Saturday, April 29, 2017

Made in Kuching software and solutions

Innovation is not entirely about reverse engineering and reassembling. It is about learning from others and create your own technology to rebuilt it better and entirely on your own. From design to material to manpower. 

That is what Pasti Nyala aimed to do, design and develop our own solutions using local manpower. We want to produce 100% Made in Kuching software.


Read the article below from FREEMALAYSIATODAY

Malaysia has failed to create innovators, says Prof Sheikh Hussain Shaikh Salleh. He says talented engineers are hired by companies that merely assemble Western or Japanese technology in our factories.

A biomedical engineer says Malaysia’s engineering education is equivalent to those of top universities in the world but, unlike in the West, the country has failed to create innovators.

The former dean of UTM’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Prof Sheikh Hussain Shaikh Salleh, who now lectures, said the country lacked the will to invent products. This has led to talented engineers being hired by companies that merely assemble Western or Japanese technology.

“Our curriculum at universities is similar to what is being taught in top universities in Europe. Our syllabus is as good as the West.

“But in the West, the students design and apply the knowledge learned. We buy products from the West for our engineering students to assemble.

“That is why after 60 years’ of independence, are there any new industries coming up? That’s because the engineers are not utilising the theories they have learned.

“The first six months, they would remember what I taught them, but after they graduate, they are absorbed into the workforce and do not become innovators,” he told FMT.

He said at present Malaysians have become experts as “system integrators” by taking technology from Germany and other countries and assembling them. For instance, he said Proton could have been developed further with better engines if more effort had been put into it.

He said most of the students continued to pursue Master’s and PhD in management studies to excel in their career.

“That is why the innovation industry is not evolving. Look at the Koreans. When they started going into technology, they were far behind us. But they went into reverse engineering. The government said to build local cellphones and when the engineers opened up the phone, only about 40% of the products were Korean. The government said they wanted the phone to be made wholly in Korea. There was motivation for them to improvise and they went on to compete with iPhone,” he said.

In Malaysia, he said foreign investors came in with technology but the technology was not shared with locals as the local engineers were hired to manage the production line and assemble products.

“It is a crime if we have local talent and do not invest in them. We must have the will, infrastructure and the system for our engineers to apply their designs and create our own innovation in factories. If things remain the same, we will be stuck at the same level we are now or worse. The worst part is other nations like Myanmar and Vietnam, who are behind us, are going to come out with an infrastructure (to move forward).”

He said once Malaysia invests in innovation, it will automatically motivate primary and secondary students. Sheikh Hussain was a researcher in biomedical engineering. He said he had developed a hearing screening system to detect and aid deaf children from birth.

He had gone to schools to teach students about the hearing system while educating them about his invention.

“You could see genuine interest in the project. If students are exposed to local inventions in primary schools and further motivated in secondary schools, by the time they reach the universities, they would be brilliant in inventing things.”

He said Malaysia needed to scout for talents and invest in them. The professor felt that the education system in primary and secondary schools needed to change as teachers needed to impart knowledge with a positive attitude.

“Why do we learn something? Because it benefits us. And not to forget the subjects we learned a few months ago. That is lacking. We test our children and they cannot see beyond the exams. It is not just book knowledge. What is lacking is inquiring and being inquisitive. We should not be memorising knowledge. We need to change this.”

In Western countries, for instance, students are taught the theory to draw maps and are told to go to town with their parents to draw the design of the town.

“They then come back to school and improvise on the map. These is how theory should be put into practice. When they go overseas, they don’t have to ask people about the location of places. They look at the map and they know. The kids are taught to be masters of things.”

Images by: Azeemah

Friday, April 28, 2017

How to be good at Multitasking

We all lead busy lives and are bombarded with information and tasks during every waking moment. Multitasking can be an effective skill to help manage such a busy schedule.

The Pros and Cons of Multitasking

Multitasking refers to performing tasks simultaneously and having the ability to shift attention quickly from one task to another.

We all have to do it to some extent, but when are the right and wrong times to multitask?

1. To save time. As you can get more done, you simultaneously free up more minutes in the day.

2. To meet deadlines. When there's a lot on your plate.

3. To learn to adapt. By dealing with the demands of a busy schedule.

4. To improve your value. Since it's a skill many employers values.


When NOT to multitask:

1. You have difficulty focusing when constantly jumping from one task to another.

2. When errors can't happen. It takes time for your brain to re-focus attention each time you switch a task.

3. When it's not appropriate, as some tasks require deeper concentration.


8 Ways to become a Productive Multitasker

With that in mind, here's 8 great ways you can master multitasking skills.

1. Know when to multitask. Not all tasks should be done simultaneously. Full attention is required for new and complex things. How: if a task is taking longer than expected to complete and you feel overwhelmed, focus your attention on complex issue.


2. Work on related tasks together. When you switch tasks, your brain has to adjust. That takes a toll on your focus and productivity. How: identify related tasks - the more similar they are, the easier it will be to move between them effectively.


3. Avoid unnecessary distractions. Concentrate on what you've set out to do. How: Let people know you are busy. Don't check your emails for a set time and set your phone to silent.

Put your smartphone away, avoid browsing and focus for a solid hour or two and you will be amazed by the result. That's concentration. That's why I seldom pull out my team members for a last minute discussion unless the issue has been dragging on and has become urgent.


4. Create a "To-Do" list. Having something unstructured and messy can result in extra stress. Writing it down lets you know you have it recorded. How: break tasks down into a series of "next actions" if there are multiple steps. Go through and order by priority.

For the case of Team Pasti Nyala, we have a business management tool called "TASKPAD" developed for this purpose. Team members are encouraged to use TASKPAD to register and prioritize their task with follow-up activities. And one of the most important requirement is for each member to plan or schedule their task. That will be their "Next Action".


5. Use procrastination (delaying or postponing) to your benefit. The change can be as good as a rest and help unlock new ideas. How: when you have several interesting projects on the table, procrastinate on one by working on another.

Then again, this doesn't apply if you have little or simple task. This is what I having been trying to convey to my team member, if it can be done, just do it.


6. Delegate when necessary. Sometimes there will be multiple tasks with tight deadlines where you can't possibly get everything done. This is the time to delegate. How: assess and prioritize the tasks you can do personally, and delegate the ones that can easily be passed on to someone else.


7. Take a break. Working for a long period is fatiguing, and studies have shown that constant stimulation is registered by our brains as unimportant. How: use your break time to take a walk or sit outside. You'll return to work refreshed and refocused.

Team Pasti Nyala goes another level higher, work smart and play HARD. Well, the idea is to break those monotonous cycle and do something else, together. Enjoy the company and come back to work, recharged.


8. Schedule time to react. Unexpected issues or requests often come up throughout the day. However, it's not always an option to react immediately. How: set aside a specific hour each day to deal with any issues that arise during the day.

On most days, I would budget 7 hours of work. The rest are actually reserve for last minute call up by bosses, customers or team members dropping in for a consultation.


Multitasking can help dramatically in the age of "doing everything". Knowing what to watch out for and what multitasking tips work best, you'll find that you get more done with even more time to spare!.


Source: thetimedoctor, coschedule, sciencedaily

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

So you want to be a Technopreneur

NURTURING technopreneurship was one of the six objectives of Sarawak’s E-Com Y30. Read previous article: Getting work-ready for the digital economy
While entrepreneurs might use technology to enhance their business, technopreneurs – individuals equipped with technical and business skills – take it further by making technology and innovation their core product and service.
Whether by developing new technology or innovating current ones to meet an untapped market, technopreneurs always look forward to creating and commercialising the latest products and services that could benefit people, in ways that would make their lives easier in a technologically-driven world.
As Sarawak begins its march towards a digital economy, there is a need for local youths to embrace technology to solve challenges facing their communities as well as develop their own start-ups that can drive their home state’s economy.
If you think you have what it takes to tackle technopreneurship, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

1. Be a jack-of-all-trades
Because technopreneurship is a subset of entrepreneurship, you will need basic entrepreneurial skills such as communication, business strategy (for example: Building A Company Brand and Product Brand), marketing, branding, and financing to learn how to build a business.
Depending on the technology and innovation required to develop your products and services, you will also need to familiarise yourself with various kinds of technologies, be it general or industry-specific.
This doesn’t mean that you need to master all of them; technology in particular changes rapidly, so the least you can do is have a strong foundation on how these technologies work and incorporate them in your entrepreneurial endeavours.

2. Build a team
Running a business can be taxing when done solo, so find people with different expertise who can support you in your technopreneurship, especially non-technical ones. For instance, while you work with a programmer on product development, have a marketer to market your start-up and product, a web developer to create a website, and an accountant to manage the start-up’s finances.

3. Balance technology and content or functionality
The content or function you develop to reach your customers whether user-generated or in-house is as crucial as the product and service you build for them. Thus, make sure that you spend time on shaping clear, straightforward content that your target market can easily understand and utilise.

4. Focus on your idea
Essentially, whether it’s a website, an application or hardware solutions, always remember the idea that first drove you to become a technopreneur as you develop it. After all, technopreneurs tend to be individuals who find ideas by dreaming big, seek opportunities that others don’t see, and take calculated risks.
This idea should not only be of value to your customers, but also motivate your team to challenge themselves more and inspire other technopreneurs to do their part in impacting the society positively, be it their own communities or even the world.
Source: SarawakYES
Summary
Here's my take on this topic:
1. Realistically, being a Technopreneur does not mean a solo effort. You need a multi-skills team, working together to achieve your objectives and for the good of your targeted customers.
2. Being a Technopreneur does not mean having ICT technical skills only. To survive in the real business world, you have to have business acumen and knowledge in the industry. You need to understand how a particular industry works in order to solve their problem with your tech product/solution.
3. While you're at it, keep learning. Knowledge is power, that's what they are saying. So learn the tech trade, learn how to do business, learn from your competitors, learn from your customers. Every bit of knowledge will help in your journey to be a successful Technopreneur.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Jan Koum - from poor to billionaire

Roughly one in seven people on earth have Jan Koum, and his company WhatsApp, to thank for their ability to call and text their friends and family free of charge.

Over one billion people use the free mobile messaging app worldwide; it is particularly popular across Europe, South America and Africa. To put the WhatsApp's monumental success into context, Twitter only has 313 million monthly active users.

Yet perhaps even more impressive than WhatsApp's popularity is the success of WhatsApp's CEO and co-founder Jan Koum, as detailed in this infographic, created by Funders and Founders designer Anna Vital.

Koum was born in Kiev in the Ukraine, and when he was 16, he and his mother immigrated, leaving his father behind, in the hopes of finding a better life. They moved to Mountain View, Calif., where a government subsidy helped them get food stamps and an apartment. To help make ends meet, Koum worked as a janitor and his mother babysat.

The young man worked his way through college but ended up, like many famous entrepreneurs, quitting. He taught himself programming and eventually landed a job at Yahoo. When Koum became disenchanted, he quit and traveled the world in search of inspiration.

Then Apple's app store launched in 2009 and Koum saw a golden opportunity. He poured his time, effort and resources into building what would become WhatsApp.

In 2014, Koum and co-founder Brian Acton, another former Yahoo employee, sold WhatsApp to Facebook in a deal worth $19 billion. Today Koum is worth $9.3 billion.



Source: Funders

Friday, April 21, 2017

Top 5 Features for a Business App

Pasti Nyala is embarking on Mobile Apps development soon hence the posting of this article for our own future references.

The very basic challenge for us would be what kind of App that we should develop knowing that Google Play and Apple Store are flooded with all sorts of Apps.

Here's what customers want your Mobile App to do:

Feature #1. App should include a Loyalty Card Program. 

  • 70% of smartphone users would be interested in using their smartphone to collect points and receive discounts.
  • 69% of smartphone users would be likely to download a loyalty application.
  • 52% of Millennials want to use their mobile devices to take advantage of loyalty programs offered by restaurants, bar and coffee shops. 


Feature #2. App should include Discount Coupons.

  • 75% of consumers redeemed a mobile coupon in 2013.
  • 39% of customers spend more if they receive a personalized mobile coupon.
  • 36% of consumers would like to receive mobile coupons based on their current location.
  • Type of Discount and Loyalty features for an App: Mobile Coupons, Scratch, and Win (or similar to Apple iPhone 7 feature that allowed user to send a secret message and the receiver is required to erase the 'e-UV ink' to reveal the message.
  • Read Best Apps For Finding Discounts.

Feature #3. App should provide Customer Service.

  • Over 78% of consumers surveyed use mobile apps for customer service purposes but beware, 55% of consumers who leave feedback in a mobile app are not likely to remain a customer if their feedback goes seemingly ignored.
  • Type of customer service features for an App: Make Reservations, Book Appointments, Order Food.

Feature #4. App should include a Click-To-Call Button.

  • 75% of consumers say a phone call is the quickest way to get a response.
  • Phone calls have 30-50% conversation rates compared to only 1-2% for clicks. 
  • Type of Contact features for an App: Click-To-Call, Contact Form, Click-To-Email
Feature #5. App should include a Push Notifications.

  • 46% of consumers say they use push because they like receiving personalized alerts.
  • In fact, 77% of smartphone users said mobile offers, such as surprise points or rewards, exclusive content and special birthday messaging, have a positive or very positive impact on their brand loyalty.
  • 65% of consumers check and open a push notification if interested.

So now we have a good idea on the basic features of what a Mobile App should have. Next is to think about our own killer-app. Anyone want to suggest a killer-name for it?


Thursday, April 13, 2017

6 Rules of Success in Life

 Arnold Schwarzenegger's 6 Rules of Success in Life:

Rule #1 - Trust yourself. Ask yourselves: Who do you want to be? Not what! But who?

Rule #2 - Break The Rules (not the law). Be a legend, so don't be too well behaved and break the rules. What's the point of being on this earth if all you want to do is be like everyone else and avoid trouble.

Rule #3 - Don't Be Afraid to Fail. Be willing to fail. You can't always win but don't be afraid of making decisions. You can't be paralysed by fear of failure or you will never push yourself. Success will come, so don't be afraid to fail.

Rule #4 - Don't Listen to the Naysayers. How many times have you heard that "you can't do this, you can't do that. It's never been done before". Don't listen that you can't. Listen to yourself and say "Yes I can".

Rule #5 - Work Your Butt Off. You never want to fail because you didn't work hard enough. Leave no stone unturned. No pain no gain. It is important to have fun in life ofcourse but when you're out there enjoying yourself, someone out there at the same time is work hard, someone is getting smarter and someone is winning. Just remember, you can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.

Rule #6 - It's About Giving Back. Whatever path that you take in your lives, you must always find time to give something back, something back to your community, give something back to your state or to your country.




Suggested reading:


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Overbook situation

Several disturbing videos posted to social media Sunday show a man being violently dragged off a United Airlines plane out of Chicago after the company overbooked the flight.

Not only United Airlines allowed overbooking, it also allowed overboarding. Is this incident caused by a flawed or poorly designed computer system or a weak SOP ? I guess both.

When designing and developing a computer system, knowing the capacity of an object is crucial. These capacities also referred to other terms such as limit, maximum value or constraints.

The designer of United Airlines ticketing system should know the plane capacity and should not allowed more passengers than it can take. This can be prevented during the booking stage and check-in process.

Their SOP might suggest that the Airlines can accept more bookings but after a cut-off time, unconfirmed or unpaid booking must be automatically closed. Hence, confirming the booking will trigger the counting process of reducing the seat vacancy or increase the seat occupancy. A booking cannot be confirmed once the flight is full.

If that doesn't work, during the check-in process, there can be another counting process. The system should not allowed further check-in once the flight is full.

Michael Del Moro, the CEO of United Airlines emailed to his employees with this message "there are lessons we can learn from this experience". Well, Michael, the first lesson is to overhual your customer service SOP and methodology and then change your Airlines computer system.


Sunday, April 9, 2017

Zhou Qunfei - $7 billion female billionaire

She's the most successful self-made female billionaire in the world, and comparatively few people have ever heard of her. Meet Zhou Qunfei, school dropout (by economic necessity), former factory worker--and founder and CEO of Lens Technologies, the world's leading manufacturer of touch screens for companies like Apple and Samsung.

Zhou, 45, who grew up in a tiny village in China, lost her mother at age 5. Her father was nearly blind after an industrial accident. She dropped out of school at age 16, rose through the ranks at work, and ultimately launched her own glass-refining company, which went public earlier this year.

Zhou has a pretty low profile for a woman with a fortune estimated at between $7 billion and $10 billion, but she was profiled recently in both The South China Morning Post and The New York Times.

Here are some of the keys to her success.

1. She refused to accept less than she wanted.
Zhou did well in school, but she had little choice but to set aside her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Instead, she dropped out at age 16, to go to work in a factory, "making watch lenses for about $1 a day," according to the Times. It was hard work:

I worked from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., and sometimes until 2 a.m. There were no shifts, just a few dozen people, and we all polished glass. I didn't enjoy it.

Despite the fact that she needed the work and that there were many others lining up to replace her, Zhou wrote to her boss after only three months, thanking him for the opportunity but saying it wasn't enough for her. Instead of letting her go, her boss promoted her. This brave move turned out to be step one on her long road to immense wealth.


2. She thoroughly understood her business.
Because she'd started on the factory floor and risen through the ranks at her first employer, Zhou thoroughly understood every step of the lens-manufacturing process before she launched her own company. Even now, with a work force reported at between 60,000 and 80,000 employees, she's known for walking through her factories and paying close attention to process.

"She'll sometimes sit down and work as an operator to see if there's anything wrong with the process," one of her general managers told the Times. "That will put me in a very awkward position. If there's a problem, she'll say, 'Why didn't you see that?'"


3. She bet on herself again and again.
Zhou left her factory job to launch her own manufacturing firm with a total of $3,000 that she and relatives had saved. This was the first of 11 business she started, according to the SCMP, most of which ultimately failed.

Success will only come if you keep trying. You will totally fail, if you never try.

"Twice I had to sell my house to pay my employees' salary," she said.

In fact, it wasn't until 2003 that she had the opportunity to really make her company successful, which leads us to--


4. She said yes to opportunity.
Zhou's expertise was in manufacturing glass lenses for watches, but it was the rise of the newest generations of smart phones that really enabled her success. In 2003, she was contacted by executives from a major mobile phone company, asking whether she'd be willing to retool her company to make screens for phones.

"I got this call, and they said, 'Just answer yes or no, and if the answer's yes, we'll help you set up the process,'" the Times quoted her as saying. "I said yes."

In most cases, opportunity call in once. There may not be the same opportunity after that. However, you can also create an opportunity, like be the first to do it, be the first to discover and so on.


5. She worked incredibly hard.
There's a saying in the Hunan dialect that describes Zhou, her cousin (who serves on her company's board) told the Times: ba de man. It means "a person who dares to do what others are afraid to do."

Yet Zhou apparently demonstrates a rare combination of initiative and diligence. The Times described her work habits as "lean[ing] toward the obsessive."

Her company's headquarters is at one of her manufacturing plants in Changsha. In her spacious office, a door behind her desk opens into a small apartment, ensuring she can roam the factory floor day or night.

Lazy habit definitely won't pay. And in business, nothing come easy. So expect all kind difficulties and a series of challenges. Invest your time to solve those challenges. Only in this manner, you will learn and grow wiser.


6. She maintains balance and humility.
Despite her great fortune and success, the Times described her as exuding both "charm and humility," remaining silent during meetings, but commanding attention when she does speak up, and admonishing a subordinate for failing to sit up straight during one meeting.

"I'm not qualified to be a high-profile person," she was quoted as saying in the SCMP. "I think it's important not to get carried away when you are successful--and not to let yourself feel gloomy when times are bad."

Yup, always be positive and stay away from unhappy people.

Source: Inc

Friday, April 7, 2017

Getting work-ready for the digital economy

SARAWAK is now gearing itself towards a digital economy, where technological advancements have challenged and disrupted traditional business models and subsequently accelerated the socioeconomic growth of numerous countries around the world.
The state’s commitment was clearly reflected during the recent International ICT Infrastructure & Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (Idecs) 2017, where around 2,000 participants had the opportunity to learn and understand the latest digital trends, innovations and developments from local and international industry experts.
Their presentations on various aspects of digital economy were enlightening, educational and valuable, especially for Sarawakian youths who will be contributing to the state’s economy and development in the future.
As a refresher from the two-day conference, here are a few things that we learnt for you to prepare yourself for the digital economy.

Staying updated is essential
Technology changes rapidly, so it’s crucial to keep up with the latest technological trends regardless of disciplines. For example, technological innovations such as bitcoin, blockchain, virtual reality (VR), robotics, data analytics and cloud computing are now commonplace in every industry.
It would also be helpful to learn about and experience these technological innovations to have a better understanding on their nature and potential.

Learning ICT skills without leaving home
You can learn technology-related skills on your own by taking free courses online, from the likes of Coursera, edX and Khan Academy.
Having these skills also gives you the advantage of being able to work with overseas companies via remote working, which only requires the necessary apps, your laptop and a good Internet connection as you work from home.

Finding a problem to solve
Companies such as Lazada, Grab and AirAsia, as well as social enterprises, were established under this fundamental premise, where they would use current technology to overcome challenges confronting their businesses. It would be more valuable if the business that you intend to start benefits your community in the long run.

Soft skills remain relevant
Ultimately, a balance between technical and non-technical skills matters most when it comes to becoming capable and competent in the digital economy. Because technology cuts across all industries, employers prefer to hire candidates who can solve problems, collaborate with others and communicate effectively.
As technology affects the nature of jobs, it is also vital to be flexible and adaptable to the changes that will inevitably affect your working life. As such, be willing to learn new things even as you grow older.

Summary
To sum it up, I would like to add some extra points below:
1. Most successful businessmen will said, solving problem is their business. It would be a business only if you are providing a solution. 
2. In the ICT world, you have to keep abreast with the technological change otherwise you would be playing catch-up. And the only way to keep pace is to learn and apply the newly acquired knowledge. 
3. When developing an ICT product, having technical skills is not good enough. You have to learn and understand the business requirements. As such, having some industrial knowledge will help a lot. Immersed yourself in their world.

Source: SarawakYES

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Future of Internet of Things


In a not so distance future, likely in a decade time, our living environment will look different from today and connected differently with the rise of Internet of Things (IoT).

IoT will pave the way for lucrative business opportunities to organization, especially an ICT company. IoT will offer benefits for the society, especially the urban dwellers.

We will live in a world surrounded by IoT devices from smart living, smart industry and smart farm to smart city.

We see that many of IoT business use cases are based on practical business objectives to improve operational efficiency or improve user experience, building on existing foundations, for example predictive maintenance based on additional sensory input, real time location systems for vehicle and asset track and trace. ~ Bob Seed.

Below is the projection of IoT by 2020, and the numbers are huge.




Source: PCCW Solutions

Monday, April 3, 2017

Avoid Unhappy People

If I have my way, I would not want to deal with unhappy or negative people especially in my work place.

Having said that, happiness is something that we all strive to attain. As human beings we can accept the fact that: (a) life is short, and (b) unhappiness makes our lives difficult. As is common knowledge, our habits have a big impact on the quality of life that we live; specifically, these habits directly impact our happiness (or lack thereof).

To make a clear distinction, there is a strong difference between clinical depression and chronic unhappiness. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, while unhappiness is a disposition that is often acquired through how we choose to live our lives. Similar to depression, however, unhappiness can be diagnosed and treated.

HERE ARE 12 HABITS THAT CAN CAUSE UNHAPPINESS, ALL OF WHICH CAN BE AVOIDED.

1. CHRONIC COMPLAINING

Happy and successful people do not complain much. On the other side, it seems that chronic complainers always have something negative to say (especially about work) … even when those around them are happy! The bottom line: we all have different circumstances that we are given in this lifetime, but in the end these circumstances are ours – fair or unfair, wanted or unwanted. Instead, seek solutions to problems instead of complaining, which leads to nowhere.

2. BEING CRITICAL – OF SELF AND OTHERS

How we talk to ourselves shapes our self-image, for better or worse. Self-worth is an essential component to our happiness, and feeling good about ourselves is a right that we all have. Realize when mistakes are made, accept them, and move on…don’t engage in negative self-talk. Further, respect the inherent differences of others and recognize their right to live happily and without undue criticism.

3. LIVING BEYOND MEANS

We live in a materialistic society, one where we are constantly bombarded with advertisements for the latest car, gadget, or credit card; all promising an easier, more fulfilling existence. Don’t believe it for a second. While purchasing a new product may provide a needed emotional boost, it doesn’t last. Ever heard the term “buyer’s remorse”? It exists for a reason. Instead, seek out something to do that doesn’t involve whipping out a piece of plastic – exercise, reading, sightseeing, etc. – anything brings satisfaction without the debt.

4. NEGATIVE ADDICTIONS

Most things are good in moderation – food, a drink or two, entertainment… it’s when these things take center stage in our lives that it becomes a problem. Unfortunately, many good people have met their end through addictive habits, especially through dependence on alcohol and drugs. A great preventative measure and remedy to these addictions? Finding and living our passions to the greatest extent possible (see #8).

5. REGRETTING THE PAST

Regret is not only useless, it can be extremely harmful. Research continues to show that repetitive, negative thoughts about decisions made in the past in often a precursor to chronic stress and depression. According to Psychology Today, there are four ways to cope with regret: (1) learn from mistakes but don’t dwell, (2) if nothing can be changed about the situation to let it go, (3) make sure too much blame is not being undertaken, and(4) reframing the situation more positively.

6. WORRYING ABOUT THE FUTURE

We only have so much say in what our future holds. This is not meant to disempower (quite the opposite); rather it is stating simple truth. What we can do is live in the present while fully exercising our God-given abilities and talents, enabling and empowering us to live a happier existence. There’s that phrase again: living in the present. Face difficulties as they arise and let them go. Enjoy the beautiful things in life and experience them fully…be present.

 7. BEING DRIVEN BY FEAR

Yes, fear can be an enabler to unhappiness. To fully understand this, we have to again go back to being present. Quite simply, we can’t allow fear of the unknown (and/or the unavoidable) to cripple our quality of life. Fear is a negative thought process that is often on auto pilot. Remember: we are not our negative thoughts. We are not fear, worry, anxiety, or any other negative thought process.

8. DELAYING GOALS AND DREAMS

It’s relatively easy and effortless to get caught up in the routine of life: working, eating, sleeping, maybe even a day or two of doing something fun or relaxing. But here’s the thing: by not directing our talents and passions toward a positive and tangible goal, we potentially discard something great before its realization. The hardest part of living out our goals and dreams is taking the first step. After building a game plan taking that first step, only then can we see the possibilities.

9. RECALLING BAD EXPERIENCE

There're some individual that like to dwell on bad experiences from the past. They just love to mention past mistakes as if the mistakes have not been corrected. Or if the doers have not apology for the mistake that he or she has committed. Don't dwell on the past, look forward for a better tomorrow.

10. GOSSIPING

Nothing exudes unhappiness and insecurity more than negative small talk about someone else. After all, why would a happy, confident person engage in something that is of no benefit? They wouldn’t. Gossip is something to be left to the kids at recess, not to adults attempting to make their lives (and others!) better.

11. HOLDING GRUDGES

Similar to other negative emotions, animosity is a needless weight on our backs. We are all witness to the negative behaviors of other people and can become (sometimes justifiably) angered as a result. But remember: this isn’t about their ignorant behavior; it’s about your happiness. Either forgive, forget, or ignore… and move on with your life.

12. EATING POORLY

Ingesting nutritionally-bankrupt food is all about immediate gratification. It’s certainly not about feeling good long-term, as eating poorly can result in bad health, weight gain, depression, lack of energy and decreased productivity; while having a well-balanced diet results in an entirely opposite effect – more energy, a healthy weight, mental alertness, and increased productivity. Eat right, look great, and feel great.

13. EXPANDING OUR PROBLEMS

When we experience unhappiness and discontent, our first reaction is almost entirely emotional. In other words, we blow things completely out of proportion. After all, we still have that darned “lizard brain” (amygdala) – the epicenter of negative emotions. Instead, just take a step back, look at the problem objectively (with minimal emotion), and focus on a solution!