Will Smith’s 12 Words of Inspiration

Will Smith – actor, rapper, producer, successful idol…speaks on the things that have inspired his journey.

 

While I am skeptical of words of wisdom spouted by celebrities, sometimes we ought to take them seriously. For the mere fact that, they are successes and successes always has something to teach us. But again, in the case of Will Smith, I really admire the man. He has consistently walked the talk, be it his succssful journey towards stardom or his personal life (He is married to Jada-Pinkett Smith since 1997). So, it wasn’t an eye strain to hear him speak about his rules for life in this YouTube video.

 

 

Here are his 12 rules for life -

1. Greatness exists in all of us.
2. Yes, life can be easy if we let it be.
3. There is greatness in all of us.
4. Lay one brick at a time.
5. Focus on making a difference.
6. Represent an idea…represent possibilities.
7. You HAVE to BELIEVE in yourself.
8. Nothing is unrealistic.
9. Our thoughts are physical.
10. You really got to focus.
11. Attack your fears.
12. Be willing to die for the truth.

 

Of al the points, the eleventh one got ingrained the most. Attack your fears…fear is what reins in all our dreams and we should always attempt to let go of our fears.

Let me know what you think of these 12 points and which one is the most applicable to your life.

Video Credit: themindguru

The Do Lectures - A Website Which Inspires, Simply.

Sometimes the efficacy of the internet is brought to us by some simple but thoughtful sites. And it’s a delight when it's serendipitous. One such little nugget is TheDoLectures.com. It's just about the 'do'. It's a site which was born out of a dinner table conversation between >David and Clare Hieatt. I wish I had such bright sparks of inspiration while chewing the cud. The site is simply about bringing some of the doers of the world onto the podium and let them share their insights with the whole wide world. And refreshingly it's not about the big 'do's'...the ones in the shadow of the limelight but with an achievement to boast of, also take the stage.

They share their knowledge, the wisdom and their individual visions. I took in some of the lectures...The one by Andy Kirkpatrick was great to say the least. Not verbose, not dull and definitely not without a lesson. Andy Kirkpatrick by the way is a climber. Not a social one but something far more exceptional - he does it on some of the world's highest mountains. He talks about three fears - fear of the heights, fear of snakes and fear of the unknown. Through the metaphor of the mountain and his climb he describes his 'ascent' out of the fears, beautifully.

The site is all about such people, known and unknown but with balls of fire. And the common thread through all the videos of their talks and presentations is there effort to rub off all that pep on us. So without further ado, head over to the site and talk a look for yourself. Perhaps, you will find something to think (and do) about.
The only requirement when you visit the site is of course a browser with Flash Player 9 plug-in, a net connection and an interested ear.

I would like to thank Aibek over at MakeUseOf.com for this piece of serendipity.

 

Here’s the lecture by Andy:

Life lessons from Narayana Murthy

One of life's heroes. N R Narayana Murthy.A man who made it big in business and life following sutras of ethics, integrity and hardwork.This is from a pre-commencement lecture at the New York University (Stern School of Business) last year. He speaks on the turning points in his life and the lessons it taught him.


His 'final words' sum up the man who is a true icon for us...

I believe that we have all at some time eaten the fruit from trees that we did not plant. In the fullness of time, when it is our turn to give, it behooves us in turn to plant gardens that we may never eat the fruit of, which will largely benefit generations to come. I believe this is our sacred responsibility, one that I hope you will shoulder in time.

Click on title for the related article...

Something more about Abraham Lincoln

Listen to this…on a man who had to face seemingly insurmountable obstacles but never thought about giving up. This is perhaps the most inspiring piece I have ever come across.

He had to work to support his family after they were forced out of their home. 1816
His mother died. 1818
Failed in business. 1831
Was defeated for legislature. 1832
Lost his job and couldn’t get into law school. 1832
Declared bankruptcy & spent the next 17 years of his life paying off the money he borrowed from friends to start his business. 1833
Was defeated for legislature again. 1834
Was engaged to be married, but his sweetheart died and his heart was broken. 1835
Had a nervous breakdown and spent the next six months in bed. 1836
Was defeated in becoming the speaker of the state legislature. 1838
Was defeated in becoming elector. 1840
Was defeated for Congress 1843
Was Defeated For Congress. 1846
Was defeated for Congress again. 1848
Was rejected for the job of land officer in his home state. 1849
Was defeated for Senate. 1854
Was defeated for Vice-President — got less than 100 votes. 1856
Was defeated for Senate for the third time. 1858
Was elected president of the United States. 1860

It took him more than 30 years of toil to make it to the White House. So we shouldn’t get discouraged. Take a printout…stick this in front of your desk. Don’t quit

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

This entry is for a poem I just discovered. I discovered it at the back of a picture post card. I looked up the meaning of 'Desiderata'. It signifies - Something desired as a necessity. The poem touched my heart and reminded me of another similar equally inspiring piece of work - 'If' by Rudyard Kipling. Sometimes it’s quite wondrous to discover the story behind such works. Works which have endured are treasures of wisdom and beauty. I wonder how I 'discovered' this so late...but I am thankful I did.
A pure heartedly simple poem. The legend behind its origin is ambiguous, but their is no faulting the writer's purpose. This apparently simple piece of penmanship remains as relevant as it was decades ago. Perhaps more so...because the strife of society is more pertinent for us today. The writer appears to be a master of apposite and evocative thoughts. Without being excessively preachy, the poem could serve as a mirror to our soul and a map for our actions. ( Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence...) It tells us to be always happy amidst the chaos of life ( With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world...)

Spare a few moments for this poem, and leave a comment if you share a similar view as mine. Perhaps you know of some other similar inspiring work?

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.