Effective Goal-Setting & Realisation

We often hear people talk about goal-setting and why it's important.

Less commonly-discussed though is how to effectively set your goals and how you can actually achieve them.

Most of us are hindered by the Big P - Procrastination.

Yes we know what we want but we think, "I guess that can wait till tomorrow". Which becomes "next week", "next month", "next year" and eventually... "never".

Many people also find themselves encumbered by fear, self-doubt or plain laziness and so put up all sorts of imaginary barriers like perceived impossibility of the dream becoming reality, lack of time or money, lack of ability, the absence of opportunities.

You know we can be very creative when it comes to finding excuses why we can't.

This is because although we do have goals, we don't have compelling reasons or motivations to make them happen. We're just now that excited about them.

Let's say one of your goals is to double your income or to cultivate a steady side income. Sure, you want more money, but why do you want it? Many people have very general or superficial reasons like "so I can buy more things" or "so I can be financially free".

You see, to make your goals exciting enough for you to actually manifest them, you've got to get down to the nitty-gritty and what's really important to you.

How exactly will the extra money improve your life? Perhaps it's so you can give your loved ones a better life - a nicer home, better insurance cover, treat them to an expensive holiday every year maybe.

Is it to invest in real estate or stocks so you can scale down your workload and still have a healthy income? Or perhaps you envision opening a small business you're passionate about that you can run in your later years?

Once your motivations are solid enough, you'll naturally want to take action to achieve your goals. But does the task seem too daunting? Well, start by finding out how exactly you're going to get to where you want to go. You've got to do the math, the research, get the practical know-how. If you've got an idea for that killer app that everyone will want to buy, then you've got to first learn how to actually create one.

Once you get into it, you'll find that it wasn't as complicated as you thought.

Like completing a marathon, if the length of the race already makes you weak at the knees, then break it down and just focus on the first few kilometers,

Get through them, then aim for the next leg.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Thinking Beyond Current Standards

It's natural to be satisfied with the way things are, especially when things are going well, life is smooth-sailing, there are no viable competitors and there isn't incentive to charge anything.

But Life is about change. It's about constant movement, and if you are not moving forward all the time, you are either stuck, or worse, sliding. Besides, when we settle, we give up the chance to find out how things could be.

One of the most striking examples of how important constant evolution is in the business of electronic gadgets. Who would have thought that smartphones, for instance, would take over the world, almost overnight it seems? And you can be sure that the Jobs' and Gates' of the world are already thinking of the next super communication slash entertainment tool that defies convention and would be unimaginable to most of us today.

That's the essence of success - consistently staying a few steps ahead.

Most people will be happy with current standards. There is certain reverence given to them it seems... We often hears terms like "time-tested", "classic", "tested and proven", "traditional" and so on when it comes to the way things have always been done.

This love for the status quo occurs not just in career or business. People can become attached to the prevailing standard in their personal lives as well - they can become attached to places, to environments, to possessions, to ideas, to other people, to repetitious acts that give them temporary or superficial pleasure.

These people can get sucked into this artificial world - a world where things don't change, where things and people remain where they want them to be, a world where any change is snuffed out forcefully or artificially. While the real world continues to move on, they retreat deeper and deeper into their artificial world until they become obsolete and out of touch within the real world.

The truth is - the world moves on, people move on, fads come and go, technologies emerge and fade, cultures and contexts evolve. Over time, things and people who don't steadily develop themselves will get left behind.

The only way you can remain ahead of the game is to constantly thing beyond the current standards - once things become relatively stable, it's time to think about how they can be done better, how they can be further enhanced.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Conversation-Starters

We've all been there. You are at a party, or some social event... no one you really know. There are a couple of people you would like to know, but you have no idea how to start a conversation with them.

Or someone comes up to you, says "hello", you say "hi". And then... awkward silence. You are desperately thinking of things to talk about... there are about twenty things running through you head; none of them though actually emerging from your lips.

Though human beings are social creatures, not all of us are naturally sociable. And if you are not the life of the party, that's nothing to be ashamed about. The problem though is that for some of us, the more we falter at social events, the more fearful we can become of them. And this can affect our self-esteem and opportunities for self-development. Not to mention our romantic prospects.

Fortunately though, there is a method to starting and maintaining conversations.

First, let's tackle your state of mind. At a function, you are typically focusing on you, right? How you appear to others, how they are judging you, what you should say or do, and so on. It's no wonder the experience is so nerve-wracking.

Well, take the focus off you and on to other people and your surroundings. Notice what's happening in your environment... take an active interest in what others are doing, saying or wearing, how they are behaving. When your mind is occupied with others, it has no time to worry about you.

Find something common, either between the two of you or something in the surroundings or place and talk about that - how parking was tough, maybe, how good the food looks, which items are must-haves, similar hobbies or work, interest in some ingoing media event perhaps. Remember to who more interest in the other party; ask follow-up questions based on this answers. Everybody loves talking about themselves. So let them carry the conversation.

That's why compliments work well too. It shows that you actually noticed. And it doesn't always have to be something about their appearance or what they are wearing... if you love their enthusiasm or energy, for example, tell them.

Or if you are not in the mood to think about what to say sometimes, make sure you bring along a unique item and display it prominently... that's guaranteed to be a conversation-starter.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Attitude Towards Adversity

There is much in this world that's not fair or right, at least in our opinion. And if we want to, we can have plenty to complain or be unhappy about. In fact, many of us do make our frustrations known on a regular basis, bleating away to our friends, colleagues, family and whoever's too polite to walk away.

I try my best to catch myself when I am straying into "whining" territory, but it's tough, isn't it? It can feel really good to let it all out, especially to someone you feel comfortable around.

But believe me, keep up the complaining and even your closest friend will find you insufferable after a while. Yet, driving people away is a pretty minor consequence compared to what a negative attitude towards adversity does to us.

As we've talked about before, there is much in life that can upset us. So if our typical reaction is negative, then we are likely to be miserable quite often.

I am not suggesting that you dismiss or laugh off everything you find abhorrent or unjust. Certainly we should try to improve things but the problem is that many of us simply throw a big fit and do little else. The frustration and complaining then become just a habit that keeps us feeling low and helpless.

The difference is in our focus. Reacting negatively to challenges keeps our mind on failure, misfortune, and injustice. It makes us feel like we are being unfairly untreated when really, everyone goes through hard times. Everyone gets their heart broken. Everyone experiences failure before tasting success. And we all become excellent only through consistent hard work.

Let's take the example of a salesperson, a profession that arguably encounters the most rejection. After having a couple of doors slammed in his face, he becomes crestfallen, giving in to grunts and sighs, turning to chemicals to jolt his spirits, and resorting to slagging off his clients to justify his stranded sales figures. The more this happens, the less motivated he feels to try harder. His negative attitude towards his problem keeps him in a self-fulfilling cycle of failure.

But what if he doesn't allow the rejection to rattle him? Learn from the experience and do something different the next time? What if keeps up his cheerful disposition and greets the next customer with a bigger smile instead of a scowl?

When you leave an upsetting situation with an unbeaten spirit, you are really taking a big stride towards future success.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Maintaining a Positive Attitude

It's widely-accepted that having a positive outlook contributes greatly to a happy life. Endless studies tell us the same thing - that being cheerful and forward-looking makes us perform better at work, more creative, more contented and thus more joyful.

But how exactly do we maintain a positive attitude? Is it enough simply to always see the good in everything?

Well, let's break it down to a couple of key tasks that keep us optimistic and hopeful.

first of all, you have to believe in yourself. A sturdy sense of self-worth is the foundation upon we can begin to build a happy and successful life. You can have the best education, the talent, the opportunities and so on, but nothing will work if deep down inside, you don't trust in your abilities. If you are not happy with yourself, you will always be haunted by jealousy and envy. If you doubt yourself, fear will always hold you back from achieving your goals.

Treat yourself well. Silence the dissenting voices in your head and start inputting more positive data. Stop putting yourself down or selling yourself short. Instead, encourage yourself more! Promote and support yourself instead of being your own worst critic.

Next, you need to have goals that you can aspire to and work towards. A large part of staying positive is having things you can look forward to, benchmarks or yardsticks you can reach in order to continue building your self-esteem and value. Set goals that are both near and long-term. For example, owning your own condo in five years is a good objective but you also need things like finishing one book a week or running 5 km in under 30 minutes (without strain!) within a month of training. Every little achievement adds up!

Now you have got your goals, but how will you get there? Here's where a good action plan comes in. How much will you need to set aside each month, for instance, if you are going to be able to make your down-payment for that home in 5 years time. What will you have to modify in your lifestyle and habits in order to save that kind of money? Where are your loans going to come from and how will you service them? A good action plan lays out specific tasks that take you closer to your goals.

And don't forget to reward yourself! so many people get so worn out from sticking to their actino plans that they give up halfway. So by all means push yourself, but do remember to give yourself little incentives along the way.

Work your way towards a sunnier attitude that will take you closer to the realization of your dream.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Remembering Names

We have all faced this problem - you bump into a familiar face, buy try as you might, you simply cannot remember his name. Oh the awkward moment, the blank look in your eyes, the eager smile on the other person's face.

Is this problem keeping you from networking successfully? Some of us admittedly have poorer memory skills for faces and names, but if it happens often enough, surely it's time to see if something can be done.

Now what's the most fundamental rule when it comes to remembering something?

Repetition.

But simply repeating the person's name after you have parted is not quite as effective as repeating it during the encounter. So when you are first introduced to someone, use their names several times when you talk to them. "Hi, Andy, nice to meet you. What do you do for a living, Andy? Do you have any kids, Andy? Andy, it was great to meet you!" Not all at one of course... but over the course of the conversation.

If you don't catch the name when it's originally told to you, don't be afraid to ask for it again. This is entirely acceptable as people understand that names may not get through clearly the first time. If it is a foreign or unfamiliar name, ask the person to spell it for you, just to be doubly sure. And say the name immediately after you have confirmed it.

Also, try linking the name with something that's related to the person - it could the mutual friend who introduced to you, a body feature or personality trait. Do they remind you of something that rhymes with their name? Can you make up a catchphrase or a story that uses the feature and the name? It doesn't matter if it is nonsensical; what is important is the strong association you will remember.

If your acquaintances are the namesakes of famous people, try associating them with those personalities. If you meet an "Andy", for example, you might imagine him with a tennis racquet poised for a strike and remember him as "Andy Murray".

Most of us don't give this much thought, but people instantly warm up and respect people who remember their names. It show you paid attention and goes a long way in successful networking.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Being Open to Possibilities

Almost everyday, we are bombarded with bad news, bleak outlooks, and people who complain about how miserable their lives are. In such a climate, it is no small task remaining upbeat and optimistic. But it is precisely that kind of positive attitude that will open your eyes to the opportunities that are always present.

When you participate in negative dialogue, either with yourself or with others, you are setting yourself up for failure. It is almost as if there is an instinct to prove oneself right, and if you think things will turn out badly, your thoughts and action will contribute to that result. When you retreat from a world you perceive as grim, you are closing yourself off to the possibilities.

But what happens if you remain open to the possibilities? When you view the world from a perspective of unlimited potential, your attitude will shift. So will the way you engage your employees, customers, friends and family; everyone you come into contact with. You will project an image of abundance, and your drive and hope will inspire those around you. You will become a motivating force in a climate of openness and courage, a climate that gives back to you just as much, if not more, than what you gave to create it.

When we ae open to possibilities, we see further and more inclined to take risks. Risks that may not always yield the results we want, but which create more paths towards our goals. You are only a failure if you stop trying. Because opportunities for success are limitless - when one does not pay off the way you imagines, there is always the next, and the next. One of them will be the one to catapult you forward, and it could just be the next one.

Being open means that you have to stand confident in the realm of possibilities - no matter the competition and no matter you fear. If you entire focus is on what your competitors are doing, your attitude will be passed on to your employees, and, ultimately, your clients. But if you focus on what you do best and how to better satisfy your clients and engage with them in new and powerful ways, your results will be quite different!

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Embracing Challenges

None of us can avoid challenges. It is one of the irrefutable truths that life doesn't stay rosy for long. Even for those of us who are blessed with lengthy periods of undisturbed bliss, there will come a time when summer sun must wane, the leaves will fall, and we must prepare to endure a period of cold and darkness.

Challenges are inevitable. Whenever life presents a challenge, do you ignore it? Or do you embrace it? If it is your practice to consistently ignore the challenges that come your way, you can be sure they will emerge again and again, and in more daunting forms.

Consider a case of financial difficulty, for example, which requires a period of belt-tightening and sacrifice. If you choose to ignore the challenge and continue to live on credit, you can be sure that you financial situation will only get worse. But what if you choose to embrace the challenge instead? Come up with a plan to reduce costs, change your habits and lifestyle, monetize one of your skills. You would not only survive the crisis in a stable financial position, you will probably have even more money than before! And because you have a sound financial security infrastructure in place, the next time a financial challenge comes along, you would be better placed to deal with it. This is growth. This is self-improvement.

What about the other challenges in life?

For example, if you fall sick easily or often feel weak and tired, think about what aspects of your lifestyle may be causing it. Could you get into a fitness routine, wean yourself off addictive substances and try to eat more healthy? The beginning will be tough, but all it takes is action and commitment, and believe me, the new you that will emerge from this will not believe why you didn't start sooner! You may have been convinced that your former life was what you needed, but once you let it go, whole new opportunities will open up for you. Once dull and tasteless things will give you new pleasures. You will feel better, be happier and more efficient.

Think of other aspects of your life you can change for the better. What about your fears? Fear of being alone, fear of letting your parents down, fear of switching careers, fear of failure, fear of expressing yourself, fear of putting yourself out there, fear of being the person you really are? How many times has life thrown challenges at you to help you get rid of those fears and you ignored them? How are those fears keeping you trapped in a place you really don't want to be?

Challenges help you grow. They nudge out your weaknesses and force you to turn them into strengths. When overcome, they give you that priceless sense of achievement and confidence; that increasing sense of self-value that will continue to help you attain more fulfillment and success in life.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Making Great Impressions

Want to nail that job interview? Want to wow the crowd? Want to make friends easily?

Then you've got to make a great impression!

Making great first impressions is important because with casual encounters, like a job interview or a public presentation, most people use that to assess the rest of their contact with you. Of course, over time, as people get to know you better, the effect of that first impression may become much less crucial, but casual encounters occur much more frequently.

Today, let's talk about the key components of making a great impression.

First of all, you have to look the part. This may sound superficial, but visual cues are all people have to work with when they first meet you, and you can be sure that they're sizing you up even before you part your lips. No matter how talented you really are, if you don't look like a professional or leader or successful person, others may not (rightly or wrongly) see you as one. You can get tips simply by observing people whom you deem successful at a glance. Black and blue are "safe" colours, but make you fade into the crowd. Try bolder shades to stand out.

Next, you have to sound the part. Use short, simple sentences, do not hurry, use a lower pitch, and always speak with confidence and without hesitation. Here, the execution of your words might be more important than the words themselves. Even if they are hackneyed or banal, when spoken the right way - with the right rhythm, volume, pauses and emphases - your words can have a positive impact. They can make you sound like you're in control of a situation.

You've heard how certain people seem to alter the very atmosphere the moment they enter the room. Well, your entrances and even exits do matter! Keep your posture upright, your walk deliberate and steady, smile, nod, look straight into people's eyes, shake hands firmly... all this sets you up for success even before you start your pitch.

And your workspace is just a space for work, right? Not when it comes to making the right impression. Like it or not, people interpret your work area as a reflection of your work ethic, character and personality. While sensible use of personal pictures or inspirational posters can show you to be a family person or motivated character, cute screensavers, cuddly toys and an excess of plants can detract from your professionalism. It's not that you should not express yourself, but in the small area of a work space, each item becomes more noticeable, taking on greater significance as a symbol of who you are.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Top Interview Tips

Face-to-face job interviews - why do some candidates appear to breeze through them and get the job and salary they desire, while others bungle them again and again?

Well, granted some applicants can charm the socks off almost anyone and there are employers who make hiring decisions on a whim, but most successful job candidates have simply put a few interview tips into practice. Excluding the more obvious ones, like dressing for the position and making eye contact, these are top interview tips...

First, know yourself. Understand just what your skills are and how valuable you'll be to the company you're hoping to join. Think about how you can communicate this to the interviewer in a way that's not arrogant or aggressive.

And just as you need to know yourself well before the interview, you should know that company well too. One simply cannot be lazy when it comes to this; make sure you do your research. It shows your desire to be part of the organisation. It also helps you come up with relevant questions about the company that the interviewer will almost always ask of you.

Though it's important for you to sound spontaneous during the interview, you should prepare your answers to common questions and rehearse them beforehand. This is so you don't get stumped by simple, typical questions.

Many people mistakenly view the job interview (or interviews of any kind) as the process of the hirer getting as much information as possible about the applicant. That's why they end up talking too much about themselves and not listening to the interviewer. But by listening intently to the interviewer, you show interest in him and his company.

How can you re-position your supposed weaknesses as strengths? for example, your tendency to dawdle over certain projects could be sold as a meticulous nature or your attention to detail.

Also, unless when asked specifically by the interviewers, do not volunteer your personal opinions about any topics. Although this might seem like you're being spontaneous and self-assured, it might backfire if your moral compass is tragically out-of-sync with your interviewer's.

And though you should be enthusiastic, do not try too hard; it's important to be professional but you should also be casual, not too uptight. When you're trying too hard, it shows... so be yourself! You should come across as authentic and real.

I hope these tips serve you well in your next job interview.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Managing Life Changes

It's funny that in such a constantly-changing world that not more of us have naturally developed the aptitude to deal with it more effectively. Or has our love for consistency evolved as a defense against the reality of an ever-shifting world? Has our hear of change compelled us to construct schedules, routines, limits and borders? Is this an attempt to delay change?

Whatever the reason, it certainly seems odd that human beings are not more biologically-wired to deal with change. Sure, some of us seem to thrive on constant change, but most of us are undoubtedly more comfortable with consistency. For some of us, the fear of change can be downright crippling, so how can we learn to manage change more effectively?

Well, first it's important to understand what our stress over change comes from. This stress essentially is our body telling our mind that there's something we need to deal with that we have not experienced before, that we may need to adapt to, and that we may not be adequately prepared for. So what does this tell us?

Firstly, that we need to keep ourselves prepared for change. This means keeping our mind and body in optimum condition to deal with any adjustments. Which means eating right, keeping fit, and getting enough sleep. That takes care of our body; as for our mind, we need to maintain its resource level at a healthy high. This entails maintaining a store of knowledge, and regularly challenging our mind to think quickly and creatively. We can do this by reading widely, and by interacting with people whom we find intellectually-challenging.

We also need to develop some relaxation techniques that we can regularly balance our spirit with, and even use when confronting the change itself. You'll have to find that works for you, but for most people, this simple trick seems to work - most of the time, when we're stressed, our breathing inadvertently becomes faster and that actually stresses us even more.

So when in a stressful situation, try focusing on and slowing down your breathing. Imagine the progress of each breath as drawing one side of a square and make each line last four seconds. Inhale, 2, 3, 4 and exhale, 2, 3, 4... and repeat. You'll find yourself becoming calmer. Other people swear by meditation, yoga, journaling, walking or listening to soothing music.

And when potentially faced with a stressful change, try to get a clearer picture of it. The more you understand something, the less frightening it usually becomes. This is how, over time, we become familiar with initially-strange surroundings as well.

And finally, ask yourself "What's the worst that can happen, really?" You'll find that most of the time, the consequences aren't that bad. They're not something you can't live down. Besides, with change comes other possibilities that will actually be pleasant or beneficial for you. Try focusing on those.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Business Attitude

When it comes to doing business, we often hear the word "aptitude", which refers to the talent and propensity for achieving business success. Well, certainly it helps a great deal when you have a natural flair for managing people, predicting market trends, or are skilled in import and export matters. Some people just seem to have a better "head for business, as they say.

But what's equally crucial, if not more important than "business aptitude" is "business attitude" - the manner and approach you carry towards a life in business. Many business people, despite their natural gifts for what they do, simply do not have the stamina for business. They drop out prematurely, after a few failures, or simply use up so much energy that they quite literally become too exhausted to continue.

Having the right business attitude, on the other hand, goes way beyond expertise, technique or "know-how". It's the ability to stay on course when scary winds are buffeting your ship from all directions. It's the ability to know when to row harder, when to let the sails take over, when to allow the currents to carry you.

In the business world, traps and potholes are aplenty. Failing several times is no uncommon, in fact, many business people will tell you it's the norm. Having the right business attitude means being able to handle these "downs" on your way to the "ups".

Think about the most successful person you know! How did that person become successful? Was he or she daunted by failure? Or were they always analyzing their mistakes, discovering what went wrong, and deciding not to repeat that mistake? It's the only route to success! It's so deceptively simple on paper, yet how many can truly do it in reality?

Think about your own thoughts about your success in business. Do you believe the only way to make more money is to work harder? Do you believe that you cannot be your own boss? Do you believe that the reasons for your failures are external? Other people, other events?

To achieve success in business (as with anything else), you have to believe that you can. Trying and failing is still better than doing nothing. At least you've learnt something. And take responsibility for your own actions. Do not blame people; learn from them. There are valuable lessons to be gleaned, even from your enemies.

Be constantly aware of what you're thinking. Re-program your mind to believe that you can, and you will!

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Coping With Post-Dismissal Blues

Ok, so you've been laid off. It happens. Perhaps more so in this tough economic climate, but certainly it happens all the time.

People get fired every day for every reason imaginable. Companies downsize, streamline, synergise and your company's chief priority is to keep itself commercially viable; keeping you viable is not its responsibility at all despite what some managers may tell you. That is the harsh reality. Whatever the case, remember that you are not alone.

Besides, it may not be about you nor even your competence. Just like a relationship break-up, your dismissal does not mean that you're worthless or that you were deemed not good enough to retain. Often, the real reason could be personal or even arbitrary - if your boss wants you gone, he will make sure it happens. It may have very little to do with your values as an employee. Your boss could have been intimidated by your talent and was concerned that he could lose his job and you could be promoted. It could be a personality conflict. Or maybe company objectives or development paths have changed and your job doesn't match those changes. So stop speculating; that's sure to drive you nuts. And don't be ashamed; your value as a worker hasn't changed.

The important thing here is not to waste time or burden your peace of mind by dwelling on the dismissal, on the why's or how's. You will need a positive frame of mind in order to do your best at job interviews, and preparing yourself for those is probably the most crucial thing now.

But though you should not over-analyse the reasons for your dismissal, you should think about the lessons learnt from your stint at your former company. What mistakes should not be repeated at your next workplace? Could you maybe build more business contacts? Network more with your colleagues? Gossip less and learnt more? Acquire new skills while on the job? Go for part-time classes? Be more open to new responsibilities or courses because you can learn something from every experience?

In order to perform your best at job interviews, you need to feel your best. So instead of clogging up your mind with worry and pessimism, take the timeout as a break for you to spend more quality time with your loved ones, catch up with old friends, take up a new hobby, and so on. Don't be too quick to judge these as frivolous time-wasters; remember that opportunity can knock anywhere and in any form - just keep your eyes and ears open fro them. Be curious, ask, enquire!

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Crystallize Your Roadmap for Success

Yes we all want to be successful, and we're all potential winners. So why are successful people still in the minority? That's because most of us don't have a clear roadmap to guide us towards personal success.

You want success, but do you understand why you want it? What does success mean to you? How will success, as you define it, benefit you and those around you? Only when you get into the nitty-gritty will the path towards success become clearer.

Success is the end result, that one big goal, but before we can get there, we need to break that one big goal down into smaller and closer goals and plans that will help us achieve those goals. What are manageable tasks you can do each day that will bring you closer to your success? Come up with a daily list. Checking off your list gives you a sense of achievement and keeps you motivated. And don't be downtrodden if you fail to achieve a goal. As someone once said, "Its not a tragedy not to achieve a goal; it's a tragedy not to have that goal to achieve in the first place."

Before you can achieve your goal, you need to have the belief that you deserve to have what you are going for! Whether it's monetary or otherwise - you deserve it. And understand the reasons for those goals; knowing why your goals exist makes you want them even more, you'll need this desire.

Next you need a plan of action. Detail exactly how your objectives will be met. And reward yourself when you achieve a certain goal. This will motivate you towards your next goal. If star footballers weren't paid obscene amounts of money for the goals they score, they'd find it that much harder to perform in the next match.

Keep re-evaluating your goals. Just because your objective is valid today doesn't mean it will remain relevant tomorrow. Assess your circumstances and tweak accordingly. You may even add new goals. Think of this as planting more seeds for greater chances of success.

And don't make the mistake of thinking that you should achieve success all by yourself. There are many resources you could use to keep yourself on the right track - you can read more self-improvement books, attend seminars, collaborate with a partner, or even get yourself a coach or a mentor. How you go about it is up to you. Remember as long as you keep learning you will keep achieving. And even if your final goal isn't reached, the process of learning and achieving itself is a definition of success.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Faith in Yourself

Looking at the people around you, you probably think that you're the only one who gets timid and unsure of yourself. But any time you feel your confidence shrivelling, you're not alone. Everyone feels fear and self-doubt, probably more often than you know but because you're not them, you don't feel or see it. You only feel your own fear so keenly because you're the one experiencing it.

In a world where so little is certain, one of the few things you can have an unshakeable faith in is yourself. It's the one thing you can count on in unfamiliar social situations, when going for an interview, meeting a date, asserting your rights, recovering after a setback, or simply for peace of mind. That's why a healthy sense of self-esteem is so important.

Now the first step to reducing our self-doubt and increasing our self-confidence is to realise that most of our fears are irrational. Many of us still go around behaving as though we were frightened little kids on the first day of school, having to dodge the bully and comform to strict rules or risk being punished.

Perhaps it's remnants of an oppressed childhood still haunting you, but understand that those days are gone. You're your own person now, capable of deciding what you want to do and how you want to feel. You don't have to try to "fit in" anymore, and you don't need anyone's approval. You are you, and no one should be able to tell you that that's wrong or abnormal or not up to the standard.

In order to overcome your fears, identify just what they are, how logical they are, and how you can get rid of them. For example, before an intimidating event or situation, write down exactly what you're uncomfortable about. Is it a reasonable fear? What consequences are likely to result from it? What's the worst that can happen? How can you conquer this fear?

You'll find that as you go along, most of these fears are inconsequential, or at least will not have any devastating, long-term effects. Even something like flunking a job interview doesn't mean you won't succeed at others. Most of the time, just being yourself is the way to go. Not having to pretend takes a lot of the pressure off and makes you more relaxed and natural. Just remember, you may think that being yourself is not good enough, but the truth is, people value honesty and sincerity above most other things. Very simply, people will appreciate you just for being you.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Add Value in the Workplace

We all want to be promoted, get higher salaries, and become more valued at the workplace. But what steps are you taking towards attracting a promotion? Do you have a plan? What are you currently doing that makes you believe that you are deserving of one?

The most miserable people in the world today are those who know what they need to do to create the life they desire, but they refuse to take the actions to do so. So what can you do?

In today's business culture, productivity is the key to promotion. Every employer by reason of economics is forced to look at the bottom line. So here are three steps to increase your productivity, and thus add value in the workplace.

First, assess the desired result.

The clearer the desired outcome, the quicker you can take action. Always be certain you are on the same page as your employer regarding the desired outcome of a task. Don't assume the outcome you desire is the outcome your boss does.

Next, assess what actions must be taken immediately.

You may have ten, fifteen, or even fifty things to do on your plate right now, but do you know what to do next? Identifying the next action takes a matter of minutes, but is often a highly neglected practice. Look over your list of projects and ask yourself, what must I do next? Write it down. After you go through your projects and write out each action step, then determine the highest priority and get to work. You cannot do everything right now. All that matters is what you do right now and what you do next. A great question to ask is, "what action if done will be of the most benefit to you and the company?" or, "what action if not done will be most detrimental to your career success? "

And third, concentrate entirely on the most important task until it is complete.

Quickly solve every problem that comes your way and soon your stock will rise in the eyes of those who are looking for someone to promote. Allow time and your track record to speak on your behalf. Don't force the issue. Your ability to act quickly and get more done than anyone else will cause you to stand out. If you can create a memory in your supervisor's mind that you are person who can get the job done quickly and in excellence, more responsibility and opportunity will be given to you. Getting the job done quickly may mean the difference between you or someone else getting a promotion.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd