Is 60 degrees F a comfortable temperature? A nice day on East Coast?

We live in New York. It is 60 F outside. Are we happy with that temperature? Is it a cold day, warm day, an OK day?

Well, it's all in perspective, isn't it?

In August, it will be called a cold day, the weather man will ask us to dress accordingly, and we will be searching for our sweater before we go out!

In November, we don't think about it at all because that is what we expect and are prepared for!

In January, that is a beautiful temperature day and we may be tempted to go out without a sweater, infact many times we do!

The temperature remained the same, our acceptance varied based on what we thought should be normal. Based on what we perceived as actual. Based on comparisons.

And this is how it works too in all phases of our lives. We are happy when we get a new car, unhappy when a neighbor gets a better one. We are happy to earn X amount but unhappy to find that our colleague is making X + 1. We expected to make 8 sales this month, but despite our best efforts, we made only 6 (which may be actually pretty good by industry standards but..). We look outside for our inner happiness, instead of looking within. A little change in this thinking can make all the difference.

All we have to do is set our standards and when we meet or exceed them, based on our own individual needs (not on someone else's), we enjoy our blessings. That standard will be our 60 degrees. Should we want 82 in August, November, and January? You bet! But 60 should be fine and not a cause of comments or concern, if that is all that is delivered to us.

Next time, let's look at why what we have doesn't look good enough. Are we using a wrong barometer? Then, look at those who don't have anywhere close to what we have. And then see the change in us, the feeling of gratitude within us. It's all in perspective. Aim high for success; never forget those who are less priviliged for stress free living.

5 reasons why people fail to achieve their best!

Do the opposite of these 5 things, add the luck factor to it, and it becomes a formula for success. So why did I not write the article '5 things to do to succeed' instead of writing '5 reasons people fail'? Because most people, while they want to succeed, don't want to do what is necessary. But the same people will pay a little more attention to avoid steps that create failure. Amazing, but true.

Wrong Barometer: We measure our success within a box and can't look beyond. So when the target is low, while it is easier to reach it, it almost never let's one achieve their true potential.

Quick success: In today's world, everyone wants it fast, wants it now. Fast is not fast enough anymore. While some things can happen quick, most have their success time frame. Having a lot is excellent, wanting it right away is what leads to dishonesty & failure.

Giving up too quickly: When quick success is expected, and it doesn't come, most give up. Little do they understand the farming concept. There is a season to seed, and a season to reap. Seeding and expecting fruits instantly isn't wise, is it?

Wanting but not working towards it: Having big dreams but putting little efforts rarely produces results. Working smart is excellent but having a false concept of smart work can easily mess it all up. There is only one place where success comes before work. You know where? In the dictionary.

Sleeping too much: Sleeping an hour less a day saves us 300 hours a year (assuming we sleep that extra hour for the other 65 days). 300 hours translates to 43 days of 7 hour days. Imagine adding 8.5 weeks of working weeks to your 50 weeks? That alone can be the difference between success and failure. And how about waking up 2 hours early each day? One word of advise here - make sure you sleep enough, just don't sleep it off.