Procrastination - friend or foe?

To procrastinate is to delay needlessly,
At least, that's the definition given by thefreedictionary.

Procrastination - friend or foe?
When you're feeling low,
Procrastinating the work for tomorrow
would be a good idea, no?

What about showering before you go to work,
Would procrastinating be your chance to leave the boss impressed,
Or the reason for the boss to say "You're a mess!"
In this case, procrastination - a friend? Give it a rest.

Procrastination - friend or foe?
I don't really know.
Or maybe, I just need to accept the truth,
and say NO, procrastination - you are a foe!

How to create a sticky post on blogger

What are sticky posts?

Sticky posts are posts in which most bloggers usually put at the top of their blog posts. It ensures that the post stays there even when the blog is updated. Can be used as a reminder for the blogger themselves (like mine) or just a warm welcome message for the readers. Since I had to look through the web to find it, I think I'd share it here just for the sake of it. Hope it'll be beneficial for you.

1. Log in your blogger account and click "Design" on your "Dashboard".

2. Select "Add a Gadget" and choose the function you want to use as your sticky post. For example, if you would like to announce an ongoing contest, you can choose "Text" and enter the details. "Text" allows you to add and edit HTML. By selecting "HTML/Javascript," you can choose to link to a previously written, archived pots that gives the written details of the written details of the contest.

3. Complete the "Add a Gadget" element. Click and drag the item where you want it to be, above the "Blog Posts" section or by the sidebar.

4. Click "Preview" to make sure the sticky post appears where you want it to be, and then click "Save".

Tips

1. You can create more than one sticky posts.

2. Using a sticky post is an effective way to drive traffic to additional sites you may have.

3. Sticky posts have no expiration date. To remove a sticky post, simply click on "Design" and click on the sticky post's box element. Click on "Remove" and then "Save".

I found this tutorial from here. I think they used the old blogger. So, I edited some bits of it for the use of new bloggers who may not be familiar with the old blogger's navigations and such.

5 Facts about Procrastination

Procrastination. What is it?

Procrastination is basically when a person decides to leave a task in order to do it later in time. It is normal for people to procrastinate once in a while - when you can't avoid it. However, it will prove to create problems for you if you start to procrastinate quite too many times, especially when it was completely unnecessary for you to do so.

Why do we procrastinate?

These are 5 reasons I found to why some people procrastinate. Mostly related to school lives.

1. Fear of failure

Some people, including me, choose to procrastinate because of fear towards failure. We're too afraid of one day finding out that our effort of producing a piece of work would prove to be worthless. But then, if we never tried, how would we know whether our effort has paid off or not, right? Exactly! This fear, that keeps on lingering in our minds, is not going to make anything better, it could if we used it as a cautious way of managing work. However, it can usually make us work even less and this is where procrastination comes in. We leave our work till the last minute and rush things, ignoring details and the important bits that would add those extra marks we would've potentially get in our work.

Be wise, be brave. Remember that failure is part of life, we need to embrace it, learn it!

2. Perfectionism

Perfectionism. A really good attitude for work which requires neat and detailed attention. However, when people try to be 'too perfect', they tend to spend too much time on a particular task that they leave other tasks 'untouched'. This unbalances the amount of work done. For example, if a student focuses too much on arts and forget about other subjects such as maths and science, they will find themselves struggling for maths and science in the near future.

Remember - life is full of imperfection. Sure, you can give your best to achieve the possible best. But, not everything has to be perfect to produce the best. Sometimes, imperfection is better than perfection.

3. Confusion and self-doubt

Often people are not stuck with the task given, rather, they're stuck with how to start the task. For example, writing a story for English. They know what the plot of the story is, they just don't know how to start it. Sometimes, they think their words are not right and just not good enough. This then puts them off the task and the word 'give up' would emerge in their selves.

Have confidence. Think of the different ways you can start a task and choose which one you think is best. Don't spend too much time on how to start that you spend less time on the main content.

4. Poor motivation

In everything we do, motivation is one of the most important factor that can affect your quality and rate of work. If you're motivated, there's technically no point in doing something. It's like being a salesperson. If you go around people's houses, with no enthusiasm in selling, you're practically telling your customers that your product is crap and not worth their time and money. But, if you go up to them, with a big smile on your face, with confidence and motivation, you're showing that you're confident they'll like your product and it will be worth their time and money. It's the same concept with motivation - when you have poor or low motivation, you'll give in less effort and produce less quality work. Instead, if you have a high motivation, you'll want to work more and will want to produce the best result that you can possibly do.

No matter how tired you are, think of the benefit of doing the work, either it'd be to get straight A*s or to impress your mum. Your effort will always pay off.

5. Lack of priorities

People, especially students often have little sense of priorities. They cannot decide over which tasks are more important. Some choose to start off with the hard tasks first and then focus on the easier tasks. Personally, I would recommend to start off with the easy bits first as you will be more happy with your progress and will more likely to carry on with the work. From how I see it, people can usually get put off by the hard tasks that they give up completely on doing other similarly important tasks and work.

Make a list of what needs to be done, decide which ones more important. If you can't decide, just organize your time so that all of the works that needs to be done will be given a reasonable time, for you to focus on each one.

If you'd like a more in-depth view into procrastination and how to overcome it. I think these books might just be the next best thing (after this entry ;) )

    

Note: I have posted this article previously before here.

Kindle DX VS iPad 2

I have recently been requested to compare a Kindle to an iPad. Assuming the asker wanted to know the updated version of the 'competition', I have decided to compare the two - Kindle DX to a 16GB iPad 2 (I chose 16 GB because it's the cheapest iPad 2 there is). I'm going to try to keep this post as short as possible and still deliver what I think is a MUST. I am not writing this to tell you which is the best because truthfully, I think both are best at what they do, for who they'd be most useful to.

Kindle DX

Most if not everyone knows Kindle as an electronic book. Its display offers a realistic view of the insides of books that you'd feel as if you're reading a real book, only thinner and lighter. I'll get straight to the point and give you some important benefits and limitations that the Kindle has.

Benefits

You can read under direct sunlight with no glare. Reading it under the sunlight does not affect the display.

Free 3G wireless - meaning you can download anytime, anywhere, without having to look for Wi-Fi hotspots.

Its built-in PDF reader allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go. This includes a zoom capability as well.

Its auto-rotating screen auto-rotates the display from portrait to landscape and vice versa as you turn the device. This is useful when you're viewing maps, tables, and web pages.

With its text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read magazines, blogs, newspapers, books and such like out loud to you, unless the book's right holder made the feature unavailable.

Limitations

No password protect. May be a problem for people who would put business documents etc. and are clumsy.

Too big to handle with one hand. Unless you have giant hands, you may find it annoying.

Keyboard position is poor. Too tiny that typing mistakes are unavoidable.

Lack of folders. Searching for files, books etc. can be frustrating as the organising of files are poor.

No page numbers. It'd be hard to track where you left off, unless of course if you have an impressive memory.  

iPad 2

  












The iPad2. Thinner, lighter and faster than the iPad. However, not all have been improved, although some features have been added. Like before, I'll just get straight to the benefits and limitations of the iPad 2.

Benefits


Face Time. The front and back camera allows video recording.

Free engraving if bought from the Apple online store. But do read on. This is a cause of a problem.

Full screen zoom magnification is offered.

Similar to Kindle, it won't get hot or overheat, letting you browse comfortably.

Similar to Kindle, you can use it in any position - unlike a laptop where you'd have to find a seat.

Limitations


If you order your iPad 2 with free engraving from the online store, you will not be able to return it.

Very fragile.

Videos are not clear.

Lack of expandability.

There may be unexpected, hidden charges.

Conclusion


I think everyone would agree that both the devices have their own pros and cons. I would recommend you to consider your options before using your money to buy any of these two. The last thing you'd want is to buy something and end up being frustrated. Whatever you choose is up to you. Happy browsing!

The 3 types of Kindle

What is a Kindle?

A Kindle is a wireless reading device, or better known as an electronic book which uses wireless connectivity to enable users to shop for, download, browse, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, blogs and other digital media. It is said to be developed by Amazon hence the name Amazon Kindle.

The types of Kindle


There are various types of Kindle. This entry would focus mainly on the Kindle Wi-Fi (left), Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi (middle) and the Kindle DX (right).

Click to enlarge

Kindle Wi-Fi VS Kindle 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi)?

If you already have a high-speed internet connection, Kindle Wi-Fi might just be enough for you. However, if you do not have a Wi-Fi set up in your home or you're usually on the go, Kindle 3G may be a better option.

Kindle 3G is the easiest option as it requires no wireless set-up. The built-in 3G connectivity uses the same wireless signals that cell phone use, but there are no monthly fees or commitments - Amazon pays for Kindle 3G's wireless connectivity. The added convenience of 3G enables users to download anytime, anywhere, while on the go - without having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot connection. With wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories, Kindle 3G is a great option for travellers. 

The Two VS Kindle DX?

Although Kindle Wi-Fi and Kindle 3G is similar in various areas with each other, Kindle DX is a different story. It is slightly heavier (10.4 ounces heavier than Kindle Wi-Fi and 10.2 ounces heavier than Kindle 3G) and its display size is 9.7" diagonally - 3.7" more than the other two Kindles'. Even though it has a bigger display size than Kindle Wi-Fi and Kindle 3G, the downside is that it does not have a Wi-Fi. But, it does have a 3G wireless - making up for the absence of Wi-Fi completely! Plus, it can be used globally. One of the reasons why I think it would be perfect for travellers, business people and the likes.

The plus side I think for all these Kindles are the fact that it can store up to 3,500 books, can be used anywhere (except Kindle Wi-Fi), lightweight and saves money in the long-term. A key to a good health as well I believe. 

Less books = Less book shelves = Less money = Less stress = Less tension = More smiles = Happy Lifestyle =D

For more information on these lovely Kindles, click on the links provided below. You will be directed to an amazon page with customer reviews, special offers (low prices) and a more in-depth view of the Kindles. 

For those who would like to purchase a Kindle but does not live in the US - do not fret! You will find a "Live Outside the U.S.?" tab on the right sidebar of the Kindle page. Click on the "view information specific to your country" link to see whether the Kindle is available to you.

  

  

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going

Life - full of struggles, full of obstacles. When we were in primary school, we think primary school is the worst place ever - ABC is just so hard to remember! Move on to secondary school, we struggle just to keep our grades above a B. And then comes college life - "no one can understand how hard this is for me!". Graduate to university - "this has GOT to be the hardest course ever!". And as years go by, it seems as though the struggles are just never ending. The homeworks, the exams, and the stress - makes one think "why do they HAVE to exist?!" I am writing this even though I have seven exams to sit between this Friday until Monday the 20th.

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going!

It's true. Only the tough, the chosen few, will keep on going. When you feel so down, and you don't know how it can get any worse - the will to succeed, the drive to overcome those obstacles - not many have enough of it to keep them going. Everyone in this world is special and unique. Whether your pink or orange, yellow or blue - no one can ever be you or tell you who YOU are. So, when the world puts you down, look up and say to yourself - if God never gave me those past struggles, I would never be this strong - and if I never was this strong, I would never have been given this struggle. So, be proud of yourself - the more struggles you face, the stronger you'll be - just keep on going - learn from the past, live in the present and think for the future.

It's better to be best at something than good at everything.

Jack of all trades, master of none. A quote I learnt in my business lesson when my teacher was talking about the Blake & Maulton Managerial grid and saying how the 'middle of the road' manager was a jack of all trades, master of none. Good at everything, but not particularly best at anything. This figure of speech really made me think - I liked it so much that I even wrote it down on my notes.

It's better to be best at something than good at everything.


It's true. It's better to be best at something than good at everything. Everyone can be good at something but not many can be best at something. You don't need to be good at everything to get a job, you can be a leg specialist or a physiotherapist. That's being best at something in particular and good on some other bits.

Which would you prefer? Being number 5 at everything or being number 1 in something and forget the rest? Being good at everything would only classify you as average in whatever you do. But, being best at something would classify you as one of the best in those areas, and the right person to talk to when one has a problem with a particular something.

Take for example, a dentist - their expertise, the teeth. When people have problems with their teeth, they'd turn to a doctor, not a neurosurgeon. You go to a neurosurgeon over your teeth, you'll only be told to find a dentist. Why? Because, the dentists are the specialist for teeth, not the neurosurgeon.

It's amazing how I can write a simple entry over a figure of speech. But hey, I guess that's the beauty of blogging. You want to let the whole world know what you think (even if the whole world doesn't actually read it)

What makes an awesome leader

To run our own business, we need to be brave to take risks, be outspoken in presenting our business' goods and be the type of person people follow. In simple terms, we need to be a leader. If we decide not to be a leader, the chances of our business succeeding is very little, if not zero. When you can't even decide on how to sell, can't even convince others to buy your products and can't even get the support of the people you hire - you can be sure your business is at stake.

What is a leader?


Before we can talk about what makes an awesome leader, we need to understand the term 'leader'. So, what is a leader? Someone who leads? Someone who tells people what to do and make sure they do it? Someone who demands respect from others only because they're the leader? No. A leader is one who guides and leads others while inspiring them, without being forced. They don't ask for respect, they earn it.

What makes an awesome leader?


Anyone can be leaders, it's whether they can get people's cooperation or not that classifies them as either a good leader or a rubbish leader.

Be a good listener.


No one likes to talk to a person standing in front of them and know that they are not actually heard. If they're not heard, what's the point of wasting their time and breath, talking? If you're a leader and you don't listen, your subordinates are going to feel unappreciated. This may eventually lead to demotivation and demoralisation. So, when they talk to you, answer them, ask them questions relating to what they've told you before - an exam? a driving test?  A simple "How did your driving test go?" can go a long way. It just shows them that you've listened and you care.

Be an understanding manager.

It's important to keep track of your business' progress and it's also important to make sure your employees are happy to work in your business. Different people live different lifestyle. It could be all sweet to you but some others may find their life a struggle. When you have these employees, try and put yourself in their shoes. It may be that they sent in their work late because they had to stay up all night looking after their daughter in hospital. At times like these, be nice and don't put too much pressure on them. Otherwise, you'll just add to their burden and may result them in a nervous breakdown. To keep things balance, just be sure not to let them walk over you.

Be relaxed - less stress, more progress.

No one likes being stressed. It gives you headaches, sleepless nights and can turn a perfectly good day to the worst day of ones life. Relax and smile. When you're relaxed, your subordinates would be less stressed and would be motivated to produce progress voluntarily rather than forcefully. This would be a great working environment - when people get along well and not a single tension arises, which can produce labour productivity.

Think from different views


Different people think from different views. Some may be more specific, some may be more shallow and some may be just the kind of ideas you need for your business. Encourage people to share ideas, and if they disagree with yours, discuss with them the pros and cons and decide which is better for the business - not for your ego. That way, they would be more motivated and feel more appreciated within the business - producing quality service and an excellent working environment. Who would want to miss that?

Still not enough? Want a more in-depth guide to how to be a good leader? Have a look at these books and see if it will suit you.

   

Forget iPhone 4. I want THIS!

Forget iPhone4, forget all that's new.

I want this Android, coz it looks cool.

I want you, I want you, I want YOU!

Just trying to figure how to get you.

Amazon? Yeah, will do. 

Wireless Amazon? I'll be there for you!

Only prob - how do I get the money?
When studying is my current priority?
Looks like I'll have to wait for you,
So, wait for me too!

Treat your customers right, or watch them flight

Customer service - a key to a business' success. Why? Simple, the quality of customer service offered by a business can affect the reputation and reputation can affect sales. Don't believe me? Ask random people around you to choose between Nike and Mr. A shoes (Note: Mr. A is to signify some random shop). Which one would they choose? At least 90% would say Nike. The reason behind that would be pretty obvious - Nike is well-known for its quality, known for its logo and the usual 'just do it'. Basically, Nike already has a reputation for its goods.

No one likes a cold shoulder

For a business to earn a good reputation, they would need to look good and produce quality goods. Once they have fulfilled these criteria, they need to make sure the customers would stay with them - one of the ways, you guessed it - provide good customer service. If Nike had poor customer service, would people still want to buy from them? No! They'd likely go to Adidas or Umbro instead. No matter how much they nag or complain, your customers are still human being - if you treat them wrong, they can get upset, and when that happens, your business' reputation can be scarred horrendously.

Even one customer is important

Yes, I think we all know what that means. Some may argue - one is not a big number and is not a big loss. Think again. I have read how one single customer can increase a business' sales, and I know how one single customer can cause a lot of problems for a business.

If you were treated badly by a business, what would you do? You'd complain. Well, most people would - I don't know about you. Sometimes, when people talk while feeling down, they can exaggerate quite easily. And what happens when these drama queens complain about a business? Even the tiniest little detail like the kind of toilet paper provided in the loo can be an issue. Now, would you really want your business to go down - just because of an unhappy customer?

When you treat your customers with high standards though, they would remember it for the rest of their lives, and they would mention your business to their friends and family. Believe me, I've seen it in action. In fact, I was one of the people who liked promoting the business that treated me nicely before.

Since I'm running out of time, I'll leave you with the Dummies book (one of my favourite books).