The Value of a Good System

As John C. Maxwell explained the importance of having and developing good system in our personal and professional leadership

What Is a System?

A system is simply your way of getting things done. Systems aren't one-time acts; they're habits that you do weekly or even daily. They're the mechanics of leadership, and over time, they dictate the extent of your effectiveness.

The Value of Systems

1) They Help Us Manage Time

As a young leader, a heavier workload and increasing demands on my time forced me to learn how to get things done quickly. I developed systems to squeeze as much productivity as possible into my day. I couldn't afford to move slowly.

As Peter Drucker wrote, "Everything requires time. It is the one truly universal condition. All work takes place in time and uses up time. Yet most people take for granted, this unique, irreplaceable, and necessary resource. Nothing else, perhaps, distinguishes effective executives as much as their tender loving care of time."

2) They Help Us Conserve Energy

When we have good systems in life, we don't waste energy. Do you know the number one waster of time? Looking for things that are lost. A study by Office World News found that the average executive squanders 150 hours each year looking for misplaced files.

As I worked on this lesson, I laughed because I knew it would bring up a few of my idiosyncrasies. For example, when I went to get my glasses the last time, I ordered six pairs-one to put at each of my favorite reading places. I don't have to carry a pair around with me, and when I sit down they're always convenient. It may seem like a silly system, but I never lose time rummaging around for a pair of reading glasses.

3) They Help Us to Multiply Creativity

When I was first married, my wife and I lived in south Indiana, and we didn't have any money. Margaret taught kindergarten, and I was a pastor making $80 per week. Margaret would ask me to mow the lawn, and I would get irritated because we didn't have money to hire someone else to tend to the lawn. There's nothing wrong with mowing, but I had lots of other priorities, and mowing didn't crack my top ten. So, eventually we bought a goat. He grazed on the grass, and I saved time!

Developing systems to handle the trivia of life frees you up to be creative. By automating repetitive tasks, you're able to focus mental energy on top priorities.

4) They Help Us to Maximize Progress

Systems help us to move forward, to go as far as we possibly can. They enable us to work faster, smarter, and more strategically. A good system eliminates waste, while it also anticipates and removes obstacles.

To get the most out of systems, you have to make them a lifestyle not a one-off deal. They must become ingrained in your routine. Systems only benefit you when you stick to them.

What is Probiotics

This is a very educational and informative video explaining what is Probiotics a.k.a friendly bacteria in our digestive system

Eating right guideline for Ivan

This is what it looks like for Ivan eating right guidelines as recommended by USDA (United States Department Agriculture) MyPyramid Food Guidance Systemn for preschool children. This guideline was based on Ivan's profile i.e. age, height and weight.

Here it said limit Ivan food intake up to 1200 calorie per day that include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and meat & beans.

A lot more info is being offer to help and promote healthy dietary and eating habits.

Check it out here: MyPyramid.gov

Cervical cancer vaccinations for all girls

As announced today, the Health Ministry will provide annual HPV vaccination against cervical or cervix cancer to all 300,000 13-year-old girls in Malaysia beginning next year.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the HPV could help to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by at least 70%.

Cervical cancer was the second most common cancer among women in Malaysia after breast cancer, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said in July. Each day, an average of four women are diagnosed with it.

Make your own kite

Use kitchen supplies and create your own kite!

YOU WILL NEED

• 13-gallon (49-liter) plastic trash bag (white bags are best for decorating)
• Two wooden dowels or straight sticks, one 24 inches (60.96 cm) long, the other 20 inches (50 cm) long.
• Scissors
• String or fishing line
• Ruler Clear packing tape
• Ribbon and permanent markers for additional decoration

HERE'S HOW

1. Cut open the trash bag to form a flat plastic sheet.

2. Measure six inches (15.24 cm) down on the long stick and make a mark. Lay the short stick at the mark and form a "t" or cross shape. Tie the sticks together and use some tape if necessary.

3. Put the sticks down on the trash bag and use your ruler to draw a line around the frame from the top stick to the side and then down to the bottom point. Use your ruler to continue the outline on the other side of the t-shape. It should look like a diamond. Cut your diamond two inches (5 cm) wider than your diamond pattern.

4. Lay the sticks on the plastic diamond shape and fold the edges over the stick frame and tape it down. Turn the kite over and decorate it using your markers.

5. Cut a piece of string 20 inches (50-cm) long. Poke holes in the top and bottom of the kite and tie the string in a knot in the top and bottom holes (if necessary, use some tape to keep it secure). Then tie on the rest of your string to the middle of the string.

6. Tape the ribbon to the bottom of the kite to create a tail for your kite.

7. On a windy day, take your kite outside and start running, holding tightly onto the kite string. Keep your kite away from power lines and trees.

Abstracted from Nat Geo Kids

My duck, frog and seal

Another successful take off

Today we managed to successfully make the newly bought kite take off after failing to make it through yesterday. It was a great feeling. The kids needed to say they were ecstatic.

I bought 2 handmade kites from a Chinese uncle at our Kajang town area. I believe he is the only person in Kajang is making it or maybe the only person left doing it. The materials used are still very traditional - bamboo stick and paper. Even the Ben Ten cartoon was hand drawn and painted. Very rare indeed.

Personally, I don't know when was the last time I fly a kite. The last I remember when I was Standard One back at Perak small town just before I moved out to KL city. Boy it must have been very very very long time ago. Well, glad able to recollect some good old childhood fond memories.

Watch this

On behalf of Ivan and Reanne, many thanks to Siow Yee (Alana) for the watch gifts. The kids love it so much.

Ivan always ask around to know what is the time. Good time to teach about time.