The person at a number one position sleeps less, eats less and his peace of mind disappears. Blood pressure, sugar, anxiety, restlessness and palpitation, suddenly become a part of this rich man’s world. In addition, he is left with no inspiration and no one to look up to and achieve a different, much higher target. Not merely he, his entire family bears the brunt of him being at number one position. A self-acquired responsibility dominates his mind almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks in a year.

On the other hand, imagine the condition of the person who is at number two position. Apart from a little pain of not being at number one position, he is much relaxed and happier. He knows that he can get away with few things as there is a senior above him to take responsibility. He has a well nourished ambition to become number one and he works hard for it. He has a strong credibility attached, as people around him know that still has to reach top and will not spoil his position or reputation. He enjoys an easy life with family and friends. All he needs is to concentrate on his present job, work hard, be honest and dedicated and things would automatically fall in his way. If you have played the game of chess, you would understand the value of ‘Vazir’ who is considered number two in the game but is sometimes even more important than the number one, the kind. Once the ‘Vazir’ is killed, half of the game is won by the opponent. The ranks are in the same order. At times, the number two play a far more important and stronger role in an organisation, than the number one. The dependency of number one on number two makes the later the ‘Vazir’ of the organization without which the ‘King’ is incomplete and fears losing a battle.

This does not imply that one should not strive to become number one. This article is for those who are aiming at becoming number one but they are somehow are not able to achieve the position. Do not worry. There is a famous ad line ‘We are at number two we work hard’. Your efforts are duly recognized by everyone and especially those who fear that someday you would become number one, so be happy.

Most people have an inner map that determines their confidence levels in different situations. The most important ingredient for success in any field is a strong sense of self-confidence. Some people for instance, are sure about them when interacting with others and can strike conversations with complete strangers. If a person is confident in diverse situations, he or she has greater chance of success in line.

Templates of this map or schema that determine self-confidence are based on two types of beliefs: The first is belief of possibilities. This refers to what one believes is possible. A shy person believing that it possible to strike up a conversation with a good-looking stranger is a good example. If you believe that something is impossible, it is likely that you will never attempt to do it.

The second type is belief of capability i.e. what an individual is capable of achieving. Ask yourself, “Am I capable of learning how to be confident in the situation I desire?” Be it social, academics or something else.

One technique is visualisation to re-programme one’s mind and change the beliefs that rob your sense of ease while doing something. These techniques also enhance self-esteem. Hypnosis or self-hypnosis is another method of changing one’s beliefs and learning how to be more confident. But one should be careful, as hypnosis bypasses critical filters of the mind and unless skilfully done, can cause adverse reactions.

In addition to changing one’s inner map or schema, it is also important to step out of your ‘comfort zone’ and translate this into action by trying out new behaviours. It is imperative that you keep doing this so that you gradually stretch yourself into becoming confident and effective in more areas of life and thus, more successful

1. Visualise Yourself As The Person You Want To Be

Each morning spend a few minutes visualising yourself as the person you want to be. Think about the way you dress, the way you carry yourself and the way you interact with other people. Seeing yourself as the person you want to become is the first step towards building self confidence.

2. Self Confidence Statement

After visualising yourself as the person you want to be, read the following statement out loud:

“I know I have the ability to achieve my major goal in life. Therefore today,
I demand of myself persistent and continuous action towards achieving my goal”

Reading this statement out loud is a great way to start your day in a confident state of mind.

3. Dress Well

One of the most effective ways to instantly improve your level of self confidence is to dress well and to make the decision to always be well groomed. This does not mean you have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Instead, just focus on gradually building up a small collection of good quality clothes. Also remember that simple accessories such as a tie clip or necklace can make a big difference to the way you look and feel.

4. Positive Posture

Another powerful way to build your sense of self confidence is to stand up straight and lose the slouch that many of us have acquired over the years. While you may be able to make a change to your posture by simply becoming aware of it, the best way to make a long lasting change to your posture is to practice yoga or pilates.

5. Move With Purpose

A simple but effective tip for increasing your levels of self confidence is to always move with a sense of purpose. In his book ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’, David Schwartz recommends walking 25% faster than normal. Having a spring in your step lets people know that you have important things to do and actually makes you feel more confident as you go about your daily business.

6. Become A Participant

Have you ever noticed that in most meetings or groups, people immediately head towards the back of the room so that they can remain as inconspicuous as possible? A great way to increase your visibility and sense of self confidence is to make the decision to always sit towards the front of the room and be a participant. When you have something to say – don’t be afraid to say it.

7. Connect With Confidence

Another way to quickly improve your self confidence is to practice making a strong first impression. When you meet someone face-to-face, look them directly in the eye, smile broadly, shake hands firmly and say, “Hi Jim, nice to meet you”.

Similarly, you can sound more confident on the phone by answering, “Good morning Carol Jones speaking” instead of simply saying “Hello”

8. Build Your Success File

Occasionally your self confidence will take a hit when something doesn’t work out the way you hoped. One of the best ways to repair your self confidence in this situation is to keep a folder outlining your past achievements and successes. You should also include any positive feedback that you’ve received from others.

As you review your success file and fill your mind with positive comments, your doubts and insecurities will quickly disappear and your self confidence will be restored.

9. Preparation

The BIG secret to being self confident that people rarely talk about is – preparation. The more you prepare and practice for an event, the more self confident you will become.

If you are worried about an upcoming event, use your apprehension as a stimulus to take action and practice, practice, practice. The simple but powerful truth is that self confidence grows through repetition and experience.

With respect to your workplace, ‘risk’ can be defined as a threat of getting into an unsuitable job, lack of job satisfaction, delayed growth or sometimes unwarranted diversion from reaching goals set in your career.

No Risk No Gain

Without taking risks one cannot ascend the corporate ladder. If you want to grow and excel in your career, you have to take risk, and there is simply no other way. Remember that once you get into the comfort zone, it is definite that you will stop growing.

When to take risk?

With some risks, the “smartness factor” is inherent and obvious. But for all those other risks, from the tiny ‘risking a new way to respond to the colleagues snide comments’ to the major ‘changing careers,’ knowing whether or not the risk is good one can be confusing. Knowing how to take a calculated risk to get ahead is a skill we all need to have and it starts, to our utter surprise, with knowing what we want. If we know that, half our battle is won. Smart risk taking means accepting that you might fall, but at the same time knowing that there is a fair chance for you to succeed too. It is also important to know why you are taking the risk and what your end goal is. “Risks are rally worth taking if they are likely to have a significant and major impact on your business.”

Calculated risks

If you intend to be a path-breaker, do your homework and make sure you have mastered the required skills. Prepare as much as possible for your chosen career avenue, discuss with those you think can guide you. Don’t burden yourself with financial liabilities without ensuring that your venture has market acceptance. There is no fear if you are the best.

Backup plan

Risk should be calculated and there should always be a backup plan ready in case the first one fails. Detail what negatives could result fromt he risk. If any of those should happen, what would you do? Do not put all your eggs in one basket. What separates achievers from ordinary people is their willingness to take optional as well as necessary risks.

Expert speak

Risk taking is not for everyone and it depends on the personality of the person. Often creative people who think out of the box are the one who take risks.

Successful Risk Taking

• Be positive and self confident in your outlook.
• Do your homework well; know your abilities and strengths.
• Weigh your pros and cons when taking risk.
• Do not put all the eggs in one basket.
• Keep a backup plan.
• Challenge yourself to be all you can be, more so than you’re ever been.

An idol is a representation fo the Divine. If a person is capable of understanding this, then there is nothing wrong in idol worship. When we are able to transfer our worship to the Ultimate, then where is the need to depend on a representation?

God is not confined in form or ritual, nor is He resident in scriptures, We have to seek Him in the innermost core of our heart.

It is felt that we prefer to worship Him outside us because it is possible then to isolate Him from ourselves. A God in the temple, can be safely locked up until one needs Him again.

idol worship has prehaps evolved out of this need to isolate Grod from our existence, to be accessed when we need Him, through prayer or offering so that we can come back thinking, “I have sacrificed, and surely I will get,” forgetting that what we have is also His.

In meditation the adoration is, therefore, directed to one’s own heart, to the divinity present therein, and byt hsi act of transcendental worship, the divinisation of human beings is made possible, to culminate in the ultimate achevement of total divinisation of the individual.

The message of spirituality is: “Look within.” This si the message of the Gita, this is the message of the Upanishads: “I am in the heart of every creative being. Look for me there. I am you.”

The ones who are aware of the divinity within would say, “Where religion ends, spirituality begins; where sprirituality ends, reality begins; where reality ends, bliss begins.”

Stop Comparisons:
Social comparisons is a natural part of human behaviour. and it can be a healthy source of both motivation and affirmation. But taken to the extreme, social comparison can become and unhealthy, unhappy competition. Try not to compare your successes to others. It can be especially harmful if you are making material comparisons.

Share your skills:
Giving back to the community and helping others is linked to greater levels of happiness. Volunteering in your community can provide a valuabel social interacation, increase your sense of purpose, and make you happier.

Money and happiness:
Winning a million dollars? You couldn’t resist, could you? Winning a million bucks willl make you instantly wealthy, that’s for sure. But happy? Not so much. Because money won’t buy you bliss.

Take note of what’s good in your life:
Literally. Studies show that people who spend a few minutes every evening writing down what went well each day show a significant increase in well-being.

Give gratitude:
Write a letter of thanks to someone who has been particularly good to your or has had a profound impact on your life. Once the letteris written, deliver it personally to the recipient. If your gratitude letter has a long distance to travel, call the recipient to make sure it was received and tell the person on the phone how much you appreciate his or her presence in your life.

Happiness and the meaningful life:
Spend more time doing what you love. There is no mysterious, magical formula that you have to follow exactly in order to achieve happiness. Happiness is a personal, individual journey of self-discovery. What makes you happy is not necessarily the same as what makes your friend, your partner. or your son or daughter happy.

#2. Take the long view. You will never go wrong in doing what’s right. With the turmoil out there, it’s easy to let go of your closely-held values and cut corners when it comes to ethics. The fast buck might look like an easy way out. A quick deal with the wrong person might look like a solution. Cutting corners on a product or service might look a little attractive. And yet, you will never regret sticking to your business and personal values – being the most ethical person you know. This tough cycle will pass. And your customers will love you for staying true to you.

#3. Outwork your competition. Hard work and constant forward movement is the formula for leveraging the difficult conditions into opportunities for greatness. I know that sounds a little “motivationalspeakerish” but I do believe it’s true. Few things get you to BIW (Best in World) in the work you do as working really hard and standing for brilliance in your chosen career. Leadership is all about doing what’s right rather than what’s easy. And what’s right is an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.

#4. Stay Strong. No point in letting the stress and challenge of these interesting days ruin your health-or break your spirit. Tough times make great leaders. Maintain the champion’s mindset by reading uplifting books, associating with excellent people and making time each day to renew your self. Oh, and take good care of your health. Please. Now isn’t the time to neglect daily exercise. And those who don’t make time for fitness must eventually make time for illness.

- Pick One Goal :

This is important! You can only achieve your goals if you focus on them one at a time. Once your goal has been accomplished or made inot a stable habit you can start on the next goal.

-  Start Small and Easy :

The best way to suceed with your first goal is to pick something you are already doing, once in a while, but want to do daily. This will help prepare you to work on future goals. This will build your self confidence as you achieve the goal and help prepare you to work on future goals.

- Simplify :

Choose a small, specific goal or break up larger goals into small pieces that can be done on a daily basis. Big successes start with little ones.

- Write It Down :

Write your goal in large letters and place it where you will see it several times a day. Putting your goal to paper makes it official: You Want It!

- Keep Track Everyday :

This step is very important! If you don’t keep track of your daily progress you won’t progress. Everything we accomplish takes daily steps which turn the goal into a habit.

- You Have To Want It :

Pick goals you want to achieve or change your attitude so you really do want it.

- Schedule Time :

Here are three ideas to help you make time for your goal:

Prioritise: Make time by not doing things that are of less, or no, value.

Say No: Learn to gracefully to say no tho those who asky for your time when you already have too much to do.

Make the Time: You have to MAKE the time or you won’t MAKE the goal.

- Be Firm Yet Flexible :

To achieve your goal you have to be firm with yourself. You have to do the required work to accomplish your goal. You also have to be a bit flexible. Make a backup plan for days when achieving your goal might be difficult. Also, if your goal is something that you want to do six days a week but not on sunday you can pick a similar activity to replace your goal.

-  Be Positive :

Doubting thoughts, and words, will crush your goal. Think and say positive things. A suggestion is to “Talk to Yourself” by picking a positive, “phrase that you will train your mind to focus on at different times through out the day until it begins to dominate your awareness and reshape the person you are.”

- Pray About It :

Choosing righteous goals is just what the Lord wants us to do, so ask for his help. As you daily pray and work to wards your goal you will see daily success.

You will achieve your goals if you honestly follow these steps and daily keep track of your goals. Nothing tastes sweeter than success.

Tune in – Music can affect your physical and mental state, triggering bold dance moves or a trip down memory lane.

Smile – Smiling instantly lifts your mood and the mood of those around you. Keeps the energy positive, helping you feel lighter and happier.

Chat it up – Pick up the phone and start chatting. Talking to an energetic friend can instantly boost your own energy.

Plan an event – Surprise your friends with a dinner or organise a themed birthday party; it’s a great way to get creative. Find fun activities to do and new resturants to try.

Get Moving – A change of environment can help improve your mood instantly. Simply going outside to stretch and breathe the fresh air may be just what you need to relieve stress and clear your mind.

Take up a hobby – Signing up for that Pilates class you’ve been talking about or learning to bake will help take your mind off work.

Sit up straight – If you notice that you start to slouch over your desk at the end of the day, sit up straight. A  healthy posture can help give you confidence to get through the pile of tasks that need attention.

Breathe deeply – When you’re feeling sluggish, try taking slow, deep breaths. It helps improve circulation and brings clarity to your mind.

Lighten you load – sometimes we may try to do more thatn we’re capable of, both professionally and privately. Take the time to look over your to-do list and prioritise. Whitting down the load will give you more energy to spend on other stuff.

Catch some z’s – Nothing feels better than a good night’s sleep. Make an effort to maintain a regular sleep schedule and get continuous, uninterrupted sleep. It’ll help improve your energy, focus, and creativity.