This week in Israel there is a celebration of the traditional festival of the trees: or the New Year of trees. Traveling in Israel you will see multiple trees covered in white fluff. No, it’s not snow, it’s the thousands of white blossoms of the almond tree, this is the first tree to begin to bloom.

In many cultures, human characteristics are attributed to trees, and lessons are learned from them. In Jewish culture there is a saying in scriptures: “for man is a tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20, 19). This is quoted as the reason for the commandment that when one conquers a city they must not kill the trees. Trees seem to have some kind of spiritual affect on many, from the most cynical among us, to the tree hugger. … [visit site to read more]

I find that my biggest enemy is myself. When my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone it’s usually because I am simply scared. I’m afraid that I’ll fail. That I’ll let myself down. If you fail to do something because you never tried at least you can blame something, but when you gave it your all and failed, that hurts!

The thing is that it is this very fear that is the the REAL reason why I would fail in the first place. Assuming that my goals are realistic, as William Johnson put it: “If it is to be it is up to me.” If you were going to run an Olympic race you would make sure that your health was at its peak, your sneakers were new, but broken in, that you ate properly and fully ready for the competition. Same goes with every other challenge. … [visit site to read more]

What is mind mapping?

Dating back to the 3rd century, the first recorded mind map was created by Porphyry of Tyre, a Phoenician Neoplatonic philosopher, to map out Aristotle’s categories. This tool, however, is far from outdated. Even today, people from a spectrum of sectors use this tool to gain clear perspective on their projects.

A mind map is a diagram used to represent ideas, tasks, or other complex items linked to central topic. Mind maps are used to gain perspective, brainstorm, organize or classify ideas, problem-solve, make a decision, and for studying, amongst many other applications. It can even help with hair loss! Actually, not. but with such diverse application of this tool I wouldn’t be surprised if it COULD help with depilation. … [visit site to read more]

It can be difficult to decide what to do when. One of the most challenging aspects of getting things done is usually taking the first step. The problem is, which step is one supposed to take first?

The good news is that there have been many different tools developed to help people prioritize. This, though, can lead to a similar problem and you’ll find yourself asking “Which system should I use?” I will cover many different systems in the future, but here I will present a great technique for deciding, of all the things that need to be done, what is most important of them all. … [visit site to read more]

One could write volumes about the content of this video. Why is it that we need to hear validation from other people to be confident in ourselves? Psychologists explain that it probably has to do with early development. We learn from our parents, we mimic them, and we look for approval from them.

When we get older that doesn’t change. We still have a need for approval. We just look for it in different places. Whether it’s acceptance in the country club, or getting that pat on the shoulder from our boss for the good work we did.

This is a natural process, a deep seated need that we have. But wouldn’t it be great to be able to be confident in ourselves without the need for validation from someone else?

In the first few minutes of this video the hero brings about peace in the Middle East and profits for the dental clinics. The power of a little validation can go a long way. But that validation doesn’t have to come from other people… … [visit site to read more]