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Friday, 6 December 2013
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Reach Me
Reach me via
Email: every.person.successful@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/akbarazad93
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1ce_Here
Email: every.person.successful@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/akbarazad93
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1ce_Here
Location:
Singapore
Friday, 8 November 2013
Few Words Before Wasting Time
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Before you start or do something (which is a time-killer), I suggest you ask this question to yourself-
Before you start or do something (which is a time-killer), I suggest you ask this question to yourself-
Why waste time, when I could...
So, this is how it will look like when I am answering this question....
Why waste time ?
When I could read a portion of the Quran
When I could prepare breakfast
When I could revise my studies
When I could settle a household chore
When I could write something beneficial
When I could watch a beneficial video
When I could learn something new
When I could help others
When I could have a nap
When I could plan my day
When I could exercise
When I could memorise a portion of the Quran
When I could download beneficial stuff
When I could clear my bed
When I could spend family time
When I could do sunan al-fitrah
When I could do adhkar
When I could learn about other countries
When I could learn to overcome my shortcomings
Share your answers here! I hope this was beneficial. Have a great and a productive weekend.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL.
Picture courtesy of kyleenoelle.blogspot.com
Labels:
1cehere
,
Quran
,
sunan al-fitrah
,
Time
,
to-do list
,
waste
Friday, 1 November 2013
Start Your Day Good
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
There are times in the morning, when I wake up from my sleep, I ask myself this question, "Why am I here?"
Do you?
What this question does is that it redirects me to my purpose in my life, bringing all my plans and actions for the day to this one direction- to serve my purpose in life. My mind automatically focuses on the purpose, so do my heart.
You might be wondering, why is Akbar asking why? The answer is simple, I do not want to wander aimlessly in this one chance I am granted (i.e. life in this world). You and I may have experienced what it feels like to do so, and it tasted bitter- do you agree?
There are times in the morning, when I wake up from my sleep, I ask myself this question, "Why am I here?"
Do you?
What this question does is that it redirects me to my purpose in my life, bringing all my plans and actions for the day to this one direction- to serve my purpose in life. My mind automatically focuses on the purpose, so do my heart.
You might be wondering, why is Akbar asking why? The answer is simple, I do not want to wander aimlessly in this one chance I am granted (i.e. life in this world). You and I may have experienced what it feels like to do so, and it tasted bitter- do you agree?
Back to my question. I now see the big picture of my planned activities for the day, even though I may not have written anything to-do for the day on my, well, to-do list. This is what happens in my head when I ask myself the question:
I hope this helps you in starting your day with a good start.
Do share the questions you ask yourself when you wake up in the morning in the comments box.
Do share the questions you ask yourself when you wake up in the morning in the comments box.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Misuse of Time
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Some people perceive that they have all the time to do the things they always wanted to do, although they agree that time in this world will come to an end. As a result, they fail to internalise the importance of managing their daily activities properly.
Another thing is that the concept of time management has been adulterated by some- they bring procrastination into it. Some call it creative procrastination, when in fact, the meaning of both words 'creative' and 'procrastination' are as far as the heavens and the earth. Creativity is generated when you're not lazy, procrastination is generated when you are lazy. So how can these two words be 'together' when their causes are from directly opposite circumstances?
Coupled with various distractions which are increasingly pervasive in society (i.e. time-wasters) from the screens to forbidden relations, managing our time well is even more important and crucial to our lives, dignity, and success in this world and in the hereafter.
As a reminder, .the believers (i.e. Muslims) believe in the existence of the hereafter, and so they work towards it (in this world), as it is the final destination of mankind- Hell or Paradise. Consequently, they are enjoined to make use of their time well in this world which is pleasing to Allah, the Exalted.
How to start off to manage one of our greatest assets?
Some people perceive that they have all the time to do the things they always wanted to do, although they agree that time in this world will come to an end. As a result, they fail to internalise the importance of managing their daily activities properly.
Another thing is that the concept of time management has been adulterated by some- they bring procrastination into it. Some call it creative procrastination, when in fact, the meaning of both words 'creative' and 'procrastination' are as far as the heavens and the earth. Creativity is generated when you're not lazy, procrastination is generated when you are lazy. So how can these two words be 'together' when their causes are from directly opposite circumstances?
Coupled with various distractions which are increasingly pervasive in society (i.e. time-wasters) from the screens to forbidden relations, managing our time well is even more important and crucial to our lives, dignity, and success in this world and in the hereafter.
As a reminder, .the believers (i.e. Muslims) believe in the existence of the hereafter, and so they work towards it (in this world), as it is the final destination of mankind- Hell or Paradise. Consequently, they are enjoined to make use of their time well in this world which is pleasing to Allah, the Exalted.
How to start off to manage one of our greatest assets?
- Set goals in life.
- Set up a time journal (to know where you are spending time at, on a daily basis, probably for a few weeks)
- Create timetable or a to-do list for the day, week, month, or year (such that it brings you closer to your goals in life)
I hope this was beneficial for you and me.
Oh Allah, rectify our affairs.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Take Charge of Your Life
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Are you convinced that you are responsible for your life? That you will be in the grave alone? That you will bear your share of the consequences of your actions and no one else? That you will be questioned by your Lord and no one else?
No one else will bear the consequences of your actions on your behalf, except you.
Are you convinced that you are responsible for your life? That you will be in the grave alone? That you will bear your share of the consequences of your actions and no one else? That you will be questioned by your Lord and no one else?
No one else will bear the consequences of your actions on your behalf, except you.
Therefore, take charge of your life before...
Your old age
You fall sick
You become poor
You are busy
Your death
In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah grant him peace and blessings) said to a man while he was advising him:
"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." (From Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him. Reported in the mustadrak of Al-Haakim, Musnad Imam Ahmad, and others, with an authentic chain of narration.)
"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." (From Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him. Reported in the mustadrak of Al-Haakim, Musnad Imam Ahmad, and others, with an authentic chain of narration.)
I hope this short article was beneficial for me and you. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the universe.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Procrastination: Common Responses
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Procrastination: Common Responses
Do we say...
when we procrastinate?
Do share other common responses or justifications as to why we procrastinate.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Procrastination: Common Responses
Do we say...
"I have a lot of time to do this...."
"I don't feel good doing this now..."
"They're doing it later, so am I..."
"I am tired..."
"Let me watch this movie clip first..."
"I did do it in the past, so I can do the same now..."
"I am busy..."
"I ain't procrastinating..."
"I am doing productive procrastination..."
"My lecturer will extend my project's deadline..."
"This work is too easy. I can do it later before its due date..."
"My team members will help me finish my share of the work..."
"There are better things to do..."
when we procrastinate?
Do share other common responses or justifications as to why we procrastinate.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Procrastination - Overview
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Procrastination is something each of us had encountered. Its consequences are destructive. Its nature is addictive.
What it means to procrastinate?
Why we procrastinate?
How we procrastinate?
What are the tips and advice to deal with procrastination?
All these questions will be answered in our next post, God willing.
Meanwhile, for quick answers, you tech-savvy people can do your research.
Till then...!
Procrastination is something each of us had encountered. Its consequences are destructive. Its nature is addictive.
What it means to procrastinate?
Why we procrastinate?
How we procrastinate?
What are the tips and advice to deal with procrastination?
All these questions will be answered in our next post, God willing.
Meanwhile, for quick answers, you tech-savvy people can do your research.
Till then...!
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Hardships While Fasting
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Ramadan, the month of virtues and blessings, is coming in less than a month. How prepared are you (in terms of fasting)?
1. Physically
- Bearing the hunger and thirst while fasting
- Feeling weak and exhausted
2. Mentally
- Bearing in mind that you are unable to eat or drink (in the day)
- Looking at others who are enjoying their meals (in the day) while you are fasting
3. Spiritually
- Struggling against one's desires (to break their fast)
- Striving to be patient in obeying Allah
- Accepting Allah's legislation with a submissive heart
The harder the obligation (to be done), the greater is its reward.
May Allah The Most High make us among those who take advantage of this blessed month.
Labels:
Fasting
,
Hardships
,
Islam
,
Preparedness
,
Ramadan
Monday, 13 May 2013
Intentional Change
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Change is something everyone is aware about. One can change for the better, or for worse.
The believer should always strive to better himself to seek the pleasure of Allah (i.e. Paradise). Such a strive includes changing the evil one has into good, praiseworthy qualities.
In this article, we will look into a theory called Intentional Change Theory (which you will be familiar with, insya Allah). The aspect which you will find difficulty in grasping are only the terms used.
Visually, this is how it should look like:
Firstly, think where you want to be in the future (in this world and in the hereafter).
Compare that ideal self to your current self- are there differences* between the two states? If yes, then work on the differences and bridge the gap between your present self to the ideal self.
By closing up the differences, you are already on a learning agenda.
Familiarise yourself with the new (positive) changes. We as humans can fall back into our evil ways at times. Hence, we should quickly repent and seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Merciful and Severe in punishment, coupled with regret for committing the sin, and strive to stick to the praiseworthy changes, with the willpower to never return to (commiting) the sin.
Don't forget to get help and support firstly from Allah (through supplications), and then from those whom you trust and are close with (In fact, we should get help and support throughout the change process,and not only at a later stage of change)
Remember that positive and praiseworthy changes come from Allah alone, and you (begiining with myself) should praise and give credits to Allah and not to ourselves. For if Allah wills that you do not change for the better (or change for worse), you will surely not change for good.
Lastly, I remind myself and you to be sincere and have good noble intentions in our strive to make positive changes (i.e. pleasing Allah alone).
For more info on intentional change, please visit Mindtools.
Let's change for the better and look at how we can initiate that change.
* When comparing between our present state (in this world) with our ideal state in the hereafter (i.e. in Paradise), please note that there is a huge difference between the two states. So, what we can do is to look at the traits and qualities that qualify one for Paradise, after the mercy of Allah, and also look at those qualities that lands one into Hell, except for whomever Allah has saved from Hell. Then, we work towards attaining those praiseworthy traits and avoiding the evil traits.
Change is something everyone is aware about. One can change for the better, or for worse.
The believer should always strive to better himself to seek the pleasure of Allah (i.e. Paradise). Such a strive includes changing the evil one has into good, praiseworthy qualities.
In this article, we will look into a theory called Intentional Change Theory (which you will be familiar with, insya Allah). The aspect which you will find difficulty in grasping are only the terms used.
Richard Boyatzis, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, developed Intentional Change Theory (ICT) as part of his work on individual and organizational change. He published it in 2006 in the Journal of Management Development.The theory outlines five common-sense steps that you need to follow if you want to make a lasting change within yourself. These five steps are:
- Discover your ideal self.
- Discover your real self.
- Create your learning agenda.
- Experiment with and practice new habits.
- Get support. (click here for more)
Visually, this is how it should look like:
Firstly, think where you want to be in the future (in this world and in the hereafter).
Compare that ideal self to your current self- are there differences* between the two states? If yes, then work on the differences and bridge the gap between your present self to the ideal self.
By closing up the differences, you are already on a learning agenda.
Familiarise yourself with the new (positive) changes. We as humans can fall back into our evil ways at times. Hence, we should quickly repent and seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Merciful and Severe in punishment, coupled with regret for committing the sin, and strive to stick to the praiseworthy changes, with the willpower to never return to (commiting) the sin.
Don't forget to get help and support firstly from Allah (through supplications), and then from those whom you trust and are close with (In fact, we should get help and support throughout the change process,and not only at a later stage of change)
Remember that positive and praiseworthy changes come from Allah alone, and you (begiining with myself) should praise and give credits to Allah and not to ourselves. For if Allah wills that you do not change for the better (or change for worse), you will surely not change for good.
Lastly, I remind myself and you to be sincere and have good noble intentions in our strive to make positive changes (i.e. pleasing Allah alone).
For more info on intentional change, please visit Mindtools.
Let's change for the better and look at how we can initiate that change.
* When comparing between our present state (in this world) with our ideal state in the hereafter (i.e. in Paradise), please note that there is a huge difference between the two states. So, what we can do is to look at the traits and qualities that qualify one for Paradise, after the mercy of Allah, and also look at those qualities that lands one into Hell, except for whomever Allah has saved from Hell. Then, we work towards attaining those praiseworthy traits and avoiding the evil traits.
A man is upon the way of his close intimate friend.
Labels:
Allah
,
believer
,
Intentional Change
,
Mindtools
,
Paradise
,
Richard Boyatzis
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Friday, 6 December 2013
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Friday, 8 November 2013
Few Words Before Wasting Time
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Before you start or do something (which is a time-killer), I suggest you ask this question to yourself-
Before you start or do something (which is a time-killer), I suggest you ask this question to yourself-
Why waste time, when I could...
So, this is how it will look like when I am answering this question....
Why waste time ?
When I could read a portion of the Quran
When I could prepare breakfast
When I could revise my studies
When I could settle a household chore
When I could write something beneficial
When I could watch a beneficial video
When I could learn something new
When I could help others
When I could have a nap
When I could plan my day
When I could exercise
When I could memorise a portion of the Quran
When I could download beneficial stuff
When I could clear my bed
When I could spend family time
When I could do sunan al-fitrah
When I could do adhkar
When I could learn about other countries
When I could learn to overcome my shortcomings
Share your answers here! I hope this was beneficial. Have a great and a productive weekend.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL.
Picture courtesy of kyleenoelle.blogspot.com
Labels:
1cehere
,
Quran
,
sunan al-fitrah
,
Time
,
to-do list
,
waste
Friday, 1 November 2013
Start Your Day Good
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
There are times in the morning, when I wake up from my sleep, I ask myself this question, "Why am I here?"
Do you?
What this question does is that it redirects me to my purpose in my life, bringing all my plans and actions for the day to this one direction- to serve my purpose in life. My mind automatically focuses on the purpose, so do my heart.
You might be wondering, why is Akbar asking why? The answer is simple, I do not want to wander aimlessly in this one chance I am granted (i.e. life in this world). You and I may have experienced what it feels like to do so, and it tasted bitter- do you agree?
There are times in the morning, when I wake up from my sleep, I ask myself this question, "Why am I here?"
Do you?
What this question does is that it redirects me to my purpose in my life, bringing all my plans and actions for the day to this one direction- to serve my purpose in life. My mind automatically focuses on the purpose, so do my heart.
You might be wondering, why is Akbar asking why? The answer is simple, I do not want to wander aimlessly in this one chance I am granted (i.e. life in this world). You and I may have experienced what it feels like to do so, and it tasted bitter- do you agree?
Back to my question. I now see the big picture of my planned activities for the day, even though I may not have written anything to-do for the day on my, well, to-do list. This is what happens in my head when I ask myself the question:
I hope this helps you in starting your day with a good start.
Do share the questions you ask yourself when you wake up in the morning in the comments box.
Do share the questions you ask yourself when you wake up in the morning in the comments box.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Misuse of Time
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Some people perceive that they have all the time to do the things they always wanted to do, although they agree that time in this world will come to an end. As a result, they fail to internalise the importance of managing their daily activities properly.
Another thing is that the concept of time management has been adulterated by some- they bring procrastination into it. Some call it creative procrastination, when in fact, the meaning of both words 'creative' and 'procrastination' are as far as the heavens and the earth. Creativity is generated when you're not lazy, procrastination is generated when you are lazy. So how can these two words be 'together' when their causes are from directly opposite circumstances?
Coupled with various distractions which are increasingly pervasive in society (i.e. time-wasters) from the screens to forbidden relations, managing our time well is even more important and crucial to our lives, dignity, and success in this world and in the hereafter.
As a reminder, .the believers (i.e. Muslims) believe in the existence of the hereafter, and so they work towards it (in this world), as it is the final destination of mankind- Hell or Paradise. Consequently, they are enjoined to make use of their time well in this world which is pleasing to Allah, the Exalted.
How to start off to manage one of our greatest assets?
Some people perceive that they have all the time to do the things they always wanted to do, although they agree that time in this world will come to an end. As a result, they fail to internalise the importance of managing their daily activities properly.
Another thing is that the concept of time management has been adulterated by some- they bring procrastination into it. Some call it creative procrastination, when in fact, the meaning of both words 'creative' and 'procrastination' are as far as the heavens and the earth. Creativity is generated when you're not lazy, procrastination is generated when you are lazy. So how can these two words be 'together' when their causes are from directly opposite circumstances?
Coupled with various distractions which are increasingly pervasive in society (i.e. time-wasters) from the screens to forbidden relations, managing our time well is even more important and crucial to our lives, dignity, and success in this world and in the hereafter.
As a reminder, .the believers (i.e. Muslims) believe in the existence of the hereafter, and so they work towards it (in this world), as it is the final destination of mankind- Hell or Paradise. Consequently, they are enjoined to make use of their time well in this world which is pleasing to Allah, the Exalted.
How to start off to manage one of our greatest assets?
- Set goals in life.
- Set up a time journal (to know where you are spending time at, on a daily basis, probably for a few weeks)
- Create timetable or a to-do list for the day, week, month, or year (such that it brings you closer to your goals in life)
I hope this was beneficial for you and me.
Oh Allah, rectify our affairs.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Take Charge of Your Life
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Are you convinced that you are responsible for your life? That you will be in the grave alone? That you will bear your share of the consequences of your actions and no one else? That you will be questioned by your Lord and no one else?
No one else will bear the consequences of your actions on your behalf, except you.
Are you convinced that you are responsible for your life? That you will be in the grave alone? That you will bear your share of the consequences of your actions and no one else? That you will be questioned by your Lord and no one else?
No one else will bear the consequences of your actions on your behalf, except you.
Therefore, take charge of your life before...
Your old age
You fall sick
You become poor
You are busy
Your death
In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah grant him peace and blessings) said to a man while he was advising him:
"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." (From Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him. Reported in the mustadrak of Al-Haakim, Musnad Imam Ahmad, and others, with an authentic chain of narration.)
"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." (From Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him. Reported in the mustadrak of Al-Haakim, Musnad Imam Ahmad, and others, with an authentic chain of narration.)
I hope this short article was beneficial for me and you. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the universe.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Procrastination: Common Responses
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Procrastination: Common Responses
Do we say...
when we procrastinate?
Do share other common responses or justifications as to why we procrastinate.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
Procrastination: Common Responses
Do we say...
"I have a lot of time to do this...."
"I don't feel good doing this now..."
"They're doing it later, so am I..."
"I am tired..."
"Let me watch this movie clip first..."
"I did do it in the past, so I can do the same now..."
"I am busy..."
"I ain't procrastinating..."
"I am doing productive procrastination..."
"My lecturer will extend my project's deadline..."
"This work is too easy. I can do it later before its due date..."
"My team members will help me finish my share of the work..."
"There are better things to do..."
when we procrastinate?
Do share other common responses or justifications as to why we procrastinate.
Regards,
Akbar Azad
EVERY.PERSON.SUCCESSFUL.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Procrastination - Overview
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Procrastination is something each of us had encountered. Its consequences are destructive. Its nature is addictive.
What it means to procrastinate?
Why we procrastinate?
How we procrastinate?
What are the tips and advice to deal with procrastination?
All these questions will be answered in our next post, God willing.
Meanwhile, for quick answers, you tech-savvy people can do your research.
Till then...!
Procrastination is something each of us had encountered. Its consequences are destructive. Its nature is addictive.
What it means to procrastinate?
Why we procrastinate?
How we procrastinate?
What are the tips and advice to deal with procrastination?
All these questions will be answered in our next post, God willing.
Meanwhile, for quick answers, you tech-savvy people can do your research.
Till then...!
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Hardships While Fasting
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Ramadan, the month of virtues and blessings, is coming in less than a month. How prepared are you (in terms of fasting)?
1. Physically
- Bearing the hunger and thirst while fasting
- Feeling weak and exhausted
2. Mentally
- Bearing in mind that you are unable to eat or drink (in the day)
- Looking at others who are enjoying their meals (in the day) while you are fasting
3. Spiritually
- Struggling against one's desires (to break their fast)
- Striving to be patient in obeying Allah
- Accepting Allah's legislation with a submissive heart
The harder the obligation (to be done), the greater is its reward.
May Allah The Most High make us among those who take advantage of this blessed month.
Labels:
Fasting
,
Hardships
,
Islam
,
Preparedness
,
Ramadan
Monday, 13 May 2013
Intentional Change
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Change is something everyone is aware about. One can change for the better, or for worse.
The believer should always strive to better himself to seek the pleasure of Allah (i.e. Paradise). Such a strive includes changing the evil one has into good, praiseworthy qualities.
In this article, we will look into a theory called Intentional Change Theory (which you will be familiar with, insya Allah). The aspect which you will find difficulty in grasping are only the terms used.
Visually, this is how it should look like:
Firstly, think where you want to be in the future (in this world and in the hereafter).
Compare that ideal self to your current self- are there differences* between the two states? If yes, then work on the differences and bridge the gap between your present self to the ideal self.
By closing up the differences, you are already on a learning agenda.
Familiarise yourself with the new (positive) changes. We as humans can fall back into our evil ways at times. Hence, we should quickly repent and seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Merciful and Severe in punishment, coupled with regret for committing the sin, and strive to stick to the praiseworthy changes, with the willpower to never return to (commiting) the sin.
Don't forget to get help and support firstly from Allah (through supplications), and then from those whom you trust and are close with (In fact, we should get help and support throughout the change process,and not only at a later stage of change)
Remember that positive and praiseworthy changes come from Allah alone, and you (begiining with myself) should praise and give credits to Allah and not to ourselves. For if Allah wills that you do not change for the better (or change for worse), you will surely not change for good.
Lastly, I remind myself and you to be sincere and have good noble intentions in our strive to make positive changes (i.e. pleasing Allah alone).
For more info on intentional change, please visit Mindtools.
Let's change for the better and look at how we can initiate that change.
* When comparing between our present state (in this world) with our ideal state in the hereafter (i.e. in Paradise), please note that there is a huge difference between the two states. So, what we can do is to look at the traits and qualities that qualify one for Paradise, after the mercy of Allah, and also look at those qualities that lands one into Hell, except for whomever Allah has saved from Hell. Then, we work towards attaining those praiseworthy traits and avoiding the evil traits.
Change is something everyone is aware about. One can change for the better, or for worse.
The believer should always strive to better himself to seek the pleasure of Allah (i.e. Paradise). Such a strive includes changing the evil one has into good, praiseworthy qualities.
In this article, we will look into a theory called Intentional Change Theory (which you will be familiar with, insya Allah). The aspect which you will find difficulty in grasping are only the terms used.
Richard Boyatzis, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, developed Intentional Change Theory (ICT) as part of his work on individual and organizational change. He published it in 2006 in the Journal of Management Development.The theory outlines five common-sense steps that you need to follow if you want to make a lasting change within yourself. These five steps are:
- Discover your ideal self.
- Discover your real self.
- Create your learning agenda.
- Experiment with and practice new habits.
- Get support. (click here for more)
Visually, this is how it should look like:
Firstly, think where you want to be in the future (in this world and in the hereafter).
Compare that ideal self to your current self- are there differences* between the two states? If yes, then work on the differences and bridge the gap between your present self to the ideal self.
By closing up the differences, you are already on a learning agenda.
Familiarise yourself with the new (positive) changes. We as humans can fall back into our evil ways at times. Hence, we should quickly repent and seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Merciful and Severe in punishment, coupled with regret for committing the sin, and strive to stick to the praiseworthy changes, with the willpower to never return to (commiting) the sin.
Don't forget to get help and support firstly from Allah (through supplications), and then from those whom you trust and are close with (In fact, we should get help and support throughout the change process,and not only at a later stage of change)
Remember that positive and praiseworthy changes come from Allah alone, and you (begiining with myself) should praise and give credits to Allah and not to ourselves. For if Allah wills that you do not change for the better (or change for worse), you will surely not change for good.
Lastly, I remind myself and you to be sincere and have good noble intentions in our strive to make positive changes (i.e. pleasing Allah alone).
For more info on intentional change, please visit Mindtools.
Let's change for the better and look at how we can initiate that change.
* When comparing between our present state (in this world) with our ideal state in the hereafter (i.e. in Paradise), please note that there is a huge difference between the two states. So, what we can do is to look at the traits and qualities that qualify one for Paradise, after the mercy of Allah, and also look at those qualities that lands one into Hell, except for whomever Allah has saved from Hell. Then, we work towards attaining those praiseworthy traits and avoiding the evil traits.
A man is upon the way of his close intimate friend.
Labels:
Allah
,
believer
,
Intentional Change
,
Mindtools
,
Paradise
,
Richard Boyatzis
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