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My career has spanned from being an army officer to running a multinational company. I have worked in big cities, small towns and everywhere across this planet! From reporting on global politics for a news channel or coaching business executives at top levels, my experiences are diverse, and my understanding of people is comparatively deeper.
While working and meeting people from all over the world, two groups, in particular, stood out: those with a smile on their face no matter what life dealt them; and others feeling sad or down-and-out. Being a people person, I closely observed the happy group of people and tried to understand their everyday habits that made this group of people very happy. However, before I talk about these habits, let me briefly talk about happiness?
Happiness is a combination of how satisfied you are with your life and what makes up for it every day. While mood can change drastically in a blink of an eye, happiness’s deeper roots lie within ourselves. Something we may not always have control over but should still pay attention to because they matter when considering why some people experience more joy than others during their days despite any obstacles thrown into their path by fate or circumstance.
Coming back to habits that I observed about happy people, the following are the most common. By embracing these small but positive habits every day, you too can flip the script of your daily life.
State of happiness is an immunity booster. It not helps your mind peaceful and calm but ensures a healthy body. By following few daily habits you can easily change the way you are lining this Life. Wish you all the Happiness.
“Can you please log into Facebook and appreciate this post?”
It was one of the strangest requests I had heard in a very very long time. I wanted to make sure I heard it right, so I clarified the ask. “Please just like this post”, was the response.
On probing a little further, this is the story I got from the friend who made the request. It goes something like this –
It is her friend’s daughter’s page. She lives on Facebook and is very sensitive / touchy about posts and the responses she gets. A good day, means certain number of likes and comments on her post. A bad day means less likes and comments. She has the tendency to get ‘depressed’ if her posts do not hit a specific number of likes / comments. So, the parents put out requests to their friends and network to ensure that the daughter gets her likes / comments.
No. I am not exaggerating. And no, I did not make this up just for the blog. This actually happened and I am very sure we have all been at the receiving end of such strange requests. If not from parents, from friends and random strangers too – who hanker after likes to either feel or show how important they are, their thoughts are.
If not that, for sure we all know people who have been drawn into this web where appreciation is more important than conversation; where perfect is more important than reality and where quantity is more important than quality.
Welcome to the overcrowded, noisy and not so perfect world of Social Media.
In this digital age, getting swayed by latest trends, jumping on to a popular hashtag bandwagon or projecting a perfect lifestyle just to gain eyeballs, likes and popularity is very common place. Little do we realize that we are not the only ones who want this. Millions of others like us, want it too. And the strategy is pretty much the same.
So, how do you stand out in the digital noise? Like, actually stand out? I think the answer is rather simple. Be who you are and bring your entire self to the platform. It may look like you are a fighting a lonely battle. In the long run however, you will see real engagement that will help you stand out from the crowd. Here are three simple ways of achieving this.
Purpose – Why
Reality check: “Social Media is a dangerous place to seek affirmation, acceptance, identity and security” – Cornelius Lindsey
Identity – What do you stand for
a. Picture: Another opportunity to show who you really are. Pick a picture that typifies you, not perfect practiced studio shots that projects you as someone completely different.
b. Title: Again, use it to describe who you are (as a person) and not what you are (your professional title)
c. Intro: Make the introduction a story about something that you’re passionate about. People relate to personal stories, not borrowed pieces of narratives. Does not matter if it shows vulnerability, it will show you are for real.
Reality check: “Don’t lose what is real chasing what only appears to be.” – Your Tango
Beliefs – Who you are
Reality check: “Everything you post on Social Media, impacts your personal brand. How do you want to be known?” – Lisa Horn
As is with anything, too much of something is always detrimental in more ways than one and Social Media is no exception. It is, no doubt a very powerful tool. Use it, but responsibly and remember “if you follow other people’s footsteps, you will never make any of your own”! So go out there and let the world see you and hear you for who you are and what you are – passion, warts, blemishes and the works
What is a Fixed Deposit?
A fixed deposit signifies an investment pattern that, banks, Co-op Credit societies, post-offices, and other non-banking financial institutions provide. FDs offer superior returns on the principal invested when equated to the returns produced from a regular savings account.
How does it work?
In the case of Fixed Deposits, you invest for a fixed amount of time and get a fixed interest rate, hence the name. Based on a consumer’s investment portfolio, the FD investment period can either be short-term or long-term. The interest rates on fixed deposits may vary from one financial institution to another.
Fixed deposit investors cannot withdraw money before maturity without any financial repercussions. In emergencies, early withdrawal is possible after the payment of penalties.
In today’s times of increasing market volatilities, investing in a Fixed Deposit can help you get secure returns and stable growth of capital so you can build your savings with absolutely no effect of market uncertainties.
What are the benefits of investing in Fixed Deposits?
Fixed Deposit investors expect the following benefits from their investment
Who offers a Fixed Deposit?
As stated earlier, fixed deposit investments are offered by banks, Co-op Credit societies, post-offices, and other non-banking financial companies. In India, investors have numerous options to open fixed deposit accounts. However, they must compare the interest rates, the credibility of the financial institution, and other features before depositing their funds.
What are the Prevailing FD Rates?
There is no one fixed rate on FD investments across the financial domain. The rate of return for an investor greatly depends on the Co-op Credit society, bank or financial institution offering the investment option. Each one provides different interest rates on deposits. Moreover, the return rate also depends on the age of the investor. Senior citizen investors can expect greater returns when compared to individuals below 60 years.
At Mudra, you get attractive FD interest rates of up to 9% (9.5% for senior citizens) so you can save for your goals easily. Investing in a Mudra Fixed Deposit is easy, as you can invest from the comfort of your home through an end-to-end paperless online investment process in 3 easy steps. Link – https://www.mudraonline.in/fd
Who should invest in Fixed Deposit?
Fixed deposits are perfect investment tools for investors across varied profiles, objectives,s and age groups. Further, gain-seeking, risk-averse individuals can benefit significantly from such schemes. Since FDs offer assured returns, there is no risk involved.
Who is eligible to open an FD account?
The following people are eligible to invest in a fixed deposit:
Why consider FD for a diversified portfolio?
Investors may be prone to risks when they invest in market-linked instruments to earn higher returns. Hence, to ensure equalized financial growth, investors need to seek safer investment options as well.
Fixed deposits are safe and lead to guaranteed returns, as opposed to risk-prone instruments. Therefore, even when an investor loses money on other investment instruments, they can recover a portion of their losses from the FD investments.
Are there special rates for senior citizens?
Most financial institutions do offer special interest rates for senior citizens.
Can I break a Fixed Deposit before maturity?
Yes. If you need funds urgently you can avail of premature withdrawal of your Fixed Deposit.
You can either break your FD or partially withdraw it, although there are penalties for the early closure.
This will attract a penal interest which will be charged/deducted from the interest rate of the tenure completed by the fixed deposit. In the case of partial withdrawal, similar rules of premature withdrawal are applicable.
What happens if the depositor passes away?
In case of unforeseen circumstances, the Fixed Deposit amount can be claimed by the nominee on maturity. This can differ depending on the mode of holding.
The decade ahead will bring a seaping change in our lifestyle. Convergence & Interfacing of devices (such as telephone, TV, computers, LCD projector, Video, etc), Speech interface (as against keyboard & mouse), high-speed networking & supercomputing in miniature devices will revolutionize the way we will, conduct our business & live our day to day life. Impact of Computing devices ( smart and intelligent) and internet connectivity has let businesses embrace Information Technology in a friendly and big way. Data Retrieval and analysis, Net meetings, Video conferences, Tracking of objects are some of the common technologies used by businesses worldwide.
The future of Digital Technology is going from large devices in size to smaller yet powerful devices. The smartphone is one such device. Gone are the days when we looked at a handset as a mere calling device. Now calling a friend is just a basic function. Smartphones are doing almost 90% jobs of a Laptop computer and by 2026 we all will see an LCD projector getting embedded in a smartphone and all this at an affordable price. The mobile phone has become an integral part of our life. Using a phone was a luxury 20 years back. Today it’s a necessity. When a person leaves home, he is reminded of taking his wallet and phone. Many have started using multiple phones as well. For some, thinking of cellphones brings up images of teenagers constantly texting or adults sharing private phone conversations in inappropriate places, such as riding the train to work. But mobile phones offer benefits that extend beyond basic communication. People often structure their professional and personal daily lives around the use of a cellphone. Mobile phones make it easy to keep in touch with family and friends, whether you’re killing time during a long commute or quickly reminding your wife to buy milk at the grocery store. If you don’t have time for a conversation, send a quick text message. This allows you to stay connected even during business meetings or in public places where a voice conversation would be inappropriate, People use mobile phones in emergency situations to call the police, a tow truck, or to let the family know where they are. Cellphones offer a safety net by allowing you to call for directions if you’re lost, or to keep a friend on the phone while you walk through a dark parking garage. More recent technology advances include onboard GPS locators, making it easier for emergency services to find you if you require rescuing, such as after a car accident. This feature is also handy for parents of teens who want to track their movements. Mobile phones allow you to telecommute or travel to work without losing touch with employees and customers. Between calls, texts, emails, mobile document software, and photo messaging, most office jobs can be completed using only a smartphone. Now, most people look at mobile as a companion (like a pet dog).
In short Digital Technology of Today is slowly but surely bringing Different ways and means to improvise our lifestyle (professional as well as Personal). Devices are becoming smaller , cheaper and feature packed with strength. This is opening many vistas for Innovation to help the mankind. IT for Value Addition is now the new success mantra. IT is now becoming Essential for us and not a fashion statement or only for business anymore. For some, the Internet and social media have become an integral part of our day to day life. One can’t imagine now life without Internet.. Roti Kapda Makan Mobile ,Bijli and Bandwidth is new slogan for Survival today. In countries like Norway Internet access is considered a human right .Impact of IT is also taking place on the way we gather information , knowledge and keep track of things.
Today, there are about 130 crore cell phone users with the figure increasing by 50 to 60 lacs per month. At the same time, reduction in the prices of computers is also going to bring a cognizable increase in their usage. It wouldn’t be wrong to state that these communication gadgets are creating a new ‘E’ life style. Information on any subject, services and facilities is readily available anywhere in the world. This has resulted in a substantial increase in online shopping and online banking, which today is a very common thing.
Wearable computersalso known as body-borne computers is the next wave. These are miniature electronic devices that are worn by the bearer under, with or on top of clothing. One of the main features of a wearable computer is consistency. There is a constantinteraction between the computer and user, i.e. there is no need to turn the device on or off. Another feature is the ability to multi-task. It is not necessary to stop what you are doing to use the device; it is augmented into all other actions. These devices can be incorporated by the user to act like a prosthetic. It can therefore be an extension of the user’s mind and/or body./p>
Not only on personal level, but also on industrial, social and public level, the different versions of computers are growing to bring revolution with their long-lasting effects. This will lead to a discard in a number of traditional concepts, giving a chance to new systems to prove their mettle. This will be more evident in governmental and administrative fields as “Inline“ will soon transform into “Online“ when it comes to a number of tasks. Of course, this will take a little time but will definitely happen.
All this means Digital Age (ICE Age – Information Communication Entertainment) has really arrived.
In today’s dynamic and ever-growing world, businesses have been flourishing all around. These businesses directly or indirectly use resources from the environment. Over the decades, we have utilized resources ruthlessly without knowing the amount of damage we had been doing to the environment around us. As years passed by, we realized the adverse effects of this on nature and that, the damage we did to nature indirectly affected us in vivid forms like global warming, climate change, storms, extreme weather, etc.
There thus arose a dire need for businesses to adopt and work on sustainable practices that could ensure both, economic development as well as judicial usage of resources. This umbrella of sustainable practices grew bigger and broader gradually. Today it comprises not only environmental protection but addresses various social issues such as gender inequality, human rights, pollution, climate change, biodiversity conservation, etc. which later came to be known as business sustainability.
Business sustainability not only addresses the environmental and social issues, but it has been found that businesses with good ESG ratings often outperform other businesses with lower ESG ratings, these practices also ensure safe and hygienic working habitats for their employees as a sustainable business would always know the importance of fair working conditions for its employees. Companies with sustainable business strategies have managed to outperform in several ways like
Branding:Companies following sustainable practices tend to evolve stronger as brands that are better recognized by people for their work.
Creating a market for sustainable products: Environmental practices for sustainable growth have inspired many companies to grow crops that yield sustainable products. Mass plantations are an example of this. For example, bamboo plantations could help create markets for sustainable bamboo products replacing plastic products like toothbrushes, straws, crockery, etc.
Changing the society:when a mass of people works for changes, it tends to be driven faster. Changes are sounder when a huge community works for the change. E.g.: Swachata Abhiyaan was a movement that mobilized the mass to bring about a change in daily practices like waste disposal etc.
Creation of greener and cleaner energy fuels:Diving deep into sustainable practices, there has been a greater amount of research going into alternate resources or alternate fuels. The usage of cleaner energy fuels has come a big way nowadays. E.g.: electronic vehicles replacing non-renewable resources like petrol/ diesel.
Imparting community awareness:The development of sustainable ecosystems involves community engagement through volunteering programs. This results in a strong knowledge-building capacity among the employees of the institution.
In today’s scenario, sustainable living is the key to addressing problems that have been rooted in several years of resource exploitation, habitat degradation, and climate change. It is the key to the stabilization of businesses through the efficient use of resources.
