Nice Photo No. 7, from My Vacation

Close Encounter with a tiger, at Taronga Zoo.

Nice Photo No. 6, from My Vacation

Sydney National Maritime Museum, taken from Sydney Tower.

Nice Photo No. 5, from My Vacation

Sydney Opera House at night.

Nice Photo No. 4, from My Vacation

Sydney Harbour Bridge, taken from a ferry to Manly Wharf.

Nice Photo No. 3, from My Vacation

Sydney Buildings, taken from Taronga Zoo.

Nice Photo No. 2, from My Vacation

Photo of Sydney Harbour Bridge, from Observatory Hill.

Nice Photo No. 1, from My Vacation

I was looking at the photos from my vacation in Australia, and found some really nice photos, which I like to share. Here's the first one, which show the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Luna Park.

Interesting Structure in Sydney

I have found out that, the opera house in Sydney, is not the only interesting structure around. There is one in Mona Vale, which I have to take 45 minutes of ferry ride to Manly Wharf, 1 hour journey in a state bus to Mona Vale and another 15 minutes taxi ride to Ingleside. The temple is called the Baha'i House of Worship.

It is only one of the seven in the world. The Baha'i House of Worship is both an important focal point for the Baha'i community and a living symbol of the Baha'i teaching of the unity of religion.

The Prophet Founder, Baha'u'llah (1817-1892), taught that in the future world society, cultural diversity will be encouraged, protected and appreciated. Once racial and national prejudices have been removed, this diversity will add immensely to the quality of human existence. Inspired by the ideal of oneness of humanity at the heart of their religion, Baha'is come together to worship and carry out community and humanitarian activities in 400 localities around Australia.

Established in Australia in 1920, today's Baha'i community reflects the diversity of modern Australia.

Courage & Principles

"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.'"

Thomas Paine 1737-1809, Political Theorist and Writer

Let The Dead Bury The Dead

Remember the old adage which says, "Let the dead bury the dead." In other words, what you want to do is to stop looking back in your life and worrying about things which have already occurred and which you can no longer alter. For pursuing that kind of mental activity will never lead to any worthwhile accomplishments in your life.

You should understand, moreover, that all of the great achievers of the past have been visionary figures; they were men and women who projected into the future and did not belabour over things which had already past. They thought of what could be, rather than what already was, and then they moved themselves into action to bring these things into fruition.

Because I Was Told I Can

About 6 months ago, I joined a gym. Every morning, there is one personal trainer there that works out at the same time, that my little group does our workout. He does his "routine" with such a quiet determination that, he makes it all look very easy; although I know all too well how hard he is working. When I am tempted to whine and quit, I watch him push himself to his own limits, and I find myself motivated to work as hard and without complaint.

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching him do chin ups. He made them look effortless. I broke away from my group and asked him if I could try a chin up. I had never tried before, but he just made it look so easy. He eagerly stepped aside and encouraged me to step up to the bar. I pulled myself up without thinking...once...then twice. That was all I had in me, I had no strength left. I told him that was all I had, so he stepped up behind me and pushed me up for a third and fourth "pull." It felt so good. I felt strong and I smiled from ear to ear.

The next day when I was done my workout, I asked him to spot me again. Again, I did two. Again on day three and so on. I thought it was pathetic that I could only do two, but when I came to the gym at the end of the week, he was standing there just shaking his head. When I asked him what was up, he said he was impressed with my chin ups. He told me that when they are training firefighters, the men are required to do 5 chin ups, and women are required to do 1 or 2. He explained that most people can't do them at all, and that he was impressed that I could. He further told me that if I practiced every day, I would be doing 5 or 6 in no time. At this point I should probably add that I am 50 years old...and female.

The moral of this story...because I didn't know any better, because he told me I could, I saw no reason to doubt. I just jumped in and gave it a try - and I did it! I didn't see it as a great accomplishment, because I didn't realize that it was difficult and it became my goal to get stronger. No one told me I couldn't do it, in fact, I was encouraged to try. Had he told me initially how difficult it was, I more than likely would not have tried at all. Or I might have tried, but given it only half an effort, because failure would have been the expectation. I applaud him for letting me believe that for me, it was not only a possibility, but that success was a realistic expection .

How many times have we decided not to try at all because we were told that we couldn't, that we shouldn't, that we had expectations that were too ambitious? How many times have we told our children, our friends and our co-workers that they couldn't do something; that their ideas were impossible or beyond reach? How many times have we told ourselves that we would fail before we even started? I have a new approach now. I have experienced first hand how good it feels to rush in so innocently. To believe that we CAN do it and go on to accomplish exactly what we set out to do, because no one told us we couldn't. I've learned how important it is to support others (and ourselves) in our endeavors and to let them know that we believe they can do it rather than telling them we think that they can't. I personally want to be like my trainer; standing there behind the people that I love, encouraging them, believing in them and being ready to catch them when they get tired. I will be the one that is there on the second and third day making sure they try again, because I know they CAN. What a powerful lesson this has been for me. I'll be doing "5" in no time at all. Because I was told I CAN.

Jan Graham

A realtor in Calgary, Alberta.

http://www.jangraham.ca/

Let's Talk About Goal Setting

I was reviewing the 2007 goals for my team, when one of my friend, who is working in the banking sector called me. "Hi friend, How's life ? It's been quite awhile, since we went for a drink." I said to him. "I am fine, my friend. Yes, it's has been awhile, since we last catch up." He answered.

"How is your work? The last time you had called me, you were complaining and telling me that, your department did not manage to meet the year end goals". I asked him. "True, my friend. Now, I am stress with planning the new year goals, for my department. Any advise on goal setting, my friend?" He replied and asked me.

"Well, honestly speaking, I am not well versed in goal setting methods. But, I can share the method, which my company is currently using to set goals. I have used this method for the past 3 years, and my team have meet the goals every year. So, take out you pen and papers." I replied him.

Many people leader are not aware that having clearly defined goals, is one of the top drivers for performance. Goals setting clarifies expectations and defines contribution to help a company win. And high impact goals create the future for employees and inspire our people, by providing them with direction and accountability. The goal setting method, which my company use is called the SMART method. The definition of SMART is as follows,

• S = Specific - States the expected deliverables and outcomes as simply and concretely, as possible.
• M = Measurable - These are both quantifiable and verifiable, and can include quality, quantity, cost and timeliness.
• A = Aggressive yet attainable - Goals that challenges us to learn and go beyond our former achievements, make work more interesting and fulfilling.
• R = Relevant - The goal is relevant to our role and will help the company achieve business objectives.
• T = Time bound - A time-bound goal includes a realistic and appropriate time frame.

The economy where all of us work in is dynamic, therefore goals are not static and should be reviewed and revised, throughout the year. Some goals may be completed in a shorter time frame than others. So, new goals may be added during the year and completed at different times. Goals may need to be adjusted due to a change in business priorities. And goal setting is a dynamic, continuous process and not a one time event.

There are 4 situations when you should adjust a goal,

• Changes in business priorities
• A change in available resources (time and people resources may change, which may impact priority of time/effort/tasks, necessary to complete the goal)
• Customer expectations altered
• Goal completion - once a goal is completed and the employees has room for more goals

There are 3 situations when you shouldn't adjust a goal,

• To let someone off the hook, for not doing his/her job
• The employee did not calibrate time/resources accurately
• Just because other goals get added - always review all goals and re-prioritize

Goals setting is a dynamic and continuous process. As, our goals are affected by various external factors, which we have little control over. Our goals need to be review and revise overtime, to adjust to the changes happening around us.

So, to all friends out there, who will be using this method to set your goals. Please pass it on to others, if you achieved your goals using this method. As for my friend, he seem satisfied with the method and will be using it, to set the goals for his department. Good luck and all the best, my friends.

Crazy With Retirement Planning

I was enjoying my afternoon tea in the office pantry, when a colleague who is also a friend of mine pop in. He was asking for my opinion, on how to spend the variable bonus, which our company has just given to all the staff. "Should I use it for the down payment for a new car, buy a new home theatre system or purchase the latest model of laptop in the market?" "Use it to plan for your retirement" was my replied.

Shocked and surprised with my reply, as he was expecting me to choose one of the three options given. He said "Are you 'crazy'? Planning for retirement in our late twenties!" "Retirement planning should start from the day, a person start working" I answered him. "Okay" was his reply, as he walk off shaking his head in disbelief.

Well, it is mentally very difficult for a person, especially young working adults in their 20s or 30s, to plan for an event like retirement. This is common, since many would rather, or must spend their extra money/income now. Most people will think "Why must I save money now, which I may not spend for 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years. Retirement planning can start later."

Planning for retirement is one of the most important but more difficult task, an individual or family can perform. Based on the statistics from recent surveys, conducted by Financial Management Institute around the world, it show that the vast majority of people wish to retire, prior to the age of 65. But, only a small minority have developed a detailed plan, that will allow them to realize their retirement dreams. Majority put their retirement hopes on their pension plan, which in many case, is not enough to live on in retirement.

I have read a number of financial articles, and learned that there are three important concepts, which form the foundation of the Retirement Planning Model. The three concepts are,
1) Time Value of Money and Real Rates of Return.
2) Source of Retirement Funds.
3) Choice of Investment Securities.
I will not illustrate on the concepts, as the information is easily available in the Internet. One of the must read book, which I would recommend for those who want to plan their retirement, at an early age, is the "Cashflow Quadrant - Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom" by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

Retirement planning is something that can be easily neglected, since for many people, it is more satisfying to spend now for enjoyment, rather than save for a long-term financial goal, like retirement. Those doing so, may end up receiving short-term benefits, at the expense of major long-term pain. So, for the friends who read my blog. Start saving and plan your retirement early and enjoy your retirement, in time to come.

Mad About Nuts

I was enjoying my packet of roasted almonds nuts, when my friend suggest that I should write a blog, to talk about the health benefits of nuts. Eating nuts have health benefits? That the first think which came to my mind. Absolutely! my wife replied. Well, I did some research and here are some benefits of eating nuts.

Most people think that nuts are high in calories and fat. Well, they are right! Nuts are high in calorically dense and it is a very tempting and tasty snacks. Many type of food, which we eat can be part of our healthy diet, as long as we refrain from overeating them. Harvard School of Public Health have done a few research on this and found that, people who eat nuts regularly have lower risks of heart disease. One study found out that, men who consumed nuts more than 2 times per week, had reduced risks of sudden cardiac death.

Nuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium. Nuts are also high in plant sterols and fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 - the good fats) which have all been shown to lower LDL cholesterol.

The best approach is to reap the health benefits of eating nuts, but not add excessive calories to your daily intake. So instead of simply adding nuts to your diet, eat them in replacement of foods, that are high in saturated fats and limit your intake of these tasty treats. So friends, enjoy your nuts and live an healthy lifestyle.