2023-24 MMHV Notes - 1st Semester PDF

JAIN UNIVERSITY Declared as Deemed-to-be University uls 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 The Department of MIND MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN VALUES Under the aegis of HUMAN NETWORKING ACADEMY (A Division of Jain...

JAIN UNIVERSITY Declared as Deemed-to-be University uls 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 The Department of MIND MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN VALUES Under the aegis of HUMAN NETWORKING ACADEMY (A Division of Jain Group of Institution) Offers an experiential course to all the first-year students of Under-Graduate Program — MIND MANAGEMENT & HUMAN VALUES (VISHVA — CHAITANYA)  MESSAGE Dear Faculty & Students, It is heartening to know that the Human Networking Academy, a distinguished division of the Jain Group of Institutions (JGI), has prepared a Mind Management and Human Values course and suitable course materials to be included in the Jain University undergraduate programmes. I congratulate the members of HNA for their invaluable experience, meticulous planning and tremendous energy for such a course, a reality in a very short time. In these days of globalisation, it is challenging to convince students of the need for and the importance of keeping their minds serene, unpolluted and open to enable them to realise the full potential of their mental faculties. Intending to equip the students with the requisite knowledge and skills to strengthen their minds, Jain University has introduced a course entitled Mind Management and Human Values in its undergraduate course curriculum. I am happy to express my appreciation for Prof. K.S. Shantamani, Chief Mentor of JGI, for her commitment and dedication in planning the course and taking all the trouble to inculcate human, spiritual and ethical values in our students. Prof. N. Sundararajan Pro - Chancellor Jain University  EDITORIAL BOARD Late Professor K.S. Shantamani Chief Mentor, Jain University TNC Col. Vijayasarathy, VSM (President Awardee) Chief Programme Co-ordinator, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Abhijith Shenoy K HOD, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Dr Swaroop Ranganath Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Shilpa Venkatesh Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Vijith Varghese Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Shantha Sheela Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Divya M Kuriakose Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Merlin Mary Bobby Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Sanath GS Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Aditi S Rao Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Yashaswini HA Assistant Professor, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Divyashree Sampath Adjunct Faculty — Life Skills, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Vibha Sharma Adjunct Faculty — Life Skills, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Sumithra Radhakrishnan Adjunct Faculty — Yoga, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Yamuna G Adjunct Faculty — Yoga, Human Networking Academy, Jain University Anil Chandra Cinematographer, Podcast Series Mahadevappa Hiremath Editor in chief, Podcast Series  INDEX AWAKENING HIDDEN POTENTIAL EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & PRESENTATION SKILLS GOAL SETTING LEARNING MADE EASY HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS TIME MANAGEMENT SCRIPT FOR INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM -1, 2 and 3  INTRODUCTION Chaitanya means consciousness — The source of our life. Our mind is a limited force, also called as Vyashti-Chaitanya (fe-9a=). Prayer and meditation connect us to the Universal Mind or Vishva-Chaitanya, the power directing and sustaining all the laws and movements of the universe. This linking of the Individual Mind with the Universal Mind is known as YOGA, best symbolised by Namaskara-Mudra. Yoga is a comprehensive term that covers different aspects of personality development. A few elements which can be enlisted are — being aware of our thoughts, further differentiating between positive and negative thoughts and finally, retaining positive thoughts and practising a positive lifestyle. Additionally, it helps us to fine-tune the body-mind complex. Yoga also enhances our concentration and memory. In the Bhagavadgita, several kinds of Yogas are mentioned. They are all practical paths that lead us to the fulfilment of life by delving deep into the ultimate source of energy and bliss. “Growth and inner evolution” and “Raise yourself by self-effort” — are the empowering watchwords of the Jain Group of Institutions. Our sources of guidance and inspiration are the wisdom of the Upanishads, the life histories of ancient and modern sages, the techniques of yoga, and the insights of modern humanistic psychology. Dr Chenraj Raichand, Chairman, Jain University  AWAKENING HIDDEN POTENTIAL (The power of the Conscious and Subconscious Mind) The reason to title the course of the four days of soft-skills-based orientation program as ‘Vishva Chaitanya’ — ‘Vishva’ is Universe, and ‘Chaitanya’ is Consciousness. So, Vishva Chaitanya means Universal Consciousness. The underlying consciousness within us is one single energy particle called by different names by different people. The same energy is called Quarks by physicists and consciousness by psychologists. The energy within us and nature is of high potential. Animals, birds and other living creatures instinctively connect very well with nature and are extremely sensitive to the good and bad of nature. Like animals and birds, man has all the energy to connect with nature. The inner energy within an individual is called Vyashti Chaitanya (Individual Consciousness), whereas the external collective energy is called Samashti Chaitanya (Collective Consciousness). So the goal of every human being eventually 1s to connect with the collective energy and attain a Vishva Chaitanya state! Unfortunately, due to his negative qualities like consumerism and too much materialism, Man has stopped connecting with nature and become highly insensitive. The reason for such large-scale turmoil is the loss of the inherent capacity to connect with nature. After analysing the problem, now it is essential to find a solution. Hence the question arises - How do we develop such an ability? An individual can possess the ability to connect to nature by being more focused and curious. One can achieve personal and global goals by tapping the conscious and sub-conscious mind power, i.e., making this planet a better place to live. Mind your mind — The students of a Zen Master noticed that whenever their Master sat on the shore of the ocean to meditate, the seagulls and other birds would freely and fearlessly sit on his shoulders and head. The birds seemed to enjoy the atmosphere of peace and harmony that the Master’s aura created. The students wondered why the same did not happen when they sat for meditation. “We would like to touch these birds and fondle them affectionately just once for the sheer delight of the experience, Master,” they said, “Please catch one or two of them when they sit on you. Please, Sir, just once.” The Master agreed to oblige his students. That day to the surprise of both the Master and the student, not one bird alighted on the Master when he sat in meditation. The birds seemed to have sensed the intention of the Master. They did not want to lose their freedom. They hovered around his head and vanished! Mind is indeed a very sensitive medium. Our minds and the minds of plants, birds and animals are all aspects of the Universal consciousness or ‘Vishva Chaitanya.’ The conscious mind has four properties — 1. Atomicity — which means one individual at one given point in time can execute only one action flawlessly. This knowledge regarding the functionalities of the mind will facilitate us in channelising all our mental energy on one goal or objective rather than spending it on numerous things and wasting the same. 2. Principle of Calmness and Alertness (SATTWA) —the ability to keep our mind calm and serene. All the bitter and sweet memories we have collected over time are those we have gathered in an alert state of mind. The memories of the rhymes we learnt during our Pre-KG days are still within us because our mind was alert without any dilemmas and problems. 3.Principle of Random Activity (RAJAS) — Our mind is constantly behind activities. Right from getting up early in the morning till we slip into a deep slumber, we indulge in different activities. These activities are random and, most of the time, not performed consciously. As a result, the activities performed and the memories borne out of them are short-lived. Hence, the mind in this state is not conducive to achieving our goals. 4. Principles of Imertia (TAMAS) — Our mind is plugged off from the ordinary course of life when we are tired, exhausted and fatigued physically and mentally. Hence, in the deep sleep state, the mind has no existence. But when such a state is voluntarily brought in, this is impeding us from achieving our goals. Such an inertia state is voluntarily brought in and is the source of our lethargy, laziness, procrastination, etc. Lethargy eventually turns into depression, an obstacle to achieving higher goals in life. So, we must realise the importance of the Principle of Calmness and Alertness. The Sub-conscious mind has two properties — The subconscious mind is a potent instrument to achieve our goals. It has to be optimally used, and by doing so, one can change their attitude, characteristics, behaviour and other aspects of one’s personality. 1. Samskaras — The first property regarding the sub-conscious mind is feeding the subconscious mind. When we perform multiple activities, the subconscious mind takes note of the same. When we do one particular action quite several times or repeatedly, it percolates deep into the Subconscious mind and becomes our personality. It is vital that we selectively choose excellent and noble activities and also activities that will help us to get closer to our goals. The more we perform such positive activities and make them part and parcel of our life, our personality is moulded. Hence, it is vital to know the role of our perception, as it matters most. We are what we perceive. 2. Vasanas — This word in the Kannada language means smell. But in Sanskrit, it means ‘Impressions’. In this context, we prefer the Sanskrit meaning, not the one in Kannada. We create multiple impressions by performing various activities. So, every impression has the potential to shape our personality. Hence, it is wise to allow positive impressions to go deeper into the subconscious mind rather than negative impressions, as unfavourable impressions, once formed, are hard to erase. When we tap the subconscious mind, we, by default, also start to mould our personality. To reach a considerable success level, the skills and abilities we possess matter, but from thereon, it is character. NEURAL PATHWAYS - Neural Pathways are created in the brain by repeating a particular action many times. Neural pathways are very much like the pathways in the forest. Pathways in the forest remain intact only if they are used regularly. A pathway fades away if unused or no one walks on the same. Similarly, once laid by efforts, neural pathways must be retained in their original shape by repeating the process several times. Anyone can create any number of pathways in the brain and keep the same for a long duration, depending on the frequency of the usage. Nature is impartial and has gifted all of us at birth with the same human body composition. Just like the lungs assist everyone in breathing and the kidneys and liver work similarly in everyone, so does the brain. It works the same way for everyone. Hence, we need to use our brains by training them to behave in a particular way. The same brain that can strategise for surgery can also perform a robbery. We are just what we feed our brains! 10  EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & PRESENTATION SKILLS Need for communication — » Provide a basic overview of verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communication. » Identify personal obstacles to effective interpersonal communication. » Define some strategies for improving individual and group communication. Definition — “The interchange of thoughts or opinions through shared symbols”. PROCESS Sender | Encoding | Message Feedback Channel Decoding - Receiver Introduction Effective communication creates a bond between two or more people. As it contributes to maintaining the smooth functioning of a conversation, it cements the relationship among people. Highly valued in professional life, communication is an active process using various verbal or non-verbal mediums. The communication medium can also be through signs, symbols, images etc., to convey the messages. Sometimes, even appropriate Pauses, Silence and Body language (Gestures) convey more than spoken words. What is Communication? Communication is sharing or transferring information between two or more individuals or a group of people. It can be transmitted through paper, online, speech, poetry, silence, and body language. The receiver must 11 receive the encoded message and decode the information as feedback through reactions, actions, silence, dozing off, applause and reply. It is not communication if the receiver does not hear or understand the sender’s ideas or messages accurately. Obvious Communication An effective communicator conveys his messages/thoughts to others through speech, writing, messaging, presentations, dialogues, debates, negotiation and ‘influences an outcome’. This can happen only when the message received by the receiver is the same as the message sent by the sender; the intention, meaning and purpose are understood in the same manner as that of the sender. There should be no deviation, misinterpretation or misunderstanding between the sender and the receiver. Non-Obvious Communication Some of the signs may not be apparent in communication. One may or may not be able to recognise it as communication at all. They are Indicators, Alerts, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and notifications on Cell-phones, Colours, Advertisements, Body Language, Talking to self, Dreams, etc. Essential Communication Skills for Career Listening — Good Listening directly contributes to an effective communication chain and reflects courtesy. Listening could be Active or Passive. - Active listening is when the listener continuously gives feedback by nodding, indicating through gestures, and raising some sounds like Oh! Hum!...etc., asking questions, showing inquisitiveness/curiosity to know more, maintaining eye contact, facial expressions and so on. It improves mutual understanding and is an essential first step to defuse a situation or to seek solutions to problems. « Passive listening is little more than hearing. It is listening without reacting, allowing someone to speak without interrupting. Not doing anything else then, yet not paying attention to what’s being said. Being friendly — Approachable traits need to be improved for smooth communication between people, which makes social interactions comfortable. Open-mindedness — Open-minded approach at the workplace can make things easier, especially when faced with criticism. 12 Seeking Feedback — The best way to improve one’s communication skills is by asking for feedback and seeking opinions to make one understand areas where they need to improve. Being Confident — Confidence allows you to speak clearly, which is crucial to communication. Non-Verbal communication — Non-verbal communication conveys messages without using written or spoken words. It is all communicated through Facial Expressions, Body Language and Gestures. Importance of Communication Every part of our daily life is based on communication. It makes our life much easier to get along with the society we live in. It reduces misunderstandings and improves all relationships - both personal and professional. There can be no development without meaningful and effective communication. Communication makes us who we are. How do we communicate? Communication 1s in the Mind of the recipient. The purpose of Communication is to be able to reach out to the receiver’s mind. Therefore, one must communicate so that the message reaches the receiver in the same way as the thought or intent of the speaker; else, it’s just noise. We communicate our information by mere transmission/persuasion/dialogue or consensus creation. How do we become effective communicators? 1. Communication styles vary from individual to individual. Each individual has a unique style of communication. Besides Ethnicity, Regional distinctness, Cultural differences, Emotions at the moment of communication, and Need/Urgency influence the style. Broadly these are classified as Aggressive, Passive, Passive-Aggressive and Assertive. One of these styles or a combination would be any individual’s style. Understanding the different communication styles is necessary to respond appropriately and not react. For example, if a person is Aggressive, it would be better for the other person to adopt a Passive yet Assertive style to initiate or continue the dialogue. If both are Aggressive, then the chances are that the situation would get out of hand, resulting in a verbal duel to score a point over the other, and no meaningful communication would take place. Suppose one is aware of various communication styles, depending upon the situation, 13  need, and the person communicating/being communicated to. In that case, one can vary one’s style to meet the end purpose of the exercise, viz, getting one’s point of view through to the other person. 2. Understand the communication needs of others. The greater the need of the receiver, he will pay better attention. 3. Through Listening, one can understand the communication style of the opposite person to adjust/fine-tune one’s style. Remember that some are logical, some are emotional, some like stories, and some like/dislike details. Emotions prevailing at the moment, recent events and memories also play a significant role in deciding what style to adopt as a communicator or a receiver. Components of Communication Styles: In his book Rhetoric, Aristotle has identified three components of communication viz Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Ethos (Credibility and Character) — The Greek word efhos means Character. Ethos i1s about whether the speaker's message appeals to listeners and inspires trust in the speaker/ his intentions. So, it is all about a listener’s perception of the speaker’s credibility. Pathos (Emotional bond with the listeners) — Pathos is to persuade by appealing to the audience’s emotions, sense of justice and judgment. Rightly used, it increases the chances of the audience to understand and accept the speaker’s point of view. This increases emotional bonding (Pathos), further enhancing Ethos. Low Pathos will lead the audience to find flaws in the speaker’s arguments resulting in common ethos. So, avoiding unethical manipulation is crucial when persuading a receiver using emotions. Logos (Logical and rational argument) — Logos is the persuasive technique that aims to convince an audience using logic and reason. While using Logos as a mode of persuasion, the speaker should convey his message with Evidence, Historical data, indisputable Facts and Testimonials in a sequence that is easy to comprehend by the receiver. If the above three qualities are understood and kept in mind by the Speaker, then there are greater chances of the audience accepting the message received. ‘What is active listening? Active listening is an essential skill you must develop and an integral part of practical communication skills. Active listening is being genuinely present and consciously trying to hear, understand and retain information. Paying 14 attention and responding to others creates a good rapport and helps you to improve your image. Listening is beyond body language. Tips for Active Listening To create conditions for active listening and retain the attention of the audience following are essential — « If the communication is long, like a speech or presentation, pause and Paraphrase what has been said regularly. « A word of appreciation to the listener will go a long way in keeping the listener interested. « Asking relevant questions to many would increase involvement. « Grasping the feedback provided by the audience through their answers indicates how far the audience has assimilated the message given. « Using positive body language like maintaining eye contact, nodding in approval, encouraging smile and being a natural self in posture/delivery. « Avoid slouching and other distracting movements. « Showing empathy to the audience, who are not as familiar with the topic as the speaker is, would enable the audience to better connect with the speaker. « Avoid sermonizing or giving paternalistic advice. « Allowing the audience to participate by giving their points of view and inviting /accepting short questions, too, would help active listening. « Remember that Listening goes beyond words. What is Body Language? Body language has many applications in communications; knowingly or otherwise, it communicates much to the observer. It either reinforces or negates what one is saying. Therefore, understanding the role of body language is very important. The human face and body are incredibly expressive and can convey a wide range of emotions without speaking. Body language is also a way of communication that images a person’s feelings. It can boost your self-confidence and positive self-esteem. It can be a powerful tool for our overall personality development. Body Language includes Eye contact, Inter-se-distance maintained in a group, Facial Expressions, Body Postures (both sitting and standing), Voice, Tone and Tenor, Silence, and Dress Sense. 15 Expansive body language: These persons give other participants energy and power. By their postures and gestures, they make others feel welcome and thus encourage them to participate. In unfamiliar groups, they help break the ice. Shrinking body language: These persons will indicate inward movement (Mentally and bodily) and low self-confidence. Why do we communicate? We communicate to share our ideas, provide feedback, get information from others and develop good social relationships. Communication happens in all directions; Upward/Downward, Vertical/Horizontal, and Internal/External. The way one communicates indicates how effective the connections are with people around. What are Communication Barriers? Several barriers affect the flow of communication. It may exist because of bias or stereotyping and generalisation.. Language is one of the main reasons for breaking down the communication loop. « Use of Jargon, Technical words used by professionals would not be understood by general people resulting in them losing interest in the conversation.. Emotions, Prejudice, Bias, Physical Disabilities, Personal limitations, Physical and Mental stress, Selective listening, Perceptions, Vocal tone & tenor, Tradition, etc., will also distort the message. Tips for effective communication. The following tips are used for communicating effectively — « Decide on what has to be said and to whom. « Understand the recipient’s level of comprehension capacity. «» Understand the needs of the recipient. « Listen to what other people say. « Talk less and say more. « Choose words carefully and appropriately. « Listen more and observe more. « Be aware of the signals from body language (Own & others). « Identify, control and eliminate distractions. « Acquire continuous, in-depth knowledge and focus on the content. - Be patient with people. 16  « Understand receivers’ state of mind and emotions, then decide on the best communication method. Frequently ask engaging questions to check if the message is going through in the intended manner. Empathize with the receiver to establish rapport. « Keep your mind clear. PRESENTATION What is Presentation? Presentation is a mode of sharing knowledge or giving information about a product, a subject or an idea to a specific audience according to their need. It aims to inform the audience about a particular topic and get actions executed by them. Purpose of the Presentation Presentation and communication are combined skills that are used in various speaking situations. The purpose of a presentation is to give more specific information about a topic or product. It analyses the audience's needs and correlates the presenter's idea about the usefulness of the idea to fill a void in the target audience’s life. It is built in such a way that at the end of the presentation, at least some members of the audience accept the idea or product as a solution to their difficulties. All three essential modes of communication, viz Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, are included in the presentation. Every presentation requires clarity on — a. Who is the target audience? b. What are the problems the audience faces and their adverse impact on their lives? c. What exactly do you suggest to the audience to do, and what is your role in it? d. What is the central idea of the message you intend to deliver? e. What are the supporting ideas that would seamlessly support the central idea? f. What is the level of the audience in terms of comprehension? g. What methods of delivery would be appropriate for maximum impact? h. What is it that you want the audience to do? 17 Some presenters get the audience members involved in the presentation by sending out topic questions. This is done a day or two before the presentation to enable the audience to carry out their research and prepare to participate in the discussions during the presentation actively. As a prelude to the opening of the main presentation, some presenters ask questions or enter into a ‘small talk’ with the audience to understand their needs, expectations, beliefs, values and attitudes. This would enable us to suitably alter or articulate the course of the presentation. Tips to Grab Attention Starting with anecdotes with one or two points to remember is an excellent way to start a presentation. 1. Add fascinating and relevant facts at the right time and place. 2. Ask Questions like “How or What if I say...?”; then elicit a response from the audience. 3. Ask thinking/thought-provoking questions, like “Are we born with skills, or is it something that we can learn? Or “Why is Apple so innovative?” 4. Stories and questions depend on the audience and the nature of the presentation. How to sell anything? Remember, people don’t buy products; they would like to purchase solutions. So, start with a problem statement. Let the audience identify with the problem by saying to themselves, “Yes. I have this problem”. Explain what could be done and show a few ways that offer probable solutions. Then explain to them how your product/idea is the best solution. Data Presenting Data presentation will depend on the target audience and the information that needs to be relayed. The essential part of data presentation is highlighting your research about the topic that enriches your audience's understanding. Avoid presenting any data that is irrelevant to the objective of the presentation. During the presentation, slowly turn the data into information by adding context. Context enables the audience to interpret and personalise the data being presented. Through this process, the audience starts understanding the presentation better. This interprets the data presented easier. Providing a 18 context helps the audience visualise and understand the numbers better. Context is needed for the numbers to make sense. The insight and meaning of the presentation make it more interesting. When data is communicated well as a story or anecdote, it is memorable and believable. How to present information? The presentation needs a lot of preparation. Collect material/data, analyse the material/data, retain the relevant ones, and sequence them to ensure flow from beginning to end. The final message must be ringing in the audience’s minds long after the end of the presentation. The presenter must choose his words wisely, write down the script to a final shape to crystalise the thoughts and get slides (PPT) showing only bullet points to enable the Presenter to maintain the flow of the presentation and assist the audience to retain the essence of what is being presented. To enhance the content and quality of delivery, the presenter must rehearse, and make corrections/additions, if needed. If possible, it would benefit the presenter to get experienced people to listen and get feedback from them to improve the content, PPT, script, presentation style, tone, tenor, and body language. The presenter should start with a big picture and then proceed to the specifics relevant to the presentation’s aim. This would enable the audience to get the context right. The Presenter should stick to the allotted time and not overshoot, even if the audience appears interested. Adequate time for Q & A must be inbuilt in the time allotted. Various questions the audience may ask should be thought out, and answers prepared. The Presenter need not answer all questions. Some of the Questions from the audience may be thrown back at them so that someone else can answer. Questions irrelevant to the presentation, even if the Presenter knows the answer, must not be entertained; once digression from the aim of the presentation takes place, the Presenter is likely to lose control. Sometimes, one or two individuals hijack the presentation to their areas of specialisation/understanding and leave the Presenter looking helpless. Such individuals can be cut to size by politely requesting them to give a chance to others to participate. 19 Conclusion Presentation style and personal confidence are as important as the actual content of the presentation itself. 75% of Organizations believe that Presentation and Communication skills are critical for success. “Communication and Presentation is a skill developed through Training and Practice”. Remember, “PowerPoint alone is not the Presentation. It is only a tool to enhance the effectiveness of the Presenter”. 20  GOAL SETTING What is a goal? » A goal is a statement describing a broad intent, state or condition. » A general statement of an intended outcome. Why is goal-setting important? » Clarity and purpose — Goal-setting forces you to examine your current life circumstances and actively choose what you want to experience. You recognise your power to choose and create more meaningful, enriching circumstances. The result: increased clarity and purpose in every aspect of your life! » On-going personal and professional development — When you consistently strengthen your skills, talents, capabilities and aspirations, you enter into a process that keeps your life circumstances fresh, new and exciting. You gain a stronger appreciation for your true potential and feel more in control of who you are and want to become. » Greater fulfilment and satisfaction in all areas of your life — When you know how to set and achieve goals effectively, you’ll never get stuck in dissatisfying circumstances again. You’ll be able to create a career you love, rampant success in everything you do, and healthy relationships that add great meaning and joy to your life. » Three Steps of Goal Setting — 1. Planning 2. Preparation 3. Execution/Implementation > Levels of Goal Setting — 1. Survival 2. Success | Looking Good, Feeling Good, Having Goods 3. Significance/Sensitivity {Being Good and Doing Good} » Types of Goals — 1. Noble Goals 2. Dream Goals S.M.A.R.T. goals — 21  Every goal you set should have a few qualities that ensure your ability to achieve them in the most efficient way possible: o Goals should be Specific — Goals should be straightforward and specific. They should answer the questions — Who, What, Where, When, Which, Why? e Goals should be Measurable — Quantifying the available and required resources in physical terms - How much? How many? e Goals should be Attainable — A goal must be capable of being reached. The goal must be achievable and still stretching. So you feel you can do it, and it will need your real commitment. e Goals should be Relevant — The goal must be able to produce an impact or change. In addition, the goal must also be important to you and your personal value system. ¢ Goals should be Time Bound — Set a timeframe for the goal. Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards. How to set goals? For the question of how to set goals, we have a straightforward process that you can go through to develop your personal goals. These steps can help you achieve your dreams and goals more quickly. Identify your personal values and mission statement — Your value is the significant direction. If you can identify your values, your personal goal will not go wrong. The starting point of all achievement is desire. > Figure out the goals you want to achieve — After you know your values, find out what you want to accomplish in every life aspect. Life has many parts; to lead a happy life, you should set goals in every aspect. Personal SWOT analysis is a look at you and your life. It is a tool to help you find out if the goals are achievable. » Write your goals down — Make sure the goals are S M.A.R.T., and they are top-quality goals. Find out if your goals are S.M.A.R.T. Write them down. Please pay attention to this. You must write your goals down on a piece of paper. If not, they will only become dreams. You should limit your goals to between 5 and 6 at any time. To achieve your goals, you have to 22 focus your efforts and energy. As you progress and complete goals, you may add new goals. » List the skills and knowledge required to reach your goal — Success needs a lot of preparation. If you want to be successful, you need to prepare well. Nothing happens just by accident. Look at all the factors keeping you from accomplishing your goal and develop a plan to overcome them. It would be best if you also found the people or groups to work with to reach your goals. Fully mobilise all the factors to help you achieve your goals. » Develop a personal action plan — Make a detailed schedule according to your goals. Develop a personal action plan and follow them. » Review your progress and update your goals accordingly — Make sure you are progressing. If not, analyse why the goal is not being met. Find a coach or friend to help you if you have trouble. Realise your goals step by step. » Celebrate your success — At last, you achieve your goals. Congratulations! Thanks for your hard work, and you have succeeded. » Start the process all over again — When you have achieved a goal, you may set a new one from the beginning. Cultivate good goal-setting habits. Goal setting is a lifelong process. Once you have completed one goal, you should work on a new goal. You are walking your way to success. » Preparing for Obstacles — Very often, the only difference between success and failure is — “being prepared”! If you can think ahead and be ready for possible obstacles and challenges while pursuing your goal, you will empower yourself to overcome them quickly and eagerly. While predicting every block, you’ll face is impossible, preparing as much as possible is a good idea because you’ll have a more vital determination from the get-go rather than unrealistic expectations. Remember that there are usually two types of obstacles: > Obstacles caused by external influences — Outer obstacles are generally related to things beyond your control, like circumstances or events that block progress on your chosen path. » Obstacles that come from within you — Inner obstacles can often be more daunting than the outer ones. Ex., inner resistance or limiting thoughts pop up, and before you know it, you’ve stalled. 23 Some obstacles one has to overcome — » Pessimistic Attitude — “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve”. If you notice this line closely, you can easily understand that you can achieve if you conceive and believe. I repeat in bold letters, “conceive and believe”. If there is a fraction of doubt in your mind that you cannot achieve something, you won't be able to commit to it. » Procrastination — If you notice that you’re beginning to put off working on your goals, take it very seriously! Everyone procrastinates to some degree, like putting off a complex task for a few hours until you’re better able to concentrate — but if you notice that you’re procrastinating frequently and for extended periods, you’ll have to take action to turn it around! The best way to deal with procrastination is not to allow yourself to do it. As soon as you notice that you’re putting something off, please get to the root of the issue (why you’re avoiding it) and immediately act on it. » Instant Gratification — If one gets satisfied with short-term results, one will lose sight of the larger picture and stop working towards the goal, thus stagnating in life. » Blind Imitation — Extreme adoration may lead to thoughtless copying emulation beyond one’s potential, without the foresight of right or wrong. > “Yours and Mine” syndrome — Unhealthy competition and backstabbing in the light of limited resources mar the sense of cooperation. 24  LEARNING MADE EASY Obtaining good grades in examinations enhances the self-esteem of any student. So, it is natural that all students desire to achieve good grades. But it doesn’t come easy. Many give up and settle for a mediocre performance, while others wonder how the few who make it do so, with apparently little or no effort. The excellent performance of a few is then assumed or attributed to either their good luck, abilities, or both. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this assumption. Students need to understand that learning is continuous and that any disruption in it would cause significant difficulty at later times. The build-up of ignorance — When students score 60% aggregate in any examination, they have demonstrated 60% knowledge in the tested area and 40% ignorance (or lack of knowledge). Most students ignore this aspect. Complacency arises when this fact is not recognised and remedial measures are not initiated early enough. Eliminating Ignorance — Questions arise about how to minimise this ignorance build-up and how to do it. This can be done by the “5R” Principle. “SR” Principle — Review, Revise, Rewrite, Revalue, Repeat Let us understand each of the R’s Review — The first step is to review the question paper and identify the questions that were not answered or answered with certainty in the examination/test. Revise — Go over the books, find the correct answers, discuss, clarify doubts and thus bridge the knowledge gap. Rewrite — Now create examination conditions, set a time limit and answer the question paper regarding the revised portion. 25 Revalue — Once the answers are written, the student should get the paper re-evaluated by another person or do a fair self-evaluation. Repeat — Repeat the above process until complete satisfaction is achieved and all of the knowledge acquired is sure knowledge. Knowledge enhancing method — 1. Identify the weak area. 2. Revise the syllabus. 3. Follow the 5R principle. 4. Carry out a fair assessment. By repeating this process, one would have enhanced their knowledge and would be specific and more confident of what and how much they know. Avoiding Selective Study and Last-Minute Preparation Due to lack of time, interest or other factors, students might be tempted to study selectively from the syllabus. They may want to focus on portions they believe are essential or easy and leave the rest out. They may even justify their doing so by saying that they have a choice in answering questions while answering the question paper. Procrastinating on one’s studies/academics till the last moment leads to last- minute preparation and selective analysis, both of which are ultimately destructive as they promote ignorance buildup and have long-term impacts. Avoiding selective study and last-minute preparation is crucial in eliminating ignorance. Selective study and last-minute preparation can be avoided by being regular at one’s studies and beginning to study from Day 1 of the academic year/semester/trimester. Prioritising the right things at the right time will also enable the students to prepare better. Study Methods — Different subjects need different approaches as other parts of the brain come into play. 26 For example — 1. Language would need sensitivity to human values 2. Mathematics would need Logic and Practice 3. Science would need Logic and Visualization 4. Social Sciences would need Appreciation 5. History would need grasping of the sequence of events and so on Learning Styles There are multiple styles of learning anything - auditory, visual, reading/writing, and kinesthetics. When students mindlessly follow others’ (be it parents, teachers, or friends) learning styles, they may struggle as it may not be suited for them. Students need to understand which learning style or combination of learning styles best fits them and accordingly learn in that manner. Study Technique There are times and occasions when a student might have studied for hours and yet has neither understood nor been able to recall anything. This is because when one is not focused on studying, the hours one has spent on studying don’t matter. Given below is a practical study technique: 27  S R S R S R T E T E T E U S U S U S D T D T D T Y Y Y 60 10 60 10 60 10 Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes Rest = Recall Before beginning to study, students must put away any distractions and devices and take 10 minutes to focus their minds by employing meditation, breathing techniques and muscle relaxation to calm the nerves and remove any disturbing thoughts from the mind. While studying, one should follow the technique of Study-Rest-Study, as shown in the figure above. Rest periods should be used for taking a physical break while recalling what has been studied earlier and not getting distracted. The time of day or night a student decides to study is entirely one’s choice. However, it is of utmost importance that students study in a manner they feel best and deliver peak performance at exam time. Students can choose to study for longer hours at a time of day or night that is most comfortable to them but also be able to study at other hours if required. 28 Periodic revision — Regularity in studies helps in better reading, faster revision, instant recall and superior performance. If one is not regular, memory will likely fade, affecting the ability to recall readily. Ready recall enables faster decision- making. Mix and match — One should study all subjects daily to save time and ensure a high recall level. Studying any subject for long-time results in burnout and consequently leads to ineffective absorption of knowledge. Studying different subjects in smaller amounts daily would help retain an interest in studies and enhance absorption. Students must understand that the subjects are like a complete meal, each like a nutritional component. Now imagine if an individual ate only protein, carbs, or fibre, with no balance. It would lead to them having nutritional deficiencies, right? Similarly, students need to do well in all subjects in a balanced manner. Ignoring one or more subjects or emphasising one subject would lead to imbalanced academic development. Consequences of not liking a subject — Students tend to ignore or not focus on subjects they don't score well in. The reason for low scores and no focus on the subject/s is invariably one or the other variation of the phrase “I Don’t like the subject.” The reasons for not liking a subject can vary from one individual to another. While some students feel they are not intelligent, witty, or interested enough, some might think the subject is dull, dry, or complex. In contrast, some others might even assign the reason to be the faculty teaching the subject not doing justice or being partial and so on. If you don't like a subject, for whatever reason, it can be tough to do well in it. When you keep telling yourself, "I don't like this subject," you're more likely to avoid studying it, study it with no focus or spend significantly less time studying it. Whichever of these you do, you’ll likely register bits and pieces, remember/recall even less of it and have a hard time doing well in tests and exams. And when you get a low score or fail the subject, it justifies your feeling of not liking it even more. The downhill run gathers momentum over time, becoming a vicious cycle you may get stuck in for years. 29 But here's the thing: your mind is powerful! Changing your attitude towards and thinking positively about a subject can change your feelings. If you start affirming to yourself with utmost belief, "I am excited to be learning this subject,”" “This subject is interesting,” “I am capable of excelling in this subject,” or any other similar sentences, it can make a big difference. The subjects you struggle with the most are the ones that have the most scope for your overall academic improvement. So, changing your attitude and giving it a chance can improve your overall grades. Apart from affirmations, a few additional ways by which you can develop a positive attitude towards any subject are as below: e Think and understand why the subject is important/relevant and how it can help you in the future. e Look for ways to connect the subject to your interests. e Find different ways to learn the subject, watch/listen to tutorials, podcasts, and application-oriented videos or find extraordinary, relatable examples. e When you find a subject or concept too complex, take it step by step and focus on understanding one thing at a time. e Get help from your teachers, family members, classmates, friends or online communities/forums. e Find out how the subject can be helpful in real-life, everyday scenarios. e Celebrate your progress; pat yourself when you do incrementally well. Changing your mindset might not happen overnight, but with time and effort, you can start to enjoy learning a subject you once hated. Keep trying, be patient, and remember that every little improvement counts. You may not score a 100 on 100 right away, but moving from a score of 25 on 100 to 40 on 100 in 3 months and subsequently scoring 60 on 100 in 1 year is an incredible improvement. Conclusion — Acquiring knowledge is easy if one’s approach to studies is systematic, regular and balanced on an everyday basis. How one approaches one’s learning and education provides an insight into how one is likely to live their life. 30  RELATIONSHIPS The rapid pace of life, assisted by advanced science and technology and the growing selfishness and inhumanity of man, has increased the stress pushing our tensions. The ever-increasing competition has made everyone into the rat race. All these factors contribute to disharmony among people leading to broken relationships, increased stress levels, high tensions, severe health problems, and an absence of peace and happiness. We should remember that good relationships depend upon the education of the heart. It is said, ‘The heart of education is the education of the heart.’ To establish a good and healthy relationship — » Have a heart: be understanding and appreciative. » Take yourself lightly and others seriously. » While deciding on the matters concerning you, use your head and heart. » Never run up the stairs and run down people. » Be kind, considerate, and compassionate. Have the right attitude — » Always be positive. » Look for the positive in others. » Don’t be a complainer. » Don’t be egotistic. » Be humble. » Show empathy. » Accept your mistakes. » Insulate yourself; don’t be too sensitive. Communicate well — » Communicate to accumulate. » Be an attentive listener — Listen more — Talk Less. 31 Practice Commandments — » Use ‘We’ and avoid ‘I’ as far as possible. » Use ‘Thank you’, ‘If you please’, * What is your opinion?’, ’Sorry’, I am proud of you’ whenever appropriate. » To change others, change yourself. » Smile- it is the shortest distance between two people. » Laugh with people, not at them. Laughter is the oil for the wheels of life, without which there is more noise and friction. » Don’t always play to win, be prepared to lose. » Don’t argue. If you argue, you risk losing both; the argument and the relationship. » Accept more don’t expect too much. » Hold your temper — a short temper is not a virtue; it’s a weakness. » Avoid gossip. » Appreciate in public and correct in private. » Don’t be a perfectionist. » Address people by name. 32  TIME MANAGEMENT Introduction Time management has become vital for success and well-being in our fast- paced and demanding world. Effectively managing ourselves “in relation to time” allows us to prioritise tasks, reduce stress, increase productivity, and balance our lives. This chapter explores the principles and strategies of time management, providing practical tools to optimise how we allocate, utilise, and value our time. Definition of time Time is a master tool expressed through actions. Like we allocate numbers on a clock to measure time, we similarly allocate time as a measure to complete our tasks. Characteristics of time Some of the significant characteristics of time are — 1. Cannot be saved. 2. Cannot be lent or borrowed. 3. Available throughout our life but in small measure at a time (Seconds/minutes). 4. Unidirectional (moves in one direction; it cannot be reversed). 5. Once gone, it is gone forever. 6. Activity or No-activity, it gets spent. 7. Time is independent of us. The Need to manage time. Let us look at some of the key reasons to manage time: o To be Effective and Efficient: Recognizing the need to streamline tasks and processes by prioritising and delegating said tasks to use available time and resources better. e To be Productive: Eliminating time wasters and focusing on activities that contribute to achieving desired outcomes. e To be Accountable: Acknowledge the importance of meeting deadlines and fulfilling commitments to maintain trust and integrity. ¢ Work-Life Balance: Understand the importance of allocating time for activities beyond work to maintain well-being, personal growth, and satisfaction. o Well-being: Recognize the need to avoid or reduce pressure and stress to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 33 How do we manage time? Having understood the characteristics of Time and the need to manage time, the question that comes to mind is - Can we manage/ control time? The answer is certainly NOT. Then what do we mean by Time Management? Time management refers to our ability to use time to manage ourselves to utilise and enhance our abilities effectively to complete tasks. Enhancing one’s physical, emotional and intellectual abilities to accommodate and complete more tasks in a thoughtful, stress-free and effective manner in the available time is the essence of Time Management. Abilities are natural and innate. We possess physical, intellectual, emotional and social abilities but at different levels. Enhancing these abilities will help get tasks done better and faster. For instance, supposing you have 45 minutes available to solve 15 problems: Current ability — 4 minutes to solve one problem Time taken to finish 15 problems, 15x4 = 60 minutes Result: 15-minute delay If you work on improving this ability and reduce the time taken per problem to 2 minutes Now, the Time taken to finish 15 problems, 15x2 = 30 minutes Result: 15 minutes ahead of schedule/time to spare This time can now be used to review the completed problems to relax or work on something else. Another example is that as you begin learning to play a sport, you are slow and clumsy initially. However, as you practice, your understanding and clarity improve; you play better, have more confidence and look to win. The time utilised to complete a task is inversely proportional to the extent of our abilities required to complete the same task. 1 Time = | Ability | Time = tAbility Inefficiency results in more significant usage of time to complete a task. On the other hand, enhancing our abilities optimises the usage of time and helps us achieve a task faster. This helps to find more time to accommodate different tasks to your schedule. 34 The utilisation of Abilities — Constructive vs. Destructive activities The utilisation of our abilities can either be constructive or destructive. From an individualistic perspective, Constructive activities refer to actions or behaviours that contribute positively to personal growth, skill development, or the betterment of oneself or others. These activities often have productive, creative, or educational elements and aim to build or improve something. Examples of constructive activities include studying, reading, exercising, engaging in hobbies, volunteering, learning new skills, working on personal or professional projects, or engaging in meaningful discussions and collaborations. Destructive activities refer to actions or behaviours with negative consequences for self or others. These activities often cause harm, damage relationships, or hinder personal growth and progress. Destructive activities can include substance abuse, engaging in violence or aggression, engaging in self-harm, spreading rumours or gossip, bullying, procrastination, excessive gaming or screen time, or engaging in unhealthy or toxic relationships. An action or activity can be considered constructive in one person’s life, whereas the same activity can be destructive in another person’s life. For instance, two individuals are watching a series of Instagram reels or YouTube shorts, one of whom is using them as inspiration to create content of their own while the other is simply seeing it to pass the time. Here the action is the same, but the utilisation is, in contrast, constructive and destructive. It's important to note that categorising activities as constructive or destructive can vary depending on culture, context and personal values. Hence, to universalise the definition, we define constructive activities as anything that benefits humanity while sustaining nature and keeping flora and fauna intact. Destructive activities harm the innate potential of humanity, both physical and mental. Further, any activity that troubles the very existence of flora, fauna, and other aspects of nature can be labelled as destructive. Constructive actions are time-consuming and require more effort, whereas destructive actions don’t. This is a common belief that is held. For example, 35 a house or a building takes six months - 1 year to be constructed but can be completely demolished in three days. However, when done smartly, constructive actions can be easier and more satisfying than destructive ones. Example: 3D printing of a house or a building. We can embark upon constructive actions by — 1. Working Sharper: Often, we begin our tasks enthusiastically, progress for a while and then get stuck due to a lack of data, resources or skill’knowledge. With thorough and detailed Planning, Preparation and speedy, efficient Execution, this can be avoided. Available time should ideally be spent in the proportion of Planning 70%, Preparation 20% and Execution 10%. Although there is no cut & dry division of time for Planning, Preparation and Execution, it depends on the situation and the task. Planning: Efficient time management involves dedicating ample time to visualisation and planning, leading to streamlined preparation and precise execution. By investing in visualising and defining goals, tasks, and outcomes, we gain clarity. Preparation: The clarity obtained from planning allows us to optimise the preparation phase by swiftly acquiring the necessary resources, skills, and team members. Execution: With a clear roadmap, execution becomes efficient as we precisely utilise resources, minimising wasted time. By prioritising visualisation, efficient preparation, and focused execution, we optimise productivity and achieve success. 2. Making time inventory: As it is, 24 hours of each day is spent by us in one activity or the other. Therefore, the question is, “From where to find time for new and/or additional tasks?”” The answer to this is in finding how we spend our time. This is quickly done by maintaining a Time Inventory as given below — 36  TIME INVENTORY Time Event Comment From To 6:00 AM. Wake up 9.00PM. P.15P.M. 9.15PM. P30PM. 930PM. P45SP.M. 945PM. [10.00 P.M. 10.00 P.M. Lights out For each day, a separate sheet has to be maintained. All activities of the day, from when one wakes up to when one goes to bed, are to be faithfully recorded in time blocks of 15 minutes. If one was engaged in an activity that took an hour, it should be reflected in four-time blocks. The recording is done as and when activities occur to ensure nothing is omitted. 37 Reviewing the day's Time Inventory should be the day's last activity. In the Comment column against each activity, after due consideration, noting should be entered as follows — A(Y/N) (i.e.) Was the activity Avoidable (Yes / No)? N(Y/N) (i.e.) Was the activity Necessary (Yes / No)? U(Y/N) (i.e.) Was the activity Useful (Yes / No)? G(Y/N) (i.e.) Was the activity towards a Goal (Yes / No)? Thus, Time Inventory would help identify areas where time and effort are unproductive. Ways and means can then be found to eliminate or reduce such activities. Time saved maybe one slot of 15 minutes or multiple slots of 15 minutes. This time can now be used for other useful and productive activities. Time inventory should be maintained daily for at least two weeks. After that, one would notice that a trend emerges when analysed. It would indicate the activities and time that one repeatedly spends. One would also realise that each of us has two sets of timings — A One for working days. A Another for Sundays/Holidays. One would notice that on working days, one is brisk and in a great hurry to meet various deadlines. Various external and internal factors force one to be on toes. On the contrary, on Sundays/ Holidays, all activities are slow and less productive. This is because one generally feels that there is nothing to do. This is where time is wasted. By tasking oneself with work and setting deadlines to complete them, one can also remain efficient and more productive on Sundays/ Holidays. Thus, Time Inventory is an excellent tool for indicating time spent and suggesting where and how one can find time for more meaningful activities. 3. Avoiding time wasters: We must understand that no one can waste our time without our concurrence. A Time Waster need not be an individual. It is ‘anything that prevents/prohibits/interferes/distracts one from moving towards one’s Goals and Objectives. 38 Time wasters can be classified as Minor Time wasters and Major Time wasters. Minor time wasters: Some of the activities/habits listed below can be classified as Minor Time Wasters — o Lazing in Bed after waking up. o Last-minute searching for clothes, accessories, books, pens, socks, & so on. o Unnecessary & extended use of social media. o Excessive use of technology and gadgets. o Waiting for others (without a specific purpose) beyond a reasonable time. o Gossip (leading to strained interpersonal relations later on). o Meetings without Agenda/Specific purpose. The acts mentioned above can waste time on some days or daily. But when faced with an urgent or essential activity or demand of circumstances, these automatically cease to exist for that moment; but may resurface once the urgency is over. Generally, these are the results of one’s habits. These can be changed by determination, thought and practice. Major time wasters: Major time wasters result in the waste of a lifetime and great regret later in life. These are our problems with our Goals/Objectives, Priorities and Attitudes. When we have no goals or clear goals or do not work systematically to fulfil our goals, we have an unfulfilled life. If we cannot get our priorities right, we may end up doing jobs that may be less relevant and important, pending the real ones. Similarly, if we do not bring about the necessary attitudinal changes needed to evolve, our habits may get the better of us. Therefore, we must have clear Goals to spend our time usefully. Goal setting has been dealt with separately in this book. 4. Prioritization of tasks Too many tasks and thoughts clutter our lives. We may be unable to decide what to do and where to start. We can do only one thing at a time, so we must prioritise. Prioritisation ranks our day-to-day tasks in the Order of Urgency, Importance and any other factors that compel us to do a task immediately. 39 We can classify those ‘tasks that must be done immediately” as Priority 1 or “Must Do” tasks, ‘those that can be put off for a while’ as Priority 2 or “Desirable to Do” tasks, and ‘those which can wait without much affecting our life’ as Priority 3 or “Can Wait” tasks. How to Segregate and Prioritize Tasks? Even once prioritised, our tasks may remain as a long, jumbled list that is difficult to understand and complete. Segregating them into three different lists would make it easier for us to manage them. The lists can be segregated as follows: List A: Is for activities oriented towards our goals. Once our long-term, intermediary and short-term goals have been finalised, together with our primary, secondary and tertiary goals, we should find ways of actualising them. We can do so by assigning each of these goals their respective priority. While doing this, the goal sequence must be kept in mind. S1. No Details Priority | Remarks Al Score well in all the ESEs 1 A2 Excel at co-curricular activities 2 A3 Complete the project before the 1 deadline A4 Read books to enhance subject 3 knowledge A5 Prepare for next week's Internal 1 Assessment 1 A6 Play sports to improve mind-body 3 coordination A7 Prepare for relevant competitive 2 exams A8 | A Al0 40 List B: This is for activities other than those oriented towards our goals. These may be activities connected with sustenance, social needs or family needs. SIL. No Details Priority Remarks Bl Deep clean the 3 fridge B2 Do laundry 1 B3 Prep veggies for 2 an entire week B4 Buy a gift for 2 As on date Mum's 50th Birthday BS Buy a new 3 By month end laptop B6 Pay electricity 1 Tomorrow is the bill last date B7 Sort out desk 2 and files B8 | BY | B10 41 List C: We may delegate some of our tasks due to a lack of time and resources or to enhance efficiency. Conversely, others may delegate some of their tasks to us. This list is for such activities given to us by others. For example, SI. No Details Priority Remarks Cl1 Courier Documents for Dad 1 Today C2 Buy meds and deliver them to 2 By weekend Grandpa C3 Get Umbrella Repaired 1 Rainy season Cc4 Pick up Cousin from Rly. 1 Tomorrow Station C5 Take Puppy for a General 3 Next Month check-up Co6 Draw Cash from the ATM for 1 Today Mom C7 Buy a group gift for a friend’s 3 By month end wedding c c | cwo | Once we have segregated the lists and prioritised each task on those lists, we need to plot them in a work chart to work and complete them. WORK CHART A work chart visually represents the tasks in hand per priority. It helps to execute, control, coordinate and review the planned activities. 42 Work chart \Urgent INot Urgent Important Quadrant 1 Quadrant 2 INot Important |Quadrant 3 Quadrant 4 Now enter the list serial numbers (Ex., Al, A3, B2, B6, C7, C8, etc.) in Quadrant 1 of those tasks you prioritised as Urgent and Important. In Quadrant 2, enter tasks that are Not Urgent but are Important; in Quadrant 3, tasks that are Urgent but not Important and Quadrant 4, those tasks that are neither Urgent nor Important at this point. With this, you will be clear about which task needs your attention; complete it. Remember, our priorities and tasks are dynamic in nature. Every day, the work chart is to be reviewed and updated (Delete tasks completed, add new tasks and rearrange them in the quadrants) as per emerging situations. In Conclusion: An individual can become more effective in managing one’s abilities and thereby their time by keeping in mind the following pointers: “+Begin each day at a fixed time, irrespective of when we fell asleep the previous night. «»Have a schedule for working on Holidays. < Pick up at least five tasks from the work chart daily and try to complete them. “+Every Night — e Recollect your goals. (To remain focused). e Plan for the next day. (To have a reason to start a day). e Review the day and your time inventory. (To learn from each day). e Plan for activities for time gain and time slip, and reduce repetitive activities and routines to the barest minimum. 43  e For all the tasks you could complete, think how it could have been done better. This shall help you figure out other creative ways of doing it and enhance efficiency. e For all the tasks you could not complete, review the Factors, Timing and Effort that resulted in the non-completion of the job. o Check if you adequately or inadequately delegated your job to others and how it could have been done better. o Ask yourself if you have done anything Progressive, Creative during the day, thus moving one step closer towards your goals. e Check how you feel at the end of the day (Satisfied or Guilty of wasting a day?) Above is the SMART way of working: Planning, Preparation and Execution. When we continuously repeat this process daily, we shall emerge as effective person who has capitalised and honed on their abilities and thus made the most of one’s lifetime. 44  What is culture? Namaste, everyone! Let's talk about our Indian culture and how we understand words. When we hear a word, we usually think of something familiar. When we hear "water," we imagine a glass of liquid, not the scientific stuff with hydrogen and oxygen atoms. It's because we relate words to what we know and use in everyday life. Another example is the word "taste." It can mean different things depending on the situation. If we're hungry, we might think of our favourite food. But if we're already full, we'll consider what we ate. And if we're sick, we might not think of anything. People's experiences and feelings also affect how we understand words. So, the meaning of a word can change based on many factors and our own experiences. Sometimes, the true meaning of something is right in front of us, but we forget it because we only focus on what's valuable to us. We're happy sticking to our daily routines instead of searching for the truth. The second example shows that different words can have many meanings, and all can be true. Like with "taste," it's about experiencing something through our tongue. Other words can have the same idea but be interpreted in different ways. So, the truth can have many dimensions, even just one truth. In conclusion, words can have different meanings depending on our experiences, and the truth can be hidden or have multiple interpretations. It's interesting how our understanding of words can vary, right? So, when it comes to understanding the word "Culture," we can learn some essential things from these examples: Culture is like an idea. It's not something we can touch or see, but it's a concept in our minds. Sometimes, an idea can seem different to different people. It can be subjective, which is based on personal opinions and experiences. For example, let's take the ideas of dana, which means giving, and ahimsa, which means non-violence. Depending on how they use, these ideas might mean different things to different people. 45 Ideas can be expressed differently because various factors can influence them. For instance, the idea of SUDDHI, which means cleanliness, can be understood and practised differently by different people. So, we can understand from this that the true nature of Culture is one and many simultaneously. It means there is an essence or truth to Culture, but it can also have different interpretations and expressions based on individuals and their experiences. In simpler words, Culture is like a big idea that different people can understand and live differently. It's a bit like how water can have different meanings to others or how taste can change depending on the situation. It's interesting how one thing can have many sides, right? What are the most important things that represent Culture? Expressing ideas is very important! Having an idea means little if we don't show it to others. It's like love — when we feel it but don't express it, nobody knows how much we care. The same goes for the essence of things, like the sweet smell of a blooming jasmine flower. We can only appreciate it when it's there for us to see and smell. So, if culture is an idea, it becomes valuable when it's expressed by someone, somewhere, somehow. Once it's expressed, we might wonder where we can find it. Just like we can find love expressed by people or animals and fragrance represented by a jasmine flower, we can see culture expressed in three forms: words, thoughts, and actions. Any idea can be expressed in these three forms only. Let's take the idea of love as an example. When love is expressed in words, it can become beautiful poems or paintings. When it's expressed in thoughts, it creates emotions and empathy. And when expressed in actions, it helps create a harmonious world for everyone. The true power of an idea is realised when it's expressed in words, thoughts, and actions without any conflicts among them. When we can talk about an idea, think about it, and then act upon it in a way that aligns with our thoughts, the idea becomes powerful. 46 For instance, if we read a poem about daffodils and understand and think about it, we'll start caring for those beautiful flowers. Or if we learn about a dog's struggle and feel empathy for it, we might take care of the dog. We need to know about and engage with culture in the same way. Reading or hearing about culture should stay in our minds and be remembered, creating a connection and empathy towards it. That's when we start manifesting culture in our thoughts. And once it's in our thoughts, the whole universe plans and schemes to turn it into a reality. Culture becomes a part of our lives without us even realising it. That's why culture needs to be rooted in our words, thoughts, and actions. So, to sum it up: Ideas or culture are expressed through three significant aspects: words, thoughts, and actions. The true potential of an idea or culture depends on how well it's expressed in all three aspects. It's not enough to identify an idea or culture in just one aspect; we need to recognise it in all aspects. Expressing and living culture in these different ways helps us appreciate and understand it better. How to get involved in Indian culture? Knowing how to get involved is essential to be a part of our culture. Involvement is all about having the right information. If we have the correct information, things can go right. For example, you could have an accident if you don't know how to ride a motorbike properly. More than having information is needed, we must ensure it's true. False information is just as bad as having no information at all. So, we always need to check if the information is reliable. The best way to know if something is true is to experience it yourself. But that can take a lot of time. The next best thing is to listen to people who have experienced it firsthand. We trust the words of people who care about us, like our parents, teachers, scholars, etc. If we didn't trust them, things would be a mess. Trust is vital for us to survive as a society. We need someone to guide us and show us the way when we're young. This is true for learning about our culture too. Our parents and teachers are the ones we can trust to do that. But sometimes, they alone might not be 47 enough. That's why we also rely on the wisdom of our ancestors and elders, including our parents and teachers. Getting the correct information is essential, but we must also know how to record and share it with others. All the essential information about our culture has been recorded by speaking or writing it down. Being able to access this reliable information has been crucial for our survival. Our deep respect for our culture is seen in the efforts to preserve it and ensure this legacy is handed over in its truest and purest form. Understanding Indian culture by simply reading about it is like sitting on a couch and trying to learn to swim from books. No matter how many books and articles we go through, we will only be enough once we get into the water and learn with a trainer's help. Only then, when we have practical experience, reading those books and articles will make sense. Similarly, we need to practice Indian culture in our lives first, and then when we read or hear about it, it will truly make sense. So, we can say that: a. Just having access to documents about Indian culture isn't sufficient to understand its true meaning. b. The best way to grasp it is to get involved and read about it. c. Validating the information passed down through generations shapes our culture's values and beliefs. What are the prominent documents of Indian culture? We have some important documents that represent Indian culture. But before we talk about them, let's understand that just like we need to be careful with our things like weapons and valuables, we also need to be cautious with information. Sometimes, information can get lost or mixed up, just like when we have the wrong address, and it causes confusion. Now, the documents about our culture are so many that it's impossible to go through all of them in one lifetime. It's like when we're kids interested in rocket science; our teacher only gives us some information. They guide us and provide us with information that we can understand. It's a logical and safe way to learn, even in this age of easy access to information. When we pass on culture systematically, it becomes a tradition. And traditions help preserve the values and essence of a culture. Just like the idea 48 of flying into space stays the same in a child, a young person, and an adult studying rocket science, culture is found in enchanting stories, scriptures, poetry, and philosophical works. So, in conclusion, the Vedas, Upanishads, Vedangas, Shastras, Sahitya (literature), Medicine, Governance, Administration, Yoga, Arts, Folklore, Music, Dance, Sculpture, Painting, and many other oral traditions are essential documents of our culture. They hold our culture's essence. It's up to us to explore, embrace, and validate them. What is the correlation between our actions and culture? Every living creature is always doing something, even if it's just for a tiny moment. We can divide actions into two types: physical and mental. Even when we sleep, some parts of our body keep working. Our heart and brain, for example, never stop. So, actions are unavoidable for everyone. We already know that words are essential, but actions have even more power. It's our actions that truly define who we are, not just the things we say. So, to understand our culture, we must pay attention to our actions. Culture shows itself through our actions in a grand way. Our efforts shape many aspects of life, like history, society, economy, and even biology. Without actions, no history, sense of belonging, trade, or progress would exist. In every aspect of life, it's our actions that define us. Imagine if we had to describe a car in a way that shows its purpose and existence. It's a machine that helps us quickly travel from one place to another. Similarly, if we were to define our culture, we have to look at the actions we perform. Every action comes from an idea. Even something as simple as plucking a leaf while walking in a park or humming a tune while riding a bike is based on an idea. And the idea behind every action is our culture. Just like a champion, lives, breathes, walks, talks, and thinks about their pursuit, which transforms into their culture. Our actions are derived from civilisation, and they also become our culture. From everyday actions like taking a shower to caring for the environment and showing compassion and empathy towards others, all our actions have a culture behind them. When we successfully perform these actions, they become part of our culture. A circle can represent the relationship between 49 our actions and culture. The circle starts and ends at the same point. If it ends somewhere else, it's not a circle. Similarly, all our actions begin from culture and end in the same culture. If an object moves in a circular path, it must return to its starting point and cannot escape that path. This is the basis of the Karma theory, a fundamental part of our culture. Without understanding the Karma theory, we can't fully grasp Indian culture. Our ancestors valued actions (Karma) and their consequences more than anything else. Karma Yoga is the art of utilising the fullest potential of self and others to perform every action involved in a task effectively. An action, once executed with utmost dedication, the performer can remove their mind from the results, now assured of the suitable fruition. To achieve Karma Yoga, any action performed should be backed by the virtue of Selflessness. Such selflessness should not be a blind sacrifice of the self but a measured approach towards a higher cause like the welfare of flora, fauna and humanity. So, in conclusion, culture is both the beginning and end of all our actions, keeping us connected in a continuous loop. ‘What is the purpose of Indian culture? Now, let's understand the purpose of our culture. An idea by itself doesn't have an end. All ideas have a specific goal to fulfil. Thoughts that harm humanity are destructive and chaotic. But it's important to note that ideas aren't destructive and chaotic; how they are put into action matters. For example, atomic energy by itself isn't destructive. But when it's used to create an atomic bomb, it becomes destructive. On the other hand, discovering penicillin and other antibiotics from viruses isn't destructive. It can save lives if used correctly. So, the purpose of an idea or culture is served by its proper execution and application. Applying an idea or culture should serve our innermost and hidden noble motives. We can understand our innermost noble reasons in many ways. One simple way, as mentioned in our Upanishads, is through elimination. Since we all ultimately seek happiness in our actions, we can evaluate them by asking ourselves if they make us happy. Some actions might provide temporary happiness but followed by sadness immediately after. We can eliminate such activities because we don't seek temporary happiness. Our well-being is connected to being permanently happy. 50 The state of well-being is known as Samskrti, the Sanskrit word usually translated as culture in English. Every word we speak, every thought we have, and every action we take in the spirit of universal well-being contributes to Samskrti. The best way to determine our well-being is by recognising the dimensions of our lives. We are physically focused on ourselves when engaged in physical activities like working out or running. We are mentally involved when we think about the outcomes of our actions or are emotionally connected to someone or something. So, culture serves its purpose if it covers these two significant dimensions of our lives. In addition to this, we also experience other states of existence, such as dreaming and deep sleep. Along with the awakened state, these three dimensions are part of our understanding of life. Despite being aware of these dimensions, we often feel something needs to be added. In all these dimensions of our existence, we can all agree that the joy or happiness we experience is either short-lived, incomplete, or subject to constant changes. For example, eating ice cream can be enjoyable until we realise it gives us toothache or cold. So, we continue the search for permanent happiness, even though it's pretty challenging. The only way to fix this is by finding something missing in our lives. This missing piece is called Turlya, the Sanskrit word for the fourth state filled with complete bliss and permanent happiness. It's a happiness that never changes, decreases, or dies. We don't need to go somewhere else to experience it. It can be felt in this life, world, and at any given time. It's as natural as sleeping. It allows us to see the beginning and end of all our actions. In other words, that fourth state itself is Indian culture. So, the ultimate purpose of our culture is to find that fourth state of permanent happiness. ‘What is the Indianness of our culture? Now, let's talk about the Indianness of our culture. Adjectives have two main functions: they make the meaning of a word stronger, and they make it unique. When discussing our culture, we proudly use the word "Indian." So, in this section, we'll see how our culture is both enhanced and made unique by being Indian. 51 Initially, India was called Bharata by its native people. The word Bharata has different interpretations. Interpreting an expression tells us about its origin, evolution, and essence. Just like we saw how words guide us to their meanings, the word Bharata leads us to a king named Bharata. The descendants of this great king were called Bharatas, and the land they lived on came to be known as Bharata. But that's not the only interpretation. The original meaning and essence of the word Bharata are hidden beneath its popular meaning. Bharata is made up of two parts - Bha and Rata. Bha means great light, truth, bliss, or permanent happiness. It represents our true identity, our original form. Rata means indulged. So, those submitted to that permanent happiness were called Bharatas, and being a Bharatiya means knowing oneself. The land occupied by those who knew themselves and experienced endless joy was Bharata. In conclusion, we can say that: a. India is not just a piece of land; it is a home for all who have experienced permanent happiness, ultimate bliss, or the fourth state of life. b. India's culture is deeply rooted in Bharata, and Bharata is finely tuned in our culture. c. The ideas of Bharata and culture are inseparable from each other. ‘Where can we see Indian culture in all its glory? Words alone cannot fully grasp the truth; we need something to witness it ourselves. Just like how we understand that the Sun rises in the east by actually seeing it, we can only comprehend Indian culture when we experience all the things we discussed in one place, one framework. And that's where festivals come in—they beautifully showcase various aspects of our culture. Festivals have a long-standing tradition that highlights our culture. Just like observing Kargil Divas honours our brave soldiers' sacrifices and inspires us to protect our nation's integrity and fulfil our responsibilities, festivals also serve many purposes. They remind us of the purpose of our lives. Let's take the example of the Yugadi festival. Yugadi 1s connected to the changes we observe in nature. On Yugadi day, we enter the Vasanta Rtu (Rutu), the Spring season, considered the most crucial season. It also reminds us of the first day of the universe's creation. 52 Ideally, we should remember this fact. Yugadi signifies the beginning of creation and the completion of a full circle. This represents the Bharata aspect of our culture, where we never forget the starting point. Yugadi involves various customs that showcase the deep roots of our culture in festivals. On this day, we consume a mixture of neem leaves and jaggery given by the elders of the house, who remind us to think and speak nobly. Moreover, the combination of neem and jaggery teaches us to accept the contrasts of life equally. If neem leaves represent bitterness, i.e., symbolically struggles, the jaggery describes life's sweet and cherishable moments. Thinking and speaking nobly means understanding and expressing our culture in the best way possible. The dishes prepared during festivals also hold significance. Some of them serve as reminders. For instance, a sweet word called Obbattu or Holige or Puranpoli, which looks like a Roti, Parotta, or Chapati, reminds us to always seek completeness, piirnata, in our lives. Experiencing all four states of life is wholeness. Yugadi also teaches us about the harmony between ourselves and nature. Our festivals act as guideposts, leading us towards our culture. Celebrating festivals means finding happiness in all four states of our lives. Festivals are like the rings of sugarcane that appear at the right time to guide us towards our culture. Indian culture is a colourful fabric of ancient wisdom, traditions, and values. It's all about how we live and express ourselves. We can see its true beauty during festivals, like big parties celebrating our culture. Festivals help us remember our purpose in life and how we're connected to nature. They also teach us to think and speak in a good way. Our culture is unique because it reminds us to be happy in all parts of our lives. It's like a treasure passed down through generations, making us who we are as Indians. 53  ‘What is the idea of a temple? Let's explore the idea of a temple from the Indian perspective. If we were to rate ourselves on a scale of 10 for expressing our ideas and thoughts in an impactful and lasting way, we might score low. It's not because we don't know how to express ourselves but because we lack the expertise and finesse. As babies, when hungry or sleepy, we express it by crying. As we age, we use words and actions to express our feelings. When someone is young, they might express themselves through activities like hiking, while an older person might turn to spirituality. So, expressing ourselves can be different for everyone, depending on the information we want to convey or the emotions we want to express. Not all expressions are considered art, but all art is a form of expression. In this ever-changing world of expressions, turning an expression into art is a big challenge. There are many forms and ways to do it - Words, drawings, architecture, sculptures, dances, and music are some of the popular ones. But what all forms have in common is precision, beauty, clarity, lasting impact, and relevance. The temples in our country are a great example of such artistic expression. The temple complex's architecture, the deities' sculptures, the inclusion of music and dance in temple rituals, and the sense of community during temple festivals all promote our culture. So, temples are centres that promote our culture through different art forms. When we visit a temple, from the entrance to the inner sanctum, we can experience different art forms simultaneously. Still, everything revolves around the same idea: to experience Ananda (ultimate bliss) and the different energies that guide our physical activities. Representing these energy forms in a precise and beautiful way, ensuring their lasting relevance for mankind, is the primary purpose of a temple. So, a temple is more than just an ample space with stone structures. Each stone structure holds meaning and significance. The pillars in the temple auditorium represent the elements involved in evolution. The circular stone structure on the ceilings represents the chakras. How are the temples built? All immense structures begin with a plan. the success of a plan is dependent on its outcome. Outcomes require precise execution. When we look at our temples, it begs the question of how this magnificent structure was built in an era where technological advancements were less. 54 For any great thing to take shape, the honesty of an idea and its sincere execution are key factors. Technology only acts as a facilitator. The Will of a person to preserve the culture and the required skills of many to make it happen are among the most potent combinations that can give rise to engineering marvels in the form of temples. Our ancestors' true love and dedication towards Indian art forms can be seen in many Indian temples. A few examples that will not only help us appreciate their skill but also will enable us to grasp the magnitude of the lengths our ancestors went to preserve culture in stone. The Ellora cave temples. An entire temple complex cut from a single rock! Imagine a painting being done by hundreds of artists at a time under the instructions of a master on one big canvas, and it turns out to be marvellous. Such is the case with this cave temple. One huge rock carved into a temple with all its complexities. The subtle works found in other temples are also found here. Therefore, it is not merely about cutting a temple-sized area into a huge rock. It is about bringing that finesse to those carvings. The Brihadishwara Temple — is known for its sheer size, as the name suggests. This Chola-era temple is one of the largest Indian temples. The temple is spread across a massive 45 acres of land. The detailing of vimana (super-structure), gopura (top-structure), Praakaara (surrounding area), garbhagriha (sanctum), Mukhamandapam (main community hall), Mahamandapam (great gathering hall) and many more are geometrically astute. The interconnected chainrings of the Gaurishvara temple in Yelandur and the hanging pillar of Lepakshi are two examples that show Indian artisanship’s mastery at its peak. Involvement of astronomical calculations such as the Sun dials at Konark temple that give a precise time of the day based on the sun rays falling on that wheel. The hour and minutes can be understood by the shadow that is formed on the wheel.