How to face problems in life?

Here are some tips that will help when the going gets tough:

Move On - As Ford said, "Don't find fault, find a remedy. Focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. Don't just panic as `worry is like a rocking chair - it gives you something to do but won't get you anywhere." Learn to think `how' rather than waste time with futile "ifs".

Understand the Problem - Problem solving is the ability to make careful choices. The steps to be followed are: understand the problem; gather the facts; set up the problem; estimate what the outcome should be; work it out; and check the answer. Ask questions, clarify facts and evaluate options to find a workable solution. That's the formula.

Think straight - In problem solving, it is important to have the right mindset. It helps to be open-minded and have the ability to think out-of-the-box. When you have broader vision and unique ideas, you have more tools at your disposal which helps fix the problem better.

Say it with a smile - A prerequisite in any situation in life is the ability to laugh in the face of problems. It really downsizes the enormity of the problem. A sense of humour maintains a sense of balance as it prevents people from collapsing with grief and worry. Humour is more than just being funny; it helps keep things in perspective.

Teamwork - Two minds are better than one. It does help to have more people involved in solving a problem, both for moral support and for the greater range of experience that they can bring to the problem-solving table with their outlook and personality. It adds depth to the troubleshooting team. As Voltaire said, `No problem can stand the assault of sustained thinking.'

Brainstorm - When it comes to problem solving, ten ideas are better than one. Each idea is worth considering, as the most unlikely one might just be the answer. Resist the temptation to find quick short-term solutions. It tries to put the solution at the beginning of the process, when what is needed is a solution at the end. People have an inborn trait to solve problems if they only just take the time to grasp the situation without panicking.

Write it all down - Keep a record of what is going on. It helps in future problem solving when you have it all in black and white. During a crisis, your memory banks can be scarcely relied upon.

One for all and all for one - This is a critical step that is usually missing. Interests are needs that you want satisfied by a given solution. The best solution is the one that serves everyone's interests. This is the time for active listening. Forget your differences for a while and listen.

Learn from past mistakes - One must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them. Learning from problems is growth in the right direction.

Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles; they toughen and make you strong. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Maybe you don't feel all that brave and strong, but just the act of confronting a problem head-on is a step in the right direction.

How to become a leader?

People tend to use the two terms “manager” and “Leader” interchangeably, but in reality they are two very different attributes.  “Managers do the right things, leaders do the things right”, I read this statement once and it really summarizes the difference. Managers’ main aim is to maximize output of the organization and to achieve this they must: Plan, Organize, Staff, Direct and Control.  Leadership is the most important quality to be able to direct.

How to become a leader?

It is partly a personal trait and partly acquired.  Some people are inspiring by nature, if you see someone and you find yourself following his steps and eager to become like him, then you found a leader. To be able to train yourself to become a leader you must:

1. Make people trust you and make them know that you are someone they can depend on.
2. Set an example, do everything you want others to do.  If you want your employees to come to office early, be the first one to arrive. If you want them to manage their time efficiently, set an example in time management and utilize your time to the best.
3. Be approachable and accessible.  No one is too important to listen to his team and help them out when needed.  You must be available to be able to set the direction and lead.
4. Praise on due time and criticize on due time.  And do not take credit for your team’s work.  Acknowledge their work with your customers and your managers.
5. Know your team well and use the right way of communication with each member.  A leader always knows how to reach to every member of his team and use the right way to communicate with him and get things done.
6. Focus on achieving your goals.  Do not force a way of working on your staff.  Focus on getting things done in whatever way they choose.  A leader cares for results not for the means used to reach those results.
7. Make sure that every member of your team feels important.  A leader makes every team member feel that he is very important to get things done.  This way they become more motivated to exert more effort and excel.
8. Take initiative to get things done. A leader inspires his team. By seeing him take initiative, they will start taking responsibility and getting things done.
9. A leader has vision.  You have to know your vision and share it with your team to be able to achieve results. 

How to Develop Your Own Signature Style

We have developed our own signature style which expresses our personality and creativity and we are know by that style.

Your style needs to be a mixture of the current fashion and what looks good on you, keeping in mind your skin tone and body shape. It is a good idea to update yourself from time to time so that you develop and nurture your own signature style.

If you don’t know if your style is a signature style or not, or you don’t have one yet, then don’t worry. Here are few tips that might help you in realizing your own signature style.

1. Critically Evaluate Your Current Style

Give your wardrobe a critical evaluation and notice the color, fabric, and themes that dominate your dresses. Talk to your friends and family to get a feel what they think is your style.

2. Determine Your Style

After examining your wardrobe, you’ll be ready to recognize the style that you like the most and feel comfortable. Always consider your comfort and confidence while determining a style.

3. Mix and Match

See what all is there in your wardrobe that matches the style you have chosen. Then mix and match these to create new combinations. It is always fun to mix and match and come up with new combinations that suits your style. Check if you need to add or remove certain elements from your wardrobe. Also, keep in mind your style when going shopping for new clothes, so that you buy those which accentuate your fashion statement.

4. Experiment

You can enhance your style by experimenting on your hair style, makeup, and accessories. But keep in mind not to go overboard; otherwise it will be a disaster. Just go with simple and sophisticated.

Now that you have created your signature style, you are all charged up to show your new self to the world. But before that, be careful of the following pitfalls:

a. Don’t Overdo It. Don’t keep stocking up the same things in different colors in the name of style. You’ll end up creating a uniform for yourself. Try and make your outfits unique by matching appropriate cuts, colors and accessories.

b. Don’t Blindly Follow Trends. Don’t rely on trends to create your style. Trends tend to come and go. Create your own fashion keeping in mind what goes well for you. Choose styles in which you are most comfortable and which complement you.

c. Don’t Imitate. Don’t copy others for the sole reason that you like their style. What looks good on others may not look good on you. You need to keep in mind that everybody differs in terms of body type and personality and every person’s style would be unique depending on these factors.

So start now and create your signature style and express yourself through your creativity. Remember that your attire and style tells a lot about you and contributes to your fashion identity.