514. Eliminate. Less is More

"The height of Civilisation always runs to simplicity." - Bruce Lee.

Every day decrease the amount of rubbish around you. Do not add to it. Eliminate noise, ornamentation,  excess paper, fat etc from your self and your enviornment. Learn to listen. Learn to meditate - reduce the clutter of sounds and ideas rushing around in your mind. Cultivate an appreciation of the simple line drawing of Japanese Art that brings the mind to rest when you simply let your gaze fall gently on it.

461. Relating to People

"Don't think that relating to people is the icing on the cake. It IS the cake. Real listening is having the willingness to be changed by what the other person has to say. Relating happens not when you are TALKING but when you are listening and in between listening and talking.

When you are willing to be changed, when you are really listening, life becomes much more interesting than when you are engaged on a simple exchange of monologues, duelling monologues."- Alan Alda

377. How are we to Treat People ?

When dealing with people, learn to treat them as they want to be treated, not the way you do. This means that you must take the time and trouble to find out how they want you to treat them before you take action. This requires stillness and observation (mainly listening).

266. Alertness

At all times be alert, even when "off duty". Be like a submarine in peacetime - a submarine is always at war.

When walking anywhere, do not daydream. Feel your feet on the ground and keep your listening large. Keep an eye out for those who might be following you or lying in wait for you. Listen for approaching footsteps and watch for shadows.

Keep to the outside of the footpath or the centre of a lane. This maximises the amount of ground the opponent has to cover in order to reach you, gaining you valuable reaction time.

The success of an assailant's attack depends on surprise. So if you are sufficiently alert to neutralise the surprise, your counter will be very successful.

If you detect an attack, you can make plenty of noise and concentrate on doing damage. Noise demoralises your opponent. In Martial Arts, this is known as the Ki or Qi shout.

When attacked, immediately apply your most powerful and effective weapon to the most vulnerable point that is exposed on the opposition's body. Be ruthless.

201. Ivan Misner's Game Plan

Ivan Misner is a master networker and founder of the worldwide business group called Business Network International (BNI). The philosophy on which this group is based is summed up in the two words "Givers Gain". This is a co-operative group and an excellent model for how you should treat other people. His Game Plan or strategy for networking is as follows :-

1. Remain Curious. Ask questions and listen to the answers. People love a good listener who is interested in what they do.

2.Learn from everybody. Talk to people at all levels because everyone can teach you something.

3. Cultivate contacts with people in power. They can bring you ideas, support and opportunities. Cultivate people who enjoy making money. Cultivate those whose hearts and interests are like your own.

4. Enjoy the journey

60. Psychic Vampires

Beware the psychic vampires: “Listen carefully to people’s comments. Don’t accept them at face value, go behind to the intention. Evaluate it. If it comes from a place of black negativity, you may be linked into a psychic vampire. Psychic vampires seek to destroy enthusiasm and energy in others. They are those people who are always putting you down or telling you that you are not good enough. Learn to recognise them. Disengage and don’t let those comments into your head.” - Veronica Canning