Life Skills

Links to behavior transforming coaching.

Keeping An Open Mind

I had a visit with a very communicative medic. He shared insights from a recent conference that he had attended. As it turns out, it may result in a change in how he addresses some situations that he has to treat.

It is instructive, that after years of rigorous study and significant experience, he stills finds it necessary to expose himself to new ideas and to actually move to implement them.

I am concerned that this level of hunger for knowledge is being swept aside by the pressures of daily living. My own confession is that I am spending a lot less time searching out new information that I did years ago. Access is easier but the distractions are greater. In reality, I think it is the commitment level that has waned. My mind is not as open to new information as it used to be. It is too caught up in daily struggles.

But what of our medic?

What if he got stuck in his practice and never took the time to open his mind to new information? The very patients that he would be slaving to serve would in fact be the worse for it.

So, having read this, what are you going to do?

I am committing to keeping my mind open to a much greater degree than at present.

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7 Keys to Success in 2012

7 Keys To Success This Year

Most of us are determined to achieve more this year than we did last year. I want to share 7 keys to success this year.

Key #1: Tap into the source

The single most important springboard for success this year is to ensure that you have access to the source of blessings.

Eph: 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Being in Christ is the single most important step to success.

Phil 4:13 13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me. 

Matt 7: 7   “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.   9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!     

The empowerment that comes from being anchored in Christ sets you on a path to success.

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Seeing what benefits come from being in Christ does not put you in Christ. Having friends and families in Christ does not put you in Christ. Spending time with people who are in Christ does not put you in Christ.

To be in Christ, you must be aware of His sacrificial death to pay for man’s sin and believe it to be true.

You must make a decision to live a life that is in conformity with Christ-like principles and to reject the old ways.

You should have made a public declaration that Jesus is Lord of your life.

You should have been immersed in baptism for the remission of your sins. Following that you continue to be obedient to God’s will for your life.

Remain firmly grounded in Christ and you are all set for success. With Jesus as the vessel you will get where you want to go.

 

Key #2:  Expect great things

This year you should work to make every thought a positive one. Just expect better will come.

Our thoughts have inordinate influence on what manifests in our lives.

Philippians 4:8-9

Meditate on These Things

   8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

You get diagnosed with an illness. Pray fervently and constantly think that with a change of diet and life style and the aide of health practitioners you will beat it and get better.

Research data indicates that patients with a positive disposition survive longer.

You had your mind set on something coming through for you and you do all that you are supposed to do you and more and yet for some inexplicable reason it is stalled. It is just not happening for you.

Don’t give up. Continue in your pursuit. Re-double your efforts. But always believe that it will come through for you.

 

Key#3: Pray without ceasing

Do not underestimate the power of believing prayer.

 1 Thess 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 James 5: 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

This year, you should also dare to have the mindset of Jabez and to pray about it.

1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Be bold in your prayer life. However, ask believing.

James 1:  5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

 

Key#4: Be focused and passionate about what you feel called to do

Narrow your focus. Determine what is at the core of what you want to achieve. Follow your passion. Do not be distracted. Do not be caught up either in your challenges or your successes.

 

Nehemiah 2: 1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

 

   I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

 4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

 

Key#5: Be faithful and diligent

This year be scrupulous in ensuring that your every thought, word and deed is in keeping with the scriptures.

This is a year for ensuring that we expunge sin from our lives. We are going to accept that through Christ we can live righteous lives.

We will commit to Bible study so that we will be encouraged daily to abide by its principles.

We will commit to getting rid of the sins that beset us. Let us be embrace honesty where deceitfulness was a feature of our lives.

We will commit to chastity where fornication and adultery was a feature of our lives.

We will commit to forgiveness where malice was a feature of our lives.

We will commit to filling our hearts with love where hatred and bitterness have been taking root.

The history of Israel and Judah highlight the fact that God consistently punished sin and rewarded repentance and obedience. Let us not invite God’s displeasure and wrath this year.

Let us not lose sight of the fact that while God’s reaction might not be a swift as when Ananias was struck dead, He abhors every sinful act and promises that we will be held accountable for our actions.

Let us spend this year in dread of a God that is to be feared and respected. Let us stop being careless with our souls. Stop using Christ’s sacrifice as an excuse for indulging our sinful desires.

In this jubilee year, let us give up wanton sinfulness. Let us give back our lives to God.

This is also a year where you need to put in more effort. The more challenging the times and the situation the more effort it requires to overcome them.

When the going gets tough the tough gets going.

Prov 6: 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

 

Key#6: Collaborate

This is the time for collaboration. Alliances and partnerships are essential to success. The idea of going it alone is challenging and is not recommended at this time. We need to share our burdens with others and help them to bear their burdens.

1 Cor 1:10

[ A Church Divided Over Leaders ] I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Proverbs 24:6 Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

 

Key#7: Be patient and persevere

James 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

 James 1: 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Reflect on the less celebrated part of the recollection of Elijah’s action at Mount Carmel. He had just silenced the prophets of Baal by bringing about a most amazing display of God’s power through his prayer.

Recall that he had warned that there would be no rain for 3 years and that it would rain at his behest.

1 Kings 18:  41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.  43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked.  “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”  44 The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”    So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”  45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 

Consider also the Jericho march and the patience that it required.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

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Engage, Encourage, Enable

Engage, Encourage, Enable

As we move forward in this new year, I want to share some options for your commitment.  Many of us fail to follow through on our resolutions. Here is hoping that this year you will make one or more of these options come true.

The resolutions fall into 3 basic categories:

Engage, Encourage, Enable

Engage

The invitation is that this will be a year in which we strive to be more engaging. Let us seek to look beyond ourselves and our inner circle.

I am suggesting that this should be a year in which we widen our sphere of influence. Let us be more open to the possibility of interacting with others.

Instead of holding our heads straight and avoiding contact let us change our mindset and actively seek to connect with others.

Let us banish the word “Shy” from our vocabularies and work to broaden our network of friends and associates.

Each new contact that we make represents an option for new possibilities. So the more contacts we make the more possibilities become available to us.

Proactive networking and being open to engaging new contacts is one of the keys to success.

“To the weak I became weak in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some of them.” 1Co 9:22

 I would also like for us to commit to making real connections this year. Move at least one of the surface interactions that we have to a genuine friendship.

Move from exchanging pleasantries to a genuine interest in issues of concern to the other party.

Is there scope this year to learn more about someone’s hopes, fears and aspirations?

Can we take time to go beyond the warm greeting to better appreciate what makes someone else tick?

In an increasingly sceptical and untrusting world, the call of the Great Commission to go into the world and teach is going require us to engage others on a real basis.

“Show me that you care, if you want me to listen to you.”

The politicians are increasingly being confronted with the phenomenon of people simply opting out when they fail to get the feeling that their interests are of genuine concern.

Let us reflect on Christ’s genuine concern about the well being of others. He dealt with their health concerns and took swift action to deal with their hunger.  He sought to resolve their understanding of the law and how to relate to the authorities.

Above all, He was open to contact from anyone. He was not a respecter of persons and His mission led Him to constantly make new contacts.

Let this year be a year of engagement.

I suggest that we do not limit our commitment to engagement only to connection with others.

Let this be a year in which we open ourselves to something new.

This might be a new hobby, or a new type of book or show. Initiation of a fitness routine.  Going on a diet.  Going back to school.  Starting a new business.

Let this be a year of new beginnings…  a year in which we engage something different.

I would also like for this year to be a year of encouragement.

The environment is overrun with negative sentiments. Predictions of hard times abound. Doom and gloom have been our constant companions.

I suggest that we lift the veil. I suggest that we replace the forecast of dark clouds with expectations of bright sunny skies.

The potential impact of a change of mindset is generally under-estimated.

“Peter answered him, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come on!” So Peter got down out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came to Jesus.” Mat 14:28 – 29

I was able to walk on hot, flaming coals bare footed without being seared because of a change of mindset.

Let us focus our energies on being encouraging in our thoughts, words and action. Let us adopt positive mindsets this year. Let us recall that with God all things are possible Matt 19:26.

Let us base our faith on the fact that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.

So, in our conversations let us strive to sound notes of encouragement versus discouragement.

We can take the commitment to be encouraging further. We can actively cheer on others in their pursuit of positive goals or in the honest performance of tasks that they have been assigned.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

Let the phrase “Well done!” roll off our tongues more often. Let us be there to say “Don’t give up! You can do it! Persevere, the victory will be yours!”

Lay any temptation to tear down to rest this year. This year you only have eyes for positive outcomes. Thoughts of failure are banished. Disappointments may come but we know that they will be fleeting and victory will be yours in due course.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

Our encouragement should also embrace helping others to remain in the faith.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness”. Heb 3:13

Let us make it a point of duty this year to help others in their Christian walk. Let us encourage a brother or sister to greater levels of commitment and service.

If the opportunity presents itself, strive to restore someone who has fallen away.

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal 6: 1 -3

Our next commitment is to be enabling this year.

As we become more engaging and widen our network of contacts. And as we encourage others and ourselves to positive achievement, we will have created opportunities for us to become enablers.

Each of us has the capacity to help someone to achieve one of their goals.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

This year we should strive to translate “good wishes” and encouraging words into tangible action.

As we becoming more engaging and as we strive to be encouraging let us find ways to actively enable others as well.

Our enabling action may come in many different forms. It need not require material resources. A simple word of advice could make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Maybe just sitting quietly with someone as they work through a challenging situation may enable them to move forward with their life.

The key is to be on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference. No longer opt to be a bystander. Put up your hand and be counted. Reach out and lend a hand or provide a shoulder. Be a sounding broad. Give someone the assurance that you are there for them.

This year commit to enabling others on their life journey.

In closing, your most significant action in enabling others would be to share the Gospel with them.

No act of empowerment can compare with that of leading someone to Christ. In order to do so you will have to engage and encourage them.

Share the good news of Christ’s sacrificial death to reconcile us to God, the need for repentance, public acknowledgement of Jesus and baptism for the remission of sins.

On a personal level, this is a year for getting things right with God.

We are committing to obeying the plan of salvation before it is eternally too late.

We are committing now to being fully aware of our deceitful SELF and to call out the impostor every time it appears.

We are committing to hungering after righteousness.

We are committing to devoting ourselves to immersion in God’s word on a daily basis.

We are committing to applying its teachings to our lives.

This year we will engage, encourage and enable.

God bless you!

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Are TVET training resources being wasted?

One of the challenges that governments face as they encourage the expansion of enrolment in TVET is the resultant profusion of training providers – each marching to their own beat. The situation is further compounded when on-the-job training and apprenticeship programmes play a major role in TVET delivery.

Duplication of resources to the point of redundancy and inefficiencies of scale is common place. Of equal significance is the diverse curriculum and outputs of the training provider. A plumbing graduate from different providers is likely to have mastered competencies to different levels. This then places employers with the challenge of determining just what do the certificates mean.

Systems that face these challenges can achieve major gains by investing in a comprehensive TVET control system. Such a system should facilitate effective registration and management of training providers.

The TVET control system should also provide all stakeholders with access to a qualifications framework that guides certification to national and international standards. By monitoring and directing the supply side of the labour market equation, governments are better equipped to avoid the wastage of resources in their TVET system.

What are your thoughts?

INFOSERV Technology Solutions: http://www.infoservonline.com

UNESCO-UNEVOC e-Forum to UNESCO-UNEVOC
show details 10:15 (8 minutes ago)
 From: Chris Chinien [mailto:chris.chinien@gmail.com]
Sent: 2011-11-25 12:36
Subject: Re: Are TVET resources being wasted?Dear Trevor,

One way to address your problem is implement rigorous national
certification examinations. Providers that are not successful in getting
their candidates through the examinations will eliminate themselves from
the market. If and when e-learning becomes more widespread we will face the
same problem on a much larger scale. Again tough certification examination
will be the answer.

Chris

From: trevor smith [iitjam@gmail.com]
Sent: 2011-11-25 15:22

Subject: Re: Are TVET resources being wasted?
Thanks Chris,A structured Qualifications Framework and adequate technologies to
effectively manage it is essential.

We have a preference for a competency-based assessment processes. This
focuses attention on observing what candidates can do versus what they
know. This distinction is essential in the TVET domain. In addition,
candidates are able to add competencies to their portfolio over time.

A Qualifications Framework with its bank of qualifications plans is an
important step towards regularizing TVET delivery and avoiding a waste of
resources.

Trevor
INFOSERV Group
http://www.infoservonline.com

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Dealing with Stress

John Gray points out that men deal with stress differently from women. Watch the video below.

Our behavioral preferences also influence how we handle stress.

Dominance-orientation (outgoing/task oriented):

Seek a solution. At least lose myself in action.  If I am fully engaged in meaningful activity that I am making progress and the stressor gets pushed into the background.

Influence/Inducement-orientation (outgoing/people oriented):

Put a positive spin on the situation. I will find blue skies somewhere. In the worst case, I find comfort in the thought that this too will pass. In the meantime, I will find something interesting to attract my attention. Live is too short to spend it moping.

Steadiness-orientation (reserved/people oriented):

This calls for support. Together WE can deal with this issue. Let us discuss this and collectively find solutions. I will remain calm but this matter will engage my attention. I am not comfortable simply ignoring it.

Compliance/Conscientiousness (reserved/task oriented):

Go into review mode. Work to find the cause. Evaluate the potential  impact. List possible strategies for resolving the problem and the pros and cons. Choose the best option. Batten down for the worst.

Here is the John Gray take on how men and women handle stress.

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Embarrassment Exposed!

Nobody likes to experience embarrassment. Yet, it seems to be part of the reality for most of us.

Embarrassment impacts some people more than others. Some individuals with self-esteem challenges actually curtail interaction with others so as to avoid experiencing embarrassment.

One common error with respect to embarrassment is the notion that someone can embarrass you. We say to our children, “Don’t embarrass me in public!”

The reality is that embarrassment takes place when what is revealed is not in keeping with the image we try to or want to present.

The child’s unruly behavior causes us to choose to be embarrassed because we would like to portray the image of a parent who is able to properly discipline our children. If that were to be true then the episode would not be occurring or would it?

If we accept the reality that our kid behaves in this socially unacceptable way in private and in public then we are faced with another reality. If further, we accept that we are at our wits end working to correct this behavioral issue, then we are better served by seeking help than by being embarrassed. Being embarrassed reflects a sense of “Oh, no! I have been found out.” It produces a sense of shame.

There is a subtle difference between accepting the need for corrective action and being embarrassed – feeling ashamed.

For example, one parent will use the temper tantrum display to reinforce their commitment to getting help if necessary to correct the behavioral challenge.

The parent who chooses the route of embarrassment, either puts on a sheepish grin and beats a hasty retreat or enters into a stern attempt at discipline that is more designed to save face than to achieve any sustainable behavior modification in the child.

When our reality is not what we want others to know, we feel embarrassed. If we are comfortable with “what is” then we feel no discomfort when it is exposed. This relates to our financial situation being shown to be less stable than we would like others to know. Or, our actions being out of step with the value system that we claim to live by.

For example, the professing Christian who is caught in a blatant lie often chooses to be embarrassed. A more useful response would be to recognize the failing and to pray for guidance in avoiding future occurrences.

The so-called “expert” whose competence is found wanting can choose to be embarrassed or can view the incident as a wake-up call to go and get the requisite training.

The next time you feel embarrassed, spend a moment in reflection to identify what reality has been exposed that is not in sync with the image that you would like to portray. Make a commitment to correct the situation.

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Sports As A Career

As parents we tend to hammer home the importance of academic pursuit with our children.

“Have you done your homework?” is a staple feature of dialogue with our kids. How often do we hear “Have you run your laps and done your push-ups”? or “Have you completed your batting (or bowling) practice”?

News just out is that the lowly placed West Indies players in the relatively unattractive sport of cricket have just been awarded contracts.

Some pretty ordinary cricketers are guaranteed US$80,000 and US$100,000 per year. That is more than most executives in the Caribbean earn. It certainly outstrips teachers’ salaries by a long shot.

Of course all this is chicken feed when compared to what is now on offer in Athletics, not to mention Basketball and Football.

The message: Follow up on the development of the physical, sporting skills as well. At a minimum, the child will be healthier.

Here is the report on the cricketers who have been awarded contracts.

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Young leaders

Young persons who are placed in positions where they have to lead older persons consistently complain about the challenges that they face. Getting acceptance can be a drain on their productivity and the performance of the team.

Case studies of young persons being given the responsibility to lead their elders suggest that relying on Dominance and Influence as their preferred leadership style produced positive results.

A “I am just another member of the team” S-style approach seems to backfire as some elements who thought that they should have been given the position put up resistance. Others demand that the young leader earn their respect.

The C-style resort to using the authority of the position to get compliance fails to get the buy-in that makes all the difference in highly successful teams.

So, a demonstration of a willingness to use an iron fist carefully integrated with friendly outstretched arms seems to work best.

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BB Black-out Stems Worry

Worry is usually triggered by receipt of new information. We process the incoming information in a way that prompts us to be concerned about the future. That in turn can translate into varying degrees of worry.

What if the information that triggered our concern was delayed? Would we worry about it the situation? Not at all.

Many persons would have had a chance to put away their worry beads during the BB Blackout.

This situation should give us pause to recognize that worry is a choice that we make. If we can have fun because we are unaware of the situation, it is not the event that causes worry. Rather it is what goes on in our heads. Worry then is a function of what goes on in our heads. That means that we have control over whether we worry or not.

The key is how we process incoming information. Learning to put a positive spin on new developments is a great antidote to worry. The key is to envision blue skies in the end.

A strong faith-based outlook is the ultimate antidote to worry.

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Inspiring Story

The army readies for battle.

The General commands the drummer to beat the “Attack” rhythm.

The army advances and suffers heavy losses.

The General commands the drummer to beat “Retreat”.

The drummer continues to beat “Attack” despite the General’s desperate shouting for “Retreat” to the played.

In tears the drummer confesses: “Attack is all I know General. They never taught me Retreat.”

Happy ending: The army continues to push forward to the beat of “Attack” and overcomes the enemy.

Discard “Retreat” from your playlist so that “Attack” will be all that you know. When the chips are down and defeat stares you in the face  – attack.

Attack – doubt.

Attack – fear.

Attack – with a clarity of purpose and thought.

Attack – with a carefully crafted plan of action.

Attack – with the goal in mind.

Attack – with God as your leader!

 

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