by Elder Quek
The prerequisite to make someone smile is non other than being acceptable as a whole person.
How do we achieve that ?
1. Do pay attention to how you dress.
- the way you dress must be compatible to your age and to the occasion.
- Let's not also dress too funkily as many people might not accept. then again, it depends on the occasion.
2. Do pay attention to details like personal hygiene.
- for example body odor and bad breath.
3. Compliment more instead of criticizing someone.
- Let's also not try to gossip or grumble too much.
- bear in mind to also not ask personal questions when you first meet with someone . For example, asking a lady how old she is could be considered rude.
4. Do have some basic manners.
- To leave a good impression, try to have eye contact with the person whom you are talking with.
- besides that, body language indicates a lot. make sure you convey a message that says you are comfortable talking to him/her.
- social distance. Do remember not to stick to close when you first meet someone as you don;t know if they could accept the closeness and it may be perceived as something else.
5. Be passionate.
- people tend to feel more attached to people who are warm and always gives a firm handshake . ^_^
Besides the basics mentioned above, a person's attitude is even more important.
1. cultivate positive attitude
a ) mix with people despite the age and gender.
b ) Be cheerful and sociable .
Here, Elder Quek mentioned that we should learn to humble ourselves and not
think about what we could gain from doing something when we are in a group.
c) Have self confidence.
- be knowledgeable . The self confidence should come from whatever knowledge it is we have. Besides, people with knowledge always seem to be more certain of themselves.
- we should also learn to speak and convey our ideas clearly.
- Do not make any empty promises.
- Do not be extreme in views. Always have a open heart and ear to what others have to say.
d) Develop a good sense of humor.
- Sense of Humor could be acquired.
- Self - Restriction. We must learn to restrict our speech. As there are times when we talk a lot but there's no meaning to it.
THe Bible says :
1) Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
2) 1 Corinthians 10:23, 31 . Everything is permissible, but no everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Making Smarter Goals
Goals channel your energy and time into a focused beam that helps you hit target after target, hence people that set many goals in life are productive and contributive. It is therefore imperative to plan towards making smarter goals. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Failing does not mean that lightning will strike on you for delays in your schedule, rather, it signals the lost of freedom. If you fail to plan your life, you'll be in someone else's plan. You'll be a pawn in someone else's game, with others dictating your every move, forever subordinative, unable to follow your preferences, like a prisoner held by invisible chains.
So, what's a smart goal?
- A smart goal is a Specific goal.
- Goals must be Measurable.
- Actions to achieve the goal must be specified.
- There must be Reasons behind goals
- A Time-line must be specified
- The process of achieving the goal should be Enjoyable
- Resources to achieve the goal must be provided
Reference: Adeline Tay
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Why go to school?
What's the use of school?! Before you all shout 'Useless!!!!!!!!!!!!' Bear in mind that school brings:
1. FINANCIAL SECURITY.
According to the bureau of labor of US, the average lifetime earnings of a dropout is $400k, $900k for a high school graduate and $1900k for a degree holder.
2. KNOWLEDGE.
Why do monkeys swing in trees and humans fly around in rockets?
3. HAPPY FAMILY.
Good mates who are ethical and savant are generally highly concentrated in Universities. And trust me, good mates ensure a happy family in the future.
4. SATISFACTION IN LIFE.
In school we'll learn the tools needed to fulfill our purpose in life. However there's only one way to be truly satisfied in life. You must know the answer for these three questions. Where do I come from? What's my purpose in life? Where do I go after I die? Well in Church(Christians started the first universities), I learnt the answer to the three questions. I come from God.
I am alive to please God as a creation pleases his Creator and I'll be going back to be with God after I die. God promised through the bible, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life' (John 3:16, NIV). Hence a Christian fears neither life nor death, men or demons, for he is at peace with God.
