I believe that you should gravitate to people who are doing productive and positive things with their lives.

Surrounding Yourself with Positivity and Productivity

I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.

The Path to Overcoming Fear

Hard work has made it easy. That is my secret. That is why I win.

Hard Work as the Key to Ease and Success

You can't jump from little things to big things. It just takes time and patience.

Growth Journey

Other kids had more talent, but I was the most focused.

Focus Over Talent

Life is not easy for anyone. You have to have ups and downs. You can make mistakes. You learn and try not to make them again. That's pretty much my principle.

Learning from Ups and Downs

Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don't lose the passion and the love for what you do.

 Embracing the Journey of Continuous Improvement

I believe that what she has accomplished is quite admirable, and we could learn a great deal by examining her work ethic

If there were such a thing as an "elder" stateswoman in women's gymnastics today, Nadia Comaneci would win that title as readily as she once won gold medals. Olga Korbut came before her, and many other medalists would follow, but none has ever been as dominant in winning the hearts of millions around the world. With grit and determination, Nadia Comaneci ushered in a new era for women's sports, one where young girls could vault into the arena of superstardom. Even today, almost thirty years after her greatest triumphs, you need only mention the name "Nadia" and gymnastics fans know instantly whom you are talking about. In Letters to a Young Gymnast, Nadia shows what it takes to achieve athletic perfection and become the best. With inspiring and dramatic stories from her own experience, she tells us how the young girl that Bela Karolyi discovered in a Romanian elementary school found the inner strength to become a world-class athlete at such a young age. This collection of Nadia's memories, anecdotes, and advice grants unique insights into the mind of a top competitor. From how to live after you've realized your dream, to the necessity of "a spirit forged with mettle," Nadia's thoughts on athleticism and sacrifice are eye-opening and surprisingly challenging.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mindfulness

Mindfulness

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

exerciseandfitness

Exercise & Fitness

sports

Sports

Nadia Comaneci

Letters to a Young Gymnast

If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple.But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.

822 quotes from George Bernard Shaw: 'Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.', 'A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.', and 'Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.'

problemsolving

Problem Solving

communication

Communication

creativity

Creativity

George Bernard Shaw: Apples and Ideas

The enduring bond between Harry, Ron, and Hermione exemplifies the profound strength found in genuine friendships. Navigating challenges together and unwavering support define this powerful connection.

1.The Power of Friendship:

Harry's journey, riddled with challenges, underscores the significance of confronting fear and adversity. His resilience emphasizes the vital role courage plays in overcoming life's obstacles.

2. Courage in the Face of Adversity:

Caracters like Harry and his friends courageously defy injustice, emphasizing the imperative to resist wrongdoing and advocate for what is right, even in the face of daunting odds.

3. Standing Up Against Injustice: 

The narrative underscores the potency of unity. When individuals unite for a shared purpose, their collective strength and resilience surpass individual capacities, highlighting the transformative force of togetherness.

4. Unity and Strength

The story encourages making choices rooted in kindness and empathy. This narrative thread emphasizes that understanding and compassion are not only virtues but essential qualities that foster harmonious relationships.

5. Choosing Kindness and Empathy:

Woven throughout the book is the theme of love as a transformative power. Whether familial or born of friendship, love possesses the extraordinary ability to effect positive change and healing.

6. Love as a Transformative Force:

Despite Harry's tragic past, the narrative emphasizes his agency to shape his destiny. This lesson resonates profoundly, highlighting that one's history need not dictate the trajectory of their future.

7.  The Past Doesn't Define the Future:

7 valuable lessons from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone" (Part 1)

Harry Potter spent ten long years living with Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, an aunt and uncle whose outrageous favoritism of their perfectly awful son Dudley leads to some of the most inspired dark comedy since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But fortunately for Harry, he's about to be granted a scholarship to a unique boarding school called THE HOGWORTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY, where he will become a school hero at the game of Quidditch (a kind of aerial soccer played high above the ground on broomsticks), he will make some wonderful friends, and, unfortunately, a few terrible enemies. For although he seems to be getting your run-of-the-mill boarding school experience (well, ok, even that's pretty darn out of the ordinary), Harry Potter has a destiny that he was born to fulfill. A destiny that others would kill to keep him from.

movies

Movies & Shows

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

books

Books

Joanne Rowling CH OBE FRSL, also known by her pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British author and philanthropist. She wrote Harry Potter, a seven-volume children's fantasy series published from 1997 to 2007.

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

When I started with self-improvement, I didn't know which were the best books to start. So, I had to search for many hours before deciding on one book that would give me an introduction.Many times, the best book depends on your past and beliefs. But, in this list, everyone can find at least one book that is the best book for them. So, here are the best 10 self-improvement books for your transformative start.[This post contains affiliate links that help me support my work. Thank you!]

Top 10 Self-Improvement Books for a Transformative Start

In "<a href="https://amzn.to/3GXhgRk">Atomic Habits</a>," James Clear unravels the power of small habits in creating significant life changes. Clear provides actionable insights backed by scientific research, guiding readers to understand and transform their habits.This book is a practical guide to building positive routines and breaking free from detrimental ones, paving the way for a life of continuous improvement.

1 - Atomic Habits by James Clear

You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

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Carol S. Dweck explores the concept of mindset and its profound impact on success in "<a href="https://amzn.to/4azzl5B">Mindset</a>." Dweck distinguishes between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, showing how one's beliefs about abilities profoundly influence achievement. This book empowers readers to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and cultivate a mindset that fosters personal development.

2 - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Why waste time proving over and over how great you are when you could be getting better?

Stephen R. Covey's timeless classic, "<a href="https://amzn.to/3v5x9m4">The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</a>," outlines principles for personal and professional effectiveness. Covey's holistic approach encourages readers to cultivate habits that lead to lasting success and fulfillment. This transformative guide is a cornerstone for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.

3 - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.

Eckhart Tolle's "<a href="https://amzn.to/3vaEzo9">The Power of Now</a>" is a spiritual guide to living in the present moment. Tolle emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and sheds light on the transformative power of being fully present. This book serves as a practical manual for overcoming negative thought patterns and achieving a state of peace and fulfillment.

4 - The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Time isn't precious at all, because it is an illusion.

Jen Sincero's "<a href="https://amzn.to/3GRQLwR">You Are a Badass</a>" is a vibrant and humorous guide to unleashing your inner potential. With a no-nonsense approach, Sincero encourages readers to overcome self-doubt, embrace their power, and create the life they desire. This book is an uplifting kick-start for those ready to make positive changes.

5 - You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.

Brené Brown explores the transformative power of vulnerability in "<a href="https://amzn.to/48rVaSQ">Daring Greatly.</a>" Brown challenges societal expectations and encourages readers to embrace vulnerability as a source of courage and strength. With research-backed insights, this book is a guide to cultivating resilience and fostering genuine connections with others.

6 - Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.

Don Miguel Ruiz distills ancient Toltec wisdom into "<a href="https://amzn.to/48uv0ib">The Four Agreements</a>," offering a code for personal freedom and fulfillment. Ruiz imparts principles such as being impeccable with one's word and not making assumptions. This concise guide empowers readers to break free from self-limiting beliefs and live authentically.

7 - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.

In "<a href="https://amzn.to/41CFMAF">Eat That Frog!</a>," Brian Tracy provides practical strategies for overcoming procrastination and boosting productivity. Tracy's approach is centered on tackling the most challenging tasks first, enabling readers to achieve more in less time. This book is a roadmap for taking control of one's time and aligning actions with personal goals.

8 - Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy

The ability to concentrate single-mindedly on your most important task, to do it well and to finish it completely, is the key to great success, achievement, respect, status, and happiness in life.

Viktor E. Frankl's "<a href="https://amzn.to/41CFObL">Man's Search for Meaning</a>" is a profound exploration of finding purpose and meaning in the face of adversity. Based on his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl shares insights into the human capacity for resilience and the importance of discovering meaning even in the darkest moments.

9 - Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

Hal Elrod introduces a transformative morning routine in "<a href="https://amzn.to/4axy8M2">The Miracle Morning</a>." Elrod's approach, known as the SAVERS system, includes Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing. This book empowers readers to create a morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the day, fostering personal growth and productivity.

10 - The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

The moment you accept responsibility for EVERYTHING in your life is the moment you gain the power to change ANYTHING in your life.

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Before you go

When I started with self-improvement, I didn't know which were the best books on the market. But with this list, you will find yours in a second.

productivity

Productivity

habits

Habits

timemanagement

Time Management

Begin Your Journey: Top 10 Self-Improvement Books for a Transformative Start

Syndrome where median nerve is compressed under the flexor retinaculum.

What Is It? 

<ol><li>Repeated activity of wrist, first 3 fingers (e.g- desk job/laptop usage where we rest our wrist on the edge of the table for years)</li><li>Inflammation at joint (RA, OA wrist)</li><li>Post trauma (Colle's fracture)</li><li>Hormones (Acromegaly)</li><li>Space Occupying Lesions at wrist (Tumor, Ganglion)</li><li>Unknown </li></ol>

What Are The Causes?

CTS progresses in 4 stages. <ul><li>Stage I - discomfort in wrist, first 3 fingers, morning stiffness.</li><li>Stage II - localised tingling pain, numbness.</li><li>Stage III - clumsy hand, loss of grip. </li><li>Stage IV - sensory loss along first 3 fingers, hand muscle atrophy/wasting.</li></ul>

Symptoms & Features 

<ol><li>Phalen's Test </li><li>Reverse Phalen's Test </li><li>Carpal Compression Test </li><li>NCV, EMG </li><li>Blood Test ( to rule out other affections</li></ol>

Tests For Diagnosis? 

It is important to understand that Surgical method is the last resort. It can be managed by just Physiotherapy! <ol><li>Physiotherapy - exercises, stretching</li><li>NSAIDs - for temporary pain relief</li><li>Steroid injection</li><li>Surgical decompression - slitting the flexor retinaculum.</li></ol>

How To Manage 

You don't need to wait for the symptoms to appear in order to manage the condition! Preventive measures are of more importance specially for those who have a desk job<ol><li>Timely break from typing/ laptop work</li><li>Correct, ergonomically appropriate desk, chair (the table height matters!) If you want add a cushioning to the edge of the table</li><li>Wrist exercises : rotations, flexion-extention(up-down movt), stretches regularly at work. </li><li>Equal amount of rest to our wrist and fingers is required as for our brain! </li></ol>

Prevention 

Do you wake with pins and needles and numbness at night in your hand?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Cultivate vigor, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then, you will achieve your destiny."

You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of the work.

“Even if one’s father is a misdemeanor, even if the world abandons him, it is the duty of the son to worship the father like God.”

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

education

Learning & Education

Rising from Falls: Wisdom from Inspirational Minds

In 'A Christmas Carol' by Dickens, we learn that tough experiences don't just happen once and disappear. They hang around, coming back again, much like Freud later explained. It's a deep idea that helps us understand why certain experiences stay with us.

Trauma Stays with Us  

Scrooge's grumpiness isn't just about being old; it goes back to his lonely childhood. Dickens shows us how our early years can shape who we become. It's a reminder to consider people's pasts when understanding them.

Scrooge's Lonely Childhood 

Even before Freud, Dickens suggests that facing and mourning our past can be healing. Scrooge's journey involves tears and acceptance. It's a touching idea that tells us embracing our history, with all its pain, can lead to personal growth.

Healing through Mourning

Lessons from 'A Christmas Carol'

King Asoka was the greatest monarch this world has ever seen, he ruled over entire Indian subcontinent and present day Afganistan and Pakistan and Bangladesh. He also had good ties with the Hellenistic world and spread Buddhism all over Asia and West Asia. He was great because he did not oppress or convert the religion of the territory he conquered.

Who Was King Ashoka?

But as all great things come to an end so did Maurya empire. Some historians say the policy of non violence towards any living being made the military weak and people forgot their martial capabilities. Hence after Asoka died, in just 10 years Maurya Empire collapsed from invasions and internal treachery.

Why Mauryan Empire Fell?

Ashoka chose the path of non violence and preached to live with harmony among all living beings after the Kalinga war. He opened hospitals, welfare homes, even appointed ministers for the minority gender and religion. But after his death it took no time for people to get back to corrupt ways. This is what has happened in Tibet and India. Both were attacked by imperialism of foreign country. World doesn’t know that this landmass has excelled in knowing the ultimate answer that all religions can’t answer “Is there god?” “Why is there suffering?” “What is after death?”.

What Buddha Preached, Ashoka Showed The World To Chose The Path

We have accepted that people are mean and world is cruel, because back in history people fought for anything and snatched everything. Today we have all the knowledge right at our fingertips to figure out how to become a better human. Buddhism and Vedanta has all the answers for the unanswered questions the modern scientists have. But the world is currently structured in a wrong way, there is plenty for everyone in this world. There shall not be a single person hungry if all come together to realise that we are one.

Struggles Of The Mordern World

Everybody can and will counter the above and no one will try to find out about Buddhism or King Ashoka. Everyone wants not to disturb this illusion they are living. Everyone wants to adjust themselves in the way world is right now. Because to change is difficult and a long process and we have done enough damage to ourselves already.

Happy Where I Am

But what Asoka speaks of which he learned from Buddha and if we follow that and if that doesn’t lead to salvation of mankind than this is how its supposed to be. I bow down to those few people who are still trying.

Read The Dhammachakra

Here i have shared my view on the Indian King Ashoka of the 268 BCE who has been forgotten because he renunciated his entire kingdom and took the path towards enlightenment and service. Let’s see what we can learn from him and implement a fraction into our lives.

philosophy

Philosophy

history

History

The Forgotten Great King Ashoka and the 21st century

Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it's often one of the great motivations for living. Some of us, in time, become so conscious of it that we live harder, more obstinately, with more fury. Others become so preoccupied with it that they go into the waiting room long before it has announced its arrival. We fear it, yet most of us fear more than anything that it may take someone other than ourselves. For the greatest fear of death is always that it will pass us by. And leave us there

We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like 'if'.

You only need one ray of light to chase all the shadows away,

All roads lead to something you were predestined to do.

It is difficult to admit that one is wrong. Particularly when one has been wrong for a very long time.

BUT SHE WAS COLOR. ALL THE COLOR HE HAD.

Read the New York Times bestseller that has taken the world by storm In this "charming debut" (People) from one of Sweden's most successful authors, a grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door. Meet Ove. He's a curmudgeon--the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him "the bitter neighbor from hell." But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn't walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time? Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove's mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations. A feel-good story in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, Fredrik Backman's novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. "If there was an award for 'Most Charming Book of the Year, ' this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down" (Booklist, starred review).

Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove (soon to be a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, as well as two novellas, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and The Deal of a Lifetime. Things My Son Needs to Know About the World, his first work of non-fiction, will be released in the US in May 2019. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Twitter @BackmanLand or on Instagram @backmansk.

Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove

Put out so much positive energy that the Universe has no option but to return it.

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