The Art of Letting Go and Moving On!

September 24, 2010

I like the concept of letting go. But although it’s one of the issues that I really love to discuss with friends and colleagues, it’s still a touchy one. People are not so open to the idea of letting go. They cling on some past events in life or on a present situation that needs to be put in the past and left there.letting go of things

Letting go seems painful, but really it’s not. It’s utterly liberating even. It’s so much easier than chasing—chasing something that doesn’t want to be captured or something that you can never reach. Rather than chasing happiness, why don’t you just let go of the things that makes you unhappy? The very notion of chasing something has a sense of urgency about it, doesn’t it? And, of course, with urgency comes anxiety. And with anxiety comes illness. And with illness comes unhappiness. When you become unhappy in your life or in your business, you will become less effective in dealing with the pressing needs of your life. You begin to not notice the changes that you need to adhere to. The people you work with become distant and they lose trust in your judgment.

I think it’s time to pick up the slack and decide to just let go of the things that aren’t making you the person that you should become. It’s time to let go of the need to seek the acceptance, approval and even permission of others. If you want their approval, let go of the things that you’re doing wrong. Of course, it’s also not healthy to do something just to impress others. Make that need for approval a motivating factor to better yourself, but please go beyond that stimulus. You can’t go on living your life under the watchful eyes of other people. Live your life and grow.

Just simple open your hands and let go. If you see yourself becoming miserable, let go. Let go of the emotional attachments you’re giving on a certain person or a certain failure that you had in the past. Know this: your past does not define your future. You can learn from your past, but you can always change the future based on what you do today.

Let go of the anger. Let go of the negativity. Let go of the things that pull you down. Well, if you can honestly tell me that you’re actually succeeding in your life and achieving your goals with these baggage in your system, then maybe I will think twice. But let’s face it, there’s no going anywhere when you have this negativity. For a time, you may feel you’re going somewhere, but after a while, you’ll notice that you’re actually going somewhere: down.

Let go of good things. And you come back to me and say, “ You just asked me to let go of the bad stuff, and now you’re asking me to let go of the good stuff as well? What’s left?” More room. What’s left is more room to receive more good things and even better ones or even the best things in life. Don’t you dare stop growing. This is tricky because when you’re at the top you feel like there’s nothing more to ask for. And of course by now you know that this is so not true. There’s no limit to growth! When you’re down, let go and grow. When you’re up there, let go and grow even more.

Move on. Let go.

Read more: http://bip.softwarejewel.com/get-things-done/the-art-of-letting-go-5415/#comments#ixzz10ST7gGsZ


Focus: How to Keep it in Achieving Goals

September 24, 2010
It signifies the analysis of a possible goal f...

Image via Wikipedia

One of the key things that stop people from actualizing their goals is that they are easily distracted from them. Life is one huge distraction. It’s either problems that a person faces or a new gadget or toy that has just come out; whatever the distraction, it stops a person being focused on his ultimate goals.

Here are a few ways to keep yourself focused:

1. Make sure your goals are defined well

Ensure that you are clear about what you want from what you are doing. If your goals are not clear in your own mind, everything else will be fuzzy too. When you have to make decisions, you won’t be clear about what to do. Put dates to your goals. Goals without dates are like non-goals. You have to be clear about what you want to achieve and by when.

2. Keep your goals realistic and bite-sized

This is also very important. There’s no point saying to your self that you will become a billionaire in three months; it’s simply very unrealistic (for most people). Try to define your goals in accordance with what you think you really can achieve. Be realistic; it’s vital.

Also keep your goals bite-sized. Try to break down your larger goals into smaller ones. If your main goal is to get six-figure salary within a year, break that down: What sub-goals do you need to achieve before you can achieve the big one? What type of job do you want? Do you have to do certain things before being able to get that job? Courses? Write a blog? And so on. There is an overlap between larger goals and the things you have to do to achieve those goals. Often, the things you have to do to get to your larger goals are in themselves smaller goals. List them too.

3. Don’t overplan

Planning is good. It does help you keep focused. However, don’t overplan. The longer you spend planning, the more time you are away from actually doing the things that will help you get to your goals. Remember that plans are just glorified guesses. So have a basic plan. The future changes. There’s no point spending lots of time planning. Have a general idea and then just get on with it.

4. Keep your goals in sight

This is especially important when you are frustrated with the current task at hand. Try to go back to the goal and think about how you will feel when you achieve it. This really does help keep one focused and can be the difference between success and failure. No pain no gain. Keep in mind that in order to achieve any goal you have to go through times of pain: laborious tasks, things you don’t enjoy, semi-failures. It is almost inevitable. But if these short term frustrations keep you away from having the goal in mind, it can really be an impediment to actualizing your goal.

5. Look back to how much you have achieved

Look at what you have already accomplished and this will help you to stay on track. You will realize that you have already achieved so much and have come a little closer to your goal. Be positive! It really does help.

6. Be prepared to change

Sometimes, after trying something out while remaining focused on your goal, it just seems that the goal is simply not achievable. Maybe you know something now that you didn’t back then. Perhaps you were unrealistic. Whatever the cause, there are times when you just have to give up. However, before giving up, try modifying your goal a little. Try to tweak it to face up to the new realizations or new scenarios. It may be that you have to change the goal a little to make it work. Always try to find a way before deciding to actually quit.

So these are some ways of remaining focused on your goals. Any thoughts? Anything that has helped you to keep focused?

For other great articles please visit:  http://bip.softwarejewel.com


“Ramadan Preparation Packet”

August 11, 2010

a quran covered with soft materials

Make this the best Ramadan you have ever had insha’Allaah!

This “Ramadan Preparation Packet” includes numerous articles from reliable sources about the virtues of Ramadan, how to prepare for Ramadan, the Sunnah and rules of Ramadan, how to make the best of Ramadan, and more!

Start Preparing for Ramadan! :D

1. Goal: Make this Ramadan the best we have ever had insha’Allaah. Strive to worship Allaah this Ramadan according to the Qur’aan and Authentic Sunnah.
2. Preparaton: A) Read and learn about Ramadan by reading various articles about the topic. B) Make a list of what goals you want to accomplish this Ramadan

Here are the articles to Learn, Practice, and Teach :)

** Start Preparing for Ramadan! :) **

The Virtues of Ramadaan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=402467991515

Virtues of Ramadaan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=405370241515

What is a Successful Ramadaan?
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406886481515

Advice to Muslims in Ramadhan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=403105146515

Goals of Fasting
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/goals-of-fasting-1-16/408867476515

The Muslim in Ramadaan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=402567891515

Benefits of Ramadhaan (List)
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=403551181515

The Goals of Fasting (
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=403425731515

Remember that Ramadan…
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=402835491515

The Mannerisms of Fasting
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406981781515

The Wisdom and Benefits behind Fasting (Ibn Qayyim)
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=404991896515

Common errors made during Ramadhan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=404370796515

Important Lessons to Be Learnt from Ramadhan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=404054566515

Reaping the benefits of Ramadan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=403741791515

Who is Excused from Fasting?
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/who-is-excused-from-fasting-1-6/409060036515

How should we welcome the month of Ramadaan?
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/how-should-we-welcome-the-month-of-ramadaan/408309596515

Why Fast?
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=404665541515

Short Advice on Ramadaan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=404452926515

Discipline Yourself for Ramadan!
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=405540096515

Suggested Program for Muslims during Ramadaan [Excellent!]
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/suggested-program-for-muslims-during-ramadaan-excellent/409392596515

Some Rulings Related to Fasting
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406175941515

Fasting: Virtues & Who Should and Should Not Fast
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=404821296515

Fasting: Recommended Acts
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406324196515

Feed a Fasting Person, for the sake of Allaah
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406428196515

Ramadaan the Month of the Qur’aan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=405712096515

He Can’t Find Time to Read the Qur’aan in Ramadan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406006886515

Can’t Fast Due to Work?
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/cant-fast-due-to-work/408073641515

Exerting Oneself During the Last 10 Days of Ramadaan
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=407931441515

How to Seek Laylatul-Qadr
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406612891515

What should be avoided while fasting
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=407631111515

What After Ramadan?
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/what-after-ramadan/409721971515

Ramadan Gift From Sheikh Waleed AbdulHakeem!
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ideal-muslimah/ramadan-gift-from-sheikh-waleed-abdulhakeem/408787866515

Delaying Making-Up Ramadan Fasts (Q&A)
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=405162181515


10 GREAT GOALS TO REACH IN RAMADAN

August 10, 2010

By: Staff Sound Vision

mountain and lake scene about setting goals

Eat, drink and be moderate

Almost all of us do it – once Iftar time hits, we just keep plowing food and drink into our mouths till it’s hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do it know this is totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we’re supposed to learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let’s try to stick to the Prophetic rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water and one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan.

Give a dollar a day in charity…or five or ten

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let’s open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it’s the intention that counts.

Memorize 4 new Surahs

Memorizing the Quran often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it in small bites. Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new Surah a week. Start off with a short, easy one. Once you’ve started, you’ll build momentum and may even want to memorize a longer one the following week.

Go to Tarawih prayers

Post-Iftar, the first urge is to sleep after an exhausting day. But try your best to head out to the mosque for Tarawih prayers. Praying alone is wonderful, but doing it in congregation is fantastic. The community spirit is part of Ramadan’s blessings. Don’t miss it this year. If going every day is not possible, try going at least once week.

Attend the Tarawih prayer in which the recitation of the Quran will be finished

Call the local mosque and find out which day the Imam will be finishing the recitation of the Quran in prayer. Attend to not only hear part of the Quran’s recitation in prayer, but also participate in the heart-rending Duas that follow it.

Stop swearing and/or backbiting – with a special box

It’s hard not to shoot our mouths off when someone’s upset us. Whether we utter those four-letter words or backbite about someone to our family and friends, we know this isn’t the God-approved way of letting off steam. In Ramadan, when we want to build our spirituality, we’ve got to wage Jihad against our bad habits.

Try this: get a box and every time you catch yourself swearing or backbiting put some money in it. It could be a buck or less. The point is to choose an amount that makes it feel like punishment.

At the end of the month send the money to a charity or buy a gift for the person whom you’ve backbitten the most against.

Call/email your relatives

You’d think that given the easy access to email, competitive long-distance calling rates, phone cards, etc. these days, we’d keep in touch with family and friends more often. But the opposite seems to be the case, as we get caught up in life’s “busyness.”

Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call family and friends or at least email them a Ramadan card and ask them how their fasting is going.

Go on a technology diet

Even if you work in the IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal email and surfing the web during your fast. After Iftar, instead of plopping yourself in front of the screen, go to Tarawih. The same goes for the television. The point is to try to give our full attention to spiritual elevation this month.

Read 5 minutes of Quran a day…just five, not more, not less

Even if you feel you’ve got absolutely no time, set a timer or the alarm on your cell phone and find a relatively quiet place. You can read the first page of the Quran you open or follow a sequence. The choice is yours. The point is simply to connect with God through His revelation in the month of the Quran.

Forgive everyone who has hurt you

Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it’s also great for the soul. And in Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah’s forgiveness, shouldn’t we lesser beings forgive too?

If you find it very difficult to forgive everyone, forgive at least three people.

Happy Ramadan !!!


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 134 other followers