How Character is Forged according to Og Mandino

This Og Mandino Group quote was taken from page 159 of "Aspire" book from Kevin Hall (review here). I think it properly illustrate how Character is formed. See below:

"Our character has been forged in the furnace of adversity. We know what pain feels like. We cannot change the past. However, we can choose to use these reference points as a rich resource to assist us in better understanding and connecting with people. When we use our life experiences in the service of others, we will finally find purpose in our suffering, joy in our journey and much needed healing in our souls."
-Og Mandino Group

After a quick Google search, turns out "Og Mandino" is an ex military turned public speaker with a few books under his sleeves. If interested, check it out here.

"Competition" of Canadian Carriers = Boring!

I've had my mobile phone for 3 years now and I started shopping around for a new contract. Turns out that all Canadian carriers offer pretty much the same services for the same fees. Nobody offer anything that stands out over the other in terms of internet, cable or mobile. Here's an example I took on the apple website that clearly illustrate this:

My mom called me recently to let me know about a "99$ a month cable/internet/phone deal" from Bell which is an almost exact copy of what Rogers was offering at the time. Where do they take these monthly fees? Most importantly, why would I choose Rogers over Bell or vice versa?

The entertainment providers have grown stale in terms of offering - it's time for them to stop copying each other and truly compete for clients. If they don't, another company will rise up to the challenge and steal the show.

Is the Internet a Need or a Want?

I've been disconnected from the internet at home for more than a year now and people seem surprised to know about that fact. Is the internet a need or a want?

The answer depends on what you do with it. If most of your time is spent updating Facebook or watching movies, then really it's not a needed.
The internet is only a need, or required, when it's for work or to pay bills.

Entertainment is, and always will be, just a want. It provides little to no value so stop pretending that it's needed.
If you're in debt, your money should go towards repaying that debt rather than cable or internet (or expensive phones, clothes, cars...etc).

You want happiness? Start living below your means.

The No Complaining Rule

Whenever I'm in a new office, I start the day by printing the "No Complaining Rule" taken from the book "The No Complaining Rule" by author Jon Gordon. The rules help me keep things into perspective and are just good rules to live by. See below:

The No Complaining Rule

Employees are not allowed to mindlessly complain to their coworkers. If they have a problem or complaint about their job, their company, their customer, or anything else, they are encouraged to bring the issue to their manager or someone who is in a position to address the complaint. However, the employee(s) must share one or two possible solutions to their complaint as well.

-Page 96 from “The No Complaining Rule” by author Jon Gordon

Five Things To Do Instead Of Complain

1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. if you are focusing on gratitude, you can’t be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you’ll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change and let go of the things that are beyond your control. you’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out.

5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in the ultimate power and recharge.

-Page 114 from “The No Complaining Rule” by author Jon Gordon

If you haven't done so already, be sure to pick this book up. Get it here!

*This post can also be found on Men 2.0

Jim Carrey Graduation Speech

Jim Carrey is a great actor/comedian and has recently been honoured in Fine Arts after he gave a speech to a class of 2014 university graduates. The speech was both inspirational and humoristic which made Jim Carrey shine. See it below: