The Pillars of Self Mastery

Yesterday, I received an email from a friend with the above title.There was an attachment, a slide show that had some inputs taken from Robin Sharma's books.The tips were on how to get disciplined,stay focussed and achieve self mastery!.
Some of the tips that I liked and got me thinking:


-Set aside one hour every morning for personal development matters. Meditate, visualize your day, read inspirational texts to set the tone of your day, listen to motivational tapes or read great literature. Starting the day off well is a powerful strategy for self renewal



-To enhance your concentration and power of focus, count your steps when you walk. This is a particularly strong technique. So many people allow their minds to be filled with mental chatter. All peak performers appreciate the power of a quiet
clear mind which will concentrate steadily on all important tasks.


-Enhance your will-power. You must first exercise it and then push before it gets stronger. When you are hungry, wait another hour before your meal. When you are labouring over a difficult task and your mind is prompting you to pick up the latest magazine for a break , curb the impulse. Soon you will be able to sit for
hours in a precisely concentrated state. Newton had a remarkable ability to sit quietly and think without interruption for a very long period of time. If he can develop this so can you.


-Be careful about your reputation. Never do anything you wouldn’t be proud to tell your mother about. Have fun always but temper it with common sense and prudence.


-Spend time with Nature. Natural settings have a powerful effect on your senses which in turn will lead to a sense of renewal, refreshment and peacefulness.


-Always remember the key principle that the quality of your life Is the quality of your communication. This means the way you Communicate with others and more, importantly with yourself. What you focus on is what you get.


-You sow an action, you reap a habit.You sow a habit, you reap a character.
You sow a character, you reap a destiny.The essence of a person is his character- make yours unique, unblemished and strong.


-Read the biographies of the world’s leaders and learn from their habits,inspirations and philosophies. Cultivate the important practice of active role modelling.


-Develop the essential habit of punctuality for it is most important for high scess. Punctuality reflects discipline and proper regard for others. Without it, even the most sophisticated person appears slightly offensive.


-Winners do the things that less developed people don’t like doing even though they also might not enjoy doing them. This is what strength of character and courage is all about.


-Each day, do two things that you do not like doing. This may be the preparation of a report you have been putting off or shining your shoes. It does not matter how small the task, just do it! Your personal power will increase and your productivity will soar.