Thursday, June 04, 2009

Obama reaches out to Muslim world

I can't claim to have read any newspapers today, but on the radio and on TV, there is much talk about Obama and his speech to emotionally engage Muslims all over the world. At times, it seems that we almost expect Obama to change the world with his inspirational speeches. One thing is for sure, Obama is an intelligent man because he understands that by improving the image of the US amongst the Muslim world, he can significantly reduce the public support that Al-Qaeda cherishes. If Muslims no longer regard America as the enemy, Al-Qaeda will suffer because their recruitment campaign will be left without vigour.

Had Obama been a fool like Bush, he’d continue to be unpopular amongst Muslims and play the game with a traditional approach i.e. openly hating the enemy. Obama is miles ahead though, which is why he realises that the key to his success lies in keeping the masses happy, at least he is learning from the mistakes of the Bush administration. Mr. Nice guy has his own style, his own image, his wonderful words and Will Smith looks. But the bottom line is that words alone are worth very little, Obama can impress as many people as he likes but if American foreign policy doesn’t change, little can be achieved.

Obama wants the Muslim world to forget the past and make a new start. I want him to go to Iraq/Afghanistan/Palestine/Lebanon and tell an orphan to forget his parents and how they were killed by American bombs. The number of people that have died because of America is not even measurable. Can sweet words and quotes from the Q’uran and love for Islam, all expressed in a memorable speech by the President himself, be enough to compensate?

Obama seems like a great guy but I sometimes have my doubts. Is he the same old product (just like good old Bush) being marketed in a new packet (i.e. the sweet words)? For the sake of world peace, I just hope that these thoughts in my head are false and Obama proves me wrong with time!


Friday, May 08, 2009

The 90/10 Principle

Source: Qisas.com

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?



We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.


How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don’t let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.


Let’s use an example.

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.


She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticise her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.


You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing £60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.


Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is ” D”.


You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.


Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, “It’s ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time”. Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.


Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.


Why? Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don’t be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don’t have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? (a friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off).
Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.


You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.


Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.


The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache.

We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!


Islamic Quotes 27th April 2018