Take Small Steps, Because Being Inspired is Overrated

All my life, I've always thought that inspiration is needed to become successful in something, even a small project like acing the board exam. But now in my mid-40s, I know that inspiration is overrated. Reaching success requires a series of steps organized in a way that is systematic and doable.

But, inspiration is needed to become motivated, right? Yes, motivation matters. However, it's easy to get demotivated and hence lose inspiration because of the mediocre things that need attention. We easily lose sense of the big picture. Before we know it, years have passed and we still have not reached our goal of becoming successful, especially in our studies.

I've seen people proclaim their new year's resolutions to the world on social media. I know they'd probably make the same resolution next year because a year can feel like a very long time in terms of inspiration.

We often only have strong inspiration for a couple of days at most. Then, life happens, and we lose steam. Normal life errodes inspiration when it becomes obvious that the gargantuan effort needed to reach the BIG goal feels too much.

And, also, there's this thing called Procrastination. We tend to procrastinate.

Small steps, especially those that lead to accumulating wealth, improving fitness, and gaining skills may not result in dramatic events, but they do lead to a better life. These steps require discipline, but not the BIG types of discipline like starving, going for days without carbs, etc. Just enough discipline to choose the healthier options.

One good choice. Daily. These small decisions accummulate to big ones. You can make good decisions even if you're not inspired at the moment or you're feeling miserable. If it's broken down into small steps, being on track for the big things can be easy.

5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge. Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps. 2. Getting Things Done by David Allen If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax. Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists. 3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker Peter Drucker is...

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...

Do Small Libraries Need a Hard Copy of the Library Bibliographic Data?

Get your paperback copy of Library Bibliographic Data book from Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7QBGNKR A hard copy of something is simply a physical ink-on-paper version of what is in the library database. Some librarians say it is cumbersome to keep a hard copy when the soft copy is already there, one simply has to log into the system. But the hard copy of library bibliographic data can be an essential resource for small libraries for several reasons: 1. Backup for Digital Records : While many libraries have digital systems for cataloging their collections, hardcopies serve as a reliable backup in case of digital data loss due to system failures, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events. This ensures that the library's catalog remains accessible even in the face of technical difficulties. 2. Accessibility : Not all library patrons may be comfortable or familiar with digital search systems. Hardcopy bibliographies allow these patrons to access bibliograph...

Simple Way to Ask Library Users to Rate the Library Service

Library users do not always share their thoughts on how the librarian or school can improve their library service. In fact, some won't ever, unless prompted. Soliciting their thoughts using a suggestion box is also not as good a strategy as it is predicted to be. After all, the blank piece of paper near the suggestion box doesn't really guide the user. I also noticed that users would only use the suggestion box if they have a complaint, but not if they just want to go about their business and leave. There must be a more pro-active way to solicit users' opinion. A simple solution would be to offer a short survey to measure how successfully users were able to complete some common activities in the library. This assessment uses the Likert scale, which is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. For example, the scale can range from "very unsuccessful" to "very successful."...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

Being Stressed is Never a Flex

Stress and being overworked are synonyms. The notion of work stress has become an almost ubiquitous part of our lives. It's not uncommon to hear individuals boasting about how busy they are, how many tasks they have to juggle, and how little sleep they're getting. Some even wear their stress as a badge of honor, treating it as a sign of productivity and dedication. However, being stressed is not a flex, nor should it be glorified. In fact, it can have serious negative implications for both our physical and mental well-being. Stress is not a Status Symbol The idea that being stressed indicates importance or achievement is a flawed concept. True accomplishment is not measured by the number of hours spent working or the amount of anxiety one feels. Rather, it's about the work quality, the impact made and the ability to maintain a balanced life. A A person who manages their time effectively and prioritizes self-care is often more successful in the long run than someone perpet...

My Introduction to One Piece Season 1: The Humorour Storytelling is What Really Got Me

[Warning: Post may contain spoilers] As a newcomer to the world of "One Piece," I must admit, the hype surrounding this anime had always intrigued me, and I finally decided to dive in and see what all the fuss was about. Season 1 of "One Piece" has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and it's easy to see why it's captured the hearts of so many fans around the globe. From the very first episode, "One Piece" throws you into a vibrant, peculiar world of pirates and treasures. We're introduced to Monkey D. Luffy, an irrepressibly cheerful and somewhat naive young pirate with a dream: to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King. But there's a twist - Luffy is no ordinary pirate. After eating a Devil Fruit, he gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber, at the cost of never being able to swim again. This quirky blend of humor and fantasy hooked me right from the start. As the season progresses, Luffy's...

Why Traditional Artists Refuse to Sell Their Art Online?

Traditional artists often face several challenges when trying to earn money online. While the internet provides vast opportunities for showcasing and selling art, there are specific barriers that can prevent traditional artists from achieving financial success in the digital space: 1. Digital Skill Gap - Lack of Technical Skills: Traditional artists may lack the technical skills needed to navigate online platforms, set up digital shops, or market themselves effectively online. - Learning Curve: The transition from traditional methods to digital tools and platforms can be daunting, requiring time and effort to learn. 2. Marketing and Self-Promotion - Limited Marketing Knowledge: Successful online selling requires effective marketing strategies. Many traditional artists may not be familiar with digital marketing techniques like social media promotion, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising. - Reluctance to Self-Prom...

Is The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh Any Good?

Axie Oh's "The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" is a standout book for me, and it took effort to provide an objective review because I liked it so much! The novel, a retelling of a Korean folktale, offers a rich tapestry of myth, romance, and adventure. It's the kind of book that can easily captivate readers, transporting them to a world where the sea is both a giver and taker of life. But should it find a home on library shelves? The answer is nuanced. Why Libraries Should Consider Adding It 1. Cultural Representation: If you're sick of Western myths and legends, this is a good alternative. The book brings Korean folklore to the forefront. For libraries aiming to diversify their collections, this is a significant plus. 2. Strong Female Protagonist: We love strong females! Mina, the book's central character, is no damsel in distress. She's resourceful, brave, and complex—qualities that resonate with modern readers and offer a positive role model for young ...

A Librarian's Take on "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston: What I Liked and Disliked

The Allure of the Narrative Casey McQuiston's "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of young love, identity, and the pursuit of self-discovery. The narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency and emotional depth that captures the reader's attention from the get-go. McQuiston's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a standout in the young adult romance genre. One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its nuanced portrayal of characters. Shara Wheeler is not just another love interest; she's a multi-dimensional character with her own dreams, fears, and complexities. This adds a layer of realism to the story, making it relatable to a broad spectrum of readers. The Challenges: A Double-Edged Sword However, the book is not without its challenges. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with some sections dragging on longer than necessary. This can be particularly taxing for readers who prefer a more streamlined ...

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog