I HAVE ALWAYS LOVE TO LEARN FROM PEOPLE THAT I KNOW I CAN LEARN FROM. MY INTERNET TEACHER, MRS IYABO OYAWALE MADE US TO UNDERSTAND THAT GIVING THANKS ALL THE TIME IS VERY ESSENTIAL IN THE LIFE OF MAN. HER POST OF December 22, 2008, 07:39:25 PM ON NAIJANETWARRIORS.COM MADE ME TO REALISE THAT YES, IN EVERY SITUATION, MAN MUST THANK GOD.I've always known there's power in gratitude but my ability to express gratitude took a new meaning recently and I will explain.
You see,as human beings we are brought up to say thank you only when we receive favours.But,I have recently learnt that the height of gratitude is to say 'thank you Lord' even when things are not going the way you want them to.I can hear you say why should I give thanks when I am going through pains? Because the word of God says in all things we should give thanks.It doesn't say you should only give thanks when your wife delivers safely.It doesn't say you should only give thanks when you complete your dream house or land your dream job.The Bible says we should give thanks in all things,there is no exception whatsoever.So,whether you woke up today with no hope of eating,give thanks,whether you just lost a loved one,give thanks,whether you have no job,give thanks.In all things,give thanks.
You see,giving thanks when things are not moving as you want them provokes a divine provision in your favour.So,start doing it,you will reap the benefits sooner than you can ever imagine.
Talking about gratitude,I want to thank all OF those that has always have the time to read my articles, Thank you for your support in the year 2008.I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.Thanks for your patronage and supports. I tell you,i'm set for the next level in the new year.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
How to Help Our Human Planet
I remember once after one of my talks, someone came up to me asking: 'You were saying that I can have what I want. Well, what I want is peace; how can I have it?'
And my answer at that time was: 'Start from the world around you.' But now I think I have another answer also...
At the moment there is a lot of talking about global warming, hunger and poverty, but I would like to focus the attention also on something else.
Sometimes I hear people who are concerned about the society we live in, and it seems as if society is something outside them...something created by the Government, or anyway other people. The truth is that each one of us is constantly creating our society.
I am sure you have heard by now about the Law of Attraction, which is part of the Law of Cause and Effect of the Universe.
According to the Law of Attraction, like attracts like. Everything that has happened or is happening in our lives, we have created, consciously or unconsciously. How? With our vibrations, as everything is energy. Every thought you have, every emotion you feel, every action you take, is energy. They are vibrational energies that go out in the Universe and create. So, if we want to change our lives, the first thing we need to do is to take total and full responsibility for our lives, because if we have created something, we can change it, as we can create something else.
Now, the same is true for our society, because according to the Law of Cause and Effect, everything we say, think, feel, or do has a consequence. Our thoughts, feelings and actions create not only our reality, but also our society on the whole.
So if we want to change society, we need to be very careful of what energy we give out. We need to align the kind of society we would like to live in with our vibrational energy. And in order to do that, we need first of all to be aware of the energy we give out, and we need to have clarity about the kind of society we would like to live in.
The first thing you can do is to be aware of your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself: 'what emotions would I like to see in our world?' And align your thoughts and emotions with that.
Now, according to NLP, our thoughts are linked to pictures, sounds in our mind and to the language. So, if, for example, you do not want anger, do not get angry, do not think angry thoughts, and do not visualize angry pictures. Think ONLY to peaceful thoughts, pictures, self-talk and talk.
Then, your behaviours and your actions are linked to your values, codes of conduct and morals. So ask yourself: 'what sort of values, codes of conduct, and morals would I like to see in the world?' And align yours with that.
And the focus of your attention is extremely important, because if I were to tell you: 'Do not think of a green elephant', what do you immediately think about? I can guess! And when we think about something, even something we do not want, we give energy to it, and we create it. So do not focus on what you do not want and do not allow yourself to feel strong emotion against it, otherwise you create just that and the emotion simply creates more of those emotions. Think ONLY about what you want.
Now, as we were saying before about thinking only peaceful thoughts, pictures and self-talk, there is something more powerful you can do. The next step is to substitute pictures that represent something you do not want in our society with something you want. And for the people who work with magazines, TV, media, internet, this is extremely powerful, and it is FREE.
Let me explain it a bit better. You can change the way you feel by changing the pictures and you can change the way you think by changing the pictures. And the pictures we look at represent part of the nourishing we give to our mind, and the nourishing we give to our mind generates thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Now, imagine that your diet consisted only of butter; how would your feel? How would it effect your health?
The same is true for the mind. If we want to have a positive, creative mind, we need to give it positive nourishment. And as what goes on in our mind has a strong impact on creating our society, if we want to have a positive society, we need to give positive nourishment to our minds. Does it make sense? Great!
But there is even something more: the power of language. In fact, the language is linked to the focus, and as I mentioned above, our focus create our reality. If I talk about what I do not want I simply create it. So what you can do is substitute words about what you do not want with the words of what you want. And again for the people who work with magazines, TV, media, internet, this is extremely powerful, and it is FREE.
So, do you begin to grasp all the power you have to create the society you would like to live in and leave as a legacy to your children and grandchildren? What are you choosing to do? Which pictures and words will you begin to substitute?
As Gandhi said: 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'
source:articlesbase.com
And my answer at that time was: 'Start from the world around you.' But now I think I have another answer also...
At the moment there is a lot of talking about global warming, hunger and poverty, but I would like to focus the attention also on something else.
Sometimes I hear people who are concerned about the society we live in, and it seems as if society is something outside them...something created by the Government, or anyway other people. The truth is that each one of us is constantly creating our society.
I am sure you have heard by now about the Law of Attraction, which is part of the Law of Cause and Effect of the Universe.
According to the Law of Attraction, like attracts like. Everything that has happened or is happening in our lives, we have created, consciously or unconsciously. How? With our vibrations, as everything is energy. Every thought you have, every emotion you feel, every action you take, is energy. They are vibrational energies that go out in the Universe and create. So, if we want to change our lives, the first thing we need to do is to take total and full responsibility for our lives, because if we have created something, we can change it, as we can create something else.
Now, the same is true for our society, because according to the Law of Cause and Effect, everything we say, think, feel, or do has a consequence. Our thoughts, feelings and actions create not only our reality, but also our society on the whole.
So if we want to change society, we need to be very careful of what energy we give out. We need to align the kind of society we would like to live in with our vibrational energy. And in order to do that, we need first of all to be aware of the energy we give out, and we need to have clarity about the kind of society we would like to live in.
The first thing you can do is to be aware of your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself: 'what emotions would I like to see in our world?' And align your thoughts and emotions with that.
Now, according to NLP, our thoughts are linked to pictures, sounds in our mind and to the language. So, if, for example, you do not want anger, do not get angry, do not think angry thoughts, and do not visualize angry pictures. Think ONLY to peaceful thoughts, pictures, self-talk and talk.
Then, your behaviours and your actions are linked to your values, codes of conduct and morals. So ask yourself: 'what sort of values, codes of conduct, and morals would I like to see in the world?' And align yours with that.
And the focus of your attention is extremely important, because if I were to tell you: 'Do not think of a green elephant', what do you immediately think about? I can guess! And when we think about something, even something we do not want, we give energy to it, and we create it. So do not focus on what you do not want and do not allow yourself to feel strong emotion against it, otherwise you create just that and the emotion simply creates more of those emotions. Think ONLY about what you want.
Now, as we were saying before about thinking only peaceful thoughts, pictures and self-talk, there is something more powerful you can do. The next step is to substitute pictures that represent something you do not want in our society with something you want. And for the people who work with magazines, TV, media, internet, this is extremely powerful, and it is FREE.
Let me explain it a bit better. You can change the way you feel by changing the pictures and you can change the way you think by changing the pictures. And the pictures we look at represent part of the nourishing we give to our mind, and the nourishing we give to our mind generates thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Now, imagine that your diet consisted only of butter; how would your feel? How would it effect your health?
The same is true for the mind. If we want to have a positive, creative mind, we need to give it positive nourishment. And as what goes on in our mind has a strong impact on creating our society, if we want to have a positive society, we need to give positive nourishment to our minds. Does it make sense? Great!
But there is even something more: the power of language. In fact, the language is linked to the focus, and as I mentioned above, our focus create our reality. If I talk about what I do not want I simply create it. So what you can do is substitute words about what you do not want with the words of what you want. And again for the people who work with magazines, TV, media, internet, this is extremely powerful, and it is FREE.
So, do you begin to grasp all the power you have to create the society you would like to live in and leave as a legacy to your children and grandchildren? What are you choosing to do? Which pictures and words will you begin to substitute?
As Gandhi said: 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'
source:articlesbase.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Skin Aging
Numerous variables determine the skin’s quality, particularly the ravages of the external environment and age, which are the most important variables.
Aging is a continuous, universal, progressive, intensive, deleterious, but democratic phenomenon, which is essential to the evolutionary process and of which the skin is not an exception. The older we get, the more wrinkled our skin becomes. In the human skin, factors such as age, sun-exposure, smoking, and endocrinological changes are considered to be important risk factors for wrinkles [1-4].
Concept of skin aging
The skin is a unique organ, which reflects the inevitable changes occurring in the body’s aging process. It is the body’s dynamic interface with the environment and as such its roles include barrier function, mechanical protection, wound healing, immune surveillance, thermoregulation, and sebum production, to mention a few. All these functions decline with age. Aging of the skin is a complex process, associated with morphological and chemical changes, dictated by an inherent genetic program and accelerated by environmental damage to genes and their protein products. Through structural and molecular degradation, aging causes a functional deficit in the skin resulting in clinical changes, including wrinkling, colour changes (dyspigmentation), laxity and no-elasticity [5, 6].
Two independent processes govern skin aging, the intrinsic and the extrinsic aging of the skin.
Intrinsic aging
Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is the slow irreversible degeneration of tissue, which affects almost all body organs. Usually beginning in our mid-20’s, intrinsic aging is a continuous process, which by definition, is inevitable and as such is not subject to manipulation through changes in human behaviour. It is genetically programmed and causes structural and functional changes in all layers of the skin. Although it begins in the mid-20’s the signs of intrinsic aging are not usually visible for decades [7-9].
Intrinsic aging produces lines and wrinkles, age spots, splotches and pigmentation problems, broken capillaries, dull skin texture and colour, and other skin flaws. Apart from these, intrinsic aging may cause a previously attractive mole or birth mark to change into an unattractive protrusion or a once unnoticeable scar may become more apparent when wrinkles form around it. The production of collagen within the skin is slowed and elastin, a protein constituting the basic substance of elastic tissue, which enables the skin to snap back into place on pulling, becomes less “springy”. Epidermal turnover (turnover of new skin cells), which takes about 28 days in young adults requires about 40-60 days in the elderly. This slower turnover results in a thinning of the epidermis, which gives aged skin a translucent appearance, as well as adversely affecting skin barrier function and repair, and cell exfoliation. Intrinsic aging causes a decrease in subdermal (beneath the skin) fat tissue, which contributes to wrinkling and sagging of the skin, making the skin more susceptible to trauma and bruising. Although it causes a number of structural changes, the effects of intrinsic aging are mostly functional, with only minor impacts on skin appearance (as previously mentioned) – fine wrinkling, dryness, and thinning. The genetic program of intrinsic aging differs in each individual both in terms of rate and severity of effect [8, 10, 11].
Extrinsic aging
Extrinsic aging is generally caused by external factors introduced to the body, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, pollution, harsh weather and chronic sun exposure (photoaging). Other factors include repetitive facial expressions, gravity and sleeping positions. Of all these external factors, sun exposure is considered to be by far the most significantly harmful to the skin and according to Baumann (2007) 80% of facial aging is believed to be due to chronic sun exposure [8, 9].
1. Sun exposure (Photoaging)
The human skin is exposed to UV and infrared radiation practically everyday and without protection from the sun’s rays, a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin as the skin loses the ability to repair itself and as such, the damage accumulates. The clinical manifestation of photoaging depends on skin type, skin colour and the history of long-term or intense sun exposure. An individual with fair skin with a history of sun exposure will develop more signs of photoaging than a dark skinned individual. For individuals with the darkest of skins, the signs of photoaging are often limited to fine wrinkles and complexion marked with spots or blotches of different shades or colours. It has been shown that repeated ultraviolet exposure damages the skin by breaking down collagen, impairing the synthesis of new collagen and attacking elastin, thereby causing immense damage. Photoaging is characterised by coarse, deep, severe wrinkling as well as pigmentary changes on exposed areas such as the face, neck and forearm. Losses in skin tone and elasticity, increased skin fragility, and benign lesions are also observed in skin affected by photoaging [8-10].
2. Cigarette smoking
Cigarette smoking is the second causative factor of premature skin aging after photoaging as it triggers biochemical changes in the body, which accelerate the aging process. It has been shown that individuals who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years are statistically more likely to develop deep wrinkled, leathery skin than non smokers. Smoking exerts a noticeable effect on the skin such that it is often possible to detect whether an individual is a smoker or not by simply looking at his or her face. Such individuals have more wrinkles and their skin tends to have a greyish pallor compared with non smokers [8, 12-15]. The most serious damage to the skin through smoking is often caused by the following:
a. reduction in the body’s storage of vitamin A, which produces protection from skin damage
b. continual puckering from drawing on a cigarette as well as squinting in reaction to cigarette smoke create deeply wrinkled skin around the eyes and mouth – these are classic signs of “smoker’s face”
c. restricted blood flow through the capillaries thereby preventing oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin
d. restriction of the absorption of vitamin C, which is a vital oxidant for skin protection and health
e. acceleration of the decrease in collagen production, an enzyme vital to the skin’s elasticity.
(Taken from Lifestyle – Ref 14)
3. Facial Expression/ Facial Animation
Each time facial expressions are made, a facial muscle or facial muscles are used. These cause a groove to form beneath the surface of the skin causing it to form lines with each facial expression. As the skin ages and loses its elasticity, it loses its ability to spring back to its “line-free” state and consequently grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles (referred to as expressive wrinkles) [8, 16].
4. Sleeping positions
Continually sleeping by resting the face on a pillow in the same way every night for years on end can lead to the development of wrinkles on the face. These wrinkles (also known as sleep lines) eventually become etched on the surface of the skin and no longer disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow [8].
5. Gravity
Naturally, gravity pulls on our bodies; however, the changes related to gravity become more pronounced with age. When the skin loses its elasticity, the effects of gravity become more evident causing drooping of the eyelids and eyebrows, elongation of the ear lobes, formation of jowls and “double chin”, drooping of the tip of the nose, and disappearing of the upper lip whilst the lower lip becomes more pronounced [8, 17].
Prevention of skin aging
Although much cannot be done to halt or reverse the intrinsic aging process, changes associated with extrinsic aging are largely preventable. Preventative measures include,
1. Protection from UV light, which at any age reduces photoaging and decreases the risk of age-related skin diseases. Photoprotective measures include,
? Sun avoidance particularly when the sun’s rays are the strongest (usually between 10am and 4pm.
? Wearing protective clothing (e.g. wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves) when outdoors during the day.
? Applying sunscreen. This should be broad spectrum, offering UVA and UVB protection, and should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
? Avoiding deliberate tanning, including the use of indoor tanning devices.
According to McCullough et al (2006) preventative measures should begin in early childhood since approximately 80% of the damage caused to the skin by the sun is thought to occur by the age of 18 years. McCullough et al (2006) also make mention of the fact that the use of sunscreen is the “gold standard” for protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. It has also been well documented that regular use of a broad spectrum sunscreen can prevent not only sunburn, but also many skin-aging effects, such as wrinkles and pigmentary changes. In association with the implementation of skin-aging treatment, the use of sunscreen and sun protection is also important. It is essential to note that the beneficial effects of skin rejuvenation measures will be minimised or cancelled if unprotected sun exposure continues to induce skin damage [8, 10].
2. The use of antioxidants, which provide another approach for the prevention and treatment of both intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. The skin has an integrated endogenous antioxidant defence mechanism that scavenges free radicals (which play a pivotal role in the biological events that lead to the clinical manifestations of skin aging) and protects cells from damage. These naturally produced antioxidants are reduced in chronically aged skin and further reduced in sun damaged skin. Taking antioxidants can help augment skin antioxidant levels to enhance defence mechanisms. However, according to McCullough et al (2006) oral supplementation has not been successful in augmenting skin antioxidant levels as a result of physiological processes, which take place in the body. It has however been shown that antioxidants can be delivered via the percutaneous route (through the skin) to directly supplement the skin’s antioxidant reservoir. Antioxidants include vitamins A (retinol), C (ascorbic acid), and E (tocopherol), ?-carotene, and bioflavonoid [10, 18].
3. Quitting smoking, desisting from performing facial exercises or expressions and correcting sleeping positions by not lying face down [8].
Rejuvenation of aging skin (Anti-aging procedures)
For individuals hoping to look younger or wondering how to look younger, corrective measures for aging skin are numerous and varied. These include:
1. Topical medications, such as topical retinoids (e.g. tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene) which are effective in minimising fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving skin texture and hyperpigmentation [10].
2. Chemical peels, which are quite beneficial in the treatment of wrinkles, skin discolouration and age spots. Depending on the amount of skin damage, a variety of peeling agents are used to produce light, medium or deep chemical peels. On healing, new skin, which is noticeably smoother, fresher and younger in appearance, is generated [11, 18].
3. Botulinum toxin (Botox), a sterile, vacuum-dried purified form of Botulinum toxin type A. It temporarily denervates specific muscles, which are responsible for certain facial wrinkles, including horizontal forehead lines, horizontal neck lines, and crow’s feet. It is injected in very tiny amounts into specific muscles to treat and improve lines, wrinkles and furrows associated with facial expression [11, 18].
4. Soft tissue fillers, which involves injecting filling substances under the skin. A variety of filling substances are available and those successfully used in soft tissue augmentation include bovine collagen, silicone, hyaluronic acid, Fibrel®, Goretex®, to mention a few; all these need to be applied by a skilled dermatologist. They are used to “plump up” or contour and correct wrinkles, furrows and hollows in the face [11, 18].
5. Dermabrasion, a traditional technique, which makes use of a special instrument to remove or abrade the upper layers of the skin and smooth out irregularities in the skin surface. Usually performed to correct scarring, but is used by some physicians to perform dermabrasion for substantial sun damaged skin or skin with pigmentation problems [10-11, 18].
6. Microdermabrasion, which uses tiny particles that pass through a vacuum tube to gently scrape away the aging skin and stimulate new cell growth. Suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin damage and wrinkles [11].
7. Facelift, a well known procedure used to remove sagging and redundant skin in the lower third of the face and under the chin [11].
8. Laser resurfacing, also known as “laser peel” is a relatively new procedure, which uses the newest generation of the carbon dioxide and erbium YAG lasers to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer, revealing fresh skin underneath. It is most commonly used to minimise the appearance of fine lines, particularly around the mouth and the eyes. It is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. It is often done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation such as a facelift or eyelid surgery [11, 19].
9. Non-ablative resurfacing: relatively new treatment options used to rejuvenate aging and sun damaged facial skin. They make use of non-ablative laser and intense pulsed light technologies, including electrosurgical resurfacing using electrical energy at low temperature. Non-ablative techniques were developed as a less destructive alternative to laser resurfacing and chemical peels. When used to treat wrinkles and scars, these techniques allow for rapid healing, as well as improving fine lines, and possibly skin tone [11, 18].
10. Light Therapy, which is essentially the use of infrared LED light therapy. This is used based on the fact that the skin has the ability to absorb infrared light and in the process use it as a source of energy to stimulate cellular regeneration. First researched by NASA for use in the U.S Space Program, infrared LED light therapy can reverse and control the visible signs of aging without the use of harsh chemical treatments or invasive surgical procedures. Infrared LED light therapy aids in increasing the production of collagen and elastin, thereby improving the skin’s tone and elasticity. This form of light therapy is gentle, painless, safe, non-invasive and nonabrasive, and its application feels comfortable and relaxing. So straight-forward is its ease of use that it can be used in the comfort of the home.
Aging is a continuous, universal, progressive, intensive, deleterious, but democratic phenomenon, which is essential to the evolutionary process and of which the skin is not an exception. The older we get, the more wrinkled our skin becomes. In the human skin, factors such as age, sun-exposure, smoking, and endocrinological changes are considered to be important risk factors for wrinkles [1-4].
Concept of skin aging
The skin is a unique organ, which reflects the inevitable changes occurring in the body’s aging process. It is the body’s dynamic interface with the environment and as such its roles include barrier function, mechanical protection, wound healing, immune surveillance, thermoregulation, and sebum production, to mention a few. All these functions decline with age. Aging of the skin is a complex process, associated with morphological and chemical changes, dictated by an inherent genetic program and accelerated by environmental damage to genes and their protein products. Through structural and molecular degradation, aging causes a functional deficit in the skin resulting in clinical changes, including wrinkling, colour changes (dyspigmentation), laxity and no-elasticity [5, 6].
Two independent processes govern skin aging, the intrinsic and the extrinsic aging of the skin.
Intrinsic aging
Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is the slow irreversible degeneration of tissue, which affects almost all body organs. Usually beginning in our mid-20’s, intrinsic aging is a continuous process, which by definition, is inevitable and as such is not subject to manipulation through changes in human behaviour. It is genetically programmed and causes structural and functional changes in all layers of the skin. Although it begins in the mid-20’s the signs of intrinsic aging are not usually visible for decades [7-9].
Intrinsic aging produces lines and wrinkles, age spots, splotches and pigmentation problems, broken capillaries, dull skin texture and colour, and other skin flaws. Apart from these, intrinsic aging may cause a previously attractive mole or birth mark to change into an unattractive protrusion or a once unnoticeable scar may become more apparent when wrinkles form around it. The production of collagen within the skin is slowed and elastin, a protein constituting the basic substance of elastic tissue, which enables the skin to snap back into place on pulling, becomes less “springy”. Epidermal turnover (turnover of new skin cells), which takes about 28 days in young adults requires about 40-60 days in the elderly. This slower turnover results in a thinning of the epidermis, which gives aged skin a translucent appearance, as well as adversely affecting skin barrier function and repair, and cell exfoliation. Intrinsic aging causes a decrease in subdermal (beneath the skin) fat tissue, which contributes to wrinkling and sagging of the skin, making the skin more susceptible to trauma and bruising. Although it causes a number of structural changes, the effects of intrinsic aging are mostly functional, with only minor impacts on skin appearance (as previously mentioned) – fine wrinkling, dryness, and thinning. The genetic program of intrinsic aging differs in each individual both in terms of rate and severity of effect [8, 10, 11].
Extrinsic aging
Extrinsic aging is generally caused by external factors introduced to the body, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, pollution, harsh weather and chronic sun exposure (photoaging). Other factors include repetitive facial expressions, gravity and sleeping positions. Of all these external factors, sun exposure is considered to be by far the most significantly harmful to the skin and according to Baumann (2007) 80% of facial aging is believed to be due to chronic sun exposure [8, 9].
1. Sun exposure (Photoaging)
The human skin is exposed to UV and infrared radiation practically everyday and without protection from the sun’s rays, a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin as the skin loses the ability to repair itself and as such, the damage accumulates. The clinical manifestation of photoaging depends on skin type, skin colour and the history of long-term or intense sun exposure. An individual with fair skin with a history of sun exposure will develop more signs of photoaging than a dark skinned individual. For individuals with the darkest of skins, the signs of photoaging are often limited to fine wrinkles and complexion marked with spots or blotches of different shades or colours. It has been shown that repeated ultraviolet exposure damages the skin by breaking down collagen, impairing the synthesis of new collagen and attacking elastin, thereby causing immense damage. Photoaging is characterised by coarse, deep, severe wrinkling as well as pigmentary changes on exposed areas such as the face, neck and forearm. Losses in skin tone and elasticity, increased skin fragility, and benign lesions are also observed in skin affected by photoaging [8-10].
2. Cigarette smoking
Cigarette smoking is the second causative factor of premature skin aging after photoaging as it triggers biochemical changes in the body, which accelerate the aging process. It has been shown that individuals who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years are statistically more likely to develop deep wrinkled, leathery skin than non smokers. Smoking exerts a noticeable effect on the skin such that it is often possible to detect whether an individual is a smoker or not by simply looking at his or her face. Such individuals have more wrinkles and their skin tends to have a greyish pallor compared with non smokers [8, 12-15]. The most serious damage to the skin through smoking is often caused by the following:
a. reduction in the body’s storage of vitamin A, which produces protection from skin damage
b. continual puckering from drawing on a cigarette as well as squinting in reaction to cigarette smoke create deeply wrinkled skin around the eyes and mouth – these are classic signs of “smoker’s face”
c. restricted blood flow through the capillaries thereby preventing oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin
d. restriction of the absorption of vitamin C, which is a vital oxidant for skin protection and health
e. acceleration of the decrease in collagen production, an enzyme vital to the skin’s elasticity.
(Taken from Lifestyle – Ref 14)
3. Facial Expression/ Facial Animation
Each time facial expressions are made, a facial muscle or facial muscles are used. These cause a groove to form beneath the surface of the skin causing it to form lines with each facial expression. As the skin ages and loses its elasticity, it loses its ability to spring back to its “line-free” state and consequently grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles (referred to as expressive wrinkles) [8, 16].
4. Sleeping positions
Continually sleeping by resting the face on a pillow in the same way every night for years on end can lead to the development of wrinkles on the face. These wrinkles (also known as sleep lines) eventually become etched on the surface of the skin and no longer disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow [8].
5. Gravity
Naturally, gravity pulls on our bodies; however, the changes related to gravity become more pronounced with age. When the skin loses its elasticity, the effects of gravity become more evident causing drooping of the eyelids and eyebrows, elongation of the ear lobes, formation of jowls and “double chin”, drooping of the tip of the nose, and disappearing of the upper lip whilst the lower lip becomes more pronounced [8, 17].
Prevention of skin aging
Although much cannot be done to halt or reverse the intrinsic aging process, changes associated with extrinsic aging are largely preventable. Preventative measures include,
1. Protection from UV light, which at any age reduces photoaging and decreases the risk of age-related skin diseases. Photoprotective measures include,
? Sun avoidance particularly when the sun’s rays are the strongest (usually between 10am and 4pm.
? Wearing protective clothing (e.g. wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves) when outdoors during the day.
? Applying sunscreen. This should be broad spectrum, offering UVA and UVB protection, and should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
? Avoiding deliberate tanning, including the use of indoor tanning devices.
According to McCullough et al (2006) preventative measures should begin in early childhood since approximately 80% of the damage caused to the skin by the sun is thought to occur by the age of 18 years. McCullough et al (2006) also make mention of the fact that the use of sunscreen is the “gold standard” for protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. It has also been well documented that regular use of a broad spectrum sunscreen can prevent not only sunburn, but also many skin-aging effects, such as wrinkles and pigmentary changes. In association with the implementation of skin-aging treatment, the use of sunscreen and sun protection is also important. It is essential to note that the beneficial effects of skin rejuvenation measures will be minimised or cancelled if unprotected sun exposure continues to induce skin damage [8, 10].
2. The use of antioxidants, which provide another approach for the prevention and treatment of both intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. The skin has an integrated endogenous antioxidant defence mechanism that scavenges free radicals (which play a pivotal role in the biological events that lead to the clinical manifestations of skin aging) and protects cells from damage. These naturally produced antioxidants are reduced in chronically aged skin and further reduced in sun damaged skin. Taking antioxidants can help augment skin antioxidant levels to enhance defence mechanisms. However, according to McCullough et al (2006) oral supplementation has not been successful in augmenting skin antioxidant levels as a result of physiological processes, which take place in the body. It has however been shown that antioxidants can be delivered via the percutaneous route (through the skin) to directly supplement the skin’s antioxidant reservoir. Antioxidants include vitamins A (retinol), C (ascorbic acid), and E (tocopherol), ?-carotene, and bioflavonoid [10, 18].
3. Quitting smoking, desisting from performing facial exercises or expressions and correcting sleeping positions by not lying face down [8].
Rejuvenation of aging skin (Anti-aging procedures)
For individuals hoping to look younger or wondering how to look younger, corrective measures for aging skin are numerous and varied. These include:
1. Topical medications, such as topical retinoids (e.g. tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene) which are effective in minimising fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving skin texture and hyperpigmentation [10].
2. Chemical peels, which are quite beneficial in the treatment of wrinkles, skin discolouration and age spots. Depending on the amount of skin damage, a variety of peeling agents are used to produce light, medium or deep chemical peels. On healing, new skin, which is noticeably smoother, fresher and younger in appearance, is generated [11, 18].
3. Botulinum toxin (Botox), a sterile, vacuum-dried purified form of Botulinum toxin type A. It temporarily denervates specific muscles, which are responsible for certain facial wrinkles, including horizontal forehead lines, horizontal neck lines, and crow’s feet. It is injected in very tiny amounts into specific muscles to treat and improve lines, wrinkles and furrows associated with facial expression [11, 18].
4. Soft tissue fillers, which involves injecting filling substances under the skin. A variety of filling substances are available and those successfully used in soft tissue augmentation include bovine collagen, silicone, hyaluronic acid, Fibrel®, Goretex®, to mention a few; all these need to be applied by a skilled dermatologist. They are used to “plump up” or contour and correct wrinkles, furrows and hollows in the face [11, 18].
5. Dermabrasion, a traditional technique, which makes use of a special instrument to remove or abrade the upper layers of the skin and smooth out irregularities in the skin surface. Usually performed to correct scarring, but is used by some physicians to perform dermabrasion for substantial sun damaged skin or skin with pigmentation problems [10-11, 18].
6. Microdermabrasion, which uses tiny particles that pass through a vacuum tube to gently scrape away the aging skin and stimulate new cell growth. Suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin damage and wrinkles [11].
7. Facelift, a well known procedure used to remove sagging and redundant skin in the lower third of the face and under the chin [11].
8. Laser resurfacing, also known as “laser peel” is a relatively new procedure, which uses the newest generation of the carbon dioxide and erbium YAG lasers to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer, revealing fresh skin underneath. It is most commonly used to minimise the appearance of fine lines, particularly around the mouth and the eyes. It is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. It is often done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation such as a facelift or eyelid surgery [11, 19].
9. Non-ablative resurfacing: relatively new treatment options used to rejuvenate aging and sun damaged facial skin. They make use of non-ablative laser and intense pulsed light technologies, including electrosurgical resurfacing using electrical energy at low temperature. Non-ablative techniques were developed as a less destructive alternative to laser resurfacing and chemical peels. When used to treat wrinkles and scars, these techniques allow for rapid healing, as well as improving fine lines, and possibly skin tone [11, 18].
10. Light Therapy, which is essentially the use of infrared LED light therapy. This is used based on the fact that the skin has the ability to absorb infrared light and in the process use it as a source of energy to stimulate cellular regeneration. First researched by NASA for use in the U.S Space Program, infrared LED light therapy can reverse and control the visible signs of aging without the use of harsh chemical treatments or invasive surgical procedures. Infrared LED light therapy aids in increasing the production of collagen and elastin, thereby improving the skin’s tone and elasticity. This form of light therapy is gentle, painless, safe, non-invasive and nonabrasive, and its application feels comfortable and relaxing. So straight-forward is its ease of use that it can be used in the comfort of the home.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A STOCK MARKET INVESTOR
There are a few things you have to learn before you become a stock market investor. First is the idea of buying low and selling high. But even though that phrase is quite simple to say and memorize, it is not that easy to put into practice. One of the questions that you would probably ask is, how do you identify which stocks could be bought low and sold high? Moreover, when is the right time to do it? These are some of the questions that, until now, cannot be answered, and that is what makes the stock market exciting and thrilling, and to be able to conquer its mystery while earning money is the true treasure.
Of course, an individual who wants to become a stock market investor most likely see the stock market as a potential source of big profit for a short period of time. If you think that way, then what you are doing is not actually investing, but gambling. If you think that there is no secret or strategy that will help you win big in the stock market, then you probably do not know anything about the stock market in the first place. The truth is there is a secret that you should learn and familiarize yourself with, and you might as well accept the truth that the stock market is not an easy and quick way to source out some money.
A good stock market investor understands that it takes some time and patience before you start getting substantial profit from the stock market. By now, you might have already understood how great the risk involved in investing in the stock market is, but look at this on the bright side - the more risk involved, the higher the return of your investment.
Any educated stock market investor knows that it pays to have good knowledge on anything and everything about the stock market. He or she also knows that it is but natural that the stock market hits bulls and bears, but the idea is to stay on top of the ups and downs of the stock market.
One more thing is that, the greater the risk an investor is willing to take, the closer the shot he or she has on winning way above the average return on stocks. Before plunging into the stock market, you also have to assess the risk level of the stock you are going to buy, and your risk tolerance - which is mostly dependent on the capital you have.
Keep this in mind: if you want high returns, you should be ready to face high losses. It is also important to give some time to study the trend of the stock market where you would like to be an investor in. You also have to identify whether you are going to invest in a company that can provide high returns or in a company that can provide regular modest dividends. With these things in mind, you will already realize how being cautious and meticulous in investing pays off eventually.
Of course, an individual who wants to become a stock market investor most likely see the stock market as a potential source of big profit for a short period of time. If you think that way, then what you are doing is not actually investing, but gambling. If you think that there is no secret or strategy that will help you win big in the stock market, then you probably do not know anything about the stock market in the first place. The truth is there is a secret that you should learn and familiarize yourself with, and you might as well accept the truth that the stock market is not an easy and quick way to source out some money.
A good stock market investor understands that it takes some time and patience before you start getting substantial profit from the stock market. By now, you might have already understood how great the risk involved in investing in the stock market is, but look at this on the bright side - the more risk involved, the higher the return of your investment.
Any educated stock market investor knows that it pays to have good knowledge on anything and everything about the stock market. He or she also knows that it is but natural that the stock market hits bulls and bears, but the idea is to stay on top of the ups and downs of the stock market.
One more thing is that, the greater the risk an investor is willing to take, the closer the shot he or she has on winning way above the average return on stocks. Before plunging into the stock market, you also have to assess the risk level of the stock you are going to buy, and your risk tolerance - which is mostly dependent on the capital you have.
Keep this in mind: if you want high returns, you should be ready to face high losses. It is also important to give some time to study the trend of the stock market where you would like to be an investor in. You also have to identify whether you are going to invest in a company that can provide high returns or in a company that can provide regular modest dividends. With these things in mind, you will already realize how being cautious and meticulous in investing pays off eventually.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms and disorders are a significant health problem in all developed countries. According to recent data, around 25% of adults will experience an anxiety disorders at some time. The frequency in children is unknown, but felt to be significantly underreported and under-diagnosed.
Although quite common, Anxiety Disorders in children often are overlooked or misjudged, despite being very treatable conditions. Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders typically experience intense fear, worry, or uneasiness that can last for long periods of time and significantly affect their lives. If not treated early, anxiety disorders can lead to:
- repeated school absences or an inability to finish school;
- impaired relations with peers;
- low self-esteem;
- increased alcohol or other drug use;
- problems adjusting to work situations; and
- anxiety disorder in adulthood.
Many different anxiety disorders affect children and adolescents. Several disorders and their signs are described below:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Children and adolescents with generalised anxiety disorder engage in extreme, unrealistic worry about everyday life activities. They worry unduly about their academic performance, sporting activities, or even about being on time. Typically, these young people are very self-conscious, feel tense, and have a strong need for reassurance. They may complain about stomach-aches or other discomforts that do not appear to have any physical cause.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Children with separation anxiety disorder often have difficulty leaving their parents to attend school or camp, stay at a friend's house, or be alone. Often, they 'cling' to parents and have trouble falling asleep. Separation anxiety disorder may be accompanied by depression, sadness, withdrawal, or fear that a family member might die. About one in every 25 children experiences separation anxiety disorder. Separation anxiety is a normal part of emotional development in pre-school children.
Phobias: Children and adolescents with phobias have unrealistic and excessive fears of certain situations or objects. Many phobias have specific names, and the disorder usually centres on animals, storms, water, heights, or situations, such as being in an enclosed space. Children and adolescents with social phobias are terrified of being criticised or judged harshly by others. Young people with phobias will try to avoid the objects and situations they fear, so the disorder can greatly restrict their lives.
Panic Disorder: Repeated 'panic attacks' in children and adolescents without an apparent cause are signs of a panic disorder. Panic attacks are periods of intense fear accompanied by a pounding heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of imminent death. The experience is so scary that young people live in dread of another attack. Children and adolescents with the disorder may go to great lengths to avoid situations that may bring on a panic attack. They also may not want to go to school or to be separated from their parents.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder, sometimes called OCD, become trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviours. Even though they may recognise that the thoughts or behaviours appear senseless and distressing, the pattern is very hard to stop. Compulsive behaviours may include repeated hand washing, counting, or arranging and rearranging objects. About two in every 100 adolescents experience obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Children and adolescents can develop post-traumatic stress disorder after they experience a very stressful event. Such events may include experiencing physical or sexual abuse; being a victim of or witnessing violence; or living through a disaster, such as a bombing or hurricane.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional, and behavioural problems to occur during childhood and adolescence. About 13 of every 100 children and adolescents ages 9 to 17 experience some kind of anxiety disorder; girls are affected more than boys. About half of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders have a second anxiety disorder or other mental or behavioural disorder, such as depression. In addition, anxiety disorders may coexist with physical health conditions requiring treatment.
Researchers have found that the basic temperament of young people may play a role in some childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders. For example, some children tend to be very shy and restrained in unfamiliar situations, a possible sign that they are at greater risk for developing an anxiety disorder. Research in this area is very complex, because children's fears often change as they age.
Researchers also suggest watching for signs of anxiety disorders when children are between the ages of 6 and 8 years of age. During this time, children generally grow less afraid of the dark and imaginary creatures and become more anxious about school performance and social relationships. An excessive amount of anxiety in children this age may be a warning sign for the development of anxiety disorders later in life.
Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders can benefit from a variety of treatments and services. Following an accurate diagnosis, possible treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioural treatment, in which young people learn to deal with fears by modifying the ways they think and behave;
- Relaxation techniques;
- Biofeedback (to control stress and muscle tension);
- Family therapy;
- Parent training; and
- Medication.
While cognitive-behavioural approaches are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, medications work well with others. Some people with anxiety disorders benefit from a combination of these treatments. More research is needed to determine what treatments work best for the various types of anxiety disorders.
To learn more about Child Psychology try a free short home study course from Learning Curve.
Learning Curve also offer full length and short, specialised courses in Child Psychology.
ARTICLE SOURCE: articlesbase.com
Although quite common, Anxiety Disorders in children often are overlooked or misjudged, despite being very treatable conditions. Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders typically experience intense fear, worry, or uneasiness that can last for long periods of time and significantly affect their lives. If not treated early, anxiety disorders can lead to:
- repeated school absences or an inability to finish school;
- impaired relations with peers;
- low self-esteem;
- increased alcohol or other drug use;
- problems adjusting to work situations; and
- anxiety disorder in adulthood.
Many different anxiety disorders affect children and adolescents. Several disorders and their signs are described below:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Children and adolescents with generalised anxiety disorder engage in extreme, unrealistic worry about everyday life activities. They worry unduly about their academic performance, sporting activities, or even about being on time. Typically, these young people are very self-conscious, feel tense, and have a strong need for reassurance. They may complain about stomach-aches or other discomforts that do not appear to have any physical cause.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Children with separation anxiety disorder often have difficulty leaving their parents to attend school or camp, stay at a friend's house, or be alone. Often, they 'cling' to parents and have trouble falling asleep. Separation anxiety disorder may be accompanied by depression, sadness, withdrawal, or fear that a family member might die. About one in every 25 children experiences separation anxiety disorder. Separation anxiety is a normal part of emotional development in pre-school children.
Phobias: Children and adolescents with phobias have unrealistic and excessive fears of certain situations or objects. Many phobias have specific names, and the disorder usually centres on animals, storms, water, heights, or situations, such as being in an enclosed space. Children and adolescents with social phobias are terrified of being criticised or judged harshly by others. Young people with phobias will try to avoid the objects and situations they fear, so the disorder can greatly restrict their lives.
Panic Disorder: Repeated 'panic attacks' in children and adolescents without an apparent cause are signs of a panic disorder. Panic attacks are periods of intense fear accompanied by a pounding heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of imminent death. The experience is so scary that young people live in dread of another attack. Children and adolescents with the disorder may go to great lengths to avoid situations that may bring on a panic attack. They also may not want to go to school or to be separated from their parents.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder, sometimes called OCD, become trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviours. Even though they may recognise that the thoughts or behaviours appear senseless and distressing, the pattern is very hard to stop. Compulsive behaviours may include repeated hand washing, counting, or arranging and rearranging objects. About two in every 100 adolescents experience obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Children and adolescents can develop post-traumatic stress disorder after they experience a very stressful event. Such events may include experiencing physical or sexual abuse; being a victim of or witnessing violence; or living through a disaster, such as a bombing or hurricane.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional, and behavioural problems to occur during childhood and adolescence. About 13 of every 100 children and adolescents ages 9 to 17 experience some kind of anxiety disorder; girls are affected more than boys. About half of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders have a second anxiety disorder or other mental or behavioural disorder, such as depression. In addition, anxiety disorders may coexist with physical health conditions requiring treatment.
Researchers have found that the basic temperament of young people may play a role in some childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders. For example, some children tend to be very shy and restrained in unfamiliar situations, a possible sign that they are at greater risk for developing an anxiety disorder. Research in this area is very complex, because children's fears often change as they age.
Researchers also suggest watching for signs of anxiety disorders when children are between the ages of 6 and 8 years of age. During this time, children generally grow less afraid of the dark and imaginary creatures and become more anxious about school performance and social relationships. An excessive amount of anxiety in children this age may be a warning sign for the development of anxiety disorders later in life.
Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders can benefit from a variety of treatments and services. Following an accurate diagnosis, possible treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioural treatment, in which young people learn to deal with fears by modifying the ways they think and behave;
- Relaxation techniques;
- Biofeedback (to control stress and muscle tension);
- Family therapy;
- Parent training; and
- Medication.
While cognitive-behavioural approaches are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, medications work well with others. Some people with anxiety disorders benefit from a combination of these treatments. More research is needed to determine what treatments work best for the various types of anxiety disorders.
To learn more about Child Psychology try a free short home study course from Learning Curve.
Learning Curve also offer full length and short, specialised courses in Child Psychology.
ARTICLE SOURCE: articlesbase.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Recruiters are Human Too!
Humans are animals and animal behaviour is hard wired and mostly predictable. One behaviour in particular:
People always choose the easiest way to get what they need. Which doesn’t mean our needs can’t be complex or irrational or altruistic. Just that given a choice we always choose the easiest path.
Now job seekers who have had 40 unreturned phone calls would argue, but recruiters are human beings. They will find and choose the easiest path to make the money to feed their kids and to support their favourite charity.
The point of this Rant is to look at the way most employers work with recruiters: They brief 3 recruiters for the same job.
What the recruiters then do is totally predictable: All 3 focus on the low hanging fruit, the active job seekers who are doing the rounds of recruiters and applying to ALL the online job ads. They are easy to find, and each firm races to put ads up so they can find them first. The screening can be quite perfunctory as the race is to get their resumes in first.
Why is it predictable that they do this? They are all on contingent fees, so get your agency brand onto the person who is hired and it is $20000, lose the race and it’s a big fat nothing.
That’s the first hard wired, predictable behaviour. The second is the bit that seems to baffle many employers and HR managers.
None of the 3 recruiters will invest the 3 to 4 days of hard work to dig out some high hanging, quality fruit as they have only about a 20% chance of getting paid for their efforts.
Why just 20%? Because after a week of talking to candidates, other agencies have heard of the role, and they have talked to some other low hangers. And because there is sometimes an internal candidate who gets the job or perhaps the position is restructured.
As pointed out in last week’s Rant, any experienced recruiter can dig out candidates if they put the time in. Predictably they won’t bother if you brief more than one firm. Would you in their shoes? Employers think they are ‘testing the full market’ or ‘keeping the recruiters honest’.
No. Just predictably not getting value. And wasting a lot of their time looking at candidates who only barely match the brief but have been put forward because the agency wants that $20000.
People always choose the easiest way to get what they need. Which doesn’t mean our needs can’t be complex or irrational or altruistic. Just that given a choice we always choose the easiest path.
Now job seekers who have had 40 unreturned phone calls would argue, but recruiters are human beings. They will find and choose the easiest path to make the money to feed their kids and to support their favourite charity.
The point of this Rant is to look at the way most employers work with recruiters: They brief 3 recruiters for the same job.
What the recruiters then do is totally predictable: All 3 focus on the low hanging fruit, the active job seekers who are doing the rounds of recruiters and applying to ALL the online job ads. They are easy to find, and each firm races to put ads up so they can find them first. The screening can be quite perfunctory as the race is to get their resumes in first.
Why is it predictable that they do this? They are all on contingent fees, so get your agency brand onto the person who is hired and it is $20000, lose the race and it’s a big fat nothing.
That’s the first hard wired, predictable behaviour. The second is the bit that seems to baffle many employers and HR managers.
None of the 3 recruiters will invest the 3 to 4 days of hard work to dig out some high hanging, quality fruit as they have only about a 20% chance of getting paid for their efforts.
Why just 20%? Because after a week of talking to candidates, other agencies have heard of the role, and they have talked to some other low hangers. And because there is sometimes an internal candidate who gets the job or perhaps the position is restructured.
As pointed out in last week’s Rant, any experienced recruiter can dig out candidates if they put the time in. Predictably they won’t bother if you brief more than one firm. Would you in their shoes? Employers think they are ‘testing the full market’ or ‘keeping the recruiters honest’.
No. Just predictably not getting value. And wasting a lot of their time looking at candidates who only barely match the brief but have been put forward because the agency wants that $20000.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
DO IT NOW
As human beings, there are some chores we like doing, as, such we procrastinate on the chores we don’t like doing. Procrastination is however a bad habit and can cause chaos in our lives.I won’t even pretend I sometimes don’t fall a victim of this bad habit but I want to share ways in which I always overcome.
W. Clement Stone, who built an insurance empire worth hundreds of millions dollars, would make all his employees recite the phrase, "Do it now!" again and again at the start of each workday. Whenever you feel the tendency towards laziness taking over and you remember something you should be doing, stop and say out loud, "Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!" Thinking and planning are important, but action is far more important. You don't get paid for your thoughts and plans -- you only get paid for your results. When in doubt, act boldly, as if it were impossible to fail. In essence, it is.
Anytime you need to act and procrastination urges you to shift doing till another time, just shout to yourself, “Do it now! Do it now!” I have found doing this a lot helpful in dealing with procrastination and I believe you will also find it useful. Most times, we are unaware how procrastination creeps into our lives but the following excuses will open our eyes:
*I'll wait until I'm in the mood to do it.
*It's OK to celebrate .. . besides, I'll start my diet (sobriety) tomorrow.
*My health problem isn't that bad. Time will heal this pain.
*There's plenty of time to get it done.
*Why does the boss give us so much to do? It's not fair.
*It's too hard to talk about. I don't know where to begin.
*I work better under pressure so I don't need to do it right now.
*I've got too many other things to do first.
I am sure we have found ourselves making one or more of these excuses but the earlier we deal with them the better.I have already told you the secret,just tell yourself to do it now and please do it now! Now is the right time,not tomorrow.If you keep on piling up today’s work for tomorrow,when will you do tomorrow’s work.Please do today’s work today,so you can do tomorrow’s work tomorrow.Please do it now!
You want to make money online,do it now! You want to go high on your career pedestal,do it now! You want to have an extra income source,do it now! You want to take a professional exams,do it now!Cause the sun does not shine allday
W. Clement Stone, who built an insurance empire worth hundreds of millions dollars, would make all his employees recite the phrase, "Do it now!" again and again at the start of each workday. Whenever you feel the tendency towards laziness taking over and you remember something you should be doing, stop and say out loud, "Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!" Thinking and planning are important, but action is far more important. You don't get paid for your thoughts and plans -- you only get paid for your results. When in doubt, act boldly, as if it were impossible to fail. In essence, it is.
Anytime you need to act and procrastination urges you to shift doing till another time, just shout to yourself, “Do it now! Do it now!” I have found doing this a lot helpful in dealing with procrastination and I believe you will also find it useful. Most times, we are unaware how procrastination creeps into our lives but the following excuses will open our eyes:
*I'll wait until I'm in the mood to do it.
*It's OK to celebrate .. . besides, I'll start my diet (sobriety) tomorrow.
*My health problem isn't that bad. Time will heal this pain.
*There's plenty of time to get it done.
*Why does the boss give us so much to do? It's not fair.
*It's too hard to talk about. I don't know where to begin.
*I work better under pressure so I don't need to do it right now.
*I've got too many other things to do first.
I am sure we have found ourselves making one or more of these excuses but the earlier we deal with them the better.I have already told you the secret,just tell yourself to do it now and please do it now! Now is the right time,not tomorrow.If you keep on piling up today’s work for tomorrow,when will you do tomorrow’s work.Please do today’s work today,so you can do tomorrow’s work tomorrow.Please do it now!
You want to make money online,do it now! You want to go high on your career pedestal,do it now! You want to have an extra income source,do it now! You want to take a professional exams,do it now!Cause the sun does not shine allday
YOUR PAST DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE
We all have a past,some as ugly as rags but I tell you,your past does not determine your future.Why am I so sure? I have seen prostitutes get married and stay happily thereafter without their past haunting them,I have seen poor people experience wealth at short notice and I have seen rich people go bankrupt within days.So,get it into your sytem that your past does not determine your future.Your past, no matter how messed up your circumstances are, are NOT the determining factors that will decide your destiny. You and only you alone have the power to change your destiny no matter what your circumstances are.According to Pastor Sam Adeyemi,'decision determines destiny(DDD).' Your decision is what will determine your future,your past has absolutely no role to play in it.
So,what was your past like? From a poor home and you have been conditioned not to expect any extraordinary success? You were deeply into drinking,smoking and other social vices in the past and you think you can never overcome these habits? You were deeply into womanising ,as a result,your marriage is almost over? Your take-home pay never took you home and so you resorted to stealing? You were once divorced and you don't want to have another go at the marital institution because of the fear of failing once again? I can go on but whatever happened in your past can not determine your future.Start accepting responsibility for whatever happens in your life from today and I tell you,you'll be glad you did! By shifting your responsibility and blaming others, you are only giving yourself excuses instead of being responsible for your own success.
"Your past is important, but it is not nearly as important as the way you see your future." - Dr. Tony Compolo
So,how do you ensure you have a glorious future despite your ugly past?
Step No 1-Forget about the past.I know it's not easy but you've got to forget the past.If someone had wronged you in the past and you are still holding onto the grudge,am sorry you won't be able to move forward.Forgive and forget because your past does not have any place in the success equation.The Holy Bible even corroborates this in Phillipians 3:13 which says 'Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before...'
Step No 2-Raise your standard-For most of us that were raised in poor homes,our standards are usually low,infact,most of us have inferiority complex but for you to make your past a thing of the past,you need to raise your standards.Set high but attainable goals for yourself.Let your goals be SMART.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
Step No 3-Get rid of all limiting beliefs.Take charge of your mind and attitude.Always have a positive attitude and question anything that happens to you.Don't take things on face value.Stop what the environment is telling you,control your environment with the power within you.When you were growing,your mother told you you should just aim to make little money to sustain yourself and that anyone who aspired to be very rich in your family died at a young age.Please get rid of that limiting belief.You can be rich and I say that without fear or favour.
Step No 4-Change your strategy.According to a Chinese Proverb,'Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way, expecting a different result.' So,if you have been aiming to break from your past through a particular strategy and you find it's not working,please change your strategy.At every point in time while on the journey to break away from your past,please do progress assessment and see how things are going.If they are not going as planned,please change your strategy.Even though I know this journey's gonna be a toughie,I also know you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you,so,don't entertain any fears,you will succeed! YOU and not anyone else WILL successfully break away from your past because your past does not determine your future. Period!
So,what was your past like? From a poor home and you have been conditioned not to expect any extraordinary success? You were deeply into drinking,smoking and other social vices in the past and you think you can never overcome these habits? You were deeply into womanising ,as a result,your marriage is almost over? Your take-home pay never took you home and so you resorted to stealing? You were once divorced and you don't want to have another go at the marital institution because of the fear of failing once again? I can go on but whatever happened in your past can not determine your future.Start accepting responsibility for whatever happens in your life from today and I tell you,you'll be glad you did! By shifting your responsibility and blaming others, you are only giving yourself excuses instead of being responsible for your own success.
"Your past is important, but it is not nearly as important as the way you see your future." - Dr. Tony Compolo
So,how do you ensure you have a glorious future despite your ugly past?
Step No 1-Forget about the past.I know it's not easy but you've got to forget the past.If someone had wronged you in the past and you are still holding onto the grudge,am sorry you won't be able to move forward.Forgive and forget because your past does not have any place in the success equation.The Holy Bible even corroborates this in Phillipians 3:13 which says 'Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before...'
Step No 2-Raise your standard-For most of us that were raised in poor homes,our standards are usually low,infact,most of us have inferiority complex but for you to make your past a thing of the past,you need to raise your standards.Set high but attainable goals for yourself.Let your goals be SMART.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
Step No 3-Get rid of all limiting beliefs.Take charge of your mind and attitude.Always have a positive attitude and question anything that happens to you.Don't take things on face value.Stop what the environment is telling you,control your environment with the power within you.When you were growing,your mother told you you should just aim to make little money to sustain yourself and that anyone who aspired to be very rich in your family died at a young age.Please get rid of that limiting belief.You can be rich and I say that without fear or favour.
Step No 4-Change your strategy.According to a Chinese Proverb,'Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way, expecting a different result.' So,if you have been aiming to break from your past through a particular strategy and you find it's not working,please change your strategy.At every point in time while on the journey to break away from your past,please do progress assessment and see how things are going.If they are not going as planned,please change your strategy.Even though I know this journey's gonna be a toughie,I also know you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you,so,don't entertain any fears,you will succeed! YOU and not anyone else WILL successfully break away from your past because your past does not determine your future. Period!
GLOBAL FINANCIAL TRENDS AS LESSONS FOR NIGERIAN MARKETS
Although the Nigerian financial markets, have, to a fairly reasonable extent been insulated from the global financial crisis and economic recession in recent times, there are however those tendencies which experts have identified as having caused the crisis in the global market which must be readily checked locally. These tendencies which focus on areas of operations or investment, risks involved, fundamentals of the business and the people and governance of the business have been identified as the causal factors of the global crisis and as such, Nigerian institutions have been advised to steer clear of these tendencies to remain strong.
According to Paul Fletcher, Senior Partner, Actis, a private equity firm whose area of interest is investing in emerging market, he spoke on the implications of the global financial turmoil on emerging markets recently, suggesting that the financial crisis in Europe and the United Kingdom can also happen here in the country.
This, he said, is because the Nigerian market is not immune to the tendencies which led to crisis in the developed world even though it has been certified least vulnerable by Merrill Lynch, the highly respected international risk rating agency.
The reasons for the crisis, Fletcher, meanwhile had noted, was the fact that the financial institutions in those markets failed to look at the long term view of investing with public markets demanding short term performance.
Thus, banks began to repackage high risk assets and resorted to subprime lending, mismatching between the short term and long term.
Also, banks began to accumulate so much financial assets that their response was to lower their credit standards.
These tendencies, he observed, grew the proportion of household debts to income from 100 percent in year 2000 to over 170 percent in 2008 which was far above that of the 1990’s and beyond.
Already in Nigeria, asset base of banks, according to Chukwuma Soludo, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria has grown by approximately 418.57 percent between 2003 and June, 2008 with about 12 banks and over $1 billion in Tier 1 capital, by end June, 2008.
Figures from the CBN show that share of banks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose substantially from 30 percent in 2003 to 63.5 percent in June, 2008; while credits to the core private sector by banks are increasing significantly at 70.6 per cent annualised rate by end of August 2008.
Now, with the advent of licensed microfinance banks, totaling 780 in number and with more on the way, as assured by Soludo, there is no doubt that the issue of inability to access credits from banks will soon be a thing of the past. This is all the more so as credit bureaus have been licensed to also monitor the process of banks’ credit allocation by giving credit reports of borrowers.
Fletcher’s advise borders on the need for government, the people, regulatory bodies and the corporate governance of these financial organisations to look into the fundamentals of the business in a bid to correct anomalies that may lead to such meltdown.
Commending the country’s regulatory environment for being conservative and prudent, he noted that this was characterised by good banks with strong capital base, strong supervisory and regulatory bodies which serve as its cushion against the ongoing global crisis in the first place, insisting that the slight effect of what is suffered, remains only indirect effects, at least for now.
However, he mentioned the indirect effects to include drop in investor confidence level, slow in growth levels, lower commodity prices like oil, restricted access to financial resources from the international scene, limited economic stimulus packages and restricted private sector investment; advising that other tendencies need to be checked to remain immune and avoided in the long term against any financial meltdown.–BusinessDay
According to Paul Fletcher, Senior Partner, Actis, a private equity firm whose area of interest is investing in emerging market, he spoke on the implications of the global financial turmoil on emerging markets recently, suggesting that the financial crisis in Europe and the United Kingdom can also happen here in the country.
This, he said, is because the Nigerian market is not immune to the tendencies which led to crisis in the developed world even though it has been certified least vulnerable by Merrill Lynch, the highly respected international risk rating agency.
The reasons for the crisis, Fletcher, meanwhile had noted, was the fact that the financial institutions in those markets failed to look at the long term view of investing with public markets demanding short term performance.
Thus, banks began to repackage high risk assets and resorted to subprime lending, mismatching between the short term and long term.
Also, banks began to accumulate so much financial assets that their response was to lower their credit standards.
These tendencies, he observed, grew the proportion of household debts to income from 100 percent in year 2000 to over 170 percent in 2008 which was far above that of the 1990’s and beyond.
Already in Nigeria, asset base of banks, according to Chukwuma Soludo, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria has grown by approximately 418.57 percent between 2003 and June, 2008 with about 12 banks and over $1 billion in Tier 1 capital, by end June, 2008.
Figures from the CBN show that share of banks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose substantially from 30 percent in 2003 to 63.5 percent in June, 2008; while credits to the core private sector by banks are increasing significantly at 70.6 per cent annualised rate by end of August 2008.
Now, with the advent of licensed microfinance banks, totaling 780 in number and with more on the way, as assured by Soludo, there is no doubt that the issue of inability to access credits from banks will soon be a thing of the past. This is all the more so as credit bureaus have been licensed to also monitor the process of banks’ credit allocation by giving credit reports of borrowers.
Fletcher’s advise borders on the need for government, the people, regulatory bodies and the corporate governance of these financial organisations to look into the fundamentals of the business in a bid to correct anomalies that may lead to such meltdown.
Commending the country’s regulatory environment for being conservative and prudent, he noted that this was characterised by good banks with strong capital base, strong supervisory and regulatory bodies which serve as its cushion against the ongoing global crisis in the first place, insisting that the slight effect of what is suffered, remains only indirect effects, at least for now.
However, he mentioned the indirect effects to include drop in investor confidence level, slow in growth levels, lower commodity prices like oil, restricted access to financial resources from the international scene, limited economic stimulus packages and restricted private sector investment; advising that other tendencies need to be checked to remain immune and avoided in the long term against any financial meltdown.–BusinessDay
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Managing the Human Being Behind the Business
It’s a common problem and we’ve all seen it - business owners that are just ‘too busy’ all of the time, and as a result, do not enjoy the success in business they had hoped for. Let’s not kid ourselves, there is a lot to focus on: technology, employees, sales, marketing and so on. These functions are essential and need to be well organised and managed.
But there is a second aspect to business success that is often overlooked – the effectiveness of the person running the show. Businesses are a reflection of the people who run them. If those people are ‘too busy’, stressed, or poorly organised, then these characteristics are reflected back in the business. The underlying behaviour and values of the business owner drive how much control they need, how they will delegate and how they use their time.
Growth of the business and the business owner need to match up
Any business that does not grow will ultimately decline. This may sound black and white but it is true. Growth can mean different things depending on the owner. For some it may be growth in revenues, for others it may be expanding product lines, or increasing the distribution channels. Whatever the definition of growth is, if it is not well thought out and planned, the business will soon become marginal and eventually fail, dragging the owner with it.
If the business is to grow, then the owner has to take the necessary time to learn the new roles and skills that a growing business will demand. Imagine for one moment where you would like your business to be in 5 years time. Then ask yourself: “Is it possible that I can be exactly the same person in 5 years that I am today and fulfil that growth strategy for my business? The answer has to be no. Business owners need to be prepared for new learning and taking on new, different, and bigger responsibilities - without fear or hesitation. The reality is the owner will be the limiting factor in growth - the business can only grow to the extent to which the owner grows.
When owners feel out of sorts, overworked, and like they are running faster and faster, it is almost always because they have fallen victim to the reactive "let's go faster" management approach. They are forced to live from problem to problem, and as a result are unsuccessful and may become unwilling to see their own (lack of) self-management as part of the problem.
The major reasons that business owners don’t manage themselves better are:
Being comfortable - we all do what we are comfortable with – it’s human nature. So we keep doing what we have always done.
Not knowing what else is possible.
Not knowing that there are other ways to do what they are doing.
Actually getting energy (and maybe some identity) from being stressed and overworked.
There are 5 steps to take in the road to better self-management:
1. Clarify personal goals for the future.
Many business owners lose sight of these as they get immersed in the day-to-day running of the business. Articulating your personal goals can reveal any issues about whether these support or conflict with their business goals. These goals need to cover both the immediate and future plans. What do you want to achieve personally in the next 1 to 2 years. And where do you want to be in ten years time?
2. Clarify the business goals.
Having spent some time expressing personal goals for the future, take a look at your business goals and rethink them. Are your personal and business goals working together, or are they working against each other? If they do seem to be mutually exclusive, what choices will you make next? Putting the business goals ahead of your personal ones will inevitably lead to stress and feelings of overwhelm. Determine instead whether the business goals can be re-oriented or modified to support what you would like to achieve personally.
3. Identify the owner's ideal role 3 years from now.
Think about who you want to be - what role you want to have in the business – in 3 years time. Will you still be doing the majority of work? Will you have others doing the work and your capacity is more advisory? Or perhaps you would like to remove yourself completely from the operational parts of the business and focus on product or business development?
Thinking about what you want as an owner in the future can give you great insights into what strategies you may need to put in place now.
4. Conduct a detailed personal time analysis for a one-week period.
This is where the rubber hits the road. If you really are true to yourself when you do this exercise you will learn a lot about where the potential lies for making changes. How are you really spending your time? Break your day down into at least half hour slots and write down exactly what you do in each 30 minutes.
5. Create a plan of action for the next 30 days.
Based on the data from steps 1-4, create an action plan to cover the next 30 days. Your plan should include:
• steps to align personal and business goals
• strategy for moving to the role the owner wants to play in the business in the future
• analysis of the results of the one-week detailed monitoring exercise
• deciding which activities add the most value and planning to spend time on those
• identify how much time is spent on low value activity and planning to delegate or stop doing those things
There is never a better time than right now for planning to do things differently. Take charge of yourself and your business by choosing a direction that allows you to meet both your personal and business goals, and still retain your sanity!
But there is a second aspect to business success that is often overlooked – the effectiveness of the person running the show. Businesses are a reflection of the people who run them. If those people are ‘too busy’, stressed, or poorly organised, then these characteristics are reflected back in the business. The underlying behaviour and values of the business owner drive how much control they need, how they will delegate and how they use their time.
Growth of the business and the business owner need to match up
Any business that does not grow will ultimately decline. This may sound black and white but it is true. Growth can mean different things depending on the owner. For some it may be growth in revenues, for others it may be expanding product lines, or increasing the distribution channels. Whatever the definition of growth is, if it is not well thought out and planned, the business will soon become marginal and eventually fail, dragging the owner with it.
If the business is to grow, then the owner has to take the necessary time to learn the new roles and skills that a growing business will demand. Imagine for one moment where you would like your business to be in 5 years time. Then ask yourself: “Is it possible that I can be exactly the same person in 5 years that I am today and fulfil that growth strategy for my business? The answer has to be no. Business owners need to be prepared for new learning and taking on new, different, and bigger responsibilities - without fear or hesitation. The reality is the owner will be the limiting factor in growth - the business can only grow to the extent to which the owner grows.
When owners feel out of sorts, overworked, and like they are running faster and faster, it is almost always because they have fallen victim to the reactive "let's go faster" management approach. They are forced to live from problem to problem, and as a result are unsuccessful and may become unwilling to see their own (lack of) self-management as part of the problem.
The major reasons that business owners don’t manage themselves better are:
Being comfortable - we all do what we are comfortable with – it’s human nature. So we keep doing what we have always done.
Not knowing what else is possible.
Not knowing that there are other ways to do what they are doing.
Actually getting energy (and maybe some identity) from being stressed and overworked.
There are 5 steps to take in the road to better self-management:
1. Clarify personal goals for the future.
Many business owners lose sight of these as they get immersed in the day-to-day running of the business. Articulating your personal goals can reveal any issues about whether these support or conflict with their business goals. These goals need to cover both the immediate and future plans. What do you want to achieve personally in the next 1 to 2 years. And where do you want to be in ten years time?
2. Clarify the business goals.
Having spent some time expressing personal goals for the future, take a look at your business goals and rethink them. Are your personal and business goals working together, or are they working against each other? If they do seem to be mutually exclusive, what choices will you make next? Putting the business goals ahead of your personal ones will inevitably lead to stress and feelings of overwhelm. Determine instead whether the business goals can be re-oriented or modified to support what you would like to achieve personally.
3. Identify the owner's ideal role 3 years from now.
Think about who you want to be - what role you want to have in the business – in 3 years time. Will you still be doing the majority of work? Will you have others doing the work and your capacity is more advisory? Or perhaps you would like to remove yourself completely from the operational parts of the business and focus on product or business development?
Thinking about what you want as an owner in the future can give you great insights into what strategies you may need to put in place now.
4. Conduct a detailed personal time analysis for a one-week period.
This is where the rubber hits the road. If you really are true to yourself when you do this exercise you will learn a lot about where the potential lies for making changes. How are you really spending your time? Break your day down into at least half hour slots and write down exactly what you do in each 30 minutes.
5. Create a plan of action for the next 30 days.
Based on the data from steps 1-4, create an action plan to cover the next 30 days. Your plan should include:
• steps to align personal and business goals
• strategy for moving to the role the owner wants to play in the business in the future
• analysis of the results of the one-week detailed monitoring exercise
• deciding which activities add the most value and planning to spend time on those
• identify how much time is spent on low value activity and planning to delegate or stop doing those things
There is never a better time than right now for planning to do things differently. Take charge of yourself and your business by choosing a direction that allows you to meet both your personal and business goals, and still retain your sanity!
Recruiters are Human Too!
Humans are animals and animal behaviour is hard wired and mostly predictable. One behaviour in particular:
People always choose the easiest way to get what they need. Which doesn’t mean our needs can’t be complex or irrational or altruistic. Just that given a choice we always choose the easiest path.
Now job seekers who have had 40 unreturned phone calls would argue, but recruiters are human beings. They will find and choose the easiest path to make the money to feed their kids and to support their favourite charity.
The point of this Rant is to look at the way most employers work with recruiters: They brief 3 recruiters for the same job.
What the recruiters then do is totally predictable: All 3 focus on the low hanging fruit, the active job seekers who are doing the rounds of recruiters and applying to ALL the online job ads. They are easy to find, and each firm races to put ads up so they can find them first. The screening can be quite perfunctory as the race is to get their resumes in first.
Why is it predictable that they do this? They are all on contingent fees, so get your agency brand onto the person who is hired and it is $20000, lose the race and it’s a big fat nothing.
That’s the first hard wired, predictable behaviour. The second is the bit that seems to baffle many employers and HR managers.
None of the 3 recruiters will invest the 3 to 4 days of hard work to dig out some high hanging, quality fruit as they have only about a 20% chance of getting paid for their efforts.
Why just 20%? Because after a week of talking to candidates, other agencies have heard of the role, and they have talked to some other low hangers. And because there is sometimes an internal candidate who gets the job or perhaps the position is restructured.
As pointed out in last week’s Rant, any experienced recruiter can dig out candidates if they put the time in. Predictably they won’t bother if you brief more than one firm. Would you in their shoes? Employers think they are ‘testing the full market’ or ‘keeping the recruiters honest’.
No. Just predictably not getting value. And wasting a lot of their time looking at candidates who only barely match the brief but have been put forward because the agency wants that $20000
People always choose the easiest way to get what they need. Which doesn’t mean our needs can’t be complex or irrational or altruistic. Just that given a choice we always choose the easiest path.
Now job seekers who have had 40 unreturned phone calls would argue, but recruiters are human beings. They will find and choose the easiest path to make the money to feed their kids and to support their favourite charity.
The point of this Rant is to look at the way most employers work with recruiters: They brief 3 recruiters for the same job.
What the recruiters then do is totally predictable: All 3 focus on the low hanging fruit, the active job seekers who are doing the rounds of recruiters and applying to ALL the online job ads. They are easy to find, and each firm races to put ads up so they can find them first. The screening can be quite perfunctory as the race is to get their resumes in first.
Why is it predictable that they do this? They are all on contingent fees, so get your agency brand onto the person who is hired and it is $20000, lose the race and it’s a big fat nothing.
That’s the first hard wired, predictable behaviour. The second is the bit that seems to baffle many employers and HR managers.
None of the 3 recruiters will invest the 3 to 4 days of hard work to dig out some high hanging, quality fruit as they have only about a 20% chance of getting paid for their efforts.
Why just 20%? Because after a week of talking to candidates, other agencies have heard of the role, and they have talked to some other low hangers. And because there is sometimes an internal candidate who gets the job or perhaps the position is restructured.
As pointed out in last week’s Rant, any experienced recruiter can dig out candidates if they put the time in. Predictably they won’t bother if you brief more than one firm. Would you in their shoes? Employers think they are ‘testing the full market’ or ‘keeping the recruiters honest’.
No. Just predictably not getting value. And wasting a lot of their time looking at candidates who only barely match the brief but have been put forward because the agency wants that $20000
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
TUMBLE OF THE STOCK MARKET
Many have writing to profer reasons why the current tumble in the Nigerian stock market. All the analysis may be correct, and it is not subject of this article to dwell on how correct or otherwise those articles are. It is without doubt that the operators are less than honest-every body agrees the stocks are being manipulated. Even the above assertion like the mathematical or financial analysis before it overlooks one of the fundamental reasons- the law of impermanence of all things. It is rather strange that Nigerians spend great deal of their time in churches and mosques yet they fail to comprehend or are not prepared to obey the law of life. As a result we are too physical, ''it is do or die'' to borrow OBJ's threat. It is for the same reason that once there is a small traffic build up on our roads, many will resort to driving one way without a single thought on the families they left at home. It also for the same reason that a man will steal millions of naira from government coffers, why because he does not understand the law impermanence of all things and foolishly assumes he could perpetuate wealth, he and his generations after him would live happily ever after. Everything in life is subject to this law, success or failure, riches or poverty. that was what Solomon taught in the book of Ecclesiastes ''there is a time for everything under the sun, time to be born and time to die.....'' He went further to declare that ''all is vanity, running after the wind.'' That is also what the Great ZIK taught us , '' No condition is will ever be permanent''.
If we understand that, how can somebody who is sane expect the prices of stock to continually be on upward trajectory? Is it not common knowledge that if an object of whatever kind continues to grow without limit it will become a monster and destructive. What is cancer? Cancer is the division or multiplication of cells. Is there anything wrong with cells growing, NO, but it becomes destructive when the growth is out control. Do they ever realize what would have happened to the real sector of our economy if the prices of stock continue to increase with out end? As people sold their houses to invest in stocks, more would have sold their businesses to join the stock market party to detriment of our long time economy interest. During the boom, every stock broker became an expert, ZENITH shares will rise, so it rose, GTB shares will rise,so it did, amala plc shares will rise, and so it rose. Like every thing in Nigeria, buying and selling of shares become buzz word. An igbo proverb had warned that ''anything that is so sweet, in it is contained the seed of destruction''. Go to the offices of many stock brockers today, they have become palaces of gloom. Why, because they have forgotten what Solomon taught several centuries ago, that both birth and death are two side of the same coin, separated only by time. Failure is woven in every success just as seed of every failure is also seed of success.
If we understand that, how can somebody who is sane expect the prices of stock to continually be on upward trajectory? Is it not common knowledge that if an object of whatever kind continues to grow without limit it will become a monster and destructive. What is cancer? Cancer is the division or multiplication of cells. Is there anything wrong with cells growing, NO, but it becomes destructive when the growth is out control. Do they ever realize what would have happened to the real sector of our economy if the prices of stock continue to increase with out end? As people sold their houses to invest in stocks, more would have sold their businesses to join the stock market party to detriment of our long time economy interest. During the boom, every stock broker became an expert, ZENITH shares will rise, so it rose, GTB shares will rise,so it did, amala plc shares will rise, and so it rose. Like every thing in Nigeria, buying and selling of shares become buzz word. An igbo proverb had warned that ''anything that is so sweet, in it is contained the seed of destruction''. Go to the offices of many stock brockers today, they have become palaces of gloom. Why, because they have forgotten what Solomon taught several centuries ago, that both birth and death are two side of the same coin, separated only by time. Failure is woven in every success just as seed of every failure is also seed of success.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Psychological Explanations of Social Phenomena
The various aspects of social psychology could be examined within the wide concepts of intelligence, gender, advertising, consumer culture, stress and psychological issues that define society. Considering consumer behaviour, social psychology uses convincing theories to explain addictive consumption, the influence of advertising and the phenomenon of purchasing. Advertising is seen as a subtle psychological manipulation as it creates desires and anxiety in the potential consumers (Papers4you.com, 2006). Advertising can have both psychological and commercial aspects including misattribution, bias, suggestibility, and could be studied from global or local perspectives. Organisational consumption is seen as different from individual consumption although generic psychological theories of human motivation such as that of Maslow and Freud can explain consumer behaviour. However consumer behaviour can also be studied in terms of the notion of quality and its relation to customer satisfaction (Silva et al, 2005). The objective measures of customer needs, pricing and expectations of the customers may have to be analysed within Service Quality or Expectations models. Hogg and Garrow (2003) highlighted on the psychological aspects of gender and the influence on consumption of advertising. Advertising has been found to be processed and interpreted differently according to gender schemas and perceptions. This would in turn relate to psychological theories of gender such as the theory of biological determinism, Freudian theory of personality development, cognitive-developmental theory, and feminist theories. Bridging the gap between gender studies and gender differences in consumption could provide us with new insights on social and psychological aspects of consumer behavior. Orth (2005) indicated that consumer behaviour largely depends on consumer personality and susceptibility to interpersonal influence, consumer situational disposition such as risk taking and curiosity, purchasing behaviour and purchasing frequency and demographic variables such as age and gender. Contemporary consumer culture could be studied in relation to an excessive emphasis on beauty and appearance and an obsession with youth, a phenomenon that has seen an increased dependence on cosmetic surgery. The increased importance of the body in the consumer culture could be studied along with the significance of appearance in modern society, the role of marketing and advertising images, and the psychological need for self-expression (Papers4you.com, 2006).
Social psychology is however focused not just on consumption and public attitudes on advertising, but also on group behaviour, general individual and collective attitudes towards various social issues including war, work, violence and quality of life. This would in turn explain how individuals deal with stress, and focus on the psychological consequences of stress. Although psychological disorders may in some cases be a direct result of social stress, deviant behaviour in society could be explained with the help of several theories such as the theory of subcultures by Parker, the structural strain theory by Merton, or the theory of conformity. Social psychology is thus focused on explaining a wide range of issues from advertising and consumer behavior to public attitudes on social issues and antisocial behaviour.
Social psychology is however focused not just on consumption and public attitudes on advertising, but also on group behaviour, general individual and collective attitudes towards various social issues including war, work, violence and quality of life. This would in turn explain how individuals deal with stress, and focus on the psychological consequences of stress. Although psychological disorders may in some cases be a direct result of social stress, deviant behaviour in society could be explained with the help of several theories such as the theory of subcultures by Parker, the structural strain theory by Merton, or the theory of conformity. Social psychology is thus focused on explaining a wide range of issues from advertising and consumer behavior to public attitudes on social issues and antisocial behaviour.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Abnormal Psychology - Human Behaviour
Common psychologists simply describe the psychological diseases and their manifestations. However, through dream interpretation you have a clear explanation of why your disease appeared in your psyche and more importantly, how you can be cured and stop having abnormal behaviour.What is normal is not always what is balanced and really good for each person, but abnormal behaviour is certainly far from the known behavioural patterns and causes damage to the person and their environment.A wild and violent conscience is inherent in the human psyche . I discovered this when I continued Carl Jung's neglected research in the dark region of the psyche through dream interpretation. The human being cannot have a balanced behavior, even when one follows the common behavioural patterns of society, which are considered normal.When we observe abnormal behaviour and we try to understand its psychology and how we can eliminate what causes problems, we observe that the wild conscience invades the human part, with several strange ideas, sensations and feelings. This is how the craziness inherent in the primitive conscience starts causing violent behaviour in the human side, and the person becomes aggressive.This invasion can have many forms and appear camouflaged in many guises. The first signs of the invasion are usually the appearance of fear and suspicion. Neurotic patients are afraid of other human beings.The craziness existent in the anti-conscience is a result of the disorganized development of the conscience since its formation. In order to reach a stage where the conscience would be happy, it would have to work very hard and organize its reactions, but it has not been programmed and it was developed without planning, which is why the result was the formation of chaos.The unconscious psychic sphere that creates dreams is a completely developed human conscience that reached sanctity and can cure us from the craziness inherent in our psychic spheres. Once cured, we will develop all our capacities, be peaceful and always do what is good for us and our community.The wild anti-conscience and the wise unconscious are constantly fighting in our psyche. The anti-conscience wants to destroy our human conscience, while the wise unconscious tries to save and develop our human conscience to the fullest, so that we may live free of the horrors of craziness.Psychological health, balance and wisdom can be found only in goodness, forgiveness and piety. However, the human being doesn't forgive one's enemies and is totally cruel in front of those who need support and help.The behaviour that is considered normal is actually not healthy because we are selfish, and selfishness is pure craziness. The wild anti-conscience manages to influence and invade the conscience using the person's ego as a channel.Only when the human being learns how to be sensitive and reasonable will one live peacefully and happily, having a truly balanced and wise behaviour.We need guidance to cultivate sensitivity and develop all the psychological functions, since three of them do not function as they should and only one psychological function dominates our psychic spheres. The wise unconscious knows exactly how to help us and this is why it sends us messages through dreams.These messages are incomprehensible for the conscience because they could be distorted by the anti-conscience. This fact proves that there are two parts in the human conscience and one of them shall not understand what the unconscious tells the human part because these are instructions about how to transform the wild part in human.If the wild conscience learned what the unconscious explains to the human side, it would distort these messages. This is why you have to learn how to interpret your dreams, in the same way you learn how to translate one language to another.I greatly simplified Carl Jung's method of dream interpretation, which is the only accurate one, and now you can easily learn how to decipher the mysterious messages of your dreams, so that you'll be able to develop all your capacities and live happily, having a balanced and wise behaviour.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
THE ROLL OF CHILDREN
BEFORE I PROCEED TO MAIN POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGISE FOR MY INABILITY TO POST FOR FEW DAYS NOW,IT WAS HILLNESS AS A RESULT OF STRESS.
WHAT CAN I OFFER FOR TO DAY'S POST, WELL YOU WILL OBVIOUSLY BE WANDERING WHAT I WOULD OFFER FOR TODAY OR PROBABLY YOU ALREADY KNEW WHAT I WOULD BE TREATING FOR TODAY. WELL FOR TODAY, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A LOOK INTO THE ACTIVITIES OF TODAY'S CHILDREN OR THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW. IF WE ARE OBSERVANT, WE WOULD DISCOVER THAT MOST CHILDREN OF TODAY PREFERS MOSTLY NOT TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR OLD PARENTS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY [PARENTS]DIDN'T CATER FOR THEIR[CHILDREN] NEEDS WHILE THEY WERE YOUNG. BASE ON THIS, CHILDREN PREFERS TO TAKE THEIR OLD PARENTS TO THE OLD PEOPLES HOME. HONESTLY I'M NOT AGAINST SUCH DECISION BECAUSE THE OLD PEOPLES HOME IS NOT BUILT FOR GOATS OR ANY OTHER ANIMALS. THE TRUTH OF THIS POST IS THAT THERE'S NO BETTER WAY WE CAN REWARD OUR PARENTS FOR BRINGING INTO THE WORLD. PERMIT ME TO MENTION NAMES HERE, WHAT WOULD MR. BILL CLINTON BECOME IF THE MOTHER HAD ABORTED HIS PREGNANCY WHILE HE WAS STILL A FOETUS. WHAT WOULD SENATOR BARACK OBAMA BECOME IF THE HAD ABORTED HIS PREGNANCY. HONESTLY THERE'S NO OTHER WAY WE CAN REWARD THEM FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE FOR US ESPECIALLY THE MOTHERS THAT CARRIES THE BABY IN THEIR WOMB FOR NINE MONTHS. IF YOU REMEMBER THE DAY YOUR FATHER FAILED TO PAY YOUR SCHOOL FEES, TRY TO REMEMBER THE DAYS YOU URINATED ON HIS BODY WHEN YOU WERE STILL A BABY WITH OUT HIM DOING ANYTHING TO YOU. REMEMBER THE DAYS YOU EAT AND FATHER OR MOTHER DIDNOT EAT ANYTHING. REMEMBER THE MOTHER FASTED ALL BECAUSE OF YOU. REMEMBER THE DAYS FATHER WOULD BE IN THE RAIN WORKING ALL IN THE OF CHILDREN. PLEASE I WOULD LIKE TO STOP HERE FOR NOW AS I WILL COME BACK TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUES OF PARENTAL CARE ONCE AGAIN.
WHAT CAN I OFFER FOR TO DAY'S POST, WELL YOU WILL OBVIOUSLY BE WANDERING WHAT I WOULD OFFER FOR TODAY OR PROBABLY YOU ALREADY KNEW WHAT I WOULD BE TREATING FOR TODAY. WELL FOR TODAY, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A LOOK INTO THE ACTIVITIES OF TODAY'S CHILDREN OR THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW. IF WE ARE OBSERVANT, WE WOULD DISCOVER THAT MOST CHILDREN OF TODAY PREFERS MOSTLY NOT TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR OLD PARENTS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY [PARENTS]DIDN'T CATER FOR THEIR[CHILDREN] NEEDS WHILE THEY WERE YOUNG. BASE ON THIS, CHILDREN PREFERS TO TAKE THEIR OLD PARENTS TO THE OLD PEOPLES HOME. HONESTLY I'M NOT AGAINST SUCH DECISION BECAUSE THE OLD PEOPLES HOME IS NOT BUILT FOR GOATS OR ANY OTHER ANIMALS. THE TRUTH OF THIS POST IS THAT THERE'S NO BETTER WAY WE CAN REWARD OUR PARENTS FOR BRINGING INTO THE WORLD. PERMIT ME TO MENTION NAMES HERE, WHAT WOULD MR. BILL CLINTON BECOME IF THE MOTHER HAD ABORTED HIS PREGNANCY WHILE HE WAS STILL A FOETUS. WHAT WOULD SENATOR BARACK OBAMA BECOME IF THE HAD ABORTED HIS PREGNANCY. HONESTLY THERE'S NO OTHER WAY WE CAN REWARD THEM FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE FOR US ESPECIALLY THE MOTHERS THAT CARRIES THE BABY IN THEIR WOMB FOR NINE MONTHS. IF YOU REMEMBER THE DAY YOUR FATHER FAILED TO PAY YOUR SCHOOL FEES, TRY TO REMEMBER THE DAYS YOU URINATED ON HIS BODY WHEN YOU WERE STILL A BABY WITH OUT HIM DOING ANYTHING TO YOU. REMEMBER THE DAYS YOU EAT AND FATHER OR MOTHER DIDNOT EAT ANYTHING. REMEMBER THE MOTHER FASTED ALL BECAUSE OF YOU. REMEMBER THE DAYS FATHER WOULD BE IN THE RAIN WORKING ALL IN THE OF CHILDREN. PLEASE I WOULD LIKE TO STOP HERE FOR NOW AS I WILL COME BACK TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUES OF PARENTAL CARE ONCE AGAIN.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
THE ROLL OF PARENTS TO CHILDREN
I HAVE MADE A RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT SOME PARENTS DO NOT KNOW THE REAL VALUE OF CHILDREN. MOST OF THESE KIND OF PARENTS CAN COMMONLY BE FOUND IN AFRICA. SOME PARENTS CANNOT EVEN BOLDLY SAY IT PUBLICLY THAT THEY SENT THEIR CHILDREN TO A PARTICULAR PRIMARY SCHOOL. AND SOME ARE EVEN HOME LESS. AS FAR AS I KNOW, I OBSERVED THAT NATURALLY SOME ARE JUST LAZY [PARTICULARLY THE MEN] BUT THEY WANT TO ENJOY ALMOST EVERYTHING OF THE WHOLE WORLD. ALL FINGERS ARE NOT EQUAL BUT AT LEAST WE MUST MAKE A CERTAIN IMPACT. WE ALL CANNOT BE EDUCATED AT A PRIVATE SCHOOL OR THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL IN THE WORLD BUT AT LEAST OUR CHILDREN SHOULD BE EDUCATED. CHILDREN ARE THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW SO WE SHOULD KNOW HOW BEST TO TRAIN THE CHILDREN. WHAT WOULD BE THE END OF A CHILD THAT LACKS PARENTAL CARE? WHAT WOULD BE THE GAIN OF A FATHER THAT DID NOT TAKE CARE OF HIS CHILDREN. ASIDE THAT, WHO WILL EVEN TAKE CARE OF YOU IF YOU DONT TAKE CARE OF YOU CHILDREN WHEN YOU GROW OLD? PLEASE LET'S TRY OUR BEST IN THE UPBRINGING OF OUR CHILDREN. I WOULD LIKE TO STOP HERE FOR NOW AND I WILL LATER LOOK INTO THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO PARENTS.
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