Actual indicators—how do you ascertain whether you have advanced?

 Have you ever paused to consider, "Am I truly making progress here?" It's a common thought, particularly when life seems like a never-ending cycle. We're often told progress equals a bigger title, a fatter salary, or a fancier car. And sure, those can be signs. However, what constitutes genuine, deep-rooted progress? That often looks a little different, and honestly, a lot more personal. How can you determine if you have advanced? For a moment, let's set aside the conventional scorecard and examine some authentic signs that you're not merely drifting aimlessly but genuinely creating a life you cherish.  Your financial situation feels less stressful. Okay, let's be real, money isn't everything. But having enough money and using it wisely is a giant freedom. Think back a few years. Were you constantly sweating over bills? Were you constantly balancing your rent and groceries? A sign of progress: You're not just getting by; you're building a buffer. Perhaps you have established an emergency fund and are actively contributing to a retirement fund, even if the contributions are small. Remember that old, beat-up couch you desperately wanted to replace? Now you can actually plan for that upgrade without sacrificing your ramen noodle budget. It's not about being a millionaire; it's about feeling a sense of security and choice with your finances. You're not just earning more; you're managing it better. You’ve Got More Free Time (And You Actually Use It!) This is a significant achievement. In our hustle culture, continuous work is often regarded as a mark of honor. But if your idea of "free time" is nodding off on the couch after a 12-hour day, that's not exactly progress. You're intentionally carving out time for things that aren't work. Maybe you used to work 60-hour weeks, and now you're happily clocking 40-45. You're rediscovering hobbies you loved, spending quality time with family or friends without feeling rushed, or just having genuinely lazy Sundays. Remember when you wanted to learn guitar but "never had the time"? You now find yourself picking it up a few times a week. That's not just more spare time; it's a commitment to your well-being and personal joy. You've Got More Control Over Your Life. Ever felt like a ping-pong ball, bouncing wherever life, your boss, or demanding friends pushed you? Feeling like others were always calling the shots? A sign of progress: You are now in control. This could mean: You can say "no" without guilt: no to that extra project that would burn you out, no to social plans you're not excited about. Setting boundaries: with work, with family, with friends. You're not letting people drain your energy reserves. Making big decisions for you, like changing careers, moving cities, or ending a relationship that wasn't serving you—because you decided it was time, not because you were forced. You’re less reactive and more proactive. You've Kicked (or Are Kicking) Those Pesky Addictions. When we discuss addictions, most people think of substances. But let's broaden that. The term "addiction" includes unhealthy habits, toxic relationships, endless social media scrolling, constant validation-seeking, or even just a nagging reliance on things that don't truly serve you. A sign of progress: You're breaking free from things that held you back. Maybe you've cut down on mindless binge-watching, you're no longer gossiping constantly, you've removed yourself from a draining friend group, or you've finally tackled that sugar craving that ruled your afternoons. It's about recognizing what isn't serving you and actively working to replace those habits with healthier ones. It's tough, but that feeling of regaining control over your habits is incredibly empowering.  You're Helping More People (Beyond Just Yourself). True progress often involves shifting your focus outwards. When you're constantly in survival mode, it's difficult to think about much else. But once you've secured a bit more stability and control, your capacity for contribution grows. A sign of progress: You're actively making a positive impact on others. This could be mentoring a junior colleague, volunteering for a cause you believe in, genuinely listening and offering support to a struggling friend, or even just consistently being a reliable, kind presence in your community. Remember when you barely had time to do your laundry, let alone help someone else? Now, you're sharing your knowledge, your time, or your resources without feeling depleted. It's the ultimate sign of abundance—you have enough to share. So, how's your scorecard looking? Progress is not a linear path, nor is it a competition. There will be ups and downs. However, if you're successfully completing even a few of these tasks, it's truly commendable. You're not just living; you're evolving. Keep going, you're doing great!

Author: Sezgin Ismailov

What would make someone turn against the person who gave them a lifeline?

We’ve all heard the adage, “Lend a hand.” It’s etched into our collective consciousness as the epitome of human kindness, a fundamental pillar of community and compassion. See someone struggling? Reach out! Offer support! Be the hero they need! It sounds wonderful, right? Like something straight out of a feel-good movie. But here’s a rather uncomfortable truth, one that flies in the face of all those warm fuzzy feelings: people sometimes prefer not to receive open help. And believe it or not, in today’s hyper-individualistic, often privacy-obsessed world, this sentiment is becoming even more pronounced. It’s a strange paradox: we yearn for connection but often recoil from direct intervention when we’re at our most vulnerable. Think about it. There’s a quiet dignity in solving your problems, isn’t there? You experience a feeling of victory when you successfully navigate a challenging situation without requiring assistance. When someone swoops in with an outstretched hand, no matter how well-intentioned, it can sometimes feel like an unspoken judgment—a spotlight on your perceived inability. It undermines the independence and self-reliance we all strive for. We curate perfect online personas, showcasing our triumphs and hiding our struggles, only to have someone directly address our very real, uncurated need for assistance. It feels exposed. It feels… less than. Now, imagine you’ve spotted someone in genuine need. A friend is overwhelmed with work, a family member is financially strapped, and a neighbor is struggling with home repairs. Your heart goes out to them. You see a clear path to make their life easier, so you step in. You offer your time, your money, your expertise, and your connections. You roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself fully, sincerely believing that you are performing a worthwhile act. Perhaps there’s initial gratitude, a sigh of relief, and a heartfelt thank you. You feel wonderful. You’ve made a difference! Have you successfully accomplished your mission? Now, prepare yourself for some complexity. What happens a few months down the line? Alternatively, as the cynical wisdom suggests, "After a year, they will drive you insane, labeling you as the greatest evil." It sounds extreme, almost unbelievable. Why would someone turn on the very person who offered them a lifeline? Yet, it happens more often than you might think, and the reasons are as messy and complex as human nature itself. Occasionally, the initial gratitude can morph into resentment. That feeling of being "helped" can slowly eat away at their self-esteem. They might start to feel indebted, or even controlled, by your generosity. Your assisting hand, once a comfort, can become a constant reminder of a time they were weak or struggling—something they’d rather forget. It’s like a shadow that follows them, and in their desire to shake it off, they might try to push you away. Or perhaps, your help inadvertently created a new dependency. Maybe they started relying on you for things they could (or should) have learned to do themselves. When you eventually pull back or set boundaries, they might feel abandoned or even betrayed. You were there, then you weren't, and now they're stuck, though you didn't mean to. The easiest target for their frustration? They relied on you to provide solutions. Then there’s the unfortunate human tendency to shift blame. If issues persist following your intervention, who is more readily blameworthy than the individual who 'intervened'? "If only you hadn't done X," or "Your help just made Y worse." It’s an irrational defense mechanism, a way to absolve themselves of responsibility and project their lingering problems onto an external source. Even if your kindness had nothing to do with it, you are blamed for their ongoing issues. Provide assistance generously, akin to offering someone a mirror during a difficult moment with their appearance. They didn’t ask for it, and now they’re mad at you for noticing. Philosophers might say it’s about autonomy. Psychologists might call it ego defense. I refer to it as “the boomerang of goodwill”—when you extend kindness, it occasionally returns and strikes you unexpectedly.  Therefore, does such behavior mean we should all just become hermits, never offering a shred of support? Absolutely not. But it does mean we need to be somewhat savvier, perhaps more nuanced in how we offer help. Instead of just swooping in, perhaps the best approach is to empower rather than enable. Ask, "What do you think would help?" or "How can I support your efforts?" Offer a listening ear, a resource, and a temporary boost, but always ensure the person maintains control over their life. Occasionally, the most valuable help isn't the open, obvious kind. It's the quiet gesture, the subtle nudge, the connection to a different resource, or simply respecting someone's space to figure things out themselves, even if it’s painful to watch. It’s about understanding that true help isn't about making yourself the hero; it’s about fostering resilience, preserving dignity, and acknowledging the complex tapestry of human pride, vulnerability, and the sometimes-uncomfortable dance between giving and receiving. Helping hands can be challenging, but with a little wisdom, we can still extend them in ways that truly uplift, without unintentionally creating future enemies. So what’s the lesson? Help quietly. Help wisely. Help like a ninja—no cape, no credit, just stealth compassion. In the end, the best kind of help is the type that does not seek applause. 

Author: Sezgin Ismailov 

When GPS Goes Wrong: A Modern Tale of Trouble

In a world dominated by apps, artificial intelligence, and instant solutions, the concept of self-help can seem outdated. Here’s a quick example. A seasoned entrepreneur named George once resided on the outskirts of town. George was a traditionalist who valued hard work and independent problem-solving. His business—a small organic produce delivery company for local farms—was thriving but required constant attention. George had two sons, Alex and Bobby—typical members of Generation Z. They were born with smartphones in their hands, accustomed to Google Maps, online tutoring, and instant roadside assistance. Every day, George would take them with him to help with his deliveries. They navigated with GPS and managed online orders, but when it came to the mechanical aspects of the old but reliable van, that was Dad’s job. One day, however, Georgi got sick. “Boys,” he said, his voice hoarse, “today you’re going to have to make the deliveries yourself. The app has everything loaded, including the route. Alex, the older and more worried one, immediately frowned. “We’ll go, Dad, of course. But what if the van breaks down in some remote spot? We’re proficient with apps, but not with wrenches. What would we do without you?” Georgi smiled sagely. “Don’t worry. When you really get stuck, Trouble will show you how to fix it.” The boys shook their heads, wondering what their father meant, and set off on their route. The deliveries were going well until, just as they were entering a more remote rural area, they heard a loud crash. The van began to shake, and Alex knew immediately—a flat tire. The two brothers got out and stared desperately at the flat tire. “What now?” Bobby muttered. Alex immediately took out his phone. “Don’t worry! I’ll call Dad! Alternatively, I could seek roadside assistance! Or I’ll search YouTube for ‘how to change a tire’!” Just then, his phone unexpectedly displayed the message "No coverage." He was unable to make any calls or access mobile internet. There was no way to call roadside assistance. The YouTube tutorials remained a mere fantasy. Alex started shouting, almost jokingly, “Trouble! Trouble! Come fix our van! The products are going to spoil!” He repeated it several times, but, of course, he only got silence in response. Hours passed. The sun slowly began to set. Bobby, who had been wondering what to do until now, looked at his brother. “Listen, Alex, it’s clear that no “Trouble” is going to come fix our tire. Dad said she’ll show us. Maybe we should try it ourselves? We have a spare tire, and we have a jack.” The decision was made without delay. Reluctantly, but driven by the approaching night and the risk of spoiling the entire delivery, the boys opened the trunk. With the help of old, forgotten instructions in the van’s manual (which their father always told them to check) and with a lot of sweat and dirt, they somehow managed to change the tire. It was awkward and slow but, in the end, successful. Soon the van was moving again, albeit a little slower, and they managed to make all the deliveries, albeit with a huge delay. When they told their father what had happened, Georgi smiled broadly. “Ah, boys! This was the trouble! You did it yourself, not because of an outside savior, but because of an inner force and need. It was the teacher who showed you that you were capable of much more than you thought.”

The moral of the story in the modern world:

In an age of instant answers and outside help, this story remains relevant. It reminds us that real learning comes from doing. No YouTube tutorial or phone call can replace the experience of dealing with a difficult situation on your own. Problems present opportunities: Any challenge that compels you to think creatively and take action genuinely enhances your problem-solving abilities. Independence is priceless: In a world where we often assign tasks to others, the ability to handle duties independently when technology or outside assistance fails becomes increasingly crucial. "Adversity "is a driving force: sometimes you just have to be put in a situation where you have no choice but to do it yourself and discover your own hidden resources and talents. So, the next time your GPS stops working or your app doesn't work, don't despair. Maybe that's when adversity will prompt you to discover your inner "roadside assistance."

The Laws of Mother Nature

Pious people call the invisible force God. Scientists call this force energy. Ordinary people call it Mother Nature. To reap its benefits, we must maintain balance in everything this force offers. The term applies to both positive and negative aspects. Both joy and sadness are present in the world. There is both light and darkness in the world. Both birth and death exist in the world. Upon closer examination, we discover that everything possesses an opposite aspect. Digging slightly deeper reveals a wealth of fascinating facts. For example, rivers do not drink their water, trees do not eat their fruits, and the sun does not shine on itself. Everything is created in such a way that life for others is a law of nature. For example, a doctor does not treat himself but treats other people, so he provides for himself and others. A shoemaker also makes shoes for others. A teacher teaches others. It is now a question of who provides how much of himself for others and with what intention. When we examine history, we observe that famous individuals did not solely experience an ideal life. There have been good times and bad times. The more you laugh, the more you grieve. It turns out that we are all born to help each other. The extent to which we assist each other varies.  Nature shows us that giving and sharing are natural and necessary for the maintenance of life. Life for others is a fundamental principle of nature. Serving others is not just a moral choice, but it is a fundamental principle of existence. This principle reminds us that we are part of a larger system and that our actions have an impact on others. Selflessness and serving others are basic principles of life. Making others content is the source of true happiness. It doesn't matter how challenging it may be. Life is beautiful when you are contented. However, how will we know if we are truly happy? Most likely, we will discover true happiness when our actions bring joy to others. We perceive the impact of our actions through the words we read or hear. We see the effect of our actions. For example, you helped someone who was in need at that moment. Even if you inspire someone who has despaired by showing them the right path, you have given them hope. There are laws that we cannot change. The ball, thrown at the wall, returns with the same force. The same force measures our successes. If you have developed a product that a large number of people use, then your success rewards you. I will never forget my grandfather's words. Whoever does whatever he does always thinks that he is doing the best for himself but does not realize that his actions and words may harm others, and that will come back to him someday. However, our loved ones always play a role in our success. Your successes, for better or worse, always go with the people around you.

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/sezgin-ismailov/

We experience a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves when we assist others.

Yes, giving things is not a big secret; it feels quite good. You give, and you get some positive vibes. Why? There are several factors at play. First, you feel, like, connected. You help out; you're part of something bigger than just yourself. That's, like, important for feeling okay. Secondly, you express your values clearly. You give, and you're saying, "Yeah, this thing." It enables you to live your life according to your desires, which is crucial for feeling content. Ultimately, you stop focusing on your concerns. Concentrate on others' needs rather than your own challenges. A gift can be a significant boost to your mood, I believe. So, if you're down, just give someone something. It could potentially alleviate your distress. Who knows? Why It Makes You Happy, Supposedly: Like we said, giving makes you happy for, like, reasons. But what about it? Brain stuff. When you do something nice, your brain goes "dopamine!"—that "feel-good" chemical. You get, like, a natural high, or whatever. Furthermore, you feel less like a total loser about yourself. You help others, which makes you feel better about yourself instead of feeling worthless. This leads to a significant increase in your self-esteem. And donating gives you a point. By donating, you can spend less time focusing on your personal issues and more time experiencing a sense of belonging and purpose in your life. Giving is a significant source of happiness. So, the next time you feel down, try giving to others. Maybe it'll help. Giving isn't just about feelings. It can genuinely have a significant impact on your life. Firstly, it positively impacts your physical health. Studies show that lower blood pressure can lead to a longer life. Whatever. Consider the state of your mind. Less sad. Your level of satisfaction with your life has increased significantly. And friends. People who gare generous tend to havebetter relationships. So, if you're trying to improve your life, give. It's, like, probably not the worst thing you could do.

Successfully navigating life frequently necessitates making the appropriate decision

To make the best decision, my book, "Manners in the Great Kingdom," is a helpful guide, meticulously crafted with my children in mind. You can find it at various bookstores where it's readily available to assist you on your journey to making thoughtful choices.  Making the right decision is often the key to navigating life successfully, and my book offers helpful tips for this process. It empowers readers to make well-informed decisions and, just as importantly, to accept the repercussions that follow. Furthermore, it instills the vital principle of perseverance: never giving up, even when faced with adversity.  Selecting the appropriate option is usually difficult. The sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to discern the best path forward. However, "Manners in the Great Kingdom" emphasizes the importance of meticulous consideration—weighing all available options before making a decision.  Another significant hurdle lies in accepting the consequences of our choices. While some repercussions are positive and rewarding, others can be unfavorable and even painful. Regardless of the outcome, my book stresses the importance of owning your decisions, learning from both successes and failures, and using those experiences to grow.  Finally, and perhaps most crucially, "Manners in the Great Kingdom" champions the spirit of resilience—the refusal to be discouraged. Life inevitably presents challenges, and in moments of difficulty, the temptation to surrender can be strong. However, my book reminds readers never to abandon their aspirations. Instead, it encourages them to persevere through challenging circumstances, knowing that even in the darkest of times, the potential for growth and success remains. So, pick up a copy of "Manners in the Great Kingdom" and embark on a journey of informed decision-making, steadfast loyalty, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

👉🔑🎁

Author: Sezgin Ismailov