Goals in 2007

This is the title of a book by Rajesh Setty and published in late 2005 - Beyond Code - Learn to Distinguish Yourself in 9 Simple Steps!

After reading a whole lot of Dale Carnegie books in my adolescent and college years, I had stopped reading books that focus on improving self. One of the reasoning I had given myself and others, was that reading self-improvement books is ineffective and the effects won’t last more than a week after reading the book. Although I always loved reading books since 3rd grade in primary school, I used to chose the genre to be fiction that inspires and entertains, well most of the time.

I love to get inspired, and inspire others. With that basic premise in mind I started following Rajesh’s blog on a day-to-day basis. As most of his thoughts and ideas may look seemingly too normal and common sense, the inherent specific ideas, if they get in to our subconscious mind, I believe, can bring at least some difference to our personal and professional lives. The importance in my mind for the following key points have increased beyond many folds, since last few months.

I talked to Rajesh over the phone couple of times, and some of the things he said are sure to bring some difference in my life. Subtle in practical terms, yet they do.

1. If you make a promise to yourself, keep it - Path to success, creating a personal brand.
2. If you make a promise to others, keep it - Path to long term relationships.
3. When you ask a favor to someone, ask someone who thinks that doing this favor can become an opportunity for him. The challenge is to find that someone who thinks helping you can become an opportunity for him. This may look a bit business minded, but it’s the concept that works and is the best - Again, path to long term relationships.
4. Discover your strengths, then focus your energy and effort on your strengths and manage weaknesses. - Path to success, excel in your strengths.

There are many more such but I want to focus on these 4 points for the year 2007. That’s my goal. The accountability structure yet needs to be decided though.

Related Links:

Beyond Code - amazon.com

Rajesh Setty’s blog - Life beyond code

Soar with Your Strengths [Paperback] by Clifton, Donald O.; Nelson, Paula - amazon.com