Classic thinking games are a great way to tune up your brain. You can use these mind games to help you increase your brain power and to get you out of your thinking "ruts." Play them enough, and they'll habituate you to using creative problem solving as a normal part of thinking about things.
Thinking Games For Groups
Group thinking games are especially good for long trips in a car. Have someone look out the window, for example, and randomly choose an object. Everyone in the car then tries to imagine a new way to make money with it. Common street signs become places to advertise, trees are sold with names, and a truck becomes a traveling grocery store.
Use the "change of perspective" technique as a problem-solving game. Just pick any topic, and see who can come up with the most unique new perspective. Could there be a world where jobs weren't necessary? How would a virus define morality if it was conscious?
One creative thinking game uses a technique called "concept combination." You simply combine random concepts or things in interesting ways, and see who has the best idea. A chair and a microwave? Maybe an easy-chair with a built-in cooler, microwave and television, or microwavable "couch potatoes" - a potato snack in the shape of a couch.
More Thinking Games
A lateral thinking puzzle you can try right now involves nine dots, layed out three by three. Connect them all with four straight lines, without lifting the pen or pencil from the paper. When you figure this one out you'll appreciate the expression "thinking outside of the box."
Many lateral-thinking puzzles use a scenario, real or imagined, with a selection of things you have to use to accomplish something. Imagine a ping-pong ball in an iron pipe that's set in cement. The pipe sticks up three-feet high, and has almost the same diameter as the ball. Using only a box of frosted-flakes, and a t-shirt, and your body and mind, how many ways can you find to get the ball out of the pipe? You could also set this up for real, to know if a proposed solution will really work.
Many riddles are just mind games or lateral-thinking puzzles. You move laterally in your mind, away from your usual line of thought, to solve a riddle. For example, what did his friends do when the canibal was late for dinner? They gave him the cold shoulder, of course! Keeping your brain in shape doesn't have to be a matter of serious study. Why not play some thinking games?
Senin, 31 Januari 2011
Minggu, 30 Januari 2011
High Energy = Instant Attraction
It was a drab Monday and I was in a black mood that day. My shoulders were hunched. I walked with a shuffle. I avoided eye contact. My normal "life-of-the-party" spirit was dead.... and somehow that shrouded me with a queer impenetrable invisibility.
Wherever I went, people didn't notice me. The salesgirl failed to serve me. The waiter failed to pass the
menu. And a dog nearly ran me over. I might as well have been dead!
It felt oddd. That was the first time I ever felt like a none-entity.
Around lunch time I entered Starbucks and got me a shot of mochha frap. Zap! Almnost instantly, the caffein lifted my mood... and with it, my vital energy came flooding back. I automatically reared higher. My gait widened. I made eye contact. And best of all, I began smiling.
The magic didn't stop there. With my personal energy flooding out my pores, I noticed an instant effect on those around me. Strangers greeted me with grins. A police offer waved. And a dog came to be petted. What a difference one's mood does to those around us!
Here are some techniques to be noticed:
* Maintain high energy levels. Avoid heavy meats and starchy foods which kill metabolism. Go for organic veggies and fish.
* Walk with purpose. Keep your spine straight and take measured steps.
* Gesture with command. Occupy as much space as you can. Model after Pierce Brosnan
* Maintain constant eye contact. The eyes can magnetize even the most frigid.
* Vary the tone of your voice. Monotony kills.
* Greet everyone you see. The clerk. The officer. The vendor. Even the dog.
* Smile smile smile smile!
* Be distinct. Wear something decent and unique that no one else has.
* Have an active lifetsyle. Go to the gym. Play ball. Athletes are attractive because their personal energy is boundless.
* Mingle at gatherings instead of sitting at a corner.
Want to be the life of the party? Keep your mood up. Straighten up, smile and walk with confidence. And don't forget the coffee.
Wherever I went, people didn't notice me. The salesgirl failed to serve me. The waiter failed to pass the
menu. And a dog nearly ran me over. I might as well have been dead!
It felt oddd. That was the first time I ever felt like a none-entity.
Around lunch time I entered Starbucks and got me a shot of mochha frap. Zap! Almnost instantly, the caffein lifted my mood... and with it, my vital energy came flooding back. I automatically reared higher. My gait widened. I made eye contact. And best of all, I began smiling.
The magic didn't stop there. With my personal energy flooding out my pores, I noticed an instant effect on those around me. Strangers greeted me with grins. A police offer waved. And a dog came to be petted. What a difference one's mood does to those around us!
Here are some techniques to be noticed:
* Maintain high energy levels. Avoid heavy meats and starchy foods which kill metabolism. Go for organic veggies and fish.
* Walk with purpose. Keep your spine straight and take measured steps.
* Gesture with command. Occupy as much space as you can. Model after Pierce Brosnan
* Maintain constant eye contact. The eyes can magnetize even the most frigid.
* Vary the tone of your voice. Monotony kills.
* Greet everyone you see. The clerk. The officer. The vendor. Even the dog.
* Smile smile smile smile!
* Be distinct. Wear something decent and unique that no one else has.
* Have an active lifetsyle. Go to the gym. Play ball. Athletes are attractive because their personal energy is boundless.
* Mingle at gatherings instead of sitting at a corner.
Want to be the life of the party? Keep your mood up. Straighten up, smile and walk with confidence. And don't forget the coffee.
Sabtu, 29 Januari 2011
Our Fears And Worries Can Distort The Reality Of The Situation
At times, our worries and anxieties can overwhelm us. In addition, our worries can distort our perception of what is reality and what is not. Here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help gain a better perspective on things during our anxious moments.
When feeling anxious, stop what you are doing and try to do something that will relax you. A person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
Remember that our fearful thoughts are exaggerated and can make the problem worse. A good way to manage your worry is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
When overwhelmed with worry, a person may encounter a lot of scary thoughts coming at them all at once. Instead of getting upset, remember that these thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. From my interviews with various professionals, I’ve learned that usually it is the fear behind the thoughts that gets us worked up. Ignore the fear behind these thoughts, and your worry should decrease.
Remember that all the worrying in the world will not change anything. I realized that most of what we worry about never comes true. Instead of worrying about something that probably won’t happen, concentrate on what you are able to do. Everything else you can leave in the hands of God.
As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our fears. When your fears and anxieties have the best of you, try to calm down and then get the facts of the situation. The key is to take it slow. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and when something does happen, take it in stride. Take things one step at a time, and things will work out.
When feeling anxious, stop what you are doing and try to do something that will relax you. A person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
Remember that our fearful thoughts are exaggerated and can make the problem worse. A good way to manage your worry is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
When overwhelmed with worry, a person may encounter a lot of scary thoughts coming at them all at once. Instead of getting upset, remember that these thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. From my interviews with various professionals, I’ve learned that usually it is the fear behind the thoughts that gets us worked up. Ignore the fear behind these thoughts, and your worry should decrease.
Remember that all the worrying in the world will not change anything. I realized that most of what we worry about never comes true. Instead of worrying about something that probably won’t happen, concentrate on what you are able to do. Everything else you can leave in the hands of God.
As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our fears. When your fears and anxieties have the best of you, try to calm down and then get the facts of the situation. The key is to take it slow. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and when something does happen, take it in stride. Take things one step at a time, and things will work out.
Jumat, 28 Januari 2011
Nightmares
Nightmares are the type of dream everyone fears and wants to avoid. By their nature, these dreams are fearful, but often they need to be faced. The mind may be presenting them to us in such a dramatic manner because we have ignored a message for a prolonged period of time and it’s resorting to more drastic means to get our attention.
The truth is, many nightmares are actually gifts that we should be thankful for because they are trying to help us.
Avoidance is the wrong response. The strong emotions evoked by these intense dreams are cries for help, and like a baby crying in the night for attention … they will not be denied. The longer you ignore them, the louder they will get! Therefore ignoring nightmares is not only the wrong response, it’s impractical in that it will make them worse.
Sometimes the subconscious mind will work with your nightmares to bring resolutions without you being consciously aware of the entire process. But when nightmares become recurring, then it’s a sign that your conscious attention is being sought.
It’s more common to wake up in the middle of a nightmare than during a regular dream. It’s also more common to remember a nightmare. This is, again, by design as a way of trying to get your attention.
The best way to get rid of a recurring nightmare is to deal with it – that is to deal with the issue it’s presenting. It will take some courage, but here are some tips on how to do it:
· Rather than turning and shooting a monster or “bad guy” that is chasing you, it’s better to turn and ask the aggressor how you can help it. Use such questions as “What is it you want to tell me,” or “How can I help you help me?”
· Come up with solutions by asking other “cast members” in the dream what resolution they would like to see.
· Bring your Spiritual Guide into the dream and ask for his/her suggestions.
Nightmares may also be caused by trauma, psychiatric problems or drugs (both legal and illegal). In such cases the care of a health care professional should be sought immediately.
The truth is, many nightmares are actually gifts that we should be thankful for because they are trying to help us.
Avoidance is the wrong response. The strong emotions evoked by these intense dreams are cries for help, and like a baby crying in the night for attention … they will not be denied. The longer you ignore them, the louder they will get! Therefore ignoring nightmares is not only the wrong response, it’s impractical in that it will make them worse.
Sometimes the subconscious mind will work with your nightmares to bring resolutions without you being consciously aware of the entire process. But when nightmares become recurring, then it’s a sign that your conscious attention is being sought.
It’s more common to wake up in the middle of a nightmare than during a regular dream. It’s also more common to remember a nightmare. This is, again, by design as a way of trying to get your attention.
The best way to get rid of a recurring nightmare is to deal with it – that is to deal with the issue it’s presenting. It will take some courage, but here are some tips on how to do it:
· Rather than turning and shooting a monster or “bad guy” that is chasing you, it’s better to turn and ask the aggressor how you can help it. Use such questions as “What is it you want to tell me,” or “How can I help you help me?”
· Come up with solutions by asking other “cast members” in the dream what resolution they would like to see.
· Bring your Spiritual Guide into the dream and ask for his/her suggestions.
Nightmares may also be caused by trauma, psychiatric problems or drugs (both legal and illegal). In such cases the care of a health care professional should be sought immediately.
Kamis, 27 Januari 2011
Lucid Dreaming 101
The first step to using hypnosis in lucid dreaming or "dream control" begins with remembering your dreams. A key point to consider is that everybody dreams. You may not remember your dreams when you wake but in an 8 hour night of sleeping you usually have five or more dreams.
Before retiring at night take several deep breaths. Close your eyes and relax each muscle group in turn. Begine with your feet. Tense them and hold for a few seconds then release the tension and relax. Move up your body to your head until you have relaxed your entire body. Imagine that you are descending a long flight of stairs with ten steps. Breath with each step you take and repeat the word "relax". Once at the bottom imagine that you are in a tranquil setting and rest there awhile.
Now mentally tell yourself that when you awaken you will be fresh, rested, full of energy and will remember your last dream in vivid detail.
Have a pen and small book beside your bed and upon awakening immediately ask yourself, what did I dream last night? Focus on taking deep breaths. Then write down in your dream in as much detail as you can recall. This is an important step so don't overlook it!
After several days of this pratise look over your written dream accounts and look for recurring themes. I always have something to drink or some sort of drinking liquid in mine. Your "dream sign" may be different.
Now when retiring the next night go through your relaxation exercise and tell yourself that you will become aware that you are dreaming when you encounter your dream sign. Tell yourself that it is a sign that you should awaken in your dream.
Do this for several nights and you will experience a lucid dream. Remember to record your dream just after waking. Studies have shown that many people have lucid dreams then forget that they had them a short time after waking. Keeping a journal of your dream experiences keeps them fresh in your mind and trains your brain to remember them.
Don't be discouraged if you don't lucid dream at the start. This is a new skill that must be learned. If you persevere you will achieve results. Should you wish to accelerate your results you may wish to read the review of the lucid dreaming kit on the site below.
Before retiring at night take several deep breaths. Close your eyes and relax each muscle group in turn. Begine with your feet. Tense them and hold for a few seconds then release the tension and relax. Move up your body to your head until you have relaxed your entire body. Imagine that you are descending a long flight of stairs with ten steps. Breath with each step you take and repeat the word "relax". Once at the bottom imagine that you are in a tranquil setting and rest there awhile.
Now mentally tell yourself that when you awaken you will be fresh, rested, full of energy and will remember your last dream in vivid detail.
Have a pen and small book beside your bed and upon awakening immediately ask yourself, what did I dream last night? Focus on taking deep breaths. Then write down in your dream in as much detail as you can recall. This is an important step so don't overlook it!
After several days of this pratise look over your written dream accounts and look for recurring themes. I always have something to drink or some sort of drinking liquid in mine. Your "dream sign" may be different.
Now when retiring the next night go through your relaxation exercise and tell yourself that you will become aware that you are dreaming when you encounter your dream sign. Tell yourself that it is a sign that you should awaken in your dream.
Do this for several nights and you will experience a lucid dream. Remember to record your dream just after waking. Studies have shown that many people have lucid dreams then forget that they had them a short time after waking. Keeping a journal of your dream experiences keeps them fresh in your mind and trains your brain to remember them.
Don't be discouraged if you don't lucid dream at the start. This is a new skill that must be learned. If you persevere you will achieve results. Should you wish to accelerate your results you may wish to read the review of the lucid dreaming kit on the site below.
Rabu, 26 Januari 2011
Teamwork and Jigsaw puzzles
All of us talk of team work. Sports thrive on teams. Every business wants to develop winning teams. Every president or prime minister brings his own team. What is there in teams? A team is needed because a lone person can not handle all the work. So one gathers different experts, creates a team, sits back and hopes that the team will bring in great results in a short time. But many times, the team proves to be a dismal failure. Why?
Let us talk of human psychology for a moment. Ego, that is the first to kill the team spirit. Why should I work under him/her? Why should I give in and accept what you say. What I say is correct and all of you are out of your senses! Ego. This is the first danger in a good team. You must have played with jigsaw puzzles. Unless, every piece fits in, you will never get the whole picture.
Whether the piece is small or big, whether it looks good or bad, it has its place in the picture and you must fit that ugly looking small piece to get the picture right. Are you getting it? One of the team members may be the sharpest and smartest person going around, but unless he/she gets support from other members for whom he/she has no respect, the team will not achieve results. Respect for individuals is the most essential part of a good team. Trying to take care of each other's weaknesses and complementing them with your strengths will bring a balance. Appreciating the smallest achievement and ignoring mistakes will make team happy gathering.
But the first need for a good team is to work towards a common goal. The goal that excites ever member. A goal that everyone wants to achieve. A goal that fires their imagination and a goal that can make them ignore the hardship of work. Goals that will make all of them feel great, when achieved. Goals are the first and the most essential part of a team's success. If a team is not motivated to achieve a goal, that team will fail.
A very good method is to send few motivational ecards to fire the imagination and make a person, a great team leader and member.
Let us talk of human psychology for a moment. Ego, that is the first to kill the team spirit. Why should I work under him/her? Why should I give in and accept what you say. What I say is correct and all of you are out of your senses! Ego. This is the first danger in a good team. You must have played with jigsaw puzzles. Unless, every piece fits in, you will never get the whole picture.
Whether the piece is small or big, whether it looks good or bad, it has its place in the picture and you must fit that ugly looking small piece to get the picture right. Are you getting it? One of the team members may be the sharpest and smartest person going around, but unless he/she gets support from other members for whom he/she has no respect, the team will not achieve results. Respect for individuals is the most essential part of a good team. Trying to take care of each other's weaknesses and complementing them with your strengths will bring a balance. Appreciating the smallest achievement and ignoring mistakes will make team happy gathering.
But the first need for a good team is to work towards a common goal. The goal that excites ever member. A goal that everyone wants to achieve. A goal that fires their imagination and a goal that can make them ignore the hardship of work. Goals that will make all of them feel great, when achieved. Goals are the first and the most essential part of a team's success. If a team is not motivated to achieve a goal, that team will fail.
A very good method is to send few motivational ecards to fire the imagination and make a person, a great team leader and member.
Selasa, 25 Januari 2011
Six Easy Ways To Cope With Burnout
Have you ever been hopeless, powerless, cynical, and unsuccessful at work? Having such feelings means you are experiencing burnout.
Burnout is physical or emotional exhaustion, especially because of long-term stress. It can happen when your body and mind get so much stress from working too hard, feeling unappreciated and concerned about job security, getting confused about expectation and priorities, etc.
In such conditions, you may get very sad, angry, lack of interest and motivation. That can lead you to unhappiness and depression, and in the end, it possibly threatens your health, your job, and jeopardizes your relationship with colleagues and family.
If you are experiencing burnout, what can you do to cope with it? Here are some ways:
1. Take care of your body - Eat right, sleep well, do exercise and see doctor if you feel burnout. If you can take care of your physical health, it will reduce your burnout.
2. Do your favorite things - Make a schedule for spoiling yourself in a day, week or month. Reading favorite books or doing your hobbies is like “recharging your batteries” after going through a difficult period.
3. Talk with others - Communicate with others who will listen and understand you, but not judge you. Talking with others like that will ease your emotion and you are practicing healthy communication. Be sure to let your emotion out in healthy and productive ways.
4. Make realistic targets - Setting targets for your life will give you a real sense of purpose. Make personal targets divided into short and long terms and set up a plan to achieve the targets. To learn and reach new targets will ease your burnout.
5. Enhance your relationship - Getting closer to your partner, children, friends and other people you can count on will help restore your energy. It can ease your burnout, as you will not feel underappreciated
6. Understand your strengths and weaknesses - Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you learn better ways to deal with day-to-day stress. Your can avoid stress once you recognize the cause.
Burnout is physical or emotional exhaustion, especially because of long-term stress. It can happen when your body and mind get so much stress from working too hard, feeling unappreciated and concerned about job security, getting confused about expectation and priorities, etc.
In such conditions, you may get very sad, angry, lack of interest and motivation. That can lead you to unhappiness and depression, and in the end, it possibly threatens your health, your job, and jeopardizes your relationship with colleagues and family.
If you are experiencing burnout, what can you do to cope with it? Here are some ways:
1. Take care of your body - Eat right, sleep well, do exercise and see doctor if you feel burnout. If you can take care of your physical health, it will reduce your burnout.
2. Do your favorite things - Make a schedule for spoiling yourself in a day, week or month. Reading favorite books or doing your hobbies is like “recharging your batteries” after going through a difficult period.
3. Talk with others - Communicate with others who will listen and understand you, but not judge you. Talking with others like that will ease your emotion and you are practicing healthy communication. Be sure to let your emotion out in healthy and productive ways.
4. Make realistic targets - Setting targets for your life will give you a real sense of purpose. Make personal targets divided into short and long terms and set up a plan to achieve the targets. To learn and reach new targets will ease your burnout.
5. Enhance your relationship - Getting closer to your partner, children, friends and other people you can count on will help restore your energy. It can ease your burnout, as you will not feel underappreciated
6. Understand your strengths and weaknesses - Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you learn better ways to deal with day-to-day stress. Your can avoid stress once you recognize the cause.
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