to safety. Moral of the Story: One good turn deserves another.

Short Story Collections for Children: Wolf and Lamb

A lamb was grazing with a flock of sheep one day. She soon found some sweet grass at the edge of the field. Farther and farther she went, away from the others. She was enjoying herself so much that she did not notice a wolf coming nearer to her. However, when it pounced on her, she was quick to start pleading, "Please, please don't eat me yet. My stomach is full of grass. If you wait a while, I will taste much better." The wolf thought that was a good idea, so he sat down and waited. After a while, the lamb said, "If you allow me to dance, the grass in my stomach will be digested faster." Again the wolf agreed. While the lamb was dancing, she had a new idea. She said, "Please take the bell from around my neck. If you ring it as hard as you can, I will be able to dance even faster." The wolf took the bell and rang it as hard as he could. The shepherd heard the bell ringing and quickly sent his dogs to find the missing lamb. The barking dogs frightened the wolf away and saved the lamb's life. Moral of the Story: The gentle and weak can sometimes be cleverer than fierce and strong.

Classic Short Story Collections: Fox and Grapes

It was a sunny day and fox was walking across the fields. Soon he came to a vineyard. As he came nearer, he could see some bunches of juicy grapes. The fox looked carefully around him. He had to make sure that he was safe from the hunters. He decided to steal some before anyone came along. He jumped upwards but he could not reach the grapes. He jumped again as high as he could. He still could not reach them. The grapes were just too high for him! He was not ready to give up. He backed off, took some running steps and leapt into the air towards the grapes. Again he failed to reach them. It was getting dark, and he was getting angry. His legs hurt with all that running and jumping. At last he stopped trying. As he walked away, he said to himself, "I don't really want those grapes. I'm sure they are too sour to eat." Moral of the Story: Sometimes when we cannot get what we want, we pretend that it is not worth having.

Short Story Collections for Children: Thirsty Crow

One hot day, a thirsty crow flew all over the fields looking for water. For a long time, she could not find any. She felt very weak, almost giving up hope. Suddenly, she saw a water jug below her. She flew straight down to see if there was any water inside. Yes, she could see some water inside the jug! The crow tried to push her head into the jug. Sadly, she found that the neck of the jug was too narrow. Then she tried to push the jug down for the water to flow out. She found that the jug was too heavy. The crow thought hard for a while. Then looking around her, she saw some pebbles. She suddenly had a good idea. She started picking up the pebbles one by one, dropping each into the jug. As more and more pebbles filled the jug, the water level kept rising. Soon it was high enough for the crow to drink. Her plan had worked! Moral of the Story: If you try hard enough, you may soon find an answer to your problem.

Classic Short Story Collections: The Milkmaid

A milkmaid was on her way to the market to sell some milk from her cow. As she carried the large jug of milk on top of her head, she began to dream of all the things she could do after selling the milk. "With that money, I'll buy a hundred chicks to rear in my backyard. When they are fully grown. I can sell them at a good price at the market." As she walked on, she continued dreaming, "Then I'll buy two young goats and rear them on the grass close by. When they are fully grown, I can sell them at an even better price!" Still dreaming, she said to herself, "Soon, I'll be able to buy another cow, and I will have more milk to sell. Then I shall have even more money..." With these happy thoughts, she began to skip and jump. Suddenly she tripped and fell. The jug broke and all the milk spilt onto the ground. No more dreaming now, she sat down and cried. Moral of the Story: Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Biggest Weakness Can Become Your Biggest Strength

Uplifting Stories: Biggest Weakness Can Become Your Biggest Strength

Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study Judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese Judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?" "This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the Sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the Sensei intervened. "No," the Sensei insisted, "Let him continue." Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and Sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?" "You won for two reasons," the Sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of Judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm." The moral of this story: The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Turning your biggest weakness into your biggest strength: Office Boy, an Uplifting Story

A jobless man applied for the position of 'office boy' at a very big firm. The HR manager interviewed him, then a test: clean the floor. "You are hired" he said, give me your email address, and I will send you the application to fill, as well as when you will start. The man replied "I don't have a computer, neither an email". I am sorry, said the HR manager, if you don't have an email that means you do not exist. And who doesn't exist, cannot have the job. The man left with no hope at all. He didn't know what to do, with only $10 US in his pocket. He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy a 10 KG Tomato crate. He then sold the Tomatoes in a door to door round. In less than two hours, he succeeded to double his capital. He repeated the operation 3 times, and returned home with $60 US. The man realized that he can survive by this way, and started to go everyday earlier, and return late. Thus, his money doubles or triples every day. Shortly later, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles. 5 years later, the man is one of the biggest food retailers in the US. He started to plan his family's future, and decided to have a life insurance. He called an insurance broker, and chooses a protection plan. When the conversation was concluded, the broker asked him his email. The man replied: 'I don't have an email'. The broker replied curiously, you don't have an email, and yet have succeeded to build an empire. Do you imagine what you could have been if you had an email? The man thought for a while, and replied: an office boy! The moral of this story: 1: Internet is not the solution to your life. 2: If you don't have internet and you work hard you can be a millionaire. 3: This man's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Turning a flaw into a feature: The Cracked Pot, an Uplifting Story

Once upon a time there was a water-bearer in India who had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pot full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of ?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work and you don't get full value from your efforts, " the pot said. The water-bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house." The moral of this story: Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and warding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

Uplifting Stories: Importance of understanding each other: I want to buy a Puppy

A farmer had some puppies, he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. "Uncle," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money." The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle, "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared; this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up. "I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands." The world is full of people who need someone who understands. The moral of this story: Everyone of us have our own shortage and weaknesses. But if we are willing to, we can make advantage of our own shortage and weaknesses instead of opposing them. In the eyes of the wise, nothing is wasted. Do not be blocked by your disadvantages. Know your weaknesses and you too can be the water for the better life of all. Know, that in our weaknesses, we find our strengths

Inspiring Stories for Teachers: A Teacher's Protest

Inspiring Stories for Teachers: A Teacher's Protest (Teaching in Islam)

There was no timetable nor a room designated for PRAYERS in the School. The School was 'secular', hence prayers were not supposed to be allowed. After being interviewed and accepted by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said in protest: "Let me see if I have got this right?" You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits. You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self-esteem. You want me to teach them firm belief in God, patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job. I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, and encourage respect for their elders and future employers. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps! You want me to do all of this, and you expect me NOT TO PRAY. You expect me not to pray when Noble Qur'an says: "Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and PRAYER: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit". (Surah Baqarah 2:45). "O my Lord! Make me and my children among those who establish prayers". (Surah Ibrahim 14:40) "Indeed it is the Prayers, which helps to refrain from indecent acts and evils". (Surah Ankabut 29:45) You want me to do all of this and you expect me not to pray when SUCCESS of every one depends on Prayers. Noble Qur'an says that successful believers are: "...... those who are punctual in their prayers". (Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:9) Dear sir, since I am sure that I will not be able to fulfill your expectations, nor I will be successful in my career WITHOUT prayers, "I resign willingly from the post". The Administrator looked down for a while then suddenly declared: "Young man, go ahead with your job. You have taught me a very important lesson today: Without prayers and help from God, no work is a success. We shall make special arrangements for prayers from today".

Inspiring Stories for Teachers: Sharpening Skills (Learning in Islam)

Once there was a group of men - a young hot-blooded, strong chap and a big number of old folks, doing timber job (Wood cutting) in a jungle. This young chap is very hard working. He always continues to work through his break time and complains that those old folks were wasting time, taking break few times a day to drink and chat. The first day, the young woodcutter brought fifteen (15) trees. "Congratulations," the boss said, "Carry on with your work!" Highly motivated by the words of his boss, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he only could bring ten (10) trees. The third day he tried even harder, but he was only able to bring seven (7) trees. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees. As times goes by, this young chap noticed that even though he worked through break time and hardly took a rest, those old folks are chopping the same amount of trees as he did and sometimes did more than he did. It was as if those old folks work through the break time as he did. So he decided to work harder the next day, unfortunately the results were even worse. "I must be losing my strength." The young woodcutter thought. One day, one of the old folk invited him for a drink during their break time. That young chap refused and said he has no extra time to spend! Then the old man smiled to him and said it was just a waste of effort to keep chopping trees without re-sharpening your Axe. Sooner or later you will give up or be so exhausted as you have spent too much energy. Suddenly the young chap realized that actually during break times while those old folks were having a chat, they were also re-sharpening their Axe at the same time! And that's how they can chop faster than him and yet spending lesser time! The old folk said what we need is efficiency by making use of our skill and ability intelligently. Only then can we have more times to do other things. Otherwise you will always keep saying ... I have no time! Moral of the Story: By taking a short break during work, it would make you feel fresher, think well and work better after the break! (Or am I just finding excuse to take a break). But by taking a break, it is not to stop work but to rest and re-think our strategy to go about it from another angle. Also, most of us never update our skills. We think that whatever we have learned is very much enough. But good is not good when better is expected. Sharpening our skills from time to time is the key to success.

Inspiring Stories for Teachers: The Snake Catcher (By: Jalaluddin Rumi)

There was once snake catcher who once went to the mountains. Due to the winter cold and heavy snow, many very big snakes lay motionless, as if they were dead. The Snake Catcher picked up one of these seemingly lifeless snakes and took it to Baghdad, with the purpose of using it for a show. Showing it off, he made big claims as to how he had brilliantly captured the snake. However, when the sun began to shine and its warmth cloaked the snake, the coldness in its body disappeared. The signs of life were soon apparent and when the snake began to move, the Snake Catcher and all those around, fled. Moral of the Story: Our Nafs (self) is like that Snake. With Tazkyia (purification), Mushaqqat (effort), our Nafs becomes frozen. It appears to be dead. But give it a little heat from the fire of sin and it will bite again. A little exposure to some past sins and the Nafs swings back to life. We should not think that we have killed our Nafs and thus become unmindful. Yes, with some Mujahadah (striving), Suhbat (company) of the Sheikh, Tilawat (recitation) of the Noble Qur'an, Dikrullah, following Deen and Shariah and in building up that contact and love for Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam), and the Nafs can be frozen. However, a little taste of sin revives the evil Nafs.

Inspiring Stories for Teachers: The Clever Boy

A man with his donkey carrying two sacks of wheat was on his way to the market. After a little while he was tired and they rested under a tree. When he woke up from his nap he could not see the donkey and started searching for the donkey everywhere. On the way he met a boy, he asked the boy, "Have you seen my donkey?" The boy asked, "Is the donkey's left eye blind, his right foot lame and is he carrying a load of wheat?" The man was happy and said, "Yes, exactly! Where have you seen it?" the boy answered "I haven't seen it." This made the man very angry and he took the boy to the village chief for punishment. The judge asked, "Dear boy, if you had not seen at the donkey, how could you describe it?" The boy answered, "I saw the tracks of a donkey and the right and left tracks were different from this I understood that the donkey that passed there was limping. And the grass on the right side of the road was eaten but the grass on the left was not. From that I understood that his left eye was blind. There were wheat seeds scattered on the ground and I understood that he must have been carrying a load of wheat. The judge understood the boy's cleverness and told the man to forgive the boy. This story teaches us that we should not be quick to judge the people.

Inspiring Stories for Teachers: The Travelers and the Plane Tree

Two men were walking along one summer day. Soon it became too hot to go any further and, seeing a large plane tree nearby, they threw themselves on the ground to rest in its shade. Gazing up into the branches one man said to the other: "What a useless tree this is. It does not have fruit or nuts that we can eat and we cannot even use its wood for anything." "Don't be so ungrateful," rustled the tree in reply. "I am being extremely useful to you at this very moment, shielding you from the hot sun. And you call me a good-for-nothing!" All of God's creations have a good purpose. Islam teaches us that we should never belittle Allah's