I could remember a number of times during my elementary and high school years how I and my classmates would fall in a very long line to enter the National Library to do research. I could remember the different field trips we made to gather information and learn more things about a certain subject.

Things have dramatically changed right now – Internet. Things are no longer done in brute force manner but rather using the strength of the brain. Information is without question the new media which requires a whole different kind of analytical thinking. It is important to know which among the information are credible and reliable. Below is a list of things I use to determine which among them are credible and worth my time (list does not follow any chronological order).

Creativity is for Artists and Writers. I have heard this one too many times already. When I was growing up society’s view on creativity somehow became a norm among everyone else. Non-artists and non-writers seem to have an excuse for not being creative enough. It was an instant escape mechanism for poor results because of lack of creativity.

One thing I learned throughout the years is that creative people can be found in any profession, ages, nationality, etc. Like any skill, creativity can be learned and honed to greater and higher proportions.

How do I become creative?

So many Great People. Monumental Task?

Not really. Analyze the roots of greatness and they are no bigger than our thoughts. Yes, it all starts with the way we think. The way we think determines the way we act. Our actions determine the course of our destination.

What goes on inside your thoughts?

Fear? Depression? Surrender? Anxiety? I hope not but most people maintain a level of negative thoughts within themselves. If this is their battle shield to get them from failure then failure will fall upon them.

Don’t despair because within the deepest feelings within there is a voice that wants to get out. A voice that shouts at the top of his lungs telling you reaches out and fulfills your destiny. It is telling you to dream, act and reach your full potential.

I was the number 1 student in class during 2nd year high school. I did mention class not entire batch, but still my class status won the vote of my classmates and teacher to choose me to represent them in competitions.

And there I was preparing for one competition after another. I spent my nights in front of books preparing for quiz bee competitions, practicing with the chess varsity team, playing for the soccer intramurals, speaking in front of a mirror in my room for an elocution, oratorical and declamation contest, etc. With all my efforts and hard work; I consistently lost one competition after another. Yes, no matter what I did everything seemed to fail. It is one of those times in your life that was filled with jinx. For almost four months I lost every contest I competed on. I became the laughing stock of my classmates that no one would volunteer to represent the class in any upcoming contest in fear of suffering the same fate that I have.