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.

How Important is Proper Document Control in ISO Accreditation?

If your organization is working toward ISO accreditation—or trying to maintain it—you’ve probably heard the phrase document control more times than you care to count. But before your eyes glaze over, let’s break it down. ISO standards (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 27001 for information security) are built on the idea of consistency, traceability, and accountability. None of that works without proper documentation. And documentation doesn’t stay proper on its own. It needs structure. That’s where document control comes in. So, how important is it? In short: it's everything. What Is Document Control in the ISO Context? Document control refers to how an organization manages its critical documents—such as procedures, manuals, forms, and records—so that they are: Correct (the latest version) Accessible (to the right people) Secure (from unauthorized changes) Traceable (who approved, changed, or accessed them)...

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

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...

3 Ways to Make the Library a Civic Innovation Center

Libraries have always been more than just book-lending places. They’re public trust spaces, open to all, with no pressure to buy, perform, or belong to a certain group. In today’s fast-changing world, we can go one step further: we can make libraries civic innovation centers. That means transforming them into active spaces where citizens work together to solve local problems, grow ideas, and build stronger communities. Here are three simple but powerful ways to do this: 1. Host Community-Led Problem-Solving Events Many cities and towns face common challenges—unemployment, food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or poor digital access. What’s often missing is a neutral space where people can come together and think creatively about solutions. This is where the library comes in. Libraries can host regular “Civic Hackathons,” “Idea Labs,” or “Solution Circles.” These are not just for tech people. A solution circle, for example, can be as simple as a group of locals, librarians,...

Mastering the Art of Legible Handwriting: A Guide for Students and Adults

In the digital age, the art of handwriting often takes a backseat. However, the importance of writing legibly cannot be overstated, especially for students and adults in various professional fields. Whether it's jotting down notes, signing documents, or sending a handwritten letter, clear and legible handwriting ensures effective communication. This guide focuses on handwriting improvement, emphasizing cursive writing and various handwriting exercises that can help you write more legibly. Understanding the Importance of Handwriting Improvement Handwriting is not just about aesthetics; it's a fundamental tool for learning, especially for students. Research shows that writing information by hand enhances memory retention and comprehension. For adults, legible handwriting in the workplace is a sign of professionalism and attention to detail. Therefore, investing time in handwriting improvement is essential for personal and professional development. Embracing Cursive Writing for ...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Asian Fruit Salad with Dressing

Because I miss travelling to Bangkok and Vietnam where I once tasted the best mangoes and dragon fruits, here's a food post for you! Asian fruit salad is known for its vibrant colors, refreshing tastes, and mix of exotic fruits, often dressed with a citrusy or spicy sauces to enhance the flavors. Here's a simple recipe for an Asian-inspired fruit salad that you can easily prepare at home: Asian Fruit Salad Recipe Ingredients: - 1 cup of diced mango - 1 cup of diced papaya - 1 cup of pineapple chunks - 1 cup of lychees, peeled and pitted (can use fresh or canned) - 1 cup of dragon fruit, cubed - 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds - Mint leaves for garnish Dressing: - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon of honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon of grated ginger - A pinch of salt - Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes or a teaspoon of finely chopped mint for an extra kick Instructions: 1. Prepare the Fruits: Peel and cut all the fruits into bite-sized pieces. If you're using canned l...

What Can You Expect to Learn from Fantasy-Production by Neferti X.M. Tadiar?

I have had the honor of being a part of Neferti X.M. Tadiar's team when I worked for the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library for four years. This book along with others she wrote on her own or in collaboration with other authors became popular among students (high school and college). The book "Fantasy Production: Sexual Economies and Other Philippine Consequences for the New World Order" is an in-depth study of the political, economic, and social dynamics in the Philippines, especially concerning gender, sexuality, and national identity. Here are some of the things one could expect to read in this book. 1. Intersection of Gender and Economics : The book delves into how gender dynamics influence economic structures in the Philippines. 2. Impact of Colonialism : It explores the lasting impact of colonialism on Philippine society and culture. 3. National Identity : The formation and implications of national identity in the post-colonial context are a key focus. 4. Role of Sexuality ...

Storytelling Appeal Rating for Sanji of One Piece

[Warning: post may contain spoilers] Sanji: A Culinary Heart in a World of Pirates – An Author’s Appeal Rating From the moment he first graced the screen in "One Piece," Sanji, the suave, cigarette-smoking chef of the Straw Hat Pirates, has been a character that resonates deeply with audiences. With his distinctive, curly eyebrow and impeccable dress sense, Sanji is more than just a skilled cook; he's a multi-layered character whose charm, quirks, and depth have earned him an Appeal Rating of 8.5/10. Backstory and Depth : Sanji's past is as rich and complex as one of his gourmet dishes. Raised in the hostile environment of the Baratie, a floating restaurant, Sanji's journey is marked by hardship, sacrifice, and an unwavering dream – to find the All Blue, a legendary sea containing every kind of fish in the world. This dream isn't just about culinary ambition; it's a quest for a place where he can be at peace, a stark contrast to his turbulent past. His ...

Check Out My New Creative Fabrica Store Banner

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new banner on Creative Fabrica! If you’ve never heard of Creative Fabrica, it’s time to introduce you to this teeming and thriving community of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and crafters. Whether you’re a creator looking for inspiration or someone who loves to support independent artists, Creative Fabrica is the place to be. What is Creative Fabrica? Creative Fabrica is an online marketplace where creators like me can share and sell digital designs, fonts, crafts, and more. But it's not just a store—it's a hub for collaboration, learning, and growing your creative skills. Imagine a place where you can find everything from SVG cut files to crochet patterns to teaching tools. The best part? The community is always buzzing with activity, full of creators sharing their work and buyers looking for unique designs to bring their projects to life. Why I Love Creative Fabrica One of the reasons I love being part of Creative Fabrica is...

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