Article - Setting A Goal.docx

Setting a Goal Albert Einstein was once quoted: “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” everyone dreams because life itself is simply a matter of realizing dreams into goals. Upon setting a goal, you at least know where you are going and you know you can measure whether you will succeed or you will fail. Is it therefore necessary that we set a goal? What are the things we aim at when we set one? Our existence without goals is lifeless, worthless and useless. This is because goal-setting is relative to what we want to do in life - our life’s purpose. Goals are described by some people as our desired ends with respect to time. It is human nature to make, focus on, and achieve a certain goal. However, some people go through life without really defining well what their goals in life are. As a result, they go through life aimlessly not really knowing where they are going. On the other hand, there are those who have set goals, but they never make an effort to achieve them. There is therefore the need for a responsible goal-setter. Experts say that goal setting is about creating SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, result-oriented and timely goals. One need to have time reflecting on one’s goals. According to Zig Ziglar, a goal properly set is halfway reached. That is why choosing a goal and aiming to reach it is one of the best assurance of achievement. I think we should start with our daily goal that would take a year or beyond to be achieved. As a student, I realized that a dosage of our daily goal is chunked to our objectives of the day like passing a quiz with academic honesty, listening to my teachers, and participating well during classroom discussions and activities. Upon realizing our day to day goals, we then take steps to our weekly goal like presenting a drama or a group assignment, then move towards a monthly goal like passing all subjects or courses in the semester. Finally, we move on to a further goal which is to finish a bachelor’s degree in order to land a job and make our life a better or, in order to alleviate poverty. From this perspective, I come to realize that eventual success is a product of slow yet persistent ways of overcoming hurdles in my goal, I need to be patient and determined. I have read that another consideration is the relativity of the goal in terms of significance, satisfaction and contentment that it could bring to the goal seeker. Remember, a goal directs behaviour. What you will be doing must be aligned to what makes you happier. That is, choosing a goal which let you enjoy no matter what. For example, is the goal the student is pursuing in her college education in line with his/her interest or her abilities. With these in mind sometimes we wonder why some people fail to achieve their goals. We ask: why do some people fail? Was it their inability to hurdle the challenges that comes along the way? Did he lack self-disciple? Did he lack determination? Or did he lack concentration in trying to reach the goal? Or, what was his/her degree of motivation of the goal set? Then perhaps, we can say that the goal set was not really considered well. In Tagalog we say: kung gusto, maraming paraan, kung ayaw, maraming dahilan. So, how do we focus on our goals? Experts and managers suggest that in order to reach your goal, you need to set priorities. It is simply valuing that is important. For example, as a student it is a choice between going out with barkadas for a hang out or studying for the test the next day. Which do you value more? Is one worth sacrificing for the other? In order not to be tempted, we need to concentrate on the goals and we need to be properly motivated. We can for example sacrifice one thing because we know that doing so it will result in something better.the results may now show at once, but persistence will soon reveal the positive effects. Your goal is your guiding star; set a goal, and do your best to reach it.

Managing Anger

I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow.

All of us had gone to a point when we think we have to explode because of what somebody said or acted. The feeling is so tense we think that exploding our angry feeling the only thing that will satisfy us. But is it really appropriate. There are certain times we need to express anger only to make the other person feel that what the other person is doing is not okay. However, there are times we need to restrain our selves because it is not socially acceptable. That is, we need to control our emotions in order not to blow off the handle because the consequences of expressing our anger can cause permanent damage to our relationships; eventually, our future. However, there are times when constantly restraining our anger becomes a cause for others to abuse us because after all “we don’t get angry”, which could also cause permanent damage to our relationships and well being. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion, but when chronic, explosive anger spirals out of control, it can have serious consequences to our relationships, our health, and our state of mind. We need to learn the real cause of our anger in order to know how to manage it well. The emotion of anger is neither good or bad. It is perfectly healthy and normal to feel angry when you have been mistreated or wronged. The feeling isn’t the problem-it’s what we do with it that makes a difference. Anger becomes a problem when it harms us or others. Research finds that many women, unlike most men, tend to express their anger indirectly,and the result can be depression, heart disease, or an earlier death, regardless of the cause. Unfortunately, blowing up has health consequences as well. So, what do we do? If we learn to release hostility in a controlled and constructive manner; we add years-and satisfaction-to our life. Kids health 2015 says there are two tools to tame a temper: self awareness and self control. Because anger can be powerful, managing it is sometimes challenging. It takes plenty of self awareness and self-control to manage angry feelings. And this skills take time to develop. Self-awareness is the ability to notice what you’re feeling and thinking, and why. Little kids aren’t very aware of what they feel, they just act it out in their behavior. That’s why you see them having tantrums when they’re mad. But teens have the mental ability to be self aware. When you get angry, take a moment to notice what you’re feeling and thinking. Self-control is all about thinking before you act. It puts some precious seconds or minutes between feeling a strong emotion and taking an action you’ll regret. Together self-awareness and self-control allow you to have more choice about how to act when you’re feeling an intense emotion like anger. Here are also some simple anger management tips from Mayo Clinic (2015) that will keep you tempter in check.

1. Think before you speak. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything- and allow others involved in the situation to do the same. 2. Once your calm, express your anger. As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but non confrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them. 3. Get some exercise. Physical activity can help reduces stress that can cause you to become angry. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other enjoyable physical activities. 4. Take a timeout. Timeouts are not just for kids. Give your self short breaks during times of the day that tent to be stressful. A few moments of quite time might help you feel better prepared to handle what’s ahead without getting irritated or angry. 5. Identify possible solutions. Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child messy room drive you crazy? Close the door: is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening - or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won’t fix anything and might only make it worse. 6. Stick with ‘I’ statements. To avoid criticizing or placing blame - which might only increase tension use ‘I’ statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say I’m upset that you left the table without offering a help with the dishes”, instead of “you never do any housework.” 7. Don’t hold a grudge. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times. 8. Use humor to release tension. Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Use humor to help you face what’s making you angry and, possibly, any unrealistic expectations you have for how things should go. Avoid sarcasm, though - it can hurt feelings and make things worse. 9. Practice relaxation skills. When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat calming word or phrase, such as, “take it easy.” you might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses - whatever it takes to encourage relaxation. 10. Know when to seek help. Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you. Anger is not usually a good solution to problems, even if it seems helpful in the short term. Unmanaged anger creates problems - sometimes for you and often for others around you. People with poor anger management are more likely to have problems with personal relationships or work, verbal and physical fights and/ or damaged property. They can also experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem psychosomatic illnesses and problems with alcohol or drugs. It is important to manage anger before it leads to other serious problems.

Reducing Risk During Natural Disaster

According to the 2012 World Risk Index, the Philippines is the third most at risk country to disasters. Indeed, there is not a year in the past ten years where in the world has its eyes in the Philippines because of the effects of natural disasters on the lives of the Filipinos. Most common of these natural disasters are floods, typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

This a fact that every Filipino should acknowledge. The Philippines for example has just had the destructive earthquake in Bohol in 2013, when weeks after, it was again in the limelight because of the super typhoon Haiyan which claimed the lives of many in its path. In 2014, more lives and properties were destroyed by more floods and more typhoons.

But we can do more than just acknowledge the facts. There is a need to make sure that even if disasters come, there are moves to reduce the risk. According to study of the World bank, the social and the economic cost of natural disasters in the country is increasing due to population growth, change in land-use-patterns, migration, unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation and global climate change. Reducing the risk of disasters will be key to achieving the development goals in the Philippines. There is the need therefore that in long term planning for disaster risk reduction, we focus on these aspects.

As early as 2013, the Philippine National Red Cross came up with an approach that involved the community level to reduce the impact of natural disasters. They termed it as integrated community disaster planning programme (ICDPP) which employed six steps: 1. Partnership with municipal and provincial government units. This helps to root the preparedness concept in local planning, to gain technical and financial support for mitigation measures, and to ensure the programme’s long term sustainability. 2. Community disaster action team formation and training. The core of the programme is the group of the community volunteers ( including fishermen, women, youth and businessmen) who are trained in vulnerability and capacity assessments, disaster management and information dissemination. They work with the community to prepared a disaster action plan. 3. Risk and resources mapping. This identifies the most important local hazards, who and what may be at risk, and which mitigation measures are possible. The maps are often employed as land use planning tools by local government units. 4. Community mitigation measures. Based on the disaster action plan, the community will initiate mitigation measures, which maybe physical structures (e.g. sea walls, evacuation centers), (e.g. clean water supply) or planning tools (e.g. land use plans, evacuation plans). these measures are undertaken by community volunteers with support from the Red Cross and local government. 5. Training and education. This is integral to all steps of the programme - both in training the disasters action teams and in disseminating information to the whole community. 6. Sustainability. Long term impact can only be ensured by embedding the concept of community based disaster preparedness within local government units (LGUs). This means incorporating the recommendations of community disaster action plans into LGU land use planning and annual budgeting. Sustainability also implies regular update training of the disaster action teams. This approach had been found effective in the early 2000’s.

At the moment, there is the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and institutionalizing the national risk reduction and management plans. While there is such an act, every Filipino need to be a part in making sure that these disaster risk are truly minimized. The question is, how?

First, we need to work hand in hand with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and with other organizations who are responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during disasters or emergencies. That is, we need to heed their warning and their advice not only during times of calamities but also at times when disasters are not yet in hand.

However, for those responsible for the planning, there is also the need to consult people affected by disaster as to what they think are disaster risk reduction measures that apply. Or, simply they need to ask them on what they really need during times of calamities in order that risks can be avoided. The voice of the people matters if we really want to come up with something workable and something where we expect people to fully cooperate. Even the children who are most vulnerable to risk have something to say. They too experience the effects of the disaster, so they can tell what they really need.

Secondly, there is a need to find out what steps other more advanced countries are doing in order to learn lessons from them. What are some of the things we need to do?

Jennifer Wiginton (2013), in an article entitled How to Reduce Risk to Home or School from Disaster suggest the following risk management for the home and school. While she is a foreign author, these suggestion could also apply the Philippine setting. 1. Obey all local buildings codes and zoning ordinances. Comply with land use management programs such as avoiding construction in food plains. 2. Prepare a disaster kit, including an evacuation map, battery operated radio, food, water and personal items for each family member and pet. 3. Repair or upgrade household, wiring, plumbing, utility and sewer system. 4. Purchase or make security aids for the house. Install smoke detectors, in the home and replace their batteries once a year. Place escape ladders near upper level windows of the home. Consider permanent storm shutters for homes in hurricane-prone areas. 5. Arrange household items for stability during a disaster. Attach mirrors, large pictures and bookcases to the walls, and anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling. Place heavy and easilybreakable items on lower shelves and closed cabinets. The following are suggestions for the school: 1. Build new schools in safe locations, such as out of flood zones and away from known fault lines, drainage ways, steep slopes, natural erosion valleys or major transportation routes. In current schools, repair and secure equipment and items as for individual homes.

2. Develop disaster management and school continuity plans well in advance of any disaster. Address the hazards most likely to occur in the area. Arrange for alternate school locations, transportation, schedules, curriculum delivery and exam administration. Ensure adequate measures for safely reuniting families following a disaster. Frequently practice a variety of disaster scenarios. 3. Educate children and families about disaster awareness and prevention. Encourage older student and community members to receive training in light search and rescue , first aid, and other life saving skills. Include disaster information in the schools formal curriculum. Encourage a culture of safety in the entire school and community. These are simple, common sense risk reduction measures. They are intended to minimize or reduce the loss of property and life. Risk reduction is an activity that concern not only the people from the NDRRMC but everyone because when disaster come everyone is affected. Consider these, follow them and save your life. Do not wait for other to do it for you. The Broken Bridge

“Poverty” some say it is the reason why some people are hungry, why some are not able to go to school and why some people are not able to reach a better life. But they don’t know “Poverty” is not a hindrance for you to reach the evening star. Why? It is not a reason for you not to reach your success. There are so many ways for you to cross this broken bridge and the main thing is to never give up, never give up even how hard it is cause every has a silver lining. In the heat of a moment you’ll see like Manny Pacquiao, all his success is from his hardwork, his own blood,sweat and tears, he is from a very poor family, before he became very successful boxer. There was a time when he was young was all he had for lunch were kamote leaves and rice, and it was fiesta like for him if he had sardines to mix with the kamote leaves and rice. But now he’s very successful, he didn’t give up the day job. So I hope he will be an inspiration for all the people in poverty. That poverty is a thingthat will make you stronger, bite off, more than you can chew. Reaching your goal doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Cross that bridge when you come to it without any hesitation cause with all your hardwork you can kill many birds with one stone.

Corruption and You

There is some good news about corruption In the Philippines. According to Rappler, the Philippines is perceived to becoming less corrupt over the past 3 years as it continues to improve its ranking in a global corruption survey. The Philippines ranked 85th out of 175 countries in Germany-based watchdog Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2014, up from 94 in 2013 and 105 in 2012. That surely is good to listen to. That could only mean somehow we are moving on to becoming better as people especially regarding the issue of the much talked about the corruption. Well, what happened to several know politicians should give us a lesson. Corruption somehow takes it toll in the long run. While it may enrich you for some time, you will have to reap soon the negative consequences. But of course, corruption is still a big problem. Corruption as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a dishonest or illegal behaviour especially by powerful people such as government

officials. But there is something about corruption you have to be aware of before you say anything against any corrupt official. It is a fact that many of us have actually been contributing to that corruption ourselves. In other words people become corrupt because we allow them to. Think of those times when even if we know something wrong is clearly going on, we pretend that we do not know about it or we we pretend it is okay. Sometimes we also do not say a thing because we too are benefited. Or, sometimes we just do not say anything about it because the person is our friend or he is in power so, we are afraid we will be punished if we mention about it. There is yet another reality about corruption especially when talking about people in the government. Actually, even before we put them in power, we already give them permission to be corrupt right during the election when we sold our votes. So, we allow them indirectly to take back what they have given us from the government’s treasury illegally. Corruption starts from small things. I’ve heard a priest say that a corruption starts right in school when we start cheating in class. According to him, it starts on your test papers, later it goes on the daily time record when start working. And from here it goes wherever one could abuse his powers. But there is hope for us with regards for this illegal act. With the recent rank we have in corruption, that only means that we can beat it. We can move on to becoming better people in the government. That is, we are capable of being honest, of being fair, and of being just in or dealing with our jobs. That is something to look forward to. And something more is the fact that we can move on to a better, less corrupt Philippines by starting right with our very selves.

Pick up Lines on Courtship and Love

“Maglaro tayo ng kahit na ano, huwag lang taguan. Kasi someone like you is hard to find”

“Yoyo ka ba? Kasi kahit anong gawin kong pagtapon sayo, bumabalik ka pa rin sa puso ko.

“Anong height mo? Pano ka nagkasya sa puso?

“Masasbi mo bang bobo ako kung ikaw lang naman laman ang laman ng utak ko?”

“Para kang test paper, nauubos ang oras ko sa kakatitig sayo.”

“Sana mataas din ang presyo ko para minsan naman matawag mo akong mahal.”

“Ngayong break na tayo, daig ko pa ang traffic sa edsa. I cannot move on.”

“Sana magkasama tayo sa pila, para pag may sumigaw na next at hindi mo narinig, tatanungin mo agad ako ng “Tayo na ba?”

“Straw ka ba? Kasi sipsip ka na plastic ka pa.”

“Ang pagibig parang ketchup, matamis pero maraming nakikisawsaw.”

“Gusto kitang kasuhan ng trespassing, kasi basta basta ka na lang pumasok sa puso ko.”

“Ang love parang bayad sa dyip, minsan hindi nasusuklian.”

“Ang sabi nila, ’an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ kung guwapo o maganda ang doctor, ayoko na ng apple.”

“Pwede bang mag pa blood test? Para mo malaman mo na type kita.”

“Sana naging damit nalang ako… Para kahit minsan….. I-try mo kung bagay ako sa iyo.”

Have you heard of these?

…Of the story of the man who asked his father a car as a gift of for graduation?

He knew his father could afford it, so as graduation approached, he watched for signs of the gift. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him over to his office and told him how proud he was to have such a fine son and said how much he loved him. Then he gave him a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather bound bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “with all your money you give me a bible?” and storm out the house, leaving the holy book.

After several years, the man become successful in business, had a wonderful home and family. Then he realize that his father was very old and he thought of seeing him. He had not seen him since he stormed out of the house that graduation day. However, before he could do so, he learned that his father had died and willed all his possessions to his son. He needed to go home to take care of things. When he arrived at his father’s house sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. As he was searching his father’s important papers he saw the still new bible just as he had left it years ago. With tears he began to read its pages, and as he did so, a car key dropped from an enveloped taped behind the bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car that he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation and the words: PAID IN FULL.

Ever heard of these? There are indeed times when we miss God’s blessings because we don’t see or realize them because we expect them to be packaged the way we want them.

…Of Nicolo Paganini? Nicolo Paganini was a well-known and gifted nineteenth century violinist. He was also well known as great showman with a quick sense of humor. His most memorable concert was in Italy with a full orchestra. He was performing before a packed house and his technique was incredible, his tone was fantastic, and his audience dearly loved him. Toward the end of his concert, Paganini was astounding his audience with an unbelievable composition when suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung limply from his instrument. Paganini frowned briefly, shook his head, and continued to play, improvising beautifully. Then to everyone’s surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Almost like a slapstick comedy, Paganini stood there with three strings dangling from his Stradivarius. But instead of leaving the stage, Paganini stood his ground and calmly completed the difficult number on the one remaining string.

…Of what Rev. Charles Swindoll said about attitude?

He says: “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past,than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success than what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, gifted-ness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. Have you heard of these? Of how Thomas Edison learned from his mistakes? Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for a light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistance complained, “ all our work was in vain. We have learned nothing.” Edison replied very confidently, “oh, we have a long way and we have learned a lot. We now know that there are two thousand elements we cannot use to make a gold light bulb.”

…Of the very industrious and busy woodcutter? It tells of a very strong woodcutter who asked for a job in a timber merchant, and he got it. The pay was very good and so were the work conditions. For that reason the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work. The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees. “Congratulations” the boss said. “Go on that way!” Very motivated for the boss’ words, the woodcutter tried harder for the next day, but he only could bring 15 trees. The third day he tried even harder, but he only could bring 10 trees. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees. “I must be losing my strength”, the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologize, saying that he could not understand what was going on. “When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” the boss asked. “Sharpened? I had no time to sharpened my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees…”